US3749464A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lubrication system for bearings
Assignee: Johnson Rubber Co
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Filing: 1971-09-02
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Granted: 1973-07-31
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Expires: 1991-09-02
Abstract
Abstract A forced lubricated bearing system is disclosed in which means are provided to recirculate lubricant leakage back to the bearing. In the illustrated embodiments, a water lubricated rubber bearing journals the shaft of a marine propulsion system or a pump. Water is pumped into the bearing for lubrication. A restricter limits the leakage rate from at leaat one end of the bearing. The leakage is collected and returned by an aspirator type pump in the lubricant supply line to the bearing. An inflatable seal operates to prevent leakage when the shaft is stationary and lubricant is not supplied to the bearing. In some instances, the inflatable seal is partially inflated to restrict the rate of leakage when the shaft is moving.
Inventors
- 👤 J Satterthwaite
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 09:24
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16C; F16C33/00; F16C33/72; F16C33/74; F16C33/02; F16C33/04; F16C33/06; F16C33/10; B; B63; B63H; B63H23/00; B63H23/32; B63H23/321; B63H2023/322
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
A forced lubricated bearing system comprising a bearing, a shaft journaled in said bearing, lubricant supply means operable to supply lubricant to said bearing under pressure for flow therethrough, restricter means located at least at one end of said bearing operable to permit restricted leakage of said lubricant from one end of said bearing, collector means operable to collect said leakage of lubricant, and pump means operating in response to flow of lubricant from said supply means to said bearing to automatically pump said leakage of said lubricant back into said bearing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
A forced lubricated bearing system comprising a bearing, a shaft journaled in said bearing, lubricant supply means operable to supply lubricant to said bearing under pressure for flow therethrough, restricter means located at least at one end of said bearing operable to permit restricted leakage of said lubricant from one end of said bearing, collector means operable to collect said leakage of lubricant, and pump means operating in response to flow of lubricant from said supply means to said bearing to automatically pump said leakage of said lubricant back into said bearing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A forced lubricated bearing system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said bearing is a water lubricated bearing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A forced lubricated bearing system as set forth in claim 2 wherein said pump means is an aspirator pump connected between said lubricant supply means and said bearing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
A forced lubricated bearing system as set forth in claim 3 wherein said collector means includes an annular collector groove around said shaft, and a radially extending surface on said shaft within said collector groove facing in a direction axially away from said bearing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
A forced lubricated bearing system as set forth in claim 4 wherein said restricter means includes a seal operable to prevent said leakage of lubricant when said shaft is stationary.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
A forced lubricated bearing system as set forth in claim 5 wherein said seal is inflatable to prevent leakage when said shaft is stationary and deflatable to permit flow of lubricant therepast when said shaft is moving.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
A forced lubricated bearing system as set forth in claim 5 wherein said seal is inflatable to prevent leakage when said shaft is stationary and partially inflated to permit said restricted leakage of said lubricant from said one end of said bearing when said shaft is moving.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
A forced lubricated bearing system as set forth in clAim 7 wherein said bearing is a water lubricated elastomeric bearing and said seal is formed of elastomeric material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
102 words
A bearing system comprising a bearing, a shaft journaled in said bearing, lubricant between said bearing and said shaft, restricter means located at least at one end of said bearing operable to permit restricted leakage of said lubicant from said one end of said bearing, collector means operable to collect said leakage of lubricant, said restricter means including a seal fully inflatable to prevent said leakage of lubricant when said shaft is stationary and partially inflatable to permit said restricted leakage when said shaft is moving, and means to pump said leakage of lubricant from said collector means back into said bearing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
102 words
A bearing system comprising a bearing, a shaft journaled in said bearing, lubricant between said bearing and said shaft, restricter means located at least at one end of said bearing operable to permit restricted leakage of said lubicant from said one end of said bearing, collector means operable to collect said leakage of lubricant, said restricter means including a seal fully inflatable to prevent said leakage of lubricant when said shaft is stationary and partially inflatable to permit said restricted leakage when said shaft is moving, and means to pump said leakage of lubricant from said collector means back into said bearing.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
A bearing system as set forth in claim 9 wherein pressure means are provided to supply said lubricant to said bearing for flow therethrough, and said pump means operates in response to said flow of lubricant to said bearing.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
40 words
A bearing system as set forth in claim 10 wherein said collector means includes an annular groove around said shaft and a generally radially extending surface on said shaft within said groove facing in a direction away from said bearing.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
90 words
A forced lubricated bearing system comprising a bearing, a shaft journaled in said bearing, lubricant supply means operable to supply lubricant to said bearing under pressure for flow therethrough, restricter means located at least at one end of said bearing operable to permit restricted leakage of said lubricant from one end of said bearing, collector means operable to collect said leakage of lubricant, pump means to automatically pump said leakage of said lubricant back into said bearing, and check valve means preventing backflow of lubricant through said lubricant supply means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
90 words
A forced lubricated bearing system comprising a bearing, a shaft journaled in said bearing, lubricant supply means operable to supply lubricant to said bearing under pressure for flow therethrough, restricter means located at least at one end of said bearing operable to permit restricted leakage of said lubricant from one end of said bearing, collector means operable to collect said leakage of lubricant, pump means to automatically pump said leakage of said lubricant back into said bearing, and check valve means preventing backflow of lubricant through said lubricant supply means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-30 | 1977-01-29 | 1977-07-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-30 | 1981-01-29 | 1981-07-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-30 | 1985-01-29 | 1985-07-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |