US4291997A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible support for superconducting machine rotor
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1978-02-17
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Granted: 1981-09-29
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Expires: 1998-02-17
Abstract
Abstract In a superconducting machine, differential thermal alterations in axial length of the torque tube, together with angular deflections thereof with respect to the rotor electromagnetic shield, are accommodated by a flexible support having a thin-wall circular diaphragm extending radially from an axially-oriented torsion shaft. The support structure acts as a stiff brace for the torque tube in the radial direction, so as not adversely to affect the rotor critical speeds.
Inventors
- 👤 Evangelos T. Laskaris
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 20:40
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02K; H02K55/00; H02K55/02; H02K55/04; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E40/00; Y02E40/60; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/21
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
In a superconducting electrical machine including a rotor containing a torque tube therein, a support for said torque tube, said support comprising: a cylindrical torsion shaft having its cylindrical surface centered about an axis and adapted to rotate thereabout; and an axially flexible, radially stiff diaphragm affixed radially about said torsion shaft, said diaphragm being interfitted so as to be attached at its distal boundary to said torque tube and being free to exhibit axial movement thereat.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
In a superconducting electrical machine including a rotor containing a torque tube therein, a support for said torque tube, said support comprising: a cylindrical torsion shaft having its cylindrical surface centered about an axis and adapted to rotate thereabout; and an axially flexible, radially stiff diaphragm affixed radially about said torsion shaft, said diaphragm being interfitted so as to be attached at its distal boundary to said torque tube and being free to exhibit axial movement thereat.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said diaphragm includes a rigid inner portion affixed to said torsion shaft, and an axially flexible, radially stiff outer portion affixed to said inner portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said inner portion of said diaphragm is of greater thickness than said outer portion of said diaphragm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said diaphragm includes a rim, said rim being wedged axially onto the undriven end of said torque tube, said rim including a double-tapered groove therein fitted tightly about a cooperating double-tapered end configuration of said torque tube extension.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said diaphragm includes a rigid inner portion affixed to said torsion shaft, and an axially flexible, radially stiff outer portion affixed to said inner portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said inner portion of said diaphragm is of greater thickness than said outer portion of said diaphragm.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said torque tube extension is shrink-fitted onto said diaphragm rim, so as to compress said diaphragm radially.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said flexible diaphragm is bent in an axial direction away from said torque tube at ambient torque tube temperature, and is bent in an axial direction toward said torque tube at cryogenic torque temperatures.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said diaphragm includes a rigid inner portion affixed to said torsion shaft and situated substantially orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis of said rotor, and an axially flexible, radially stiff outer portion affixed to said inner portion, said outer portion exhibiting said bending.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said inner portion of said diaphragm is of greater thickness than said outer portion of said diaphragm.
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) | 1984-09-28 | 1985-03-30 | 1985-09-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-09-28 | 1989-03-30 | 1989-09-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-09-28 | 1993-03-30 | 1993-09-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |