Abstract: An attachment structure of a propeller shaft to a cross-member in a vehicle includes a pair of main frames (10) extending in a vehicle length direction; the cross-member (15) connecting the main frames (10) together; the propeller shaft (37) arranged between the main frames (10) and including a front shaft (37a) and a rear shaft (37b) connected together through a joint (65); a center bearing (67) fixed to the cross-member (15) and configured to rotatably support the front shaft (37a); a fuel tank (83) arranged between the center bearing (67) and one of the main frames (10); and a flexible connection body (170) configured to connect the center bearing (67) and part of the cross-member (15) on a side opposite to the fuel tank (83) and having a length which is substantially non-extendable.

Abstract: A bearing support ring includes a plurality of contact pads radially protruding from inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the ring. Flexible portions of the ring are defined between the contact pads and have a radial thickness less than that of the ring at the contact pads, such as to permit elastic deflection of the ring in a radial direction between the contact pads. Openings sized to permit unrestricted oil flow are provided, such as within the flexible portions of the ring.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bearing housing comprising: selecting a configuration for housing and manufacturing the housing the configuration. The selected housing configuration comprises a bearing section and a base having a cylindrical shape. The bearing section and base are substantially aligned centrally along an axis. A plurality of members extends between the bearing section and the base. The plurality of members has a length and a width, and, in the configuration, each of the plurality of members has a side that is substantially non-perpendicular with respect to the bearing section and the base. At least one of the plurality of members extends at an angle from the bearing section to the base; the plurality of members having a curve relative to the axis; and the width of the plurality of members decreasing or increasing along the length of the plurality of members.

Abstract: A tolerance ring (10) for providing an interference fit between inner and outer components (36, 50) is disclosed. The tolerance ring (10) comprises a deformable band having a plurality of radially extending projections around its circumference, wherein the projections include a set of axially spaced protuberances (12, 13) separated by a unformed region (11) circumferentially adjacent to an axially elongate protuberance (15), the axial extent of which spans the axial extent of the set of axially spaced protuberances. This arrangement of protuberances facilitates the transfer of retention force to a component that is composed of a plurality of independent parts, e.g. two or more bearings (54, 56) separated by a spacer (58).

Abstract: A bearing support provides a circumferentially-extending structure to substantially transmit a radial bearing load to a housing when a radial deflection/deformation of the circumferentially-extending structure caused by the radial bearing load, is within a predetermined limit. The bearing support provides a direct support link bypassing the circumferentially-extending structure to transmit an over-limit portion of the radial bearing load to the housing when the radial deflection/deformation of the circumferentially-extending structure reaches the predetermined limit.

Abstract: An annular vibration isolator for a rotating shaft supported by a bearing is provided. The annular vibration isolator comprises an outer ring extending substantially entirely around the bearing, an arc portion having a contact portion extending toward the bearing, first and second axial portions enclosing a cavity, a first flange portion forming a first channel, a second flange portion forming a second channel, and the first and second flange portions forming a chamber within the cavity and forming a radial passageway connecting the chamber to the first and second channels, and a bellows disposed in the chamber and coupled to the radial passageway, the bellows adapted to receive a fluid from the first and second channels.

Abstract: A rotor decoupler system for a gas turbine engine is disclosed, comprising a load reduction system disposed between a bearing system and the bearing support. The load reduction system comprises a fuse and a damper such that the damper transfers at least a part of the radial load from the rotor to the bearing support when a fuse fails. In one exemplary embodiment the damper comprises a wire mesh, disposed around the outer race of the bearing. In another exemplary embodiment the damper comprises a rope damper assembly. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a load reduction system is disposed between a support structure and a frame, comprising an extensional fuse and a damper disposed between the support structure and the frame such that the damper transfers at least a part of the unbalance load to the frame when an extensional fuse fails.

Abstract: A centrifugal supercharger is provided. One embodiment of the supercharger comprises a two-piece housing wherein a parting area is substantially aligned with a rotational axis of a drive or impeller shaft. Another embodiment comprises a sleeve, or intermediate member disposed substantially between the housing and a bearing assembly(s) located within the supercharger housing. Another embodiment comprises a disengagement device located between the supercharger impeller and the engine. The disengagement device allows selective disengagement of the impeller from the engine. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained therein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A sculptured bearing liner includes an inner surface defining a cavity configured to receive a bearing, an outer surface and a reduced thickness portion extending from one of the inner surface and the outer surface. A bearing assembly includes a bearing liner having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a reduced thickness portion extending between the inner surface and the outer surface, the inner surface defining a cavity. The bearing assembly further includes at least one bearing disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A support device for a bearing assembly includes a housing with a bore and a centerline and a bearing having a bore for receiving a rotatable shaft. The support device has an annular body disposable within the housing bore and having a central axis and inner and outer surfaces extending circumferentially about the axis, the inner surface defining a central bore for receiving the bearing. One or more first integral spring portions extend generally between the inner and outer surfaces and have a first stiffness and one or more second integral spring portions are each spaced circumferentially from the first spring(s). The second spring extends generally between the inner and outer surfaces and has a second, greater stiffness. The body is adjustably angularly positionable about the body axis to adjust a position of the shaft axis with respect to the housing centerline when disposed within the support bore.

Abstract: A combination mounting ring of resilient material, for connecting a shaft within a bore of a housing, has a hollow cylindrical part having radially extending projections. This part is for locating between the outer surface of the shaft and the inner surface of the bore, the radially extending projections being under compression and thus securing the shaft within the bore. The combination mounting ring further has an axial spring element extending radially inward from the cylindrical part and having two portions at different axial positions. The axial spring element is for locating between the shaft and a body axially displaced from the shaft, and serves to minimize axial movement of the shaft within the bore of the housing. The axial spring element may either be an annular part or a tab extending from an axial edge of the cylindrical part.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine bearing cage assembly includes: a first bearing cage having: an annular first bearing support ring; an annular first mounting flange; and an annular array of axially-extending first spring arms interconnecting the first bearing support ring and the first mounting flange, the first spring arms defining an outer diameter; and a second bearing cage having: an annular second bearing support ring; an annular second mounting ring, the second mounting ring defining an inner diameter greater that the outer diameter; and an annular array of axially-extending second spring arms interconnecting the second bearing support ring and the second mounting ring, the second spring arms defining spaces therebetween. The bearing cages are sized such that the first bearing cage can be received within the second bearing cage. The spaces are positioned to receive the first spring arms, permitting independent flexing motion of the first and second spring arms.

Abstract: A bearing is disclosed. The bearing has an inner ring concentrically disposed with an outer ring with rotational elements therebetween adapted for allowing rotational movement of the inner ring relative to the outer ring. The outer ring has a crowned outer surface. A waveform expansion sleeve is disposed about the outer ring. The waveform expansion sleeve has a cylindrical outer surface dimensioned to be received in a bore of a bearing housing and an inner surface with a profile matching the outer ring outer surface. The waveform expansion sleeve has an undulating radial cross-section sufficient to exert radial pressure at its inner surface against the outer ring outer surface when mounted in the bore of the bearing housing to sufficiently secure the bearing in the housing. The expansion sleeve inner surface forms a seal with the outer ring outer surface when the bearing is installed in the bearing housing.

Abstract: To provide a bearing support structure and a gas turbine that prevent damage of device induced by a rotor shaft when the rotor shaft is unbalanced, the bearing support structure and the gas turbine includes: a casing (7) formed in a cylindrical shape; a bearing unit (8) formed in a cylindrical shape and housed in the casing (7); a rotation shaft (5) rotatably supported by the bearing unit (8); and a reaction-force decreasing unit (13) that connects the casing and the bearing unit, and is configured to decrease a radial reaction force on the bearing unit side.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radially movable floating bearing for a shaft of a gear of a steering system, comprising a bushing or an inner ring or a rolling bearing, which is supported in a seat of a frame or housing of the gear. The inner ring or the bushing or the rolling bearing is held by at least one support element made of material having elastomeric properties which is inserted into a gap between the seat and the inner ring, the support element being designed as a pivot bearing. In order to provide a radially movable floating bearing for a steering system gear shaft, which is low-noise, easy to pivot and highly resilient, the pivot bearing cooperates with a damping stop disposed tangentially at a distance thereto, the stop being disposed at a radial distance from the inner ring or the seat.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine (10) comprising a first turbine (19) and a first compressor (13) mounted on a first shaft (26) and a bearing arrangement (52, 34) supporting the shaft (26), the bearing arrangement is subject to a total end load and comprises a fixed bearing (34), a load share bearing (52) and a bearing end load management system (50) that is capable of applying a variable load to the load share bearing to manage total end load between the bearings. The bearing end load management system comprises a static diaphragm (54) that defines part of a chamber (56) and that is coupled to the load share bearing whereby increased pressurization of the chamber loads the diaphragm which in turn increases the proportion of the total end load on the load share bearing.

Abstract: A generally hollow three element boxed mounting bracket adapted to hold a carrier bearing assembly within it's central cavity and be mechanically affixed to a frame member of a vehicle. The three elements forming the boxed structure each have slotted orifices that align to allow the passage of mechanical fasteners. The relative positioning of the individual bracket elements allows for adjustment of the carrier bearing assembly in the X, Y and Z axes. The bracket also has two slotted orifices for the attachment of the carrier bearing assembly and allows for the attachment of all models of driveshaft carrier bearings.

Abstract: A tolerance ring (10) for providing an interference fit between inner and outer components (36, 50). The tolerance ring (10) comprises a deformable band having a plurality of radially extending projections around its circumference. The projections include a set of axially spaced protuberances (12, 13) separated by an unformed region (11) circumferentially adjacent to an axially elongate protuberance (15), the axial extent of which spans the axial extent of the set of axially spaced protuberances. This arrangement of protuberances facilitates the transfer of retention force to a component that is composed of a plurality of independent parts, e.g. two or more bearings (54, 56) separated by a spacer (58).

Abstract: Provided is a roll unit to be dipped in a surface treatment liquid of a copper foil, wherein a bearing box for housing a roil shaft is configured from two bearing boxes that are divisible, one of the bearing boxes is configured from a roll-side bearing box arranged on a roll main body-side and the other bearing box is configured from a shaft end-side bearing box arranged on the shaft end-side of the roll, a shaft sleeve covering an outer periphery of the roll shaft is provided in the roll-side bearing box and an oil seal is provided along an outer periphery of the shaft sleeve, and a bearing for rotatably supporting the shaft is disposed in the shaft end-side bearing box.

Abstract: A spherical pivot bearing assembly structure and a holder using the same are provided. The spherical pivot bearing assembly structure comprises a spherical pivot, a bearing housing, a friction member, an elastic member and a fixing member, wherein the elastic member disposed between the friction member and the elastic member applies an elastic force on the friction member to force the friction member tightly against a spherical surface of the spherical pivot and uniformly distribute the loading applied on the friction member so as to prevent slippage of the friction member. The elastic member may be a spring shaped in coils, wherein the amount of coils can be adjusted as being applied to different types of electronic apparatuses in different dimensions.

Abstract: A decoupling device for the bearing arrangement of a shaft carried in a housing, in particular a shaft of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission with a chain that functions as the belt. The decoupling device includes an outer bearing ring configured with a circularly cylindrical outer surface and within which the shaft is mounted, and an inner surface of a housing that encloses the bearing ring outer surface. At least one radial ondular washer is arranged between the bearing ring outer surface and the housing inner surface, which allows a limited relative radial movement between the housing inner surface and the bearing ring outer surface by elastic deformation of the washer.

Abstract: An auxiliary bearing system for supporting a rotating shaft including a first auxiliary bearing coupled to the rotating shaft. A first inertia ring is coupled to and circumscribes the first auxiliary bearing. A second inertia ring circumscribes the first inertia ring. A radial clearance is defined between the first and second inertia rings when the rotating shaft is supported by a primary bearing system, and the first inertia ring engages the second inertia ring when the rotating shaft is not supported by the primary bearing system. A second auxiliary bearing is engaged with an outer surface of the second inertia ring.

Abstract: A combination mounting ring of resilient material, for connecting a shaft within a bore of a housing, has a hollow cylindrical part having radially extending projections. This part is for locating between the outer surface of the shaft and the inner surface of the bore, the radially extending projections being under compression and thus securing the shaft within the bore. The combination mounting ring further has an axial spring element extending radially inward from the cylindrical part and having two portions at different axial positions. The axial spring element is for locating between the shaft and a body axially displaced from the shaft, and serves to minimize axial movement of the shaft within the bore of the housing. The axial spring element may either be an annular part or a tab extending from an axial edge of the cylindrical part.

Abstract: A mounting assembly comprising mating inner and outer components (36, 38) mounted together using a tolerance (20) is disclosed. The tolerance ring (20) has radially extending projections (28) that are configured to cause the tolerance ring (20) to operate into the plastic phase of its compression force/retention force characteristic. This can be achieved by using softer projections than those found in conventional tolerance rings. The force required to mount the tolerance ring and a range of retention forces exhibited by it for a given variance in sizes of mating components is thereby stabilized.

Abstract: A rotor bearing system for a rotating machine includes a housing having a bore that provides an inner surface. A bearing assembly is disposed within the bore and includes an outer surface. An annular cavity is provided radially between the outer surface and the inner surface. At least one protrusion extends radially outwardly from at least one of the inner and outer surfaces to an apex and into the annular cavity. A radial gap is arranged between the apex and the opposite surface from which the protrusion extends. In the disclosed example, the annular cavity is filled with an oil to provide a squeeze film damper between the housing and the bearing assembly. The protrusions exert a hydrodynamic preload on the bearing assembly, which reduces vibration during operation of the rotating machine.

Abstract: A bearing hanger assembly for coupling rotating shaft components is disclosed which includes a mounting assembly for mounting the bearing hanger assembly to a supporting structure, a bearing assembly for supporting axial rotation of coupled shaft components, and a flexible diaphragm plate supported by the mounting assembly and operatively connected to the bearing assembly so as to accommodate misalignment of the coupled shaft components relative to the supporting structure.

Abstract: A positioning device includes a shaft tube having a receptacle receiving a support member that includes first and second ends spaced along an axis. The support member further includes a through-hole extending from the first end through the second end. A bearing is received in the receptacle and includes an end facing the first end of the support member. The end of the bearing includes an inclined pressing surface aligned with a support portion formed on the first end of the support member. The pressing surface deforms the support portion when the bearing is pushed downward during assembly. The deformed support is received in a groove between the pressing surface and an inner periphery of the receptacle to offset and absorb the downward pressing force. The bearing is, thus, reliably fixed in the desired assembly position while preventing the support member from being damaged or generating noise during operation.

Abstract: The compact squirrel-cage bearing support comprises a first end portion, a second end portion axially spaced from the first end portion, and a plurality of beams interconnecting the first end portion to the second end portion. The beams have a length that is greater than an axial spacing between the first end portion and the second end portion.

Abstract: A bearing retainer unit is formed by an insert-molding technique to cast a molded component of the bearing retainer unit utilizing a bearing bushing. A first mold die, having a circumferential surface shaped to correspond to at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of a bearing-positioning portion of the molded component, and a second mold die, having an abutment that abuts against an axial end face of the first die, are readied. A molten material is then injected into the mold to form the molded part, thereby forming the die-parting line on the inner circumferential surface of the component's bearing positioning portion, positioned at the radially outer side of the abutment.

Abstract: A bearing assembly comprises an inner ring and an outer ring assembly having an upstream face and a downstream face. The outer ring assembly comprises an outer ring rotatably coupled to the inner ring, and a plurality of rolling elements that resides between the inner ring and the outer ring. At least one flow bypass channel extends through the outer ring assembly.

Abstract: A bearing hanger assembly for supporting a shaft is disclosed which includes a support plate having front and rear surfaces and a shaft aperture, a damper plate having front and rear surfaces and a shaft aperture, and a damper element disposed between the front surface of the support plate and the rear surface of the damper plate. The damper element has a bearing aperture axially aligned with the shaft apertures of the support plate and damper plate, and is adapted to translate relative to the damper plate and support plate to accommodate radial movement of a shaft supported in the bearing aperture.

Abstract: A rolling bearing (100) is provided with a dynamic damper (60). A natural frequency of the dynamic damper (60) is caused to coincide with a natural frequency of vibration generated in an entire device. Consequently, it is possible to effectively suppress the vibration generated in the device.

Abstract: A centrifugal supercharger is provided. One embodiment of the supercharger comprises a two-piece housing wherein a parting area is substantially aligned with a rotational axis of a drive- or impeller shaft. Another embodiment comprises a sleeve, or intermediate member disposed substantially between the housing and a bearing assembly(s) located within the supercharger housing. Another embodiment comprises a disengagement device located between the supercharger impeller and the engine. The disengagement device allows selective disengagement of the impeller from the engine. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained therein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A rotor support includes a first ring disposed around a first axis, a second ring disposed around the first axis downstream from the first ring, and a plurality of beams extending between the first and the second rings. Each beam is configured to provide an axial stiffness, when an axial force is exerted on the first ring, and a radial stiffness, when a radial force is exerted on the first ring. Each beam has a height extending parallel to a second axis and a width extending parallel to a third axis. The beams are distributed around the first ring to provide a substantially uniform circumferential axial stiffness around the rotor support, and the height of each beam is greater than the width of each beam. Damping can be provided by the placement of a damper between the rotor support and the support housing.

Abstract: A pump insert (50) for supporting a rotor (14) of a pump comprises an annular resilient support (52) for engaging the body (26) of the pump, the support (52) extending about a rolling bearing (10) having an inner race (12) for engaging the rotor (14), an axially preloaded outer race (16) fixed to the support (52), and a plurality of rolling elements (18) located between the races. During assembly, the rolling bearing (10) can be accurately positioned within the support (52) so that there is a very low tolerance stack-up when the insert (50) is fitted to the rotor (14). Consequently, the position of the rotor (14) will hardly change, if at all, when the rolling bearing (10) is replaced during servicing of the pump.

Abstract: A roller bearing assembly for supporting a shaft axially and radially in a rack includes a roller bearing with a carrier, a portion of which is supported at the rack with an element with elastomeric properties being interposed between a support for the rack and the portion of the carrier. In order to indicate a roller bearing, which supports the shaft axially and radially, and makes an inclined position of the shaft possible without causing straining of the system of shaft, roller bearing and rack, the element with elastomeric properties, viewed in the tangential (circumferential) direction of the roller bearing, has at least a first region, the stiffness of which is different from that of the remaining tangential (circumferential) region.

Abstract: A combination mounting ring of resilient material, for connecting a shaft within a bore of a housing, has a hollow cylindrical part having radially extending projections. This part is for locating between the outer surface of the shaft and the inner surface of the bore, the radially extending projections being under compression and thus securing the shaft within the bore. The combination mounting ring further has an axial spring element extending radially inward from the cylindrical part and having two portions at different axial positions. The axial spring element is for locating between the shaft and a body axially displaced from the shaft, and serves to minimize axial movement of the shaft within the bore of the housing. The axial spring element may either be an annular part or a tab extending from an axial edge of the cylindrical part.

Abstract: A rotor mount assembly for an electrical machine, such as a high speed aerospace generator, comprises a spring having a simple annular structure together with an oil squeeze film damper (SFD). The spring is engineered to move the rotor critical speeds outside of the extremes of the operating speed range and the SFD damps out the rotor responses as the speed passes through these points.

Abstract: A squeeze film damper for a bearing and a vibration damping mechanism capable of damping the vibration of a rolling bearing are provided. The squeeze film damper is small in construction and can be easily made by mass production. The vibration damping mechanism is capable of damping both radial and axial vibrations. A bearing housing 15 is provided with a bearing holding bore 16 of a diameter greater than the outside diameter of the outer ring 14 of a bearing, and an oil hole 19 through which oil is supplied into the bearing holding bore 16. A vibration damping mechanism 1 is formed by inserting a thin, flat sheet 17 provided with slits into an annular space formed between the inner wall of the bearing holding bore 16 and the outside surface of a bearing held in the bearing holding bore 16 so as to surround the bearing. Parts of the thin, flat sheet extending between the adjacent slits serve as elastic beams. The elastic beams center the bearing and support the centered bearing elastically.

Abstract: The thrust bearing housing comprises two opposite annular end members and a cone member extending between the two end members. The cone member is connected to each end member at a circular junction, each circular junction having a medial line which borders a respective end of a virtual conical plane. At least a major portion of the cone member is provided inside the virtual conical plane.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] The object of the invention to provide a power steering system capable of ensuring a sufficient accuracy of meshed-engagement between toothed portions of a worm gear without complicated machining to be made to an inside of a housing.

Abstract: A bearing cup having a ring and a shoulder extending radially inward from an inner surface of the ring. At least one tang extends axially outward from a first side of the ring. At least one tab extends axially outward from a second side of the ring opposite the first side. And, at least one slot is formed in the second side. The bearing cup prevents the outer race of a conventional rolling element bearing from rotating while allowing the bearing to move in an axial direction. The assembly is designed for use with either a single rolling element bearing or a set of two bearing assemblies or any number of closely spaced bearings. The advantage of the device is that it eliminates spinning of the bearing assembly outer race. The device also prevents frictional sliding between a bearing assembly outer race and a preload spring. Frictional sliding imposed on a bearing outer race can induce galling and subsequently lead to part failure.

Abstract: Centering rings may be used to modify the combined resonance of a rotor and its support assembly to migrate the rotor critical speeds such that they can be engineered out of the rotor operating speed range. The centering rings of the present invention may be useful for any rotating electrical machinery, especially high speed aerospace applications, such as generators and starter-generators.

Abstract: A generally hollow three element boxed mounting bracket adapted to hold a carrier bearing assembly within it's central cavity and be mechanically affixed to a frame member of a vehicle. The three elements forming the boxed structure each have slotted orifices that align to allow the passage of mechanical fasteners. The relative positioning of the individual bracket elements allows for adjustment of the carrier bearing assembly in the X, Y and Z axes. The bracket also has two slotted orifices for the attachment of the carrier bearing assembly and allows for the attachment of all models of driveshaft carrier bearings.

Abstract: The compact squirrel-cage bearing support comprises a first end portion, a second end portion axially spaced from the first end portion, and a plurality of beams interconnecting the first end portion to the second end portion. The beams have a length that is greater than an axial spacing between the first end portion and the second end portion.

Abstract: A center bearing assembly for rotatably supporting a shaft at varying angles relative to a support surface includes a bearing and a bearing support member that supports the bearing. The bearing support member has a curved outer surface. A bracket is provided for supporting the bearing support member. The bracket has a curved inner surface that cooperates with the curved outer surface of the bearing support member to allow the bearing support member to move relative to the bracket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bearing support for a rotating engine such as a gas turbine engine, with a rotating shaft supported by at least one bearing and a frame, capable of running at least two different running speeds, characterised in that it comprises at least two mechanical supporting structures with different stiffnesses combined so as to support the bearing at one of these stiffnesses. The invention has the advantage that the use of mechanical structures avoids the presence of any hydraulic equipment, since the stiffness forces thus introduced can directly oppose excitation forces generated by the unbalanced mass of the engine shaft.

Abstract: A decoupling device for the bearing arrangement of a shaft carried in a housing, in particular a shaft of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission with a chain that functions as the belt. The decoupling device includes an outer bearing ring configured with a circularly cylindrical outer surface and within which the shaft is mounted, and an inner surface of a housing that encloses the bearing ring outer surface. At least one radial ondular washer is arranged between the bearing ring outer surface and the housing inner surface, which allows a limited relative radial movement between the housing inner surface and the bearing ring outer surface by elastic deformation of the washer.

Abstract: A centering ring may be used to provide a resilient mounting system with uniform stiffness for rotating machinery. The centering ring may have first and second exterior raised ridges on one surface and a central raised ridge on the other surface. The centering ring may be disposed between the housing of the rotating machinery and a bearing provided therein. Due to its uniform cross-sectional geometry about its entire circumference, the centering ring may provide uniform stiffness in any radial direction. The centering ring may be useful in any rotating machinery, including generators, turbo machines and turbine engines.

Abstract: A composite resilient mount for rolling element bearings, comprising a composite hoop portion, and including a plurality of circumferentially dispersed inner pads and outer pads defining a plurality of arcuate beam portions disposed circumferentially between adjacent pads. The hoop portion and the inner and outer pads, may comprise a circumferentially wound fiber, such as a carbon fiber, and a resin. The inner and outer pads may be rounded, feathered or otherwise configured to eliminate edges from the inner and outer pads, thereby preventing damage to adjacent components. A method for providing damping to a rolling element bearing is also disclosed.