Rotary nanotube bearing structure and methods for manufacturing and using the same

US8337141B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. · US
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology · US

Inventors

• David J. Carter · Concord, US
• Marc S. Weinberg · Needham, US
• Eugene H. Cook · Acton, US
• Peter Miraglia · Weymouth, US
• Zoltan S. Spakovszky · Arlington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 12, 2009
• Grant date: Dec 25, 2012
• Expiry date: May 6, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T74/12
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

In one embodiment, a rotary device includes a multiwall nanotube that extends substantially perpendicularly from a substrate. A rotor may be coupled to an outer wall of the multiwall nanotube, be spaced apart from the substrate, and be free to rotate around an elongate axis of the multiwall nanotube.