Gas journal bearing systems and related methods
First Claim
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1. A gas journal bearing system comprising:
- a vortex generator operative to receive a flow of gas and to impart an angular acceleration to the gas;
a housing in fluid communication with the vortex generator, the housing having a first exhaust vent through which the gas is exhausted; and
a journal supported within the housing by a vortex of the gas as the gas swirls along at least a portion of a length of the journal.
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Abstract
Gas journal bearing systems are provided. An exemplary gas journal bearing system comprises a vortex generator, a housing and a journal. The vortex generator is operative to receive a flow of gas and to impart an angular acceleration to the gas. The housing is in fluid communication with the vortex generator, with housing having a first exhaust through which the gas is exhausted. The journal is supported within the housing by a vortex of the gas as the gas swirls along at least a portion of a length of the journal. Methods and other systems also are provided.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A gas journal bearing system comprising:
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a vortex generator operative to receive a flow of gas and to impart an angular acceleration to the gas; a housing in fluid communication with the vortex generator, the housing having a first exhaust vent through which the gas is exhausted; and a journal supported within the housing by a vortex of the gas as the gas swirls along at least a portion of a length of the journal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A gas journal bearing system comprising:
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a journal; at least one exhaust; and means for generating a vortex of gas in the shape of a spiral such that the vortex of gas supports the journal; whereby the gas exits from the journal bearing system through the at least one exhaust. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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18. A method for supporting a journal comprising:
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providing a journal, a housing, a vortex generator and at least one exhaust; and generating a vortex of gas such that the vortex of gas located in the housing surrounds and supports the journal as the vortex of gas spirals along the length of the housing toward the at least one exhaust. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification