Patent US3863995A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3863995A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluid bearing assembly
Assignee: UNC NUCLEAR INDUSTRIES Inc A CORP OF
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Filing: 1973-10-23
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Granted: 1975-02-04
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Expires: 1993-10-23
Abstract
Abstract A fluid bearing assembly for a machine is described which offers the advantages of reduced friction while maintaining a minimum flow rate of the working fluid. This is accomplished by including in the bearing assembly means for introducing pressurized fluid between bearing surfaces, and embedding a seal member directly in one of the bearing surfaces so as to surround the fluid inlet and extend completely between the latter and the outlet for the fluid.
Inventors
- 👤 Cecil R Jones
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 00:39
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16C; F16C32/00; F16C32/06; F16C32/0629; F16C32/064; F16C32/0651; F16C32/0659; F16C29/00; F16C29/02; F16C29/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
226 words
In combination with a machine having first and second parts movable relative to one another aLong confronting first and second bearing surfaces with the first of the movable parts exerting a load in a given direction including a component generally orthogonal to the confronting bearing surfaces and tending to increase the frictional forces resisting the movement at the first and second bearing surfaces, a fluid bearing comprising means on one of the parts providing a third bearing surface extending generally orthogonal to the load direction component and confronting the second bearing surface on the other of the parts, at least one opening in one of the second and third bearing surfaces, an annular sealmember mounted in one of the second and third bearing surfaces so as to protrude therefrom and surround said opening, means for furnishing pressurized fluid to the said opening, the location of the opening and the fluid pressure being such that the fluid exits from said opening and impinges on the confronting bearing surface in a direction so as to provide a fluid force substantially opposite to the load and tending to lift the load of the first part and thereby reduce the frictional forces at the first and second bearing surfaces, the seal member being located in a position to impede the flow of fluid between the second and third bearing surfaces.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
226 words
In combination with a machine having first and second parts movable relative to one another aLong confronting first and second bearing surfaces with the first of the movable parts exerting a load in a given direction including a component generally orthogonal to the confronting bearing surfaces and tending to increase the frictional forces resisting the movement at the first and second bearing surfaces, a fluid bearing comprising means on one of the parts providing a third bearing surface extending generally orthogonal to the load direction component and confronting the second bearing surface on the other of the parts, at least one opening in one of the second and third bearing surfaces, an annular sealmember mounted in one of the second and third bearing surfaces so as to protrude therefrom and surround said opening, means for furnishing pressurized fluid to the said opening, the location of the opening and the fluid pressure being such that the fluid exits from said opening and impinges on the confronting bearing surface in a direction so as to provide a fluid force substantially opposite to the load and tending to lift the load of the first part and thereby reduce the frictional forces at the first and second bearing surfaces, the seal member being located in a position to impede the flow of fluid between the second and third bearing surfaces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein the first and second bearing surfaces are constituted by a non-fluid bearing assembly which is alone capable of carrying the full load of the movable parts, and the means providing the third bearing surface comprises a bearing member separate and apart from the non-fluid bearing assembly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein the first and second parts move in a linear direction relative to one another, and the first part is arranged above the second part and exerts a downward load thereon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
85 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein the second part is fixed, the first part is movable, the bearing member is mounted on the first part with the said opening located in the third bearing surface confronting the second bearing surface, said third bearing surface having an annular groove surrounding the opening, said seal member being mounted in the groove, and the fluid pressure being such as to separate the first and second parts and minimize contact between the seal member and the second bearing surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The combination of claim 4 wherein the second bearing surface comprises a round way, and the fluid bearing comprises a block having a semi-cylindrical third bearing surface configured to match that of the round way, the seal member being embedded in the third bearing surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
66 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein the first part is a shaft adapted for rotary movement and the first and second bearing surfaces form a journal bearing supporting the shaft for rotary movement, the fluid bearing comprising a block having a semi-cylindrical third bearing surface configured to match that of the shaft and underlying the shaft, the seal member being embedded in the third bearing surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein the first part is a shaft defining with the second part first and second bearing surfaces forming a thrust bearing, the third bearing surface being constituted by the shaft end with the seal member embedded in the third bearing surface.
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) | 1978-02-03 | 1978-08-05 | 1979-02-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-03 | 1982-08-05 | 1983-02-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-03 | 1986-08-05 | 1987-02-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |