Abstract Relatively movable upper and lower skid plates, the upper skid plate for carrying a load and having depending sides and ends of which the upper is supported on the lower skid plate between upwardly extending side flanges which act as guides in relative motion therebetween. Antifriction compression seals are partially recessed in the free edges of the sides and ends of the upper side plate and extend downward in continuation thereof for sealing the ends and sides with the lower skid plate when a load is placed on the upper skid plate. A divider with similar seals is provided in the upper skid plate intermediate the closed ends for dividing a space defined between the plates. Pressure fluid is introduced into the spaces for raising the upper skid plate and load an amount less than the seals were compressed so as not to break the sealing. The upper skid plate and load when so raised is readily movable on the lower skid plate, the friction therebetween comprising practially entirely that between fluid and plates and a minor amount between the antifriction seals and the lower skid plate. The skid plates and pressure fluid therebetween comprises a self-contained fluid bearing, variable according to relative movement and position of said skid plates.
A self-contained variable fluid bearing for skidding heavy loads comprising: an upper skid plate with depending sides, ends, and a transverse divider, intermediate said ends, which in combination define a pair of bottom-opening pair of longitudinally aligned enclosures with depending free Ends and oppositely disposed load supporting surface; a lower skid plate adapted to supportively engage said depending free edges and extend normal therebeyond for supporting said upper skid plate in relative longitudinal movement therebetween, and to define therewith longitudinally aligned closed chambers therebetween, said lower skid plate having upwardly extending sides spaced transversely apart and adapted to guide said upper skid plate in said longitudinally relative movement; antifrictional and compressible sealing means recessed in the free edges of said enclosures to reduce sliding friction between said skidplates, and to compress under a load to seal each of said longitudinally aligned chambers independently of each other for maintaining sealing in one of said chambers when said upper skid plate is longitudinally moved less than said transverse divider beyond said lower skid plate; and input means for introducing pressure fluid in each of said closed chambers to vertically raise said upper skid plate with respect to the lower skid plate less than the compression of said sealing means by said load for simultaneously maintaining sealing while reducing the force of said load and hence the friction between the meeting and supporting parts.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
231 words
A self-contained variable fluid bearing for skidding heavy loads comprising: an upper skid plate with depending sides, ends, and a transverse divider, intermediate said ends, which in combination define a pair of bottom-opening pair of longitudinally aligned enclosures with depending free Ends and oppositely disposed load supporting surface; a lower skid plate adapted to supportively engage said depending free edges and extend normal therebeyond for supporting said upper skid plate in relative longitudinal movement therebetween, and to define therewith longitudinally aligned closed chambers therebetween, said lower skid plate having upwardly extending sides spaced transversely apart and adapted to guide said upper skid plate in said longitudinally relative movement; antifrictional and compressible sealing means recessed in the free edges of said enclosures to reduce sliding friction between said skidplates, and to compress under a load to seal each of said longitudinally aligned chambers independently of each other for maintaining sealing in one of said chambers when said upper skid plate is longitudinally moved less than said transverse divider beyond said lower skid plate; and input means for introducing pressure fluid in each of said closed chambers to vertically raise said upper skid plate with respect to the lower skid plate less than the compression of said sealing means by said load for simultaneously maintaining sealing while reducing the force of said load and hence the friction between the meeting and supporting parts.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A self-contained fluid bearing as described in claim 1 wherein said sealing means comprises a composite means having an inner recessed compressible part and an outer antifriction part.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A self-contained fluid bearing as described in claim 1 wherein said sealing means comprises a unitary means that is both compressible and antifrictional.