Patent ID: 7806011
Filing Date: 2010-10-05
Classification: F02N,F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A engine starter comprising: a motor housing having an inlet for receiving a fluid and an outlet for exhausting the fluid; a fluid-driven motor within the motor housing, the motor including a rotating mass and a stator, the stator directing a flow of fluid over a portion of the rotating mass, thereby inducing rotation of the rotating mass about an axis and exerting an axial force on the rotating mass; a front ball bearing assembly supporting a front portion of the rotating mass about the axis and a rear ball bearing assembly supporting a rear portion of the rotating mass rotatably about the axis; a front biasing member pre-loaded to exert a first biasing load on the front ball bearing assembly relative to the motor housing in opposition of the axial load exerted on the rotating mass; and a rear biasing member pre-loaded to exert a second biasing load on the rear ball bearing assembly and the rotating mass relative to the motor housing in opposition of the axial force exerted on the rotating mass, the first biasing load being approximately one third of the axial force exerted on the rotor.