Abstract: An elastomeric bearing includes a first race having an axis of rotation, a second race coaxially arranged relative to the first race and spaced from the first race by a gap and a bearing body in the gap connecting the first race to the second race. The bearing body is formed from a first plurality of elastomeric laminae coaxial with the first race and a second plurality of carbon fiber laminae coaxial with the first race, and the elastomeric laminae and the carbon fiber laminae alternate in a direction from the first race to the second race. The carbon fiber laminae may each include multiple sheets of carbon fibers embedded in a thermoplastic such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

Abstract: An elastomeric bearing includes a first race having an axis of rotation, a second race coaxially arranged relative to the first race and spaced from the first race by a gap, a bearing body in the gap connecting the first race to the second race, the bearing body comprising a plurality of first laminae coaxial with the first race and a plurality of second laminae coaxial with the first race, the first laminae being formed from a different material than the second laminae, and a metal end cap connected to the first race or to the second race. The metal end cap includes an at least partially hollow interior and/or is formed by an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A radially divided elastomeric bearing assembly is for mounting between a helicopter pylon and transmission. The bearing assembling includes first and second bodies that, respectively, have a first and second plurality of alternating elastomeric and metallic laminae nested coaxially about a center bore and a center line. The first and second plurality of alternating elastomeric and metallic laminae extend radially and axially relative to the center line and are conical. The first and second plurality of alternating elastomeric and metallic laminae are inside a housing and separated by a central spacer and housing spacer extending from the internal surface of the housing towards the centerline and between the first and second bodies.

Abstract: An elastomeric bearing includes a first race having an axis of rotation, a second race coaxially arranged relative to the first race and spaced from the first race by a gap and a bearing body in the gap connecting the first race to the second race. The bearing body is formed from a first plurality of elastomeric laminae coaxial with the first race and a second plurality of carbon fiber laminae coaxial with the first race, and the elastomeric laminae and the carbon fiber laminae alternate in a direction from the first race to the second race. The carbon fiber laminae may each include multiple sheets of carbon fibers embedded in a thermoplastic such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

Abstract: An elastomeric bearing includes a first race having an axis of rotation, a second race coaxially arranged relative to the first race and spaced from the first race by a gap, a bearing body in the gap connecting the first race to the second race, the bearing body comprising a plurality of first laminae coaxial with the first race and a plurality of second laminae coaxial with the first race, the first laminae being formed from a different material than the second laminae, and a metal end cap connected to the first race or to the second race. The metal end cap includes an at least partially hollow interior and/or is formed by an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A component of a laminated bearing assembly is for movably coupling an inner member and an outer member, the inner member having a central axis and the outer member having a bore. The component includes a laminated body disposeable within the outer member bore and having an inner radial end connectable with the inner member and an outer radial end connectable with the outer member. The body is formed of a plurality of alternating, generally arcuate elastomeric and metallic laminae nested generally about the central axis, each one of the elastomeric and metallic laminae having opposing first and second arcuate ends and inner and outer circumferential surfaces extending circumferentially between the first and second arcuate ends. Each metallic lamina has a radial thickness varying circumferentially between a first value at the first, radially-widest arcuate end and a second, lesser value at the second, radially-narrowest arcuate end.

Abstract: A component of a laminated bearing assembly is for movably coupling an inner member and an outer member, the inner member having a central axis and the outer member having a bore. The component includes a laminated body disposeable within the outer member bore and having an inner radial end connectable with the inner member and an outer radial end connectable with the outer member. The body is formed of a plurality of alternating, generally arcuate elastomeric and metallic laminae nested generally about the central axis, each one of the elastomeric and metallic laminae having opposing first and second arcuate ends and inner and outer circumferential surfaces extending circumferentially between the first and second arcuate ends. Each metallic lamina has a radial thickness varying circumferentially between a first value at the first, radially-widest arcuate end and a second, lesser value at the second, radially-narrowest arcuate end.

Abstract: A rotational and axial control spring includes a tubular casing, a shaft, and a plurality of elongated elastomeric members. The casing comprises a tubular cross sectional equilateral convex polygon shape, the tubular shape extending uniformly between a first and second casing end. The shaft is fabricated having a cross sectional shape mimicking the equilateral convex polygon casing shape, a series of exterior surfaces extending longitudinally between a first smaller end and second larger end, wherein the exterior surfaces form a square frustum shape. The elastomeric members are formed as cylindrical frustums. The shaft is inserted within the casing interior. Each elastomeric member is positioned contacting a respective shaft exterior surface and a pair of adjacent casing interior surfaces. The elastomeric members provide rotational spring with adjustable resistant force and dampening functions. The tapered features provide an axial retention function.

Abstract: A rotational and axial control spring includes a tubular casing, a shaft, and a plurality of elongated elastomeric members. The casing comprises a first end, a second end, and a plurality of interior surfaces extending therebetween defining a casing interior. The first end is smaller than the second end, forming a frustum shaped tubular casing. The cross sectional shape of the casing can include three (3) or more sides. The shaft is fabricated having a series of exterior surfaces, wherein a cross sectional shape of the shaft is similar to the cross sectional shape of the casing. The elastomeric members are formed as cylindrical frustums. The shaft is inserted within the casing interior. Each elastomeric member is positioned contacting a respective shaft exterior surface and a pair of adjacent casing interior surfaces. The elastomeric members each provide a rotational spring with adjustable resistant force and dampening functions. The tapered features provide an axial retention function.

Abstract: A rotational and axial control spring includes a tubular casing, a shaft, and a plurality of elongated elastomeric members. The casing comprises a first end, a second end, and a plurality of interior surfaces extending therebetween defining a casing interior. The first end is smaller than the second end, forming a frustum shaped tubular casing. The cross sectional shape of the casing can include three (3) or more sides. The shaft is fabricated having a series of exterior surfaces, wherein a cross sectional shape of the shaft is similar to the cross sectional shape of the casing. The elastomeric members are formed as cylindrical frustums. The shaft is inserted within the casing interior. Each elastomeric member is positioned contacting a respective shaft exterior surface and a pair of adjacent casing interior surfaces. The elastomeric members each provide a rotational spring with adjustable resistant force and dampening functions. The tapered features provide an axial retention function.

Abstract: A rotational and axial control spring includes a tubular casing, a shaft, and a plurality of elongated elastomeric members. The casing comprises a tubular cross sectional equilateral convex polygon shape, the tubular shape extending uniformly between a first and second casing end. The shaft is fabricated having a cross sectional shape mimicking the equilateral convex polygon casing shape, a series of exterior surfaces extending longitudinally between a first smaller end and second larger end, wherein the exterior surfaces form a square frustum shape. The elastomeric members are formed as cylindrical frustums. The shaft is inserted within the casing interior. Each elastomeric member is positioned contacting a respective shaft exterior surface and a pair of adjacent casing interior surfaces. The elastomeric members provide rotational spring with adjustable resistant force and dampening functions. The tapered features provide an axial retention function.