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A bearing system includes a lubricant circulation apparatus to provide a continuous supply of a cooled lubricant fluid to a bearing device. The bearing device may be a hydrodynamic sleeve bearing having a bearing housing defining a sump for maintaining lubricant fluid therein. The bearing sump is in

A bearing system includes a lubricant circulation apparatus to provide a continuous supply of a cooled lubricant fluid to a bearing device. The bearing device may be a hydrodynamic sleeve bearing having a bearing housing defining a sump for maintaining lubricant fluid therein. The bearing sump is in fluid communication with a reservoir which maintains a supply of lubricant. A pump communicates with the reservoir to draw a desired quantity of lubricant fluid therefrom and deliver it to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger uses an existing source of air from an operative pump motor to increase the air circulation through the cooling fins of the heat exchanger. The cooled lubricant is thereafter delivered to the bearing inlet and provides a cooler operating environment for the bearing system.

대표청구항 ▼

[ That which is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for providing a cooled lubricant fluid to a hydrodynamic sleeve bearing having a housing defining a sump for maintaining a lubricant fluid therein and further configured to permit flow of the lubricant fluid through the housing at a predetermined flow rat

[ That which is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for providing a cooled lubricant fluid to a hydrodynamic sleeve bearing having a housing defining a sump for maintaining a lubricant fluid therein and further configured to permit flow of the lubricant fluid through the housing at a predetermined flow rate, the method comprising the steps of:removing lubricant fluid from the sump using a pump;supplying the lubricant fluid to a heat exchanger;directing an air stream produced by a pump motor cooling fan across a radiator surface of the heat exchanger, thereby producing a supply of a cooled lubricant fluid; anddirecting the cooled lubricant fluid to an upper surface of the mechanical shaft.