Abstract: A self-contained bearing unit rotatably supports a tool spindle in a bore of a machine tool housing wall. The unit employs an angular-contact ball bearing and the outer race is displaced axially to alter the pre-loading by supplying pressure fluid to a chamber containing a resiliently deformable seal or an annular bellows device.

Abstract: A rolling-element bearing assembly has a cover fitted to one of the races. The cover is in the form of a cap provided with lugs or projections which extend axially and radially outwards from the peripheral edge of the open end of the cap. The lugs of projections have lips which engage in a groove in the associated bearing race. The cap is resiliently deformable to an extent which permits the easy release of the lips from the groove by manual squeezing of the cap. Conversely, the cap can be urged manually against the associated bearing race to cause the lips of the lugs or projections to engage in the groove in a snap-fitting action.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies with inner and outer races and rolling elements therebetween incorporate local sensing means for producing a signal indicative of the movement of one of the races relative to the other. The sensing means is mounted in close proximity to one of the races and is usually directly secured to the race intended to be stationary. The sensing means can be mounted laterally of the bearing races or radially inside or outside of the bearing races.The sensing means may employ an inductive or capacitive sensor and oscillatory means and a body or component, such as a disc, carried by the movable race creates an influence detected by the sensing means to provide the signal. In other constructions the sensing means detects changes in electromagnetic radiation or fluid pressure created by the component or body carried by the movable race.

Abstract: A thrust bearing for the clutch release mechanism of a motor vehicle has a rotatable annular ring, a non-rotatable annular ring and a plurality of balls. The rings are capable of limited radial relative movement. One of the rings has a planar raceway and the other ring has a grooved raceway.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing and actuating mechanism, for a motor vehicle, comprises a clutch-disengaging device which is actuable, via a rolling-element thrust bearing, by a hydraulically actuated device. The hydraulically actuated device comprises a pair of stepped cylindrical members which define an annular chamber therebetween. The outer cylindrical member is slidable over the inner cylindrical member. The inner cylindrical member is fast to a housing member and the annular chamber is connectible to a supply of hydraulic fluid. The inner ring of the thrust bearing is fast to the outer cylindrical member and the outer ring of the bearing is flexibly coupled to the clutch-disengaging device.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated clutch mechanism for connecting a drive shaft and a driven shaft includes a clutch normally effecting driving connection between the shafts. Hydraulically actuable means are provided for disengaging the drive connection and brake means are provided for braking the driven shaft, a mechanical linkage being provided between the hydraulically actuable means and the brake means. Actuation of the hydraulically actuable means first disengages the drive connection and then causes braking of the driven shaft. The mechanical linkage incorporates compensation means for compensating automatically for any wear of the clutch.