Fluid film bearings
First Claim
1. A hydrodynamic bearing having means for supporting a rotating part of the bearing in operation on a film of lubrication fluid, said means comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced bearing elements having respective bearing surfaces defining areas of support for the rotating part, at least some of the bearing elements being adjustable during operation to vary lubrication conditions in the fluid film, wherein the adjustable bearing elements are of sufficiently high stiffness that the position of the entire bearing surface of a bearing element is essentially independent of the pressure in said fluid film encountered during operation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A hydrodynamic fluid film bearing in which a plurality of circumferentially spaced bearing elements are provided, defining areas of support for the rotating part of the bearing. At least some of the bearing elements are adjustable during operation to vary lubrication conditions in the fluid film. The bearing elements are of sufficiently high stiffness that the position of the entire bearing surface of each element is essentially independent of the pressure in the fluid film encountered during operation.
The bearing allows complete control of the lubrication conditions and can be adjusted for optimum performance over a wide range of speed and load.
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Citations
17 Claims
- 1. A hydrodynamic bearing having means for supporting a rotating part of the bearing in operation on a film of lubrication fluid, said means comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced bearing elements having respective bearing surfaces defining areas of support for the rotating part, at least some of the bearing elements being adjustable during operation to vary lubrication conditions in the fluid film, wherein the adjustable bearing elements are of sufficiently high stiffness that the position of the entire bearing surface of a bearing element is essentially independent of the pressure in said fluid film encountered during operation.
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17. A rotating machine incorporating at least one hydrodynamic bearing, each said hydrodynamic bearing having means for supporting a rotating part of the bearing in operation on a film of lubrication fluid, said means comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced bearing elements having respective bearing surfaces defining areas of support for the rotating part, at least one of the bearing elements being adjustable during operation to vary lubrication conditions in the fluid film, wherein the adjustable bearing elements are of sufficiently high stiffness that the position of the entire bearing surface of a bearing element is essentially independent of the pressure in said fluid film encountered during operation.
Specification