The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 14, 1998
Filed:
Feb. 21, 1997
Willis W Gardner, Waukesha, WI (US);
Delaware Capital Formation, Inc., Waukesha, WI (US);
Abstract
A bearing structure for damping shaft vibrations wherein a fixed support member has an axially extending opening defined by a circular surface having a predetermined radius of curvature. A shaft extends centrally through the opening to provide an annular space between the periphery of the shaft and said circular surface. A plurality of bearing elements are circumferentially spaced apart around the shaft. A curved spring beam is interposed between each of the bearing elements and said circular surface defining the opening. The radially outwardly presented side of each spring beam has a radius of curvature greater than that of the circular surface so with the beam in direct contact with the circular surface a crescent shaped oil containment cavity is formed. A small oil inlet hole through the support member at each crescent shaped cavity supplies oil to the cavity. The oil acts to dampen shaft vibrations as it is pressurized in response to deflection of the spring beam reducing the volume in the cavity.