Patent · US Expired

Stacked magnet superconducting bearing

US5220232A · kind A · utility

67Cited by
13References
33Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 3, 1991
Grant dateJun 15, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 3, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S505/876
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

In a superconducting bearing, flux density and flux density gradient are increased between a magnetic source and a member of superconducting material. A plurality of magnets are magnetized end-to-end and stacked side-by-side in alternating polarity. Non-magnetic shims are disposed between the magnets. Flux lines flow between the ends of adjacent magnets and communicate with the member. Resulting is higher bearing load capacity and stiffness. When the member is made from a Type II superconducting material, the bearing provides support in both the radial and axial directions.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.