Abstract: A novel approach to optimizing control accuracy of pitch angle of the blades of an airplane propeller or wind turbine rotor by using laminated rubber (elastomeric) bearings in place of rolling element bearings so that the former's smooth torque vs. deflection characteristics minimally influence the balance of passive control torques upon the pitch axis due to calibrated springs and forces resulting from rotation speed and/or aerodynamic drag.

Abstract: Elastomeric bearings exhibit a reactive positive spring effect, i.e., they produce an opposing torque or force when angular displacement or translation is applied upon them, due to shear stress developed within their elastomer parts. The present invention incorporates a device that exhibits an increasingly strong torque or force in the same direction as the displacement, i.e., a negative spring, under similar conditions of movement. When properly calibrated, the subject type of device can be used in paralleled motion with the ordinary reactive elastomeric bearing to produce a combined effect in which at least a part of the torque or force of the elastomeric bearing is compensated or minimized over a range of movement, particularly in helicopter rotor blade retention applications.

Abstract: Elastomeric bearings exhibit a reactive positive spring effect, i.e., they produce an opposing torque or force when angular displacement or translation is applied upon them, due to shear stress developed within their elastomer parts. The present invention incorporates a device that exhibits an increasingly strong torque or force in the same direction as the displacement, i.e., a negative spring, under similar conditions of movement. When properly calibrated, the subject type of device can be used in paralleled motion with the ordinary reactive elastomeric bearing to produce a combined effect in which at least a part of the torque or force of the elastomeric bearing is changed or minimized over a range of movement.

Abstract: Elastomeric bearings exhibit a reactive positive spring effect, i.e., they produce an opposing torque or force when angular displacement or translation is applied upon them, due to shear stress developed within their elastomer parts. The present invention incorporates a device that exhibits an increasingly strong torque or force in the same direction as the displacement, i.e., a negative spring, under similar conditions of movement. When properly calibrated, the subject type of device can be used in paralleled motion with the ordinary reactive elastomeric bearing to produce a combined effect in which at least a part of the torque or force of the elastomeric bearing is changed or minimized over a range of movement.

Abstract: A rubber laminated bearing-seal, consisting of multiple flat or curved alternate laminations of metal and rubber bonded together and having an aperture, is seated in an apertured receptacle in the wall of a pressure vessel and supports a shaft that penetrates the apertures, extending from one side of the wall through to the other side. Shear strains in the rubber laminations permit the shaft to carry limited movements through the wall while the laminations seal against any flow of the liquid or gaseous medium on one side toward the other side and withstand the resulting thrust caused by large pressure differences. The torque reaction of this bearing-seal is essentially proportional to rotation angle. A potential use is in the intense hydrostatic pressure environment of undersea applications at great depths, carrying limited motion through the hull of a submersible craft.

Abstract: A rubber laminated bearing-seal, consisting of multiple flat or curved alternate laminations of metal and rubber bonded together and having an aperture, is seated in an apertured receptacle in the wall of a pressure vessel and supports a shaft that penetrates the apertures, extending from one side of the wall through to the other side. Shear strains in the rubber laminations permit the shaft to carry limited movements through the wall while the laminations seal against any flow of the liquid or gaseous medium on one side toward the other side and withstand the resulting thrust caused by large pressure differences. The torque reaction of this bearing-seal is essentially proportional to rotation angle. A potential use is in the intense hydrostatic pressure environment of undersea applications at great depths, carrying limited motion through the hull of a submersible craft.