Load balancing device

• US 4,388,841 A
• Filed: 05/27/1980
• Issued: 06/21/1983
• Est. Priority Date: 05/27/1980
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Gamble, Christopher L.
• Original Assignee: Gamble, Christopher L.
• Inventors: Gamble, Christopher L.
• Primary Examiner(s): DORNER, KENNETH J
• Application Number:
  US06/153,166
• Time in Patent Office: 1,120 Days
• Field of Search: 74/573 F, 74/573 R, 301/5 B, 301/5 BA, 24/369, 24/370, 24/373, 24/376
• US Class Current: 74/572.4
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 37/245 Damping vibrations by displacing, supplying or ejecting a material, e.g. liquid, into or from counterbalancing pockets
• CPC Class Codes: F16F 15/366 using fluid or powder means, i.e. non-discrete material
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/3484 Hook
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/2109 Balancing for drum, e.g., washing machine or arm-type structure, etc., centrifuge, etc.

Abstract

A load balancing device for rotating apparatus such as washing machines and vehicle tires. In one embodiment the present invention consists of an inner conduit defining an interior raceway which contains a high density fluid mass which shifts to oppose load imbalances. Universal mounting brackets are provided attached to the balancing ring to the rotating structure. The attachment brackets are slidable along the ring and adjustable and adapted for securement in various arrangements. In other embodiments the attachment brackets are adapted to accomodate various wheel configurations and bolt spacings for vehicles.

Claims

1. A load balancing device installable on a rotating rim carried on radial spokes, said load balancing device comprising:

(a) an annular tubular body member defining an annular interior chamber;

(b) a fluid load balancing mass moveable within said chamber in response to centrifugal force to oppose unbalanced forces; and

(c) universal bracket means, said bracket means including an arm portion which at least partially circles said annular tubular body and an attachment portion including a flange defining a slot engageable about selected of said spokes and closure means for securing said spoke in said slot for securing the tubular body to said rotating member.

2. The load balancing device of claim 1 wherein said fluid load balancing mass comprises mercury.