Method and apparatus for applying lubricant to a hydrodynamic bearing

An apparatus for applying a fluid lubricant to a plurality of hydrodynamic bearings, each having clearance spaces separating bearing parts therein and having at least one pathway extending between an external surface of each bearing and the clearance spaces, said apparatus comprising:

• a tank exhibiting a pressure level adjustable between an ambient pressure level, an evacuated pressure level, and an elevated pressure level;
• a pool of the fluid lubricant supported in the tank, the pool of fluid lubricant having a volume sufficient to apply the fluid lubricant to the plurality of hydrodynamic bearings;
• and
• a conveyer for concurrently conveying the bearings into the tank, through the pool of the fluid lubricant, beyond the pool, and out of the tank.

A method of introducing a fluid lubricant to a plurality of hydrodynamic bearings, each having clearance spaces separating bearing parts therein and having at least one pathway extending between an external surface of each bearing and the clearance spaces, the method comprising the steps of:

• placing the bearings on a conveyor for conveying the bearings into a tank containing a pool of the fluid lubricant;
• evacuating an air pressure inside the tank from an ambient pressure level to an evacuated pressure level;
• conveying the bearings into the pool of fluid lubricant to introduce the fluid lubricant into the clearance spaces;
• increasing the pressure level inside the tank to an elevated pressure level to further introduce the fluid lubricant into the clearance spaces of the bearings;
• returning the pressure level inside the tank to the ambient pressure level;
• and
• conveying the bearings out of the pool of fluid lubricant and out of the tank.