Boss with internal bearing

A system for supporting a pressure vessel on a vessel mount, the system including:

• a boss configured for attachment to the pressure vessel in alignment with a central, longitudinal axis of the pressure vessel, the boss having a tubular neck that is configured to project outwardly from an interior of the pressure vessel, the neck having a first bore therein having a closed end such that the first bore does not communicate with the interior of the pressure vessel;
• a spherical bearing disposed at least partially within the first bore and having a second bore therethrough, wherein the first bore includes a surface that is at least partially spherical and corresponds to a first portion of an outer spherical surface of the bearing;
• an attachment element configured to be affixed to the vessel mount, wherein a portion of the attachment element extends through the second bore and is slidable within the first and second bores substantially along a longitudinal axis of the pressure vessel;
• and
• a retainer disposed between a second portion of an outer spherical surface of the bearing and a portion of the first bore.

A method for supporting a pressure vessel having a boss on a vessel mount, wherein the boss is attached to the pressure vessel in alignment with a central, longitudinal axis of the pressure vessel, the boss having a tubular neck that is configured to project outwardly from an interior of the pressure vessel, the neck having a first bore therein, a spherical bearing disposed at least partially within the first bore and having a second bore therethrough, wherein the first bore includes a surface that is at least partially spherical and corresponds to a first portion of an outer spherical surface of the bearing, the method including:

• inserting a first portion of an attachment element through the second bore and a portion of the first bore, wherein the first bore has a closed end such that the first bore does not communicate with the interior of the pressure vessel;
• mounting a second portion of the attachment element to the vessel mount;
• and
• passing the first portion of the attachment element through a retainer that keeps the bearing at least partially within the first bore;
• wherein the attachment element is configured for axial motion within the first bore and along the longitudinal axis.