Abstract: A bushing is for supporting a movable cylindrical body within a housing, the housing having a central axis, an inner circumferential surface and an annular groove formed in the surface. The bushing includes a plurality of generally arcuate tube segments disposable within the groove and alignable circumferentially about the housing axis so as to form a generally tubular body configured to slidably support the cylindrical body. Preferably, each tube segment is formed of a generally rigid metallic material.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a bushing for supporting a shaft within a housing includes: determining a size of a section of the housing inner circumferential surface and a size of a section of the shaft outer circumferential surface; fabricating a generally tubular body having an outer circumferential surface sized to fit within the housing inner surface section and an inner circumferential surface sized to receive at least a portion of the shaft; and separating the tubular body into a plurality of generally arcuate tube segments. Preferably, the tubular body is formed of a metallic material and is separated by cutting. A method of supporting a shaft within a housing includes forming an annular groove in the housing and fabricating a bushing in the manner described above to fit within the groove.

Abstract: A bushing is for supporting a movable cylindrical body within a housing, the housing having a central axis, an inner circumferential surface and an annular groove formed in the surface. The bushing includes a plurality of generally arcuate tube segments disposable within the groove and alignable circumferentially about the housing axis so as to form a generally tubular body configured to slidably support the cylindrical body. Preferably, each tube segment is formed of a generally rigid metallic material.

Abstract: An interlocking thrust washer is presented. The thrust washer including a first annular upper ring having first inner and outer side circumferential surfaces and first top and bottom surfaces. The upper ring providing at least two holes that extend therethrough the first top and bottom surfaces and a first annular lower ring having second inner and outer side surfaces and second top and bottom surfaces. The first lower annular ring includes at least two annular projections extending upward from the second top surface. The at least two annular projections align with the at least two holes to create an interlocking fit between the first annular upper and lower rings. The interlocking fit allows the first upper and lower rings to combine and function as the single element thrust washer 10 once interlocked together. The interlocking fit further prevents any rotation between the first upper and lower annular rings during operation.