US4063786A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-lubricating auxiliary bearing with a main bearing failure indicator
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1976-12-09
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Granted: 1977-12-20
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Expires: 1996-12-09
Abstract
Abstract An auxiliary bearing structure having a selflubricating sleeve which is, upon main bearing failure, engaged by a shaft mounted runner which also actuates a main bearing failure indicator. A portion of the runner also provides a debris shield between the main bearing and auxiliary bearing. Main bearing failure annunciation is accomplished by the runner abrading insulation from an insulated electrical probe during main bearing failure.
Inventors
- 👤 Marcus E. Rall
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 16:05
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16C; F16C39/00; F16C39/02; F16C17/00; F16C19/00; F16C19/52; F16C21/00; F16C2233/00; F16C2326/00; F16C2326/43
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
213 words
An apparatus having an on-condition bearing structure therein, said apparatus comprising: a rotatable shaft; a stationary bearing housing through which said shaft extends, said stationary bearing housing having a bearing surface and a mounting surface axially displaced from each other along said shaft; a bearing member disposed between said shaft and said bearing surface; a means for indicating failure of said bearing member; a sleeve of self-lubricating material disposed about said shaft, said sleeve being of suitable length and having a radially inner surface surrounding said shaft and having a radially outer surface in register with said bearing housing's mounting surface; and a runner mounted on said shaft to rotate therewith, having a first radial extension portion disposed between said shaft and said sleeve's inner surface and having a second radial extension portion, said first radial extension portion and said inner surface being normally separated by a predetermined distance and said second radial extension portion normally being separated from said indicating means by a predetermined clearance which is less than said predetermined distance wherein upon failure of said bearing member said runner member's second radial extension portion contacts and actuates said indicating means and said runner member's first radial extension portion engages said sleeve's inner surface causing said shaft to be journaled thereby.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
213 words
An apparatus having an on-condition bearing structure therein, said apparatus comprising: a rotatable shaft; a stationary bearing housing through which said shaft extends, said stationary bearing housing having a bearing surface and a mounting surface axially displaced from each other along said shaft; a bearing member disposed between said shaft and said bearing surface; a means for indicating failure of said bearing member; a sleeve of self-lubricating material disposed about said shaft, said sleeve being of suitable length and having a radially inner surface surrounding said shaft and having a radially outer surface in register with said bearing housing's mounting surface; and a runner mounted on said shaft to rotate therewith, having a first radial extension portion disposed between said shaft and said sleeve's inner surface and having a second radial extension portion, said first radial extension portion and said inner surface being normally separated by a predetermined distance and said second radial extension portion normally being separated from said indicating means by a predetermined clearance which is less than said predetermined distance wherein upon failure of said bearing member said runner member's second radial extension portion contacts and actuates said indicating means and said runner member's first radial extension portion engages said sleeve's inner surface causing said shaft to be journaled thereby.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
120 words
The apparatus of claim 1, said indicating means comprising: an insulated electrical probe having one end electrically connected to a terminal of a source of electric current and having a second end extending radially inward from said stationary bearing housing in general axial alignment with said runner member's second portion and being normally unengaged with said second portion; and, means for electrically connecting said stationary bearing housing in series with an electric signal means and with the other terminal of the electric current source wherein upon failure of said bearing member, said second portion engages said probe, abrading said probe's insulation, electrically grounding said probe to said bearing housing, and causing said signal means to provide a bearing failure indication.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1, said self-lubricating material comprising: polytetrafluoroethylene impregnated graphite.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1, said runner member's second portion comprising: a readily abradable material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 4, said readily abradable material comprising: bronze.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said runner member's second portion provides a seal which prevents escape of lubricants supplied to said bearing member and shields said first portion and said sleeve from debris expelled by said bearing member during its failure.
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) | 1980-12-19 | 1981-06-20 | 1981-12-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-12-19 | 1985-06-20 | 1985-12-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-12-19 | 1989-06-20 | 1989-12-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |