A thrust bearing is described comprising first and second bearing assemblies (15, 17) rotatable relative to each and a plurality of axially arranged bearing stages (14a, 14b) formed between the first and second bearing assemblies (15, 17). Each bearing stage comprises a first load shoulder (16) provided on the first bearing assembly (15), a second load shoulder (18) provided on the second bearing assembly (17), a bearing structure (30) defined between the first and second load shoulders; and an extrudable component (32) forming part of the bearing structure. Wherein axial load applied between the first and second bearing assemblies (15, 17) in a first relative axial direction is transmitted between respective pairs of first and second load shoulders via the extrudable components (32) of respective bearing structures (30). The extrudable components (30) provide for load balancing between each bearing stage (14a, 14b).

A drive device including at least one motor and at least one additional drive component from the group of a transmission, a torque converter, a clutch and/or a brake, wherein the at least one motor and/or the at least one additional drive component includes a control means which changes the torque transmission and which includes at least one illuminant and a material that influences the torque transmission and that includes at least one light-stabilized dynamic material (LSDM). The control means is configured to change the torque transmission by actuating the illuminant, which radiates onto the light-stabilized dynamic material (LSDM). A robot includes at least one such drive device.

A bearing system includes a first bearing, the first bearing being annular in shape and defining a ring aperture, the first bearing including a first surface and a second surface, a second bearing being substantially the same in construction to the first bearing, a first surface of the second bearing contacting a second surface of the first bearing, wherein each of the bearings is constructed of nylon MDS.

A bearing system includes a first bearing, the first bearing being annular in shape and defining a ring aperture, the first bearing including a first surface and a second surface, a second bearing being substantially the same in construction to the first bearing, a first surface of the second bearing contacting a second surface of the first bearing, wherein each of the bearings is constructed of nylon MDS.

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to overmolded protective leaching masks, and methods of manufacturing and using the same for leaching superabrasive elements such as polycrystalline diamond elements. In an embodiment, a protective leaching mask assembly includes a superabrasive element including a central axis and a superabrasive table, and a protective mask overmolded onto at least a portion of the superabrasive element. The protective mask includes a base portion and at least one sidewall extending from the base portion and defining an opening generally opposite the base portion. The at least one sidewall includes an inner surface configured to abut with a selected portion of the superabrasive element being chemically resistant to a leaching agent and an outer surface sloping at an oblique angle relative to the central axis.

An arrangement for monitoring a centrifugal pump is provided. receiving the residual axial thrust of a centrifugal pump. The arrangement includes a load-relieving device configured to receive the residual axial thrust developed during pump operation, an axial bearing, and a sensor ring is associated with the axial bearing. The ring (10) is divided into segments having sensors at the segment dividing regions.

An arrangement for monitoring a centrifugal pump is provided. receiving the residual axial thrust of a centrifugal pump. The arrangement includes a load-relieving device configured to receive the residual axial thrust developed during pump operation, an axial bearing, and a sensor ring is associated with the axial bearing. The ring (10) is divided into segments having sensors at the segment dividing regions.

Air compressor for a vehicle having improved internal cooling efficiency by ensuring a circulation flow of compressed air for internal cooling and allowing the compressed air to sufficiently flow. The air compressor comprises: a housing with a compression unit for introducing and compressing air from outside; a motor unit which includes a rotor and a stator, and drives the compression unit to rotate according to the rotation of the rotor; a bearing unit supporting the rotor to be rotatable; a cooling circulation flow path formed inside the housing for moving, in an axial direction, some of the air compressed in the compression unit and circulating the air to the compression unit; and a bypass flow path which receives some of the air passing through the cooling circulation flow path and bypasses a partial region of the bearing unit to join the cooling circulation flow path.

A method for operating a rotary vessel which monitors the position of the tire relative to the upper and lower thrust bearings and the temperature of the upper and lower thrust bearings and provides an output that alerts an operator when corrective action should be taken.

A method for operating a rotary vessel which monitors the position of the tire relative to the upper and lower thrust bearings and the temperature of the upper and lower thrust bearings and provides an output that alerts an operator when corrective action should be taken.