A hydrodynamic thrust bearing and method of manufacturing the same. The bearing includes spaced planar pads supported on radially extending beams. The beams are connected to a base ring which is preferably circular. The radial beams support a circumferentially central region of the pads, but permit deflection...http://www.google.de/patents/US5503479?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US5503479 - Low profile thrust bearings having spaced pads and methods of making the same
