Patent ID: 6135640
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: F16C

Abstract:
A foil bearing which can be engaged and disengaged, for supporting a rotatable shaft, comprising:a cylindrical shaft being rotatably disposed within a housing;a foil bearing encircling the shaft and situated in between the shaft and the housing;said foil bearing being fixedly attached to the housing, wherebythe shaft rotates relative to said foil bearing;said foil bearing being for applying a radial force against the shaft in the absence of restraint;a ring having an adjustable circumference encircling the shaft and situated in between the shaft and said foil bearing;said ring having a disengagement circumference which restrains said foil bearing from applying the radial force against the shaft, and an engagement circumference less than said disengagement circumference which allows said foil bearing to apply the radial force against the shaft; andengagement means for adjusting the ring circumference, wherebysaid foil bearing is restrained from applying the radial force against the shaft while said engagement means is actuated, and is allowed to contact the shaft and apply the radial force when said engagement means is deactuated.