Abstract:
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.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The instant application is a non-provisional application and claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/336,811, filed on May 16, 2016 and entitled “Bearing System with Self-Lubrication Features, Seals, Grooves and Slots for Maintenance-Free Operation”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to 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, and is more particularly related to 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. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    As shown in  FIG. 1  a hitch pull type scraper  100  includes a pulling portion  101  such as a diesel engine powered cab or cabin. A scraper bowl  102  is coupled to the pulling portion (e.g., a cab or cabin)  101  by a hitch assembly  103 . The hitch assembly  103  includes two H-links each having two journal bearings therein having a common shaft and another two journal bearings having another common shaft. The H-links moveably couple a linkage structure to a portion of the pulling portion  101 . The hitch assembly  103  includes two vertical journal bearings disposed in a housing. Above one of the journal bearings is a thrust bearing. The two vertical journal bearings each employ a bronze sleeve disposed between a shaft and an interior surface defined by a bore in housing to facilitate rotational movement between the shaft and the housing. The thrust bearing employs a bronze bearing plate disposed therein to accommodate rotational movement of an upper thrust plate relative to a lower thrust plate. 
         [0004]    A grease supply system (e.g., a configuration of tubes, valves and pressurizing devices) injects grease between the upper thrust plate and the lower thrust plate and the bronze bearing plate to maintain lubrication therebetween. The grease supply system also supplies grease to the sleeve in the journal bearings. The grease supply system can be damaged by projectiles such as rocks and stones that are propelled by the movement of the scraper  100 . Use of a grease supply system leads to several undesired effects such as: 1) increased power requirements for the vehicle; 2) increased capital cost and maintentence related costs; and 3) environmental impact when old grease is purged from bearings, for example grease can seep out of the bearings during re-lubrication or due to leakage and can fall onto the ground. In addition, damage of the grease supply system can cause the flow of grease to the thrust bearing and journal bearings to cease and create undesirable grease discharge to the environment. 
         [0005]    Thus, there is a need for an improved bearing system for the hitch assembly in a scraper vehicle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a hitch pull scraper vehicle; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of the hitch area of a hitch pull scraper as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a perspective and partial cross sectional view of one of the H-links of  FIG. 2 , taken across line  4 - 4  and having a bearing with a self-lubricating sleeve, of the present invention disposed therein; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of a portion of the hitch of  FIG. 2  taken across line  4 - 4 ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a journal bearing of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is an inside perspective view of an end cap of the H-Link of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 7 . is a cross sectional view of the journal bearing assembly of  FIG. 2  shown with the journal bearing of  FIG. 5  therein; 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of a thrust bearing of the present invention installed in a journal bearing assembly; 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is a perspective and enlarged view of a cup portion of the journal bearing assembly of  FIG. 8  shown with the thrust bearing therein; 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a thrust bearing of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  an exploded perspective view of the thrust bearing of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 12  is a top view of the thrust pad of the thrust bearing of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a thrust bearing of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 14  is an exploded and cross sectional view of the thrust bearing of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 15  is a cross sectional view of a third embodiment of a thrust bearing of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 16  is an exploded and cross sectional view of the thrust bearing of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 17  is a cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a thrust bearing of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 18  is a top perspective view of the thrust plate of the thrust bearing of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 19  is a cross sectional view of the thrust plate of  FIG. 18  taken across line  19 - 19 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 20  is a cross sectional view of on an embodiment of a journal bearing with spiral grooves formed therein; 
           [0026]      FIG. 21  is a bottom view of an embodiment of any of the thrust bearings of  FIGS. 8, 10, 13, 15 and 17 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 22  is a cross sectional view of a portion of the journal bearing of  FIGS. 5 and 7  illustrating one embodiment of a seal of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 23  is a cross sectional view of a portion of the journal bearing of  FIG. 3  illustrating one embodiment of a seal of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 24  is a cross sectional view of a portion of any of the journal bearings of  FIGS. 3, 5 and 7  illustrating another embodiment of a seal of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 25  is a cross sectional view another embodiment of the bearing and seal of  FIG. 22  in which the bearing has radial and axial slots formed therein; 
           [0031]      FIG. 26  is an end view of the bearing and seal of  FIG. 25  taken from the viewpoint of line  26 - 26 ; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 27  is a schematic cross sectional view of a self-lubricating pad and sleeve of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a bearing system for a hitch assembly for a heavy load capacity vehicle (e.g., a scraper bowl  102  hitched (via the hitch assembly  103 ) to and pulled by a diesel engine power cabin or cab  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 ) is generally designated by the number  1000 . The bearing system  1000  includes a linkage structure having three links, for example: 1) a cabin support link  101 A (e.g., a support structure) extending from the cabin  101 ; 2) a bowl support link  102 A (e.g., a support structure); and 3) a connector link  103 A (e.g., a support structure) that moveably couples the cabin support link  101 A to the bowl support link  102 A to allow rotational movement in two or more axes of rotation (e.g., horizontal and vertical). In one embodiment, a piston cylinder assembly  103 P is coupled to the cabin support link  101 A and the connector link  103 A. 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 2  the bearing system includes: 1) a first journal bearing assembly  200  that is moveably secured to the cabin support link  101 A and the connector link  103 A; 2) a second journal bearing assembly  300  is moveably secured to the cabin support link  101 A and the connector link  103 A; 3) a third journal bearing assembly  400  moveably secured to the connector link  103 A and the bowl support link  102 A; 4) a fourth journal bearing assembly  500  moveably secured to the connector link  103 A and the bowl support link  102 A; and 5) a thrust bearing assembly  600  disposed above the fourth journal bearing assembly  500  and between the connector link  103 A and the bowl support link  102 A. In one embodiment, one or more seals, as described herein, are disposed in one or more of the first journal bearing assembly  200 , the second journal bearing assembly  300 , the third journal bearing assembly  400 , the fourth journal bearing assembly  500  and the thrust bearing assembly  600 . 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIG. 2  the first journal bearing assembly is generally designated by the number  200 . The first journal bearing assembly  200  (e.g., an H-link assembly as shown in  FIG. 3 ) includes four self-lubricating sleeve assemblies  10  (see  FIG. 5 ) disposed therein and an end cap ( 212 ,  12  in  FIG. 6 ) positioned on an axial end of each of four positions on the first journal bearing assembly  200 . The thrust bearing end caps  212  each have a self-lubricating pad  8  (See  FIG. 6 ) disposed on an axially inward facing surface thereof. While the thrust bearing end caps are shown and described herein, the present invention is not limited in this regard, as other configurations may apply, including, but not limited to, those with integrally sealed or welded ends, or with no end caps or partial end caps. 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 .  11 ,  13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  20 ,  22 ,  23  and  25 , each of the self-lubricating sleeve assemblies  10  includes an outer sleeve  50  with a self-lubricating sleeve  58  secured (e.g., via an adhesive such as epoxy or phenolic resin) to an interior surface of the outer sleeve  50 , as described further herein. 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIG. 2  the second journal bearing assembly is generally designated by the number  300 . The second journal bearing assembly  300  (e.g., an H-link assembly as shown in  FIG. 3 ) includes four of the self-lubricating sleeve assemblies  10  (see  FIG. 5 ) disposed therein and one of the end caps ( 312 ,  12  in  FIG. 6 ) positioned on an axial end of each of four positions on the second journal bearing assembly  300 . The end caps  312  each have one of the self-lubricating pads  8  (see  FIG. 6 ) disposed on the axially inward facing surface thereof. 
         [0038]    The third journal bearing assembly  400  includes one of the self-lubricating sleeve assemblies  10  (see  FIG. 5 ) disposed therein. 
         [0039]    The fourth journal bearing assembly  500  includes one of the self-lubricating sleeve assemblies  10  (see  FIG. 5 ) disposed therein. The thrust bearing assembly  600  is disposed around the fourth journal bearing assembly  500  and includes a self-lubricating cartridge  14  (see  FIG. 10 ) disposed on at least one axially facing surface thereof 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first journal bearing assembly  200  is mounted in a first housing  216  (e.g., a body portion of the H-link). The first housing  216  includes a first leg  218 A and a second leg  218 B spaced apart from and centrally coupled to one another by a joint  219 . 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , a first bore  220  extends through the first leg  218 A and the second leg  218 B. One of the self-lubricating sleeve assemblies  10  (see  FIG. 5 ) is secured in the first bore  220  of each of the first leg  218 A and the second leg  218 B. A first shaft  222  extends into and rotatingly engages a radially inward facing surface of each of the self-lubricating sleeves  58  in the first bore  220  of each of the first leg  218 A and the second leg  218 B. The first shaft  222  is configured to receive a first hub  101 H 1  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) therearound and between the first leg  218 A and the second leg  218 B. The first hub  101 H 1  extends from the cabin support link  101 A. A thrust bearing end cap  212  is removably secured (e.g., via bolting) to an axially outward facing surface  200 F of each the first housing  216  outside of the first bore  220  of the each of the first leg  218 A and the second leg  218 B. As shown in  FIG. 6 , each of the end caps  212  incudes a self-lubricating pad  8  secured thereto for sliding engagement with a respective axial end of the first shaft  222 . The self-lubricating pad  8  is centrally located between a circular pattern of bolt holes  8 H, as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , a second bore  221  extends through the first leg  212 A and the second leg  212 B. One of the self-lubricating sleeve assemblies  10  (see  FIG. 5 ) is secured in the second bore  221  of each of the first leg  218 A and the second leg  218 B. A second shaft  223  extends into and rotatingly engages an axially inward facing surface of each of the self-lubricating pads  8  in the first bore  220  of each of the first leg  218 A and the second leg  218 B. The second shaft  223  is configured to receive a pair of second hubs  103 H 1 A and  103 H 1 B therearound (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) and between the first leg  218 A and the second leg  218 B. The pair of second hubs  103 H 1 A and  103 H 1 B extend from the connector link  103 A. A thrust bearing end cap  212  is removably secured (e.g., via bolting) to an axially outward facing surface  200 F of each the first housing  216  outside of the second bore  221  of the each of the first leg  218 A and the second leg  218 B. As shown in  FIG. 6 , each of the end caps  212  incudes a self-lubricating pad  8  secured thereto for sliding engagement with a respective axial end  223 E of the first shaft  223 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The self-lubricating pad  8  is centrally located between a circular pattern of bolt holes  8 H. In one embodiment, a piston hub  103 PA extends from the piston cylinder assembly  103 P and has a bore therein in which the shaft  223  extends. The piston hub  103 PA is positioned between the pair of second hubs  103 H 1 A and  103 H 1 B, as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the second journal bearing assembly  300  is mounted in a second housing  316  (e.g., a body portion of the H-link). The second housing  316  includes a first leg  318 A and a second leg  318 B spaced apart from and centrally coupled to one another by a joint  319 . 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , a third bore  320  extends through the first leg  318 A and the second leg  318 B. One of the self-lubricating sleeves  10  (see  FIG. 5 ) is secured in the third bore  320  of each of the first leg  318 A and the second leg  318 B. A third shaft  322  extends into and rotatingly engages a radially inward facing surface of each of the self-lubricating sleeves  58  in the third bore  320  of each of the first leg  318 A and the second leg  318 B. The third shaft  322  is configured to receive a third hub  101 H 2  therearound and between the first leg  318 A and the second leg  318 B. The third hub  101 H 2  extends from the cabin support link  101 A. A thrust bearing end cap  312  is removably secured (e.g., via bolting) to an axially outward facing surface  300 F of the second housing  316  outside of the third bore  320  of the each of the first leg  318 A and the second leg  318 B. As shown in  FIG. 6 , each of the end caps  312  incudes a self-lubricating pad  8  secured thereto for sliding engagement with a respective axial end  322 E of the third shaft  322 . The self-lubricating pad  8  is centrally located between a circular pattern of bolt holes  8 H. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , a second bore  321  extends through the first leg  318 A and the second leg  318 B. One of the self-lubricating sleeves  10  (see  FIG. 5 ) is secured in the second bore  321  of each of the first leg  318 A and the second leg  318 B. A fourth shaft  323  extends into and rotatingly engages a radially inward facing surface of each of the self-lubricating sleeves  58  in the first bore  320  of each of the first leg  318 A and the second leg  318 B. The fourth shaft  323  is configured to receive a fourth hub  103 H 2  therearound and between the first leg  318 A and the second leg  318 B. The fourth hub  103 H 2  extends from the connector link  103 A. A thrust bearing end cap  312  is removably secured (e.g., via bolting) to an axially outward facing surface  300 F of each the second housing  316  outside of the fourth bore  321  of the each of the first leg  318 A and the second leg  318 B. As shown in  FIG. 6 , each of the end caps  312  incudes a self-lubricating pad  8  secured thereto for sliding engagement with a respective axial end  322 E of the fourth shaft  323 . The self-lubricating pad  8  is centrally located between a circular pattern of bolt holes  8 H. 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , a third journal bearing assembly  400  (e.g., a vertical journal bearing assembly) is mounted in a third housing  102 H 1 . The third housing  102 H 1  extends from the bowl support link  102 A and is positioned between a fifth leg  103 L 5  and a sixth leg  103 L 6  each extending from the connector link  103 A. As shown in  FIG. 7 , a fifth bore  425  extends through the third housing  102 H 1 , the fifth leg  103 L 5  and the sixth leg  103 L 6 . One of the self-lubricating sleeves  8  is secured in the fifth bore  425 . A fifth shaft  435  extends into and rotatingly engages a radially inward facing surface of the self-lubricating sleeve  58 . 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , a fourth journal bearing assembly  500  (e.g., a vertical journal bearing assembly) is mounted in a fourth housing  103 H 3 . The fourth housing  103 H 3  extends from the connector link  103 A and is positioned between a seventh leg  102 L 7  and an eighth leg  102 L 8  each extending from the bowl support link  102 A. As shown in  FIG. 10 , a sixth bore  526  extends through the fourth housing  103 H 3 , the seventh leg  102 L 7  and the eighth leg  102 L 8 . One of the self-lubricating sleeve assemblies  10  is secured in the fifth bore  435 . A sixth shaft  536  extends into and rotatingly engages a radially inward facing surface of the self-lubricating sleeve  8 . The fourth housing  103 H 3  has an annular recess  529  formed therein. 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , a thrust bearing cartridge  14  is positioned in the annular recess  529 , between the seventh leg  102 L 7  and the fourth housing  103 H 3 . The thrust bearing cartridge  14  includes one or more self-lubricating pads  30  therein. The thrust bearing cartridge  14  is positioned above and spaced apart from the fourth journal bearing assembly  500  by a distance D 20 . 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the thrust bearing cartridge  14  includes a first thrust plate  31  having a first axially outwardly facing surface  31 A and a first axially inwardly facing surface  31 B. The thrust bearing cartridge  14  includes a second thrust plate  32  having a second axially outwardly facing  32 A surface and a second axially inwardly facing surface  32 B. The first axially inwardly facing surface  31 B and the second axially inwardly facing surface  32 B arranged to face one another. A self-lubricating pad  30  (e.g., liner or annular pads) is secured to the second axially inwardly facing surface  32 B, wherein a portion of the self-lubricating liner slidingly engages the first axially inwardly facing surface  31 B. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the thrust bearing cartridge  14  includes an annular flange  31 F extending from a first radially outer portion of the first thrust plate  31  and over a second outer portion of the second thrust plate  32 . In one embodiment, a bearing seal  35  (e.g., an annular lip seal) extends between the annular flange  31 F and the second thrust plate  32 . The seal  35  is moveable with respect to the first thrust plate  31  and/or the second thrust plate  32 . In one embodiment, another annular seal  39  extends between and sealingly engages radially inward portions of the first thrust plate  31  and/or the second thrust plate  32 . 
         [0051]    In one embodiment, the first axially facing surface  31 B has a surface roughness of Ra 16 to Ra 8. 
         [0052]    In one embodiment, the first thrust plate  31  has a first central opening  31 X extending therethrough and the second thrust plate  32  has a second central opening  32 X extending therethrough. 
         [0053]    In one embodiment, an annular shaft seal  36  is disposed in the first central opening  31 X and/or the second central opening  32 X and engages the sixth shaft  536 . In one embodiment, one annular shaft seal  36  (e.g., bearing seal) is disposed on radially inner portions of the first thrust plate  31  and/or the second thrust plate  32 . 
         [0054]    In one embodiment, the self-lubricating pad  30  has one or more grooves G (e.g., three grooves shown) formed therein for collection of debris. 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the thrust bearing cartridge  714  is similar to the thrust bearing cartridge  14  of  FIG. 10 . Thus, similar elements are assigned similar reference characters preceded by the numeral  7 . The first thrust plate  731  has a decreasing taper (e.g., angle  0  in a radially outward direction) and the second thrust plate  732  has in increasing taper in the radially outward direction. A self-lubricating liner  730  is disposed between the first thrust plate  731  and the second thrust plate  732 , similar to that described above for the thrust bearing cartridge  14 . The thrust bearing cartridge  714  has a C-shaped annular seal  735  extending between and slidingly engaging the first thrust plate  731  and the second thrust plate  732 , on radially outward portions thereof. The thrust bearing cartridge  714  has a C-shaped annular seal  739  extending between and slidingly engaging the first thrust plate  731  and the second thrust plate  732 , on a radially inward portion thereof. 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , the C-shaped annular seal  735  includes a first leg  735 A extending radially inward from one end of a base portion  735 B and a second leg  735 C extending radailly inward from a second end of the base portion  735 B. In one embodiment, a J-shaped cup  735 J is secured over the second leg  735 C. The J-shaped cup is manufactured from a lubricious material such as a plastic. The J-shaped cup  735 J is seated in and slidingly engages a second groove  732 G 1  formed in the second thrust plate  732 . The first leg  735 A is secured in a first groove  731 G 1  formed in the first thrust plate  731 . While the J-shaped cup is shown and described as being secured over the second leg  735 C, the present invention is not limited in this regard as one of the J-shaped cups may be secured to the first leg  735 A in addition to or in the alternative to being secured to the second leg  735 C. 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , the C-shaped annular seal  739  includes a first leg  739 A extending radially outward from one end of a base portion  739 B and a second leg  739 C extending radailly outward from a second end of the base portion  739 B. In one embodiment, a J-shaped cup  739 J is secured over the second leg  739 C. The J-shaped cup is manufactured from a lubricious material such as a plastic. The J-shaped cup  739 J is seated in and slidingly engages a second groove  732 G 2  formed in the second thrust plate  732 . The first leg  739 A is secured in a first groove  731 G 2  formed in the first thrust plate  731 . While the J-shaped cup is shown and described as being secured over the second leg  739 C, the present invention is not limited in this regard as one of the J-shaped cups may be secured to the first leg  739 A in addition to or in the alternative to being secured to the second leg  739 C. 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIGS. 8, 15 and 16 , the thrust bearing cartridge  814  is similar to the thrust bearing cartridge  714  of  FIGS. 13 and 14 . Thus, similar elements are assigned similar reference characters with the leading numeral  7  replaced with the numeral  8 . The first inwardly facing surface  831 B has an arcuate contour, for example a spherical contour. 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 , the thrust bearing cartridge  914  is similar to the thrust bearing cartridge  14  of  FIGS. 10 . Thus, similar elements are assigned similar reference characters preceded by the numeral  9 . The thrust bearing cartridge  914  includes a first thrust plate  931  having a first axially outwardly facing surface  931 A and a first axially inwardly facing surface  931 B. The thrust bearing cartridge  914  includes a second thrust plate  932  having a second axially outwardly facing surface  931 A and a second axially inwardly facing surface  932 B. The first axially inwardly facing surface  931 B and the second axially inwardly facing surface  932 B arranged to face one another. The thrust bearing cartridge  914  includes a third thrust plate  930  having two third axially outward facing surfaces  930 B 1  and  930 B 2 . The third thrust plate  930  is positioned between the first thrust plate  931  and the second thrust plate  932 . A self-lubricating liner  950 A is secured to the third axially outwardly facing surface  930 B 2  and a self-lubricating liner  950 B is secured to the third axially outwardly facing surface  930 B 1 . A portion of the self-lubricating liner  950 B slidingly engages the first axially inwardly facing surface  931 B and a portion of the self-lubricating liner  950 A slidingly engages the second axially inward facing surface  932 B. In one embodiment the thrust bearing cartridge  914  includes a C-shaped cover  940  that has a radially outward flange  940 F and a radially inward flange  940 E that extend axially over the first thrust plate  931 , second thrust plate  932  and the third thrust plate  930 . The C-shaped cover  940  covers the first axially outward surface  931 A. The C-shaped cover  940  has a radially inward facing lip  940 Y swaged over a radially outer portion of the second axially outward facing surface  932 A. The C-shaped cover  940  has a radially outward facing lip  940 X swaged over a radially inner portion of the second axially outward facing surface  932 A. 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 21 , in one embodiment the second thrust plate  32 ,  732 ,  832  and  932  has grooves  862  formed in the second axially outward facing surface  832 A. The grooves  862  provide a flow path for liquids such as water to flow through and discharge through a channel  861  (see  FIG. 8 ) formed in the fourth hub  103 H 2 . 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 , for the journal bearing assemblies  400  and  500  where the shaft  435 ,  536  axis is vertical, there are axial slots  88 A extending axially along the exterior surface  50 E of the outer sleeve  50 . The axial slots  88 A transition into a radial slot  88 R at the first end  50 A of the outer sleeve  50  The axial slots  88 A have a depth sufficient to allow water to flow down and out of the outer sleeve  50  as indicated by the arrows Q, in order to prevent water collection above the annular seal  37 . The radial slots  88 R extend an axial distance D 10  from the first end  50 A (i.e., top end) to a plane aligned with a top edge  37 E of the annular seal  37 . The radial slots  88 R extend radially through (i.e., entirely) the outer sleeve  50  along the axial length D 10 . 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIG. 27 , the self-lubricating pads  8  and  30  and the self-lubricating sleeve  58  are manufactured from a self-lubricating material and liners, such as but not limited to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) materials and liner systems with resins including, phenolic resins, polyimid resins and polyimid resins in conjunction with fiber weaves, fabrics or matrix materials, including but not limited to polyester, meta-aramids (e.g., NOMEX), PTFE and glass. In one embodiment, the self-lubricating material and liners are a homogeneous entity or are a molded nearly homogenous system without a weave, fabric or matrix and are manufactured from one or more acrylates, as described further herein with respect to  FIG. 27 . In one embodiment, the self-lubricating material and liners are ceramic materials and metals. In one embodiment, the self-lubricating material is disposed on a metal substrate as described herein such as the end cap  212 ,  312  of  FIG. 6  and the outer sleeve  50  of  FIG. 7 . The self-lubricating material has properties and characteristics sufficient to withstand high loads with insignificant wear. The use of the self-lubricating material in the manufacture of the self-lubricating pads  8 ,  30  and the self-lubricating sleeve  58  allows lubricious properties of the self-lubricating material to be maintained without addition of a lubricating agent such as oil or grease. 
         [0063]    In one embodiment, as shown, for example, in  FIG. 10 , the self-lubricating pad  8  and  30  and/or the self-lubricating sleeve  58  are manufactured from a self-lubricating woven fabric  73 . The woven fabric  73  includes a plurality of fibers  73 B interwoven with one another and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)  73 A interwoven therewith. The fibers  73 B include, for example, a polyester material, a stainless steel material and/or glass material. The fibers  73 B interwoven with the PTFE enhance bondability of the self-lubricating pad  8  and  30  and/or the self-lubricating sleeve  58  to a substrate. In one embodiment, the interface (e.g., the shaft  222 ,  223 ,  322 ,  323 ,  435 ,  536 ) opposing self-lubricating sleeve  58  the liner or opposing (e.g., axial end the shaft  222 ,  223 ,  322 ,  323 ,  435 ,  536  or the first axially inwardly facing surface  31 B) the self-lubricating pads  8  and  30  is coated to enhance lubrication. This coating is chosen so as not to degrade the performance of the sliding bearing The coating is chosen to prevent corrosion of the surface mated with the self-lubricating liner system. In another embodiment the shafts can be made of a stainless steel such as CRES or CREN steels of sufficient hardness to prevent galling of the steel surface when rubbing against the self-lubricated liner material. 
         [0064]    As shown in  FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 22, 23 and 25 , the self-lubricating journal bearing assemblies  200 ,  300 , includes four of the of the self-lubricating sleeve assemblies  10  therein and each of the self-lubricating journal bearing assemblies  400  and  500  includes one of the self-lubricating sleeve assemblies  10  therein. Each of the self-lubricating sleeve assemblies  10  includes an outer sleeve  50  (e.g., a metallic sleeve) extending from a first axial end  50 A to a second axial end  50 B thereof ( FIGS. 5 &amp; 7 ). As shown in  FIG. 7 , the outer sleeve  50  has an exterior surface  50 E and an interior surface  50 F. The interior surface  50 F has a first recess  51 A formed therein. The first recess  51 A extends axially inward from the first axial end  50 A and radially outward from the interior surface  50 F. The interior surface  50 F has a second recess  51 B formed therein. The second recess  51 B extends axially inward from the second axial end  50 B and radially outward from the interior surface  50 F. A self-lubricating sleeve  58  is secured (e.g., adhered to via an adhesive such as an epoxy or phenolic resin) to the interior surface  5 OF between the first recess  51 A and the second recess  51 B. In one embodiment, a first annular seal  37  is disposed in the first recess  51 A and a second annular seal  37  disposed in the second recess  51 B. In one embodiment, the self-lubricating sleeve  58  comprises PTFE as described further herein with respect to  FIG. 27 . It is contemplated that more than one first annular seal can be disposed in the first recess and more than one second annular seal can be disposed in the second recess. 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 , the self-lubricating sleeve  58  comprises at least one groove G therein. As shown in  FIG. 20 , in one embodiment, the grooves G have a spiral configuration. In another embodiment, the grooves have a circumferential configuration. In one embodiment, the least one groove G extends into the outer sleeve  50 . 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the annular seal  37  includes a base portion  37 B with a first leg  37 L 1  and a second leg  37 L 2  extending outward therefrom at an angle Z relative to an interior surface of the recess  51 A. In one embodiment, the annular seal  37  has an L-shaped metallic retainer  37 R embedded in the base  37 B. The base  37 B of the annular seal  37  is biased radially outward to frictionally secure the annular seal  37  into the recess  51 A. The first leg  37 L 1  and the second leg  37 L 2  are flexible and urged radially outward from a relaxed state (shown by dashed lines) by contact with the shaft  222 ,  223 ,  322 ,  323 ,  435 ,  536 . In one embodiment, the second leg  37 L 2  is shorter that the first leg  37 L 1 . 
         [0067]    As shown in  FIG. 24 , the seal  37 ′ includes a base portion  37 B′ with a first leg  37 L 1 ′ and a second leg  37 L 2 ′ extending outward therefrom. The annular seal  37 ′ has a C-shaped metallic retainer  37 R′ secured to the base  37 B and axially enveloping the annular seal  37 ′. The C-shaped retainer  37 R′ is press fit into the recess  51 A to secure the annular seal  37 ′ therein. 
         [0068]    Although the invention is described with reference to particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, upon a reading and understanding of the foregoing disclosure that numerous variations and alterations to the disclosed embodiments will fall within the scope of this invention and of the appended claims.