US3884534A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Increased damping hydrodynamic foil bearing
Assignee: Soluna Holdings Inc
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Filing: 1974-04-09
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Granted: 1975-05-20
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Expires: 1994-04-09
Abstract
Abstract A resilient hydrodynamic foil bearing wherein increased damping is obtained through the use of a bearing insert assembly having at least one bifurcated outer bearing element member. Interaction between the abutting edges of the sections of the outer element create frictional contact which provide a high degree of damping.
Inventors
- 👤 Leo W Winn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 20:04
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16C; F16C17/00; F16C17/02; F16C17/024
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A resilient hydrodynamic foil bearing of the type wherein an inner bearing element is resiliently supported by at least one outer bearing element in a cavity between two relatively movable surfaces so that upon relative movement of said surfaces a hydrodynamic load carrying film is formed by deflection of said inner and outer bearing elements wherein the improvement comprises at least one generally longitudinal discontinuity in at least one of said outer bearing elements dividing it into two or more sections which coact with each other upon relative motion therebetween.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
A resilient hydrodynamic foil bearing of the type wherein an inner bearing element is resiliently supported by at least one outer bearing element in a cavity between two relatively movable surfaces so that upon relative movement of said surfaces a hydrodynamic load carrying film is formed by deflection of said inner and outer bearing elements wherein the improvement comprises at least one generally longitudinal discontinuity in at least one of said outer bearing elements dividing it into two or more sections which coact with each other upon relative motion therebetween.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The resilient hydrodynamic foil bearing recited in claim 1 wherein said discontinuity extends over the full length of said outer bearing element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The resilient hydrodynamic foil bearing recited in claim 1 wherein said discontinuity extends over only a portion of the length of said outer bearing element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The resilient hydrodynamic foil bearing recited in claim 1 wherein at least two discontinuities divide said outer bearing element.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The resilient hydrodynamic foil bearing recited in claim 1 wherein said two relatively movable surfaces are a rotating shaft, and a housing surrounding said shaft.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The resilient hydrodynamic foil bearing recited in claim 1 wherein said coaction between said two or more outer bearing element sections is frictional contact at the abutting edges thereof.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for increasing the damping of an hydrodynamic foil bearing of the type wherein an inner bearing element member coacts with and is resiliently supported by at least one outer bearing element member to rotatably support a shaft so that upon rotation one or more hydrodynamic load supporting films is created by deflection of said elements comprising: a. splitting at least one of said outer elements into at least two longitudinal sections; and b. allowing said sections to coact by frictional contact at the edges thereof.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for increasing the damping of an hydrodynamic foil bearing of the type wherein an inner bearing element member coacts with and is resiliently supported by at least one outer bearing element member to rotatably support a shaft so that upon rotation one or more hydrodynamic load supporting films is created by deflection of said elements comprising: a. splitting at least one of said outer elements into at least two longitudinal sections; and b. allowing said sections to coact by frictional contact at the edges thereof.
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) | 1978-05-19 | 1978-11-18 | 1979-05-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-19 | 1982-11-18 | 1983-05-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-19 | 1986-11-18 | 1987-05-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |