Abstract: A cavitation erosion resistant plain bearing comprising a steel backing, a sintered bronze interlayer and a lining of PTFE filled with 1 to 50% by volume of an ionic fluoride of low aqueous solubility.

Abstract: An oil control ring for a piston in an i.c. engine comprising an expander ring and two lamellar rails which scrape the oil from the cylinder wall. The expander ring has two series of lugs arranged alternately on each side, which support the rails and two series of dimples arranged alternately on each side which space the rails from the expander ring. The expander ring has notches in its outer and inner circumference and is bent into a circular form. Its free ends form a butt joint.

Abstract: An alloy for use as a bearing lining on a metal backing comprising, by weight, 1 to 11% silicon, 8 to 35% tin, and 0.2 to 3% copper, the balance being aluminum. The lining is first cast as a billet annealed, cold rolled, annealed and cold rolled a second time and then bonded to the metal backing. The lining optionally carries a soft overlay.

Abstract: A structural bearing assembly in which a center plate is located upon a support 11. The support comprises an elastomeric core and a reinforcing outer layer 13 made up of a spirally wound cord of KEVLAR material embedded in a matrix of an elastomeric material which may or may not be the same as that of the core.

Abstract: A cavitation erosion resistant and lubricated wear resistant plain bearing comprising a steel backing, a sintered bronze interlayer and a lining of PTFE filled with 1 to 50% by volume of a chemically stable hydroxide, preferably crystalline Al(OH).

Abstract: A plain bearing comprising a metal backing, an aluminium based bearing alloy layer and a sacrificial overlay of pure tin applied directly to the bearing material without a nickle interlayer. The bearing alloy comprises by weight, 1 to 11% silicon, 8 to 35% tin, 0.2 to 2% copper with the balance being aluminium.

Abstract: A scraper ring system for removing fluid from a relatively moving cylindrical surface such as a piston rod which comprises a series of overlapping blades or leaves which are pressed against the rod surface at an acute angle either by a garter spring or when the blades are part of a continuous strip, by the natural resilience of the strip and blades. The blades are located in a housing and passages are provided for the discharge of any removed fluid.

Abstract: A structural bearing for example for use in supports for pipelines. The bearing comprises a center plate 21 having a PTFE bearing layer insert 22 and above this a co-operating sliding plate 23 with a stainless steel mating plate 24. The center plate 21 is located with respect to a support 25 by a retaining ring 26. Between the center plate 21 and the support 25 there is a deformable feature 27 which deforms when the bearing is subjected to an uneven load, thereby spreading the load more evenly over the support 25.

Abstract: An expansion joint for a structure such as a bridge or roadway comprising a pair of elongate tubes 14, 16 each having a longitudinal slot 24, 26 and a relatively wider channel 32, 34 and a folded strip 22 of polymeric material. The tubes 14, 16 are fixed to the structure by means of anchors 18, 20. The strip has bulbous edge portions 36, 38 which are located in the channels 32, 34. The strip 22 and tubes 14, 16 are located below the level of the structure surface.

Abstract: A structure bearing assembly comprising a retaining plate housing a circular center plate the upper surface of which has a PTFE bearing layer and a number of lubricant grooves which may be straight or circular. The grooves each have an opening at both ends for the introduction and/or removal of lubricant.

Abstract: A method of forming a flanged bearing from a strip having a steel backing and a lining of bearing metal. Firstly, an aperture is formed in the backing, then a collar is punched out of the strip material surrounding the aperture. Finally, the collar is blanked out of the strip leaving a flange.

Abstract: A constant level slurry tank system suitable for use in coating investment casting wax patterns with a ceramic shell by repeated dipping in the slurry. The system comprises a rotating drum, a slurry reservoir and a fixed trough surrounding the drum. The drum has four openings at the desired slurry level, which open into the trough, and two paddles 19 which sweep the trough. A pump constantly pumps slurry from the reservoir into the drum. When the slurry reaches the desired level, excess slurry overflows into the trough via the openings and is swept by the paddles to a trough outlet which leads back to the reservoir.

Abstract: A tilting pad thrust bearing comprising a bearing ring, a number of spaced, circumferentially mounted thrust pads, and a series of oil nozzles located in the spaces between the pads. The pads are mounted to pivot on the ring by means of two pins arranged to fit slackly into corresponding holes in the pad.

Abstract: A plastics alloy for a bearing material comprising polyphenylene sulphide and polyether ether ketone. The alloy is formed by powder mixing, melt blending or solvent blending and applied to a metal backing either as a sheet, or in solution or in powder form. The alloy is heated and roll bonded to the backing.

Abstract: A viscosity pump is provided with a pump channel having a constant cross-sectional area. The pump channel is relatively shallow and wide adjacent the inlet and outlet to promote priming of the pump. The pump channel is relatively deep and narrow intermediate the inlet and outlet in order to provide a wide load bearing surface and prevent excessive wear of the stator and rotor.

Abstract: A plastics alloy for a bearing material comprising polyphenylene sulphide and polyether ether ketone. The alloy is formed by powder mixing, melt blending or solvent blending and applied to a metal backing either as a sheet, or in solution or in powder form. The alloy is heated and roll bonded to the backing.