Patent ID: 6098263
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for blocking the large scale, rotatable, cylindrical shaft housed in a large machine, the shaft having an axis of rotation, a drive end and a non-drive end disposed opposite the drive end, the non-drive end of the shaft being carried by a ball bearing and a roller bearing, the method comprising:securing to the non-drive end of the shaft, a shaft cap having a curved outer circumferential surface configured concentrically relative to the axis of rotation of the shaft;securing a plurality of spring members so as to apply a predetermined force in a direction that is substantially radially inward against said outer circumferential surface of said shaft cap wherein the roller bearing is subjected to a predetermined radial load; andwherein said step of securing said spring members includes:securing to the housing at the non-drive end of the shaft, a curved collar member having an inner surface configured to be concentric with and surround at least a portion of said outer circumferential surface of said shaft cap, said collar member being provided with a plurality of radial openings, each said radial opening extending radially through said inner surface of said collar member;configuring each said radial opening with a counterbore shoulder;inserting a spring member in each said radial opening;inserting a disk member in each said radial opening on top of said spring member; andthreading a bolt into each said radial opening and torquing said bolt until said disk member is stopped against said shoulder.