Abstract Bearings for the support of reciprocating members for operation under adverse conditions are disclosed having fluorocarbonplastic interfaces that are capable of withstanding high fluid pressures and temperatures. The bearings are self-healing in the event of a scratch or scoring at the interface. In one embodiment sleeve bearings for hydraulic rams are disclosed wherein the moving part has a thin coat of a fluorocarbon of high tensile strength and abrasion resistance and the other part comprises a plastic body or seal formed of a different plastic such as Buna N, or polyurethane and the like or comprises a plastic body or seal such as fiber glass impregnated with a fluorocarbon, graphite on canvas, Nylon, Delrin and the like. The thin coating of fluorocarbon is applied by spraying at a temperature of about 600* F and must be without subsequent sintering.
A hydraulically operated power member in accordance with claim 1 in which said coatings comprises a homopolymer of tetrafluoroethylene having a tensile strength of 770* F of at least about 3,000 psi and a hardness of about 9-13 Knoop hardness units and said support member and sleeve comprise a plastic material selected from the group consisting of epoxy resins, acetal homopolymers, polyurethane, polyamide, polystyrene, phenolics, phenolformaldehyde resins and polycarbonates.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
22 words
A hydraulically operated power member in accordance with claim 2 in which said support member comprises a seal of an acetal homopolymer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A hydraulically operated power member in accordance with claim 2 in which: said support member comprises a polyamide seal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
159 words
In a hydraulically operated power member which includes a housing, a piston adapted to reciprocate within said housing in bearing relationship, a piston rod affixed to said piston and extending axially from said housing at an end wall thereof and a support member within the end wall of said housing encompassing said piston rod in pressure sealed bearing relationship; the combination of at least one coextensive bearing interface between said reciprocating parts comprising a first bearing surface of a plastic material characterized by its hardness and heat resistivity selected from the group consisting of epoxy resins, acetal homopolymers, polyurethane, polyamide, polystyrene, phenolics, phenolformaldehyde resins and polycarbonates, and a second bearing surface, coating on said piston rod having a length equal to the stroke of said piston comprising a homopolymer of tetrafluorethylene dried below the sintering temperature and having a tensile strength at 770* F of at least about 3000 psi and a hardness of about 9-13 Knoop hardness units.