Abstract: According to the present invention, a ramp 990 of a top foil 900 forms a curvature the center O of which is located in lower part and horizontally contacts with the first bump 81 of the bump foil 80.

Abstract: A thrust bearing for a rotary machine includes first, second and third layers. The second layer includes a corrugated foil arranged between the first and third layers. The corrugated foil includes a wall having peaks engaging the first layer and valleys engaging the third layer. A depression is arranged in the wall between first and second peaks. The depression is spaced from the first and third layers. The first layer includes multiple arcuate top foils that are arranged adjacent to a thrust runner of a rotatable shaft. A corresponding number of arcuate corrugated foils may be used to support the top foils. The third layer, which is provided by an annular main plate, includes multiple arcuate spacers arranged circumferentially on the main plate. The spacers are generally aligned with a trailing edge of the top foils. The depressions decrease the stiffness of the bump foils. The spacers direct the axial load through the thrust bearing in a desired manner.

Abstract: A first embodiment of a compliant bearing includes a main body and a bearing surface. The main body and the bearing surface may be engaged with one another via one or more bearing surface springs configured such that the bearing surface is compliant with respect to the main body. A second embodiment of a compliant bearing includes a main body and at least one bearing pad. The main body and the bearing pad may be engaged with one another via one or more pad radial and/or pad axial springs configured such that the bearing pad is compliant with respect to the main body. A sensor web may be integrated into the compliant bearing. In one embodiment the sensor web comprises at least one sensor configured as a strain gauge and affixed to a bearing surface spring.

Abstract: A motor-driven centrifugal compressor includes a journal air bearing having a bump foil and a top foil for restraining a bearing shaft in a resting state and forming an air layer between the top foil and the bearing shaft in a rotating state. The top foil and the bump foil are fixed to an inner circumferential surface of a ring member, which is fixed to an inner circumferential surface of a first stationary holding member of the ring member. The first stationary holding member has a coolant water channel defined therein. The bearing shaft, the air layer, the top foil, the bump foil, and the coolant water channel are arranged in the order named along a normal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thrust foil bearing comprising a plurality of bumps, and a plurality of top foils, wherein a plurality of cut portions is formed radially on the base in such a manner as to be extended by a predetermined length toward the outer circumference of the bearing from the inner circumference of the bearing, thereby providing excellent stability against heat.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing set, for use with a thrust disk disposed between planar surfaces of a housing, includes first and second topfoils disposed adjacent first and second thrust disk axial bearing surfaces and removably secured to the housing. An underspring is secured between each planar housing surface and the corresponding topfoil. Dual-leaf spring pairs attached to at least one topfoil periphery function to urge the topfoils away from the thrust disk axial bearing surfaces by applying a force against a planar housing surface, another topfoil, or a spacer washer secured between adjacent topfoil dual-leaf pairs or frictionally retained within the housing. Alternatively, a wavy washer, a conical spring, a Belleville washer, or a coil spring can be substituted for the dual-leaf spring pairs.

Abstract: Hydrodynamic bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed. Such hydrodynamic bearing assemblies may be employed in bearing apparatuses for use in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrodynamic bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each bearing segment includes a superhard bearing surface. The plurality of bearing elements defines a plurality of seams. Each seam is formed between circumferentially-adjacent bearing elements of the plurality of bearing elements. Further embodiments of the present invention include hydrodynamic bearing apparatuses and downhole motors that may utilize any of the disclosed hydrodynamic bearing assemblies.

Abstract: This invention provides a small, high efficiency, oil-free turbine-driven alternator (i.e. turboalternator) suitable for conversion of stored energy in a process gas to electrical power, facilitating recapture of energy during operation that would otherwise be wasted. The turboalternator includes a turbine and a generating device operatively connected together by a rotating shaft capable of rotating at high speeds. The rotating shaft is supported by foil gas bearings.

Abstract: A shaft, a circular plate portion and a cylindrical portion are integrally formed with one another through cutting operations to provide a rotor hub of a motor. An inner region on the lower surface of the circular plate portion is formed continuously with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft, and a hub thrust portion is provided in the inner portion so as to axially face a sleeve thrust portion on a sleeve main body. A stepped portion on the lower surface of the circular plate portion is disposed on the outer side of thrust dynamic pressure grooves on the sleeve thrust portion. In this manner, the stepped portion is disposed in a region where a thrust bearing portion is not provided, so that the hub thrust portion can be formed at a low cost in manufacturing the rotor hub by cutting.

Abstract: A gas thrust bearing including a bearing bush and a housing accommodating the bearing bush. The bearing bush includes a bush body defining a longitudinal axis. The bush body includes a plurality of recesses formed on an outer surface of the bush body, and a plurality of capillary holes extending from a floor of each recess of the plurality of recesses through the bush body to an inner surface of the bush body. A cross section of the bush body transverse to the longitudinal axis, through each of the plurality of capillary holes, has a local wall thickness that is greater than a wall thickness in an immediate environment of the capillary hole.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing set, for use with a thrust disk disposed between planar surfaces of a housing, includes first and second topfoils disposed adjacent first and second thrust disk axial bearing surfaces and removably secured to the housing. An underspring is secured between each planar housing surface and the corresponding topfoil. Dual-leaf spring pairs attached to at least one topfoil periphery function to urge the topfoils away from the thrust disk axial bearing surfaces by applying a force against a planar housing surface, another topfoil, or a spacer washer secured between adjacent topfoil dual-leaf pairs or frictionally retained within the housing. Alternatively, a wavy washer, a conical spring, a Belleville washer, or a coil spring can be substituted for the dual-leaf spring pairs.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing set, for use with a thrust disk disposed between planar surfaces of a housing, includes first and second topfoils disposed adjacent first and second thrust disk axial bearing surfaces and removably secured to the housing. An underspring is secured between each planar housing surface and the corresponding topfoil. Dual-leaf spring pairs attached to at least one topfoil periphery function to urge the topfoils away from the thrust disk axial bearing surfaces by applying a force against a planar housing surface, another topfoil, or a spacer washer secured between adjacent topfoil dual-leaf pairs or frictionally retained within the housing. Alternatively, a wavy washer, a conical spring, a Belleville washer, or a coil spring can be substituted for the dual-leaf spring pairs.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing is provided that includes an annular main foil having axially spaced inner and outer surfaces. Bump foils are supported circumferentially on the outer surface. Top foils are supported circumferentially on the inner surface opposite the bump foils. In one example, spacers are arranged between the top foils and the main foils. The spacers can be provided by chemically etching the main foil, in one example. The bump foils include first and second corrugated portions respectively providing first and second axially heights. The first axial height is less than the second axial height and is arranged at a leading edge of the bump foil relative to the direction of airflow across the hydrodynamic bearing.

Abstract: A thrust bearing designed to support a rotational shaft within a turbo compressor, and including foils subjected to a friction with gas. The bearing includes a plurality of elastic foils having different stiffnesses from each other.

Abstract: A thrust bearing device comprising a runner portion attached to a rotational axis and having a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotational axis, and a fixed portion having a sliding surface facing the plane of the runner portion, wherein the fixed portion has a plurality of oil grooves extending in radial directions formed on the sliding surface, a plurality of tapered lands formed among some of the plurality of oil grooves on the sliding surface and having a tapered plane and a plane, a plurality of flat parts formed among the remainder of the plurality of oil grooves on the sliding surface and having only a plane, and a plurality of oil supply openings formed in each of the plurality flat parts and pressurized oil is externally supplied.

Abstract: A foil thrust bearing forms the primary rotating interface for a film riding face seal. This face seal includes a spring system that will allow the entire assembly to translate axially relative to a static attachment. The complete assembly will form a hybrid foil/film riding face seal that shows much promise at being sufficiently flexible to enable operation in a gas turbine engine. The seal includes a flexible top plate having a non-flat surface under its working conditions, and a spring support system to allow the top plate to accommodate axial excursions and out-of-flat distortions.

Abstract: An electrical submersible pump runner having a core layer and a wear layer affixed to the core layer. One embodiment of the invention provides an electrical submersible pump that includes a motor section and a centrifugal pump section. A seal section and rotary gas separator may also be included. The pump is powered by an electric cable that connects the pump, located in a bore hole, to a power source on the surface. A thrust runner coated with a wear layer (e.g., polymer) is provided in the motor and/or seal section to reduce bearing temperature, provide longer bearing life, reduce costs, and facilitate overhaul. The runner may also function as a rotating up-thrust bearing when the runner is coated with a wear layer on one side that is formed with a bearing geometry. In this case, the up-thrust bearing may be eliminated.

Abstract: A turbocharger includes a foil bearing assembly mounted in a center housing between a compressor and a turbine of the turbocharger. The bearing assembly forms a unit installable into the center housing from one end thereof, and the center housing is a one-piece construction. The bearing assembly includes a foil thrust bearing assembly disposed between two foil journal bearings. The journals foils are mounted in annular bearing carriers fixedly mounted in the center housing. A radially inner portion of a thrust disk of the thrust bearing assembly is captured between a shaft and a shaft sleeve of the turbocharger. The center housing defines cooling air passages for supplying cooling air to the foil bearings, and optionally includes a water jacket for circulating engine coolant through the center housing.

Abstract: In a foil bearing (23) having a plurality of foils (26) disposed in a gap between a rotating member (12) and a stationary mount member (25), a moveable member (27) is disposed on a side of the stationary member opposite to the rotating member so as to be rotatable with respect to the stationary mount member, abutting members (30) extend from the moveable member toward the associated foils through respective through-holes formed in the stationary mount member, and a surface of the moveable member with which one end of each abutting member is in contact is provided with a cam surface. In such a structure, by rotating the moveable member and thus changing the length of the abutting members projecting out from the surface of the stationary mount member, it is possible to vary the range of movement of the foils and practically vary the stiffness of the same.

Abstract: A stacked foil thrust bearing assembly provides a compact, lightweight, high load capacity, high temperature, oil-free foil thrust bearing for use in high speed rotating machinery. A stacked foil thrust bearing assembly comprises a plurality of thrust runners in adjacently spaced and parallel relationship. Each thrust runner includes an annular-shaped portion having generally opposite axial sides, and a thrust bearing positioned on each of the generally opposite axial sides. Each thrust bearing includes a thrust bearing plate and a spring plate operatively engaging the thrust bearing plate. A plurality of foils are circumaxially dispersed about one axial side of the thrust bearing plates. A plurality of springs are circumaxially dispersed about one axial side of the spring bearing plates.

Abstract: The invention is a bearing unit and bearing system for supporting a large rotatable element, such as a mooring turret. The bearing unit includes a hydrostatic suspension system which enables the bearing unit to accommodate fabrication tolerances and also enables the bearing unit to conform to relative movements between the ship and the turret, thereby providing a compliant bearing system. The system includes multiple bearing units of the invention which serve as thrust and/or radial bearings for supporting the turret. By manifolding a plurality of bearing units together in a fluidly-isolated group, the pressure applied to the bearing units in that group is self-equalizing so that all the bearing units act in unison to equally support the load, while also allowing some degree of self-alignment and tilting of the load. As a result, the bearing system emulates a self-aligning bearing system and is able to compensate for axial and angular misalignment.

Abstract: A compliant support for an axial thrust air bearing between a shaft and a housing with an annular thrust runner extending radially from the shaft having a runner bearing surface. The housing has a housing bearing surface and an air inlet in communication with a source of pressurized air. An annular foil support sleeve is disposed on the housing bearing surface, having an air foil surface with an array of foils. The foils serve to conduct air from the air inlet forming a pressurized air curtain between the runner bearing surface and foils on the the sleeve and is then disposed of through an air outlet. The sleeve has a compliant surface with at least one compliant annular ring. The compliant surface includes at least one compliant annular ring such as a fluorocarbon O-ring for low temperature service under 300° F.; a fluorosilicon O-ring for mid-range temperature service 300-600° F.; or a metallic mesh ring for high temperature service over 600° F.

Abstract: A compliant support for an axial thrust air bearing between a shaft and a housing with an annular thrust runner extending radially from the shaft having a runner bearing surface. The housing has a housing bearing surface and an air inlet in communication with a source of pressurized air. An annular foil support sleeve is disposed on the housing bearing surface, having an air foil surface with an array of foils. The foils serve to conduct air from the air inlet forming a pressurized air curtain between the runner bearing surface and foils on the the sleeve and is then disposed of through an air outlet. The sleeve has a compliant surface with at least one compliant annular ring. The compliant surface includes at least one compliant annular ring such as a fluorocarbon O-ring for low temperature service under 300° F.; a fluorosilicon O-ring for mid-range temperature service 300-600° F.; or a metallic mesh ring for high temperature service over 600° F.

Abstract: An improved foil thrust bearing includes a cooling fluid flow turbulence generating disk placed between other foil thrust bearing elements, such as thrust bearing elements and underspring elements. The inventive turbulence generating disk generally provides improved transfer of heat through the foil and into the cooling fluid of foil thrust bearings that may be used for high rotor speed applications. It accomplishes this by improving the transfer of heat through the foil and into the cooling fluid by generating turbulent cooling flow adjacent to the back of the top foil. The turbulent flow is generated primarily by a series of turns or protrusions introduced into the cooling flow stream. Alternate embodiments are disclosed that provide the turbulence generating elements as part of the underside of thrust bearing elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compliant foil thrust bearing that will remain parallel and compliant to a thrust runner operatively coupled to a rotating shaft of high speed rotating machinery over a broad range of size and operating environments and loads. The thrust bearing comprises a thrust bearing plate including a plurality of decoupled bearing segments, and a spring plate operatively engaging the thrust bearing plate, the spring plate including a plurality of decoupled spring plate segments. The respective decoupled segments are defined in part by a plurality of line of weakness, such as slits, slots, perforations, etched lines and grooves, circumaxially dispersed about the thrust bearing plate and the spring plate. A plurality of compliant foils are disposed on the surface of the thrust bearing plate, and a plurality of springs are disposed on the surface of the spring plate to improve the compliancy of the thrust bearing.

Abstract: A compliant foil fluid thrust bearing has a single sided or two sided thrust disk rotor, an integrally formed compliant foil member, and an underspring member. The non-rotating but compliant foils are located adjacent to the thrust face or faces or the rotatable disk and are formed as arcuate segments on washer-shaped disk members. The underspring member consists of three washer-shaped disk elements that together provide variable spring stiffness in both the circumferential and radial directions.

Abstract: An improved foil thrust bearing includes a pair of members arranged for relative rotation with respect to one another. One of the pair of members is adapted to rotatably support the other. A thrust bearing disk is operatively disposed between the pair of relatively rotatable members. The thrust bearing disk has a plurality of diverging surface ramps. The surface ramps can comprise an inner ramp and an outer ramp. The thrust bearing disk can also comprise a plurality of radial slots. A plurality of separately formed, converging surface compliant foils are disposed on the thrust bearing disk and between the ramps. An underspring element is operatively disposed between the thrust bearing disk and one of the rotatable members, with the underspring element having a plurality of alternating upper and lower ridges.

Abstract: A gas dynamic foil bearing comprises a plate (13) attached to a base (10), support members (14) fixed on the plate (13) at predetermined intervals, elastic foils (15) fixed to the support members (14) at one end thereof to overlap each other, a thrust disk (11) connected to a rotating rotor and placed on the elastic foils (15), and bent springs (17) interposed between the elastic foils (15) and the plate (13) in the overlapping area of the elastic foils (15) for supporting the elastic foils (15).

Abstract: An improved foil thrust bearing having a thrust runner and a thrust plate includes an underspring element positioned adjacent to the thrust plate. The underspring element comprises, in one embodiment, a plurality of alternating first apertures and spring portions, with at least one spring portion having a periodic configuration and comprising a leading edge and a trailing edge. The periodic configuration is defined by a plurality of pitches that vary between the leading and trailing edges. Also defining the periodic configuration is a plurality of periodic elements that vary in longitudinal length between the leading and trailing edges. A thrust bearing disk is disposed intermediate the underspring element and the thrust runner. The disk comprises a plurality of transition areas that provide a stepped configuration to the disk. The transition areas match a plurality of circumferential positions of the first apertures in the underspring.

Abstract: A compliant foil fluid film bearing having individual fluid film foils formed as arcuate segments by an inner circumferential slot, an outer circumferential slot and a transverse therebetween. The transverse slot may be radial, slightly displaced from radial or tapered with one radial edge.

Abstract: A thrust bearing arrangement for a turbocharger including a thrust bearing unit having separate normal and reverse thrust bearings, and a thrust member provided on a turbine shaft and interposed between the normal and reverse thrust bearings. Both the normal and reverse thrust bearings are spaced from the turbine shaft in a radial direction of the turbine shaft and a lubrication oil is supplied to a first contact area between the normal thrust bearing and the thrust member. An oil guide portion is formed on a bearing housing for further supplying the lubrication oil to a second contact area between the thrust member and the reverse thrust bearing. A seal member is provided on the turbine shaft in slidable contact with an inner peripheral face of the normal thrust bearing.

Abstract: A compliant hydrodynamic fluid film thrust bearing. A circumferential row of sectors of flexible sheets are positioned to face a shaft runner for relative rotation therebetween. The flexible sheets are supported by a flexible membrane which is in turn supported by a pair of rows of corrugated foil elements. Flexible strips are sandwiched between the trailing portions of the flexible sheets and the flexible membrane to provide a tapered/land effect. The corrugated foil elements are supported by a flexible diaphragm which is in turn supported by a row of corrugated support elements which are attached thereto along circumferentially intermediate portions thereof and are aligned with the flexible strips to provide a crowning effect. The ridges of at least one of the pair of rows of corrugated foil elements have truncated apex portions. In one embodiment, ridges in corrugated foil elements of one row thereof underlie only some ridges in the other row, and furrows underlie the other ridges.

Abstract: A follower spring for a foil thrust bearing includes a plate and a plurality of spring tabs extending from the plate. The spring tabs are elongated and offset at angles between approximately 45 degrees and approximately 75 degrees. The spring tabs can be arranged in pairs, with each pair defining a preload force center. The preload force centers can be located midway between a radial width of the plate and equally spaced apart about the plate in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: A compliant foil fluid film thrust bearing including a thrust disk rotor, fluid foils, spring foils, a thrust plate, and a housing thrust surface The non-rotating but compliant fluid foils, mounted on the thrust plate and/or housing thrust surface and positioned adjacent to the thrust disk, have open faced channels that induce regenerative vortex flow patterns in the process fluid. The multiple spring foils together provide a tilting pad support for the fluid foils but allow them to follow the axial and overturning motion of the thrust disk. The interaction of the tilting pad underspring supports and the circumferential fluid pressure gradients in the process fluid between the fluid foils and the thrust disk rotor assure that the fluid foils will assume hydrodynamically efficient convex shapes on the surfaces adjacent to the rotor regardless of the load applied to the thrust bearing.

Abstract: A foil bearing allows bi-directional rotation of a shaft. The foil bearing includes a plurality of thin compliant foils secured to a housing, and spring segments underlying the foils. Each spring segment has a first stiffness profile in a first zone and a second stiffness profile in a second zone. The first stiffness profile allows rotation in one direction, and the second stiffness profile allows rotation in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A spring assembly for a foil thrust bearing set includes a stiffener disc and a plurality of spring segments. Each spring segment has at least two anchoring tabs. When inserted into a slot in the stiffener disc, the anchoring tabs anchor the spring segment to the stiffener disc.

Abstract: A compliant hydrodynamic fluid film thrust bearing. A circumferential row of sectors of flexible sheets are positioned to face a shaft runner for relative rotation therebetween. The flexible sheets are supported by a flexible membrane which is in turn supported by a pair of rows of corrugated foil elements. Flexible strips are sandwiched between the trailing portions of the flexible sheets and the flexible membrane to provide a tapered/land effect. The corrugated foil elements are supported by a flexible diaphragm which is in turn supported by a row of corrugated support elements which are attached thereto along circumferentially intermediate portions thereof and are aligned with the flexible strips to provide a crowning effect. The ridges of at least one of the pair of rows of corrugated foil elements have truncated apex portions. In one embodiment, ridges in corrugated foil elements of one row thereof underlie only some ridges in the other row, and furrows underlie the other ridges.

Abstract: The leading edges of the segmented corrugated springs of each of the two bump foils of a hydrodynamic thrust bearing are offset such that the leading edge in the upper segmented corrugated springs are circumferentially spaced relative to the leading edge of the lower segmented corrugated springs that is underlying each respective segment of the bump foils. In some embodiments the leading edge of the bump foil is attached and the trailing edge is free to move axially and in other embodiments the reverse occurs where the trailing edge of the bump foil is attached and the leading edge is free to move axially.

Abstract: The top foil of a hydrodynamic fluid film thrust bearing is formed from a single flat annular disk with radial depressions extending from the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the disk that protrude toward the foil plate and define between adjacent depressions a working surface that is configured to complement the foil bumpers attached to the foil plate. The bump foils of the upper foil plate and the bump foils of the lower foil plates can be either in axial alignment or can be displaced relative to each other. When the two sets of bump foils are displaced, the leading edge of the upper bump foils are disposed upstream (relative to the direction of the air stream entering the bump foils) of the leading edge of the lower bump foils.

Abstract: A compliant foil hydrodynamic fluid film thrust bearing is disclosed which is comprised of a two sided thrust disk rotating element, compliant fluid foil members that axially enclose the rotating element, compliant spring foil members that axially enclose the fluid foil members, a spacer ring that coaxially surrounds the thrust disk and is axially disposed between the fluid foil members, and a compliantly mounted and spring preloaded thrust plate element and a foil retaining bearing housing with an inwardly facing thrust surface that together axially enclose the spring foil members, the fluid foil members and the spacer ring. The foils have self shimming rings at their peripheries and are formed by chemical etching from flat sheets. The fluid foils are subsequently coated with a wear resistant coating and then cold stamped to imboss compound curve profiles into the fluid foil to form wedge channels which induce vortex fluid flow patterns in the bearing's working fluid.

Abstract: A bi-directional foil thrust bearing for use in a variety of turbomachinery devices and disposed between rotating and stationary members of the turbomachine. The thrust bearing comprises annular bearing stiffener, spring cluster, and follower spring disks, with each disk disposed coaxially about a centerline axis of the device. A plurality of generally trapezoidal foils are attached to the bearing stiffener disk and an equal number of generally trapezoidal spring sets are attached to the spring cluster disk. The bearing stiffener and spring cluster disks are configured to permit a predetermined rotation of the disks relative to one another such that each spring set is aligned with a trailing portion of a corresponding foil, regardless of the direction of rotation of the rotatable member of the device. Accordingly, conformity is provided between the bearing stiffness profile and the film pressure profile developed during the operation of the device.

Abstract: In a light deflecting apparatus including a rotary polygon mirror in which a disc rotary polygon mirror is fixed to a shaft supported by a gas of a predetermined pressure. The rotary polygon mirror is fixed to the circumferential side of a shaft by direct engagement therewith, and compressed air is supplied to the thrust end surface of the rotary polygon mirror, to use the thrust end surface as a thrust bearing. Thereby, the rotary polygon mirror can be rotated with higher running accuracy.

Abstract: A spring cluster disc (14) for a foil thrust bearing (10) is provided with a plurality of sets (52) of springs (62,64,66). The springs are configured to provide varying spring force and thus varying stiffness in radial and circumferential directions.

Abstract: A thrust bearing device for an electric motor lubricated by liquid within a motor casing includes a rotary disk fixed on a primary shaft of the motor and a sliding shoe member having sliding surfaces slidably in contact with a sliding surface of the rotary disk. The sliding shoe member is made of metal and is provided with a plurality of segmented shoes unitarily connected to a common base through respective ribs. The sliding shoe member is fixed to a motor bracket with a gap having a predetermined configuration provided between the retaining surface of the motor bracket and the bottom surface of the common base of the sliding shoe member at each of the portions thereof which respectively correspond to the shoes.

Abstract: A foil thrust bearing including a thrust bearing underspring disk having a radially increasing spring force or load capacity. A plurality of spring sections formed in the underspring disk provided improved load capacity and pressure force distribution.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic process or gas bearing is disclosed which includes an integral thrust disk defining a plurality of foil elements, the radially outer edge of the disk being displaced from the major bearing surface to form a circumferential step having a varying height profile. The integral thrust disk may in the alternative or in addition, include a plurality of radially outwardly extending tabs to locally increase the flexural rigidity of the disk.

Abstract: A self-pressurizing compliant gas thrust bearing includes a resilient support system having a multi-stage spring arrangement for supporting a flexible foil. The compliant and resilient support system enables the bearing to accomodate extreme transient loads, local thermal distortions, shaft misalignment and runout.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing hydrodynamic bearings for supporting and guiding rotary machine shafts. The process consists in previously manufacturing a self-contained cartridge formed of thin foils fixed with respect to each other and partially overlapping so as to form an internal floating surface adapted to generate the formation of a fluid film between said surface and the shaft mounted therein; the cartridge comprises an external peripheral surface of a diameter corresponding to that of the bore of the bearing shell and is inserted in this bore then secured against rotation and axial translation with respect thereto, more especially by abutment means situated in the edge region.

Abstract: A foil thrust bearing having an underspring formed from a uniform thickness sheet wherein the underspring includes a plurality of arcuate tabs extending toward the thrust disk in the direction of rotation of the thrust runner.

Abstract: A compliant foil fluid film thrust bearing including a thrust disk rotor, fluid foils, spring foils, a thrust plate, and a housing thrust surface The non-rotating but compliant fluid foils, mounted on the thrust plate and/or housing thrust surface and positioned adjacent to the thrust disk, have open faced channels that induce regenerative vortex flow patterns in the process fluid. The multiple spring foils together provide a tilting pad support for the fluid foils but allow them to follow the axial and overturning motion of the thrust disk. The interaction of the tilting pad underspring supports and the circumferential fluid pressure gradients in the process fluid between the fluid foils and the thrust disk rotor assure that the fluid foils will assume hydrodynamically efficient convex shapes on the surfaces adjacent to the rotor regardless of the load applied to the thrust bearing.