US3583815A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Angular displacement indicating gas bearing support system
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1969-05-01
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Granted: 1971-06-08
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Expires: 1989-05-01
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure concerns a support arrangement incorporating a gas bearing especially adapted for frictionless pivotal support of test models together with a novel provision for measuring the angular displacement of the model in the support. This bearing features a zero power quartz lens forming the bottom of the gas chamber combined with a light beam angular displacement measuring system which cooperates with a reflector on the bearing ball to provide accurate indications of angular deflections of the ball and the attached model.
Inventors
- 👤 Edgar D Kersey Jr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 02:30
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01D; G01D5/00; G01D5/26; G01D5/264; F; F16; F16C; F16C29/00; F16C29/04; F16C29/045; F16C29/046; F16C32/00; F16C32/06; F16C32/0681; F16C32/0696; G01M; G01M5/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
An angle indicating rotational support comprising: a bearing block assembly including a structural portion defining a circular cavity; a bearing member positioned juxtaposed and having an area interfitting said circular cavity portion to define an interface and allow relative rotation therebetween; gas supply means for supplying the interface of said bearing member and said surface portion with a pressurized gas; a transparent section formed in said surface portion; reflective means carried by said bearing member and being aligned with said transparent section; means for directing a beam of light through said transparent section to said reflective means; and means for indicating the angular movement of said bearing member from the reflections of said light beam from said bearing member reflective means, whereby measurements of rotational movement of a supported element fastened to said bearing member may be obtained directly from the bearing surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
An angle indicating rotational support comprising: a bearing block assembly including a structural portion defining a circular cavity; a bearing member positioned juxtaposed and having an area interfitting said circular cavity portion to define an interface and allow relative rotation therebetween; gas supply means for supplying the interface of said bearing member and said surface portion with a pressurized gas; a transparent section formed in said surface portion; reflective means carried by said bearing member and being aligned with said transparent section; means for directing a beam of light through said transparent section to said reflective means; and means for indicating the angular movement of said bearing member from the reflections of said light beam from said bearing member reflective means, whereby measurements of rotational movement of a supported element fastened to said bearing member may be obtained directly from the bearing surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The support of claim 1 wherein said cavity is a spherical sector and said transparent section is a zero power spherical lens.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-06-07 | 1974-12-07 | 1975-06-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-06-07 | 1978-12-07 | 1979-06-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-06-07 | 1982-12-07 | 1983-06-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |