Flexure bearing support, with particular application to stirling machines
US5522214A · kind A · utility
60Cited by
11References
27Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02G2244/50
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The use of flexures in the form of flat spiral springs cut from sheet metal materials provides support for coaxial nonrotating linear reciprocating members in power conversion machinery, such as Stirling cycle engines or heat pumps. They permit operation with little or no rubbing contact or other wear mechanisms. The relatively movable members include one member having a hollow interior structure within which the flexures are located. The flexures permit limited axial movement between the interconnected members, but prevent adverse rotational movement and radial displacement from their desired coaxial positions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.