Patent ID: 8678658

Claim:
A tilting pad bearing comprising: a. a piston carrier ring with a plurality of voids distributed circumferentially around said piston carrier ring, wherein a channel is formed in a surface of said piston carrier ring opposite said plurality of voids; b. a carrier end plate positioned in said channel and cooperating with said piston carrier ring, wherein a recess is formed in a top surface of said carrier end plate; c. a plurality of pistons distributed circumferentially around said piston carrier ring, wherein one of each said pistons is positioned in one of each said voids, and wherein a bottom face of each said piston is positioned toward said recess; d. a plurality of membranes distributed circumferentially around said piston carrier ring, wherein one of each said membranes is positioned adjacent to a corresponding said piston and void, and wherein each said membrane is configured to flexibility secure said corresponding piston in said corresponding void; e. a plurality of bearing pads distributed circumferentially around said piston carrier ring, wherein one of each said bearing pads is positioned adjacent a top face of a corresponding piston.