US3958840A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible bearing having reinforcements
Assignee: ATK Launch Systems LLC
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Filing: 1975-05-05
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Granted: 1976-05-25
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Expires: 1995-05-05
Abstract
Abstract A flexible bearing is constructed of layers of elastomer and rigid shims, alternately stacked and bonded together. At least some of the rigid shims are replaced with flexible reinforcements of refractory cloth or wire screen. The reinforcing material minimizes the number of rigid shims required. In some applications, the rigid shims may be completely eliminated.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles C. Hickox
- 👤 J. Donald McGregor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 10:19
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16F; F16F1/00; F16F1/36; F16F1/38; F16F1/393; F16F1/3935; F02; F02K; F02K9/00; F02K9/80; F02K9/84; F16F1/371; F16F2236/00; F16F2236/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
52 words
In a flexible bearing comprising alternate layers of elastomer and rigid material, stacked and bonded together, the improvement comprising: at least one layer of open-weave, reinforcing material embedded in at least one layer of elastomer, so that the elastomer may extend through the openings in the weave to encapsulate each strand thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
52 words
In a flexible bearing comprising alternate layers of elastomer and rigid material, stacked and bonded together, the improvement comprising: at least one layer of open-weave, reinforcing material embedded in at least one layer of elastomer, so that the elastomer may extend through the openings in the weave to encapsulate each strand thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The flexible bearing of claim 1 wherein perpendicular strands of the reinforcing material are locked together at their intersections.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The flexible bearing of claim 2 wherein the reinforcing material is wire screen, and perpendicular strands thereof are welded together at their intersections.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The flexible bearing of claim 2 wherein the reinforcing material is carbon cloth.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The flexible bearing of claim 2 wherein the reinforcing material is fiber glass cloth.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The flexible bearing of claim 1 wherein the reinforcing material is a plastic net.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The flexible bearing of claim 1 that is annular in form and all layers thereof conform to surfaces of concentric spheres.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
61 words
A flexible bearing comprising: a plurality of rigid, annular shims, axially alligned, uniformly spaced apart, and conforming to surfaces of concentric spheres; an annular layer of elastomer between each pair of adjacent shims and bonded thereto; and at least one annular layer of wire screen embedded in each layer of elastomer, perpendicular strands of the screen being interlocked at their intersections.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
61 words
A flexible bearing comprising: a plurality of rigid, annular shims, axially alligned, uniformly spaced apart, and conforming to surfaces of concentric spheres; an annular layer of elastomer between each pair of adjacent shims and bonded thereto; and at least one annular layer of wire screen embedded in each layer of elastomer, perpendicular strands of the screen being interlocked at their intersections.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
51 words
A flexible bearing comprising: a plurality of layers of open weave, rigid, reinforcing material having locked-together strands, stacked one upon another; and a cured, elastomeric composition encapsulating each strand of the reinforcing material and extending through the openings in the weave thereof, for firm bonding and elastic continuity through the bearing.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
51 words
A flexible bearing comprising: a plurality of layers of open weave, rigid, reinforcing material having locked-together strands, stacked one upon another; and a cured, elastomeric composition encapsulating each strand of the reinforcing material and extending through the openings in the weave thereof, for firm bonding and elastic continuity through the bearing.
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) | 1979-05-25 | 1979-11-24 | 1980-05-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-05-25 | 1983-11-24 | 1984-05-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-05-25 | 1987-11-24 | 1988-05-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |