Abstract: A lead-acid battery in which the plates are fabricated from a paste containing principally lead oxide and a small amount of dimensionally isotropic graphite fiber of a specific type. The specific type of graphite fiber may be either a graphite fiber synthesized from a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor or a graphite fiber synthesized from a pitch precursor.

Abstract: Multiple hydraulic chambers that are located within the inner race-outer race interface of a spherical bearing are individually pressure controlled to maintain lateral, or axial, centering of the inner race relatively to the outer race. Pressure control is provided by a mechanical/hydraulic spool valve, one associated with each chamber, which senses the depth of the clearance space between the inner and outer races and pressurizes or vents the associated chamber to maintain the inner race centered in the outer race in a forcing manner. An internal actuation system for the hydraulic bearing is also provided comprising multiple cavities that are displaced both longitudinally and angularly with respect to the centering hydraulic chambers.

Abstract: An internally actuated spherical bearing having particular utility for vectoring the thrust produced by the propulsion system of a rocket propelled vehicle comprises, in single axis-rotation nozzle structures, a pair of elongated kidney loop seal actuators that are arranged in end-to-end relation with each actuator wrapped around approximately 180.degree. of the inner race in each semi-circle, the ends of each actuator being disposed at spaced positions proximate the pivotal axis of the inner race. For omni axial rotation nozzles the bearing includes a pair of such actuators to effect nozzle rotation on the pitch axis, and further includes a second pair of elongated kidney loop seal actuators to effect nozzle rotation on the yaw axis, each of the yaw actuators also being wrapped in end-to-end relation around approximately 180.degree. of the bearing in each semi-circle with the latter semi-circles being in a plane proximate to the plane containing the pitch axis semi-circles but angularly displaced 90.degree.