Abstract: A bearing foil assembly includes a top foil, an intermediate foil, and a bump foil. The bump foil is provided with corrugations at circumferentially spaced locations. The bump foil has an end that is bent radially outwardly from a center of the foil assembly. The top foil has a bent portion extending radially outwardly and adjacent to the bent end of the bump foil. A first radius of curvature is defined to a curved portion leading into the bent portion at a first end adjacent to the bent end. A second radius of curvature is defined at an end of the bent portion on an end opposed to the bent end. A ratio of the first radius of curvature to the second radius of curvature is between 0.6 and 10. A bearing assembly, a shaft sub-assembly, an air machine, and a method of assembling a bearing into an air machine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pre-stressed air bearing includes: a seat member having a seat body and an adjustment section outward extending from a connection end face of the seat body along a geometrical central axis thereof by a predetermined length, an extension end of the adjustment section being slidably connected with a platform, at least one air passage being formed in the seat body, the air passage having at least one air outlet formed on a working end face of the seat body opposite to the connection end face; at least one reception section formed on the working end face in the form of a recess; at least one magnetic member received in the reception section; and a resilient section slidably disposed on the adjustment section between the seat body and the platform for providing a resilient force to keep the seat body spaced from the platform by a buffering gap.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine bearing assembly for a portion of a shaft that rotates around an axis, including a substantially cylindrical bearing having a length extending between a first end and a second end along the axis of the rotating shaft. A plurality of segmented damper springs are positioned around an exterior perimeter of a portion of the cylindrical bearing. Each spring has a width along the axis of the rotating shaft and a portion of each spring defines an outer spherically contoured joint. The width of each spring is less than the length of the bearing.

Abstract: A rotary machine includes a rotary component disposed to rotate with respect to a stationary component. A foil bearing is disposed between the stationary component and the rotary component and configured to rotatably support the rotary component. A fiber optic sensing system including one or more fiber optic sensors is disposed in the foil bearing and configured to detect one or more parameters related to the foil bearing.

Abstract: A method of positioning a shaft and associated seal in turbomachinery utilizing electromagnetic bearings. The method includes applying electrical power to the electromagnetic bearings' windings, the shaft center being in a first position and the shaft being in contact with the associated seal. Power adjustment to the electromagnetic bearings moves the shaft. Shaft movements can manipulate the seal, the movements being of decreasing amplitude to a position in which the seal is out of contact with the shaft when the shaft is rotated at its centered position during normal operation. The shaft is in its centered position during normal operation when the shaft axis is substantially coaxial with an axis of the electromagnetic bearings. Movements of decreasing amplitude may include oscillations of decreasing amplitude about one or more axes, or may include a spiral rotation with a decreasing radius to move the shaft center from initial to final positions.

Abstract: A dynamic foil gas bearing includes a foil group comprising a corrugated-sheet-like bump foil, a flat-sheet-like middle foil, and a flat-sheet-like top foil which are arranged successively toward the center axis of a bearing case. The top foil includes a second linkage surface joined to a second fixed surface fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the bearing case and also joined to a second rotatable shaft holding surface. The second linkage surface is provided by a curved portion of the top foil which is convex toward the center axis of the bearing case. The middle foil includes a first linkage surface joined to a first fixed surface fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the bearing case and also joined to a first rotatable shaft holding surface. The first linkage surface is provided by a bent straight portion of the middle foil.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic fluid film bearing assembly has a stationary retaining member defining a central opening and having an inner surface lined by a foil assembly comprised of a plurality of foil subassemblies. Each foil subassembly comprises a first compliant foil, a second compliant foil, and a spring foil, and subtending a rotational segment, less than all, of the inner surface of the retaining member. The complaint foils and the spring foil of each foil subassembly are held within the retaining member in such a way that sliding travel of one compliant foil along the inner surface of the opening is in the opposite rotational direction of sliding travel of the other compliant foil and the spring foil. The foil subassemblies may be restrained from undesired movement during operation by a retention tab extending from the foil subassembly which engages a channel and recess feature formed in the retaining member.

Abstract: An improved air foil bearing assembly is disclosed. The air foil bearing assembly includes a bearing housing having an axially extending bore therein and a shaft arranged within the bore for relative coaxial rotation with respect to the bearing housing. The shaft cooperates with the bearing housing to define an annular gap therebetween. A foil assembly is disposed in the annular gap, including at least one foil having at least one laterally extending tab. The tab is adapted to be received in and extend axially from the annular gap and is further adapted to be bent into frictional contact with an outer surface of the bearing housing to militate against axial movement of the foil.

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 journal foil air bearing 5000 according to the present invention is provided with one top foil 300 along an inner periphery of a hole 18 of a bearing housing 10. Bump foils 20c and 20d are installed at the inner periphery of the hole 18 of the bearing housing 10 where they are distanced from each other. Both ends of the top foil 300 form bent portions 308a and 308b and the bent portions 308a and 308b are mounted in a slot 414 of a slot body 40 mounted in a slot 140 provided in the inner periphery of the hole 18 in the bearing housing 10 and the top foil 300 is elastically movable therein.

Abstract: An air foil bearing includes a top foil, one or more orifice tubes and two or more bump foil strips disposed within a housing. The top foil is forms a substantially circular shape having one or more sets of top foil orifice holes. Each set of top foil orifice holes has at least three top foil orifice holes along a circumference of the top foil. An orifice tube is provided for each set of top foil orifice holes. The orifice tube includes a flat side having a set of tube orifice holes connected to an outer surface of the top foil. The bump foil strip is attached to the outer surface of the top foil adjacent to each side of each orifice tube. Another embodiment uses a housing with an inner surface having a curved polygonal cross-sectional shape with an odd number of curved sides.

Abstract: A foil-fluid bearing assembly adapted for supporting a shaft within an outer bearing housing and is adapted for accommodating angular misalignment of the rotating shaft relative to the housing.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic fluid film journal bearing system includes a journal sleeve and one or more hydrodynamic fluid film foils positioned at least partially within the journal sleeve. The journal sleeve defines an inner diameter surface, an outer diameter surface, a wall thickness between the inner and outer diameter surfaces, and opposite first and second ends. The wall thickness of the journal sleeve is reduced at a first region located between the first and second ends, and a chamfered region is formed on the outer diameter surface of the journal sleeve between the first o-ring land and the first end of the journal sleeve.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic fluid film journal bearing assembly includes a journal sleeve having a key slot formed therein in a substantially longitudinal direction, a bump foil wrapped in a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to the journal sleeve and having a bent end portion engaged with the key slot, an intermediate foil wrapped in a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to the bump foil, a top foil wrapped in a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to the intermediate foil, a first top foil cutout window formed adjacent to the bent region, and a first end tab formed at a free end of the top foil. The first end tab is wrapped with the top foil in the substantially cylindrical shape of the top foil, and extends into the first top foil cutout window to reduce skewing. The top and intermediate foils are joined at a bent region that engages the key slot.

Abstract: A compliant foil fluid film bearing or seal apparatus includes a bushing having a plurality of peripherally separate bushing segments. The bushing has a bore defined therethrough, with a peripheral portion of the bore being defined on each bushing segment. A plurality of compliant foils is carried by the bushing, with at least one of the compliant foils being disposed on each bushing segment. A plurality of foil undersprings is disposed beneath the plurality of compliant foils.

Abstract: A foil-fluid bearing assembly adapted for supporting a shaft within an outer bearing housing and is adapted for accommodating angular misalignment of the rotating shaft relative to the housing.

Abstract: A journal foil bearing comprising a retaining member having an inner surface which defines a shaft opening within which a rotatable shaft is receivable for rotation; and a foil assembly affixed to and lining the inner surface and comprising a plurality of foil sub-assemblies each subtending a circumferential segment, of the inner surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foil bearing (1), comprising: a stationary mount member (2) surrounding an outer circumferential surface of a journal (13) of a rotating member via an annular gap (G); and a plurality of centripetal force producing foils (e.g., middle foils 12) arranged in a circumferential direction in the annular gap, where each of the centripetal force producing foils has one end fixed to the stationary mount member, wherein portions of the stationary mount member located between fixed ends of adjoining ones of the centripetal force producing foils are formed with an axially extending slit (4).

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: The present invention provides a radial foil bearing for supporting a high-speed rotating shaft. The radial foil bearing comprises a top foil (1): a key (2) welded to a cut portion of the top foil; an inner bump coil (3) disposed outwards of the top foil, the inner bump being formed of a wider and higher bump and a narrower and lower bump alternately arranged; an outer bump foil (4) disposed outwards of the inner coil, the outer bump having a height lower the that of the narrower and lower bump of the inner bump foil; a bump sheet (5) for fixing the inner bump and the outer bump; and a bearing housing (6) disposed outwards of the bump sheet and having a key groove (7).

Abstract: A hydrodynamic fluid film bearing assembly has a stationary retaining member defining a central opening and having an inner surface lined by a foil assembly comprised of a plurality of foil subassemblies. Each foil subassembly comprises a first compliant foil, a second compliant foil, and a spring foil, and subtending a rotational segment, less than all, of the inner surface of the retaining member. The complaint foils and the spring foil of each foil subassembly are held within the retaining member in such a way that sliding travel of one compliant foil along the inner surface of the opening is in the opposite rotational direction of sliding travel of the other compliant foil and the spring foil. The foil subassemblies may be restrained from undesired movement during operation by a retention tab extending from the foil subassembly which engages a channel and recess feature formed in the retaining member.

Abstract: A compliant foil fluid film bearing or seal apparatus includes a bushing having a plurality of peripherally separate bushing segments. The bushing has a bore defined therethrough, with a peripheral portion of the bore being defined on each bushing segment. A plurality of compliant foils is carried by the bushing, with at least one of the compliant foils being disposed on each bushing segment. A plurality of foil undersprings is disposed beneath the plurality of compliant foils.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic fluid film journal bearing assembly includes a journal sleeve having a key slot formed therein in a substantially longitudinal direction, a bump foil wrapped in a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to the journal sleeve and having a bent end portion engaged with the key slot, an intermediate foil wrapped in a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to the bump foil, a top foil wrapped in a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to the intermediate foil, a first top foil cutout window formed adjacent to the bent region, and a first end tab formed at a free end of the top foil. The first end tab is wrapped with the top foil in the substantially cylindrical shape of the top foil, and extends into the first top foil cutout window to reduce skewing. The top and intermediate foils are joined at a bent region that engages the key slot.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic fluid film journal bearing system includes a journal sleeve and one or more hydrodynamic fluid film foils positioned at least partially within the journal sleeve. The journal sleeve defines an inner diameter surface, an outer diameter surface, a wall thickness between the inner and outer diameter surfaces, and opposite first and second ends. The wall thickness of the journal sleeve is reduced at a first region located between the first and second ends, and a chamfered region is formed on the outer diameter surface of the journal sleeve between the first o-ring land and the first end of the journal sleeve.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic fluid film bearing for supporting a rotation shaft of a turbo or rotary apparatus includes a sleeve having a circular inner opening for receiving a rotation shaft therein, at least one metallic foil member of arc shape having one end fixed to the inner surface of the sleeve and arranged along the inner opening of the sleeve, and at least one elastic member disposed at the sleeve between the sleeve and the foil member. A bearing housing for receiving a bearing of a rotary apparatus is further provided, in which the bearing housing includes a circular opening for receiving the bearing therein, and the circular inner opening of the bearing housing includes grooves for cooling air passage formed at regular interval in the axial direction on the inner surface of the bearing housing. The bearing received in the bearing housing is preferably a hydrodynamic fluid film bearing.

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: A multi-lobe bearing is of simple construction such that a foil sheet in the form of a closed loop is arranged on a journal shaft by joining both ends of two sheets together, with a bearing gap therebetween and filling a viscoelastic body in an air gap between the foil sheet and an inside of a bearing holding member, whereby the bearing gap between the journal shaft and the foil sheet is configured to be liable to generate a fluid pressure. Also, the bearing is simply constructed to be made easy in assembly, and in particular, appropriate in bearing the journal shaft having a small diameter.

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: An improved and enhanced hydrodynamic fluid film bearing for rotatably supporting a shaft journal is provided and includes a stationary retaining member, at least two generally cylindrical foil elements attached to one another and forming an anti-rotation fin, and a generally cylindrical resilient backing member. The retaining member has an inner surface defining a cylindrical opening for receiving a shaft journal. The inner surface also includes a longitudinally extending slot in which the anti-rotation fin formed by the foil elements is mounted so that the foil elements line at least a portion of the cylindrical opening. The resilient member is also disposed within the cylindrical opening generally concentric to and radially outward from the foil elements. The foil elements may be discrete elements attached together to form the anti-rotation fin, or alternatively formed from a single foil with a bend defining the anti-rotation fin.

Abstract: In a foil bearing comprising: a stationary mount member (2) surrounding an outer circumferential surface of a journal (4) of a rotating member via an annular gap (G); and a plurality of centripetal force producing foils (or bump foils) 7 arranged in the annular gap so as to oppose a substantially entire part of the outer circumferential surface of the journal, the stationary mount member is provided with a plurality of circumferentially arranged through-holes (8) at an axially middle portion thereof, and the centripetal force producing foils comprise members which are axially spaced apart from each other at a position where the through-holes are located.

Abstract: In a foil bearing (1), a foil assembly (4) disposed between a stationary mount member (3) and a journal (2) of a rotating member comprises: a top foil (5) having one end secured to an upper portion of the stationary mount member and extending circumferentially to surround a substantially entire outer circumferential surface of the journal; and a plurality of spring foils (6) arranged in an annular gap between the top foil and the stationary mount member, wherein each of the spring foils consists of a resilient piece which is bent to have a joint portion (8) attached to the stationary mount member and a slide contact portion (9) for contacting the top foil, and wherein the spring foils are arranged in a circumferential direction such that the slide contact portions of adjoining ones of the spring foils partially overlap each other.

Abstract: A high load capacity hydrodynamic journal foil bearing system is disclosed, which comprises a top foil and a plurality of undersprings. Preload forces are transferred from the undersprings to internal circumferential compressive forces within a top foil, resulting in low preload forces against the shaft, allowing the shaft to expand at high speeds without increasing the preload forces or overloading the fluid film. One underspring may have a different spring rate than another underspring. The top foil may be normalized to shaft shape and dimensions. These features may be accomplished with using less mechanical parts than other journal foil bearing system designs.

Abstract: A foil bearing is provided, which is simple in structure, has a large load capacity and a large damping capability and can therefore allow a rotary shaft having a large unbalance as compared with the conventional bearing to be driven stably at a high speed. A spindle device utilizing such foil bearing is also provided, which is designed to increase the permissible amount of unbalance and also to have a light-weight feature. Each of the foil bearings 504 and 505 includes an elastic member 2 prepared from a wire net formed by braiding wires, and a thin bearing foil 3 supported by the elastic member 2 and defining an elastic bearing surface S. The respective foil bearing 504 and 505 is used at least as a radial bearing 504 in the spindle device including a rotary shaft 4 having a head mount 501a, on which an atomizer head is mounted, and the radial and thrust bearings 504 and 505 for rotatably supporting the rotary shaft 4.

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 foil-fluid bearing assembly adapted for supporting a shaft within an outer bearing housing. The foil-fluid bearing assembly comprises a bearing sleeve having an outer surface and an inner circumferential surface diametrically sized to receive the shaft therewithin such that an annular clearance gap, radially defined between an outer surface of the shaft and the inner circumferential surface, is adapted for accommodating fluid therein and axially extends along a substantial portion of a length of the bearing sleeve, and has a foil element disposed therewithin. Compliant bearing supports between the outer surface of the bearing sleeve and the outer bearing housing, comprises at least two independent compliant support elements respectively having a first and a second modulus of elasticity, wherein the first modulus of elasticity is less than the second modulus of elasticity. Angular misalignment capability for the foil-fluid bearing is provided by the compliant support elements.

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: 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 disclosed invention relates to a foil type fluid bearing including a foil assembly. The foil assembly supports a journal within a stationary retaining member and includes a top foil that is disposed on the inside in the radial direction, three mid foil layers that are disposed outside the top foil, and corrugated bump foils disposed outside the mid foil layers. When the journal is radially displaced, a large frictional damping force is generated between the three mid foil layers, thereby enhancing the function of supporting the journal. Moreover, layering the three mid foil layers can increase the rigidity against a load in the radial direction, thus preventing the top foil from deforming in a wavelike manner and thereby allowing the function of the foil type fluid bearing to be reliably exhibited.

Abstract: A foil-fluid bearing assembly adapted for supporting a shaft within an outer bearing housing. The foil-fluid bearing assembly comprises a bearing sleeve having an outer surface and an inner circumferential surface diametrically sized to receive the shaft therewithin such that an annular clearance gap, radially defined between an outer surface of the shaft and the inner circumferential surface, is adapted for accommodating fluid therein and axially extends along a substantial portion of a length of the bearing sleeve, and has a foil element disposed therewithin. Compliant bearing supports between the outer surface of the bearing sleeve and the outer bearing housing, comprises at least two independent compliant support elements respectively having a first and a second modulus of elasticity, wherein the first modulus of elasticity is less than the second modulus of elasticity. Angular misalignment capability for the foil-fluid bearing is provided by the compliant support elements.

Abstract: The present invention is to provides a foil gas bearing which has sufficient damping effects due to a frictional force and a sufficient stiffness to support the rotary shaft. The foil gas bearing has a rotary shaft retainer for retaining a rotary shaft; and a back spring for preventing the displacement of the rotary shaft, which is provided between rotary shaft and rotary shaft retainer. Plural protrusions are formed at one element, which is either the rotary shaft retainer or the back spring. Plural recesses are formed at the other elements, which is either the back spring or the rotary shaft retainer at places which correspond to the protrusions. The protrusions partially fit into the recesses.

Abstract: In a magnetic bearing apparatus provided at least with a touchdown bearing and a corrugated plate-like damper member inserted into an annular gap between the touchdown bearing and its retainer member, to keep on holding the corrugated plate-like damper member in a predetermined position without fail. A cylindrical retainer member 9 is a thrust bearing retainer member and also a touchdown bearing retainer member. A touchdown bearing 4, i.e., a pair of roller bearings 4a and 4b disposed in upper and lower stages are received in an inner circumferential portion of the cylindrical retainer member 9. An annular gap G is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical retainer member 9 and outer races of the pair of roller bearings 4a and 4b. A pair of corrugated strip steel plates 8a and 8b that are the corrugated plate-like damper members are inserted into this annular gap G.

Abstract: A foil journal bearing utilizes a plurality of piezoelectric actuators to increase the load carrying capacity of the bearing. The foil journal bearing is provided at an interior surface of its bearing housing with a plurality of foils or a top foil for supporting a rotating shaft The foil journal bearing includes a plurality of piezoelectric actuator devices embedded in an inside portion of the bearing housing while coming into contact with and supporting the foils or foil to increase stiffness and damping coefficient of the bearing at critical speeds of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A foil journal bearing which is provided at an interior surface of the bearing housing with a plurality of foils or one foil for supporting a shaft comprises a plurality of dampers embedded in an inside portion of its bearing housing while coming into contact with and supporting the plurality of foils or the one foil to increase stiffness and damping capacity of the bearing during rotation of said shaft, wherein each of said dampers is comprised of a damper pin inserted into one of dimples formed on the interior surface of the bearing housing and an elastic spring interposed between a bottom of the damper pin and a bottom of the dimple.

Abstract: A fluid bearing includes a foil assembly that supports a journal inside a stationary retaining member includes a cylindrical top foil that is positioned radially inward, a cylindrical mid-foil that is positioned outside the top foil and corrugated bump foils positioned outside the mid-foil. In order to suppress a small amplitude vibration of the journal in the low rotational rate region, the bump foils, are separated into six in the circumferential direction. In order to suppress the synchronous vibration instability phenomenon, the top foil and the mid-foil are wound in opposite directions from each other. In order to suppress the whirl instability phenomenon, the sum of the frictional damping forces generated by the lower bump foils is set to be larger than the sum of the frictional damping forces generated by the upper bump foils.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a foil gas bearing which has sufficient damping effects due to a frictional force and a sufficient stiffness to support the rotary shaft; in order to achieve the object, the present invention provide a foil gas bearing comprising: a rotary shaft retainer for retaining a rotary shaft; and a back spring for preventing the displacement of said rotary shaft, which is provided between said rotary shaft and said rotary shaft retainer; wherein plural protrusions are formed at one element which is either said rotary shaft retainer or said back spring; plural recesses are formed at the other element which is either said back spring or said rotary shaft retainer at places which correspond to said protrusions; and said protrusions partially fit into said recesses.

Abstract: A foil journal bearing which is provided at an interior surface of the bearing housing with a plurality of foils or one foil for supporting a shaft comprises a plurality of dampers embedded in an inside portion of its bearing housing while coming into contact with and supporting the plurality of foils or the one foil to increase stiffness and damping capacity of the bearing during rotation of said shaft, wherein each of said dampers is comprised of a damper pin inserted into one of dimples formed on the interior surface of the bearing housing and an elastic spring interposed between a bottom of the damper pin and a bottom of the dimple.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a plurality of equally spaced top foils and corrugated springs with one or more shims underneath the trailing edge of each corrugated spring. The corrugated spring forms an underspring for the top foil. Another embodiment incorporates one or more shims at the outer radius region of the corrugated spring in addition to the shim at the trailing edge of the corrugated spring. The shim under the trailing edge of the corrugated spring results in increased load capacity and stability and a decrease in lift-off speed of the rotating thrust disk. The shims located at the outer radii of the corrugated springs result in increased bearing stiffness at the outer region of the compliant foil thrust bearing where the highest pressure occurs.

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 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.