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:
Jan. 09, 2018
Filed:
Jun. 17, 2015
Smith International, Inc., Houston, TX (US);
Richard David Peer, Katy, TX (US);
Huward Paul Fontenot, Jr., Spring, TX (US);
Bastiaan Liezenberg, Sugar Land, TX (US);
Smith International, Inc., Houston, TX (US);
Abstract
Passive load balancing in a fluid bearing for a rotational device is provided using disclosed devices, systems, and methods. In particular, fluid bearing apparatus may include an outer member with an inner member disposed concentrically within the outer member. A fluid inlet may provide fluid communication with a surrounding space between the inner and outer members. A bearing may be connected to the inner member and may extend into the surrounding space. The apparatus may also include a piston located in the surrounding space between the bearing and the fluid inlet. A supporting fluid is located between the piston and a surface of the bearing to transmit force from the piston to the bearing.