Abstract: A bearing assembly of concentric, cylindrical or conic rigid layers alternated with and bonded to elastomeric layers is bonded to a rigid, inner ring. A protective outer ring surrounds the bearing assembly and is equipped with devices for compressing the elastomeric layers to prevent bond failure between the layers when the assembly is subjected to radial loads. Bond failure is especially likely in bearings of this type because of tensile stresses built into the elastomer as a result of its tendency to shrink during its cure process. The bearing assemblies are conic in form, so that the elastomeric layers can be compressed by axial displacement of the rigid layers when the inner and outer rings are drawn together axially.

Abstract: A system for mounting a movable thrust nozzle to a rocket case, wherein a plurality of cups surrounding the nozzle is fixed in a common plane to one of the members (the nozzle or case) and a plurality of plugs, each loosely fitting into a corresponding one of the cups, is fixed to the other member. The plugs and cups are arranged so that they tend to be forced together by pressure of propulsive gases of the rocket. A bladder, partially filled with fluid, is confined in each cup by its plug. Tubes connect either adjacent or diametrically opposite bladders; so that fluid may be displaced and exchanged between bladders as the nozzle is moved for steering the rocket. Hydraulic actuators may be interposed in tubes connecting diametrically opposite bladders for forcibly moving fluid from one to the other, and thereby move the nozzle. Alternatively, each bladder may be connected directly to a source of hydraulic fluid and be selectively inflated or deflated thereby for moving the nozzle.