Patent ID: 8727728
Filing Date: 2014-05-20
Classification: F03D,F05B,F16C,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A plain bearing assembly for a wind turbine configured to receive a shaft, comprising: a bearing housing including a passageway configured to receive the shaft therein; a bearing surface defining the passageway and configured as a generally continuous surface, the bearing surface including a stationary portion and a movable portion, wherein the movable portion is positioned within the stationary portion so as to be surrounded thereby; and a movable member coupled to the bearing housing and defining the movable portion of the bearing surface, the movable member movable between a first position and a second position, the movable portion of the bearing surface being flush with the stationary portion of the bearing surface such that the bearing surface presents a substantially smooth topology when in the first position, the movable portion of the bearing surface being spaced away from the stationary portion of the bearing surface so as to define a fluid cavity in the bearing surface when in the second position.