초록 ▼

A fluid bearing with a multicomponent membrane which is inflated to form a torus defining a plenum chamber. The preferred three layer membrane has a fluid impermeable inner layer, a middle layer of a dimensionally stable fabric, and an abrasion resistant outer layer. The layers may be replaced indep

A fluid bearing with a multicomponent membrane which is inflated to form a torus defining a plenum chamber. The preferred three layer membrane has a fluid impermeable inner layer, a middle layer of a dimensionally stable fabric, and an abrasion resistant outer layer. The layers may be replaced independently. A number of different mechanisms for attaching the layers to the load-carrying member of the bearing are shown, and different membranes having different lift heights may be used with a single load-carrying member. In one embodiment one of a series of interchangeable metal rings of different diameters used with the middle layer of the membrane may be selected to control the lift height. The bearing also includes a replaceable orifice plate which controls the rate of flow into the plenum chamber and into and out of the torus membrane. A valve operates during the usual gradual start up to block flow of fluid to the plenum until the pressure in the torus membrane is one or two p.s.i. above atmospheric.

대표청구항 ▼

A fluid bearing for supporting a load cell on a support surface, said bearing comprising a member having a first surface for receiving a load thereon and a second surface, a generally annular flexible membrane, connecting means for sealingly connecting said annular membrane with the second surface o

A fluid bearing for supporting a load cell on a support surface, said bearing comprising a member having a first surface for receiving a load thereon and a second surface, a generally annular flexible membrane, connecting means for sealingly connecting said annular membrane with the second surface of said load receiving member along radially inner and radially outer perimeter portions of said membrane, fluid inlet means for connecting said fluid bearing with a supply of operating fluid under pressure, first fluid outlet means disposed in said second surface of said load receiving member between said perimeter portions of said membrane for introducing operating fluid under pressure from said inlet means to inflate said membrane to form a plenum chamber extending between said load receiving member and the support surface, said membrane being substantially impermeable by the operating fluid and including a plurality of independently replaceable layers with at least one of said layers being formed of a flexible and dimensionally stable material for limiting expansion of said membrane upon inflation of said membrane with said pressurized fluid.