Patents by Inventor Michael Brophy

Michael Brophy has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8029194
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic fluid film bearing assembly has a stationary retaining member defining a central opening and having an inner surface lined by a foil assembly comprised of a plurality of foil subassemblies. Each foil subassembly comprises a first compliant foil, a second compliant foil, and a spring foil, and subtending a rotational segment, less than all, of the inner surface of the retaining member. The complaint foils and the spring foil of each foil subassembly are held within the retaining member in such a way that sliding travel of one compliant foil along the inner surface of the opening is in the opposite rotational direction of sliding travel of the other compliant foil and the spring foil. The foil subassemblies may be restrained from undesired movement during operation by a retention tab extending from the foil subassembly which engages a channel and recess feature formed in the retaining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: R&D Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Giridhari L. Agrawal, Thomas A. Accomazzo, Michael Brophy
  • Publication number: 20080310779
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic fluid film bearing assembly has a stationary retaining member defining a central opening and having an inner surface lined by a foil assembly comprised of a plurality of foil subassemblies. Each foil subassembly comprises a first compliant foil, a second compliant foil, and a spring foil, and subtending a rotational segment, less than all, of the inner surface of the retaining member. The complaint foils and the spring foil of each foil subassembly are held within the retaining member in such a way that sliding travel of one compliant foil along the inner surface of the opening is in the opposite rotational direction of sliding travel of the other compliant foil and the spring foil. The foil subassemblies may be restrained from undesired movement during operation by a retention tab extending from the foil subassembly which engages a channel and recess feature formed in the retaining member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Giridhari L. Agrawal, Thomas A. Accomazzo, Michael Brophy