Abstract: An axial bearing arrangement has at least two rolling-contact bearings (1, 2), each of which includes one outer ring (3, 4) and at least one inner ring (5, 6). The inner rings (5, 6) are axially fixedly mounted on a shaft (7). The outer ring (8) of a first bearing (1) is axially slideably located on a casing (9) by at least one elastically deformable tensioning element (8). The outer ring (4) of a second bearing (2) is axially slideably located on the casing (9) and engageable against at least one stop (10) of the casing (9), when moved in the axial direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing arrangement (1) for a tension roller (2) designed as a hollow cylinder at least in segments, having at least one bearing (3) supporting the tension roller (2), wherein a damping layer (5) made of elastomer or rubber material is disposed between a ring (4) of the bearing (3) and the tension roller (2), directly or indirectly, and wherein at least one axial end of the tension roller (2) is closed by a cover (6). In order to achieve a low-noise and self-centering seal for the axial end of the tension roller, according to the invention, the cover (6) is disposed in a mounting segment (8) and is held by the same, said segment being molded from the material of the damping layer in an axial end region of the damping layer (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a secured bearing arrangement for at least one journal of a universal joint, said journal being rotatable about an axis of rotation while being mounted in a housing. Said bearing arrangement comprises at least one universal joint housing that is provided with at least one bore which extends in the direction of an axis and has an internal surface as a bearing surface. A bearing bush which has a bearing axis and inside which the journal is mounted so as to be rotatable about its axis or rotation, is mounted on the internal surface within the bore. A securing element allows the bearing bush to be secured within the bore in one axial direction of the bearing axis, said one axial direction facing away from the journal. The securing element is disposed between the mounted bearing bush and the universal joint housing in a radial direction of the bearing axis while being connected to the universal joint housing between the mounted bearing bush and the universal joint housing.

Abstract: By controlling an amount of preload applied to a rolling bearing that supports a spindle in accordance with the change of state of the spindle in actual machining, the rotation of the spindle is controlled in an optimal state, and the service life of the bearing is extended while the required stiffness of the spindle is ensured. When a corrected preload amount falls outside a range of a preload as a controllable region, the corrected preload amount is corrected so as to fall within the range of the preload. That is, an actually controlled preload is regulated to fall within the preset range of preload. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the stiffness of the rolling bearing or prevent heating and excessive increase in contact pressure of the rolling bearing.

Abstract: Information regarding various types of machining may be stored in an NC program. Therefore, by controlling preload application means on the basis of the NC program, it is possible to control an amount of preload that is applied to a rolling bearing to a preload amount that can give a spindle characteristic that meets every type of machining. Thus, highly accurate machining is possible. Then, when a preload command value falls out of range of a preload as a controllable region, the preload command value is corrected so as to fall within the range of the preload. That is, an actually controlled preload is regulated to fall within a preset range of a preload. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the stiffness of the rolling bearing or prevent heating and excessive increase in contact pressure of the rolling bearing.

Abstract: A bearing structure where a plurality of bearings is disposed in line in an axial direction, the bearing structure having the plurality of bearings of which at least one set of adjacent bearings include rollers and retainers, respectively. Portions of the respective retainers of at least one set of the adjacent bearings are disposed so as to overlap each other in a radial direction.

Abstract: A driveline assembly may include a driveline component housing, a pinion shaft located within the housing, a first bearing assembly, a second bearing assembly, a spacer assembly, and a load adjustment member. The spacer assembly may be located axially between the first and second bearing assemblies and may include first and second members. The first member may be axially fixed on the pinion shaft and may include an axial end defining a first generally conical surface. The second member may include a first axial end engaged with the second bearing assembly and a second axial end defining a second generally conical surface abutting the first generally conical surface. The load adjustment member may be axially displaceable relative to the pinion shaft to advance the second member axially along the first generally conical surface of the first member and adjust a preload on the second bearing assembly.

Abstract: A combined radial-axial rolling bearing for rotatably mounting a rotary body in the region of a diameter step. The rolling bearing has a radial bearing unit which is assigned to a circumferential surface of the rotary body and which at least has a radial bearing ring, and an axial bearing unit which is assigned to an axial surface of the rotary body and which at least has an axial bearing ring. To mount the rotary body radially in the region of larger diameter, the radial bearing unit is assigned to a circumferential surface which has the larger diameter. The radially outer rim of the axial bearing ring is latched to a rim of the radial bearing ring which faces toward the radially outer rim, such that the two bearing rings form a structural unit which can be assembled in one work step, but otherwise remain functionally separate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for axially preloading a machine element that is arranged in a housing, with an annular steel spring that has an open hollow profile in cross-section, on which at least on one side is molded an annular collar that rests on the machine element and that has an axial contact surface, the steel spring being preloaded via a safety element against the machine element with a force that exceeds the operating force that occurs. A structurally simple device that ensures high preloading forces with advantageous tolerance compensation is achieved by the steel spring with an axisymmetrical, semi-circular section with an essentially uniform radius R1 undergoing transition indirectly or directly via a smaller radius R2 into the annular collar.

Abstract: A roller bearing includes: an outer ring that has outer ring raceway; an inner ring that has inner ring raceway surfaces that face the outer ring raceway surfaces; a plurality of cylindrical rollers that are arranged between the outer ring raceway surfaces and the inner ring raceway surfaces. The outer ring has an outer ring rib that is in point-contact with one axial end surface of each of the cylindrical rollers and that is arranged adjacent to the outer ring raceway surfaces. Contact positions at which the cylindrical rollers contact the outer ring rib are set to be on an axis of the cylindrical roller and an axis of the cylindrical roller.

Abstract: A differential device includes a differential case which is supported in a housing so as to be rotatable around an axis of the housing by a conical roller bearing including plural conical rollers provided between an outer race and an inner race. In the differential device, a wave spring having a predetermined elastic force is provided between the outer race and the housing. Also, the differential device includes a stopper mechanism which stops movement of the outer race before the wave spring is completely contracted due to movement of the outer race in an axial direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for axially supporting a shaft of a work machine.

Abstract: [Problem] To prevent the generation of wear associated with a relative positional offset between a closure member (a preload member) to which a fluid pressure such as an oil pressure is applied and an outer ring. [Means for Resolution] A rolling bearing is provided which comprises rolling elements 34, an inner ring 33 which includes a raceway surface on which the rolling elements 34 roll on an outer circumference thereof and an outer ring 32 which includes a raceway surface on which the rolling elements 34 roll and to which a load can be applied which is directed to one side of an axial direction from the rolling elements 34 on an inner circumference thereof, wherein a closure member 36 for closing an inner circumferential side opening of the outer ring 32 is formed integrally at an end portion of the outer ring 32 which lies on the one side of the axial direction.

Abstract: An axial rolling bearing (1) including a cage (6) which contains rolling bodies (7) and which is arranged between two running disks (2, 3) is provided, wherein the running disks (2, 3) have in each case one radial section (4, 5) which forms a raceway and in each case one axially aligned radially outer rim (8, 9) which adjoins the radial section (4, 5), which rim (8, 9) and radial section (4, 5) overlap in the axial direction. The radially outer running disk (3) has a larger diameter than the radially inner running disk (2), and at least the radially inner running disk (2) has a radially inner axially extending rim which adjoins the radial section (4) which forms the raceway. In order to be able to adjust the throughflow quantity of lubricant through the axial rolling bearing in a targeted fashion, it is provided that the radially inner rim (10) of the inner running disk (2) extends axially outward and is elongated so as to form a flange (11).

Abstract: A locating bearing assembly (10) is provided that optimizes load distribution between bearing rows and for all rolling elements within the rows in either positive or negative torque conditions, by combining a single row tapered roller bearing with an angular contact ball bearing. The outer race (60) for the ball bearing is preloaded by a spring element (72) to prevent the balls (26) from floating freely between the ball bearing's inner and outer raceways (16, 64). This will insure that the balls (26) are always sufficiently loaded to roll along a single axis which is off set from the radial direction. The use of the single row tapered bearing and the preloaded angular contact ball bearing provides for a locating bearing assembly (“LBA”) in which the ball bearing supports only reversing axial loads. All radial loads are borne by the tapered roller bearing and transmitted to the bearing assembly housing (30).

Abstract: An outer ring for a rolling element bearing has three mounting pads on its outer surface. The inner surface of the ring is arranged to be non-circular, with its effective radius being at a minimum at the three points midway between adjacent pairs of mounting pads. This provides a preload on the rolling elements of the bearing in use, preventing skidding, but because the ring is not supported between the pads it can still flex under loads. The ring may be oriented in use so that transient loads are directed through one of the mounting pads.

Abstract: An improved roller assembly for use in machinery such as round balers is disclosed. The roller assembly of the present invention reduces sensitivity to varying dimensional tolerances on the roller assembly and the structure to which the roller assembly is mounted. At least one elastic member is used to permit the axial position of at least one of the bearings on the roller assembly shaft to vary. Spring washers provide a predetermined, axial force to at least one of the bearings.

Abstract: When a fluid pressure in a fluid supply passage is higher than a first set pressure, a fluid in the fluid supply passage is supplied to a pressure chamber via a check valve, and when the pressure becomes lower than the first set pressure, the fluid is supplied from a hydraulic pump to the pressure chamber via the check valve. When the pressure becomes higher than a second set pressure, the fluid is discharged from the pressure chamber via a relief valve, and also when the pressure within the pressure chamber becomes higher than a third set pressure which is higher than the first set pressure but is lower than the second set pressure, the supply of the fluid is stopped. With this system, the pressure within the pressure chamber is maintained at a level between the first and second set pressures.

Abstract: Instrumented rolling bearing device of the type including a non-rotating race, a rotating race, at least one row of rolling elements arranged between two raceways of the rotating and non-rotating races, and an assembly for detecting rotation parameters including a non-rotating sensor assembly and a rotating encoder, and an elastic member intended for axially prestressing the rolling bearing, retained axially on the sensor, the elastic member being of annular shape and having a diameter smaller than or equal to that of the outer race of the bearing, the elastic member including a supporting surface designed to be in contact with an element outside the bearing device in order to exert, directly or indirectly, by reaction, an axial force on the non-rotating race in a direction opposite to the detection assembly.

Abstract: Differential gearing for vehicles, having a gearing input and two gearing output shafts which exit on mutually opposite sides of a differential gearing housing from the differential gearing housing, having a differential holder which is arranged in the differential gearing housing in the area between the gearing output shafts, the differential holder being rotatably disposed in the differential gearing housing by means of a ball bearing arrangement which has a bearing prestress. At least one disk spring is provided which generates the bearing prestress of the ball bearing arrangement.

Abstract: A conic bearing positioning member for a spindle motor includes a small diameter portion abutting against an inner race of a ball bearing of the spindle motor, a large diameter portion abutting against a rotor of the spindle motor, and at least one resilient connecting portion extending between the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion for biasing the ball bearing and the rotor away from each other, assuring a gap between the ball bearing and the rotor. The conic bearing positioning member may be a helical spring.

Abstract: A fastening apparatus adapted for use with chock and a roll which locates within the chock such that a first end of the roll projects through and beyond a first end of the chock and a second end of the chock is located relative to the roll. The apparatus comprises a housing, a piston movably situated within the housing to allow a plurality of circumferentially spaced locating portions of the piston to be retained within the housing or to project through corresponding openings in the housing, pressure means provided within the housing to act on the piston, and at least one fastening member attached to the housing. In an operative position of the apparatus the housing is placed between the first end of the chock and the first end of the roll, and the pressure means acts between the piston, forcing the locating portions of the piston into location with the first end of the chock, and forcing the at least one fastening member into location with the first end of the roll.

Abstract: A bearing configuration in which a shaft is supported by a first and second bearings, the second bearing being spaced from the first bearing. The first bearing and said second bearing are supported by a corresponding first bore and second bore in a shaft housing, a first axis being coincident with an axis of the first bore and a second axis being coincident with an axis of the second bore. The first axis and the second axis are purposefully offset from one another a sufficient distance to substantially eliminate internal clearance within the first bearing.

Abstract: A low spring rate multi-convoluted collapsible spacer adapted for use as a bearing preloading element. The collapsible spacer comprises a substantially tubular body compressible in an axial direction thereof from a predetermined free length to a substantially shorter length. The tubular body includes a yielding zone and an elastic zone adjacent to said yielding zone. Each of the yielding and elastic zones has at least one convolution curved in the same radial direction. An average thickness of the body of the spacer in the elastic zone is substantially greater than an average thickness of the body in the yielding zone that provides the collapsible spacer a substantially higher resiliency in the axial direction in the elastic zone than in the yielding zone. As a whole, the collapsible spacer has a relatively low spring rate, thus larger amount of “spring back”, hence less sensitivity to wear and maladjustment.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing involves providing a sub-unit including a shaft and a bevel gear associated with the shaft, and also providing a first support member and a second support member. A first bearing is positioned between the sub-unit and first support member. A second bearing is positioned between the second support member and the sub-unit. The first support member is connected to the second support member. Preload on the first and second bearings is adjusted. At least the sub-unit, the first support member, the second support member, the first bearing, and the second bearing constitute an assembly capable of being installed in a housing.

Abstract: A cleanroom lift for maneuvering large objects such as turbomolecular pumps utilized in semiconductor processing applications is provided. In one embodiment, the lift includes a vertically movable carriage coupled to a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly has a first link and a second link. Each link has one piece construction to minimize deflection under load. The first link is coupled to the carriage by a carriage shaft assembly and to the second link by a linkage shaft assembly. The second link is coupled to the linkage shaft assembly and a gripper assembly. Optionally, a third link and second shaft assembly may be disposed between the gripper assembly and the second link to minimize the weight of the links to facilitate assembly in cleanroom environments.

Abstract: A pair of threadably engaged sleeves are supported around a shaft, and engage the outer races of a pair of shaft mounted tapered roller bearings to apply a tensile preload on the outer races.

Abstract: A cylindrical roller bearing having preloading capability is disclosed. A preloading mechanism having an annular groove having a deformable raceway and which is configured to accept a segmented support ring is incorporated into either the outer race of the inner race. A plurality of fasteners are installed in holes in the flanges of the annular groove and into the segmented support ring. By tightening the fasteners, the flanges of the annular groove are tightened against the segmented support ring, thereby deforming the deformable raceway from an arcuate shape to a flat or slightly crowned shape, placing a preload on the rollers of the bearing. The amount of preload is determined by the angular and dimensional interface between the segmented support ring and the annular groove.

Abstract: A transfer gear assembly includes a transfer gear rotatably supported directly by a tapered roller bearing and thrust bearing. A tapered snap ring is positioned in a circumferential groove on a hub to provide a preload on the tapered roller bearing and thrust bearing. The tapered roller bearing and thrust bearing each may include only a single race.

Abstract: A pair of threadably engaged sleeves are supported around a shaft, and engage the outer races of a pair of shaft mounted tapered roller bearings to apply a tensile preload on the outer races.

Abstract: A bearing assembly is disclosed for rotatably supporting a quill in the housing of a rolling mill laying head. The bearing assembly includes first and second axially spaced roller bearing sets interposed between the quill and the housing. The bearing assembly also includes a force exerting unit for applying a radial preloading force to the first bearing set at a first location around the circumference thereof. The preloading force is opposed by a reactionary force acting on the second bearing set at a second location around the circumference thereof disposed 180° from the first location.

Abstract: An assembly by which to effect incremental adjustments to the end play, or preloading, to a bearing set. Relatively rotatable first and second thrust rings have contiguously juxtaposed and interacting ramp surfaces. Interposed between the first and second thrust rings is an indexing spring that provides incremental adjustment of the first thrust ring with respect to the second thrust ring. A plurality of indexing pawls formed on the indexing spring interacts with a plurality of indexing teeth formed on one of the thrust rings. The second thrust ring is selectively rotatable with respect to the first thrust ring to effect axial translation of the first thrust ring by virtue of the interaction between said opposed, contiguously juxtaposed ramp surfaces. The indexing pawls preclude reverse relative rotation of the thrust plates.

Abstract: An assembly to effect adjustments to the end play, or preloading, of a bearing set. The adjusting assembly utilizes a threaded bearing cup body and a correspondingly threaded adjusting ring. The bearing cup body abuts the outer race of the bearing and the adjusting ring is threaded onto the bearing cup body and abuts a fixed or stationary housing surface. The adjusting ring is rotated to adjust bearing preload and provide proper spacing. The bearing cap is then placed to lock the bearing adjusting assembly in place.

Abstract: A motor vehicle differential bearing pre-load mechanism which provides for the simultaneous use of a collapsible spacer which plastically deforms and has a close to linear load to deflection band on one side of a motor vehicle differential assembly and a threaded adjuster on the other side of the motor vehicle differential assembly to axially pre-load the differential bearings in motor vehicle differential axles or on any shaft with bearings which requires an axial pre-load. Typically, the axial pre-load of the differential bearings decreases as wear of the differential bearings occurs when mechanical shims or a threaded adjuster without a collapsible spacer have been used.

Abstract: A bearing assembly adjustable spacer may include an end portion, a deformable portion, a transversely inward face portion, and a transversely outward face portion. The end portion may be configured for generally axial abutment (e.g., with a shoulder portion) at a location about a spindle portion. The deformable portion may allow the spacer to be provided with a desired adjustment (e.g., a preload, an adjustment to an axial dimension of the spacer, and/or a compression of the deformable portion of the spacer). The inward face portion may be generally directed radially relative to an axis of the spacer. Further, the inward face portion may be configured for generally radial abutment (e.g., with a surface portion) at a location about a spindle portion. The outward face portion may have a generally axially curved portion. The curved portion may be largely directed obliquely away from the end portion of the spacer. Also, the curved portion may be configured to interface with a generally axially curved part (e.g.

Abstract: A propeller thrust bearing assembly includes a spherical rolling bearing provided on a shaft and abutting against a shoulder, and a spherical thrust bearing, incorporating a shaft washer fitted on the shaft, a housing washer provided in a housing surrounding the shaft and a set of rolling bodies provided between the shaft washer and the housing washer. A spacing sleeve is provided between the spherical rolling bearing and the spherical thrust bearing, and a lid member is attached to the housing. The lid member is adapted to urge the housing washer against the set of rolling bodies and via the rolling bodies against the shaft washer. The axial distance between the two bearings is such that their force lines meet at a point situated on the center axis of the shaft. The spherical rolling bearing has a taper bore and is mounted on a withdrawal sleeve, and the spacing sleeve has internal threads and is screwed onto the withdrawal sleeve.

Abstract: Axially spaced radial bearing units (30, 50) for a shaft assembly are pre-loaded by hydraulic pressure. Each of the bearing units is mounted to an axially displaceable seat (40, 60). The pre-loading pressure between the two bearing units (30, 50) is maintained at a constant pre-loading pressure by a hydraulic pressure which is exerted in chambers (44, 64) partially defined by the seats. A pressure accumulator (70) supplies pressure to the chambers (44, 64) so that a constant pre-loading pressure may be applied to the radial bearing units (30, 50) while allowing for axial displacement of the bearing units and the shaft (12).

Abstract: A bearing assembly for securing a wheel to a vehicle includes a spindle having a shaft portion defining a longitudinal bore. A flange, adapted for connection to the wheel, projects radially outward from the shaft portion. A threaded region is positioned at one end of the shaft, and a radial shoulder is positioned between the threaded region and the flange. The bearing assembly also includes a driven axle fixedly mounted within the longitudinal bore of the spindle, and a carrier mounted over the shaft portion of the spindle between the threaded region and the radial shoulder. The carrier is adapted for connection to the vehicle. The bearing assembly further includes a pair of tapered bearings mounted between the shaft portion of the spindle and the carrier, and a compression member threaded on the threaded region of the shaft portion for pre-loading the tapered bearings.

Abstract: A machine tool spindle is associated with an adjustable preload mechanism for varying the preload on a bearing set for the spindle the mechanism comprising an annular piston that is selectively pressurized for loading spring(s) carried by a spring retainer that is engageable with the bearing set; and wherein the annular piston is held in an adjusted position by a position locating device including an adjustment member removably supported within a housing for the bearings and selectively engageable with the annular piston; the position locating device having a plurality of adjusted positions selectively engageable with the annular piston for fixing it in one of a plurality of positions for varying the compression of the spring(s) so as to maintain one of a plurality of preloads on the bearing set.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for clearance adjustment in a rolling bearing having an angle of contact close to 0.degree., and of the type incorporating a number of rollers provided between and in contact with two race tracks, said rollers and race tracks having longitudinal section profiles of essentially the same radii of curvature, said rollers thereby being axially movable along the race tracks without being hindred by axial limitations at the race tracks, in order to allow relative misalignment and axial displaceability of the race tracks.

Abstract: Screw feeders are disclosed including a conical feed screw rotatably disposed in a conical screw tube, and a drive shaft mounted at one end of the conical feed screw with a pair of bearings mounting the drive shaft, a fixed ring mounted on the drive shaft, and an axially adjustable sleeve mounted on the drive shaft, with the pair of bearings disposed between the fixed ring and the axially adjustable sleeve in order for the pair of bearings to be pretensioned therebetween.

Abstract: A bearing and wheel hub retention system adapted for use in a wheel end assembly includes a spindle, a wheel hub adapted to be supported and connected to the spindle for rotation therewith, a bearing assembly adapted to rotatably support the spindle and the wheel hub relative thereto, and a collar. The spindle is provided with an annular groove formed in an outer surface thereof. The groove includes a pair of opposed side walls and a base wall. At least one of the side walls of the groove is an angled side wall. The collar is disposed in the groove of the spindle, and includes at least one angled side wall which cooperates with the angled side wall of the groove so as to produce a ramp like action which is operative to secure the spindle and the wheel hub together and also to preload the bearing assembly to a predetermined preload.

Abstract: A double row tapered roller bearing for transferring axial loads includes an inner race having two tapered raceways, an outer race in the form of two rings, each having a tapered raceway presented toward a tapered raceways of the inner race, and tapered rollers arranged in two rows between the raceways of the inner and outer races, with the large ends for the rollers of the two rows being presented toward each other. The bearing fits into a housing with a loose fit between the rings of the outer race and the housing. Two seals, which are fitted to the rings of the outer race, isolate the interior of the bearing from the surrounding environment. Each seal includes a case that fits around one of the rings of the outer race and along the end of that ring, all such that the ring can shift axially with respect to the seal case.

Abstract: In an assembly including preloaded bearings, a sleeve is provided and has an exterior surface and an externally threaded section adjacent to an end of the sleeve. At least two bearings, each having an inner bearing race, an outer bearing race, and a plurality of rolling elements positioned between the inner and outer bearing races, are slidably mounted on the exterior surface of the sleeve. The sleeve further includes a bore extending part-way into the sleeve adjacent to the externally threaded section, the bore defining inner interior surface. A bearing retainer is also provided and includes an internally threaded section engaged with the external threads of the sleeve for urging the inner bearing race of one of the bearings toward the inner bearing race of the other bearing, thereby preloading the bearings.

Abstract: A piston is displaced in a cylinder to pre-load an antifriction bearing. This displacement of the piston is effected according to the amount of working oil confined in a working oil chamber. This oil pressure generating device is equipped with a working oil reservoir to pressurize the working oil in the reservoir for reserving the working oil to be fed to the chamber. An orifice is disposed in a working oil passage for providing the communication between the reservoir and the chamber. The clearance, which is established in the portion of antifriction bearing by the extension or contraction of a shaft due to a temperature change, is absorbed by such displacement of the piston, as is effected by the flow of the working oil between the reservoir and the chamber via the orifice. This orifice acts as a high resistance to and a high rigidity against the abrupt fluctuation in the direction opposite to the pre-loading direction.

Abstract: An improved device for adjusting the bearing clearance of a pump is shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, an annular piston is provided adjacent to a bearing assembly, and an elastomeric member is provided adjacent to the piston. The elastomeric member has a plurality of apertures circumferentially spaced around the elastomeric member, a volume control member being provided in each of the apertures. The volume control members are selectively advanced into and retracted from the apertures, the elastomeric member being compressed and expanding in an axial direction when the volume control members are advanced into the apertures, thereby forcing the piston to move toward the bearing assembly. When the volume control members are retracted from the apertures, the elastomeric member compresses in an axial direction, thereby allowing the piston to move away from the bearing assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable spacer of the type shaped as a ring for mounting between a pair of tapered bearings mounted on an axle or spindle to allow a load to be axially placed on the bearings is disclosed. The adjustable spacer may include an extension located at a radius from an imaginary axis of the spacer, a contact means oriented radially outward from the extension, and a compressible area located between the contact means and the extension wherein the compressible area deforms when a predetermined load is applied to the ring in the axial direction. The adjustable spacer may be configured to be used with an adapter sleeve for use on axles or spindles of multiple radius.

Abstract: A preload control apparatus comprising a bearing 16-19 and at least one coned disc spring 26 for exerting a preload on the bearing, one or some or all of the coned disc spring(s) being at least partly made of a shape memory alloy so that the preload on the bearing can be adjusted with changes in temperature of the coned disc spring(s).

Abstract: A method for mounting on a shaft extending through a housing a preloaded rolling bearing assembly incorporating first and second rolling bearings capable of supporting axial load, involves mounting the outer race rings of both bearings in axially fixed positions in the housing, mounting the inner race rings with a shrink fit on the shaft and with rolling bodies disposed between the inner and outer race rings, and introducing in the interface between the inner envelope surface of the inner race ring of the second bearing and the shaft a pressure medium to create a thin medium film in the interface for allowing the inner race ring of the second bearing to be axially displaced on the shaft. An axial force is then applied to the inner race ring of the second bearing and the axial force thus applied is measured. The pressure medium is then drained from the interface between the inner race ring and the shaft when a predetermined axial force is reached, whereupon the axial force is relieved.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an axle differential bearing preloading apparatus and method of assembling an axle differential. The apparatus provides a substantially uniform differential bearing preload regardless of wear of the drive gears or bearing assemblies. The assembly of the differential case into the differential carrier is simplified, and subsequent adjustment of bearing preload is not necessary over the useful life of the axle. The vehicle axle differential includes a differential case mounted by axially spaced bearing assemblies. The bearing assemblies are mounted within bearing seats formed in the carrier housing, with one of the bearing seats also housing a load deflection member acting on the bearing assembly. The load deflection member maintains a substantially constant predetermined bearing preload upon wear of the drive gears or bearing assemblies.