US3918773A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Magnetic field responsive hydrodynamic bearing
Assignee: Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Co Inc
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Filing: 1974-01-07
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Granted: 1975-11-11
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Expires: 1994-01-07
Abstract
Abstract A self-contained, fluid bearing assembly for the support of a load is described. The fluid is a ferro-hydromagnetically responsive fluid disposed between the two members joined by the bearing assembly. The oppositely disposed respective faces of these members are described having a special construction so that upon application of a rotating magnetic field to the fluid, the bearing achieves load sustaining capabilities and self-contained fluidic characteristics.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert H Tuffias
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 06:25
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16C; F16C39/00; F16C39/04; F16C17/00; F16C17/04; F16C17/047; F16C32/00; F16C32/06; F16C32/0629; F16C32/0633; F16C32/0637; F16C33/00; F16C33/02; F16C33/04; F16C33/06; F16C33/10; F16C33/1025; F16C33/103; F16C33/1035; F16C33/106
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
A bearing assembly comprising: a. at least a first and a second members disposed in proximity to each other, each said member having a bearing surface oppositely disposed to the other, said bearing surfaces forming a chamber therebetween; b. magnetic fluid present within said chamber; and c. means for generating a rotating magnetic field within said magnetic fluid, whereby a fluid pressure is created acting against said bearing surfaces of said first and said second members.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
A bearing assembly comprising: a. at least a first and a second members disposed in proximity to each other, each said member having a bearing surface oppositely disposed to the other, said bearing surfaces forming a chamber therebetween; b. magnetic fluid present within said chamber; and c. means for generating a rotating magnetic field within said magnetic fluid, whereby a fluid pressure is created acting against said bearing surfaces of said first and said second members.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The bearing assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said moving magnetic field generating producing means comprises an array of coils disposed in a circular pattern, each of said coils being selectively operable relative to the others of said coils to create a rotating magnetic field in said chamber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The bearing assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein one of said bearing surfaces oppositely disposed includes a pattern formed thereon for influencing fluids in movement adjacent thereto.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The bearing assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein both of said bearing surfaces oppositely disposed include patterns formed thereon for influencing fluids in movement adjacent either of said bearing surfaces.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The bearing assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein said pattern comprises grooves formed on its respective bearing surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
55 words
The bearing assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said chamber is further defined by a permanent magnet assembly and a gap situated between said permanent magnet assembly and one of said bearing members, said gap being magnetically influenced by said permanent magnet assembly whereby said magnetic fluid is prevented from passing through said gap.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
67 words
Bearing device comprising in combination, at least a first and a second structural members disposed in proximity to each other, each said member having a bearing surface oppositely disposed to the other, said bearing surface forming a chamber therebetween for containing magnetic fluid; means for generating at least one leading magnetic field moving in a predetermined annular path, and for pressurizing said magnetic fluid within said chamber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
67 words
Bearing device comprising in combination, at least a first and a second structural members disposed in proximity to each other, each said member having a bearing surface oppositely disposed to the other, said bearing surface forming a chamber therebetween for containing magnetic fluid; means for generating at least one leading magnetic field moving in a predetermined annular path, and for pressurizing said magnetic fluid within said chamber.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
Bearing device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said magnetic field includes an array of magnetic field producing coils disposed in circular relationship relative to said, whereby a leading, rotating magnetic field is established in said.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
Bearing device as claimed in claim 7 wherein at least one said surface includes fluid directing means for directing said fluid when in motion along a predetermined path.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
Bearing device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said fluid directing means includes a formed surface, said surface urging said magnetic fluid to a predetermined location between said two structural members.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
Bearing device as claimed in claim 10 wherein said fluid directing means further includes grooves formed on saiD surface, said grooves forming a pattern.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
Bearing device as claimed in claim 11 wherein said pattern includes a spiral pattern including grooves formed in a spiral emanating from a point.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
Bearing device as claimed in claim 11 wherein said pattern includes a straight groove pattern.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
Bearing device as claimed in claim 11 wherein said pattern includes a groove pattern whereby upon movement of said magnetic fluid adjacent said pattern, said magnetic fluid is urged to, and is pressurized at a predetermined location.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
Bearing device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said chamber is further defined by a gap and a magnet asembly adjacent said gap, and forming a magnetic field in said gap.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
Bearing device as claimed in claim 15 wherein said magnet assembly comprises a permanent magnet.
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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) | 1978-11-10 | 1979-05-12 | 1979-11-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-10 | 1983-05-12 | 1983-11-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-10 | 1987-05-12 | 1987-11-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |