In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a workstation or other heavy object which is easily moved, yet steady and stable when parked. Underneath this object is attached a multiple air-bearing device having a backplate, a membrane which is selectively bonded to the backplate, and
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a workstation or other heavy object which is easily moved, yet steady and stable when parked. Underneath this object is attached a multiple air-bearing device having a backplate, a membrane which is selectively bonded to the backplate, and a stencil and dimple which further prevent separation of the membrane from the backplate and which also provide a bearing surface for the workstation to rest with stability against the floor. Pressurized air is introduced through the base and behind the unbonded portions of the membrane, inflating the membrane and creating lift, and additionally forming a pneumatic seal against the floor. Air passages through the membrane and within the sealed footprint allow air to flow into and through the region between the membrane and the floor, creating an air-lubricated bearing that allows nearly frictionless motion of the heavy object.
대표청구항▼
The invention claimed is: 1. A fluid bearing base for facilitating movement of a heavy load such as a workbench, cabinet or equipment, comprising: a) a substantially planar backplate; b) a retractable, inflatable, substantially unitary membrane; c) means for coupling said base to a source of pressu
The invention claimed is: 1. A fluid bearing base for facilitating movement of a heavy load such as a workbench, cabinet or equipment, comprising: a) a substantially planar backplate; b) a retractable, inflatable, substantially unitary membrane; c) means for coupling said base to a source of pressurized fluid to inflate said membrane; and d) a bonding layer comprising an adhesive film attached to said membrane and to said backplate at predetermined locations, providing for fluid passage therebetween. 2. The fluid bearing base in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a stencil and dimple assembly bearing against the side of said membrane remote from said backplate to form a plurality of fluid bearings. 3. The fluid bearing base in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for coupling connects said base to a source of pressurized fluid comprising one of the group: a blower, compressor, and pump. 4. The fluid bearing base in accordance with claim 1, further comprising fluid distribution means operatively connected to said backplate and to each of said plurality of fluid bearings for providing pressurized fluid thereto. 5. The fluid bearing base in accordance with claim 4, wherein said fluid distribution means comprises a backplate manifold. 6. The fluid bearing base in accordance with claim 5, further comprising fluid flow control means operatively connected to said backplate manifold. 7. The fluid bearing base in accordance with claim 4, wherein said plurality of fluid bearings forms a grid thereof. 8. The fluid bearing base in accordance with claim 3, wherein said source of pressurized fluid is selected from the group: an on-board pressurized fluid tank, an on-board blower, an on-board compressor, an external compressor, an external pressurized fluid source, and an external pump. 9. The fluid bearing base in accordance with claim 1, wherein said fluid is selected from one of the group: gas, air, compressed air, water and oil. 10. The fluid bearing base in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: a) a component selected from the group: workbench, cabinet and equipment, said component being supported by and attached to said base.
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이 특허에 인용된 특허 (4)
Chaffee Bradley A. (Littleton CO) Morse George (Denver CO) Payne Roger (Castle Rock CO), Air pallet and materials moving system.
Johnson, Stephen T.; Kirkwood, Brad Lee; Saunders, Andrea C.; Larson, Kim Marie; Costello, John Michael; Lea, Scott W., Aircraft mission equipment having an integrated air caster handling system.
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