Patent US3941433A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3941433A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible bearing having low torque resistance
Assignee: ATK Launch Systems LLC
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Filing: 1975-05-05
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Granted: 1976-03-02
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Expires: 1995-05-05
Abstract
Abstract A flexible bearing is constructed of layers of elastomer and rigid material, alternately stacked and bonded together. The central portion of each elastomeric layer, however, is an elastomeric material having a lower elastic shear modulus than that of the edge portions. This lowers the resistance of the bearing to forces exerted on it in directions parallel to the layers of elastomer and rigid material.
Inventors
- 👤 William T. Dolling
- 👤 Jack R. Kapp
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 06:07
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16F; F16F1/00; F16F1/36; F16F1/38; F16F1/393; F16F1/3935; F02; F02K; F02K9/00; F02K9/80; F02K9/84
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
56 words
In a flexible bearing constructed of alternate layers of rigid material and elastomer stacked and bonded together, the improvement wherein the central portion of each layer of elastomer is of a lower, shear modulus of elasticity than the elastomer at the edge portions thereof, whereby the bearing is more yielding to forces parallel to the layers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
56 words
In a flexible bearing constructed of alternate layers of rigid material and elastomer stacked and bonded together, the improvement wherein the central portion of each layer of elastomer is of a lower, shear modulus of elasticity than the elastomer at the edge portions thereof, whereby the bearing is more yielding to forces parallel to the layers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
10 words
The flexible bearing of claim 1 having an annular form.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The flexible bearing of claim 2 wherein the layers of elastomer and rigid material conform to surfaces of concentric spheres.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The flexible bearing of claim 1 wherein the edge portions of the elastomeric layers is a natural rubber and the central portions is a silicone rubber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
93 words
A flexible bearing for mounting a movable thrust nozzle to a rocket comprising: a plurality of rigid, annular shims, axially aligned, uniformly spaced apart, and conforming to surfaces of concentric spheres; and an annular layer of elastomer between each pair of adjacent shims and bonded thereto, each layer comprising a set of three concentric, contiguous rings of rubber -- the inner and outer rings of each set being of a natural rubber, and the central ring being a silicone rubber having a lower, shear modulus of elasticity than the inner and outer rings.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
93 words
A flexible bearing for mounting a movable thrust nozzle to a rocket comprising: a plurality of rigid, annular shims, axially aligned, uniformly spaced apart, and conforming to surfaces of concentric spheres; and an annular layer of elastomer between each pair of adjacent shims and bonded thereto, each layer comprising a set of three concentric, contiguous rings of rubber -- the inner and outer rings of each set being of a natural rubber, and the central ring being a silicone rubber having a lower, shear modulus of elasticity than the inner and outer rings.
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) | 1979-03-02 | 1979-09-01 | 1980-03-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-02 | 1983-09-01 | 1984-03-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-02 | 1987-09-01 | 1988-03-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |