Michael K Brophy

US Patent:

20080310779, Dec 18, 2008

Filed:

Jun 17, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/140432

Inventors:

Giridhari L. Agrawal - Simsbury CT, US
Thomas A. Accomazzo - Wethersfield CT, US
Michael Brophy - Smithfield RI, US

International Classification:

F16C 32/06

US Classification:

384106

Abstract:

A hydrodynamic fluid film bearing assembly has a stationary retaining member defining a central opening and having an inner surface lined by a foil assembly comprised of a plurality of foil subassemblies. Each foil subassembly comprises a first compliant foil, a second compliant foil, and a spring foil, and subtending a rotational segment, less than all, of the inner surface of the retaining member. The complaint foils and the spring foil of each foil subassembly are held within the retaining member in such a way that sliding travel of one compliant foil along the inner surface of the opening is in the opposite rotational direction of sliding travel of the other compliant foil and the spring foil. The foil subassemblies may be restrained from undesired movement during operation by a retention tab extending from the foil subassembly which engages a channel and recess feature formed in the retaining member.