Abstract: A bearing assembly comprises a piston mounted within and capable of reciprocating movement with respect of a fixed bearing shell. The bearing shell is provided with openings for the supply of a bearing medium, such as compressed air, into a clearance between the piston and the bearing shell. The bearing shell is resilient so that as the diameter of the piston increases due to thermal expansion, the diameter of the bearing shell changes to automatically maintain the clearance therebetween.

Abstract: A method and bearing construction for inhibiting hot oil carryover in hydrodynamic bearings. The method includes supporting the pads so that they form a hydrodynamic wedge and supplying oil to the entrance of the wedge. The oil flowing through the wedge is pressurized and oil exiting the hydrodynamic wedge is directed away from the adjacent wedge. Oil is then supplied from another source to the adjacent wedge.Various bearing constructions can be used to practice the method of the present invention. These bearing constructions include some form of a scraper to inhibit flow of hot oil. The scraper is located between the trailing edge of one bearing pad and the fluid nozzle passage of an adjacent pad. The scraper may be integrally formed with the bearing pad or it may be separate. The scraper may be pushed toward or away from the shaft using electrical, mechanical, hydraulic or magnetic devices.An alternative form of hydrodynamic bearing including two different types of pads is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotary body bearing apparatus has a bearing supporting member, a radial bearing member, a bearing chamber formed in the bearing supporting member for holding the radial bearing member, a rotative shaft supported rotatively by the radial bearing member, and lubricating oil filling a bearing clearance between the rotative shaft and the radial bearing member. An air bubble restraint means restrains the occurrence of air bubbles generated in the lubricating oil by the rotation of the rotative shaft. Even when the rotative shaft rotates at the high speed of rotation, by the provision of the air bubble occurrence restraint means, the occurrence of air bubbles generated in the lubricating oil can be restrained, high accuracy rotation can be maintained and a rotation number fluctuation of the rotary body can be reduced.

Abstract: An adjustable pad bearing for the rotor shaft journal of a steam turbine power system or the like provides a pre-load force on the top half of the journal so as to damp the system and move criticals away from the operating range. An adjustable pad bearing in accordance with the invention provides for maintenance of system vibrations at or below desirable levels. The pre-load force is applied to the top half of the journal as a result of oil or a like viscous fluid collected in a pressure dam in the pad. The position of the pad bearing in relation to the top half of the journal is adjustable to change the magnitude and location of the pre-load force, as well as the pressure dam angular orientation of that force.

Abstract: Non-axially-cylindrical journal and bearing assembly operates with hydrodynamic lubrication and has high load capability.

Abstract: A dynamic pressure bearing has a cylindrical configuration and includes dynamic pressure generating grooves on its inner peripheral surface. The bearing which is injection-molded is made of a material consisting principally of a polyphenylene sulfide resin including glass fibers. Furthermore, the bearing has an outside diameter R and an inside diameter r set such that a ratio R/r of the outside diameter R to the inside diameter r falls within a range of 1.2.ltoreq.R/r.ltoreq.2.5. The bearing also has an axial length L satisfying L.ltoreq.3r.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrostatic gas bearing capable of assembling bearing units without deteriorating perpendicularity to an axis of a cylindrical housing even when the housing is distorted. The housing having a cylindrical hole through which a rotary shaft penetrates, cylindrical hydrostatic bearing units and a spacer of which axial end surfaces are perpendicular to a center axis of the spacer, and a cover which is mounted to the other end of the housing and presses a hydrostatic bearing unit via an O-ring. The hydrostatic bearing unit does not incline, since the end surface of the hydrostatic bearing unit is fitted tightly to an end surface of the spacer by the pressure from the O-ring, even when the other end of the housing is not perpendicular to the center axis of the housing and the cover is inclined.

Abstract: In a dynamic pressure bearing having a sleeve and a shaft fitted in the sleeve, dynamic pressure generating grooves are formed on an outer cylindrical surface of the shaft. The dynamic pressure generating grooves consist of first oblique grooves disposed in a first cylindrical zone of the outer cylindrical surface, second oblique grooves disposed in a second cylindrical zone spaced from the first cylindrical zone in an axial direction, and cross grooves (or generally X-shaped grooves) disposed in an intermediate cylindrical zone between the first and second cylindrical zones. The first oblique grooves are oblique in a direction with respect to a generating line of the cylindrical surface and the second oblique grooves are oblique in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first oblique grooves are oblique.

Abstract: A self-replenishing hydrodynamic bearing unit comprises a shaft and housing defining an opening for receiving the shaft for relative unidirectional rotation. A plurality of reservoirs contain a lubricating fluid. A hydrodynamic bearing region lies between the plurality of reservoirs for providing a rotational journal for relative rotation between the shaft and the housing. At least one of the shaft and the housing defines a continuous pattern of herringbone or Vee-shaped pumping grooves or passages which communicate between the plurality of reservoirs for pumping the lubricating fluid during relative rotation. The groove pumping creates a pressurized hydrodynamic bearing lubricant film at the bearing region with each groove generating localized unidirectional directional flow of lubricating liquid between the reservoirs along a predetermined axial direction of rotation, wherein some passages create axial flow in a forward direction and the others create axial flow in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A bearing system including one or more bearings for optimizing stiffness of each bearing which includes an individual regulator, pressure meter and flow meter to each bearing. The meters send instantaneous values of pressure an flow rate to a computer system which performs an algorithm using the values and computes target signal values for each individual bearing. These values are then transmitted to the respective pressure regulators. The pressures applied by the regulators are maximum values with which the bearing can operate without going into vibration. One algorithm that the computer uses is to compute an "impedance" value of the bearing which is defined to be P/S where P is the pressure measured by the pressure meter and S is the flow rate measured by the flowmeter. This approach assumes that the actual effective pressure in the bearing is at last proportional to the pressure measured at the meter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydrostatic bearing having a journal 3 annularly circumscribed by a bearing 2 wherein a high pressure fluid is forced between the bearing and the journal axially. The high pressure fluid flowing axially along the journal in the bearing keeps the journal centered. A roughened or diamond knurled 11 inside surface interrupts the circumferential and axial flow of the fluid for improved rotor stability and less leakage. Other features include a tapered inner bore 9 to increase the bearing stiffness and a sharp edged inlet for greater control of the bearing stiffness and damping. The axially fed hydrostatic bearing combines the seal function and the bearing function for annular fluid flows along a journal.

Abstract: A gas supported bearing includes a first stationary bearing element having a longitudinal axis and a first bearing surface. A second rotating bearing element is coaxially aligned with respect to the first bearing element and includes a second bearing surface. A pneumatic load ramp is formed in one of the bearing surfaces to apply an asymmetric load to either bearing element to eliminate bearing whirl instability.

Abstract: Adjustable gap hydrostatic bearings and adjustable gap seals wherein the adjustable gaps are useful to compensate for wear, thermal expansion, journal speed, and radial deflection of the journal. A housing 10 is adjacent to a journal 2. The housing contains an annular electrodeformable material 5 which will expand or contract radially with the application of voltage and thus adjust the gap between the liner material 3 and the journal.

Abstract: A device for delivering pressurized fluid from a fixed housing to a rotatable shaft includes two hydrostatic bearings in form of circumferentially spaced recesses which are arranged in the housing for supporting the shaft. Extending between the hydrostatic bearings is a ring channel which is in communication with a feed bore in the shaft for supply of hydraulic pressurized fluid. For adaptation of the device to varying operational conditions, capillaries are provided whose effective length and thus throttle effect is adjustable for the pressurized fluid which enters the recesses of the hydrostatic bearings. The fixed housing is comprised of an inner ring and a concentric outer sleeve so that adjoining surfaces are formed therebetween, with the capillaries being provided in one of the adjoining surfaces and intersected by axial grooves. Through modifying the angular position of the sleeve relative to the ring, the throttle effect can be varied in a suitable manner.

Abstract: A pump 10 for materials having a viscosity up to about 3.0.times.10.sup.5 cps, such as cellulose acetate, has a pump body 12 formed with a gear receiving means and, mounted thereon for closing the gear receiving means 13, a pair of side plates 16, 18 having bearing receiving cavities 21. The side plates 16, 18 have pressure relief means 50 for relieving pressure that builds-up in the intermesh of gears 14 when highly viscous material, such as cellulose acetate, is being pumped. This means of diverting the pressure buildup enables the pump 10 and component parts, such as shafts 22, 24 and plain bearings 20, to resist premature failure due otherwise to the resultant load caused by residual pressure buildup. In the preferred embodiment, wear resistant ceramic plain bearings 20 are press fitted in the bearing cavities. Grooves or channels 30 in the interior walls 32 of bearings 20 provide a means to lubricate shafts 22, 24 rotatably supported in the bearings 20.

Abstract: A gas supported bearing includes a first stationary bearing element having a longitudinal axis and a first bearing surface. A second rotating bearing element is coaxially aligned with respect to the first bearing element and includes a second bearing surface. A pneumatic load ramp is formed in one of the bearing surfaces to apply an asymmetric load to either bearing element to eliminate bearing whirl instability.

Abstract: An engine turbocharger, particularly of the two cycle diesel type for railway locomotives and other applications, has a rotor with an overhung compressor supported by a compressor journal bearing and thrust flange combination. The bearing combines a multi (two) lobed offset cylindrical wedge film inner surface with a close clearance squeeze film outer surface that causes the bearing to float laterally in a support member to damp shaft runout while supporting the rotor on load controlling oil wedges. The fixed flange provides thrust control and provides a loose pin connection with the bearing that prevents rotation while permitting its squeeze film damping lateral motion. Particular pressure lubrication provides oil to the bearing interior and exterior adequate for the oil wedge supporting and squeeze film damping functions.

Abstract: A dynamic pressure type fluid bearing device includes: a shaft; a sleeve into which the shaft is fitted to be rotatable relative to the shaft; two dynamic pressure generating grooves provided on either peripheral surface of the shaft or the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve; and a lubricant held between the shaft and the sleeve. The device has a void, enclosing air, interposed between the two dynamic pressure generating grooves, wherein each of the dynamic pressure generating grooves is not less than four microns in depth and makes an acute angle of less than 20.degree. with a rotational direction of the shaft or the sleeve.

Abstract: A motor supported by a dynamic pressure fluid bearing supporting a rotatable member by the dynamic pressure of fluid created by rotation is hermetically sealed with respect to the outside. The motor further includes a fixed shaft with the grooves and a rotatable sleeve. The rotatable sleeve is engageable with the fixed shaft and an optical member are mounted on the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A bearing bushing incorporating a sleeve (1) of magnetizable material forming the sliding surface of the bearing, a shaft (2) mounted in said sleeve (1) and a lubricant in the form of a magnetic fluid (3) between the sliding surface of the sleeve (1) and the shaft (2), whereby the sleeve (1) is magnetized in axial direction. For causing a hydrodynamic lubrication and an increased cooling effect the sleeve (1) on the inner side has axial channels (7) and axial recesses (9) on the outer side thus that the magnetic fluid (3) by the axial magnetic field around the sleeve (1), can be given a circulating motion along the inner and outer side of the sleeve.

Abstract: A sliding bearing which is mounted on a shaft (2) and is composed by a magnetized material, whereby between the sliding bearing (1) and a surrounding bearing housing (5) is provided a magnetic fluid as lubricating and sealing agent. The sliding bearing (1) has sliding shoes (3) adapted at rotation of the shaft (2) to cause a compression of the fluid volume and to urge fluid to pass out under the sliding shoes at the same time as the hydrostatic pressure increases in the spaces (4) between the sliding shoes (3).

Abstract: A bearing bushing incorporating a sleeve (1) of magnetizable material forming the sliding surface of the bearing, a shaft (2) mounted in said sleeve (1) and a lubricant in the form of a magnetic fluid (3) between the sliding surface of the sleeve (1) and the shaft (2), whereby the sleeve (1) is magnetized in an axial direction. For causing a hydrodynamic lubrication and an increased cooling effect the sleeve (1) has a number of radial holes (4) through which the magnetic fluid (3) may pass to the other side of the sleeve (1), and which, by the axial magnetic field about the sleeve (1), is given a circulating motion along the inner and outer side of the sleeve.

Abstract: To decrease the wear between the journal 6, and the hydrostatic bearing 1, especially during start up and shut down of the turbomachine, a rub ring 5, is employed intermediate the journal and bearing. The rub ring will come into contact with the journal before the bearing and prevent contact with the bearing bore. The rub ring also serves to block the leakage of the fluid from the bearing. This interrupted flow causes an increase in the stiffness and damping coefficients of the hydrostatic bearing. The use of the rub ring increases the life of the bearing, improves the rotordynamic performance, reduces the leakage flow and improves the hydrodynamic performance of the hydrostatic bearing.

Abstract: A bushing for an oil film bearing assembly has a plurality of hydrostatic oil recesses in its internal bearing surface at the load zone. Each recess is defined by the intersection of a double curved surface of revolution with the bearing surface, the recess thus being in the form of a portion of a prolate spheroid, with a substantially elliptical feathered peripheral edge.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic grooved bearing device in which a shaft is inserted into a hole formed in a bearing housing and one of the shaft and bearing housing is rotated, thereby the rotated member being supported includes a plurality of grooves formed on the shaft or an inner peripheral surface of the bearing housing for generating a dynamic pressure of fluid filled between the shaft and the bearing housing. The plurality of grooves are arranged side by side with a substantially certain pitch in a direction of rotation. Each of the grooves comprises a pair of groove portions slanted relative to the direction of rotation such that a distance between the pair of groove portions becomes narrower towards the direction of rotation and a connecting groove portion connecting the narrowest distance between the slanted groove portions. The connecting groove portion is extended in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of rotation.

Abstract: A scroll machine having an eccentric crank pin on a crankshaft disposed nonrotatably in the bore of a drive bushing for driving the orbiting scroll of the compressor. A flat surface on the crank pin drivingly engages a flat surface in the bore, and a unique lubrication arrangement incorporating a hydrostatic bearing is provided to lubricate the flat surfaces. Several alternative embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dynamic pressure air bearing unit comprising a rotating shaft and a bearing member fitted around the rotating shaft, wherein a first spiral groove is disposed on a part of one of two cylindrical bearing surfaces facing each other, one being of the rotating shaft and the other of the bearing member, the first spiral groove acting to impel lubrication air between the cylindrical bearing surfaces toward the innermost portion of the bearing member with the rotation of the rotating shaft, and a second spiral groove is disposed on a portion of the cylindrical bearing surface adjacent to the open end of the bearing member, the second spiral groove acting to discharge, air toward the open end of the bearing member, an air conducting passage being provided to connect the boundary portion between the first and second grooves with the outside of the bearing unit, and the air passage having a filter installed at the open end thereof, thereby providing a dynamic pressure air bearing unit capable of operating in an envir

Abstract: A ceramic shaft machinery element having an incorporated cooled bearing runner surface providing superior support for the ceramic shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for sorting round bearings according to their diameters, having a pair of elongated sorting cylinders which are supported on diverging longitudinal axes. Each of the cylinders are supported near each end of the cylinders by upper and lower bearing blocks which extend about a portion of the upper and lower circumference of the cylinders. The lower bearing block is provided with air under pressure for forming an air cushion between the curved surface of the bearing block and the circumferential surface of the cylinders to support the cylinder with little or no friction. Each of the sorting cylinders are also supported by a support shaft which extends beyond the ends of the cylinders. This shaft is supported by self-aligning bearings which, in turn, are supported by a stabilizer mechanism which permits limited vertical motion of the shaft and the cylinder. The shaft is permitted to rise vertically at a faster rate than it is permitted to fall vertically.

Abstract: In a bearing unit using a hydrodynamic lubrication film (5 or 25) of a lubrication fluid, a shaft (2 or 22) comprises plural spiral grooves (6a, 6b or 26) thereon, at least one circumference groove (7a, 7b or 27) thereon and an inner passage ((8+9+10) or (29+30)), which leads the fluid pumped by the spiral grooves (6a, 6b or 26) to the circumferential groove (7a, 7b or 27), therein, thereby to produce both functions of a kinetic pressure bearing and a static pressure bearing.

Abstract: The hybrid fluid bearing comprises a fixed body, a tubular part made of a nonmetallic material, mounted inside the body and having an internal bore which defines a cylindrical bearing surface, leaving a small amount of clearance relative to the shaft, which is provided with an annular magnetic circuit constituted by rectified laminations. A fixed magnetic circuit made of laminations defines a series of poles and notches disposed concentrically around the outside of the tubular part, with electromagnetic windings being disposed in the notches around the poles and being fed with electricity from servocontrol loops which receive signals from at least one vibration detector disposed on the fixed body. The cylindrical bearing surface has a series of recesses formed therein, said recesses being distributed around the circumference of the tubular part and being connected to means for feeding them with fluid and for removing fluid therefrom. Sealing means are also provided.

Abstract: A hydrostatic bearing system utilizing ferromagnetic fluid exclusively as working fluid including that used for sealing for preventing the ferromagnetic fluid itself from escaping outside the bearing. In order to accomplish the objects and function, the hydrostatic bearing system proposed here comprises, in addition to ordinary parts or components used in the conventional type, a fluid chamber for containing the ferromagnetic fluid as a working fluid, a circulating passage, at least a recovery groove for collecting the fluid squeezed out of the fluid chamber, a magnetic seal to prevent the fluid from escaping and at least an impelling device to forcibly deliver the ferromagnetic fluid at a predetermined pressure and flow rate. The impelling device can be constructed utilizing a shifting magnetic field, or multilayered rings fabricated of piezo-electric components, or of impelling cylinders having axially lengthenee or reduced in length.

Abstract: A bearing system comprises two hydrodynamic bearings by means of which two bodies having two cooperating bearing surfaces are supported for rotation relative to one another about an axis of rotation. At least one of the bearing surfaces of each of the bearings has patterns of helical grooves for building up pressure in a lubricant between the bearing surfaces during rotation. Further, the bearing system comprises a chamber which is arranged between the hydrodynamic bearings and which serves as a reservoir for an additional amount of lubricant. The chamber is bounded by two cylindrical wall portions. The two cylindrical wall portions off-set from each other to build up pressure in the lubricant in the chamber during rotation.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic journal bearing in which a journal rotates within and with clearance relative to a bearing bush, the clearance being filled with a mass of fluid and the load of the journal being supported by the force exerted upon it by the fluid, substantially all of that force being generated by the relative motion of the journal, the fluid, and bush, rather than by means external to the working parts of the bearing. The annular clearance is connected to an undriven fluid accumulator by way of a variable resistance, and that resistance is varied in accordance with journal speed so as to counteract bearing vibration.

Abstract: A single ended turbomolecular vacuum pump operable in the free molecular flow pressure range having an improved bearing assembly between the motor rotor and the pump rotor discs is disclosed. The improved bearing assembly which is of the "plain" or "sleeve" liquid lubricated type has a relatively high ratio of journal diameter to bearing axial length. The improved bearing assembly is characterized by improved heat transmission capabilities, high tolerance for misalignment and long life.

Abstract: A blower serves for circulating larger gas volumes, in particular for high-power laser systems operating according to the gas-transportation principle. The blower comprises a radial compressor, having a compressor element extending into a connection duct to blow a gas from a first to a second gas duct. The radial compressor is driven by a vertical shaft which is provided with an axial and radial gas bearing within a gas-tight housing. A gas duct system is provided for supplying lubricating gas to both the axial and the radial gas bearings. The gas duct system is fed by both one of the axial gas bearings and by an external pressure-gas pump. Throttles and adjustable valves are provided at predetermined locations of the gas duct system to establish a predetermined profile of gas pressure in the duct system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a journal gas bearing body which is formed with a cylindrical bore to rotatably support therein the journal part of a shaft and gas introducing holes radially opening into the cylindrical bore. The bearing body is made of a metal, and only in opposite endmost sections of the cylindrical bore the cylindrical inner surface defining the bore is provided by a very hard and wear resistant material, which is either a ceramic or a cemented carbide. It is convenient to provide the hard inner surface in each of said endmost sections by insertion of a hollow cylindrical bushing formed of a ceramic or a cemented carbide. The gas introducing holes are all located lengthwise inward of said endmost sections to avoid boring through the ceramic or cemented carbide layer. Accordingly the bearing body can easily be manufactured without significant increase in the working cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bearing with a bearing surface arranged on a gas permeable element to which a pressure medium can be supplied from an external source. The bearing surface is arranged on a less permeable surface layer, through which holes are made. In order to ensure good gas flow through the holes, the holes extend into the porous material a distance corresponding to at least half the diameter of the holes, and those portions of the holes which are situated inside said surface layer are limited by porous material.

Abstract: A high vacuum ion implantation chamber has a lower wall formed with an opening accommodating a depending sleeve through which a shaft passes supporting a substrate support platform at the top and connectable to external linear and rotary drives at the bottom. The sleeve is formed with four axially spaced annular grooves each coupled to a respective vacuum pump that maintains the annular grooves at respective pressures that progressively increase for grooves further away from the vacuum chamber bottom wall. A lowermost annular groove functions as an exhaust along with the region surrounding the shaft at the bottom of the sleeve. The sleeve also includes an air inlet. The gravity forces acting upon the shaft and platform assembly are counterbalanced by the differential pressure acting over the shaft area between the high vacuum chamber and the ambient surroundings.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement which is to be used for supporting a rotatable shaft used in a system employing a pressurized medium at a pressure which is partially dependent on the speed of rotation of the shaft includes a main bearing sleeve mounted on a support and surrounding the shaft. The working medium is supplied between the shaft and the bearing sleeve to fully support the shaft in the bearing sleeve when the pressure of the working medium exceeds a predetermined value. The bearing arrangement further includes at least one, but possibly more than one, auxiliary bearing including a split bearing ring which has a conical outer circumferential surface and a stationary outer bearing ring surrounding the split bearing ring and having a conical inner ramp surface.

Abstract: A precision hydrodynamic bearing which has a rotatable shaft disposed in the bore of a housing to form an annular gap. The annular includes a journal zone for containing and pressurizing lubricant to facilitate low friction rotation of the shaft and to maintain the annular gap as the shaft rotates.

Abstract: An aerostatic or aerodynamic bearing comprising a stationary part and a movable part with cooperating bearing surfaces between which there is formed a bearing gap which at one area communicates with an air inlet and at another area opens into the atmosphere. The air inlet comprises one or more filters, and at least one of the bearing surfaces is provided with a pressure-equalizing groove near the area at which the bearing gap opens into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A radial bearing comprising a cylindrical bearing member and a shaft arranged therein, the member and the shaft being rotatable with respect to each other and one of the cooperating bearing surfaces of the member and the shaft being provided with a pattern of shallow lubricant-pumping grooves which, during relative rotation between the member and the shaft, build up a pressure in a lubricant present between the shaft and the member. In one axial zone of the member or the shaft the relevant bearing surface is provided along one half of its circumference with a groove pattern which is arranged to pump in one circumferential direction, and along the other half of its circumference with an identical groove pattern which is arranged to pump in the opposite circumferential direction.

Abstract: A single ended turbomolecular vacuum pump operable in the free molecular flow pressure range having an improved bearing assembly between the motor rotor and the pump rotor discs is disclosed. The improved bearing assembly which is of the "plain" or "sleeve" liquid lubricated type has a relatively high ratio of journal diameter to bearing axial length. The improved bearing assembly is characterized by improved heat transmission capabilities, high tolerance for misalignment and long life.

Abstract: A hydrostatic bearing 20 for a rotatable shaft 18 of the type in which lubricating fluid is fed through orifices 12 in the bearing to a plurality of recesses 14 and finally to a land 16. Land 16 comprises grooves 22 directed toward recesses 14 in the direction of the shaft's rotation so that lubricating fluid is pumped back toward recesses 14.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic journal bearing including a rotary journal shaft which is circular in cross section, a journal bearing surrounding the journal shaft and having at least two arcuate bearing surfaces, each arcuate surface defined by a radius slightly greater than that of the journal shaft so that the journal shaft will be in lubricated contact with at least the mid portion of each arcuate bearing surface while the ends of each arcuate bearing will be spaced from the surface of the rotary journal shaft, and seals to assure that lubrication almost completely fills all spaces between the rotary journal shaft surface and that of the journal bearing surface.

Abstract: Unwanted vibrations in rotating machinery are controlled from an "active" point of view, meaning, that certain parameters, and thereby vibrations, can be controlled while the machine is operating. This is accomplished from the theoretical knowledge known about rotor dynamics, mechanical vibrations, automatic controls, fluid dynamics, and bearing design theory to produce an active remedy to fundamental vibration problems. From the known information about the critical speeds of a machine and while the speed transients are occuring, active controls cause these critical speeds to be made variable and always away from the actual running speed. By this means, the machine does not have to "run through" the critical speeds but rather, the critical speeds are jumped over by control of certain parameters. This approach is novel but may be accomplished by several different techniques, of which a variety are presented herein.

Abstract: In a plain bearing, at least one adapter segment is used which includes a bearing body cooperating with an adapter piston to define a pressure chamber therebetween. The pressure chamber is connected with the lubricant gap extending between the plain surface of the bearing body and the shaft to be supported so that the pressure as exerted by the shaft and prevailing in the lubricant gap is deviated to the pressure chamber so that oscillations of the shaft can be automatically controlled.

Abstract: The bearing sliding surface of the sliding journal bearing is composed of two surface parts of two circular cylinders whose axes are located at a distance apart. A diametral plane defined by the two axes of these circular cylinders includes, together with a horizontal plane through the bearing axis, an angle of approximately 35.degree.. At least one oil supply hole enters into each bearing bore underneath and above the horizontal plane and is displaced in the rotational direction of the shaft by approximately the same angle relative to the horizontal plane. A throttle can be provided in a pipe upstream of the upper oil supply hole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating the flow of liquid lubricant to hydrostatic bearings is disclosed. A cavitating venturi is utilized to regulate the volume flow rate of liquid lubricant supplied to a bearing. The cavitating venturi acts to provide a constant volume flow rate of liquid lubricant relatively independent of system flow resistance and feed pressure to the bearing.