Abstract: A bearing assembly for supporting a water-lubricated drive shaft includes a plurality of load-bearing staves made from a composite material known as Slippery Polymer Alloy (SPA and a plurality of rubber staves. The composite staves are spaced circumferentially around the bearing housing on the inner wall. The rubber staves are also spaced circumferentially around the bearing housing, the rubber staves being located between adjoining composite staves and having compression force on their end portions to lock the composite staves in place.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for supporting a water-lubricated drive shaft includes a plurality of load-bearing staves made from a composite material known as Slippery Polymer Alloy (SPA and a plurality of rubber staves. The composite staves are spaced circumferentially around the bearing housing on the inner wall. The rubber staves are also spaced circumferentially around the bearing housing, the rubber staves being located between adjoining composite staves and having compression force on their end portions to lock the composite staves in place.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for supporting a drive shaft of a ship wherein the shaft is generally to be supported by such bearing assembly in a horizontally extending position. The bearing assembly has a housing with a cylindrical shell mounted therein having a central bore with a longitudinally extending central axis. The shell has a set of circumferentially spaced staves to support the drive shaft. All of the staves are comprised of a slippery polymer alloy and project into the central bore of the shell. The staves are held in place by gripping members comprised of an elastomeric member compressed by a rigid plate.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for supporting a drive shaft as of a ship wherein the shaft is generally to be supported by such bearing assembly in a horizontally extending position. The bearing assembly has a housing with a cylindrical shell mounted therein having a central bore with a longitudinally extending central axis. The shell may either have a first set of circumferentially spaced staves that are not evenly spaced circumferentially to support the drive shaft, or have a first set and a second set of staves that are circumferentially spaced such that the first set contact the drive shaft while the second set do not contact the drive shaft under normal conditions of load. All of the staves have resilient elastomeric strips that project into the central bore of the shell.

Abstract: Impact resistant and flame retardant polymer composition, slab-like rectangular solid made of said composition, and composite laminate article having at least one layer of said composition. The polymer composition comprises a maximum of 86 volume percent of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a minimum of 4.40 volume percent of a flame retardant additive or mixture thereof, and a minimum of 6 volume percent of chopped reinforcing fibers, all volumes referring to the densified (molded) state. In addition the bulk volume of the chopped reinforcing fibers, as measured by a tapped density test, must be a minimum of 27 percent of the final molded volume of the composition. The maximum volume % loading of the additives is limited by the requirement that the notched Izod impact strength is a minimum of 7 ft.-lb per inch width.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle having a torsion spring interconnecting the wheels and axle to spaced portions of the frame via suspension arms wherein each suspension arm has one end secured to one element of the torsion spring and its other end connected to one end portion of a torsion type shackle. The other end of the shackle has its outer shell connected to the vehicle frame via replaceable shims that adjust the height of the vehicle frame relative to the axle and the ground.

Abstract: A leaf spring suspension for a motor vehicle wherein the leaf spring has one end pivotally connected to the frame and the other end also connected to the frame via a torsion spring member. The torsion spring member has a shaft member which is pivotally connected to the other end of the leaf spring. The torsion spring member has an elastomeric sleeve whose inner bore surface is bonded to the shaft member. The torsion spring member also has an outer shell secured to the sleeve and also connected to the frame. A stop member is mounted on the outer shell for engagement by an abutment member on the bracket member to cut out the torsion spring and place the leaf spring in sole control as the suspension.

Abstract: A pneumatic jack comprising flat sheets of an elastomeric material with no cords therein peripherally held in place by rigid framing members. The jack also includes a valve for communicating with the interior of the sheets. A source of aeroform fluid is utilized for inflating the jack to an enlarged shape to lift a car sufficiently for changing a tire.

Abstract: A suspension system for a motorized propeller vehicle wherein the weight of the vehicle is supported by torsion springs. The vehicle chassis supports the drive output shafts and are connected to the driven wheels via a splined connection. The vehicle wheels have a stationary wheel drum bracket with an upper bracket section and a lower bracket section located respectively above and below the drive shaft connection to the wheel. The torsion spring suspension includes a pair of upper torsion springs interconnecting the vehicle chassis to the upper bracket section of the wheels and a pair of lower torsion springs interconnecting the vehicle chassis to the lower bracket section of the wheels.

Abstract: A pneumatic jack comprising flat sheets of an elastomeric material with no cords therein peripherally held in place by rigid framing members. The jack also includes a valve for communicating with the interior of the sheets. A source of aeroform fluid is utilized for inflating the jack to an enlarged shape to lift a car sufficiently for changing a tire.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle which maintains the chassis at a constant height above the axle under varying conditions of load. Torsion spring means are employed in conjunction with a support beam that is secured to the chassis. One primary torsion spring has its external shell connected to the axle housing of the vehicle while the remaining torsion spring means has a radially disposed plate means in alignment with a radially disposed plate means extending from the shell of the one primary torsion spring. An inflatable bladder positioned between the plates is controlled by control means which maintains the chassis at such constant height by pressurizing the bladder to a pressure to maintain such height under variable conditions of load.

Abstract: A thermoplastic-rubber polymer alloy contains a tough, wear resistant low friction thermoplastic such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, a cured rubber compound such as nitrile rubber, an a lubricant such as graphite in effective amounts to produce a composition which has good wet and dry friction and wear properties. The ultra high molecular weight polyethylene is typically utilized in a sufficient amount so as to form a continuous phase with the thermoset rubber being present as particles dispersed throughout the polyethylene as a discontinuous phase. The polymer alloy is made by dry blending the thermoplastic compound with ground thermoset rubber whereby the rubber is coated, heating and mixing the composition to above the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic compound and subsequently cooling under pressure. The alloy can be easily transfer molded because of the lubricating action of the heated, softened plastic.

Abstract: A thermoplastic-rubber polymer alloy contains a tough, wear resistant low friction thermoplastic such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, a cured rubber compound such as nitrile rubber, and a lubricant such as graphite in effective amounts to produce a composition which has good wet and dry friction and wear properties. The ultra high molecular weight polyethylene is typically utilized in a sufficient amount so as to form a continuous phase with the thermoset rubber being present as particles dispersed throughout the polyethylene as a discontinuous phase. The polymer alloy is made by dry blending the thermoplastic compound with ground thermoset rubber whereby the rubber is coated, heating and mixing the composition to above the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic compound and subsequently cooling under pressure. The alloy can be easily transfer molded because of the lubricating action of the heated, softened plastic.

Abstract: A water lubricated bearing assembly having a plurality of circumferentially spaced first set of bearing elements with substantially flat surfaces and water courses therebetween supporting a shaft for rotation. Certain ones or all of such bearing elements support a second set of bearing elements that are moveable radially into supporting engagement with the shaft such that either the first set or the second set of bearing elements are the prime supports for the shaft and wherein such first and second set of bearing elements have different coefficient of friction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to swivel means for use in connecting pairs of axially spaced risers in an off-shore multi-line riser system the conveys petroleum from a collection point on the ocean floor to a floating buoy for delivery to tankers. The swivel permits considerable latitude in the movement of the riser system yet assuring leak proof joints at the points of movement by providing elastic seals that facilitate motion between conveying conduits.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to slip joint means for use in connecting pairs of axially spaced risers in an off-shore multi-line riser system that conveys petroleum from a collection point on the ocean floor to a floating buoy for delivery to tankers. The slip joint permits considerable latitude in the movement of the riser system yet assuring leak proof joints at the points of movement by providing elastic seals that facilitate motion between conveying conduits.

Abstract: A non-metallic bearing (10) is comprised of a fiberglass reinforced elastomer, preferably a rubber matrix (22), inner portion, or bearing blank (11), and a fiberglass reinforced plastic, preferably an epoxy matrix (33), outer portion, or shell (12). A piece (20) having predetermined dimensions is cut from a sheet (16) of fabric (14) loosely woven from reinforcing glass cords. The piece (20) is bent into a hoop (13) and inserted into a mold casing (21). An elastomer chosen to form the matrix (22) of the bearing blank (11) is injected into the mold casing (21) and cured. The bearing blank (11) is pressed from the mold casing (21) and mounted on a mandrel (25). As the mandrel (25) is rotated a woven reinforcing fabric (26) is wound onto the outer periphery of the bearing blank (11). The fabric (26) is impregnated with a plastic resin chosen to constitute the matrix (33) of the outer shell ( 12).

Abstract: A replaceable torsion type spring assembly or unit having a resilient elastomeric tubular member with one end of such tubular member secured to a stationary member and the other end of such tubular member secured to a member that has force applied thereto for rotating such last member. A hollow tubular member is loosely journaled internally of the resilient elastomeric tubular member to provide support to the spring assembly.

Abstract: An improved water-lubricated bearing consists of longitudinal strips of rubber bonded to a rigid backing. The strips are either flat or have a concave surface of less curvature than the journal, and are so thin that the width of each strip is at least 6 and preferably 10 or more times its thickness. The backing may be polyethylene bonded to the rubber during vulcanization.

Abstract: A liquid-lubricated rubber bearing having a bearing member composed of resilient elastomeric bearing portions separated by longitudinal grooves is supported by rigid, non-metallic, composite backing structure of non-corrosive, non-shrinkable, non-conductive fibrous material embedded in a vulcanized synthetic rubber matrix. The fibrous material component is preferably one or more square-woven sheets of glass cords or strands. The composite backing can be a unitary cylindrical shell or, in the case of "segmental" type rubber bearings, a series of elongated strips to support the structurally separate or "segmented" bearing portions.