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: Seal for two concentric tubular elements of a gas turbine, consisting of rings associated with each element and having facing grooves, and of a connector extending between the grooves and consisting of two annuli which are in concentric spaced relationship and are joined by a web.

Abstract: Flexible bearings of the type constructed of alternate, clyindrical layers of rigid material, or shims, and elastomer bonded together are made substantially free of internal, tensile stresses by making the walls of the shims wedge-shaped and by alternating the thin and thick ends of adjacent shims. As the elastomer cures and cools during manufacture of the bearing, it typically shrinks in volume, causing residual tensile stresses in prior-art cylindrical bearings. However, this shrinkage causes the shims of the present invention to move together axially, thus relieving the stress. If there is an odd number of shims, there is no axial displacement of the inner mounting ring of the bearing relative to the outer mounting ring, as a result of elastomer shrinkage. Alternatively, all shims may be initially held out of alignment, so that shrinkage of the elastomer will pull them into alignment.