Abstract: A fan blade mounting system for large air-moving fans includes a radially extending hub strut, a blade root member pivotally coupled to an end of the hub strut for receiving a blade skin, and a tube end located between the blade root member and the hub strut. A pair of resilient mounts are utilized in the blade root member to effectively pivotally couple the blades to the hub, thus relieving most of the vertical bending moment transferred to the hub and eliminating critical frequencies associated with the fan. The hub strut is connected to the hub of the fan by a stud having right- and left-handed threads and a wall thickness adjacent to the threads sufficient for distributing the stresses substantially uniformly on the threads, thereby improving fatigue resistance. The resilient mounts comprise a metal core and metal sleeve with a resilient elastomeric layer between the core and sleeve. The sleeves are connected to the blade root member and the cores of the two mounts are clamped to the tube end.

Abstract: A propeller device includes a shaft rotatably supported in a marine engine, and a hub secured to the shaft and having three or more axially extending keys. A propeller housing includes three or more pairs of lobes for forming keyways and for engaging with the keys of the hub. The keyways include a narrower outer end for preventing the housing from disengaging from the hub. Three or more stops are disposed between the pairs of lobes. A retainer disc includes a number of angularly spaced ears for engaging with the lobes and the stops and for preventing the propeller housing from being disengaged from the propeller shaft.

Abstract: A propeller is made up of a propelling unit having a plurality of blades, a driving unit for driving the propelling unit, and a plurality of deformable transmission units located between the propelling unit and the driving unit such that the transmission units are retained in the retaining slots of the propelling unit and the driving unit. The transmission units are tubular in shape and capable of deforming to absorb an impact force exerting on the transmission units in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transmission units, so as to safeguard the structural integrity of the propeller at such time when the propeller in motion is impacted on by a foreign object.

Abstract: A propulsion system includes an improved propeller design which increases the durability of the propeller for enhanced rotational vibration damping, while simplifying the structure of the propeller. A rubber coupling is placed within a space that is secured between a propeller hub and an inner member of the propeller. The rubber coupling resiliently couples the propeller hub to the inner member with only the inner member and the propeller hub maintaining the space in which the rubber coupling is placed. The substantially constant size of the space generally isolates the rubber coupling from cyclic tension and compression stresses in the axiel and radial directions as the propeller rotates to improve the durability of the rubber coupling.

Abstract: A shock absorbing drive sleeve (402, FIGS. 28+) mounts a marine drive propeller (12) to a propeller shaft (22) and has an asymmetric spring rate such that the sleeve has a higher spring rate and greater torque bearing capability for the forward boat direction, and a softer spring rate and greater shock absorption for the reverse boat direction, to protect the weaker reverse drive components of the gear train.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propeller comprising a marine propeller comprising an inner bushing adapted to be mounted on a propeller shaft for common rotation therewith and having an axis and an outer surface, a resilient bushing fixed to said outer surface of said inner bushing and having a cylindrical outer surface extending, when relaxed, at a first radial distance from said bushing axis, an outer bushing having an inner bore defined by a lobular surface having a maximum radial distance from said bushing axis less than said first radial distance, receiving said resilient bushing in a compressed condition and with said lobular surface in continuous circumferentially extending engagement with said outer surface of said resilient bushing, and comprising a series of inwardly concave cylindrical segments, and a series of blades extending radially outwardly from said outer bushing.

Abstract: A propeller for a boat having a plurality of recesses and a plurality of land portions arranged circumferentially alternately around an outer periphery of a propeller boss which is fitted over and connected to a propeller shaft. A boss of each of propeller blades and each of blade shafts disposed parallel to an axis of the propeller boss to rotatably support such propeller blade are accommodated in each of the recesses, and each of the land portions is provided with an exhaust passage extending axially through the land portion to permit an exhaust outlet in a body of a propelling device to be opened at a rear end face of the propeller boss. Thus, it is possible to discharge an exhaust gas from an engine through the inside of the propeller boss into water.

Abstract: A marine drive having a drive sleeve and a drive sleeve adapter between the propeller shaft and the propeller hub where the drive sleeve absorbs the shock of the propeller striking an object by torsionally twisting a forward end of the drive sleeve which is keyed to the propeller hub and where the adapter is keyed to the propeller shaft and the drive sleeve is keyed to the adapter. The combination provides both high load capability and shock protection.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which may be adapted for use as a washing machine agitator which isolates an agitator drive unit from the peak torques exerted upon vanes of the agitator due to irregularities in the rotational oscillation of the agitator which would result from a typical washing machine transmission apparatus. The apparatus isolates the peak torques by providing an inner and an outer agitator post wherein the inner post attaches to the drive unit and the outer post has integrally formed to it agitator vanes and an agitator skirt, the apparatus further provides a flexible connecting means attaching the inner post to the outer post such that the resonant frequency of the outer post, the agitator vanes and the agitator skirt taken as a unit will be close to that of the agitator stroke rate. The flexible connecting means comprises a plurality of webs extending continuously along all or portion of the posts in an axial direction such that the apparatus may be formed by a single-draw mold.

Abstract: A vibration isolation assembly for use in securing a fan blade, particularly a ceiling fan blade, to a mounting surface having a plurality of mounting holes formed herein, the blade having an equal number of through holes in a proximate end thereof alignable with the mounting holes. The vibration isolation assembly comprises a plurality of first resilient members securable to the mounting surface adjacent each mounting hole, a plurality of second resilient members disposable within the through holes in the blade, with each second resilient member having a longitudinal hole formed therethrough, and a plurality of screws insertable through the holes in the first and second resilient members and engageable within the mounting holes in the mounting surface for fastening the blade to the mounting surface.

Abstract: A rotor hub is provided for coupling a wind turbine rotor blade and a shaft. The hub has a yoke with a body which is connected to the shaft, and extension portions which are connected to teeter bearing blocks, each of which has an aperture. The blocks are connected to a saddle which envelops the rotor blade by one or two shafts which pass through the apertures in the bearing blocks. The saddle and blade are separated by a rubber interface which provides for distribution of stress over a larger portion of the blade. Two teeter control mechanisms, which may include hydraulic pistons and springs, are connected to the rotor blade and to the yoke at extension portions. These control mechanisms provide end-of-stroke damping, braking, and stiffness based on the teeter angle and speed of the blade.

Abstract: In a marine drive (10), a drive sleeve (50) between the propeller shaft (22) and the propeller hub (34) absorbs shock after the propeller (12) strikes an object by torsionally twisting between a forward end keyed to the propeller hub and a rearward end keyed to the propeller shaft. The drive sleeve is composed of a plastic material providing torsional twisting angular rotation at a first spring rate less than 100 lb. ft. per degree from 0.degree. to 5.degree. rotation, a second higher spring rate beyond 5.degree. rotation, and supporting over 1,000 lb. ft. torque before failure.

Abstract: A medallion-style blade iron assembly for use on a ceiling fan includes a vibration isolation system for eliminating transmission of vibration from the fan motor to the blades. The assembly includes an arm securable to the fan motor and medallion securable to the arm, with the distal end of a blade being secured therebetween. A plurality of mounting holes are provided in the blade for allowing screws to be inserted through the arm into the medallion, with each hole have a resilient elastomeric grommet disposed therein. Each grommet has a pair of annular shoulders resting on the top and bottom surfaces of the blade, and a central tapered opening for receiving the frusto-conical bosses formed on the arm and medallion. The grommets prevent contact between the blade, the arm, and the medallion.

Abstract: A shock absorbing hub for a marine propeller assembly includes an inner spindle telescoped onto the splined drive shaft of the engine, an outer sleeve spaced radially outwardly of the spindle, and a molded-in-place core of elastomeric material filling the space between the spindle and the sleeve to transmit torque between the two while cushioning torsional shock. A housing carrying propeller blades is keyed to the outer sleeve and may be removed therefrom for repair or replacement without taking any retaining components off of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A shock absorbing drive sleeve (50) is provided by a molded plastic member directly mounting the propeller hub (14) to the propeller shaft (22). The sleeve has a rearward inner diameter portion (52) engaging the propeller shaft in splined relation, and a forward inner diameter portion (56) spaced radially outwardly of and disengaged from the propeller shaft. The drive sleeve has a rearward outer diameter portion (58), and a forward outer diameter portion (60) engaging the propeller hub. The drive sleeve and the propeller hub are tapered relative to each other such that a forward outer diameter portion (60) of the drive sleeve snugly engages the propeller hub, and a rearward outer diameter portion (58) is spaced slightly radially inwardly of the hub by a small gap (62) and may partially rotate relative to the propeller hub in response to rotation of the propeller shaft drivingly engaging the rearward inner diameter portion.

Abstract: A bearingless hub structure for a rotary-wing aircraft is provided, the structure including a hub body adapted to be securely connected to a rotor mast, a plurality of flexible beam members provided integrally with the hub body to extend radially outwardly, a pitch housing encircling each of the flexible beam members, and having a radially outward end portion which is rigid with a radially inward end portion of a rotor blade, a spherical bearing positioned adjacent to a radially inward end portion of the flexible beam member for supporting the pitch housing, a lead-lag damper positioned between the flexible beam member and the pitch housing, and the flexible beam members each having a flexible plate portion which is of a low bending rigidity in a flapping direction, a flexible portion provided radially outwardly of the flexible plate portion having a low bending rigidity in the lead-lag direction, and a twist-flex portion provided radially outwardly of the flexible portion.

Abstract: An assembly or coupling arrangement for an impeller associated with a drive shaft. The impeller is supported by the drive shaft by a radial bearing having a small radial clearance. The bearing allows relative rotary motion between the impeller and shaft. In addition, an elastic or resilient element is mounted between the shaft and the impeller to transmit the torque from the shaft to the impeller while preventing or reducing transmission of torque pulsations.

Abstract: A marine propeller with break away hub has an insert cavity with pentagonal cross section extending coaxially with the axis of rotation of the propeller, along at least a portion of the length of the propeller. A resilient insert corresponding to the insert cavity is positioned in the insert cavity. The insert is sized for slip fit with the cavity and is adapted for connection with a propeller drive shaft. Preferably, the insert has a cylindrical aperture with a series of grooves disposed circumferentially thereabout extending coaxially through the insert and the insert is connected with the propeller shaft through a shaft sleeve. The shaft sleeve corresponds to the aperture in the insert, has a cylindrical outer surface with a series of teeth disposed circumferentially thereabout, and has a mounting aperture extending coaxially through the shaft sleeve. The shaft sleeve is sized for hand force slip fit engagement with the insert.

Abstract: Preloading and retention of a variable-pitch, light-weight propeller blade (10) are achieved through a retention assembly wherein the blade shank (20) is retained within a hub arm (24) with an inboard angular contact pitch change bearing (30) and an outboard angular contact anti-rocking bearing (50) which is elastomerically preloaded. The outboard bearing (50) is disposed intermediate a bearing race (34) on the shank (20) and an annular frusto-conical rigid support member (62) which is biased outboardly against the anti-rocking bearing (50) by an annular frusto-conical body (72) of elastomeric material selected to impart a desired stiffness and/or damping effect to the retention assembly.

Abstract: A propeller or fan blade is rotatably mounted to a blade retention pitch member by a pin radially outside of a spinner. By mounting the propeller blade for rotation about the axis of the pin, the blade response to a vibratory excitation in a first mode of vibration is modified such that the twisting motion of the blade is minimized. High speed stability of the blade is enhanced thereby. Moreover a damaged blade may be easily replaced.

Abstract: A flexible beam type helicopter rotor includes restraining means outboard of a snubber means and connected between the flexible beam and a torque tube to increase the stiffness of the rotor in the lead/lag plane as applied pitch is increased.

Abstract: A propeller hub assembly comprises a driven member having an outer cylindrical housing and an inner cylindrical housing. The inner cylindrical housing is coaxially fixedly coupled and radially spaced from the outer cylindrical housing, and includes a plurality of radially inwardly directed circumferentially spaced ribs oriented parallel to an axis of the inner cylindrical housing. The propeller hub assembly further includes a driving member which comprises a cylindrical member having an axis of rotation. An opening passes through the driving member coaxial with the axis of rotation and is adapted for receiving a drive shaft. The driving member further includes a plurality of radially outwardly extending ribs oriented parallel to the axis of rotation and terminating radially at a diameter substantially equal to an inner diameter of the inner cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A fan and hub assembly (60) having a plastic fan structure (62) molded to a hub (66) to achieve a predetermined resonance frequency. The hub (66) has a plurality of integrally formed arms (84) having one of more openings (88) of a predetermined size and predetermined location for permitting the flow-through of the plastic and to achieve a predetermined resonance frequency of the fan blades (64). A plurality of openings (86) are formed in the hub body (82) to permit the flow-through of liquid plastic to achieve a strong attachment of the blade root (76) to the hub (66).

Abstract: An engine fan mount is provided which isolates the fan from vibrations causing pitch and yaw of the fan drive shaft. Each fan bolt is provided with a spacer extending through the fan, which metal washers at each end of the spacer on either side of the fan. Elastomeric washer are positioned about the spacer on either side of the fan between the fan and the metal washers. A slight clearance, e.g., 1 mm, is provided between the fan through bore and the spacer. When the bolt is tightened, the elastomeric washers are only slightly compressed, with the metal washers and spacers preventing further compression. The fan is free to float axially along the spacers, and to vary in angle (within the limits of the clearance) relative to the bolts and drive shaft.

Abstract: A high-capacity elastomeric combination journal-thrust bearing comprises at least one encapsulated lobe. The encapsulated lobe comprises an outer tubular member having a first ring joined along substantially all of its outer periphery to the inner periphery of the outer tubular member at a first end and having a second ring joined along substantially all of its outer periphery to the inner periphery of the outer tubular member at a second end. The encapsulated lobe further comprises an inner tubular member having the same longitudinal axis of the outer tubular member, and having a third ring joined along substantially all of its inner periphery to the outer periphery of the inner tubular member, spaced between the first and second rings. An elastomer separates and joins the rings to each other and to the tubular members, and the tubular members to each other. As the radial distance from the longitudinal axis increases, the thickness of the elastomer increases.

Abstract: A pump including an impeller adapted to be removably mounted on a powered shaft, the impeller including a bore opening for complimentary reception of the shaft. The bore opening of the impeller has a torque inducing surface which abuts a complimentary torque inducing surface on the shaft. The impeller includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible finger members disposed in axially extending relation about the bore opening which include inwardly directed bosses for axially securing the impeller to the shaft, and a cap element to retain the finger members compressively against the shaft.

Abstract: A vibration damper for a suspended ceiling fan comprising a motor mounting and a frame support plate, totally enclosed in a vibration absorbing rubber compound. The motor mounting and frame support plates are separated by an annular space that forms an outward facing annular channel. Trapezoidal shaped reinforcement ribs located in the outward facing annular channel restrict swaying of the fan blades when the motor is energized. The damper may comprise two arcuate shaped members which allows easy installation on existing ceiling fans and easy disassembly when the fan motor needs maintenance or repairs.

Abstract: A hub assembly comprising a driver telescoped within a driven member is disclosed. A plurality of elastomeric members are disposed between the driving and driven members within mating parallel semi-circular grooves in the opposed surfaces of the driving and driven members of the hub.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of coupling arrangements for coupling a propeller to a driving shaft that permit a higher degree of resilience in a circumferential direction than in an axial direction. As a result, the coupling may be designed so as to offer high degree of vibration damping while affording good resistance to axial driving thrust. In addition, each embodiment is designed so as to provide more resilience in the reverse drive condition than in the forward drive condition.

Abstract: A single-piece plastic fan wheel for a radial fan comprises a hub, a blade ring having fan blades and an intermediate piece interconnecting the hub and the blade ring. The hub comprises an inner hub ring attachable to the drive shaft of a motor and an outer hub ring connected to the inner hub ring by a plurality of axially and radially extending resilient strips which serve to damp tangential vibrations emanating from the motor owing to pulsations in the torque output thereof.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for use with a marine propeller wherein a rigid bushing is adapted to be connected to a drive shaft for rotation therewith, while an annular elastomeric ring in radial compression has its inner surface bonded to such bushing. The outer surface of such deformed elastomeric ring is in frictional engagement with an anti-functional cylindrical member which in turn is connected to a plurality of circumferentially spaced propellers via a hub.

Abstract: Several embodiments of coupling arrangements for resiliently coupling a propeller to a driving shaft. In each embodiment, a first resilient means provides a resilient coupling for absorbing circumferential vibrations and a second resilient means for absorbing axial vibrations. In one embodiment of the invention, one of the resilient means comprises a coil spring. In the other embodiment, all of the resilient means comprise elastomeric sleeves. In a further embodiment of the invention, axial damping in both forward and reverse directions are provided.

Abstract: A marine propeller hub has an axial hole therein having a wavy, non-cylindrical surface consisting of a plurality of alternating peaks and valleys. A closely fitting resilient insert slips into the axial hub hole of the propeller hub and has an outer surface with peaks that extend into the respective valleys of the axial hub hole. The resilient insert has a cylindrical axial hole therein with a plurality of longitudinal keyways disposed in the surface of that hole. The keyways receive respective keys rigidly attached to the outer surface of a spline driver adaptor sleeve, the inner surface of which has keyways that receive the splines of a drive shaft of a marine motor. The resilient insert transfers torque from the driving shaft to the hub without slippage if the torque is less than a predetermined amount, and absorbs shock if the propeller strikes a rock or the like by allowing the peaks of the hub hole to compress the peaks of the resilient insert.

Abstract: In an axial flow compressor rotor stage having a blade mount rail about the eriphery thereof, a seal is positioned below the blade platforms to provide improved compressor gas path efficiency. Each blade platform has a seal bonded to the underside thereof, said seals extending toward adjacent blade platforms and providing sealing means in the interstices between said platforms as well as between said platforms and said blade mount rail.

Abstract: An arrangement for isolating engine noises and vibrations or the like from the blades of a ceiling fan include a blade-mounting ring, to which the blade irons are directly attached, and a plurality of elastomeric grommets or bushings carried on the ring. Partially threaded studs extend through the grommets and into the rotor cage to suspend the blade-mounting ring slightly below the rotor cage by the transfer of weight of the blades through the rubber grommets. The blade-iron feet enclose the grommets and prevent the inadvertent withdrawal of the stud members therefrom.

Abstract: A cooling fan assembly made of plastic material is composed of a plurality of fan blades and a boss and connected to a viscous fluid coupling device rotatably mounted through a bearing assembly on a driving shaft of an automotive vehicle. An axially resilient connecting member in the form of a plate spring is fixed to the boss of the fan assembly at one end thereof and to the coupling device at the other end thereof, whereby the inertia moment of the fan rotation causes the appropriate rotation of the fan assembly in spite of possible misalignment of the coupling device with respect to the driving shaft to thereby protect the bearing assembly from being damaged. Helical or waved springs may be interposed between the fan boss and the coupling device in place of the plate spring.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device is provided including a lower unit having a gearcase and a propeller shaft housing located in the gearcase and supporting a propeller shaft for rotation. A propeller is mounted on the propeller shaft rearward portion for common rotation with the propeller shaft. A thrust bushing is carried by the propeller shaft and for transmitting forward thrust from the propeller to the propeller shaft. An annular sacrificial anode surrounds the propeller shaft and is positioned between the thrust bushing and the propeller shaft bearing housing for providing cathodic protection for the rearward end of the gearcase and the propeller shaft bearing housing.

Abstract: A resilient rotary coupling and a marine drive including same are described. The coupling includes inner and outer rotary members. The inner surface of the outer rotary member and the periphery of the inner member are of similar configuration and include, when viewed in cross section, at least two arcs of greater radius of curvature symmetrically disposed about the axis of rotation connected in alternate manner by an equal number of arcs of lesser radius of curvature, the arcs of greater radius of curvature being located closer to the axis of rotation than the arcs of lesser radius of curvature, the center of curvature of each of said arcs lying on or within the boundary of the closed figure defined by the inner surface in said section. The arcs are connected to one another without any abrupt change of radius or radius of curvature. Resilient means are disposed between the outer and inner rotary members.

Abstract: An improved clutch assembly for use between a propeller and a propeller drive shaft. A bushing preferably in the form of an internally splined tube is adapted to fit over the splined output end of a drive shaft. One or more longitudinally raised ridges extend along a portion of the tube exterior. At least one radial flange extends at least partially around the tube exterior, spaced from one end of the tube. At least one elastomeric cushion, having the configuration of a radial tube section, engages the exterior wall of the tube between ridges. The diameter of this assembly is such as to allow insertion into a propeller bore with a tight friction fit between the cushion and the interior wall of the bore.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foldable propeller assembly adapted for connection to a drive shaft. The propeller assembly includes a propeller carrier having an open end portion defining an axially extending mounting socket for receiving the drive shaft and a hub end portion spaced from the open end portion. A pair of propeller blades are pivotally mounted on the hub end portion for movement from a folded-together, collapsed position to a radially outwardly extending operative position in response to rotation of the propeller carrier and for movement from the operative position to the collapsed position in response to cessation of rotation of the propeller carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boat propeller with foldable blades, a so-called folding propeller. The characteristic feature of the propeller is that it is provided with resilient structure disposed to brake the swinging movement of the blades as they are spread out from the folded position to the operating position.

Abstract: An elastic joint mounting and rotatably coupling a rotary inertial energy storage device or flywheel, to a shaft, the present gimbal structure reduces vibration and shock while allowing precession of the flywheel without the need for external gimbal mounts. The present elastic joint usually takes the form of an annular elastic member either integrally formed into the flywheel as a centermost segment thereof or attached to the flywheel or flywheel hub member at the center thereof, the rotary shaft then being mounted centrally to the elastic member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising a lower unit including a gear case having a hollow interior and having at the rearward end thereof an inwardly extending inner circular surface defining an opening through which exhaust gases and engine cooling water are discharged from the lower unit, and a propeller shaft rotatably journaled in the gear case and including a portion extending rearwardly of the gear case. A propeller including a hub is mounted on the propeller shaft rearward portion for common rotation of the hub with the propeller shaft. The propeller also includes a forward portion adjacent the rearward end of the gear case, and a propeller blade extending radially outwardly from the hub.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foldable propeller assembly adapted for connection to a drive shaft. The propeller assembly includes a propeller carrier having an open end portion defining an axially extending mounting socket for receiving the drive shaft and a hub end portion spaced from the open end portion. A pair of propeller blades are pivotally mounted on the hub end portion for movement from a folded-together, collapsed position to a radially outwardly extending operative position in response to rotation of the propeller carrier and for movement from the operative position to the collapsed position in response to cessation of rotation of the propeller carrier.

Abstract: The combination with a flexible bladed fan of a vibration isolator coaxially attached to the fan. The isolator comprises a first rigid support attached to the fan, a second rigid support adapted for connection to the fan driver, and a resilient member intermediate and arranged to transmit torque between the first and second supports while dampening vibrations. The second support includes means for aligning the isolator coaxially with the fan and fan driver and the first and second supports are positioned coaxially with respect to each other.

Abstract: A rotary energy storage device comprises a rotor and a hub for mounting the rotor on a shaft. The rotor is joined to the hub by an interlayer disposed between the rotor and hub. One surface of the interlayer is bonded to a mounting surface of the hub. A second surface of the interlayer, which is opposite the first surface, is bonded to a surface of the rotor which is opposite and spaced from the mounting surface of the hub. Due to differences in their constructions, such as their relative dimensions, the rotor and the hub experience different strains due to the centrifugal forces exerted during rotation of the energy storage device. The difference between the strain at the mounting surface of the hub and the strain at the opposed surface of the rotor induces a shear stress in the interlayer. To accommodate the induced shear stress, the interlayer has a thickness and a shear modulus which permit the interlayer to deflect in response to the difference in strains without structural or bond failure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising a lower unit including a gear case including a hollow interior having at the rearward end thereof an inwardly extending inner circular surface defining an opening through which exhaust gases and engine cooling water are discharged from the lower unit, a propeller shaft rotatably journalled in the gear case and including a portion extending rearwardly of the gear case, a propeller including an inner part mounted on the propeller shaft rearward portion for common rotation of the inner part with the propeller shaft, an outer part having an outer circular surface with a diameter materially less than the diameter of the inner circular surface of the gear case, a blade extending radially outwardly from the outer part, and a resilient cushion connecting the inner and outer parts, and a thrust washer carried by the propeller shaft in forward thrust transmitting engagement therewith and in forward thrust receiving engagement with the propeller outer part, and a

Abstract: A rotor blade stage for the compressor of a gas turbine engine comprising a rotor disc having a plurality of equally spaced apart rotor blades mounted on its periphery. The spaces between the rotor blades in the region of the periphery of the rotor disc are infilled with a mixture comprising reinforcing filaments enclosed in a matrix of a cured epoxy resin and filler material. Means are provided to retain the mixture in position between the rotor blades upon rotation of the rotor disc.

Abstract: Flexible bearings of the type constructed of alternate, clyindrical layers of rigid material, or shims, and elastomer bonded together are made substantially free of internal, tensile stresses by making the walls of the shims wedge-shaped and by alternating the thin and thick ends of adjacent shims. As the elastomer cures and cools during manufacture of the bearing, it typically shrinks in volume, causing residual tensile stresses in prior-art cylindrical bearings. However, this shrinkage causes the shims of the present invention to move together axially, thus relieving the stress. If there is an odd number of shims, there is no axial displacement of the inner mounting ring of the bearing relative to the outer mounting ring, as a result of elastomer shrinkage. Alternatively, all shims may be initially held out of alignment, so that shrinkage of the elastomer will pull them into alignment.

Abstract: A marine propeller drive coupling bushing assembly with an annular rubber bushing between radially inner and outer elements forming an annular bushing cavity rectangular in cross section, the rubber bushing being distortionally forced thereinto from a free form of an annulus having a trapezoidal cross sectional configuration. The displacement from the free trapezoidal cross section to the distorted configuration is 40-60%.