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US 12,663,040 B2Granted
Spherical fluid-film bearing
AssigneeKingsbury, Inc.
InventorsFrederick C. Wiesinger, Jr., Robert J. Morton, Matthew M. Marchione
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A spherical fluid-film bearing for supporting a rotating shaft includes a first bearing element and a second bearing element positioned along the rotating shaft in opposite orientations. Each bearing element also includes a rotor having bearing surface formed as a spherical segment. Additional stabilizing features may be included in the spherical fluid-film bearing, including mechanical springs, hydraulic pistons and a high pressure lubrication system.
Claims18
A spherical fluid-film bearing for supporting a rotating shaft having an axis, comprising:
- a first bearing element comprising:
- a first rotor coupled to the rotating shaft and having a first bearing surface formed as a spherical segment running true to rotation around the shaft axis;
- a plurality of first shoe segments having a first shoe surface complementary to the first bearing surface;
- a first base ring retaining the plurality of first shoe segments around the first rotor, reacting against a thrust reaction plate;
- and
- a first oil film between the first rotor and the plurality of first shoe segments;
- and
- a second bearing element comprising:
- a second rotor coupled to the rotating shaft and having a second bearing surface formed as a spherical segment also running true to rotation around the shaft axis;
- a plurality of second shoe segments having a second shoe surface complementary to the second bearing surface;
- a second base ring retaining the plurality of second shoe segments around the second rotor, reacting against the thrust reaction plate;
- and
- a second oil film between the second rotor and the plurality of second shoe segments;
- wherein the first bearing element and the second bearing element are facing in opposite directions along the rotating shaft.
11 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.