Abstract: An improvement in shaft couplings having a flexible elastomeric center element positioned between and bonded to annular metal shoes, which increases the service life of the coupling by forming the elastomer to preferred shapes, contours and thicknesses adjacent a circumferential discontinuity of the shoes and center element.

Abstract: A fabric sleeve having lengthwise yarns of a low friction material and circumferential threads of a bondable material is secured on a mandrel utilizing in particular the heat shrinkage of the circumferential threads but also the axial shrinkage of the low friction material. After cooling, the sleeve is impregnated with a liquid resin and may be stored for future use utilizing the ends of the mandrel for support and handling. When required, the resin is cured to form a rigid tube. The tube has an internal bearing surface a predetermined size larger than the mandrel and may be readily withdrawn from the tube and then cut to selected lengths to comprise the desired bearings.

Abstract: Identical or similar balls are assembled on an arbor and a low-friction material-lined glass filament-reinforced hardened epoxy tube is formed thereover. The outer diameter of the tube is finished and the tube is cut into sections to comprise the sockets or outer races for the balls.