Bearing sleeve for air bearing
US9360042B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jun 7, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49643
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An air bearing assembly is provided that includes a bearing sleeve that has two slots side-by-side having rectangular profiles for engaging the ends of first and second bearing foils for supporting a shaft of a dual-stage compressor. The first rectangular-profile slot, which may be made using a broaching process, is designed to receive first ends of the first bearing foil and the second bearing foil. The second rectangular-profile slot, which may also be made using a broaching process, is designed to receive a second end of the second bearing foil. This dual-slot design replaces the complex “L” shaped single slot design of conventional bearing sleeves, allowing for high-volume, low-cost manufacturing of the bearing sleeves. The dual-slot design also provides for robust engagement of the bearing foils with the bearing sleeves, while allowing easy assembly and installation of the air bearing assemblies.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.