Title: Servostatic bearing system with variable stiffness

Abstract: The invention provides a hydraulically sealed, variable stiffness servostatic bearing system for use in machine tools and between any other loaded surfaces. Bearing pads operate between two relatively movable surfaces. A pilot valve senses changes in the bearing surface spacing and communicates by pressure variations with a diaphragm controlled restrictor valve. The diaphragm controlled restrictor valve apportions proper amounts of hydraulic fluid at proper pressure to the bearing pads. The combination results in a bearing system the stiffness of which is adjustable from positive to infinite to negative by the source hydraulic pressure to the diaphragm restrictor valve. A lift bladder and a modular bearing pad assembly to facilitate easy and quick installation and removal of bearing pads are also described.

Do you think this is a good invention? Vote now:

Votes so far: For:(0) Against:(0)
Other info:

Inventors: Marathe, Sharad M. (Fond du Lac, WI, US)
Cuppan, Bruce C. (Fond du Lac, WI, US)
Ehrhardt, Orville W. (Fond du Lac, WI, US)
Scherer, Joseph C. (Fond du Lac, WI, US)
Schmitz, Thomas E. (St. Cloud, WI, US)

Application Number: 727938
Filing Date: 1976-09-29
Publication_date: 1978-03-21
Assignee: Giddings & Lewis, Inc. (Fond du Lac, WI)
Primary Class(es): 384/12 108/20, 108/143, 384/15
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

3260162	Jul, 1966	Atherton	308/5.
3407012	Oct, 1968	Siebers	308/122.
3442560	May, 1969	DeGast	308/5.
3717392	Feb, 1973	Ennis	308/5.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Blix, Trygve M.
Assistant Examiner: Butler, Douglas C.
Attorney: Leydig, Voit, Osann