Patent ID: 7327060
Filing Date: 2008-02-05
Classification: F16C

Abstract:
1. A radial bearing assembly comprising: a radially inner component having an axis, wherein the radially inner component is a stationary component and is adapted to receive a supplemental load; a radially outer component disposed for relative rotation about the radially inner component around the axis, wherein: a set of mechanical bearings coupled to the radially inner component and the radially outer component for allowing relative rotation between the radially inner component and the radially outer component and for axially aligning the radially inner component and the radially outer component, wherein the radially inner component and the radially outer component are configured to exert against the set of mechanical bearings a first load in a first direction opposing gravity exerted across the at least one annular gap and against the supplemental load received by the radially inner component; and means, attached to the radially inner component, for accepting a supplemental component providing the supplemental load on the radially inner component in a second direction opposite the first direction to oppose the first load.