A telescoping mechanism includes a handle including a motor and a controller operatively connected to the motor for controlling operation of the motor, a spindle operatively coupled to, and configured to be rotated by, the motor. The spindle is not journaled by the motor and instead is journaled by a bearing support distanced from the motor. Telescoping segments are coupled to the spindle. The telescoping segments are nested together in a contracted orientation and extend outwards upon rotation of the spindle.

Systems and methods described herein provide composite slug-bearings to support rotating shafts and provide for adaptable pump configurations in a positive-displacement pump. A main bearing surface is configured to make direct contact with the rotating shaft and may be in the form of a rolling element bearing, plain journal bearing, or flanged journal bearing. A slug houses the main bearing surface and serves to occupy volume within the pump housing. The slugs are also used to locate and/or position the bearing within the housing, which will position the shafts. Multiple composite slug-bearings may be interchangeably located within the gear chamber of a pump for proper shaft placement. The composite slug-bearings also affect the volumetric displacement of the pump. The size of the slug is selected to allow relatively smaller gears to operate within a relatively larger housing while still maintaining the minimal clearances that are required for positive-displacement machines.

Systems and methods described herein provide composite slug-bearings to support rotating shafts and provide for adaptable pump configurations in a positive-displacement pump. A main bearing surface is configured to make direct contact with the rotating shaft and may be in the form of a rolling element bearing, plain journal bearing, or flanged journal bearing. A slug houses the main bearing surface and serves to occupy volume within the pump housing. The slugs are also used to locate and/or position the bearing within the housing, which will position the shafts. Multiple composite slug-bearings may be interchangeably located within the gear chamber of a pump for proper shaft placement. The composite slug-bearings also affect the volumetric displacement of the pump. The size of the slug is selected to allow relatively smaller gears to operate within a relatively larger housing while still maintaining the minimal clearances that are required for positive-displacement machines.