HYDROSTATIC BEARING AND FLUID COLLECTION SYSTEM

摘要

A hydrostatic bearing assembly and fluid return system is provided for collecting and returning hydrostatic fluid which exits the bearing assembly to a remote location. The bearing assembly and fluid returning system includes a hydrostatic bearing (13) which is connected to supply (26) and return (32) reservoirs by supply and return hoses or conduits, respectively. The bearing assembly includes a carriage (14) having a bushing (16) secured within the carriage between a pair of retaining rings (20). A collection cylinder (18) is fixedly positioned between each retaining ring (20) and one end of the bushing (16). Each collection cylinder (18) defines a collection chamber adjacent one end of the carriage, which is positioned to receive hydrostatic fluid exiting a gap (54) defined between the carriage (14) and a support rail (12). The return hoses or conduits each have a first end that communicates with one of the collection chambers and a second end that communicates with remotely located reservoir. Hydrostatic fluid exiting the gap is collected in the collection chambers and subsequently returned to a collection reservoir.