Patent ID: 6086255
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: F16C

Abstract:
A hydrostatic bearing and fluid collection system comprising:a hydrostatic fluid supply reservoir;a support rail;a carriage configured to be slidably supported on the support rail, the carriage and rail defining a bearing gap therebetween, the carriage having an inlet port in communication with the supply reservoir and the bearing gap to facilitate flow of fluid from the supply reservoir to the bearing gap, the carriage including a housing and at least one collection member operatively associated with the housing, the collection member being located adjacent the bearing gap and being configured to collect fluid therein;a hydrostatic fluid collection conduit communicating with the bearing gap, the collection conduit being configured to convey hydrostatic fluid from adjacent the gap to a remote location; anda seal operatively associated with the at least one collection member, the seal being positioned to engage the support rail to direct fluid on the rail into a chamber defined by the collection member, wherein the seal includes first and second resilient lips, one of the lips being positioned to direct fluid on the rail into the chamber and the other of the lips being positioned to prevent entry of debris into the bearing.