Patent ID: 8496381
Filing Date: 2013-07-30
Classification: C10M,C10N,F16C

Abstract:
1. A bearing, comprising: an inner ring having a passageway configured to engage a shaft, the inner ring having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface is configured to form a substantially toroidal cavity around the shaft when the cylindrical shaft is engaged with the bearing, wherein the inner ring includes a first half and a second half joined at a central line; an outer ring disposed around at least a portion of the inner ring, the outer ring having an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer ring comprising a polymer forming a bearing surface at an interface with the inner ring wherein the inner surface of the outer ring has a radius that is greater at the midline of the outer ring than at the lateral edges of the outer ring, wherein the outer ring comprises a laminate of metal and polymer, wherein the outer ring includes a first half and a second half; and a hollow cylindrical ring surrounding and fixed to the outer ring and including a first half and a second half, and a plurality of welds joining the first and second half of the hollow cylindrical ring, wherein the inner ring is rotatable in relation to the hollow cylindrical ring.