Adjustable bearing assembly

Abstract

A fluid film journal bearing having a cartridge supported within a suitable bore in a machine housing by support surfaces in contact therewith is also provided with nonsupport surfaces spaced from the internal wall of the bore to provide axial access to ball pivot screws threadably connected to the cartridge. The ball pivot screws carry pivoted bearing pads that bear the journal. The pivoted bearing pads are carried at the end of the ball pivot screws within a central bearing cavity through the cartridge. The heads of the screws are located between the nonsupport surfaces and the internal wall of the bore so that they may be engaged by a wrench or other suitable tool to adjust the position of the associated pivoted bearing pad without removing the bearing assembly from the bore. The cartridge body is provided with slots extending through the screw holes which define two spaced flexible walls. A pair of tightening screws located on opposite sides of each ball pivot screw extend transversely through one of the walls and into threadable engagement with the other wall. After positional adjustment of the ball pivot screws, the tightening cap screws are tightened to squeeze the two walls together and thereby remove thread clearance between the ball pivot screws and their mating threaded holes. Means associated with the cartridge are provided for the circulation of cooled lubricating fluid within the bearing cavity.