US3694042A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Radial fluid bearing
Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
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Filing: 1971-03-01
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Granted: 1972-09-26
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Expires: 1991-03-01
Abstract
Abstract The invention comprises related embodiments of a basic rotary bearing having primarily effective sealing and either radial loading or thrust loading. Journaling capability is realized by holding a stationary annular member having a substantially triangularly cross-sectional flange within a high density fluid centrifugally retained within a rotary annular cavity. Imposition of a radial load on the structure biases the stationary annular member into the fluid until the buoyant force exerted on said member by the fluid equals the imposed load. In another embodiment having thrust loading capability, the stationary member comprises a disc-like thrust plate held within a rotating cavity, the outer annular edges of the plate being immersed in a fluid held along the inner periphery of the cavity by the rotary motion thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 David W Rabenhorst
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 10:44
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16J; F16J15/00; F16J15/16; F16J15/40; F16J15/42; F16C; F16C32/00; F16C33/00; F16C33/02; F16C33/04; F16C33/06; F16C33/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
A rotary structure comprising an annular housing having a cavity therein, a fluid in the cavity, means for rotating the housing, said fluid being moved by centrifugal force toward the perimeter of the housing upon rotation of said housing, fixed support means extending into the housing, means on said fixed support means and engaging the fluid in the cavity during rotation of the housing, the major portions of said means which contact the fluid being triangular in crosssection, and ferrofluid sealing means between the means on said fixed support means and opposed points on the housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
A rotary structure comprising an annular housing having a cavity therein, a fluid in the cavity, means for rotating the housing, said fluid being moved by centrifugal force toward the perimeter of the housing upon rotation of said housing, fixed support means extending into the housing, means on said fixed support means and engaging the fluid in the cavity during rotation of the housing, the major portions of said means which contact the fluid being triangular in crosssection, and ferrofluid sealing means between the means on said fixed support means and opposed points on the housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
124 words
A rotary structure comprising an annular housing having a cavity therein, a fluid in the cavity, means for rotating the housing, said fluid being moved by centrifugal force toward the perimeter of the housing upon rotation of said housing, fixed support means extending into the housing, an annular disc having a peripheral edge on said fixed support means, the peripheral edge of the disc engaging the fluid in the cavity during rotation of the housing, and a second fluid disposed in the cavity within a reduced portion thereof defined by the disc and an opposed wall of the housing, said second fluid being relatively less dense than the first-mentioned fluid and being sealed within said reduced portion of the cavity by the first-mentioned fluid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
124 words
A rotary structure comprising an annular housing having a cavity therein, a fluid in the cavity, means for rotating the housing, said fluid being moved by centrifugal force toward the perimeter of the housing upon rotation of said housing, fixed support means extending into the housing, an annular disc having a peripheral edge on said fixed support means, the peripheral edge of the disc engaging the fluid in the cavity during rotation of the housing, and a second fluid disposed in the cavity within a reduced portion thereof defined by the disc and an opposed wall of the housing, said second fluid being relatively less dense than the first-mentioned fluid and being sealed within said reduced portion of the cavity by the first-mentioned fluid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The rotary structure of claim 2 wherein the peripheral edge on the annular disc is triangular in cross-section.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The rotary structure of claim 2 wherein the second-mentioned fluid is immiscible with the first-mentioned fluid.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The rotary structure of claim 2 wherein the fixed support means comprises a stationary shaft mounting the annular disc within the housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The rotary structure of claim 2 wherein the means for rotating the housing is a rotatable shaft.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The rotary structure of claim 2 wherein the annular disc is comprised of frusto-conical sections joined at their base surfaces.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-26 | 1976-03-27 | 1976-09-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-26 | 1980-03-27 | 1980-09-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-26 | 1984-03-27 | 1984-09-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |