Abstract: A method and system for shielding bearings from foreign materials such as soil, weeds, plant residue and moisture during the operation of farm equipment. A rotating bearing shield for a bearing includes a cover member having a first end shaped to match the external shape of a bearing housing, including a means for coupling said cover member with an inner race of said bearing and a means for accepting an axle there through. The rotating bearing shield can be pressed onto the inner race of the bearing assembly to form a shielded bearing assembly. Additionally, the shield can be sized to maintain an appropriate press-fit that does not compress the inner race beyond an acceptable inside diameter.

Abstract: A recentering device for a rotor shaft for recentering a rotor shaft relative to an axis X of a stator structure in the event of decoupling caused by excessive imbalance. The shaft, in normal operating conditions, lies on the axis X and is radially supported by a bearing support disposed in a bore of the axis X in the stator structure. The bearing support has an outside diameter smaller than the diameter of the bore, to enable the bearing support to orbit about the axis X in the event of decoupling. The bearing support is connected to the stator structure by radially fusible elements. The recentering device recenters the bearing support after decoupling.

Abstract: A rolling element bearing comprises an inner ring and an outer ring which are each provided with a raceway, and a series of rolling elements which are in contact with the raceways of each ring. A lubricant film is provided in the contacts between the rolling elements and the raceways, which film forms a lubricant meniscus at the inlet side of each contact. In the bearing starved lubrication conditions prevail. The surface of each rolling element has minute recesses filled with a lubricant quantity, said recesses being flattened in the contact area defined by the contact between the rolling elements and the rings and thereby releasing lubricant at the inlet side of each contact resulting in a displacement of the meniscus further away from said contact. This meniscus displacement results in an increased lubricant film thickness in each contact area, thus improving the lubricating conditions in the bearing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary shaft arrangement carrying equipment at one end and extending rearwards from the equipment, the shaft (1) being supported by a first bearing (2) behind the equipment, and by a second bearing (3) behind the first bearing (2), the first bearing (2) being carried by a casing (4) surrounding the shaft (1) and extending rearwards from the first bearing (2) to a stator structure (5) to which the casing (4) is fastened by screws (6) that extend parallel to the shaft (1) and that are fusible in traction, the arrangement being characterized by the fact that the second bearing (3) is disposed with radial clearance (J) in a bore (7) of an annular support (8) secured to the stator structure (5), and is fastened to said annular support (8) by screws (9) that are parallel to the shaft (1) and that are fusible in shear, whereby the second bearing (3) can bear against said support (8) in the event of said screws (9) rupturing.

Abstract: The emergency bearing for a rotary machine having magnetic bearings comprises an emergency landing device including an intermediate element (9) having a large contact area with a stator element (10), the intermediate element (9) being interposed between a bearing member (1, 2, 3) and the stator element (10) fixed to the stator (15) with radial clearance (11, 13) relative to said stator element (10). A damper element (13) acting in the radial direction is interposed between the intermediate element (9) and the stator element (10), and a contact element (14) having very low friction is implemented between the intermediate element (9) and the stator element (10) to reduce friction during rotary movements between these two elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas turbocharger (1) having a housing and having a shaft (2) which is arranged so as to be capable of rotating about its longitudinal axis in the housing and on which a turbine wheel (4) and a compressor wheel (3) are seated and which is guided in radial bearings (5, 6) which are embodied as magnetic bearings and in at least one axial bearing (9), the bearings (5, 6, 9) each having a bearing plate (12, 14, 16) which is seated on the shaft (2) and at least one stator (19, 20, 21, 22, 49, 50) which lies axially opposite said axial bearing (9) on at least one side, forming a gap. In order to cool the bearings, it is proposed according to the invention that at least one flow duct (62, 65), via which at least one bearing gap can have an air stream applied to it, is formed in the housing.

Abstract: A bearing vibration measuring apparatus is an apparatus of measuring vibration of a bearing. The bearing vibration measuring apparatus detects a vibration component generated from the bearing in a state of pressing one of an inner ring and an outer ring of the bearing in an axial direction while relatively rotating other of the inner ring and the outer ring to detect a defect of the bearing based on the vibration component. The bearing vibration measuring apparatus includes a driving mechanism elongated and contracted for inclining the inner ring or the outer ring.

Abstract: A rotary bearing assembly having a preset breaking point, particularly for a rotor of a turbo engine, includes a rotary bearing arranged between a nonrotating bearing carrier housing and a bearing carrier rotating about a rotational axis, the rotary bearing being fixed radially and axially at its outer bearing ring via a first tangential plane and a second tangential plane in the nonrotating bearing carrier housing. At predetermined stress, a breaking arrangement for the formation of a preset breaking point is provided, which is arranged in the first tangential plane and the second tangential plane, concentric with the rotational axis, between the outer bearing ring and the nonrotating bearing carrier housing.

Abstract: A shaft is disposed along an axis of rotation and a bearing failure indicator, in the form of a disk having protrusions or teeth spaced about its periphery, is provided on the shaft adjacent a bearing supporting a tubular roll for rotation relative to the shaft. When the bearing has undergone a predetermined amount of wear, which happens prior to bearing failure, the teeth or protrusions of the disk come into engagement with a contact surface due to non-concentric rotation of the roll relative to the shaft. In one embodiment, the disk is thick and the teeth make an audible knocking sound which warns an operator of an impending bearing failure. In another embodiment, the disk is relatively thin and a squealing sound is generated when the protrusions engage the contact surface. In addition to the bearing failure indicator, a slip coupling may be used to prevent the transmission of torque to the drive shaft when interference between the disk and the contact surface occurs.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas turbocharger (1) having a housing and having a shaft (2) which is arranged so as to be capable of rotating about its longitudinal axis in the housing and on which a turbine wheel (4) and a compressor wheel (3) are seated and which is guided in radial bearings (5, 6) and in at least one axial bearing (9), the radial bearings (5, 6) being embodied as passive, permanent-magnetic bearings which each have a bearing plate (12, 16) which is seated on the shaft (2) as a rotor, and at least one stator (19, 20, 21, 22) which is disposed axially opposite to said rotor. In order to achieve a radial oscillation damping of the shaft (2) in a simple manner, it is proposed according to the invention that a resilient element (60, 61) is disposed between the stator (19, 20, 21, 22) and a part (37, 38) which is fixed to the housing.

Abstract: A bearing mount for a vehicle such as a snowmobile. The bearing mount has a body, the body having first and second recesses. The first recess has at least one electrical device disposed therein. The electrical devices may include a voltage regulator, a speedometer sensor, and a charging circuit. The bearing mount may be filled with potting so as to encapsulate the electrical devices. The first recess may be defined by a wall. The wall may include a plurality of outwardly projecting lobes. The second recess is formed to support a bearing therein. The bearing mount may include a fill aperture, fill passage, and reservoir for holding material such as lubricant to be delivered to the second recess. The bearing mount may be sufficiently sturdy and rigid as to be mounted directly to a vehicle.

Abstract: A high-speed spindle unit for milling and drilling machines. The spindle unit has a spindle housing on the front end portion of which a terminating ring detachably mounted and a rotationally driven tool spindle which is supported in at least a front roller bearing inside the spindle housing, a ring nut being attached to the front end portion of said spindle. Between the terminating ring and the ring nut a pre-dimensioned ring-shaped gap extending in the radial direction is formed, the gap width of the gap being decreasable to zero with increasing axial load acting on the spindle.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a bearing and lubricant combination for use as a supporting system for a rotating shaft in a smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system and having properties permitting it to fulfill the requirement to withstand an emergency temperature of 600° C. for at least 60 minutes, with a stand-still of 2 minutes after 15 minutes exposure to the emergency temperature, wherein the bearing is a martensitic stainless bearing (rings) with a steel cage; and which bearing is lubricated with an electric motor grease with a base oil viscosity in the region of 50-200 cSt at 40° C.

Abstract: An online bearing monitor that connects between the bearing lubrication port and a lubrication device. The monitor provides for two-way communication to detect the lubrication and maintenance needs of a machine bearing. The monitor processes and stores temperature and vibration signals to determine corrective measures. The corrective measures can be conveyed wire or wirelessly to remote stations.

Abstract: The emergency bearing for a rotary machine having magnetic bearings comprises an emergency landing device including an intermediate element (9) having a large contact area with a stator element (10), the intermediate element (9) being interposed between a bearing member (1, 2, 3) and the stator element (10) fixed to the stator (15) with radial clearance (11, 13) relative to said stator element (10). A damper element (13) acting in the radial direction is interposed between the intermediate element (9) and the stator element (10), and a contact element (14) having very low friction is implemented between the intermediate element (9) and the stator element (10) to reduce friction during rotary movements between these two elements.

Abstract: An improved hammermill assembly utilizing shear bolts and shear plates designed to break upon extreme loads exerted upon the hammermill assembly, thereby reducing the occurrence of damage to the hammermill assembly or attached equipment.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a gas turbine engine rotor includes a paired race, a bearing, a mounting joint, and a plurality of mechanical fuses. The paired race includes an outer race and an inner race. The bearing is between the inner and outer races, and is configured to support the rotor on a support frame. The mounting joint includes a joint inner race and a joint outer race. At least one of the joint inner race and the joint outer race includes a spherical surface. The mounting joint is configured to reduce dynamic loads to the gas turbine engine structure and static bending to the rotor. The plurality of mechanical fuses extend through at least one of the joint inner race and the joint outer race.

Abstract: A molded polymeric bearing housing is formed of a moldable polymer base material in combination with a glass fiber reinforcing component. A foaming agent is added to the base material to create a fine structural foam within interior regions of the housing. A density gradient is established between regions adjacent to the surfaces of the housing and the internal regions, thereby reducing the need for reinforcing ribs particularly in a base or mounting portion of the housing. An antimicrobial agent may be added to the housing material to inhibit the growth and proliferation of fungi, molds, bacteria, and so forth. Structural features of the housing may be formed subsequent to the molding process, such as by turning operations. Metal inserts may be provided to avoid crushing of regions of the housing, such as by attachment fasteners. The housing forms a mounting base surface in a single plane coextensive with the footprint of the housing.

Abstract: A bearing is presented having a multiplicity of rotating sleeves. A bushing is connected to one of the multiplicity of rotating sleeves. At least one bearing set is connected to the multiplicity of rotating sleeves. Also, a bearing is presented having a multiplicity of rotating sleeves. At least two bearing sets are connected to the multiplicity of rotating sleeves. Another bearing is presented having a multiplicity of rotating sleeves. At least two bearing sets are connected to the multiplicity of rotating sleeves. A bushing is connected with one of the rotating sleeves.

Abstract: A bearing wear guard includes a slotted body portion cast from a wear-resistant metal. The slots receive two bearing mounting bolts which secure the guard in a protecting position in the path of rocks and abrasive debris traveling towards the bearing and bearing support. An upper edge portion conforms generally to the shape of the lower portion of the bearing. The casting includes a grease zerk-protecting area extending upwardly and outwardly from the upper edge portion to protect the zerk from rocks and abrasive material. Leading and trailing trash shedding surfaces on the body portion prevent trash from catching and building up on the guard. The body portion has an L-shaped cross section also providing protection for the bearing mounting bracket.

Abstract: A linear blind broaching machine (10) includes a base (22), a broaching ram assembly (24), a linear tool slide (26) supported on the base by linear antifriction bearings (90) and a support block (92) mounted between the base and the linear tool slide below a broaching ram of the broaching ram assembly to provide support to the linear tool slide during blind broaching. The linear tool slide has an elongated construction including an elongated positioning block (114) against which blind broaches are laterally positioned, and an electric servomotor (108) drives the linear tool slide (26) to provide indexing thereof between broaching movements of the broaching ram. A roller screw drive (54) driven by an electric servomotor (56) drives a broaching ram (44) supported by linear antifriction bearings 46.

Abstract: A rotary pump for liquid comprising a housing, a shaft carrying a motor rotor, a motor stator fixed in the housing and surrounding the rotary to rotate the rotor and shaft about an axis, where the shaft is mounted in the housing by axially spaced conical bearings each of which includes a first element fixed on the shaft with a first conical bearing surface concentric with the axis and a second journal element carried by the housing with a second conical bearing surface concentric with the axis and slidably engaging the first bearing surface. A biasing element forces the second elements or journal toward each other in an axial direction to compensate for wear between the friction surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to an accessory for maintaining bearings, more particularly but not exclusively, to an accessory for use in the cleaning of bearings. The bearings maintenance accessory is used for the maintenance and cleaning of a bearing located on a shaft within a bearing house. The accessory consists of an annular manifold split into at least two parts. Each of the two parts has interlocking formations for releasably interlocking the parts together about a shaft. The manifold has an inlet in flow communication with an outlet through a flow passage for forcing a fluid through the manifold. A side of the manifold having the outlet is engageable against a face of a bearing house.

Abstract: A molded polymeric bearing housing is formed of a moldable polymer base material in combination with a glass fiber reinforcing component. A foaming agent is added to the base material to create a fine structural foam within interior regions of the housing. A density gradient is established between regions adjacent to the surfaces of the housing and the internal regions, thereby reducing the need for reinforcing ribs particularly in a base or mounting portion of the housing. An antimicrobial agent may be added to the housing material to inhibit the growth and proliferation of fungi, molds, bacteria, and so forth. Structural features of the housing may be formed subsequent to the molding process, such as by turning operations. Metal inserts may be provided to avoid crushing of regions of the housing, such as by attachment fasteners. The housing forms a mounting base surface in a single plane coextensive with the footprint of the housing.

Abstract: A rolling bearing unit for supporting a wheel, comprising a stationary race which has a stationary peripheral surface formed with a stationary raceway, being not rotatable during use, and supported by a suspension, a rotatable race which has a rotatable peripheral surface formed with a rotatable raceway, being rotatable with the wheel fixed thereto, rolling elements which are rotatably provided between the stationary raceway and rotatable raceway, a vibration sensor which is supported by the stationary race, a sensor rotor which is upported by the rotatable race and has circumferential characteristics changing alternately and a rotation speed sensor which is supported by the stationary race and has a detection portion facing the sensor rotor.

Abstract: A rotary pump for liquid having a housing, a shaft carrying a motor rotor, a motor stator fixed in the housing and surrounding the rotor to rotate the rotor and shaft about an axis. The shaft is mounted in the pump housing by axially spaced conical bearings, each bearing including a first element fixed on the shaft with a first conical bearing surface concentric with the axis, a coacting second element carried by the housing with a second conical bearing surface concentric with the axis and slidably engaging the first bearing surface and a spring forcing the elements together. This pump includes a wear indicator comprising: a first drive member on the shaft, an imbalance member carried with the second element of a bearing with a second drive member aligned with the first member and movable axially toward the first drive member as the bearing surfaces wear so the first and second drive members engage when the imbalance member moves axially a given distance.

Abstract: A rotary bearing assembly having a preset breaking point, particularly for a rotor of a turbo engine, includes a rotary bearing arranged between a nonrotating bearing carrier housing and a bearing carrier rotating about a rotational axis, the rotary bearing being fixed radially and axially at its outer bearing ring via a first tangential plane and a second tangential plane in the nonrotating bearing carrier housing. At predetermined stress, a breaking arrangement for the formation of a preset breaking point is provided, which is arranged in the first tangential plane and the second tangential plane, concentric with the rotational axis, between the outer bearing ring and the nonrotating bearing carrier housing.

Abstract: An anti-wrap guard system for shielding an exposed bearing assembly of an agricultural apparatus from any material borne by a rotatable shaft that in the course of operating the apparatus may naturally come in contact with the exposed bearing including a guard being disposable between a working section of the rotatable shaft and the bearing assembly supporting the shaft, the guard substantially blocking the material from the bearing. A windrow merger and a method of guarding are further included.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus for a motor vehicle comprising a sleeve secured to a vehicle body side and a pivot shaft which is supported rotatably in the sleeve. The proximal portion of the pivot shaft relative to the interior side of the vehicle is connected to a drive source. The tip portion of the pivot shaft holds a wiper arm on the exterior side of the vehicle. For the pivot shaft to depress toward the vehicle's interior side with respect to the sleeve, a load exceeding a predetermined value works axially on the pivot shaft from the vehicle's exterior side. A depression preventing member is interposed between the pivot shaft and the sleeve and is deformed when receiving the load that depresses the pivot shaft. A deformation space is secured between the pivot shaft and the sleeve enabling the depression preventing member to deform smoothly in response to the load.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a bearing assembly that reduces dynamic loads to a support frame and static bending to the rotor assembly during periods of rotor unbalance. The rotor assembly includes a rotor shaft coupled to a fan and supported longitudinally with a plurality of bearing assemblies on a support frame. A number two bearing assembly includes a paired race, a rolling element, and a mounting race. The mounting race includes a spherical face and is secured to the bearing assembly with a retainer that plastically fails at a pre-determined moment load.

Abstract: A rolling bearing unit for supporting a wheel, comprising a stationary race which has a stationary peripheral surface formed with a stationary raceway, being not rotatable during use, and supported by a suspension, a rotatable race which has a rotatable peripheral surface formed with a rotatable raceway, being rotatable with the wheel fixed thereto, rolling elements which are rotatably provided between the stationary raceway and rotatable raceway, a vibration sensor which is supported by the stationary race, a sensor rotor swhich is upported by the rotatable race and has circumferential characteristics changing alternately and a rotation speed sensor which is supported by the stationary race and has a detection portion facing the sensor rotor.

Abstract: A self cleaning bearing assembly for use in a dehydrator washer for particulate solids which comprises a feed reservoir for water and particulate solids and an inclined main screw conveyor having a projecting shaft lower end portion submerged in the reservoir. The bearing assembly comprises a housing having an end cap at one end and an opening at the opposite end in communication with the interior of the feed reservoir. The housing has its longitudinal center line coincident with the main screw conveyor and a stub shaft mounted on the end cap of the bearing assembly also has its axis coincident with that of the main crew conveyor and its shaft. The projecting lower end portion of the main conveyor shaft and the stub shaft are disposed with the stub shaft in radially spaced relationship within the main shaft and a sleeve bearing is disposed in the radial space between the stub shaft and the main shaft.

Abstract: A bearing support includes a hollow cone diverging between a forward bearing seat and an aft mounting flange. The cone includes an integral annular fuse sized in thickness to fail in shear under abnormal imbalance load transfer between a gas turbine engine fan supported by a bearing in the forward seat and a fan frame mounted to the aft flange.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus for use in a motor vehicle with a pivot extending from an interior side of a vehicle body toward the external and penetrating a pivot holder that is fixed integrally onto the vehicle body. The pivot is rotatable with respect to the pivot holder and further holds a wiper arm at its penetrating tip portion. An outer circumferential surface of the pivot has an engaging groove that is fitted with an elastic retainer ring to retain the pivot on the pivot holder. An upper side surface of the engaging groove is an inclined surface so that the retaining ring can get out of the engaging groove with the aid of the inclined groove side surface when the pivot is pressed downwardly. Thus, the pivot can be easily removed from the pivot holder for replacement or the like, and if a large shock load acts on the pivot, it is possible to prevent the shock load from reaching the entire wiper apparatus or the vehicle body.

Abstract: A seize resistant cageless ball bearing (20) includes an inner race (22), an outer race (24) which define a radial space (26) therebetween. A plurality of balls (28) are circumferentially disposed in radial space (26). The number of balls (28) is selected so that cageless ball bearing (20) has at least one ball less than a full complement of balls (28). By removing at least one ball (28) a large maximum circumferential gap (34) is formed. In a preferred embodiment, maximum circumferential gap (34) subtends and angle A of between about 50° and 60°.

Abstract: A bearing system has a bearing axis initially coincident with a shaft axis and an outer member axis. An inner bearing element is associated with and coupled to the shaft. An outer bearing element is associated with and coupled to the outer member. A first of the inner and outer bearing elements is coupled to its associated member via a coupling having a trunnion stiffness which, upon experiencing a trunnion moment above a threshold moment, releases from an initial stiffness to a reduced stiffness, less than the initial stiffness, entering a released condition and allowing the shaft axis to locally rotate out of parallel with the outer member axis.

Abstract: High in-flight vibrations in turbofan gas turbine engines are prevented at windmilling speeds after a blade-out induced structural decoupling of the fan assembly by providing a fan assembly support system with a damper assembly that dissipates vibration energy and retunes the natural frequency of the fan assembly to be above windmilling speeds. The support system includes primary and secondary bearing supports separately secured to the fan frame and a bearing disposed between the primary bearing support and the fan assembly. The damper assembly includes a journal formed on the primary bearing support and a bumper ring attached to the secondary bearing support in surrounding relationship with the journal.

Abstract: A windshield wiper device for a vehicle, for wiping the windshield of the vehicle, comprises at least one windshield wiping unit. The windshield wiping unit comprises a pivot holder attached to the body of the vehicle and having a cylindrical bearing part, a pivot shaft extended through and supported for turning in the bearing part on the pivot holder, a wiper arm having a base end part fixed to an outer end part of the pivot shaft, and a wiper blade assembly having a wiper blade and connected to the free end of the wiper arm. The pivot shaft is restrained from axial movement into the bearing part of the pivot holder by a retaining ring put there on and seated on an outer end surface of the bearing part of the pivot holder. The retaining is fractured or deformed to permit the pivot shaft to move axially into the bearing part when an axial force exceeding a predetermined level is exerted on the pivot shaft.

Abstract: A method of measuring load applied to a pin bearing and a pin bearing arrangement for use on an aircraft landing gear are provided. Relieving one or more of two adjacent bushes (4, 5, 6) bearing on a pin (1) of the pin bearing to create a zone of constant shear stress enables measurement of load and avoids cutting the pin.

Abstract: The present invention provides bearing assemblies and methods of manufacturing bearing assemblies which allow for reliable, non-intrusive wear detection. In one embodiment, a bearing assembly (10) includes first and second bearing members (12, 14) adapted for movement relative to each other. The first bearing member includes an outer layer (24) that is adapted to wear in response to the relative movement between bearing members, and an inner layer. The inner layer includes a base portion (28) having a first hardness and a plurality of spaced apart wear indicating regions (30) having a second hardness, whereby the first hardness and second hardness are different. The wear indicating regions are adapted to produce a vibration after sufficient wear of the outer layer.

Abstract: A novel temperature probe provides a visual indicator to an operator of when an assembly, such as a vehicle axle, filled with a semi-fluid synthetic grease for lubricating the bearings therein has reached an unsafe temperature during operation. In one embodiment, the temperature probe is provided in a specially drilled bore through one of the components. In another embodiment, the temperature probe is provided in a bore drilled into a fastener member which is normally used in the assembly. The temperature probe includes an indicator pin which is mounted in a housing. When the components reach an unsafe temperature during operation, the indicator pin pops outwardly from the housing to alert a user that an unsafe temperature has been reached.

Abstract: A bearing housing carries a bearing in which an end of a rotary shaft is to be mounted. A safety end cap is mounted to the housing to cover the shaft end. The end cap includes a cupshaped plastic body which has a circular front rim, and a pair of metal brackets slidably mounted in slits formed in the body behind the rim. Outer ends of the brackets are bent to engage side surfaces of the housing, and the end cap is permanently secured to the housing by rivets which extend through the brackets.

Abstract: A ball holder for a retainerless saddle having an elongated shaft and a plurality of contact surfaces therearound to hold steel balls in cooperation with a bearing body only when the saddle is withdrawn from a rail. The shaft can be made of a hollow tube or a pair of cantilever projections so that the size of its cross-sectional area can be adjusted. Due to this adjustability the size of the raceways can also be adjusted to enable to reassemble the steel balls into the saddle at a working site.

Abstract: A molded polymeric bearing housing is formed of a moldable polymer base material in combination with a glass fiber reinforcing component. A foaming agent is added to the base material to create a fine structural foam within interior regions of the housing. A density gradient is established between regions adjacent to the surfaces of the housing and the internal regions, thereby reducing the need for reinforcing ribs particularly in a base or mounting portion of the housing. An antimicrobial agent may be added to the housing material to inhibit the growth and proliferation of fungi, molds, bacteria, and so forth. Structural features of the housing may be formed subsequent to the molding process, such as by turning operations. Metal inserts may be provided to avoid crushing of regions of the housing, such as by attachment fasteners. The housing forms a mounting base surface in a single plane coextensive with the footprint of the housing.

Abstract: A scroll-type machine is disclosed which incorporates a lubricant impregnated drive bushing. The lubricant utilized for the impregnation process will preferably be of a type which is insoluble in the fluid being handled by the scroll-type machine, will remain trapped in the pores of the drive bushing under normal operating temperatures as well as any temperatures encountered during manufacturing processes to which the assembled compressor may be subjected yet will wick out of the bushing when its temperature increases such as may occur when insufficient lubricant is being supplied thereto by the normal lubrication system.

Abstract: A replaceable bearing cartridge assembly for use in a flywheel energy system and methods and apparatus for installing and removing the assembly are provided. The assembly includes a hollow bearing cartridge, an annular bearing, and an annular bearing retaining ring. The cartridge has an outer surface which is mounted at a port of a flywheel housing end plate. The annular bearing is mounted in the cartridge and held in place by the annular bearing retaining ring. The retaining ring acts as a backup bushing if the primary bearing fails.

Abstract: A ducted fan gas turbine engine is provided with a fan which is carried by a shaft. A frangible fuse ring maintains the shaft carrying the fan coaxial with the engine longitudinal axis. In the event of severe fan damage, the fuse ring (28) fractures and the fan shaft orbits about the engine longitudinal axis. A pair of threaded members (39, 41), one of which is of generally frusto-conical configuration, cooperate as a result of the orbiting motion to restore the coaxial relationship between the fan shaft and the engine longitudinal axis.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a bearing system for a rotating element, and more particularly directed toward an bearing system which provides an auxiliary bearing system if the primary bearing fails. Transfer of load from the failing primary bearing to one or more auxiliary bearings is initiated by conditions generated by the failing primary bearing such as abnormal heat generation or abnormal torque impulses. Alternately, the invention can be used to prevent primary bearing failure by transferring load to the secondary bearing system if the primary bearing is overloaded. The transfer of load is completely automatic requiring no human intervention. A signal or warning is, however, emitted by the bearing system to notify that loading has been transferred to one or more auxiliary bearings. The invention is directed toward an auxiliary bearing system for tapered roller bearings used in rail cars.

Abstract: The axial bearing includes a first ring and a second ring. During operation of the axial bearing, the first ring rotates with respect to the second ring. Over time the foregoing rotation produces wear of the first ring; consequently, exposes layers of the first ring to the second ring. The different layers of the first ring produce variations in the coefficient of friction within the axial bearing. If the axial bearing is associated with a drive motor, then the variations in the coefficient of friction change the load on the drive motor. The change in load upon the drive motor may be monitored to indicate axial bearing wear or the need for axial bearing replacement.

Abstract: A support arrangement for a rotor shaft (10) includes a bearing (28) radially interposed between the shaft and a support frame (26). The bearing has a durable support (100) and a destructible support (104). The destructible support is nested within a circumferentially extending channel (78) having three-dimensionally curved surfaces (82, 84). An adjacent oil seal (44) has similar three-dimensionally curved surfaces (52, 54) In the event that the rotor becomes unbalanced during operation, the destructible support disengages from its housing (76) and glides radially within the channel to restrain the rotor longitudinally while precluding the transmission of imbalance forces from the rotor to the frame. The curved character of the seal surfaces preserves the integrity of the seal so that loss of oil will not prevent continued, low speed operation of the rotor. An optional, temporarily operable damper (148) attenuates especially severe vibrations immediately following the onset of the imbalance.