Patent ID: 8439567

Claim:
A preload assembly for a thrust bearing comprising: a carrier plate having a central annular protrusion, wherein the annular protrusion has an inner diameter and an outer diameter; an inner disc spring having an inner diameter and an outer diameter; an outer disc spring having an inner diameter and an outer diameter; and a housing having an annular channel for housing the carrier plate, the inner disc spring, and the outer disc spring, wherein the annular channel has a housing floor, an inner diameter and an outer diameter; wherein the inner diameter of the inner disc spring contacts an annular support disposed at the inner diameter of the housing channel, and wherein the outer diameter of the inner disc spring contacts the inner diameter of the annular protrusion of the carrier plate; and wherein the inner diameter of the outer annular disc spring contacts the outer diameter of the protrusion of the carrier plate, and wherein the outer diameter of the outer disc spring contacts an annular support disposed at the outer diameter of the housing channel.