Abstract: An annular support for supporting radial bearings and accommodating radial expansion and lateral displacement, and damping vibration of the bearing with respect to a static support structure includes an annular casing to support a bearing therein and a cantilevered support which has a first and second rings, axially spaced apart and connected by a plurality of flexible beams. The first ring is connected to the annular casing which is spaced radially, inwardly from the cantilevered support and the second ring is connected to the static support structure so that the flexibility of the beams permits the annular casing to move laterally in small distance while the annular support is supported to the static support structure. The flexibility is adjusted by selection of a combination of number, width and thickness of the beams. A service line is able to have an access between two adjacent beams to the annular casing to provide lubricating fluids.

Abstract: A thin-walled inner bushing (1) comprising a raceway (5) which is provided with elastically yielding raceway convexities (2) which merge at one end into radially extending sections (7) which are connected to one another by a further, outer bushing (9) whereby play can be eliminated from the bearing even without the hitherto required intermediate rings of polymer material.

Abstract: The locus of the displacement of the centers of the balls of a ball bearing is made elliptical and the radial bearing rigidity of the ball bearing in one radial direction is made greater than the radial bearing rigidity in another radial direction orthogonal to the one radial direction, or at least one of the axial length of the portion on the inner diametral surface of the inner race of the ball bearing which is fitted to a shaft and the axial length of the portion on the outer diametral surface of the outer race of the ball bearing which is fitted to a housing is made 1/2 or less of the bearing width of the ball bearing, whereby the radial rigidity of a ball bearing device is made very small as compared with the radial rigidity in the prior art. As a result, the stability of a swing arm system can be enhanced and higher speed and higher accuracy of control become possible.

Abstract: A support structure with a vibration damper permits rotatably holding a rotatable body to be balanced, without applying undesirable constraining forces to the rotor or wheel. The vibration damper is an elastomeric element, for example a metal rubber composite element, inserted between the rotatable body and a support which itself is separately mounted by spring elastic mountings in a machine frame. The vibration damping element is effective between the rotatable body and the support if the element is inserted between a bearing and the rotatable body or if the element is inserted between the bearing and the support.

Abstract: A bearing system for mounting a rotating shaft includes a bearing assembly and a bearing mounting structure. The bearing assembly has an inner race which contacts the rotating shaft, an outer race, and bearing elements positioned therebetween. The outer race has an exterior surface with an outer dimension. The bearing mounting structure has a region for affixing it to an external structure in which the bearing system is to function. An internal surface of the bearing mounting structure defines a bearing cavity in which the bearing assembly is to be disposed. The internal surface engages the exterior surface of the outer race. The retention force exerted by the internal surface on the outer surface is determined by the design of the inner surface of the bearing mounting structure that defines the bearing cavity. The internal surface has cut-outs, or scallops, extending axially (with respect to the shaft) along the internal surface.

Abstract: A center bearing assembly adapted to rotatably support a rotatable shaft on a vehicle frame includes an annular roller bearing that is adapted to receive and rotatably support the rotatable shaft, a support member for supporting the roller bearing, and a bracket for securing the roller bearing and the support member on the vehicle frame. The support member includes a reservoir containing a Theological fluid. A rheological fluid is any fluid that exhibits a significant change in its ability to flow or shear upon the application of an appropriate energy field, such as electrical or magnetic fields. A shear plate secured to the roller bearing includes a portion extending into the reservoir so that axial movement of the shaft with respect to the support member is permitted. The novel construction of this invention includes an effective center bearing assembly support member having variable vibration dampening characteristics which can also accommodate axial movement of the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A paper making machine for the production of a fiber material web includes a drying cylinder, first and second bearing assemblies, a fixed rigid support, a fixed structure and a flexible device. The drying cylinder has two longitudinal ends, a longitudinal axis and at least one fluid passage for receiving heated fluid. Each bearing assembly is attached to and rotatably carries a respective longitudinal end of the drying cylinder. The fixed rigid support substantially immovably supports the second bearing assembly. The flexible device allows for longitudinal thermal expansion of the drying cylinder in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drying cylinder. The flexible device carries the first bearing assembly and interconnects the first bearing assembly to the fixed structure.

Abstract: A self-aligning ball bearing for steering shafts (7) of automotive vehicles having an elastic convexity (8) deviating from the circular shape and arranged in at least one peripheral section of at least one of the raceways (2, 4), preferably of the outer raceway (2), so that two adjacent bearing balls (5) are radially prestressed between the raceway convexity (8) and the facing raceway.

Abstract: An improved alternating current generator for a vehicle which is directed to forming a plurality of inserting holes of the rear bracket by concurrently forming the same during a die-casting process or by forming the same during a subsequent process, which includes a plurality of elastic plates spaced-apart from one another at a predetermined interval at the rear bracket so as to prevent a creep phenomenon by elastically supporting an outer circumferential portion of the rear bearing wherein a rear bearing creep prevention apparatus for an alternating current generator for a vehicle comprises a stator fixedly inserted at front and rear brackets; and a rotor supported by a shaft in cooperation with the front and rear bearings assembled at the front and rear brackets to be opposite to a core of the stator and being rotatable by a driving force transferred from an engine.

Abstract: Damping device for a shaft, which supports a centrifugal rotor and is journalled in a bearing in a frame (7) in such a way that an oscillating movement of the shaft relative to the frame (7) is admitted during the rotation of the rotor (5). The damping device comprises a first friction member (8), which is connected to a bearing in such a way that the shaft is rotatable relative to the friction member, and a number of second friction members (10), which are supported by the frame (7) and are distributed around the shaft, each one of the second friction members (10) being arranged to be so kept pressed by a spring force towards the first friction member (8) in a predetermined direction that upon oscillating movement of the shaft (1) perpendicular to this predetermined direction a damping friction arises when the first friction member (8) together with the shaft is moving relative to the second friction member (10) referred to.

Abstract: An electric motor (1) has a stator (3) and a rotor (5) having a rotor shaft (7), which rotor shaft is supported relative to the stator by means of ball-bearings (9). The ball-bearings are connected directly to suspension elements (11 ) for the suspension of the electric motor (1) relative to an external device. Resilient elements (13) are arranged between the suspension elements (11) and the stator (3) to suppress vibrations in the suspension elements (11). When the electric motor (1) is used in an apparatus less vibrations are transmitted to the frame of the apparatus, so that the apparatus itself also produces less vibrations and less noise.

Abstract: A bearing bushing supports a bearing assembly of a cylinder journal in a frame bore. The bearing bushing utilizes an inner ring and an outer ring. Both rings are provided with varying wall thickness. A pressure chamber is defined between the two rings in an area away from the resultant of the forces acting on the bushing. A pressure medium can be supplied to this pressure chamber to tightly secure the bearing bushing in the frame bore.

Abstract: A ram air turbine power system is provided with a deployable ram air turbine mounted in-line with a power supply unit such as an electrical generator and/or an hydraulic pump. The ram air turbine includes a turbine shaft supported for rotation by bearings within a generator housing, wherein a rear end of the turbine shaft and a generator shaft are supported by a common bearing, and further wherein the forwards ends of the turbine and generator shafts are supported by a pair of bearings separated by a resilient bearing mount. In addition, the in-line ram air turbine and related power supply unit are supported from a hollow strut with hydraulic and electrical lines and related mechanical linkages extending therethrough.

Abstract: A fluid dampened support for a bearing such as a tilt pad bearing or a rolling element bearing such as a ball bearing, needle bearing, roller bearing and the like. The fluid dampened support includes a network of closely spaced beams which act as structural springs which support the outer race of the roller bearing for movement in any direction. The spring rate or constant of these structural springs can be caused to change after a selected amount of deflection. The amount of deflection needed to cause the change in spring rate can be adjusted to suit the particular application. A liquid is provided in the spaces between the beams to dampen movement of the pads. The damping rate can be made to change with movement of the pads. The structure and space between the beams is designed so as to provide virtually any reasonable damping characteristics.

Abstract: A bearing system is provide to couple a tool shaft to a power driven surgical instrument that has a support tube with a longitudinally extending aperture for rotation of the tool shaft about an axis. A pair of bearing assemblies are spaced apart within the aperture by a sleeve and a helical spring that axially biases the bearing assemblies within the aperture. Each bearing assembly includes first and second bearings and an interface cartridge. The first bearing has an outer race abutting a flange element in the aperture, and has an inner race. The tubular interface cartridge engages the inner race and has spring elements extending radially into a passage through the interface cartridge to engage the shaft. A second bearing has an inner race abutting the tubular interface cartridge and has an outer race against which force from the spring is applied.

Abstract: A center bearing assembly includes a roller bearing adapted to receive and rotatably support a coupling shaft and a bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle frame. A support member is provided which supports the roller bearing within the bracket. The support member includes a bladder formed of an elastomeric material. The bladder contains a rheological fluid which exhibits a significant change in its ability to flow or shear upon the application of an appropriate energy field. Preferably, the bladder contains a magneto-rheological magnetic fluid. By varying the power supplied to an electromagnet located adjacent the bladder, the vibration dampening characteristics of the support member may be varied depending upon the operating conditions of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for an axially displaced flexural bearing support assembly including a unitary or monolithic bearing support base member having a bearing receiving tube supported by a first and second generally parallel arrangement of flexural spoke members to control bearing pre-load due to axial differential expansion while eliminating radial displacement of the spindle or shaft supported within the tube. The spoke members of each arrangement include a plurality of spoke members arranged in parallel planes generally perpendicular to the axis of a spindle insertable within and supported within the tube by means of bearings. In the preferred embodiment, there are three spokes for each set in each plane, with the spokes being equiangularly displaced.

Abstract: A deflection scanner has a container for accommodating a deflector and lens. The deflector is adapted to be rotated by a driving motor which is supported by a bearing so as to deflect and scan a light beam emitted from a light source. The housing of the driving motor is fixed on the container by use of an elastic member instead of screws.

Abstract: A locking collar concentric with an inner ring and outer ring of a bearing assembly is advanced axially by threads or other mechanism on an axial extension of the inner ring. Conical washers between the axial extension and the locking collar are abutted by an abutment surface. Flattening of the conical washers upon advancement of the locking collar grips the shaft. The conical washers may be sued alone or in combination with a wedge ring to lock the bearing assembly to the shaft.

Abstract: The damper arrangement is operated in high temperature applications, such as load and speed environments such as found in turboengines. The damper arrangement includes damper pads which are laterally urged against damping elements forming a shearing zone therebetween. The shearing zone is lubricated with solid dry powder lubricant. The damper pads include a circumferential wave or a multi-partial arc configuration formed by radial slots with inwardly tapering radial bevels and lateral bevels adjacent to the radial slots to enhance the circulation of the powder lubricant in response to nutating motion between the damper pad and the damper element.

Abstract: A bearing unit comprising a rotating body, a rotating shaft and a bearing, wherein there is provided a construction with a plurality of electromagnetic poles is arranged, together with a plurality of sensors for detecting the run-out of the rotating shaft, and also comprises a control circuit for controlling the intensity of a magnetic force according to a detection output of these sensors, thereby controlling the bearing unit so that vibration and run-out of the rotating body due to inbalance thereof are effectively suppressed while making the unit to revolve around the principle axis of shape.

Abstract: A damper system for supporting a bearing for a rotating shaft of a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced dashpot dampers including either a piston or bellows juxtaposed between the bearing housing and the bearing support spring.

Abstract: A device for mounting a machine element, such as a shaft (9). According to a first aspect of the invention, a bearing housing (5) is mounted on a machine body (1) by means of a plate-shaped supporting means (22) having a main plane perpendicular to the shaft (9). The supporting means (22) is rigidly connected with both the machine body (1) at first points of attachment (23), and with the bearing housing (5) at second points of attachment (24) which, in the main plane, are separate from the first points of attachment (23). The supporting means (22) has a rigidity in its main plane and a corresponding flexibility across its main plane, so as to be capable of transmitting substantially radial load and so as to permit, by deflection between the first and the second points of attachment (23, 24), a movement of the bearing housing (5) in relation to the machine body (1).

Abstract: A bearing isolator assembly (70) suitable for use with tapered bearings (20) is provided. The bearing isolator assembly comprises a retaining member (72), a radial wave spring (74) and a separate axial wave spring (76).

Abstract: A bearing isolator assembly (70) suitable for use with straight roller and with ball bearings (20) is provided. The bearing isolator assembly comprises a retaining member (72), a radial wave spring (74), and a nonresilient bump stop member (130), all preferably of a one-piece steel construction.

Abstract: A dry rolling element bearing assembly for rotatably mounting a flight vehicle engine shaft to a housing. Rolling elements (such as ball bearings) are positioned between inner and outer races. Stop devices axial position the inner and outer races. A mounting device positions the inner race radially outward from the shaft so as to create a first annular air space between them. The mount has a flexible portion and has a support ring portion which contacts the outer surface of the inner race with a radial interference fit. A similar mounting device positions the outer race radially inward from the housing. Air directing devices direct cooling air impingingly against bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A film squeeze damper for a thrust bearing includes a plurality of curved beam segments each having a fluid chamber adjacent the support housing and mounted end to end to surround the thrust bearing. Side mounted nibs transmit the thrust load from a radial dependent member of the outer race to the support housing through each segment. This permits unrestrained radial damping of vibratory energy occasioned by the unbalance in the supported shaft. A mechanical stop is provided by the design to limit radial deflection of the segment during a high rotor unbalance.

Abstract: A rotary machine 10 includes a rotor shaft 40 and a support system 63 for the shaft. The support system includes a spring 68 and viscous damper 70.Means for removing oil from the damper at preselected rotor speeds is provided and in one embodiment permits operating the engine over a rotor speed range which avoids critical speeds.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting two bearings supporting a shaft within a housing, each bearing having an inner race secured to the shaft and an outer race, the arrangement comprising two annular membrane-shaped spacer members having a high radial stiffness and a predetermined axial flexibility, the spacer members having an outer edge and an inner edge, the inner edge of each spacer member being secured to the outer race of a respective bearing and the outer edge of each spacer member being secured within the housing, both spacer members being subjected to a predetermined amount of axial deformation with respect to their unstressed condition, whereby the spacer members exert a precisely determined axial preload onto said outer races of the bearings.

Abstract: Known rotational signal generators for generating signals that correspond to the rotational speed and/or the angle of rotation of a rotatable component part may be connected with the rotatable component part, by means of a coupling or the like. This coupling results in higher space requirements and in an expensive assembly of the rotational signal generator. The rotational signal generator according to the invention is equipped with a hollow shaft and can be fitted onto the rotatable component part. For the compensation of misalignments or the like of the rotatable component part, the rotational signal generator is mounted elastically. The rotational signal generator may be used for measuring the rotational speed, for measuring the angle of rotation, for measuring the length and for similar operations in the fields of driving technology, systems construction, automatization technology and the like.

Abstract: A bearing assembly comprises a housing, a bearing and a shaft. Reaction to a radial load includes substantial components to each side of the radial load line and opposing each other. These components laterally stabilize the bearing. These reaction components arise because the assembly has an arcuate less stiff portion in line with the radial load line.

Abstract: The invention comprises a compact support for a bearing associated with a rotating member such as a shaft of a gas turbine engine. The bearing support has one or more circumferential leaf spring elements which provide radially resilient support for the shaft while being axially stiff to reduce axial thrust movement of the shaft. The spring rate of the support is designed to shift engine vibratory resonances so that they occur outside the normal speed range of the engine; and the support may include internal damping to minimize resonant vibratory peaks. Various bearing support embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The critical speed of a bearing supported rotating shaft is changed or controlled by dimensioning the oil squeeze film damper so that the volumen of oil is selected to produce a spring rate that when added to the mechanical spring rate will attain the overall spring rate of the system. The spring rate of the oil becomes effective when the volume is at a predetermined value which is at a level higher than heretofore known oil squeeze film dampers.

Abstract: A first member, such as a clutch release bearing can be releasably connected to a second member, such as a cup spring in a coupling device, in that the member has a cyclindrical portion, which is insertable in a hole in the second member, the hole being surrounded by radially inwardly directed tongues. The portion is provided with radially outwardly directed projections forming a rim and being of a number and a circumferential extension corresponding to the interspaces between the tongues and which can be displayed through these interspaces. Catch fingers are arranged to be inserted between the tongues and the projections respectively after assembly for preventing unintentional disconnection of the connection. The fingers may be removed from the lock position at dismounting.

Abstract: The rolling contact bearings (12, 13) of an exhaust gas turbocharger shaft (10) are seated in axially displaceable damping bushes (14, 15) and are axially clamped by hydrodynamic forces, these forces increasing with the rotational shaft speed. The forces are produced by lubricating oil flowing in through oil feed holes (29, 30) in a bearing bush (5) into annular ducts (31, 32) between this bearing bush (5) and the damping bushes (14, 15), which takes plase as a result of the banking up of the lubricating oil in the annular ducts (31, 32) in front of the oil feed holes (33, 34) in the damping bushes (14, 15). A part of the lubricating oil passes through oil feed holes (24, 25) in the bearing bush (5) into very narrow annular gaps between the cylindrical circumferential faces of larger bush parts (16, 17) of the damping bushes (14, 15) and holes in the bearing bush (5).

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for the impellers of the compressor and the turbine of an exhaust gas turbocharger that are arranged next to one another on a shaft end of a rotor shaft. The rotor shaft, via two roller bearings, is supported in the compressor housing. In order to achieve a vibration-damped bearing, at least one roller bearing is supported in the compressor housing while either enclosing a gap-shaped damping space as the hydraulic cushion or a radially acting spring body.

Abstract: A flexible liner for bearing assemblies and the like including a flexible sleeve having first and second sides and a plurality of first and second slots formed therein. The first slots are positioned adjacent the first side of the flexible sleeve. The second slots are disposed adjacent the second side of the flexible sleeve. The first slots are offset from the second slots such that no other first slot is aligned with a second slot. The first and second slots form a plurality of first and second tabs positioned on opposing sides of the flexible sleeve. The first tabs are offset from the second tabs so that the flexible liner exerts a continuous force about the outer periphery. The flexible liner further includes first and second layers. The first layer is formed from a material having a coefficient of expansion greater than material forming the second layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting round bearings which include a pair of elongated cylinders that are rotatably supported so that the longitudinal axes thereof diverge, defining a sorting gap between the surface of the cylinders. The cylinders are supported on an inclined plane and are connected to a drive means by means of a flexible driving member for rotating the cylinders in opposite directions. The bearings which are to be sorted are fed onto the cylinders and moved down the inclined plane, down the sorting gap until the width of the sorting gap is sufficient to permit the bearings to drop through the gap into preselected receptacles.

Abstract: A mounting which supports a bearing in a machine frame. The mounting is molded with the bearing being molded integrally therewith in an aperture therein. The outer race of the bearing is in molded non-rotative engagement with the mounting. The mounting has a plurality of mounting supports. At least one of the mounting supports is adapted to be received by the frame.

Abstract: A cylindrical gear unit which includes a gear housing, a gear pinion and a gear wheel, the gear pinion being fixed to a shaft which is rotatably journalled in bearings supported by at least one bearing support. One of the bearing supports comprises a sleeve in which a roller bearing is fixedly mounted, a fixing plate supported by the gear housing, as well as a disc-shaped rib portion which interconnects the sleeve and the fixing plate. The rib portion extends substantially along the entire length of the sleeve and the fixing plate and is substantially parallel to a tangential plane on the contact line between the gear pinion and the gear wheel. In addition, at least one stop face for the sleeve is arranged at a small distance from the outside of the sleeve on at least that side of the sleeve facing away from the gear wheel.

Abstract: A center bearing supporting device adapted to support a center bearing mounted on a propeller shaft in the vicinity of a joint section. The center bearing supporting device consists of an annular elastic insulator connecting an inner tube mounted on the center bearing and an outer tube connected to a vehicle body. The intermediate major section of the insulator bends in its axial direction along its whole periphery to form an annular projection coaxial with the center bearing. The inner surface of the intermediate major section defines an annular groove. Additionally, an elastomeric stopper is secured to the center bearing and located contactable with the insulator. At least a part of the outer peripheral section of the stopper is inserted into the insulator annular groove.

Abstract: An oil film damper whose one portion is supported, whose free end portion or portions define oil film formation portions and which has a Rahmen or rigid frame structure is used so that a minimum quantity of lubricating oil only sufficient to fill clearances in which oil films are formed can have a function of satisfactorily damping shaft vibrations. A jet of lubricating oil fed from the exterior of the oil film damper is directly supplied to each ball bearing so that the satisfactory lubrication of ball bearings is ensured, the overall function of the bearing device is improved and a service life thererof is increased.

Abstract: A drive shaft comprising an elongated inner drive shaft having an end connected to a drive device and an opposite end engaged with a work piece. A hollow outer shaft extends circumferentially about and coaxially with the drive shaft in a spaced-apart relationship thereto, and is connected to the drive shaft. A bearing carrier member extends circumferentially about and coaxially with the outer shaft. First and second springs inhibit movement of the outer shaft and the bearing carrier member respectively. A bearing is located intermediate the bearing carrier member and outer shaft. The assembly further includes a support structure provided with a bore which circumferentially surrounds the bearing carrier member and second springs. An outer surface of the bearing carrier member and an inner surface of the bore cooperatively form a fluid passageway which is bounded on either side by barriers which form restricted fluid flow paths.

Abstract: A turbocharger having a main housing with a throughbore in which a tubular bearing carrier is mounted. A main shaft having a turbine at one end and a compressor at its other end extends through the bearing carrier and is rotatably mounted to the housing by two spaced bearing assemblies. A lubrication system supplies lubricant to a squeeze film damper for hydrostatically damping the shaft vibrations and the discharge of the lubricant from the squeeze film damper is employed to lubricate the bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A rotary assembly includes a shaft, a housing, and a bearing interposed between shaft and housing to provide radial support while also permitting relative rotation.The invention permits optimum operation of the bearing, by permitting the bearing to be self-positioned even though slightly out of alignment with either the shaft or the housing, or both.This is accomplished by providing a radial space between the bearing and the shaft or housing; placing a generally ring-shaped compensating member in circumferential engagement with the associated cylindrical surface of the shaft or housing; providing a longitudinal taper on the outer surface of the associated end of the bearing; and then placing the tapered surface of the bearing in overlapping engagement with the compensating member and resiliently urging the bearing and the compensating member axially together so as to provide a firm support both radially and axially for the bearing.

Abstract: A bearing support in which a rotating shaft (2) is disposed within a fixed support structure (14) and includes a bearing assembly (4) centered within the fixed support structure (14) by a plurality of resilient centering rods (20). A seal carrier (28) is urged against a rotating sealing surface (26) by a spring (32) and is radially positioned by a plurality of guide pins (34) secured to the fixed support structure (14). The guide pins (34) are disposed circumferentially intermediate the centering rods (20) to achieve a low profile configuration.

Abstract: A fluid damper for controlling transverse orbital movement (14) of a non-rotating cylindrical body (12) is provided with a sealed, fluid filled reservoir (30) in fluid communication with a vent opening (24) disposed in a surrounding support member (10). A sized orifice (34) controls the volumetric flow rate of the damping fluid, maintaining an elevated average static fluid pressure in the annular volume (16) and resisting surge flow into the reservoir (30) through the vent (24) during the periodic occurrence of high fluid pressure in the annular volume (16) adjacent the vent opening (24).

Abstract: A pin which acts as a spring directly extends through an outer race without use of an outer-race casing and a pin holder and the central portion of the pin supports the outer race. Axial movement of the pin beyond a predetermined range is restricted by snap rings fitted on the both ends of the pin. An oil film is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the outer race and the inner peripheral surface of casings and oil reservoirs are also defined to damp axial movement of the outer race. That is, the pin which acts as a spring directly extends through the outer race of the bearing in parallel with a rotating shaft and the central portion of the pin elastically supports the outer race. The ends of the pin are supported by the casings through the snap rings. A space in which an oil film functioning as an oil film damper is formed is defined by the outer peripheral surface of the outer race and the inner peripheral surface of the casings.

Abstract: Wheel bearing pulser combinations of the type where an annular pulser is force fitted onto the outer surface of a wheel bearing are disclosed in which the pulser is constructed to accommodate resiliently resisted radial expansion of its central opening as required by the force fitting of the pulser onto the bearing to permit increased dimensional tolerances of the bearing while avoiding an undue radial compression of the outer race of the bearing from the force fit.

Abstract: A center bearing assembly includes a roller bearing adapted to receive and rotatably support a coupling shaft and a bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle frame. A support member is provided which supports the roller bearing within the bracket. The support member includes a bladder formed of an elastomeric material. The bladder contains a rheological fluid which exhibits a significant change in its ability to flow or shear upon the application of an appropriate energy field. Preferably, the bladder contains a magneto-rheological magnetic fluid. By varying the power supplied to an electromagnetic located adjacent the bladder, the vibration dampening characteristics of the support member may be varied depending upon the operating conditions of the vehicle.