Patent ID: 6460635
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: E21B,F16C

Abstract:
A load responsive hydrodynamic bearing for supporting and guiding a relatively rotatable member, comprising:(a) a continuous ring shaped body of generally circular form; (b) at least one dynamic surface being defined by said body; (c) a plurality of support regions being defined by said body, each of said support regions defining a static surface being oriented in generally opposed relation with said at least one dynamic surface; (d) a plurality of flexing regions being defined by said body between adjacent support regions, each of said flexing regions having a first beam having a first hinge connection with one of said plurality of support regions a second beam having a second hinge connection with an adjacent one of said plurality of support regions; and (e) at least one local weakening geometry being defined by said body intermediate at least one of said flexing regions and defining a flexing knee region interconnecting said first and second beams.