Patent ID: 6648510
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: B63H,F16C

Abstract:
A bearing assembly for water-lubricated shafts, said assembly comprising:a housing having an inner surface defining a bore for receiving a shaft for rotation in a body of water; a set of longitudinally extending elastomeric staves extending along the inner surface of said housing and being held in place against outward radial movement by said housing, said elastomeric staves defining supporting structure for supporting and holding in circumferential and inward radial position a set of longitudinally extending SPA staves; a set of longitudinally extending SPA staves supported by said supporting structure, said SPA staves having shaft-engaging surfaces for engaging, lubricating and holding the alignment of the shaft; and a compression member for longitudinally compressing said elastomeric staves to cause the circumference of said elastomeric staves to expand around the inner circumference of said housing to lock said SPA staves in place in said housing.