Patents Assigned to FAG Automobiltechnik AG
  • Patent number: 6701780
    Abstract: A wheel bearing unit that measures the contact forces between the tire and the road under all driving situations including operation of the brake, and provides information for the vehicle operation control systems and for optimizing the braking process, the unit including first sensors arranged on the stationary part of the wheel bearing in order to measure the forces acting in the wheel bearing, and second sensors arranged on a support members for the disk-brake caliper for continuously determining the acting braking forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Fag Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Heinrich Hofmann, Jens Heim, Roland Werb, Peter Niebling, Roland Langer, Rainer Breitenbach
  • Patent number: 6688770
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protective arrangement with a rolling bearing unit with ABS capability which has a structurally integrated angle transmitter. The angle sensor is connected to a rotatable bearing ring so that it can rotate and has permanent magnet poles for coupling with an external sensor. The invention includes a weak magnetic cover which is located on the rolling bearing unit at a distance from the angle transmitter in such a way that a magnetic shield is formed between the angle transmitter and the environment outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Johannes Schottdorf, Roland Werb, Roland Langer, Rainer Breitenbach
  • Publication number: 20030145651
    Abstract: A wheel bearing for measuring the contact forces between tire and road. The forces which act between the road and the tire in a vehicle are to be recorded under all driving situations including operation of the brake. This information about the currently acting forces is used by vehicle operation control systems and for optimizing the braking process. For this purpose, first sensors are arranged on the stationary part of the wheel bearing in order to measure the forces acting in the wheel bearing. In addition, the currently acting braking forces are continuously determined by means of the second sensors, which are arranged on support members 6 for the disk-brake caliper. During unbraked travel, conclusions can be drawn directly on the forces acting between the road and the tire from the measurement results from the firt sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Heinrich Hofmann, Jens Heim, Roland Werb, Peter Niebling, Roland Langer, Rainer Breitenbach
  • Patent number: 6551190
    Abstract: A wheel bearing with an integrated constant velocity joint. The joint has a sheet-metal outer ring. Drive torque is transmitted from the outer ring of the constant velocity joint to the inner ring flange of a surrounding bearing by a tooth system. The tooth system is formed in the inner ring flange in such a way that it supports a wavelike outer contour of the outer ring of the constant velocity joint over a defined circumferential length section of the outer ring. The outer ring of the joint has tracks that mesh with the tooth system. The ends of the tracks are bent inward away from the tooth system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Heinrich Hofmann, Peter Niebling, Peter Kleinmann
  • Publication number: 20030021506
    Abstract: A window-type cage for an angular contact ball bearing. Lubricant pockets are provided in the spherical pocket surfaces which are provided for guiding the balls. These lubricant pockets are all arranged in regions which lie outside the bearing points between the ball and the cage in both the circumferential direction and the axial direction, such that the wall thickness of the cage at the bearing points is not reduced by the position and design of the lubricant pockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Wilm, Wolfgang Loeser
  • Publication number: 20020198058
    Abstract: Wheel bearing unit for motor vehicles, comprising a roller bearing and a constant-velocity joint arranged inside the roller bearing. The outer part of the constant-velocity joint is situated opposite the inner ring flange of the bearing with clearance, and the outer part has an axially aligned extension section, in the area of which torque is transmitted. Only the extension section has radially directed projections, which project into recesses of the inner ring or the inner ring flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Peter Niebling, Heinrich Hofmann, Peter Kleinmann, Rainer Breitenbach
  • Publication number: 20020082094
    Abstract: A wheel bearing with an integrated constant velocity joint. The joint has a sheet-metal outer ring. Drive torque is transmitted from the outer ring of the constant velocity joint to the inner ring flange of a surrounding bearing by a tooth system. The tooth system is formed in the inner ring flange in such a way that it supports a wavelike outer contour of the outer ring of the constant velocity joint over a defined circumferential length section of the outer ring. The outer ring of the joint has tracks that mesh with the tooth system. The ends of the tracks are bent inward away from the tooth system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Heinrich Hofmann, Peter Niebling, Peter Kleinmann
  • Patent number: 6367979
    Abstract: In order to allow a ball bearing to be inserted into a housing which is closed at one end, without any bearing parts being damaged during the axial insertion process, the outer ring of the bearing has a radially inwardly directed flange that extends radially into the region of the inner ring while toward the open end of the housing, the inner ring is formed on the axially outward side of the bearing balls, without a shoulder on the inner ring. An axial compression spring is arranged between the closed end of the housing and the inner ring. The flange on the outer ring may be either axially inward of or axially outward of the row of bearing balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Gottfried Ruoff, Heinrich Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6230848
    Abstract: A wheel bearing includes a roller bearing and a wheel flange is disposed around the bearing. The periphery of the wheel flange is profiled over approximately half its axial width with a peripheral locking receptacle in the form of a polygon or polyhedron shape for receiving a brake disk or brake drum thereon and for transmitting the torque between the brake disk or drum and the wheel flange. In addition, fastening bolts between the brake disk or drum and the wheel flange are received in holes in the wheel flange for holding the brake disk or drum to the wheel flange. But, the torque is transmitted due to the peripheral locking receptacle formed on the wheel flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Peter Niebling, Harald Merklein, Reinhold Mahr, Roland Langer, Rainer Breitenbach, Heinrich Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6220760
    Abstract: A three-ring needle bearing with a central support shaft, a center ring around the shaft, an outer ring around the center ring, and an inner needle array between the shaft of the center ring and an outer needle array between the center ring and the outer ring. An axial disk at one axial end of the bearing push fit on the center ring and radially projecting past both the inner needle array and the outer needle array for axially supporting them. The outer ring having bend-in moldings which past the axial disk at one end and past the end of the outer needle array at the other end. A drive shaft rotates the center ring, which is eccentric with reference to the support shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Gottfried Ruoff, Heinrich Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6158326
    Abstract: In order that in a unit, which consists of an electric motor and a machine driven by the electric motor, a mounting support of the electric motor and the machine which is inexpensive and saves mounting space be achieved by simple means, the drive shaft (4) of the electric motor (1) and the supporting axle (10) of the machine (2) are separately designed and a three-ring bearing (11) including an intermediate eccentric ring (13) is arranged on the supporting axle (10), wherein the intermediate ring (13) is positively and/or operatively connected to the drive shaft (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignees: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG, FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Jochen Burgdorf, Heinrich Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6106156
    Abstract: For seating a rolling contact bearing ring in a housing or on a shaft, first and second grooves are formed in the cooperating periphery of either the rolling contact bearing ring or the housing or shaft. The first groove extends axially and is followed by the second groove that is inclined to form a conical surface at the rolling contact bearing ring. An intermediate ring is installed from the lateral entrance side of the bearing in the first groove and is plastically deformed, inclined into the second groove. A recess in the housing or shaft receives the deformed part of the intermediate ring. The remaining axial part of the bearing includes the diameter of the rolling contact bearing ring and of the cooperating housing or shaft that are the same diameter. The intermediate ring may include a flange that engages the entrance side of the bearing to position the intermediate ring. The intermediate ring may be the peripheral region of a pot-shaped cover over the entrance side of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Peter Niebling, Roland Langer, Rainer Breitenbach, Heinrich Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6045267
    Abstract: A wheel bearing with a pulse transmitter attached to the inner bearing ring and a wheel carrier attached to the outer bearing ring. A pot shaped cap over the lateral end of the bearing. A depression in the wheel carrier opens toward the pulse transmitter. A sensor located in the recess has an end face that is urged by a spring in the depression against the cap over the pulse transmitter for establishing a selected spacing between the pulse transmitter and the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Harald Merklein, Peter Niebling, Rainer Breitenbach, Heinrich Hofmann, Roland Langer
  • Patent number: 6002248
    Abstract: In order to achieve direct digital data recording and reliable and space saving and cost saving recording of the status of an antifriction bearing, in particular a wheel bearing for motor vehicles, sensors record the rotational speed and acceleration of the wheels and driving and/or braking forces. The sensors are microsensors in the form of microswitch arrays, at least one of which is attached to the rotating ring of the bearing, and the generated signals are compared with stored basic patterns or with the signals of an identical or similar microsensor arranged on the stationary ring of the bearing and/or are evaluated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventor: Josef Binder
  • Patent number: 5990675
    Abstract: An anti-friction bearing with a speed measuring device includes a transmitter for directing high frequency waves toward a side of the bearing and the transmitter being spaced from the bearing. A coding disk at the side of the bearing is arranged on the relatively rotatable ring. The coding disk has parts around the bearing at which the disk reflects the waves and other parts not reflecting or permitting passage of the waves. The waves are alternately reflected off the coding disk and not reflected off the disk to a receiver arranged outside the bearing. The resulting pulses may be fed to a signal processor. Variations include the coding disk having various constructional design features permitting or blocking the reflection of waves. Alternatively, a circuit at the stationary part of the bearing seal between the bearing rings is alternately impinged upon or protected from being impinged upon by waves due to the coding disk on the relatively movable part of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Harald Merklein, Rainer Breitenbach, Heinrich Hofmann
  • Patent number: 5969518
    Abstract: An antifriction mounting includes a bearing having an inner and an outer ring and rolling bodies between them. A seal closes the lateral side of the bearing between the rings. A pulse generator is rotatable with a rotatable one of the rings, which is either the inner or the outer ring. A non-ferromagnetic cover is outside the pulse generator and also seals the opening into the space between the rings. A rotational speed sensor on or outside the cover scans the pulse generator magnetically without hindrance from the non-ferromagnetic cover. Radio signals may transmit other information besides rotation speed. Appropriate transmitters and receivers for those signals can be placed at the pulse generator and/or the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Harald Merklein, Rainer Breitenbach, Heinrich Hofmann, Roland Langer, Peter Niebling
  • Patent number: 5944321
    Abstract: A seal for the axial sides of a rolling bearing and being disposed between the inner and outer rings of the bearing. The seal including an axially inward thrust washer and an axially outward sealing washer opposite the thrust washer. The thrust washer is generally C-shaped with a radially inwardly and axially outwardly sloping thrust surface. The sealing washer includes a radial sealing lip which is sloped radially inwardly to seal on the thrust surface of the thrust washer and may include an axial lip which seals against the radial leg of the thrust washer and may include a radially outwardly projecting sealing lip which contacts the outer ring and/or the portion of the thrust washer at the outer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Peter Niebling, Roland Langer, Rudi Eck, Rainer Breitenbach
  • Patent number: 5942291
    Abstract: A process for protecting the surface of a roller bearing against corrosion. The roller bearing is provided with a thin protective coating of a powdered coating material or of a wet coating material and then the bearing is inductively heated, at the coated surface thereof, in the range of 200.degree. C. to 300.degree. C. for a few seconds to cure the coating material. The bearing is thereafter cooled. The wet coating material is based on inorganic substances and is electrically conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventor: Karl Bywalez
  • Patent number: 5927867
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement for fastening an antifriction bearing in a housing bore. A securing sleeve is disposed at an edge at the outside and toward one axial end of the outer ring of the bearing. The sleeve has beadlike projections that are sprung radially outwardly and that are received in a groove formed in the housing for axially affixing the bearing in the bore. The securing sleeve is axially sprung against the axial end of the outer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Peter Niebling, Reinhold Mahr, Rainer Breitenbach, Vasilis Hassiotis
  • Patent number: 5921633
    Abstract: A wheel mounting for a vehicle, which includes a rotatable wheel flange connected by an antifriction bearing with a stationary part of the wheel mounting. The wheel flange has pluralities of first and second mounting regions circumferentially around the wheel flange and axially spaced at different respective first and second axial locations along the wheel flange. Each of the regions includes fastening areas to which either a brake disk or a wheel rim may be attached. Rivets, pins, or the like may permit axial mounting of the brake disk with play. Radially inwardly facing, generally semicircular holes in the brake disk enable the brake disk to expand without interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: FAG Automobiltechnik AG
    Inventors: Peter Neibling, Heinrich Hofmann, Roland Langer, Rainer Breitenbach