Sept. 20,1971 G. A. P.

wAPLlNGToN I 3,606,501
HYDROSTATIC BEARING SSEIIBLIES
Filed Nw. zo. 1969 7 Sheets-Sheet 2

45. Y 7

FIGIB. _
Sept. 20,1971 , > s. A.P. wAPLlNG'roN - '~ 3,505,501
- U HYDRosTA'rIc BEARING AssEuBLiE >

Filed Nov. _20, 1969 . 7 sheets-sheet s

sept 29, 1971 G. A. P. wAPLlNG-roN 3,606,501
l HYDROSTTIC BEARING SSEMBLIES

vFiled Nov._ 2o, 1969 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 `

FIGA.
l.

709
Sept. 20, 1971 G. A. P. wAPLlNGTON . 3,606,501
_ v HYDROSTTIC BEARING ASS'JIBLIESv

med Nov. 2o. 1969 'r sheets-sheet s

16@ 1d Mgg, FIGS. 4 ,5a w ml

sePL 20, 1971 s. A. P. WAPLINGroN f > 3,606,501
HYDROSTATIC BEARING SSEUBLIES
Filed Nov. 2o. 1969 'r sheets-sheet e

o |.__L--___-J__l
Z
@a
*d c/ ./

74V" @go W
5*, f_-? `

J@d FIGB.
r v

,o 3/
__-'

7J Q o
19/
4
/41

Fles. >
United States"e Patent O1 hee 3,606,501
Patented Sept. 20, 1971

1 2
3,606,501 According to the present invention there is provided
HYDROSTATIC BEARING ASSEMBLIES a hydrostatic bearing assembly which includes two sleeve
Gerald Andrew Pearson Waplington, Colchester, England, members adapted to be removably secured to a shaft or
assiguor to Garnet Products Limited, Hythe, Colchester, the like in axial relationship, each of the sleeve members
Essex, England 5 having an external surface of frusto-conical form, the
Filed Nov. 20, 1969, Ser. No. 878,277 frusto-conical surfaces converging towards the adjacent
Claims priority, application Great Britain, Dec. 24, 1968, ends of the sleeve members and being adapted to provide
61,277/ 68 bearing surfaces for the shaft; an outer bearing member
Int. Cl. F16c .T7/l0, 21/00
U.S. Cl. 308-122 36 Claims capable of being removably secured to a housing which
housing and shaft are intended for relative axial rota
tion; the bearing surfaces for the shaft being located -'with
in the outer bearing member and the outer bearing mem
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE ber having a pair of internal frusto-conical bearing sur
The specification discloses a hydrostatic bearing as faces which are complementary to the frusto-conical sur
sembly in which two frusto-conical sleeve members are faces of the sleeve members and are adapted to be located
mounted on a shaft in axial relationship with the frusto in opposed relationship to, and one with each of, the
conical surfaces converging towards their adjacent ends, frusto-conical surfaces of the sleeve members; recess
the frusto-conical sleeve members being mounted within means and fluid passage means for connection to a source
an outer bearing element having a pair of frusto-conical of hydraulic fluid under pressure by which hydrostatic
surfaces complementary to the frusto-conical surfaces of 20 pads can be formed between the opposed frusto-conical
the sleeve members and in opposed relationship thereto, bearing surfaces so that when the sleeve members are
means being provided to form hydrostatic pads between secured to a shaft or the like and hydrostatic pads are
each pair of opposed frusto-conical surfaces, said pads formed between the opposed frusto-conical bearing sur
providing restaint against movement both in a radial sense faces, relative axial rotation can take place between the
and in an axial sense of the outer bearing element rela outer bearing member and the shaft and the frusto-conical
tive to the shaft and in which auxiliary bearing means is bearing surfaces provide restraint against relative move
provided between at least one sleeve member and the ment in the axial direction between the outer bearing
outer bearing element to provide additional restraint to member and the shaft, and wherein auxiliary bearing
relative axial movement between the outer bearing ele means is provided between one sleeve member having a
ment and the shaft in at least one sense of axial direction. 30 frusto-conical bearing surface and the outer bearing mem
ber which auxiliary bearing means is adapted, when the
sleeve members are secured to a shaft, to provide addi
tional restraint to relative axial movement between the
This invention relates to hydrostatic bearing assemblies outer bearing member and the shaft in one sense of axial
and in particular to such assemblies as are known in the direction whilst permitting relative axial rotation between
art as journal bearings or thrust bearings or combined the outer bearing member and the shaft.
journal and thrust bearings. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of the present inven
Hydrostatic journal bearings have hitherto been pro tion is generally understood in the lield of rolling element
posed in which hydrostatic pads are provided between bearings as an interchangeable packaged assembly which
bearing surfaces in a housing and bearing surfaces on a 40 is adapted to be located within prepared diameters in the
shaft so that during relative axial rotation between the housing and upon the shaft when the latter is of cylindri
shaft and housing the hydrostatic pads restrain, on the cal form.
application of an external load to the assembly, relative By use of the opposed pairs of frusto-conical bearing
displacement between the shaft and housing in a radial surfaces, the hydrostatic bearing assembly oiers both
sense and in an axial sense. In providing such restraint radial and axial support to the shaft. Although the effect
it is.essential, for eiiicient operation, to ensure that clear of the inclined frusto-conical bearing surfaces in restrain
ances between the opposed bearing surfaces of the shaft ing relative movement between the shaft and housing has
and housing are controlled within predetermined limits been found eilicient in operations with light loads, when
which are in turn related to an independently controlled the bearing assembly is subjected to heavy loads in an
rate of delivery of fluid to the said hydrostatic pads, axial sense it may be found that relative axial movement
these conditions being optimised to suit a particular case. can take place between the housing and shaft. To improve
Hitherto the provision of such clearances has necessitated the axial stiffness and thereby overcome this problem the
in machining the radial and axial dimensions of the bear bearing assembly of -the present invention incorporates one
ing surfaces to close tolerances, and having optimised the or more auxiliary bearing means which provide addi
assembly, it has been impractical to carry out changes 55 tional axial bearing support to that which eminates from
which may later arise requiring re-optimisation of the
assembly. the frusto-conical bearing surfaces of the assembly. The
It is an object of the present invention to provide a auxiliary bearing means is located between the outer bear
hydrostatic bearing assembly which is independent both ing member and either or both the sleeve members having
of a shaft and of a housing which is to be mounted rela 60 the frusto-conical bearing surfaces in such a way to
tive thereto by the bearing assembly so that relative axial restrain relative movement in one or both senses of axial
rotation can be imparted between the shaft and housing direction between the sleeve members and the outer bear
and in which restraint is applied by hydrostatic pads to ing members.
relative displacement between inner and outer elements Conveniently, the auxiliary bearing means reacts
of the bearing assembly produced by displacement of the 65 through a pair of substantially opposed thrust faces which
shaft relative to the housing in a radial sense and in an are situated one on the outer bearing member and the
axial sense. other on one of the sleeve members having the frusto
It is a further object of the present invention to provide conical bearing surface. The opposed thrust faces are sub
a hydrostatic bearing assembly in which clearances be stantially normal to the axis of the frusto-conieal surfaces
tween the opposed bearing surfaces and general optimisa 70 and the auxiliary bearing means provides a reaction
tion can be adjusted and changed as required. through the opposed thrust faces in one sense of axial
 3,606,501
4
direction to restrain relative axial displacement of the rated to provide optimum conditions in relative radial
opposed thrust faces towards each other. clearance positioning between the outer bearing member
In order to control clearance for the auxiliary bearing and the outer frusto-conical sleeve member.
means, auxiliary spacer means may be located between The spacer means can comprise two or more adjustably
the opposed thrust faces and through which reaction from connected elements by adjustment of which the axial
the auxiliary bearing means is imparted to the opposed length of the spacer means can be adjusted to, and locked
thrust faces. Further, the auxiliary spacer means is pref or secured at, a predetermined axial length. Alternatively
erably removably located so that it can be replaced by, or the spacer means can comprise one or more elements of
adjusted to provide, auxiliary spacer means of appropriate predetermined length which are adapted to be removably
axial length if an alteration is made in the clearances 10 located axially between and in abutting relationship with
between the opposed frusto-conical surfaces. the sleeve members on the shaft so that variations in
In addition, or alternatively, clearance for the auxiliary clearance is achieved by changing the element or elements
bearing means may be controlled by providing means for ones which have an axial length which provides the
whereby one of the opposed thrust faces for the auxiliary required clearance.
bearing means is axially adjustable relative to the other Preferably the spacer means is removably located
opposed thrust face, such adjustment conveniently being axially between the sleeve members and is adapted to
achieved by screw threaded adjustment of a plate which be carried on the shank. Alternatively, and particularly
carries or determines the position of one of the opposed in a construction in which the spacer means comprises
thrust faces relative to the other face. two or more adjustably connected (as for example by
If required, auxiliary bearing means can be used> to 20 screw thread) elements, the spacer means can be carried
restrain relative axial movement in both senses of axial on either or both sleeve elements.
direction between the frusto-conical sleeve members and In a preferred arrangement of the present invention a
outer bearing member. In such an assembly two pairs of shaft carries three sleeve members in axial and abutting
substantially opposed thrust faces can be provided and relationship, the inner sleeve member comprising spacer
auxiliary bearing means is located between the opposed 25 means and two axially outermost sleeve members having
thrust faces of each pair so that the reaction of the auxili external frusto-conical surfaces which converge towards
ary bearing means through one pair of thrust faces re the spacer member and are removably secured to the shaft
strains relative movement between the sleeve members so that the frusto-conical surfaces provide radial bearing
and the outer bearing member in one sense of axial slufaces for the shaft. One of the axially outermost mem
direction and the reaction of the auxiliary 4bearing means 30 bers has a radially outwardly extending flanged portion,
through the other pair of thrust faces restrains relative one axially directed outer face of which ange provides
movement between the sleeve members and outer bearing an axial thrust bearing surface and the other axially di
member in the opposite sense of axial direction. Conven~ rected outer face of the flange provides an axial abutment
iently one pair of thrust faces are situated between the face for a collar which is used as auxiliary spacer means.
outer bearing member and one of the frusto-conical sleeve The bearing surfaces for the shaft are located within
members and the other pair of thrust faces are situated an outer bearing member which can be secured to a
between the other frusto-conical sleeve member and the housing (the shaft and housing being intended for relative
outer bearing member. Alternatively, a thrust face of each axial rotation). The outer bearing member has a pair of
pair can be located on a common (the same) frusto-coni internal frusto-conical bearing surfaces which are com
cal sleeve member. Auxiliary spacer means may be pro 40 plementary to the frusto-conical surfaces of the sleeve
vided between the opposed thrust faces in each pair. members and are in opposed relationship one with each
The auxiliary bearing means can be in the form of a of the bearing surfaces of the outer sleeve members. The
hydrostatic bearing comprising one or more hydrostatic outer bearing member has a radially extending, axially
pads in which case one of the opposed thrust faces in the directed face at one of its axial extremities which pro
or each pair can be suitably recessed for the formation of vides an axial bearing face which, on assembly, is located
such pads. Alternatively, the auxiliary bearing means can in axial opposition to and operates in relation to the
be provided by a roller bearing as, for example, bearings aforementioned collar.
which utilize roller elements of frusto-conical, spherical An opposing axial thrust bearing surface is provided
or cylindrical configuration as the axial bearing compo to the aforementioned axial thrust bearing surface by an
nent.
inner radially extending face of a thrust cap mounted
By incorporating auxiliary bearing means, the axial on the outer bearing member. The bearing clearance be
length of the auxiliary spacer means or clearance set be tween the axially directed outer face of the flanged frusto
tween the opposed thrust faces is predetermined, in part, conical sleeve member and the inner face of the thrust
by the preestablished position of one of the frusto-conical
sleeve members by virtue of the auxiliary bearing means cap may be controlled by an auxiliary spacer element
provided between that frusto-conical sleeve member and mounted within the said thrust cap.
the outer bearing member; i.e. the relative axial posi Recesses are provided in the frusto-conical surfaces of
tioning between one of the frusto-conical sleeve members either the outer bearing member or the outer sleeve
and the outer bearing element is determined by the auxili members and also in the axially directed thrust bearing
ary bearing means. surfaces of the thrust cap and outer bearing member.
Preferably, the hydrostatic bearing assembly of the 60 Fluid passages are provided to serve a plurality of inter
present invention further includes spacer means which is changeably mounted uid restrictions in the form of
adapted to be located axially betwen the frusto-conical capillaries or jets which communicate with the recesses
sleeve members. The spacer means has a predetermined and through which hydraulic fluid under pressure can be
axial length and is arranged so that, during assembly of passed to form a plurality of peripherally spaced hydro
the bearing, clearance between each frusto-conical bear 65 static pads being the opposed frusto-conical bearing sur
ing surface of the sleeve members and its opposed frusto faces, aud between the two pairs of opposed axially
conical bearing surface of the outer bearing member is directed bearing surfaces. The clearance between each
adjustable by use of spacer means having an appropriate frusto-conical surface of the outer sleeve members and
axial length. As above mentioned, by incorporating auxili the opposed frusto-conical surface of the outer bearing
ary thrust bearing means the position of one of the and between the opposed axially directed thrust bearing
frusto-conical sleeve members is predetermined with re surfaces of the outer flanged sleeve member and the outer
spect to the outer bearing member by the auxiliary spacer bearing member can be altered by use of spacer means
means or clearance set -between the opposed thrust faces and auxiliary spacer means of appropriate axial length.
and in such case the spacer means adjusted or incorpo 75 Several embodiments of the present invention will nowy
 3,606,501
6
be described, by way of example only, with reference to auxiliary thrust bearing means is axially adjustable by
the accompanying illustrative drawing in which: screw thread.
FIG. 1 is an axial section through a bearing assembly Where possible throughout the following description,
constructed in accordance with the present invention in the same parts or members in each of the figures have
which the auxiliary thrust bearing means is in the form been accorded the same references.
of hydrostatic pads and which auxiliary bearing means Referring rstly to FIGS. l and 1A to 1C, the hydro
reacts through one of the axially outermost sleeve mem static bearing assembly shown generally in FIG. 1 in
bers to restrain relative movement in either sense of axial cludes an outer bearing member 1 which defines a pair
direction between the outer bearing member and the of axially spaced internal bearing surfaces 2 and 3 which
sleeve members; l0 are co-axial and of frusto-conical form and diverge from
FIG. 1A is an end view of the outer bearing member a position within the body to provide the ends of a pas
incorporated in the assembly of FIG. 1; sage which extends through the outer bearing member,
FIG. 1B is part of an axial cross-section of the outer An internal cylindrical land 4 is provided in the memf
bearing member shown in FIG. lA and taken on the ber 1 between the bearing surfaces Z and 3 which land
line X-X of FIG. 1C; 4 is slightly recessed from the adjacent ends of the bear
FIG. 1C is a radial cross-section of the outer bearing ing surfaces. Each of the bearing surfaces 2 and 3 is
member shown in FIG. 1A and taken on the line Y-Y provided with a plurality of peripherally spaced recesses
of FIG. 1B; 5. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. l and 1A to 1C,
FIG. 2 illustrates an axial section through an alterna six peripherally spaced recesses 5 are provided in each of
tive embodiment of the present invention in which the 20 the bearing surfaces 2 and 3. Carried in the outer bear
auxiliary bearing means is in the form of hydrostatic ing member 1 are a plurality of restrictors 6 which com
pads and which auxiliary bearing means react through municate by way of passages 6a in the member 1, one
both of the axially outermost sleeve members to restrain with each of the recesses 5 and through which restrictors
relative axial movement between the outer bearing mem and passages the recesses 5 are adapted to communicate
ber and sleeve members in either sense of axial direction; 25 with a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure (not
FIG. 3 is an axial section through a further alternative shown).
embodiment of the present invention in which the aux In FIG. l the outer bearing member 1 is illustrated
iliary bearing means is in the form of a ball roller bear housing a cylindrical shaft shown generally at 8. The
ing which is adapted to restrain relative axial movement shaft carries three sleeve members, 9, 10 and 11 which
between the outer bearing member and the sleeve mem 30 are arranged in axial and abutting relationship on the
bers in one sense of axial direction; shaft within the outer bearing lmember 1. The sleeve
FIG. 4 is an axial section through a bearing assembly members are assembled on the shaft and are removably
of the present invention and illustrates a modification secured thereto by a pair of locking nuts shown generally
of the assembly shown in FIG. 3 in which the auxiliary at 12 which are in screw threaded connection with the
bearing means is provided by a cylindrical roller bearing; 35 shaft to urge the sleeve members against a locating
FIG. 5 is an axial section through a hydrostatic bearing flange 8a on the shaft.
assembly of the present invention in which the sleeve The sleeve member 10 is of annular form and provides
members are secured to a stationary shaft and fluid pas an axial spacer member or element between the two
sages to pad location recesses are illustrated in a manner axially outermost sleeve members `9 and 11. The outer
to facilitate axial rotation of the outer bearing member 40 sleeve members 9 and 11 have external bearing surfaces
on the stationary shaft and in which the auxiliary bearing 9a and 11a respectively which are of frusto~conical form
means is in the form of hydrostatic pads; and complementary to the bearing surfaces 2 and 3 re
FIG. `6 is an axial section through a bearing assembly spectively. The sleeve members are secured to the shaft
of the present invention and illustrates a modification of 8 so that the conical surfaces 9a and 11a converge towards
the assembly shown in FIG. 5 in which the sleeve mem 45 the spacer member 10.
bers are intended to be secured to a stationary shaft and f In an operative condition the bearing assembly is ar
the auxiliary bearing means comprises ball roller mem ranged so that the bearing surfaces 2 and 9a are opposed
bers. as are the bearing surfaces 3 and 11a and the outer bear
FIG. 7 illustrates part of the internal frusto-conical ing member 1 can be securely mounted in a suitable sta
bearing surfaces suitable for use on the outer bearing 50 tionary housing (not shown) within which the shaft 8
member, said surfaces incorporating two peripherally is intended to exhibit axial rotation. Flow of hydraulic
spaced arrays of recesses which are situated one in each uid under pressure through the restrictors 6 and pas
frusto-conical bearing surface and within which hydro sages 6a into each of the recesses 5 causes hydrostatic
static pads are adapted to be located; pads to be formed between the recesses and the frusto
FIG. 8 illustrates a modification of the surfaces shown conical bearing surfaces `9a and 11a to facilitate relative
in FIG. 7 in which a system of channels is provided in axial rotation between the outer bearing member and the
the frusto-conical surfaces of the outer bearing member shaft. The opposed inclined bearing surfaces restrain rela
which 'channels are adapted to facilitate in the escape of tive radial movement between the outer bearing member
hydraulic fluid from between the opposed frusto-conical and the sleeve members and effectively restrain relative
bearing surfaces which iiuid results by leakage from the 60 axial displacement in either sense of axial direction be
hydrostatic pads; tween the outer bearing lmember and the sleeve mem
FIG. 9 illustrates part of a frusto-conical bearing sur bers 9 to 11 (and thereby the shaft 8).
face suitable for use on each axially outermost sleeve The embodiment shown in FIG. l incorporates auxili
member, said surface incorporating a peripherally spaced ary bearing means in the form of hydrostatic pads to
array of recesses within which hydrostatic pads are adapt 65 provide additional restraint to relative axial movement
ed to be located; between the outer bearing member and the sleeve mem
FIG. 10 shows part of the frusto-conical sleeve mem bers in either sense of axial direction. The outer sleeve
bers of the assembly in FIG. 1 and illustrates a modifica member 11 has an external radially extending flange 101
tion in which the spacer means comprises two adjustably which is located adjacent the end part of largest diameter
connected elements by adjustment of which the axial 70 of its frusto-conical surface. The iiange 101 has, on each
length of the spacer means can be altered as required; side thereof, axially directed faces 101a and 121, and
and auxiliary bearing means in the form of a hydrostatic bear
FIG. 11 is an axial section through a bearing assembly ing is adapted to react on the flange 101 against the side
which is a modification of the assembly shown in FIG. 1 face 121. The outer bearing member 1 has a ange 1a
and in which clearance for the hydrostatic pads of the 75 on which is securely mounted a thrust cap 113 which
 3,606,501
7 8
provides an extension portion of the bearing member 1 the axial length of the collar 16. A reduction in the axial
and extends axially over the flange 101 of the outer sleeve length of the collar 16 permits the side face 101a of
member 11. The thrust cap 113 is provided with an in sleeve member 11 to move axially towards the side face
wardly directed flange 29 having an axially directed side 103 of the outer bearing member 1, thus reducing the
face 120. The side face 120 is located opposite to the radial bearing clearance between the frusto-conical faces
side face 121 of the flange 101. The side faces 120 and 3 and 11a. Optimised hydrostatic bearing clearances in a
121 are in a plane which is substantially normal to the radial sense between sleeve member 11 and outer bearing
axis of the frusto-conical surfaces and effectively provide member 1 may therefore be obtained by adjustment of
a pair of opposed thrust bearing surfaces. Located in the the axial length of the spacing collar 16. Adjustment to
face 120 are a peripherally spaced array of recesses 122 the axial length of collar 16 affects the optimisation of
which communicate through a passage 123 with a passage the axial hydrostatic auxiliary bearing, therefore identical
15a through which hydraulic fluid under pressure is sup axial adjustment would be required to the annular ring 28
plied by way of a restrictor 15. When iluid under pres in order to restore the required conditions.
sure is passed through the restrictor 15 and passage 15a In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 relative radial
a hydrostatic pad is formed in each of the recesses 122. bearing clearance between outer bearing member 1 and
The flange 1a has an axially directed and radially ex sleeve member 9 depends upon the axial length of the
tending side face 103 which is located opposite to the spacer sleeve. A reduction in the axial length of sleeve
side face 101a of the flange 101. Interposed between the member 10 permits the sleeve member 9 to move axially
side faces 103 and 101a is auxiliary spacer means in the into outer bearing member 1. By causing sleeve member
form of an annular collar 16 which abuts the side face 20 9 to advance axially towards sleeve member 11 (which
101a and is carried on the sleeve member 11 as a light sleeve member 11 may have been optimised as previously
interference iit on a prepared external diameter of the described and therefore be already in a predetermined
sleeve member.V Provided in the side face 103 are a periph position) the axial movement of sleeve member 9 pro
erally spaced array of recesses 17g and hydrostatic pads duces a reduction in radial bearing clearance between the
(to oppose the pads formed in recesses 122) are formed 25 opposed frusto-conical bearing surfaces 2 and 9a. Opti
in the recesses 17g by supplying hydraulic fluid under mised hydrostatic bearing clearances in a radial sense be
pressure thereto by way of passages 45a and restrictors tween sleeve member 9 and body 1 may therefore be in
45. As the side face 103 is substantially normal to the dependently obtained by adjustment to the axial length
axis of the frusto-conical surfaces it effectively provides of the sleeve member 10.
an opposed thrust face to the face 101a of the flange 101 30 All conditions of bearing clearances, both axial and
which is part of the sleeve member 11. In order to facili radial, embodied in the construction shown in FIG. 1
tate the regulation of both the radial bearing clearance may thereby be independently adjusted to suit the opti
in the frusto-conical section of the bearing and the axial mum hydrostatic bearing conditions required of the as
bearing clearance in the auxiliary bearing means the col sembly for its intended use.
lar 16 is mounted on a parallel diameter of the sleeve 35 Leakage of hydraulic fluid from the recesses 5 into the
member 11 and axially located against the side face 101a annular recess 4 between the bearing surfaces 2 and 3 is
to extend radially parallel to the side face 103. The hydro effectively removed through the passage 7. Relief chan
static thrust bearing pads in recesses 171g7 therefore react nels (for example, annular recesses 14 in the frusto
upon the flange 101 of the sleeve member 11 by thrusting conical surfaces towards the end part of larger diameter
against the exposed axially directed face of the collar 16. 40 thereof) are provided in the sleeve members 9 and 11 and
Consequently with the sleeve members 9 to 11 secured outer bearing member 1 which channels are adapted to
to a shaft relative axial movement between the shaft and collect hydraulic lluid which results by leakage from pads
outer bearing member is restrained in one sense by the in the recesses 5 and which fluid is not displaced into the
effective thrust bearing of the hydrostatic pads formed annular recess 4. The Illuid pressure at the point of leak
in the recesses 122 and in the opposite sense by the ef 45 age from the pads in recesses 5 may be substantial and the
fective thrust bearing of the hydrostatic pads formed in provision of such channels 14 provides for a reduction
the recesses 17g. To accommodate for fluid leakage from of pressure to near atmospheric conditions thereby per
the pads in recesses 17g and 122 the periphery of the mitting controlled egress of lluid from the assembly to
flange 101 is provided with an annular recess 123a which a iluid reservoir and also avoiding wastage.
is in permanent communication with exhaust through a 50 Although in the construction above described and illus
passage 124 in the flange 101. trated with reference to FIG. l the auxiliary bearing
Each restrictor 6, 15 and 45 is conveniently located means is adapted to be provided by hydrostatic pads, it
in a recess 13 through which suitable high pressure con is to be realised that the auxiliary bearing means can be
duits can be connected. The outer bearing member 1 de provided by roller bearings as will hereinafter be de
nes a passage 7 which opens at one end in the land 4 55 scribed with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6.
and at the other end communicates with exhaust or is In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 the outer sleeve
adapted to be connected to a fluid reservoir. member 9 is provided with an external annular flange 100
Elllcient operation of the hydrostatic bearing assembly which is located adjacent the end part of larger diameter
depends, to a considerable extent, upon the clearances of its frusto-conical surface 9a in a similar manner to the
which are provided between the opposed bearing sur 60 flange 101 of the sleeve member 11. The flanges 100` and
faces. 101 project radially over the outer bearing member 1 and
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 relative axial dis the flange 100 has a side face 100a which is machined to
placement which is possible between the outer bearing lie in a plane substantially normal to the axis of the
member 1 and sleeve member 11 depends upon the axial frusto-conical surfaces and the flange 101 is similarly
length of an auxiliary spacer element in the form of an machined to provide its side face 101a which is opposed
annular ring 28 which is located between the flange 1a to the side face 10011. The outer bearing member 1 is pro
and the thrust cap 113. The ring 28 is of a predetermined vided with a pair of axially spaced side faces 102 and 103
axial length and ensures that when the thrust cap 113 which are machined to lie in planes substantially normal
is secured to the flange 1a a required spacing is obtained to the axis of the frusto-conical bearing surfaces. The
between the opposed side faces 103 and 120. Optimised 70 side faces 100a and 102 are oppositely located and the
hydrostatic bearing clearances in an axial sense may side faces 101a and 103 are oppositely located and re
therefore be obtained by adjustment to one axial length spectively form pairs of opposed thrust faces.
of the annular ring 28. Removably located on the outer sleeve member 11 and
Further, relative radial clearance between the outer seated between the opposed thrust faces 101a and 103 and
bearing member 1 and sleeve member 11 depends upon adjacent and in abutting contact with the side face 101a is
 3,606,501
auxiliary spacer means in the form of the annular collar stationary whilst the outer bearing member 1 (and hous
16 the radially extending side faces of which are substan ing when secured thereto) can exhibit axial rotation on
tially parallel with the face 103. Auxiliary spacer means the shaft and in this embodiment the annular recesses 5
in the form of a further annular collar 16a is similarly are located in the frusto-conical bearing surfaces 9a and
removably located on the outer sleeve member 9 and 11a and the associated restrictors `6 and fluid passages 6a
seated adjacent and in abutting Contact with the side face to each of the recesses 5 are provided in the respective
100a. Located between the opposed thrust faces 101a and sleeve members 9 and 11. Each of the recesses 5 in the
103 is first auxiliary bearing means and located between bearing surface 9a of outer sleeve member 9 communi
the opposed thrust faces 100g and 102 is second auxiliary cates through its respective restrictor 6 and passage 6a
bearing means. The first and second auxiliary bearing with an annular recess 104 which is formed in a side
means are adapted in the present embodiment, to be in face of the sleeve member 9. The recess 104 is effectively
the form of hydrostatic bearings and to provide such a closed by the locking nut 12 to define a passage 105 with
peripherally spaced array of recesses 17 are formed in the which each recess 5 in the bearing surface 9a communi
side face 102 similar to the peripherally spaced array of Cates. Similarly each of the recesses 5 in the frusto-coni
recesses 17,;I formed in the side face 103'. Each of the cal bearing surface 11a of sleeve member 11 communi
recesses 17 and 17g is adapted to be connected to a source cates through its respective restrictor 6 and passage 6a
of hydraulic .fluid under pressure by way of passages 45a with an annular recess 106 which is formed in a side
in the outer bearing member 1 and restrictors 45. face of the sleeve member 11. The annular recess 106
When fluid pressure is applied to the restrictors 6 and is effectively closed by the abutment flange 8a Ito form
45 in FIG. 2, hydrostatic pads are formed between the 20 a passage 107 with which each recess 5 in the bearing
frusto-conical bearing surfaces inthe manner above de surface 11a is in communication. O-ring seals 27 are pro
scribed rwith reference to FIG. 1 and are simultaneously vided to ensure that the annular recesses 104 and 106
formed in the array of recesses 17 and 17g between the are sealed by the locking nut 12 and abutment flange
side faces 102 and 103 and the opposed side faces of an 8.a respectively. Extending within the shaft 8 is a passage
nular collars 16 and 16a respectively. By such an arrange 109 which is adapted to be connected to a source of
ment, the outer bearing member 1 can be secured to a hydraulic fluid under pressure and is provided with
stationary housing and a shaft which carries the slee-Ve branch passages 110 and 111 of which passage 110 com
members 9 to 11 can be rotated within the housing on the municates with a recess 112 provided in the periphery
hydrostatic pads and relative axial displacement in either of the shaft 8 and the passage 111 communicates with
sense of axial direction between the housing and sleeve 30 a further recess 112a provided in the periphery of the
members is additionally restrained by thrust bearings shaft 8. A passage 114 in the outer sleeve member 9
which are in effect formed by the reaction of the hydro communicates at one end with the passage 105 and the
static pads in recesses 17 and 17g through the annular other end is located to be in constant communication
collars and the opposed thrust faces. with the recess 112. Similarly a passage 115 in the outer
It will be apparent that if the clearances between the 35 sleeve member 11 communicates at one end with the
opposed frusto-conical bearing surfaces is altered by sub passage 107 and the other end is located to be in con
stituting a given spacer sleeve member 10 for one of a stant communication with the recess 112g. It will be
different axial length it is necessary, in order to maintain apparent that, when the passage 109 is connected to a
efficient operation of the auxiliary bearing means formed source of hydraulic fluid under pressure, fluid can flow
by the hydrostatic pads in the recesses 17 and 17g, for 40 by way of the passages 110, 111, 114, 115, 105 and 107
the clearances between the side faces 102 and 103 and the restrictors 6 and passages 6a into the respective
their respectively adjacent annular collars also to be ad recesses 5 in the frusto-conical bearing surfaces 9a and
justed to maintain the required clearance for optimum 11a to form hydrostatic pads therein.
elliciency. Such adjustment is easily effected by replace To accommodate for liquid leakages from the hydro
ment of the annular collars 16 and 16a by similar collars static pads formed in the recesses 5 the spacer sleeve
of appropriate axial length. member 10 has an external diameter which is less than
If required the peripherally spaced array of recess 17 the diameter of the frusto-conical bearing surfaces 9a
can be replaced by a single annular recess as can the array and 11a at their adjacent ends and the sleeve member 10
of recesses 17g. is provided with a hole 7a which passes radially there
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 auxiliary bearing 50 through and at its inner end is located to be in constant
means is incorporated but in this construction only one communication with a recess 116 provided in the periph
auxiliary bearing in the form of a ball roller bearing 19 is ery of the shaft 8. An exhaust passage 117 is located
provided and such an arrangement is utilised where it is within the shaft 8 and communicates with the recess 116
necessary only to provide additional restraint to relative so that fluid leakage from `the hydrostatic pads in re
axial movement between the outer bearing member and 55 cesses 5 can pass by way of pasasge 7a, recess 116 and
sleeve members in one sense of axial direction. It lwill be pasage 117 to a fluid reservoir.
apparent froml FIG. 3 that additional restraint is afforded In the construction shown in FIG. 5, the auxiliary
against relative axial displacement in a direction which bearing means is provided by hydrostatic pads which are
corresponds to movement of the opposed thrust faces arranged in a similar manner to that above described with
101:1 and 103 towards each other. 60 reference to FIG. 2 to provide restraint to relative move
In FIG. 3 the annular collar 16 is located between the ment between the sleeve members 9 to 11 and outer bear
side face 103 and the roller bearing 19 but it will be ap ing member 1 in both senses of axial direction. Similarly
preciated that a similar arrangement can be used to that to the construction shown in FIG. 2, the sleeve members
shown and hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 9 and 11 in FIG. 5 are provided with annular flanges
4 if required. A similar construction to FIG. 3 is effec 100 and 101 respectively but in the embodiment of FIG.
tively shown in FIG. 4 in which the roller bearing 19 5 the peripherally spaced array of recesses 17 and 17g
comprises an array of cylindrical rollers 26. During rela are provided in the side faces 100a and 101a respec
tive rotation between the opposed thrust faces 101a and tively of the flanges 100 and 101. Each of the recesses
1013 each of the rollers 26 rotates about an axis which is 17 is in permanent communication with the passage 105
radially disposed relative to the axis of the frusto-conical 70 by way of a passage 45a and a restrictor 45 carried in
surfaces. the sleeve 9 and similarly each of the recesses 17g is in
In the bearing assembly shown in FIG. 5 the sleeve permanent communication with the passage 107 by way
members 9 to 11 are mounted on the shaft 8 and are of a passage 45a and a restrictor 45 carried in the sleeve
retained on the shaft between the abutment flange 8a 11. When the passage 109 is connected to a source of
and the locking nut 12. The shaft 8 is intended to be 75 hydraulic fluid under pressure, fluid can flow by way
 3,606,501
12
of the restrictors 45 and the passages 45a from the annu outer bearing member 1 are axially out of alignment as
lar passages 105 and 107 into the respective recesses 17 above described. By offsetting the hydrostatic pads be
and 17g7 to form hydrostatic pads therein against the tween each pair of opposed frusto-conical surfaces the
axially directed side faces of the collars 16a and 16 which location effect of the hydrostatic pads is effectively doubled
are carried on the outer bearing member 1 to respec in a radial sense; for example, in the embodiment shown
tively abut the axially directed side faces 102 and 103 in FIGS. l and 1A to 1C, each of the frusto-conical bear
thereof. Conveniently the collars 16a and 16 are re ing surfaces 2 and 3 incorporates six peripherally spaced
tained in abutting relationship with their respective side recesses 5 and if the recesses were to be located in axial
faces 102 and 103 of the outer bearing member 1 by pegs alignment only six hydrostatic pad locations would be
1b, the sleeve members 9 to 11 are retained in the same 10 provided, however, by axially offsetting the recesses S as
relationship with respect to the shaft 8 by pegs 1o and shown, twelve hydrostatic pad locations are provided. It
the sleeve members 9 to 11 are restrained from rotation will be appreciated that this technique for increasing the
on the shaft 8 by pegs 1d. effective number of pad locations in a radial sense can
In the bearing assembly shown in FIG. 6 the auxiliary be applied irrespective of the number of hydrostatic pads
bearing means provides restraint to relative axial move 15 which are provided in the frusto-conical bearing surfaces.
ment between the outer bearing 1 and sleeve members As above mentioned, fluid leakage from the hydrostatic
in either sense of axial direction and each of the auxil pads is relieved from the opposed frusto-conical surfaces
iary bearing means is in the form of a roller bearing through the annular relief channels 14 and 4. Additional
shown generally at 19. One roller bearing is located be relief can be effected by providing, in the frusto-conical
tween the annular collar 16a and the side face 102 and surfaces having the peripherally spaced array of recesses,
a further roller bearing is located between the annular an array of axially extending channels 31 (see FIG. 8)
collar 16 and the side face 103. The roller bearings 19 which communicate between the annular channels 4 and
incorporate ball rollers 20 and the opposing faces of the 14 and are preferably located one between each adjacent
annular collar 16a, annular collar 16 and outer bearing pair of peripherally spaced recesses 5.
member 1 between which the roller bearings are situated 25 In conditions where the sleeve members 9 to 11 are to
are provided with annular recesses shown generally at be clamped to a stationary shaft the hydrostatic pads be
18 and 18a which are of part cylindrical shape to locate tween the frusto-conical bearing surfaces are preferably
the ball rollers 20 and provide tracks therefor. Relative located in recesses provided in the frusto-conical bearing
rotation between the sleeve members and the outer bear surfaces of the sleeve members 9 and 11. Conveniently
ing member causes the ball rollers 20 to move along their 30 such recesses in the frusto-conical surfaces 9a and 11a
annular tracks and it will be apparent that the roller are identically formed and one such surface 9a is partly
bearings effectively provide thrust bearings to restrain shown in FIG. 9. Preferably the arrays of recesses in the
relative axial displacement between the outer bearing frusto-conical bearing surfaces 9a and 11a are axially out
member and sleeve members in either sense of axial of alignment when the sleeve members 9 to 11 are secured
direction. To maintain efhcient operation of the roller 35 to a shaft (in a similar manner to the recesses 5 in FIGS.
bearings, any adjustment which is made in the clearances 7 and 8). To ensure that the correct phasing between the
between the frusto-conical bearing surfaces by altering two sets of peripherally spaced recesses is obtained, the
the axial length of the sleeve member 10 can be accom three sleeve members 9 to 11 can be provided with locat
modated by replacing the collars 16 and 16a by similar ing means, for example, in the form of complementary
collars of appropriate axial length. 40 engaging castellations and projections (not shown) which,
In the bearing assemblies shown in FIGS. l to 4, the when engaged, locate the recesses 5 in the required offset
sleeve members 9 and 10 are secured to a shaft and are relationship prior to the sleeve members being secured to
preferably used in cases where the shaft is to berotated the shaft.
within the outer bearing member whilst the latter is se In the construction shown in FIG. 10, which is a modi
cured to a stationary housing. In the modification shown fication of the sleeve members shown in FIG. 1, the spacer
in FIG. 6 the recesses 5 in the frusto-conical bearing means provided by the sleeve member 10 in FIG. 1 is re
surfaces are formed in the sleeve members 9 and 11 and placed by spacer means which comprises a pair of ad~
the restrictors 6 and associated uid passages for the justably connected sleeve elements 10a and 10c. The
recesses are located in the sleeve members. The construc sleeve elements 10a and 10c are carried on the shaft
tion shown in FIG. 6 may conveniently be utilised in cases axially between the frusto-conical sleeve members 9 and
where the sleeve members are to be secured to a sta 11. The sleeve element 10a abuts the sleeve 9 and has an
tionary shaft and the outer bearing member 1 is to be se external screw thread and the sleeve element 10c abuts
cured to a housing which is adapted to be rotated on the the sleeve 11 and has an internal screw thread which is
shaft as above described in connection with FIG. 5. complementary to, and is in engagement with, the screw
As will be appreciated from the aforegoing description 55 thread of element 10a. It will be apparent that, during as
it is preferred that the peripherally spaced arrays of re sembly of the bearing, the axial length of the spacer means
cesses between the opposing frusto-conical bearing sur can be adjusted to a predetermined length to provide a re
faces are formed in the frusto-conical bearing surfaces quired clearance between the opposed frusto-conical sur
which are intended to be stationary since this avoids the faces by screw adjustment between the sleeve elements
necessity of providing additional features such as valves 60 10a and 10c. The sleeve element 10a carries an internally
or the like to ensure that hydraulic fiuid under pressure screw threaded ring 10b which is in screw thread engage
can be maintained in the recesses. ment therewith. The ring 10b effectively provides a lock
In the above described embodiments two sets of periph by which the sleeve elements 10a and 10c can be secured
erally spaced recesses are provided, one set between the together after adjustment of the spacer means to a re
opposed frusto-conical surfaces 2 and 9a and the other quired axial length thereby preventing accidental adjust
set between the opposed frusto-conical surfaces 3 and ment of the spacer means either during assembly of the
11a. Preferably the two sets of hydrostatic pads are identi bearing or during use as a result of vibration. Alterna
cal but are arranged to be peripherally offset with respect tive means of securing the sleeve elements 10a and 10c
to each other in the assembly so that the hydrostatic pads can be used as are known in the art, for example, a grub
in one set are axially out of alignment with the hydro 70 screw (not shown). Although it is preferred that the en
static pads in the other set to the extent that each hydro gaging sleeve elements 10a and 10c are freely mounted
static pad in one set partly overlies, in the peripheral sense, on the shaft, if required, the sleeve element 10a can be
two adjacent hydrostatic pads in the other set. Such a secured to, or formed integral with the sleeve member 9
construction is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 in which the and the sleeve element 10c can be secured to7 or formed
two sets of peripherally spaced arrays of recesses 5 in the 75 integral with the sleeve member 11.
 3,606,501
13 14
It is to be realised that the spacer means as above de faces to permit relative axial rotation between said outer
scribed with reference to FIG. l0 can be incorporated in bearing member and said shaft; further comprising first
each of the several bearing assemblies described with auxiliary bearing means located between said outer bear
reference to the drawings. ing member and one of said sleeve members and being
Referring now to FIG. ll, which illustrates a modifica adapted to provide restraint to relative axial movement
tion of the assembly shown in FIG. 1, the fiange 1a of the between said outer bearing member and said shaft while
outer bearing member 1 is provided with an annular permitting axial rotation therebetween; and still further
extension 1130 which is co-axial with the frusto-conical comprising first spacer means operatively associated with
bearing surfaces of the outer member 1 and extends said first auxiliary bearing means and removably secured
axially over the flange 101 of the outer sleeve member 11. between said one sleeve member and said outer bearing
Mounted as a close sliding fit in the annular extension member; wherein said first spacer means maintains a
113a and adjacent the side face 121 of the fiange 101 is desired clearance between said one sleeve member and
an annular thrust plate 200 having an axially directed said outer bearing member lwhich desired clearance is
side face 201 located oppositely to the side face 121 of consistent with operation of said first auxiliary bearing
the flange 101. The side faces 121 and 201 provide a pair means and of said hydrostatic pads.
of opposed thrust bearing surfaces and located in the 2. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 1, wherein
face 201 are a peripherally spaced array of recesses 202. said first spacer means comprises an annular collar.
The recesses communicate through a passage 203 in the 3. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 1, fur
plate 200 to be in permanent communication with the pas ther comprising iirst and second thrust faces, said first
sage 15a in the outer bearing member 1. When fluid thrust face being disposed on said outer bearing member,
under pressure is passed through restrictor 15 and pas said second thrust face being disposed on one of said
sages 15a and 203 a hydrostatic pad is formed in each sleeve members, said first and second thrust faces being
of the recesses 202 (with the same effect as the pads in substantially opposed relationship to each other and
formed in recesses 122 in FIG. l). Further, the thrust substantially normal to the axis of said sleeve member
plate 200 can be moved relative to the extension 113a 25 bearing surfaces; .said first auxiliary bearing means being
through an axial distance which is dictated by the ports axially disposed to react through said substantially op
of passages 15a and 203 remaining in communication, posed thrust faces.
thereby providing means for adjusting the axial clearance 4. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 3, fur
between the opposed side faces 121 and 201. ther comprising means to adjust said first and second
The thrust plate 200 is retained in the annular~ exten 30 opposed thrust faces to provide a required clearance be
sion 113e by an annular adjustment plate 204. The plate tween said opposed complementary frusto-conical bearing
204'is externally screw threaded and engages at 205 with surfaces.
a complementary internal screw thread on the extension 5. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 4, wherein
portion 113m. Axial adjustment or positioning of the one of said first and second opposed said thrust faces is
thrust plate 200 to determine the clearance between faces 35 axially adjustable on the member which carries it to
121 and 201 is controlled by axial screw adjustment of adjust the axial clearance between said first and second
the adjustment plate 204, this adjustment conveniently opposed thrust faces; and means is further provided for
being made by a peg wrench which engages with holes 206 securing said one thrust face with'respect to the member
in plate 204. After adjustment, the axial position of the which carries it whereby said thrust faces may be re
adjustment plate 204 may be fixed relative to the exten tained at a desired axial clearance relative to each other.
sion portion 113a by an annular locking plate 207. The 6. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 3, wherein
plate 207 is externally screw threaded and engages at said first spacer means operatively associated with said
208 with the internal screw thread on the extension por iirst auxiliary bearing means is removably secured between
tion 113a. Adjustment of the plate 207 is conveniently one of said sleeve members and said outer bearing mem
made by a peg wrench which is engageable with holes 209 ber; said first auxiliary bearing means and said rst spacer
in the plate. means being located between said first and second opposed
It will be apparent that when the thrust plate 200 is thrust faces and axially disposed relative thereto.
set and the plates 204 and 207 locked, the maximum axial 7. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 3, fur
clearance available between the opposed side faces 103 ther comprising second auxiliary bearing means disposed
and 201 of the outer bearing member is set but that such 50 between said outer bearing member and one of said
clearance may be re-adjusted as required to optimise the sleeve members, and third and fourth substantially op
bearing assembly. By such an arrangement the auxiliary posed thrust faces disposed one on said outer bearing
spacer element 28 as used in FIG. l may be eliminated. member and one on one of said sleeve members; said third
What I claim is: and fourth opposed thrust faces being substantially nor
1. A hydrostatic bearing assembly, comprising a shaft; mal to the axis of said frusto-conical bearing surfaces,
a plurality of sleeve members removably secured to said and said second auxiliary bearing means being disposed
Shaft in axial relationship; an outer bearing member, between said second pair of opposed thrust faces; said
said outer bearing member and said shaft being adapted second auxiliary bearing means being adapted to inhibit
for relative axial rotation; said sleeve members being relative movement of said third and fourth opposed thrust
disposed within said outer member, each of said sleeve 60 faces axially towards each other.
members having a frusto-conical external bearing sur 8. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 7, further
face adapted to provide a bearing surface for said shaft, comprising means for adjusting axial clearance between
and said outer bearing member having a pair of frusto said third and fourth opposed thrust faces, thereby main
conical internal bearing surfaces disposed in opposed taining efiicient operation of said second auxiliary bear
complementary relationship to said sleeve member bear ing means.
ing surfaces to provide restraint against relative axial 9. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 7, where
movement between said outer bearing member and said in said first auxiliary bearing means is disposed between
shaft; sleeve spacer means axially disposed between said said outer bearing member and one of said sleeve mem
sleeve members for achieving a desired clearance between bers and said second auxiliary bearing means is disposed
said frusto-conical bearing surfaces of said sleeve members 70 between said outer bearing member and the other of said
and .said respectively opposed frusto-conical bearing sur sleeve members; further comprising second spacer means
faces of said outer member; recess means and fluid pas operatively associated with said second auxiliary bearing
sage means adapted for connection to a source of hy means and removably secured between said sleeve mem
draulic fluid under pressure, said recess means forming ber associated with said second auxiliary bearing means
hydrostatic pads between said opposed frusto-conical sur 75 and said outer bearing member whereby said second auxil
 3,606,501
15 16
iary bearing means reacts through said second spacer tween said outer bearing member and one of said sleeve
means to restrain relative axial movement between said members and said second auxiliary bearing means is dis
outer bearing member and said shaft. posed between said outer bearing member and the other
10. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 7, fur of said sleeve members.
ture comprising an external flange disposed on at least one CII 19. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim '13,
of said sleeve member and extending therefrom at a posi wherein said first and second auxiliary bearing means are
tion adjacent the end part of largest diameter of said disposed between said outer bearing member and a com
sleeve member; at least one of said thrust faces being of mon sleeve member; whereby said first and second bear
substantially annular form and disposed on said external ing means react between said outer bearing member and
flange. 10 said common sleeve in opposite senses of axial direction.
11. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 7, 20. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 19,
wherein said first and second auxiliary bearing means are further comprising an external flange through which said
disposed between said outer bearing member and a com first and second auxiliary bearing means react in opposed
mon sleeve member; further comprising an external flange axial directions, said flange being mounted on said com
through which said first and second auxiliary bearing mon sleeve member, said first auxiliary bearing means
means react in opposed axial directions, said external being disposed between said outer bearing member and
flange being of substantially annular form and extending one side of said flange and said second auxiliary bearing
from said common sleeve member at a position adjacent means being disposed between said vouter bearing member
the end part of largest diameter of said common sleeve and the axially opposite side of said flange.
member; said first auxiliary bearing means being disposed 20 21. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 1, where
between said outer bearing member and one side of said in said first auxiliary bearing means comprises a roller
flange and said second auxiliary bearing means being dis bearing.
posed between said outer bearing member and the axially 22. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 1, where
opposite side of said flange; one side face of said annular in said first auxiliary bearing means comprises a hydro
flange providing one thrust face for said first and second static bearing; and further comprising auxiliary recess
opposed thrust faces and the other side face of said an means which communicates with auxiliary fluid passage
nular flange providing one thrust face for said third and means connected to a source of hydraulic fluid under
fourth opposed thrust faces; said outer bearing member pressure to form hydrostatic pads for said first auxiliary
comprising an extension portion projecting therefrom to bearing means.
axially overlie said annular flange of said common sleeve 30 23. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 22,
member, said extension portion carrying an inwardly di wherein said auxiliary fluid passage means includes fluid
rected flange having a thrust plate substantially normal restrictors disposed therein.
to the axis of said outer bearing member, the thrust face 24. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 22,
on said outer bearing member providing the other thrust wherein said auxiliary recess means and saidfirst auxiliary
face for said first and second opposed thrust faces and bearing means comprises, in combination, a plurality of
the thrust plate on said extension portion providing the peripherally spaced hydrostatic pads.
other thrust face for said third and fourth opposed thrust 25. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 1, where
faces. in said sleeve spacer means comprises at least two ad
12. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 11, fur justably connected elements, by means of which the axial
ther comprising means to adjust said first and second op 40 length of said- sleeve spacer means can be adjusted.
posed thrust faces and means to adjust said third and 26. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 1, where
fourth opposed thrust faces; said thrust plate carried on in said clearance maintaining sleeve spacer means com
said inwardly directed flange being axially adjustable with prises at least two sleeve elements in screw threaded en
respect to said extension portion to adjust the axial clear gagement to permit adjustment of the axial length of said
ance between opposed thrust faces carried on said outer 45 sleeve spacer means, said sleeve elements being mounted
bearing member and extension portion thereof, and still on said shaft axially between, and in abutting relationship
further comprising means for securing said thrust plate with, said sleeve members.
relative to said extension portion to maintain a predeter 27. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 1, where
mined axial clearance from said thrust face carried by in said sleeve spacer means comprises at least one element
said outer bearing member. 50 of predetermined axial length removably secured on said
13. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 1, fur shaft axially between, and in abutting relationship with,
ther comprising second auxiliary bearing means between said sleeve members.
said outer bearing member and one of said sleeve mem 28. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim l, where
bers, said second auxiliary bearing means being adapted in said recess means comprises a plurality of peripherally
to restrain axial movement between said outer bearing spaced hydrostatic pads between each pair of complemen
member and said shaft. tary frusto-conical bearing surfaces.
14. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 13, 29. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 28,
wherein said second auxiliary bearing means comprises a further comprising a plurality of peripherally spaced re
roller bearing. cesses in each of said frusto-conical surfaces of said outer
15. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 13, 60 bearing member, and fluid passage means to said recesses
wherein said second auxiliary bearing means comprises a disposed in said outer bearing member.
hydrostatic bearing; and further comprising auxiliary re 30. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 29,
cess means which communicates with auxiliary fluid pas wherein said plurality of peripherally spaced recesses are
sage means connected to a source of hydraulic fluid under out of alignment in an axial sense and each recess in one
pressure to form hydrostatic pads for said second auxil 65 of said frusto-conical surfaces partly overlies, in a peripher
iary bearing means. al sense, two recesses in the other of said frusto-conical
16. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 15, surfaces.
wherein said auxiliary fluid passage means includes fluid 31. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 2.9, fur
restrictors disposed therein. ther comprising fluid restrictors carried in said outer
17. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 13, 70 bearing member and disposed in said fluid passage means.
wherein said auxiliary recess means and said second 32. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 29, fur
auxiliary bearing means comprises, in combination, a there comprising channel means between each pair of
plurality of peripherally spaced hydrostatic pads. opposed complementary bearing surfaces and recess means
18. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 13, disposed in said frusto-conical surfaces; wherein said chan
wherein said first auxiliary bearing means is disposed be- " nel means comprises a plurality of axially spaced periph
 3,606,501
1 '7 18
eral recesses between which said recess means is located 36. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim l, fur
and an array of substantially axially extending channel ther comprising channel means between each pair of
means which communicate between said axially spaced opposed complementary bearing surfaces and recess means
peripheral recesses. disposed in certain of said truste-conical surfaces; said
33. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim l, fur- channel means being disposed in said certain of said
ther comprising a plurality of peripherally spaced recesses frusto-conical surfaces and being adapted to relieve hy
in the frusto-conical surface of each said sleeve member; draulic fluid leakage from said hydrostatic pads between
and i'luid passage means to said recesses disposed in each said opposed complementary bearing surfaces.
said sleeve member.
34. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 33, fur References Cited
ther comprising complementary engaging means incor UNITED STATES PATENTS
porated in said sleeve members whereby, when said sleeve
members are located on said shaft in abutting and axial 2,517,231 8/1950 Paul ______________ __ 308--70
relationship, said complementary engaging means locates 2,919,960 1/1960 Whitney __________ __ 308-122
said sleeve members relative to each other and in a posi 1,9019, 1 35 5 / 1933 Svenson ___________ __ 208~-70
tion in which said peripherally spaced recesses of said
sleeve members are out of alignment in an axial sense MARTIN P. SCHWADRON, Primary Examiner
and each recess in the frusto-conical surface of one said F. SUSKO, Assistant Examiner
sleeve member partly overlies, in a peripheral sense, two
recesses in the frusto-conical surface of said other sleeve 20 U.S. Cl. X.R.
member. 308-35
35. The hydrostatic bearing assembly of claim 33, fur
ther comprising fluid restrictors carried in said sleeve
members and disposed in said fluid passage means.