Abstract: A bearing temperature monitoring system for detecting a temperature of bearing grease within a bearing housing. The bearing temperature monitoring system comprises a housing mountable to the bearing housing, a power source selectively outputting an electrical current, and an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit includes a temperature sensor component electrically coupled to the power source. The temperature sensor component can be responsive to a change in temperature such that the temperature sensor component opens or closes the electrical circuit at a predetermined temperature even in the absence of an applied electrical current. The electrical circuit further includes an alert device electrically coupled to the power source and the temperature sensor component that outputs an alert in response to the temperature sensor component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing assembly that includes a bearing insert that engages a bearing housing at an interface. In accordance with the invention, the interface is lubricated with a lubricant that provides sufficient lubrication such that the breaking housing torque required to initiate relative movement of the outer portion and housing is no greater than 130% of the moving housing torque required to maintain relative movement of the outer portion and housing. The lubricant preferably is a fatty acid, such as stearic acid or palmitic acid. In accordance with highly preferred embodiments of the invention, the lubricant comprises a grease composed of a base lubricating oil that is thickened with a fatty acid that is substantially uniformly dispersed therein.

Abstract: A bearing assembly wherein the inner diameter of the slotted compressible annular locking collar is provided with a protrusion which extends radially inwardly, and finger extensions of the inner ring are provided with a recessed groove which extends at least partially along the collective outer annular surface of the finger extensions. When the locking collar is disposed about the finger extensions of the inner ring, the protrusion is disposed within the recessed groove to retain the locking collar on the inner ring. The inner ring finger extensions and the locking collar are relatively sized such that when they are in their free states, the inner diameter of the protrusion is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the recessed groove, such that the collar may be snapped over the finger extensions and into proper position on the inner ring prior to installation on a shaft. The protrusion may be an integrally formed part of the locking collar or a separate resilient member.

Abstract: A bearing assembly wherein the inner diameter of the slotted compressible annular locking collar is provided with a protrusion which extends radially inwardly, and finger extensions of the inner ring are provided with a recessed groove which extends at least partially along the collective outer annular surface of the finger extensions. When the locking collar is disposed about the finger extensions of the inner ring, the protrusion is disposed within the recessed groove to retain the locking collar on the inner ring. The inner ring finger extensions and the locking collar are relatively sized such that when they are in their free states, the inner diameter of the protrusion is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the recessed groove, such that the collar may be snapped over the finger extensions and into proper position on the inner ring prior to installation on a shaft. The protrusion may be an integrally formed part of the locking collar or a separate resilient member.

Abstract: An inexpensive and easily replaceable caster wheel assembly is provided for use with a cart, dolly or other similar product. The caster wheel assembly includes a mounting flange, a bearing assembly comprising inner and outer bearing races disposed within an opening of the mounting flange, a yoke having a rotatable wheel, and a retention member for releasably securing the yoke to the bearing assembly. In one embodiment, the inner race of the bearing assembly has a depending extension and a snap ring secures the extension in operative relation to the yoke. In an alternative embodiment, the yoke has an upstanding connecting element and a set screw releasably secures the connecting element in operative relation to the inner bearing race.

Abstract: A roller bearing assembly having primary seals interposed between inner and outer races on opposite axial sides of the roller elements of the bearing assembly and at least one auxiliary seal on a axial side of said bearing assembly outwardly of a primary seal. The auxiliary seal includes a flexible annular sealing member mounted in fixed relation to the outer race for sealing contact with an outer perimeter of the inner race for providing an auxiliary barrier to the ingress of contaminants inwardly toward the roller elements.

Abstract: A bearing assembly wherein the inner diameter of the slotted compressible annular locking collar is provided with a protrusion which extends radially inwardly, and finger extensions of the inner ring are provided with a recessed groove which extends at least partially along the collective outer annular surface of the finger extensions. When the locking collar is disposed about the finger extensions of the inner ring, the protrusion is disposed within the recessed groove to retain the locking collar on the inner ring. The inner ring finger extensions and the locking collar are relatively sized such that when they are in their free states, the inner diameter of the protrusion is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the recessed groove, such that the collar may be snapped over the finger extensions and into proper position on the inner ring prior to installation on a shaft. The protrusion may be an integrally formed part of the locking collar or a separate resilient member.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant bearing assembly comprising inner and outer bearing races with a plurality of roller elements interposed therebetween. The inner and outer bearing races each have a bi-metallic construction which includes an outer body portion formed of a corrosion-resistant metal alloy, such as stainless steel, and a roller raceway defining insert formed of hardened, high-carbon steel. The bearing races, thereby, are substantially resistant to corrosive effects of contaminants in the outside environment, while providing hardened raceways for long-term bearing life.

Abstract: A bearing assembly having primary seals between inner and outer races on opposite sides of roller elements and an auxiliary face seal on at least one end thereof. The auxiliary seal includes a cap fixed to the inner race, and axially movable face seal member disposed within the cap for rotation therewith, and a resilient O-ring biasing and sealing member interposed between the face seal member and the cap for biasing the face seal into sealing contact with the outer race. The face seal, resilient sealing and biasing member, and cap define a multiplicity of seal barriers for preventing solid and liquid contaminants from entering the bearing assembly and reaching the primary seal.