Importance

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Abstract

In a bearing lubrication delivery mechanism, a primary member is supported for rotation about a first axis and defines a bore having a second axis approximately parallel to and radially offset from the first axis. A sleeve is positioned in the bore and at least two anti-friction bearings are slidably mounted on an exterior surface of the sleeve. The bearings support the sleeve in the bore for rotational motion relative to the primary member and in combination define a first and second side. The sleeve also defines a central lubricant reservoir for receiving a charge of lubricant. A fluid conduit leading to the first side of the anti-friction bearings is defined by the sleeve and an interior surface of the bore, and a radial flow path communicating with the central lubricant reservoir and the fluid conduit is defined by an inner end of the sleeve and an end wall of the bore. As the primary member rotates, the charge of lubricant in the reservoir is acted on by centrifugal force and flows through the radial flow path to the first side of the bearings. A shield is provided on the other side of the bearings and defines a gap between the shield and the sleeve past which the lubricant must flow, thereby establishing the flow rate of the lubricant through the bearings.

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First Claim