Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Mark A. Ussai
  • Patent number: 8348514
    Abstract: A roller bearing cage includes a first side ring, a second side ring and a plurality of axially-extending bridges connecting the side rings. A pocket for retaining a roller body is defined between the side rings and each two adjacent bridges. The two side rings and the bridges are integrally formed in one-piece. Reinforcement rings are disposed on one or both outer axial sides of the side rings. One or more connecting elements extend axially through the respective bridges, side rings and reinforcement rings. At least one axial end of the connecting element(s) directly or indirectly affixes the reinforcement ring(s) to the side ring(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventor: Ferdinand Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 8346488
    Abstract: A device (1) for measuring a force acting between a machining tool (4) and a work piece in a processing machine is disclosed. It comprises an arrangement of at least two hydrostatic pads (7), wherein the at least two hydrostatic pads are designed to receive and support a mounting part (10) of the machining tool (4), and each hydrostatic pad of the at least two hydrostatic pads (7) presenting a pressure sensor (13), a calculation unit (16) for —reading hydrostatic pad pressure related to the pressure sensors (13) and a constant based on characteristics of each one of the at least two hydrostatic pads (7), —calculating the force by calculating a difference between the products of, for each hydrostatic pad of the at least two hydrostatic pads (7), the hydrostatic pad pressure and the constant, and —indicating the force. Also, a device for monitoring a machining tool and a device for compensating for a deflection of a machining tool when machining a work piece comprising the device are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Martin Gustafsson, Fredrik Gunnberg, Tobias Persson
  • Patent number: 8339129
    Abstract: A vibration and condition monitoring system and the parts thereof with a true digital signal processing based design, with very limited analog based general signal conditioning. Specifically a method of driving and a driver of eddy current probes that have a simple highly accurate analog part and a unit and a method of enabling efficient vibration monitoring in hazardous areas. This is achieved by an eddy current probe oscillator unit having independent control of an amplitude gain and control of an impedance measurement sensitivity, i.e. amplitude gain linearity in relation to probe impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventor: Raymond Huggett
  • Patent number: 8328428
    Abstract: A hub-bearing assembly serves to rotatably mount a soil-working disc (D) on a supporting axle (A) of an agricultural machine. The assembly comprises a hub-bearing unit (10) and a sealing device (20). The a hub-bearing unit has a radially outer, rotatable outer race (11) from one side of which a flange (12) radially extends for mounting a disc (D). The sealing device (20) is mounted on a side of the hub-bearing unit opposite to the side of the flange (12). The radially outer surface of the assembly has a portion (38) intermediate the flange (12) and the side of the sealing device (20), which is radially recessed so as to serve as a preferential seat for winding wires picked up from the fields during use of the agricultural machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Ove L. Andersson, Lorenzo Dellamore, Gianmario Fadda, Maurizio Giovannelli, Mauro Sassi, Stefano Urso, Wolfgang Husslein, Cristian Concu
  • Patent number: 8328201
    Abstract: A seal assembly is for sealing a space between a housing and a shaft rotatable about a central axis. The seal assembly includes a seal body connectable with the housing and having an inner circumferential sealing surface. The sealing surface has opposing axial ends and is slidably contactable with the shaft outer surface to define a sealing interface. An annular biasing member, preferably a garter spring, is disposed about a portion of the seal body and has a centerline. The biasing member exerts a biasing force directed radially inwardly toward the centerline, such that the seal exerts a contact pressure on the shaft. Further, the biasing member is angularly positioned on the seal body such that the contact pressure extends axially along the shaft axis to direct substances entering the sealing interface toward a proximal axial end of the sealing surface when the shaft rotates about the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventor: Yefim Epshetsky
  • Patent number: 8327965
    Abstract: The instrumented rolling bearing device, particularly for a two-wheeled vehicle, is provided with a rolling bearing (4) comprising an outer ring (7), an inner ring (6) and at least one row of rolling elements (8) arranged between said rings, with a sleeve (2) onto which the inner ring is mounted, and with an assembly (5) for detecting rotational parameters. The assembly comprises a sensor (14), an encoder (13) rotating past the sensor, at least one cable (16) connected to the sensor (14) for the output of signals emitted, and an output terminal (15) having an outlet (20) for the cable. The output terminal (15) is mounted axially on the side opposite the sensor (14) relative to the rolling bearing and forms an axial thrust for the inner ring (6) of said rolling bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventor: Franck Landrieve
  • Patent number: 8318069
    Abstract: A method is disclosed in which a pressurized fluid presses an axial abutment surface against a first machine element in the axial direction to thereby fix the axial position of the first machine element and/or to thereby set a desired axial pre-loading of the first machine element. The fluid is then solidified to permanently maintain the axial position and/or the axial pre-loading of the first machine element. A clamp is disclosed that permanently affixes the first machine element relative to a second machine element using this method. An apparatus comprising the first machine element axially fixed relative to the second machine element by the clamp is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Liesegang, Mathias Seuberling
  • Patent number: 8312778
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a load cell (7) and a tubular insert (3) for mounting in a bore (2) in a machine component (1), wherein the load cell (7) is structurally connected to an inner sleeve (6), which is axially displaceable inside an outer sleeve (4), which is insertable in the bore (2), the inner and outer sleeves (6, 4) having portions with mutually tapering envelope surfaces facing each other, and a flange (5) being provided for displacing the inner sleeve (6) and the outer sleeve (4) axially relative to each other for expanding the outer sleeve (4) partially for increasing the grip between the insert (3) and the bore (2), thereby giving the load cell (7) a pretension sufficient for emitting signals representative for the load acting on the machine component (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Sture Östling, Henrik E Andersson
  • Patent number: 8313386
    Abstract: A housing for a constant-velocity universal joint includes a cup having a cylindrical outer surface, a shank integral with the cup, and a rotation axis extending through the cup and the shank, the cup and the shank being spaced apart along the axis. A shoulder is interposed between the cup and the shank and a recess extends into the cup outer surface and is disposed adjacent to the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventor: Stefano Costa
  • Patent number: 8313240
    Abstract: In a bearing unit (10), at least one sensor device (20, 21) is locked in a recess (16, 17) formed in a superficial zone of one of the races (11, 12). The stationary race (11) is partially covered with an electrically insulating material (30). An uncovered surface zone (32) is provided for electrically connecting the stationary race (11) to an electrical supply source located outside the bearing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventor: Davide Giordana
  • Patent number: 8294458
    Abstract: A vibration and condition monitoring system with true digital signal processing based design, with very limited analog based general signal conditioning and integrated specific sensor conditioning and sensor power supply options. The device supports direct connection of eddy current probe systems to the module, due to a built-in driver and linearization functionality. Linearization and compensation of a specific eddy current probe/cable system is done by measuring its far/infinite gap response. This response is then according to the invention recalculated into a linearization curve/transfer function. Specific sensor signal conditioning is not dependent on hardware, but only on embedded software (firmware). There is full sensor input support in an I.S. environment. Not only the common sensor input types from accelerometer, velocity sensor or eddy current probe system for both vibration and/or speed measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Raymond Huggett, Ludovicus Gommers
  • Patent number: 8286519
    Abstract: Linear actuator device, comprising a housing (2), an externally threaded screw (5), a piston (9) and an internally threaded extended nut (7), where the extended nut (7) comprises a plurality of longitudinal segments (40) having longitudinal edges (39) parallel to a center axis (18) of the internally threaded nut (7), where each segment (40) has an identical radius of curvature and an angle of curvature of less than 360°, so that the circumference of the internally threaded nut (7) is formed by at least two segments (40). One advantage of the invention is that linear actuators of different lengths can be manufactured in an easy and cost-effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Johannes Andrianus Maria Duits, Martin Voegelin
  • Patent number: 8272649
    Abstract: A steering knuckle pin bearing assembly includes a bearing and a steering knuckle pin pivotably supporting a steering knuckle relative to an axle beam. A sealing collar seals a space between the bearing and the steering knuckle pin, which space may include a spacer washer. The sealing collar is slidably borne on a radial outer surface of the bearing. In addition, the sealing collar has at least one sealing region that is in slidable contact with an at least substantially cylindrical sealing surface of the axle beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Jürgen Kurth, Marcel Gersting
  • Patent number: 8270563
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an annular rotor that rotates about a rotational axis. A magnetic bearing system influences the position of the annular rotor in three-dimensional space and includes at least three actuators, wherein at least one actuator generates a force for lifting the annular rotor in a vertical direction, at least one actuator influences the position of the annular rotor in the radial direction of the annular rotor and at least assists in maintaining an annular gap between at least one non-magnetic bearing and the annular rotor during operation and at least one actuator influences the position of the annular rotor in an axial direction of the annular rotor. At least one radiation source may be fixedly mounted on the annular rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Timothy Andrew Harris, Jeffrey Russell Smithanik, Daren Paul Tremaine
  • Patent number: 8269388
    Abstract: A rotor assembly includes a rotor having a central axis extending between the two opposing ends and a radial surface, and is rotatable about the central axis. At least one electromagnet is disposed proximal to and configured to exert magnetic force on a portion of the rotor. Further, a channeling member is disposed generally adjacent to the electromagnet and has a radial surface disposed adjacent to the rotor radial surface. As such, magnetic flux generated by the electromagnet extends generally radially between the electromagnet and the rotor portion and generally axially between the rotor portion and the channeling member so that the magnetic force biases the rotor both radially and axially to maintain the rotor at a desired position. Preferably, the assembly includes a plurality of magnets proximal to each end, two channeling members, and a tubular body extending between the channeling members and enclosing the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Jeffrey Russell Smithanik, Tracy Kathryn Strem, Daren Paul Tremaine
  • Patent number: 8261421
    Abstract: A method of establishing and checking the axial preload in a tightening portion (34) of at least one shank of the screw or stud type (4). The establishing of the preload involves a step of tensioning an extension portion (33) of the shank (4) comprising the tightening portion (34) using a shank (4) gripper member (9) and a tensioner (6). The checking method involves a step in which, prior to establishing the preload, the tensioner is brought into a rest configuration and the gripper member (9) is brought into contact with the tensioner (6) in said rest configuration, and a step in which, having established the preload, the tensioner is returned to said rest configuration, and the tensioner in said rest configuration is pressed toward one of the ends of the extension portion (33) and the difference between the initial length (Li?) and the final length (Lf?) of the extension portion (33) is compared against a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Monville
  • Patent number: 8261811
    Abstract: A roll line in a continuous caster is disclosed. It comprises at least two segment roll lines (1, 2) for transporting steel. Each segment roll line (1, 2) comprises a roll body (3, 4), bearings (5) for supporting the roll body (3, 4), bearing housings (6). The roll body (3, 4) has two shaft ends (7, 8, 9, 10), and a ring (11). Adjacent shaft ends (8, 9) of segment roll lines (1, 2) are at least partly inside the through-hole of the ring (11) and the adjacent shafts ends (8, 9) are connected via torque transferring element (t1). There is a closed compartment (12) for receiving lubricant for lubricating the torque transferring element (T1). The closed compartment (12) is in the through-hole and is sealed off by sealing elements (s1, s2) located between the ring (11) and circumferential surfaces of the first and second adjacent shaft ends (8, 9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Mats Johansson, Daniel Johansson
  • Patent number: 8258659
    Abstract: A shaft support system 7 for an electric motor 1, comprising a rolling bearing 17 provided with an inner race 33 and an outer race 34, at least one angular position sensor 20 for detecting the angular position of the inner race, an encoder 19 mounted on the inner race, a flange 16 for supporting the outer race of the bearing, and a processing module 18 supported by the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Franck Debrailly, Domenico Restaino, Olivier Message, Franck Landrieve
  • Patent number: 8256968
    Abstract: The invention concerns a wheel hub bearing unit for a vehicle, said hub bearing unit comprising a rotating bearing ring member (1) and a non-rotating bearing ring member (2), where the rotating bearing ring (1) has at least a radially extending wheel mounting flange (4) with a reference flange surface (5), wherein a gasket (9) with at least a sacrificial metal gasket surface is provided on the flange surface (5). Hereby, corrosion protection of the surface of the wheel mounting flange of a hub bearing unit is realized in a cost-effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Hendrikus Jan Kapaan, Xiao Bo Zhou
  • Patent number: 8251418
    Abstract: A gripping device comprises a cylindrical thorn, an inner body and an outer body with a plurality of movable arms, each arm comprising a claw, wherein the thorn and the inner body are directly coupled to one another, wherein a spring adapted to force the extractor device to a first position is positioned in between the inner body and the outer body. The gripping device is adapted to be set in a plurality of other positions by moving the inner body and the outer body relative to each other along the symmetry axis. The gripping device is reliable to use and is adapted to grip different sizes of inserts, such as bearings, sleeves, and etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Arie Johan Van Os, Hendrik Cornelis Rekers