Abstract: In a rolling bearing including an inner race; an outer race; a plurality of rolling elements rollingly arranged between the inner race and the outer race; and a cage holding the rolling elements, the cage has an annular shape and a plurality of pockets which are formed at plural positions in a circumferential direction of the cage, in which each of the pockets has an opening peripheral portion which is curved to a direction of increasing a distance from a center of the rolling elements. The opening peripheral portion forms a chamfered face or a convex face. The rolling bearing can sufficiently ensure the lubrication of sliding contact portions between the cage and rolling elements so that vibrations and noises of the rolling bearing are lowered.

Abstract: In a synthetic roller-bearing cage, axially separated annular bodies are connected by columnar portions arranged in the circumferential direction in order to define roller accommodating pockets. A radially outer surface of the columnar portion forms a portion of a cylindrical surface whose radius is smaller than that of the outer circumferential surfaces of the annular bodies, thus forming a lubrication-oil flow surface. A radially inner surface of the columnar portion, together with inner circumferential surfaces of the annular bodies, forms a portion of a cylindrical surface whose diameter is at least 30% that of the roller greater than that of a shaft on which the roller bearing is mounted. Grooved portions are formed in the circumferentially opposite side surfaces of the columnar portion at axially opposite end regions adjacent to the respective annular bodies.

Abstract: The needle roller bearing B in this embodiment comprises a cage 1 having a plurality of elongated window-shaped pockets 1a formed therein at predetermined circumferential intervals, and a plurality of needle rollers 2 rollably received and held in the pockets 1a. The four corners A of each pocket 1a of the cage 1 are provided with relief portions 1an4 each having a circumferentially recessed arcuate peripheral wall surface. The circumferential dimension between the circumferential top 1a41 of the relief potion 1a4 and the pocket wall surface 1a1 is set with respect to the diameter Dw of the needle rollers 2 such that 0.01.ltoreq.h/Dw.ltoreq.0.2. The provision of the relief portions 1a4 at the corners A of each pocket 1a of the cage 1 permits the relief portions 1a4 to serve as passageways for the lubricating oil.

Abstract: A rolling bearing for a high-speed rotating equipment is constructed of an outer ring, an inner ring, rolling elements and a retainer to rotatably support at least a rotary shaft thereon. The retainer is composed of a molded porous synthetic resin body having a porous portion of a communicated structure in at least a part thereof. Further, the is lubricated with a lubricating oil comprising a nondrying vegetable oil.

Abstract: A greased lubricated rolling element bearing including an inner ring, an outer ring, a plurality of rolling elements disposed between said rings, and a cage for holding the rolling elements at a predetermined mutual spacing, has a lubricating grease composition present on the surfaces of said rings, said rolling elements and said cage. The cage is coated on at least the parts of its surface that are in sliding contact with said rolling elements, said inner ring or said outer ring, with a solid lubricant containing coating for lowering the running temperature of at least the cage. The solid lubricant containing coating preferably comprises a disulfide and/or diselenide of a Group V or VI transition metal, more preferably MoS.sub.2 and/or WS.sub.2 in combination with an organic resin such as PTFE.

Abstract: Two end rims are spaced along a common axis and are connected by crossbars such that elongated pockets are formed for rollers. Piloting pads extend axially along the crossbars and a portion of the end rims and extend circumferentially along a portion of the ends of the roller pockets. A radially outward surface of the end rims is recessed with respect to the piloting pads and provides a lubrication channel connecting the roller pockets.

Abstract: A pressed cage for a ball bearing is particularly suited for use in severe lubrication conditions. The pressed cage arrangement reduces seizure, holds lubricant for long periods, and thus prolongs the life of the bearing. In the pressed cage arrangement, two annular holding plates include ball holders and flat portions that alternate at regular intervals. The holding plates have a first recess (that may be spherical or semi-elliptic) that has a radius of curvature larger than the ball's radius of curvature. A second, preferably spherical, recess, with a radius of curvature smaller than that of the ball, is formed in the first recess. The ball rotates, being supported only on the boundaries between the first and second recesses, thereby reducing seizure. Spaces formed in the second recess, and spaces between the front portion of the ball and the junction between the holding plates, function as lubricant sumps.

Abstract: In a raceway-guided or flange-guided cage made of plastic for roller bearings, webs (18) between side rings (14) and (16) are specially designed to prevent foreign particles present in the lubricant from damaging contact surfaces (S) of rollers (R). For this purpose, guide surfaces (26) are provided only at edges of rollers (R). Intermediate web side surfaces (30, 32) are set back from contact surface (S) by a wider gap (G). Retaining projections (40) are also separated by a gap (G.sub.1) from contact surface (S) in the axial center, the point of greatest flexiblity for the snapping-in of the rollers.

Abstract: In order to reduce the sound pressure levels of abnormal sound called "squeal" and the sound of the cage that are produced during the operation of radial rolling bearings, the radial rolling bearing according to the present invention satisfies the following relations: 1.5.times.10.sup.-3 D.ltoreq.H.ltoreq.9.0.times.10.sup.-3 D and A/B=0.6-1.0, where D=diameter of the outer peripheral surface of cage 5a; H=thickness of annular gap 9 between the inner peripheral surface of flange 10 formed at an end portion of outer race 2a and the mating outer peripheral surface of the cage 5a; A=axial length of the outer peripheral surface of an end portion of the cage 5a; B=axial length of the mating inner peripheral surface of the flange 10.

Abstract: A ball bearing assembly is provided with a ball retainer having a radially extending guide portion that serves to guide the ball retainer relative to either an inner or an outer ring of the ball bearing assembly. The ball retainer is provided with a series of ball pockets with each of the ball pockets having a central cylindrical portion that transitions smoothly into inner and outer portions having spherical configurations. The diameter of the central cylindrical portion is smaller than the diameters of the inner and outer spherical portions. The configurations of the ball pockets ensures that a clearance will be maintained between each of the balls and the edge portions of the ball pockets even when the ball retainer is deflected relative to the inner and outer rings of the ball bearing assembly. The internal configuration of the ball pockets ensures that the amount of lubricant retained within the ball pockets is optimized.

Abstract: To provide a ball bearing that insures reasonable endurance and which reduces the necessary torque for rotation while causing less fluctuations in torque, a synthetic resin cage of the ball bearing for retaining a plurality of balls so as to roll freely is impregnated with a lubricating oil having a viscosity of 10 to 150 mm.sup.2 /s at 40.degree. C. in an amount of 0.1 to 1.0% by weight of the cage, a film of the lubricating oil is formed in a thickness of 0.03 to 20 .mu.m on the surfaces of an inner race, an outer race, balls and the cage, and the amounts of the oiliness agent and the rust inhibitor that are to be contained in the lubricating oils are limited to the specified ranges.

Abstract: An axial rolling bearing includes a cage having pockets for retaining rolling elements between two plane-parallel bearing disks for forming a structural unit through interlocking engagement. At least one bearing disk exhibits a peripheral edge which is turned in to form an axial collar which surrounds the cage with clearance and extends towards a radial plane of the other bearing disk to form at least one annular gap. The cage is provided in an area of the annular gap with through-bores which are radially spaced from the pockets and are defined by a diameter, with the annular gap having a radial dimension which is equal or greater than the diameter of the through-bores.

Abstract: A roller bearing includes an outer ring having a raceway formed on its inner periphery, a plurality of rollers arranged along the raceway at predetermined intervals, and a solid lubricant filling the spaces between the adjacent rollers. The rollers and the solid lubricant form a one-piece body. The problems of large friction between rollers and the skewing of rollers are solved and it is possible to increase the load-bearing capacity of the bearing by using a large number of longer rollers.

Abstract: There is provided a bearing sealing device capable of substantially completely preventing a leak of grease. A taper end portion of an axial extension of the bearing sealing device has an opposite surface and a rake face that forms a specified rake angle with the opposite surface. The opposite surface forms a narrow passage between the opposite surface and an outer peripheral surface of an inner ring. The narrow passage allows air to pass easily, but it allows grease to hardly pass therethrough. Further, the axial extension includes part of a core metal that extends axially and has its foremost end located axially inside an axial outermost end of the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring. Grease moving axially outwardly on the outer peripheral surface is moved along the rake face of the taper end portion and then guided along a cover portion of the bearing sealing device to an outer ring. The part of the core metal prevents the axial extension from being bent radially outwardly by a centrifugal force.

Abstract: A rolling bearing has a pair of races, rolling elements and a cage. A region defined between the pair of races is filled with a solid lubricating composition. A film including a lubricating component is formed in a clearance between the cage and the rolling elements, whereby the solid lubricating composition is prevented from being interposed therebetween. The film including a lubricating component is formed prior to the process of filling the region with the lubricating composition to solidify the lubricating composition. It is preferable that the film including a lubricating component is formed on the respective surfaces in contact with the solid lubricating composition of the races, the rolling elements and the cage.

Abstract: A roller and cage assembly is able to accept large loads due to the high rigidity of the cage, while having an excellent lubrication property that enables it to demonstrate favorable high-speed rotation performance even under conditions of low levels of lubrication, thus giving it a high level of universal applicability. The rigidity of the cage is increased by providing thick-walled portions on each column of the cage. Together with being formed on a straight line, these thick-walled portions provide reinforcing action at prescribed locations. In addition, these thick-walled portions also function as guide portions that guide the rollers. These thick-walled portions are arranged so as to correspond to the center slit formed in the big end of a connecting rod for supplying lubricant, thereby enabling them to achieve improved lubrication performance.

Abstract: A cage for a rolling bearing; the cage is obtained by molding a resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a heat-resistant and oil-resistant resin and from 5 to 100 parts by weight of a polyolefin and immersing the resulting molded article in a lubricating oil. Also is disclosed is a rolling bearing with the cage fitted therein and having been subjected to oil plating.

Abstract: A bearing supporting a rotational shaft of an electric motor includes an outer ring, an inner ring, and an annular retainer disposed between the outer and inner rings for holding a plurality of metal balls so that the balls are rollable. The retainer has a plurality of grease reserve portions formed in its upper end. Each grease reserve portion is enclosed partially by a peripheral wall. The gross amount of grease injected into the bearing is about 10% or less of a volume of an inner space of the bearing defined by the outer and inner rings and upper and lower sealing plates with the retainer and the balls in position.

Abstract: In order to prevent portions of a thrust rolling bearing from being worn significantly and being burned, grooves are formed on both inner and outer surfaces of a retainer so as to traverse pockets. Lubricating oil is supplied from oiling holes formed in an outer race toward the retainer. The lubricating oil supplied from the oiling holes flows through the grooves to the rolling bearing uniformly.

Abstract: A rolling bearing comprising an outer race having one track, an inner race having the other track, a plurality of rolling elements arranged between the both tracks, and a cage for retaining the plurality of rolling elements in such a way that the rolling elements can roll freely, wherein the cage is a lubricating oil-containing polymer member obtained by molding a synthetic resin containing 10 to 80% by weight of a lubricating oil. The cage retains a sufficient amount of a lubricating oil at a high rate of retention so that a lubricating action can be maintained in a stable manner for a prolonged period of time, and it is produced at low cost.

Abstract: A slight clearance S1 is formed between the inner surface of the outer ring 2b and the outer surface of the cage 2d. The size of this slight clearance S1 is such that it causes concomitant rotation of the cage 2d associated with the rotation of the outer ring 2b.

Abstract: In a self-aligning roller bearing providing an outer race, an inner race, a plurality of barrel-shaped rollers, and a pair of cages, guide surfaces formed on outward flange portions of the cages for guiding the barrel-shaped rollers are caused to come closer to ends of the barrel-shaped rollers, so that the barrel-shaped rollers can be guided without fail even if an axial load is received. Therefore, the barrel-shaped rollers are prevented from being skewed, from increasing in torque required for rotating the barrel-shaped rollers, and from seizing up the barrel-shaped rollers.

Abstract: A rolling element bearing comprises at least two bearing rings (1, 2; 14, 15; 21, 22, 23) enclosing a bearing space (40), which bearing space (40) contains rolling elements (3, 13, 41), a cage (50, 16, 36) and lubrication structures having a porous matrix (8, 11; 17, 18; 36) containing oil and accommodated between bearing rings, cage and/or rolling elements. In order to obtain a better lubrication for an improved useful service life, the porous matrix (8, 11; 17, 18; 36) is connected to a rotatable bearing element such as a cage (50, 16, 36), a seal (4, 5) or a ring (22, 23, 24) in such a way that it does not physically contact another bearing element and that no frictional forces are generated with respect to such other bearing element, whereby upon rotation of the bearing element carrying the matrix the oil is driven through the matrix under the influence of centrifugal forces and any contaminants contained in the oil are filtered out.

Abstract: A rolling bearing to be used in molten metal provides inner and outer races, a plurality of rolling elements and a cage, in which a solid lubricant is exposed at least in contact surfaces between the cage and the plurality of rolling elements, and further in which the solid lubricant is exposed also in contact surfaces between the cage and the inner and outer races. The cage is formed of a material having specific gravity of 0.8 to 1.2 with respect to the molten metal. In the rolling bearing, the wear resistance of the inner and outer races, the rolling elements and the cage can be improved.

Abstract: A solid-lubricated bearing assembly has an outer bearing member with a generally radially inwardly facing race surface formed therein adapted to receive rotatable bearing elements for rotating motion of the rotatable bearing elements respecting the outer bearing member, an inner bearing member having a generally radially outwardly facing race surface formed therein adapted to receive the rotatable bearing elements for rotating motion of the rotatable bearing elements respecting the inner bearing member, a plurality of rotatable bearing elements retained between the race surfaces of the inner and outer bearing members, and at least one spacer circumferentially positioned between the bearing elements for maintaining the bearing elements in spaced relation to one another while permitting rotation of the bearing elements in the races with the spacer including solid lubricant material for depositing a solid lubricant film on the rotatable elements by contact therewith as the rotatable elements rotate against the s

Abstract: There is provided a roller bearing having inner and outer annular roller races, each race having a bearing raceway that is spaced from and opposes the bearing raceway of the other race, and a rigid frame for retaining a complement of rollers arranged between the roller races. The rigid frame includes annular end plates having a series of concave seats and a plurality of spacers mounted at right angles to each of the end plates. A complement of axially extending rollers is arranged in the frame and the frame is positioned between the races and in rolling contact with the bearing raceways. Spherical balls or convex sphere built into the roller are provided between the ends of the rollers and each end plate for reducing friction between the roller ends and the end plates while piloting the rollers in such a way as to maintain alignment.

Abstract: A radial needle bearing includes an outer ring having a race track formed on the inner surface thereof and inward flanges at both ends thereof, a retainer with a plural number of pockets, rotatably located within the outer ring, a seal ring located between the end face of the retainer and inside the inward flange, the seal ring functioning to impede the flow of a lubricating oil flowing in the axial direction within the outer ring, and a plural number of needles rotatably held within each of the pockets. The radial needle bearing is improved in that the outer diameter of the retainer is slightly smaller than the diameter of the race track, and the inner diameter of the retainer is slightly larger than the inscribed circle of the plural number of needles.

Abstract: To provide a ball bearing that insures reasonable endurance and which reduces the necessary torque for rotation while causing less fluctuations in torque, a synthetic resin cage of the ball bearing for retaining a plurality of balls so as to roll freely is impregnated with a lubricating oil having a viscosity of 10 to 150 mm.sup.2 /s at 40.degree. C. in an amount of 0.1 to 1.0% by weight of the cage, a film of the lubricating oil is formed in a thickness of 0.03 to 20 .mu.m on the surfaces of an inner race, an outer race, balls and the cage, and the amounts of the oiliness agent and the rust inhibitor that are to be contained in the lubricating oils are limited to the specified ranges.

Abstract: A solid-lubricated bearing assembly has an outer bearing member with a generally radially inwardly facing race surface formed therein adapted to receive rotatable bearing elements for rotating motion of the rotatable bearing elements respecting the outer bearing member, an inner bearing member having a generally radially outwardly facing race surface formed therein adapted to receive the rotatable bearing elements for rotating motion of the rotatable bearing elements respecting the inner bearing member, a plurality of rotatable bearing elements retained between the race surfaces of the inner and outer bearing members, and at least one spacer circumferentially positioned between the bearing elements for maintaining the bearing elements in spaced relation to one another while permitting rotation of the bearing elements in the races with the spacer including solid lubricant material for depositing a solid lubricant film on the rotatable elements by contact therewith as the rotatable elements rotate against the s

Abstract: A bearing cage for a roller bearing. The bearing cage comprising first and second annular end rims axially spaced along a common axis and cross bars connecting the end rims such that pockets are formed between the end rims and the cross bars for retaining the rollers. Axially outward surfaces of the end rims define the axial length of the bearing cage and include at least one recess for facilitating passage of lubricant to the rollers.

Abstract: A high speed anti-friction bearing includes an internal impeller mechanism to provide improved high speed lubrication for the anti-friction elements. At high bearing speeds the impeller mechanism scoops liquid lubricant from a liquid annulus centrifugally generated on the outer wall of the bearing. The scooped liquid is hurled inwardly onto the anti-friction elements as a fine mist. The bearing lubrication process is achieved with minimum heat generation and minimum energy loss insofar as the anti-friction elements do not plow through large masses of lubricant.

Abstract: A thrust ball-bearing in which a good lubrication is maintained for a long period of time and having a long service life. The bearing comprises a plurality of balls having a uniform diameter, a retainer which retains the balls, and two plates situated at either side of the retainer and rotatable relative to each other via the balls. The retainer has a thickness less than the diameter of the ball. A plurality of holes that retain each ball is provided on the retainer and a groove having a rectangular cross section is formed in a portion between two adjacent holes. An amount of grease applied to the ball is collected inside the groove and provided to the ball located on the downstream side of flowing grease without moving outwardly of the groove even if a centrifugal force generated by a rotation of the bearing is exerted.

Abstract: A strip of metal is pierced intermediate the edges thereof to form slots for rollers and is bent adjacent the edges to form flanges. Each bend intersects the slots such that the slots wrap around the bends into the flanges. The strip of metal is then formed into a circular hoop such that the flanges form axially spaced end rims to retain the rollers axially. Crossbars between the slots are offset radially in a sigma configuration to retain the rollers radially. Edges of the slots may be specially formed to facilitate flow of lubricant through a roller bearing.

Abstract: A ball bearing assembly includes a ball retainer for retaining within a predetermined area each of the balls positioned between an inner race and an outer race, the retainer having grease feeding holes which extend toward the balls. Grease is fed only to those balls which actually need lubrication, and no remaining grease flows into a gap between the inner race or the outer race and the ball retainer, therefore frictional force does not increase. In the preferred embodiment, the ball bearing assembly is used to support a head and carriage assembly of a data storage disk apparatus.

Abstract: An anti-friction bearing assembly having an integrally formed oil feed nozzle especially for use in automotive manual transmissions is disclosed. The oil feed nozzle may be formed as part of the outer race of a shell bearing or as part of the cage of a shell bearing. The nozzle directs oil from a reservoir into the axial bore of a shaft for supplying lubricant to cross bores in the shaft. Vanes may be provided on the nozzle formed integrally with the cage so that when the cage rotates the vanes pump the oil through the nozzle and the shaft bore.

Abstract: A bearing has a plurality of rolling elements in a raceway which are separated by lubricating spacer elements and non-lubricating spacer elements. The lubricating spacer elements are free to float between the rolling elements and can provide all of the lubrication for the bearing. The non-lubricating spacer elements may also be free to float between the rolling elements or can be provided by a cage.

Abstract: A comb separator or cage for ball bearings, including a ring that has a collar projecting axially out of one face. A groove extends around the distal face of the collar. The collar is separated into webs by spherical cavities that accommodate the balls. Lubrication ducts extend axially through the ring and the webs and open into the groove. The separator accordingly provides the lubricant with access to the balls from both sides and increases the reserve of lubricant. Preferably the grooves are approximately trapezoidal in their radial cross-section.

Abstract: A motor spindle for a hard disk device having a pair of ball bearings each having an inner ring, an outer ring, a plurality of balls, a retainer for slidably holding the balls and having a first seal plate provided with outer and inner edges placed adjacent to the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring and the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring, and a second seal plate secured to the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring and having an inner edge placed adjacent to the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring with the first seal plates opposed to each other and with one of the second seal plates faced to a clean space for containing a hard disk.

Abstract: A bearing has rolling elements separated by floating spacer elements. Some of the floating spacer elements provide solid lubricant for lubricating the bearing. Other floating spacer elements may be non-lubricating. The lubricant-providing elements are alternated with the non-lubricating elements to maintain the alignment and spacing of the rolling elements, thereby promoting proper operation of the bearings throughout the life of the lubricant.

Abstract: A comb separator for a ball bearing the bearing comprising axially spaced inner raceways defined in a shaft, outer raceways defined in an outer ring around the shaft and a respective row of bearing balls in the cooperating raceways. A comb separator is provided for each row of bearing balls. The comb separator has a plurality of circumferentially spaced arms facing axially inwardly toward the balls from an annular ring of the separator. First arms include respective lips wrapping around the ball that is in the ball receiving pocket adjacent to the lip. A projection that extends axially is located between the lips of each first arm. Second arms alternate with the first arms and each second arm has an axial passage opening through it for transmitting lubricant through it. A circumferential groove is defined on the axially outward side of the ring of the separator.

Abstract: The lubrication insertions system of the present invention inserts lubricating oil into the critical areas of a bearing. The system comprises a delivery element for delivering lubricating oil to a predetermined point relative to the bearing. The bearing, which is rotating, causes the lubricating oil to be slung outward of the spin axis of the bearing. A cage element, having a lip that extends beyond the edge of the bearing, captures the lubricating oil and directs the lubricating oil into the bearing to the outer race of the bearing and to the rolling elements of the bearing, which track the oil to the inner race of the bearing.

Abstract: The horizontally mounted rotational bearing arrangement for high speeds of rotation is mounted in a casing in two radial rolling bearings. Each radial rolling bearing comprises rolling members guided by an associated cage, and further comprises a groove provided at the shaft and operative as an inner race, as well as an outer race. A respective slinger ring is disposed between each radial rolling bearing and associated cover plate. An impingement surface extends around the associated slinger ring and is in alignment with an operative edge of such slinger ring. This impingement surface is effective for returning lubricant to the rolling members of the associated radial rolling bearing. The cage of each radial rolling bearing is constructed such that by virtue of its movement in operation, the lubricant is conveyed to the rolling members of the associated radial rolling bearing.

Abstract: A separator for the balls of a ball bearing assembly, especially of the land riding variety which is constructed of two like parts joined together by ultrasonic welding. The separator is provided with generally cylindrical ball receiving pockets. Skis are provided on the circumference of the separator which ride on the lands of the bearing. Each part of the separator is formed with alternating studs and bores, which, when two parts are assembled, the bores receive the opposing studs. The structure is so formed to insure the flow of lubricant to the raceways.

Abstract: A rotatable seal cage assembly for positioning between relatively movable members including a ring with inner and outer circumferential edges, which edges are joined by two flat side surfaces extending therebetween. An annular projecting surface extends from one of the ring side surfaces. A projection extends from the other side surface of the ring to be engaged by rotatable bearings to rotate the ring when relative rotation of the members occurs. Radially spaced seals are provided on each side of the annular projecting surface to seal between the rotatable seal cage assembly and each of the relatively movable members and inhibit damage to the radially spaced seals between the relatively movable members.

Abstract: The cage portion of a cage and roller assembly has two annular end rims joined by cross-bars around the periphery of each rim. The rims and cross-bars define multiple pockets which hold the rollers. The cross-bars are configured to contain the rollers within these pockets; in addition, coined ramp surfaces and land surfaces on the cross-bar outer surfaces extend radially outward farther than the outer surfaces of the end rims and are configured to provide improved lubrication between the outer surface of the cage and an outer raceway.

Abstract: A sealing relationship between a rotatable and stationary member is formed by a seal arrangement between the rotatable and stationary member wherein a first member engages the seals forming the sealing relationship and a second member is rotatable by the rotatable member to rotate the first member about the stationary member at a substantially reduced rotational speed relative to the rotational speed of the rotatable member to inhibit damage to the sealing relationship.

Abstract: A solid lubricant bearing comprises plural rollers disposed in a line or in a circle, plural solid lubricant elements at least one thereof contacting one of the rollers beings pressed by springs on the rollers, and a guiding base for receiving the rollers to roll thereon has a solid lubricant film formed on its roller receiving face.

Abstract: The roller cage of a roller bearing has lubrication grooves extending at an angle across the radially inside surface of one of the cage annular end rings.

Abstract: A controlled replenishing lubrication system provides a desired supply of oil to a rolling element bearing by monitoring the changes in the rolling element ball retainer to shaft speed ratio. This ratio is a function of elastohydrodynamic oil film thickness between elements of the bearing. Changes in the speed ratio are monitored by a sensor and fed to a control system which commands a pump to inject oil into the bearing when the speed ratio varies from a predetermined limit. The rolling elements are moveably mounted for rotation within a retainer or cage in a bearing housing. The retainer includes a light reflective indicia. A shaft is rotatably connected to rotate the retainer and the rolling elements. The shaft also includes a light reflective indicia. The sensor is mounted on or adjacent the bearing for simultaneously emitting light toward the retainer and shaft indicia for sensing variations in reflection of the light therefrom and for generating pulses to the control system responsive to the variations.

Abstract: A cage for lipless roller bearings, in which two rows of bearings are separated and supported by a support ring that is wedge- or cusp-shaped in cross-section at the longitudinally inward ends of the roller rows. The support ring surfaces facing the roller ends are so shaped (e.g. having a surface that is inclined to the roller end, or having a larger radius of curvature than the curved roller end, with the axes of curvature being placed inward of the roller axes) that there is defined a lubrication-receiving space between the support ring and the ends of the supported rollers which increases in width toward the radial interior of the bearing, to improve lubrication characteristics. Advantageously the cage may be used with a lipless self-aligning roller bearing, or a lipless conical or tapered roller bearing.