Lightened Rotating Member and Method of Producing Same

Abstract

A lightened rotating member for a machine. The lightened member includes a plurality of radially machined penetrations within at least one main bearing support journal of the rotating member. The plurality of penetrations is formed around the circumference of the main bearing journal face, with the penetration centerline directed radially toward the rotating member's axial centerline. An even number of penetrations may be utilized with minimal adverse effect on the balance of the rotating member. Odd numbers of penetrations may require subsequent rebalancing. The rotating member may be any rotating member that utilizes one or more main bearing support journals.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.