A system for monitoring of elastomeric bearings is described. A pattern or shape can be applied to a joint comprising elastomeric material. A camera can be disposed such that it can capture photographs or video of the pattern and how it deforms under torque and other stresses. Actual deformation of the shape/pattern can be compared to an expected deformation to gauge levels of degradation of the elastomeric material or other joint components.

A system for monitoring of elastomeric bearings is described. A pattern or shape can be applied to a joint comprising elastomeric material. A camera can be disposed such that it can capture photographs or video of the pattern and how it deforms under torque and other stresses. Actual deformation of the shape/pattern can be compared to an expected deformation to gauge levels of degradation of the elastomeric material or other joint components.

A system for monitoring of elastomeric bearings is described. A pattern or shape can be applied to a joint comprising elastomeric material. A camera can be disposed such that it can capture photographs or video of the pattern and how it deforms under torque and other stresses. Actual deformation of the shape/pattern can be compared to an expected deformation to gauge levels of degradation of the elastomeric material or other joint components.

A system for monitoring of elastomeric bearings is described. A pattern or shape can be applied to a joint comprising elastomeric material. A camera can be disposed such that it can capture photographs or video of the pattern and how it deforms under torque and other stresses. Actual deformation of the shape/pattern can be compared to an expected deformation to gauge levels of degradation of the elastomeric material or other joint components.

Spring-integrated rotors are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a bracket defining a first rotational axis and coupled to a motor for rotating the bracket about the first rotational axis, a pivot body defining a second rotational axis extending along a direction different than the first rotational axis, the pivot body coupled to the bracket for rotation about the second rotational axis, and at least one spring device positioned at the bracket, the at least one spring device urging the pivot body toward a central position when the bracket is rotating.

Spring-integrated rotors are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a bracket defining a first rotational axis and coupled to a motor for rotating the bracket about the first rotational axis, a pivot body defining a second rotational axis extending along a direction different than the first rotational axis, the pivot body coupled to the bracket for rotation about the second rotational axis, and at least one spring device positioned at the bracket, the at least one spring device urging the pivot body toward a central position when the bracket is rotating.

An extension assembly for a rotor system for rotating a plurality of rotor blades about a rotor axis with a central rotor hub that defines the rotor axis includes a beam assembly and a first bearing assembly. The beam assembly is configured to attach to the central rotor hub and is positioned at least partially within a corresponding one of the plurality of rotor blades. The first bearing assembly is configured to be fastened to the beam assembly and to at least one of a leading edge or a trailing edge of the corresponding one of the plurality of rotor blades.

An extension assembly for a rotor system for rotating a plurality of rotor blades about a rotor axis with a central rotor hub that defines the rotor axis includes a beam assembly and a first bearing assembly. The beam assembly is configured to attach to the central rotor hub and is positioned at least partially within a corresponding one of the plurality of rotor blades. The first bearing assembly is configured to be fastened to the beam assembly and to at least one of a leading edge or a trailing edge of the corresponding one of the plurality of rotor blades.

An elastomeric bearing assembly has a housing, a centrifugal force bearing axially captured relative to the housing, and a sliding cap disposed between the housing and the centrifugal force bearing.

A rotor-hub flap-measurement system includes a rotor hub operable to flap relative to a main-rotor axis, a flap-linkage arm, a first end of the flap-linkage arm rotatably coupled to the rotor hub, the flap-linkage arm responsive to flapping of the rotor hub, and a magneto-resistive sensor system rotatably coupled to a second end of the flap-linkage arm and responsive to movement of the flap-linkage arm.