Abstract: The present invention relates to a spacer arrangement used in a duplex bearing system. The spacer arrangement has a lubricant chamber, a first spacer element within the lubricant chamber having a centrifugal ramp, and a second spacer element within the lubricant chamber having a baffle. The baffle divides the lubricant chamber into first and second chambers with each chamber communicating with one of the bearings in the duplex bearing system. The centrifugal ramp counteracts the effects of gravity and uses centrifugal forces to insure a supply of lubricant to one of the bearings, typically an upper bearing, in the duplex bearing system. The spacer arrangement has particular utility in a swashplate assembly used in helicopters, which swashplate assembly includes a stationary swashplate and a rotating swashplate with the duplex bearing arrangement being located between the two swashplates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spacer arrangement used in a duplex bearing system. The spacer arrangement has a lubricant chamber, a first spacer element within the lubricant chamber having a centrifugal ramp, and a second spacer element within the lubricant chamber having a baffle. The baffle divides the lubricant chamber into first and second chambers with each chamber communicating with one of the bearings in the duplex bearing system. The centrifugal ramp counteracts the effects of gravity and uses centrifugal forces to insure a supply of lubricant to one of the bearings, typically an upper bearing, in the duplex bearing system. The spacer arrangement has particular utility in a swashplate assembly used in helicopters, which swashplate assembly includes a stationary swashplate and a rotating swashplate with the duplex bearing arrangement being located between the two swashplates.

Abstract: A self-aligning piston assembly has a piston member having a sidewall for slidable displacement within a bore, the piston member having an inner curved surface, the piston assembly having an inner race member having means to attach to a connecting member, the inner race member having a curved surface complimentary to the inner curved surface and, an elastomer member disposed therebetween substantially in the form of a sphere to provide a spherical type mounting of the piston to the connecting member. Utilizing a spherical type mounting, axial rigidity is maintained yet any side loading which acts through the connecting member or manufacturing tolerances are absorbed through the spherical elastomer to prevent misalignment or cocking of the piston within the bore during stroking. Utilizing the invention, excessive wear and fluid leakage by the piston is avoided since misalignment is absorbed by the elastomer member.

Abstract: A flexible composite scissor assembly is disclosed which utilizes one or more composite straps disposed either in a radial or non-radial relationship between a hub attached to a rotor and an inner or outer ring of a helicopter swashplate. The composite material has sufficient edge-wise stiffness to allow effective torque transmission between the rotor shaft and the swashplate yet has sufficient flexibility to allow for a vertical and angular displacement of the swashplate relative to the rotor shaft. Utilizing a flexible composite scissor assembly eliminates the need for mechanical linkages having pins and bearings which are a frequent source for wear, increasing the reliability of the rotor assembly, while reducing weight.