Mechanism for proportionately loading dual thrust bearing assemblies

Abstract

A mechanism for distributing axial thrust loads acting on a rotating shaft, ncluding dual thrust bearing assemblies concentrically mounted on the rotating shaft for transmitting axial thrust loads to the thrust load distributing mechanism. The thrust load distributing mechanism includes a stationary support member having at least one fulcrum to provide a reaction force to counterbalance the axial thrust loads acting on the rotating shaft, an annular load lever cooperating with each of the at least one fulcrum, at least two thrust transfer members cooperating with first and second segments on the annular load lever and the dual thrust bearing assemblies, and a force transmitting means. In the preferred embodiment two annular load levers are centered on first and second fulcrums, respectively, and each thrust bearing assembly transmits one half the axial thrust loads alternately through, respectively, a first thrust member, or second and third thrust members and the force transmitting means, to first and second segments of the apposite annular load lever such that the axial thrust loads are transmitted to the apposite annular load lever equidistantly with respect to the apposite fulcrum and the reaction force produced in the fulcrum counterbalances the axial thrust load acting on the rotating shaft.