Patent ID: 7987599
Filing Date: 2011-08-02
Classification: F01D,F05D,F16C,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of limiting movement of an outer race of a bearing cartridge comprising: positioning the bearing cartridge in a substantially cylindrical bore of a housing having a longitudinal axis, an inner diameter exceeding an outer diameter of the outer race, a proximate end and a distal end; limiting axial movement of the outer race at the distal end of the cylindrical bore with a counterbore of the housing, the counterbore substantially coaxial to the cylindrical bore and having an inner diameter less than the outer diameter of the outer race; limiting axial movement of the outer race at the proximate end of the cylindrical bore with a plate positioned substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis; limiting azimuthal rotation of the outer race with a pin positioned in a pin opening of the housing accessible via a lubricant drain and received via an opening in the outer race having an axial dimension that, in combination with the plate and the counterbore, provides axial clearance between the outer race and the pin; providing an annular clearance between the outer race and the bore for forming a first lubricant film; providing another annular clearance between the outer race and the bore for forming a second lubricant film that comprises a thickness that differs from a thickness of the first lubricant film; providing a transition region between the annular clearances; and providing a lubricant passage extending from a well of the outer race for directing lubricant to bearings of the bearing cartridge.