Abstract: A bearing includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of rollers. The rollers separate the inner ring from the outer ring. The outer ring has an outer radial surface with a circumferentially continuous portion and a plurality of axial projections extending from the circumferentially continuous portion. To improve the security of the press fit connection between outer ring and a housing, surfaces of the outer ring which contact the housing are treated with a laser etching process. The laser etching may be applied to the circumferentially continuous portion and/or to the outer surface of the axial projections. The laser etching process removes a small amount of material from the surface, creating valleys. The removed material is clumped on its surroundings, building peaks. The peaks and valleys increase the friction between the outer ring and the housing, reducing the chance of failures.

Abstract: Thrust bearings and etched surfaces thereof are disclosed. The thrust bearing may include a first washer, a second washer, and a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the first and second washers. A radial surface of at least one of the first or second washer may be configured to be press fit onto or into a component. The radial surface may include a plurality of etched regions, each etched region including a valley that extends below a non-etched portion of the radial surface and a peak that extends around the valley and extends above the non-etched portion of the radial surface. The peaks of the etched regions may be configured to contact the component and increase an interference between the radial surface and the component.

Abstract: Thrust bearings and etched surfaces thereof are disclosed. The thrust bearing may include a first washer, a second washer, and a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the first and second washers. A radial surface of at least one of the first or second washer may be configured to be press fit onto or into a component. The radial surface may include a plurality of etched regions, each etched region including a valley that extends below a non-etched portion of the radial surface and a peak that extends around the valley and extends above the non-etched portion of the radial surface. The peaks of the etched regions may be configured to contact the component and increase an interference between the radial surface and the component.

Abstract: Bearing seal assemblies and bearing assemblies including said seal assemblies are disclosed. The bearing seal assembly may include an annular seal including a stiff element, the annular seal configured to be press-fit into a bearing assembly and to form a seal between an interior of the bearing assembly and an exterior of the bearing assembly. The stiff element may have an opening defined therein, and a one-way valve may be configured to allow air to flow through the opening only in a direction from the interior of the bearing assembly to the exterior of the bearing assembly, when the seal is press-fit into the bearing assembly. A flexible member having an opening defined therein may be attached to the stiff element and the openings in the stiff element and the flexible member may at least partially overlap.