Patent ID: 7553085
Filing Date: 2009-06-30
Classification: F04B,F16C

Abstract:
1. A bearing comprising: an insert configured to be received between first and second elements of a machine in which the second element is adapted to rotate with respect to the first element; a first hydrostatic pad formed in a surface of the insert and positioned to exert a separating force between the first and second elements when pressurized; a second hydrostatic pad formed in the surface of the insert and positioned to exert a separating force between the first and second elements when pressurized, a total effective area of all of the hydrostatic pads of the bearing being selectively variable during rotation of the second element with respect to the first element; and a bushing between the first and second elements configured to allow rotation of the second element with respect to the first element while the first and second pads are pressurized at less than a hydrostatic balance force.