Abstract: A thrust washer formed from metal sheet has a flat, ring-shaped thrust portion oriented radially, an axially oriented circumferential lip extending along one of the inner and the outer diameters of the thrust portion, and a tab extending from the circumferential lip. The tab includes a radially oriented mid-portion and at least one wing-portion extending perpendicular to the mid-portion and parallel to the axis of the thrust portion such that a flat surface of the wing-portion may engage a recess of a backup member to prevent rotation of the thrust washer relative to the backup member.

Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly has inner and outer races having radially directed portions with a free outer edge. A selective washer is positioned over the free edge of one of the outer and inner races, the selective washer being engageable with that race to retain the selective washer to the thrust bearing assembly. Rolling elements are positioned between the inner race and the outer race and are retained within a bearing retainer. Axially inwardly extending flanges of the inner and outer races locate and retain the outer and inner races and the bearing retainer together as a thrust bearing assembly.

Abstract: A multipole magnetic encoder is movable past two fixed analog sensors delivering sinusoidal signals (S.sub.1, S.sub.2) phase-shifted by .pi./2. A generator produces 2n sinusoidal signals (S.sub.i) of the same amplitude (A) as the signals (S.sub.1, S.sub.2), phase-shifted by .pi./n. An analog multiplexer delivers a signal (S) consisting of 2n successive portions of signals (S.sub.i). An acquisition device determines a maximum envelope (E) of the signals (S.sub.i). Two of switching thresholds (L.sub.i) and (L.sub.j) are generated proportional to the envelope (E). Two comparators compare the signal (S) with the thresholds (L.sub.i) and (L.sub.j), and deliver binary signals (A.sub.i) and (B.sub.j). Two combining devices combine the binary signals (A.sub.i) and (B.sub.j), each delivering a high resolution signal of 2m*n periods in the interval of one period of one of the sensors.

Abstract: A system senses real-time rolling element loads in a rolling element bearing having a plurality of rolling elements disposed between an inner race and an outer race. A plurality of sensors are disposed about one of the inner race and the outer race of the bearing to output sensor data corresponding to detected loads. A control unit predicts bearing life from the sensor data and determines a load zone of the bearing in real time from the sensor data. Before operation of the system in real-time, the sensors are calibrated to model a relationship of roller load and measured strain. The bearing is then rotated and sensor data is output from each the sensors. The sensor data is cyclical, and peaks and valleys are extracted from the sensor data to determine rolling element loads and measured bearing speed. Load components from a plurality of bearings are then summed to obtain total applied system load in real time.

Abstract: Rolling elements are positioned between two thrust washers that are retained together as an assembly. One of the thrust washers has one or more one-way assembly tabs extending radially outwardly beyond the axially extending lip of the other thrust washer to provide an interference with a housing to prevent the thrust bearing assembly from being installed on the pilot surface of the housing "backwards". A remaining perimeter portion of the thrust washer adjacent to the one-way assembly tabs has a maximum radius less than the radius of the axially extending lip of the first thrust washer to facilitate flow of lubricant.

Abstract: Rollers are positioned between first and second thrust washers and in contact with first and second raceways. The rollers being held within a cage that is mechanically retained by axially directed lips of the thrust washers. A third thrust washer is positioned against an axially outward surface of the second thrust washer and extends radially outwardly of the second raceway. The third thrust washer has a resilient retention tab extending through at least two slots of the second thrust washer that are located radially outwardly from the second raceway, such that the third thrust washer is mechanically secured to the second thrust washer by a snap-together assembly.

Abstract: A multipolar magnetic ring that generates a sinusoidal magnetic field has a cylindrical shape and two magnetic poles, north (N) and south (S), which are imbricated one in the other in such a manner that their widths (L.sub.p) are equal and constant. Two magnetic transitions between each of the two poles each follow a continuous curve that moves by one half pole width for each quarter of a turn of the magnetic ring, with the two curves being shifted by 180.degree. so that the magnetic field has a single period per turn of the magnetic ring. The magnetic field is implemented either along two spirals (s.sub.1 and s.sub.2) on one of the flat faces, or along two helixes (h.sub.1 and h.sub.2) on its cylindrical side. The magnetic ring may be used in absolute-position sensors, notably in bearings.

Abstract: A housing segment has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a cooling passage therebetween. The cooling passage has a uniform cross-sectional area approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and may be conveniently formed in a serpentine configuration with loops extending axially. The bearing housing may be mounted over a rolling element bearing to provide a fluid-cooled housed bearing.

Abstract: A rotating shaft is fitted with two members for detecting magnetic field that are arranged symmetrically with respect to the shaft and are mounted on a first support fixed in line with a first point on the axis of the shaft. Two magnetic-field generators are arranged symmetrically with respect to the shaft and are mounted on a second support fixed in line with a second point on the axis of the shaft, the first point and the second point being axially offset from one another. The inner race of a first roller bearing is machined on the periphery of the shaft in line with the second point, where one of the supports, known as the main support, is attached.

Abstract: A polymer ring has a circumferential mounting flange and an annular end wall extending radially inwardly and axially inwardly therefrom, providing a conically convex side and a conically concave side. An annular seal lip projects from a radially inner portion of the end wall to engage an annular radially outwardly curved surface of the bearing inner ring after insertion of the seal into the bearing. An annular rib located on the convex side between the end wall and the mounting flange, and an annular rib groove on the concave side opposite the annular rib, allow the polymer ring to collapse radially as the end wall is deflected axially outwardly to a more radial orientation during insertion.

Abstract: Rollers having a cylindrical configuration without substantial end relief are positioned between and exert a force against an outer raceway contact area and a cylindrical inner raceway contact area. The outer raceway has a crowned configuration such that a calculated maximum contact stress over the outer raceway contact area is controlled with respect to the maximum contact stress over the inner raceway contact area in order to make the outer raceway life substantially equal to the inner raceway life.

Abstract: Magnetic poles are regularly spaced along a path to form a magnetic track. Some of the magnetic poles are separated by regular pole junctions aligned uniformly with respect to the path of the magnetic track. At least two of the magnetic poles are separated by a skewed irregular pole junction aligned such that a sensor near an edge of the magnetic track will sense a wide pole and a narrow pole to allow an index signal to be produced.

Abstract: A needle bearing has an outer sleeve and a needle cage. The sleeve is punched out of a flat sheet of metal and is coiled to be cylindrical. It has a window, and the needle cage has a corresponding window. The needle cage is guided circumferentially and axially inside the sleeve in such a way that the windows are aligned relative to one another so that an actuating member can pass radially through both windows. The needle bearing may be used, for example, for guiding a pressure pin for a braking mechanism of a vehicle.

Abstract: A two-piece annular bearing ring seat with an annular concave spherical inside surface is adapted to slidably receive a spherical outer surface of a bearing ring. An annular strap having a coefficient of thermal expansion higher than the coefficient of thermal expansion of a bearing housing holds the bearing ring seat and annular strap together as a subassembly. The subassembly can be press fit into the housing to provide a housed self-aligning bearing.

Abstract: A ball bearing assembly includes a polymer outer bearing ring molded over and partially enclosing a metal annular outer raceway. The metal annular outer raceway may be economically formed from sheet metal or wire. The polymer outer bearing ring may be mounted within a metal housing to provide support and/or self-alignment capability.

Abstract: The antifriction bearing has an annular seal with a metal ring with resilient springs which securely lock the seal into the outer ring annular groove. A polymer ring on the metal ring of the seal is in sealing engagement with the inside surface of the bearing outer ring.

Abstract: A large chamfer on the outer race mates with a matching angled step in the housing bore and eliminates the need for the press fit while still meeting the application requirements. Alternative designs reduce the rotational effort and torque variation of the system and facilitate assembly. The mating tapers give the bearings freedom to self-align and thereby avoid common "clicking" noise.

Abstract: An angular contact bearing is mounted within a housing and a shaft is positioned within the bearing such that an annular space is provided between the bearing and the shaft. A mounting ring of elastomeric polymer is positioned over the shaft and against the bearing inner ring such that a portion of the mounting ring is between the bearing inner ring and the shaft, centering the shaft within the bearing and reducing radial free play. The mounting ring is compressed axially, against the bearing, such that the mounting ring deforms and resiliently spreads radially outwardly and provides a preload on the bearing balls.

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 bearing is mounted within a housing having an acoustic-electric transducer mounted on its outside. A stationary annular outer race has at least one sensor, an electric-acoustic transducer, and an electronic system interconnecting the sensor and the electric-acoustic transducer. The electric-acoustic transducer is mounted in an opening extending radially through the stationary race. The electric-acoustic transducer has an elastic cap pressed into the inside of the housing by a spring. An alternative configuration, having at least one sensor mounted on a rotatable inner race, without a hard-wired connection through the bearing housing, is also disclosed.