Abstract: Bearings and valves are provided that include diamond engagement surfaces that are engaged with opposing, metal engagement surfaces that include diamond solvent-catalyst. Also provided are methods of making and using the bearings and valves.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a turbo-engine with a bearing and parts of a bearing temperature detecting device. The bearing includes a main body having a thermoplastic bearing layer. A space is defined in the interior of the main body and of the thermoplastic bearing layer for accommodating parts of the bearing temperature detecting device. The space has a through hole having a first opening in the thermoplastic bearing layer and a second opening located in the main body. The parts include a temperature conducting element, a temperature sensor, and a securing fixture that attaches the temperature conducting element. The first opening of the through hole has a chamfer and the first end of temperature conducting element has a head which is correspondingly shaped to the chamfer in a form fitting manner. The center-axis of the temperature sensor extends transversely to the center-axis of the temperature conducting element.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a support arm and a suspension element. The suspension element is rotatably connected to a support arm of a vehicle via a mounting pin that extends through an opening on the suspension element, a thrust washer, and a seal. The combination of elements prevent debris from migrating into the connection. The suspension element is configured to connect to a structural element of the vehicle via an upper mount. The suspension element may include a recoil damper having a piston with a plurality of grooves arranged to balance the forces on the piston during and after a recoil event or jounce.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic thrust bearing pad includes a composite laminate including at least one ply including a plurality of fibers oriented in at least one direction, and a bearing surface configured to confront a rotating thrust surface of a rotating shaft for transmitting axial thrust loads from the rotating shaft to the composite laminate. The bearing pad also includes a support surface configured to confront a stationary surface of a stationary housing for transmitting the axial thrust loads from the composite laminate to the stationary housing, and at least one side surface extending between the bearing and support surfaces. The at least one ply is configured to expand non-uniformly when heated from a first temperature to a second temperature for causing the composite laminate to warp from an unstressed state to a stressed state.

Abstract: An auxiliary turbomachinery shaft-support system including a first assembly configured to axially support the shaft, the first assembly including a rotating disc having a part shaped to be torsionally coupled to the shaft, and a stator including at least one pad including at least one elastic component coupled with the pads and urging it in the direction of a disc sliding surface.

Abstract: A tilting pad gas bearing includes: a plurality of bearing pads disposed in a circumferential direction of a rotor; and a pivot member that swingably supports the bearing pads. Each of the bearing pads has a curved shape and includes: a pad main body supported by the pivot member; a heat insulating material layer disposed on a side of the pad main body that faces the outer circumferential surface of the rotor, and formed of a material having a thermal conductivity lower than a thermal conductivity of the pad main body; and a concave portion disposed in an outer circumferential surface on an outer circumferential side of the bearing pad in a curving direction. A base end of the pivot member is fixed to a housing, and the pivot member has a protruding portion that passes through the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention related to bearing assemblies and methods of forming the bearing assemblies that include at least one superhard bearing element exhibiting a superhard bearing surface having a polished surface finish or a superhard bearing surface having a textured surface. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a support ring. The bearing assembly includes at least one superhard bearing element. The at least one superhard bearing element includes a superhard bearing surface having a polished surface finished or a textured surface. The at least one superhard bearing element is secured to the support ring.

Abstract: Provided is a thrust bearing assembly including a casing, a supporting ring positioned within said casing, a leverage mechanism housed within said casing, tilting pads for contacting rotor, supporting discs connecting said leverage mechanism with said tilting pads via openings in said casing, wherein the leverage mechanism includes a plurality of first levering plates and an equal number of second levering plates, the first and second levering plates forming an endless overlapping arrangement within said casing, each first levering plate touching at contact surfaces two second levering plates and vice versa, wherein the levering plates are preferably substantially arcuate-shaped, and wherein at least all first levering plates or at least all second levering plates are tiltingly positioned on supporting pins, whereas the levering plate includes a recess with a ball-shaped protrusion within the recess, and the supporting pin includes a ball-shaped socket fitting the ball-shaped protrusion of the levering plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies configured to effectively provide heat distribution from and/or heat dissipation for bearing element, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed about an axis. Each superhard bearing element of the plurality of superhard bearing elements has a superhard material including a superhard surface. Additionally, a support ring structure that includes a support ring that supports the plurality of superhard bearing elements and a thermally-conductive structure in thermal communication with the superhard table of each of the plurality of superhard bearing elements. The thermally-conductive structure has a higher thermal conductivity than the support ring of the support ring structure.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to tilting superhard bearing element bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed assemblies/apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a support ring and a plurality of superhard bearing elements each of which is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring and distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements includes a bearing surface and a base portion. The base portion of the at least one of the superhard bearing elements may include a tilting feature configured to allow the at least one of the superhard bearing elements to be tiltable about a tilt axis. The bearing assembly includes retaining features that secure the superhard bearing elements to the support ring.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to tilting superhard bearing element bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed assemblies/apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a support ring and a plurality of superhard bearing elements each of which is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring and distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements includes a bearing surface and a base portion. The base portion of the at least one of the superhard bearing elements may include a tilting feature configured to allow the at least one of the superhard bearing elements to be tiltable about a tilt axis. The bearing assembly includes retaining features that secure the superhard bearing elements to the support ring.

Abstract: Bearing components, bearing assemblies and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a bearing element includes a base layer and a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) layer comprising a plurality of PCD elements coupled with the base layer wherein each PCD element comprising a substrate and a diamond table. The plurality of PCD elements may be fit together to form a substantially continuous bearing surface. For example, the diamond tables may exhibit substantially square or rectangular geometries that are fit together to define the bearing surface. In other embodiments, the bearing elements may be spaced apart from one another. In other embodiments, the bearing element may include a single PCD element formed from a prefabricated PCD compact or cutting tool blank. Various bearing assemblies may incorporate such a bearing element including, for example, thrust bearings, journal bearings, and tilting pad bearing assemblies.

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: Embodiments of the invention relate to tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly or apparatus includes a support ring and a plurality of tilting pads. Each tilting pad is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring. In some embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads include a plurality of superhard bearing segments assembled to form a superhard bearing surface. One or more seams may be positioned between adjacent superhard bearing segments of the superhard bearing segments. In other embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads may include at least one or only one superhard bearing segment, such as a polycrystalline diamond bearing segment.

Abstract: A tilting pad bearing for a high speed rotary machines, such as a turbocharger for an internal combustion engine, comprises a cage and a plurality of tilting pads. The cage is formed by two annular rings separated by spacers machined from a single billet of high-temperature metal. The bearing pads are inserted between the spacers of the cage. One or more O-rings retain the bearing pads within the cage during assembly of the bearing but are not required after installation of the bearing. When retained in the final assembly and installation of the bearing, the O-rings allow tilting movement of the pads within the cage. The outer surfaces of the spacers have a plurality of grooves, and outer surfaces of each of the pads have matching grooves. One of the grooves is an oil groove, wherein the oil groove of the spacers communicating with and oil inlet holes in the spacers. At least one of the other grooves receives an O-ring that hold the pads in place in the cage during installation.

Abstract: Bearing components, bearing assemblies and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a bearing element includes a base layer and a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) layer comprising a plurality of PCD elements coupled with the base layer wherein each PCD element comprising a substrate and a diamond table. The plurality of PCD elements may be fit together to form a substantially continuous bearing surface. For example, the diamond tables may exhibit substantially square or rectangular geometries that are fit together to define the bearing surface. In other embodiments, the bearing elements may be spaced apart from one another. In other embodiments, the bearing element may include a single PCD element formed from a prefabricated PCD compact or cutting tool blank. Various bearing assemblies may incorporate such a bearing element including, for example, thrust bearings, journal bearings, and tilting pad bearing assemblies.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to tilting superhard bearing element bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed assemblies/apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a support ring and a plurality of superhard bearing elements each of which is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring and distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements includes a bearing surface and a base portion. The base portion of the at least one of the superhard bearing elements may include a tilting feature configured to allow the at least one of the superhard bearing elements to be tiltable about a tilt axis. The bearing assembly includes retaining features that secure the superhard bearing elements to the support ring.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to tilting superhard bearing element bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed assemblies/apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a support ring and a plurality of superhard bearing elements each of which is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring and distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements includes a bearing surface and a base portion. The base portion of the at least one of the superhard bearing elements may include a tilting feature configured to allow the at least one of the superhard bearing elements to be tiltable about a tilt axis. The bearing assembly includes retaining features that secure the superhard bearing elements to the support ring.

Abstract: Bearing components, bearing assemblies and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a bearing element includes a base layer and a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) layer comprising a plurality of PCD elements coupled with the base layer wherein each PCD element comprising a substrate and a diamond table. The plurality of PCD elements may be fit together to form a substantially continuous bearing surface. For example, the diamond tables may exhibit substantially square or rectangular geometries that are fit together to define the bearing surface. In other embodiments, the bearing elements may be spaced apart from one another. In other embodiments, the bearing element may include a single PCD element formed from a prefabricated PCD compact or cutting tool blank. Various bearing assemblies may incorporate such a bearing element including, for example, thrust bearings, journal bearings, and tilting pad bearing assemblies.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly or apparatus includes a support ring and a plurality of tilting pads. Each tilting pad is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring. In some embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads include a plurality of superhard bearing segments assembled to form a superhard bearing surface. One or more seams may be positioned between adjacent superhard bearing segments of the superhard bearing segments. In other embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads may include at least one or only one superhard bearing segment, such as a polycrystalline diamond bearing segment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly or apparatus includes a support ring and a plurality of tilting pads. Each tilting pad is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring. In some embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads include a plurality of superhard bearing segments assembled to form a superhard bearing surface. One or more seams may be positioned between adjacent superhard bearing segments of the superhard bearing segments. In other embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads may include at least one or only one superhard bearing segment, such as a polycrystalline diamond bearing segment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed tilting pad bearing assemblies and apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly or apparatus includes a support ring and a plurality of tilting pads. Each tilting pad is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring. In some embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads include a plurality of superhard bearing segments assembled to form a superhard bearing surface. One or more seams may be positioned between adjacent superhard bearing segments of the superhard bearing segments. In other embodiments, one or more of the tilting pads may include at least one or only one superhard bearing segment, such as a polycrystalline diamond bearing segment.

Abstract: Bearing components, bearing assemblies and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a bearing element includes a base layer and a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) layer comprising a plurality of PCD elements coupled with the base layer wherein each PCD element comprising a substrate and a diamond table. The plurality of PCD elements may be fit together to form a substantially continuous bearing surface. For example, the diamond tables may exhibit substantially square or rectangular geometries that are fit together to define the bearing surface. In other embodiments, the bearing elements may be spaced apart from one another. In other embodiments, the bearing element may include a single PCD element formed from a prefabricated PCD compact or cutting tool blank. Various bearing assemblies may incorporate such a bearing element including, for example, thrust bearings, journal bearings, and tilting pad bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A preload assembly for a thrust bearing. The preload assembly includes a carrier plate having a central annular protrusion, wherein the annular protrusion has an inner diameter and an outer diameter; an inner disc spring; an outer disc spring; and a housing having an annular channel for housing the carrier plate, the inner disc spring, and the outer disc spring.

Abstract: The bi-directional rotation offset pivot thrust bearing includes a carrier and an array of longitudinal protrusions thereon that run through the center axis of the carrier. An array of pads are in slidable engagement with the longitudinal protrusions to permit the thrusts pads to move between first and second rotational positions. The thrust pads are automatically offset pivoted in a first direction when in a the first rotational position and automatically offset pivoted in a second direction when in the second rotational position. The thrust pads are offset pivoted in an approximate 60 percent to 40 percent ratio with the leading side of the thrust pad being 60 percent in both the first rotational position and the second rotational position. A retainer is also provided to maintain the thrust pads in slidable communication with the protrusions.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to tilting superhard bearing element bearing assemblies and apparatuses. The disclosed assemblies/apparatuses may be employed in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a support ring and a plurality of superhard bearing elements each of which is tilted and/or tiltably secured relative to the support ring and distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements includes a bearing surface and a base portion. The base portion of the at least one of the superhard bearing elements may include a tilting feature configured to allow the at least one of the superhard bearing elements to be tiltable about a tilt axis. The bearing assembly includes retaining features that secure the superhard bearing elements to the support ring.

Abstract: A turbomachine has a housing and a rotor mounted radially and axially in the housing. The rotor has a shaft and at least one impeller attached to the shaft. Two tilt-segment bearings having tilt segments, which bearings act in opposite directions, are provided for axial mounting of the rotor. The bearings interact with an assigned contact surface of the shaft. At least one of the tilt segments has a force measurement device for direct detection of the axial force acting on the assigned tilt segment. The force measurement devices are connected with an electronic control device.

Abstract: In a bearing constituted by a plural-layer slide member, the plural-layer slide member comprises a resin layer of polytetrafluoroethylene as a slide member and a backing strip to which the resin layer is bonded. A fitting hole having a depth exceeding the thickness of the resin layer is formed from the resin layer side. A temperature measuring metallic member formed of a white metal is fitted in the fitting hole. A temperature sensor is positioned within the temperature measuring metallic member. This bearing permits an accurate detection of its temperature. Further, in an oil cooled screw compressor having a bearing lubricating oil supply pipe, a slide surface of the bearing is covered with polyether ether ketone. Even if foaming occurs in the oil, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a mechanical trouble such as galling.

Abstract: In a bearing constituted by a plural-layer slide member, the plural-layer slide member comprises a resin layer of polytetrafluoroethylene as a slide member and a backing strip to which the resin layer is bonded. A fitting hole having a depth exceeding the thickness of the resin layer is formed from the resin layer side. A temperature measuring metallic member formed of a white metal is fitted in the fitting hole. A temperature sensor is positioned within the temperature measuring metallic member. This bearing permits an accurate detection of its temperature. Further, in an oil cooled screw compressor having a bearing lubricating oil supply pipe, a slide surface of the bearing is covered with polyether ether ketone. Even if foaming occurs in the oil, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a mechanical trouble such as galling.

Abstract: Hydrodynamic plane thrust bearing (26) for a generator (10), preferably operable with a water turbine, with a rotor (12), a track ring (30) rotating with the shaft (20) of the rotor (12), and a bearing segment (32) not rotating with the shaft (20) of the rotor (12) and supported on a bearing housing (24), characterized in that the track ring (30) substantially consists of a plastic matrix with reinforcing fibers embedded therein.

Abstract: A non-flooded bearing assembly for rotatably supporting a rotating body and selected from tilting pad journal, tilting pad thrust and sleeve bearings, has a body made from Ampcoloy™ and provided with babbitted bearing and outer surfaces. The bearing assembly has a combination of passages extending between the outer and bearing surfaces for delivering a pressurized liquid lubricant to the bearing surface. A plurality of heat transfer chambers are provided in the body separately from and at a distance from the bearing surface to convey the pressurized liquid lubricant carrying the heat generated by the bearing surface away from the assembly.

Abstract: A thrust bearing tilting pad has face with a border region including an engagement surface and defining a pocket with generally longitudinal sidebars and a bottom. The pad has leading and trailing portions, with the face extending generally longitudinally therebetween. The leading and trailing portions can be positioned upstream and downstream, respectively, relative to a direction of movement of a runner. The pad is pivotally supported by (e.g., mechanical and/or hydrostatic) pivot and can cooperate with one or more other pads and fluid within a housing to hydrodynamically and mechanically support the runner in an axial position. In another embodiment, the pad tilts free of mechanical engagement with other pads. The leading portion can define an entrance to the pocket and the sidebars can converge along the direction of motion of the runner.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling together in a turbofan engine the guide vane and the inner vane shroud. The assembly includes a bushing positioned within a shroud port for receiving the inner trunnion of the vane. A washer located between the bushing and a trunnion button of the vane provides substantial retaining contact between the bushing and the vane. A shroud retainer affixed to the inner surface of the shroud captures the bushing in the shroud port. The retainer preferably spans a series of shroud sections for as much as about one-half of the entire circumference of the shroud. The combination of the washer and the retainer with significant span reduces movement between the shroud and the vane. Wear on the vane trunnion is therefore reduced and maintenance obligations correspondingly reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foil journal bearing including at least one support pad mounted inside a journal sleeve, and onto which foils are mounted. The support pad is mounted to the journal sleeve in a manner allowing it to tilt in response to foil loading variations and shaft misalignment. The present invention further provides a foil thrust bearing including at least one support pad mounted to a thrust plate and onto which the foils are mounted. The support pad is similarly mounted in a manner allowing it to tilt. The support pads in either configuration may be tapered in thickness to provide an optimized compliant backing for the foils.

Abstract: Slide shoe for use in a plain bearing, notably in an axial thrust bearing. The outer periphery (50) of the slide shoe has below its sliding surface (10) a peripheral recess (52) through which the slide shoe rim area (56) that features the appropriate rim area of the sliding surface (10), can flex into the peripheral recess (52) when the sliding surface (10) expands under the effect of temperature more heavily than the deeper part of the slide shoe.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for supporting a rotatable shaft comprises a number of bearing pads supported in a housing and the mutually engaging surfaces of each bearing pad and the housing are two surfaces of closely similar shape.

Abstract: Pressure sensing ports opening through the fares of tapered land thrust bearing pads are sized and located to afford a pressure proportional to the average pressure of the load along such surfaces in the radial and circumferential directions. The pressure sensing ports are preferably located 5/8 the circumferential extent of the pad from its leading edge and approximately midway between the inner and outer diameters. The circumferential extent of the slot is sized to approximate 1/12 of the arc length of the pad while its radial extent approximates 1/4 the radial distance between the inner and outer diameters.

Abstract: A pivoted pad bearing assembly of the Kingsbury type provides for leveling of bearing pads arranged in a circular array utilizing hydrostatic pressure rather than mechanical links. The leveling device is in the form of a hydraulic bearing support module having a variable volume hydraulic chamber. Pipe segments connect each hydraulic chamber to form a closed circuit and the circuit is completely filled with hydraulic fluid. Thereby, equal force will be exerted upon each pad at all times so that all pads will operate at an equal thrust load. The bearing assembly has particularly useful application in an integral motor submersible propulsor as a large diameter thrust bearing housed within an outer shroud of the propulsor at both upstream and downstream ends of a rotor mounted about the periphery of a propeller of the propulsor. By placing the thrust bearing within the shroud, greater thrust bearing surface areas can be obtained to handle larger thrust.

Abstract: An equalizing tilting pad assembly for thrust bearings and the like which includes a retaining ring housing an arrangement of upper and lower equalizing links and supporting a number of similar tilting pads each having a spherically curved contact surface on its lower face. The upper and lower equalizing links lie within the retaining ring in an endless overlapping arrangement with each upper link touching at contact points two adjacent lower links. Each upper link is pivotally mounted on a spherical ball supported by the retaining ring and each lower link is pivotally mounted on the retaining ring by cylindrical members lying perpendicular to the axis of the retaining ring, and the contact points between adjacent upper and lower links lie in a common plane when the equalizing links are in a position of zero pivoting angle.

Abstract: An improved thrust bearing shoe and method for making same is provided. The bearing shoe includes a surface having an optimum one-dimensional curved profile maximized as to load carrying capacity in accordance with predetermined relationships for the dimensions of the shoe. The curved profile may be cycloidal, truncated cycloidal, cubic or quadratic in shape depending on the dimensions of the shoe.

Abstract: A tilting pad thrust bearing in which the sector-shaped pads are supported on individual disks. A runner runs on top of the pads. The disks have a spherical element projecting from their bottoms. The elements make tangential contact with a stationary support ring and the pads and disks tilt about an axis on which the point of tangency lies. The tilt axis of each pad is located at 70% to 80% of the length of an arc extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the pad midway between the radially outermost and innermost edge of the pad.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing supplementary cooling to the thrust bearing of a vertical shaft machine, without requiring an additional exterior pump and motor, has an oil conducting path formed by grooves in the engaging surfaces of an upper and a lower portion of each bearing shoe. The oil conducting path terminates at an opening on either side of the outer periphery of the shoe. A nozzle is mounted in each opening. The nozzle extends upwardly with a horizontally extending nose portion with the nozzle opening in the end. The nose portion is adjacent the outer periphery of the rotating bearing ring which the shoes support. The ring is mounted to the vertical shaft. The shoes and the ring are immersed in an oil bath. Rotation of the shaft and the ring moves the oil adjacent the periphery of the ring. The nozzles are oriented in opposite directions, preferably facing one another.

Abstract: A scroll type hydraulic machine having an improved thrust bearing structure, whereby the thrust bearing is capable of tilting radially and peripherally. The thrust bearing is preferably composed of at least three sectors, and an anti-rotation member is provided between adjacent ones of the sectors. A bearing support is provided, a portion of which has the form of a ball. The thrust bearing is surrounded by an annular portion whose height is substantially the same as that of the thrust bearing.

Abstract: A thrust bearing for a main propulsion shafting system on a ship having ting pads and fluid equalizing pistons. Hydraulic oil fills a recess on the face of each pad to provide additional lubrication and hydrostatic pressure to allow the bearing to handle added load capacity. The system for supplying oil to the recess may either be separate from the piston equalizing hydraulic system or part of a combined system. In the combined system, stationary control pads sense the oil thickness and control the oil flow.

Abstract: A thrust bearing supporting device for an electric rotary machine comprises a plurality of supporting members fixed to a base plate within a bearing vessel for supporting a thrust bearing of said rotary machine, each of said supporting members consisting of a pair of supporting pieces, each of said supporting pieces having a recessed portion formed therein, wherein each of said supporting members is formed by placing one supporting piece on the other in face-to-face relationship thereby forming a space within each of said supporting members.

Abstract: A fluid bearing is disclosed which consists essentially of a number of bearing pads, each having a face member and a support member that are separated and bonded together by an elastomeric material. The face member will have a load engaging surface, and its back surface will have at least one arcuate portion to provide a point of inflection which opposes an identical arcuate surface providing another point of inflection located on the support member. In operation the pad which operates in a fluid that serves as a lubricant will develop friction and pressure forces, which move the pad in such a way as to provide a wedge for hydrodynamic lubrication.

Abstract: A thrust bearing for use with a shaft having a collar mounted thereon, comprising a base ring, a thrust bearing shoe having a leading edge connected to a trailing edge by an inner diameter edge and an outer diameter edge and having a working face with a bearing liner on its surface, a series of shoes positioned on the base ring, a shoe pivot on each shoe allowing the shoe to pivot in any direction, an oil distribution groove formed in the working face near the leading edge of the shoe and extending radially for substantially the entire distance between the inner and outer diameter edges of the shoe, said oil distribution groove having an inner end and an outer end connected by a leading edge and a trailing edge, and a bleed groove extending radially from the inner end of the oil distribution groove to the inner diameter edge of the shoe for supplying oil to the inner diameter area of the shoe downstream of the bleed groove which downstream inner diameter area would otherwise be starved by oil by the centrifug

Abstract: A fluid bearing having a pair of members in relatively rotatable relationship with each other, and a compliant foil bearing disposed between the pair of relatively rotatable members. The compliant foil bearing has a plurality of overlapping integral compliant foil/stiffener elements with one end mounted to one of the rotatable members.

Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly includes a carrier member having formed therein an annular slot, a plurality of bearing members, which may be thrust pads or guide members, being received within the slot. Each bearing member has a radially outer surface and an opposed radially inner surface, two spaced regions of the radially outer surface making bearing contact with the associated radially outer sidewall of the annular slot, and a region of the radially inner surface of the bearing member making bearing contact with the associated radially inner sidewall of the annular slot. The bearing contacts prevent, for each bearing member in the carrier member, both radial movement and rotational movement about an axis through the bearing member, and are such that the bearing members are capable of being fitted into slots within a wide range of curvatures.

Abstract: A tilting pad thrust bearing wherein each bearing pad in a circular array of pads is held in a retainer and is provided with a radially extending rib on the side opposite of the side that receives the thrust load. There are disks that have a planar surface on one side and a spherical surface on an axially opposite side. The respective ribs of the pads bear on the planar surfaces of the disks. The spherical surfaces of the disks bear on angulated wings of two adjacent leveling links in a circular array of links. The links have radial holes and are supported for pivoting on pins that extend radially from the retainer. The periphery of each pin makes tangential line contact with a hole. An extrapolation of the angulated wing surfaces extends through the line contact so there is no moment arm for frictional forces at the point contact on the wings to act through and free pivoting of the leveling links is not impaired.