Patent ID: 6161768
Filing Date: 2000-12-19
Classification: F02C,F05D,F24H,Y02E

Abstract:
A gas turbine engine for use in a turbo heater comprising:an engine housing;a compressor and a turbine disposed on a shaft assembly;a combustor in fluid communication with said compressor and said turbine; anda bearing assembly rotatably supporting said shaft assembly within an engine housing, the bearing assembly including:an inner race formed on the shaft assembly;an outer race supported within a bearing holder;a plurality of bearings interdisposed between said inner race and said outer race for rotatably supporting said shaft assembly about a center of rotation; anda bearing cage interdisposed between said inner race and said outer race for retaining said plurality of bearings, said bearing cage having a plurality of radial holes formed therethrough to provide fluid communication between said inner race and said outer race such that a bearing lubricant issuing from said plurality of radial holes generates a force which centers said bearing cage about said center of rotation.