Patent ID: 6449120
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: F16C,G11B

Abstract:
A cartridge bearing assembly, comprising:a stationary shaft having an outer diameter; a bearing assembly having an inner race and an outer race, the inner race rigidly affixed to the outer diameter of the shaft; a rotatable cartridge bearing sleeve rigidly affixed to the outer race of the bearing assembly; and a retention disc comprising: an outer diameter rigidly affixed to the cartridge bearing sleeve; an inner diameter proximate to the outer diameter of the shaft; and a flange, disposed at the inner diameter of the retention disc, the flange extending in a direction substantially parallel with the stationary shaft and toward the bearing assembly; wherein the retention disc, the cartridge bearing sleeve, the bearing assembly and the stationary shaft form a retention chamber for receivingly retaining contaminants generated by the bearing assembly, and wherein the flange and a portion of the stationary shaft adjacent the flange form a labyrinth seal, the labyrinth seal minimizing the egress of contaminants from the retention chamber.