A fluid film bearing, includes a first and second part, wherein the first part includes at least two annular sliding surfaces, wherein the second part includes a respective group of pads for each of the annular sliding surfaces, wherein a respective pad sliding surface of each pad in a respective group supports the respective annular sliding surface, wherein the pads of each group are distributed in the circumferential direction along the second part, wherein at least one pad of a selected one of the groups is arranged such that spacing of the pads in the selected group along the circumference is irregular and/or wherein the selected or a selected one of the groups includes two different types of pads and/or wherein the pads of the or a selected one of the groups are offset in the circumferential direction with respect to the pads of a further one of the groups.

Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, systems, and methods include bearing assemblies having one or more bearing element in a bearing housing for supporting a shaft extending through at least a portion of the bearing housing. The bearing assembly including a recirculation line for delivering fluid into the bearing housing at a location separate from a fluid inlet of the bearing housing to at least partially thermally regulate, lubricate, and/or flush the one or more bearing elements during operation of the shaft.

A bearing assembly includes a bearing defining a bearing bore therethrough with a plurality of spring bores circumferentially distributed around the bearing bore. A respective spring is seated in each of the spring bores. Each spring is has a flared end that is larger in diameter than a main section of the spring. The flared end of each spring engages its respective spring bore.

A maintenance-free bearing system having self-lubricating features, seals, grooves and slots for use in a cushion hitch assembly for a hitch pull scraper vehicle. An interconnected bearing linkage system having two or more horizontal two-axis combined journal and thrust bearings with self-lubricating liners therein, two or more vertical single-axis sleeve bearings with self-lubricating liners therein and one or more vertical thrust bearing with self-lubricating liners therein, that cooperate with one another to accommodate vertical and horizontal angular movement relative to one another.

A maintenance-free bearing system having self-lubricating features, seals, grooves and slots for use in a cushion hitch assembly for a hitch pull scraper vehicle. An interconnected bearing linkage system having two or more horizontal two-axis combined journal and thrust bearings with self-lubricating liners therein, two or more vertical single-axis sleeve bearings with self-lubricating liners therein and one or more vertical thrust bearing with self-lubricating liners therein, that cooperate with one another to accommodate vertical and horizontal angular movement relative to one another.

Methods of producing an assembly, e.g., a bearing assembly, for a vehicle, with reduced thermal expansion in a linear direction as well as methods for minimizing linear thermal expansion in an assembly, are provided. The assembly has at least two components with substantially different linear coefficients of thermal expansion (CLTEs). The assembly has a lightweight planar metal component (e.g., a housing) with a first CLTE, a second component (e.g., a bearing component) having a second CLTE, and a polymeric composite with a third CLTE. The first CLTE is greater than the second CLTE. The third CLTE is less than or equal to the second CLTE, so that the polymeric composite structure attached to the first planar metal component reduces thermal expansion of the first planar metal component in at least one linear direction and minimizes separation of the second surface of the first planar metal component from the second component.

A shaft supporting unit 15A supports a shaft of a pivoting body with capacity of pivot movement. A lower block 58A has a lower recess with a semicircular column shape, and is configured to support the shaft from beneath. A lower bush 59 has a semi-cylindrical shape, is located in the lower recess, and is configured to slide the shaft on it. The shaft supporting unit 15A does not abut an upper side of the shaft when the pivoting body pivots. An upper block 56A is configured to cover above the shaft, and has an upper recess with a predetermined gap between it and the shaft.

A propulsion system for a tiltrotor aircraft includes an engine supported by the airframe and a fixed gearbox operably coupled to the engine. Inboard and outboard pedestals are supported by the airframe and positioned above the wing. A pylon assembly is rotatably coupled between the inboard and outboard pedestals. The pylon assembly includes a spindle gearbox having an input gear, a mast operably coupled to the input gear and a proprotor assembly operable to rotate with the mast. The spindle gearbox is rotatable about a conversion axis to selectively operate the tiltrotor aircraft between helicopter and airplane modes. A common shaft, rotatable about the conversion axis, is configured to transfer torque from an output gear of the fixed gearbox to an input gear of the spindle gearbox. Each of the inboard and outboard pedestals includes a spherical bearing providing a self-aligning coupling with the pylon assembly.

A propulsion system for a tiltrotor aircraft includes an engine supported by the airframe and a fixed gearbox operably coupled to the engine. Inboard and outboard pedestals are supported by the airframe and positioned above the wing. A pylon assembly is rotatably coupled between the inboard and outboard pedestals. The pylon assembly includes a spindle gearbox having an input gear, a mast operably coupled to the input gear and a proprotor assembly operable to rotate with the mast. The spindle gearbox is rotatable about a conversion axis to selectively operate the tiltrotor aircraft between helicopter and airplane modes. A common shaft, rotatable about the conversion axis, is configured to transfer torque from an output gear of the fixed gearbox to an input gear of the spindle gearbox. Each of the inboard and outboard pedestals includes a spherical bearing providing a self-aligning coupling with the pylon assembly.

A propulsion system for a tiltrotor aircraft includes an engine supported by the airframe and a fixed gearbox operably coupled to the engine. Inboard and outboard pedestals are supported by the airframe and positioned above the wing. A pylon assembly is rotatably coupled between the inboard and outboard pedestals. The pylon assembly includes a spindle gearbox having an input gear, a mast operably coupled to the input gear and a proprotor assembly operable to rotate with the mast. The spindle gearbox is rotatable about a conversion axis to selectively operate the tiltrotor aircraft between helicopter and airplane modes. A common shaft, rotatable about the conversion axis, is configured to transfer torque from an output gear of the fixed gearbox to the input gear of the spindle gearbox. Each of the inboard and outboard pedestals includes a journal bearing that provides a stiff coupling with the pylon assembly.