Abstract: A self-lubricating bearing suitable for marine applications, such as supporting hatch covers, has a bearing surface defined by a flexible woven pad. This woven pad is draped over a pillow plate and captured in position. To ensure that there will be a low friction interface between the pillow plate and the load supported on the bearing if the woven pad is severely damaged or lost, the pillow plate is designed to present a surface having a coefficient of friction lower than a metal-to-metal interface to the load.

Abstract: The self-lubricating bearing suitable for marine applications, such as supporting hatch covers, has a bearing surface defined by a flexible woven pad. This woven pad is draped over a pillow plate and captured in position by a sheet metal member which is folded over and thus engages the edge regions of the pad. The sheet metal member is affixed to the pillow plate and an underlying base plate.

Abstract: A method of producing threaded fasteners, particularly screws characterized by a thread root which is substantially wider than the thread crest, which results in seam free threads. The method employs a rolling die with a novel double form thread profile geometry wherein the angle of divergence of the groove defining walls gradually varies between an obtuse pointing angle and an acute finish angle as the groove depth increases from a sorting depth to the finish depth. The finish form of the die is maintained for a length which is commensurate with at least two and one-half revolutions of the fastener which is being formed.

Abstract: A seamless helical thread is formed through the use of a die having a thread profile defining groove which undergoes a smooth transition from a pointed form at the starting end to a finish form. The transition occurs along the portion of the groove length where the groove depth is increasing. In the case of a typical machine screw with a 60.degree. finish form, the pointed form is approximately 98.degree..

Abstract: A top entry ball valve comprises a plug element having two curved sides and two inclined flat sides which contain the ball and two seats. A pair of cheek elements each having one curved side and one inclined flat side are disposed on either side of the plug element with the inclined flat side of each cheek element in contact with the inclined flat sides of the plug element. The valve body includes a cylindrical bore which is dimensioned to receive the plug element and the cheek elements, and which has an axis which is perpendicular to the axis of the inlet and outlet ports of the valve. The plug element is biased into the cylindrical bore, whereby the inclined sides of the plug element act against the inclined sides of the cheek elements to produce an axial force on the seats and the ball to form a leak-proof valve assembly.