Flexure bearing support assemblies, with particular application to stirling machines
US5920133A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02G2270/45
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Improved flexures and flexure assemblies are taught for use in thermal regenerative machines. In one aspect, the flexure is a flat spring formed from a flat metal sheet having kerfs forming axially movable arms across them, and at least one aperture communicating with and extending from an end portion of the kerf. One variation includes a flexure bearing assembly having such a flexure. In accordance with another aspect, a thermodynamic machine has a housing carried stator and a piston and linear moving element carried by a flexure bearing assembly. In accordance with yet another aspect, a piston and displacer assembly are configured to be movably supported together within a chamber in a housing of a thermal regenerative machine via a flexure assembly. In accordance with yet another aspect, an internally mounted flexure bearing assembly includes a body configured to carry a tubular member, with the tubular member further carrying a central moving axial member within the tubular member via a flexure assembly in the form of at least one flat spring. One variation includes a retaining member for retaining the flat springs in assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.