Process and apparatus for the release of a prestress initially applied to a mechanism such as a bearing on board a space vehicle
Patent 5030016 Issued on July 9, 1991. Estimated Expiration Date: 
July 11, 2010. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
July 11, 2010. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesLock for despin bearing assembly Rolling contact element Variable preload bearing assembly Bearing with adjustable stiffness Bearing assembly Patent #: 4961654 InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 551567 filed on 07/11/1990US Classes:384/448, Sensor or inspection features; liquid metal or shipping protection features; bearing member integral with seal29/898.09, Pre-usage process, e.g., preloading, aligning384/476, With cooling, heating or insulating384/517Axially biased raceExaminersPrimary: Hannon, Thomas R.Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassesF16C 041/04F16C 019/50 B21D 053/10 AbstractIn space vehicles, mechanisms such as ball bearings (14, 14') are subject to an initial preload or prestress enabling them to withstand the vibrations caused by the launch and without leading to any clearance or play. A member (34) made from a shape memory material e.g. makes it possible under the effect of its elongation, to release said preload when the vehicle is in the operational mode. The control of the release can take place by means of a heating resistor (36), whose energization leads to the member (34) clearing its shape change temperature.Field of SearchSensor or inspection features; liquid metal or shipping protection features; bearing member integral with sealWith cooling, heating or insulating Ball bearing Temperature compensation Plural rows balls Axially biased race Assembling means Threaded sleeve Bolt Hydraulic axial jacking Axially biased race or roller MISCELLANEOUS Retaining ring Pre-usage process, e.g., preloading, aligning | |
