Abstract: A fluid-film, pocket bearing of the three axial-groove-type, which has three bearing pads but only two pressure pockets. The design of the bearing provides significant stabilization and a capacity for supporting heavy loads with the predominant pocket loading being horizontal thereof. One of the pads, in the lower half of the bearing, encompasses the location whereat loading thereof obtains, and this one pad has no pressure pocket. The trailing edges of the two pockets (in the other pads) are smoothly blended into the pad surfaces.

Abstract: The stabilizer invention comprises an improved, generally tubular friction rock stabilizer body for insertion into a borehole formed in a structure such as mine roof or side wall, or other subterranean opening for stabilizing the structure, the body having a maximum transverse dimension greater than borehole in which it is to be inserted, and requiring therefore considerable force to effect its borehole insertion, the stabilizer having a facility for attaching a pendant thereto. An end of the body has a threaded nut fixed therein which receives a threaded, elongate, suspension bolt as the pendant. Thus, the pendant bolt, having a terminal drive head, can engage and pendantly support an ancillary article, such as a roof plate, remotely from the stabilizer body.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the stabilizer comprises an elongate, generally annular element for insertion into an undersized bore in a roof or wall of a mine shaft, or tunnel, or the like, for frictionally engaging the bore surface to stabilize the subterranean earth structure in which the bore is formed, in which the element has stiffening ribs disposed lengthwise thereof in order that the stabilizer may be formed of relatively thin material without significant loss of longitudinal strength. The ribs are defined by inwardly-directed channels, formed in the outer surface of the stabilizer, which facilitate circumferential compression of the stabilizer so that the latter can be readily inserted into the undersized, earth structure bore.