The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 09, 1999
Filed:
Feb. 27, 1998
Eli Oklejas, Jr, Monroe, MI (US);
Other;
Abstract
An improved thrust bearing has a shaft with a runner coupled to the end of the shaft. The runner has a first sealing face that extends radially from the shaft. A bearing has a fluid passage for supplying fluid to a fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir may be in the runner or in the bearing. The bearing has a second sealing face opposite the first sealing face of the runner. The first sealing face has a recess that is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. Fluid from the fluid reservoir flows into the recess during rotation of the runner. As the shaft and the runner rotates, fluid from the recess deposits between the first sealing face and the second sealing face to lubricate the surface. The recess preferably has a pocket portion and a wedge portion. The wedge portion is in fluid communication with the pocket portion. As the shaft rotates in a predetermined direction, the pocket portion is on the leading edge of rotation of the recess. The pocket is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. The wedge reduces in thickness from the pocket to the trailing edge of the recess. The pocket and wedge each contribute to increased resistance of the shaft to axial thrust.