Patent GB-1001131-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to viscous coupling devices
Inventor: REASON RICHARD EDMUND
IPC: F16D35/00
Filed: 1960-08-16
Abstract: 1,001,131. Levels. RANK PRECISION INDUSTRIES Ltd., [trading as TAYLOR, TAYLOR & HOBSON]. Aug. 10,1961 [Aug. 16, 1960], No. 28380/60. Heading G1F. [Also in Division F2] In a coupling device for damping or transmitting small translational mechanical movements and in which two relatively movable members having surfaces A<SP>1</SP>, A<SP>2</SP> are coupled to one another by means of a drop B of viscous liquid extending between the surfaces the latter have such shapes that, in the direction of relative movement, there is a position of shortest distance between the surfaces at which the liquid drop is retained in contact with the surfaces by surface tension, the arrangement being such that relative movement between the two members will subject the liquid drop to shear stress tending, by virtue of the viscosity of the liquid, to resist such relative movement. A suitable liquid is a silicone fluid e.g. of 50,000 or 100,000 centi-stokes viscosity. As shown in Fig. 1 a relatively movable member and a fixed member are provided respectively with a plane surface A<SP>1</SP> and a generally dome-shaped surface A<SP>2</SP> which may be formed by a small button or a larger spherical surface. The spacing of the surfaces A<SP>1</SP>, A<SP>2</SP> is related to the viscosity of the liquid in order to apply the required damping force to the movable member A<SP>1</SP> which is usually oscillatory, the dome-shaped position preferably being in adjustable, screw-threaded, engagement with the main body carrying it. The surfaces A<SP>1</SP>, A<SP>2</SP> can be replaced by cylindrical surfaces at right-angles to each other or two domed surfaces can be used, but, due to creep of the liquid, a cylindrical surface should not be used in combination with a plane surface. More than one liquid drop coupling may be used as shown in Fig. 6. In an alternative arrangement, Fig. 7, an annular liquid drop B1 is located between a rod G and a concentric outer ring member G 1  having a domed inner surface. The domed and flat surfaces may alternatively be arranged respectively on the rod and on the inside of the ring. A pendulum J, Fig. 10, which is pivoted by crossed ligaments J in the casing K of a precision instrument for the measurement of indication of level and which carries the moving cores J<SP>3</SP> of two magnetic transducers J<SP>2</SP> joined to a magnetic circuit, is damped by providing viscous liquid drops B on one or more convex buttons K<SP>1</SP> which are screwed into the casing K on either adjacent to the bottom or sides surfaces of the pendulum. Adjustable stops K<SP>2</SP> on the casing K limit the amplitude of movement of the pendulum. A similar damping arrangement is described in conjunction with a body suspended for translatory movement. In apparatus for measuring or indicating surface roughness, Fig. 14, a pick up head 0 having a skid 0<SP>1</SP> for riding along the surface under test a stylus P, carried on a pivoted arm P, is connected to an extension arm Q of a piezo-electric crystal Q' by means of an annular drop of viscous liquid B<SP>1</SP> which is located between a spherical head P<SP>4</SP> of the stylus and the cylindrical inner surface of a hole Q<SP>2</SP> in the adjacent end of the extension arm Q<SP>1</SP>. Specification 988,851 is referred to.