Patents Assigned to SKF Engineering & Research Centre B.V.
  • Patent number: 7275319
    Abstract: A rolling element bearing comprises an inner ring and an outer ring which are each provided with a raceway, and a series of rolling elements which are in contact with the raceways of each ring. A lubricant film is provided in the contacts between the rolling elements and the raceways, which film forms a lubricant meniscus at the inlet side of each contact. In the bearing starved lubrication conditions prevail. The surface of each rolling element has minute recesses filled with a lubricant quantity, said recesses being flattened in the contact area defined by the contact between the rolling elements and the rings and thereby releasing lubricant at the inlet side of each contact resulting in a displacement of the meniscus further away from said contact. This meniscus displacement results in an increased lubricant film thickness in each contact area, thus improving the lubricating conditions in the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: SKF Engineering & Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Pieter Martin Lugt, Eusthatios Ioannides, Ingrid Victoria Wikstrom, John Howard Tripp, Marie-Laure Dumont, Antonio Gabelli, Benoit Clement Jacod
  • Patent number: 7264399
    Abstract: A rolling element bearing comprises an inner ring and an outer ring which are each provided with a raceway, and a series of rolling elements which are in contact with the raceways of each ring. A lubricant film is provided in the contacts between the rolling elements and the raceways, which film forms a lubricant meniscus at the inlet side of each contact. In the bearing starved lubrication conditions prevail. The surface of each rolling element has minute recesses filled with a lubricant quantity, said recesses being flattened in the contact area defined by the contact between the rolling elements and the rings and thereby releasing lubricant at the inlet side of each contact resulting in a displacement of the meniscus further away from said contact. This meniscus displacement results in an increased lubricant film thickness in each contact area, thus improving the lubricating conditions in the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: SKF Engineering and Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Pieter Martin Lugt, Eusthatios Ioannides, Ingrid Victoria Wikström, John Howard Tripp, Marie-Laure Dumont, Antonio Gabelli, Benoit Clement Jacod
  • Patent number: 7024771
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a roller element bearing comprising an inner ring, an outer ring, and a series of rolling elements. A rolling surface of each rolling element is in contact with a raceway surface formed in each of the inner and the outer rings. At least one of the raceway surfaces of the inner and outer rings and the rolling surfaces of the rolling elements is provided with a topography comprising recesses which are generally isolated by lands. The recesses are formed by shot peening at least one of the surfaces. In addition, the recesses are provided with lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: SKF Engineering & Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Alexander Jan Carel De Vries, Armin Herbert Emil August Olschewski, John Howard Tripp, Pieter Martin Lugt
  • Patent number: 7021416
    Abstract: A manual control device for electrically driven and controlled steering, and/or accelerating and/or decelerating of a road vehicle, that includes a hand grip device, sensors for sensing a force and/or a movement imposed on the hand grip device which correspond to a desired steering direction, and/or acceleration and/or deceleration of the vehicle, as well as a manual lever device comprising at least one mechanical connection for mechanically steering, and/or accelerating, and/or decelerating (e.g. maintenance parking etc.) of the vehicle in the absence of electric power (e.g. in the case of an electric power failure or in the case of electric power switched off) maintenance, garage parking etc., the manual lever device being swivelable or rotatable about at least one axis for actuating said at least one mechanical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: SKF Engineering and Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrikus Jan Kapaan, Eduardus Gerardus Maria Holweg, Aurelio Nervo
  • Patent number: 7017704
    Abstract: A steering device (1) for drive-by-wire functions in a vehicle comprises a base (2) which can be fixed to the vehicle interior at the location of the driver, and two steering grips (3, 4) at opposite sides of the base, which steering grips each can be gripped by a hand of the driver, said steering grips being coupled and being moveable with respect to the base in mutually opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: SKF Engineering and Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrikus Jan Kapaan, Eduardus Gerardus Maria Holweg, Alexander Jan Carel Vries
  • Publication number: 20060037196
    Abstract: A rolling element bearing comprises an inner ring and an outer ring which are each provided with a raceway, and a series of rolling elements which are in contact with the raceways of each ring. A lubricant film is provided in the contacts between the rolling elements and the raceways, which film forms a lubricant meniscus at the inlet side of each contact. In the bearing starved lubrication conditions prevail. The surface of each rolling element has minute recesses filled with a lubricant quantity, said recesses being flattened in the contact area defined by the contact between the rolling elements and the rings and thereby releasing lubricant at the inlet side of each contact resulting in a displacement of the meniscus further away from said contact. This meniscus displacement results in an increased lubricant film thickness in each contact area, thus improving the lubricating conditions in the bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Publication date: February 23, 2006
    Applicant: SKF ENGINEERING & RESEARCH CENTRE B.V.
    Inventors: Pieter Lugt, Eusthatios Ioannides, Ingrid Wikstrom, John Tripp, Marie-Laure Dumont, Antonio Gabelli, Benoit Jacod
  • Patent number: 6932184
    Abstract: A steering system for an automotive vehicle, includes a steering device to be operated by a driver, a rotatable connection having a drive end connected to the steering device and a drive end connectable to a linkage of the steering wheels of the vehicle. The drive end of the rotatable connection is provided with a first sensor, the driven end of the rotatable connection is provided with a second sensor and an electric motor, the first and second sensors being connected to a control device, the control device controlling the electric motor on the basis of signals emanating from the first and second sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: SKF Engineering and Research Centre B.V.
    Inventor: Hans Henning Wittmeijer
  • Patent number: 6920801
    Abstract: Measurement device (1) for measuring the axial and/or radial load on a bearing (10) comprising an inner ring (11), an outer ring (12) and a plurality of rolling elements (13) between the inner and outer ring. The measurement device (1) comprises a sensor ring (3) which may be positioned adjacent to and in close contact with the inner ring (11) or outer ring (12) of the bearing (10), the sensor ring (3) having at least one weakening (2) at its circumference and at least one sensor (5) being positioned in the at least one weakening (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: SKF Engineering and Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Bernardus Gerardus Van Leeuwen, Eduardus Gerardus Maria Holweg, Frank Wit, Erik Zaaijer, Simon Ballegooij
  • Patent number: 6907967
    Abstract: An actuator including a housing accommodating a screw mechanism and a drive including a motor. The screw mechanism includes a nut and a screw, one of which is rotatably supported with respect to the housing. Upon relative rotation of the nut and the screw, linear movement of one of the nut and the screw is obtained. At least a rotatable component of the drive, for example, the rotor of the motor, is rotatably supported on the screw which is rotatably supported with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: SKF Engineering & Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrikus Jan Kapaan, Johannes Albertus Van Winden, Jacobus Zwarts, Thomas Wilhelm Fucks
  • Patent number: 6848557
    Abstract: A clutch actuator unit comprises a housing (8, 9), a screw mechanism and an actuator head which at one end engages the screw mechanism (1, 2) and at the other end has an actuating end (18), which actuator head (16) can be displaced in axial direction by the screw mechanism upon driving the screw mechanism. The actuating end (18) of the actuator head (16) is displaceable in transverse direction with respect to the screw mechanism as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: SKF Engineering and Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrikus Jan Kapaan, Jacobus Zwarts, Bernardus Gerardus Van Leeuwen, Nicolaas Kollaard, Alexander Molenaar, Frédéric Ponson
  • Patent number: 6837818
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission system comprises a continuously variable transmission having two pulley sets each with two discs defining a V-shaped groove, drive means-for varying the width of said groove and a belt extending between said-pulley sets in the grooves thereof, as well as a forward-reverse control connected to the shaft of one of the pulley sets and a clutch connected to said forward-reverse control, said pulley sets, forward-reverse control and clutch each being provided with a respective actuator. The actuators of the forward-reverse control and of the clutch are of an electromechanical type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: SKF Engineering and Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrikus Jan Kapaan, Johannes Albertus Van Winden, Bernardus Gerardus Van Leeuwen, Arno Stubenrauch, Hubert Herbst
  • Patent number: 6837342
    Abstract: An actuator comprises a housing (8) which contains a screw mechanism (9) and a motor (10) which is drivably connected to the screw mechanism (9), said screw mechanism providing a linear movement in response to a rotational movement of the motor, and comprising a screw (12) and a nut (13) one of which is supported rotatably with respect to the housing (8). The linearly displaceable member of the screw mechanism is drivingly connected to a pump mechanism for providing a flow of medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: SKF Engineering & Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Armin Herbert Emil August Olschewski, Hendrikus Jan Kapaan, Clair Druet, Thomas Wilhelm Fucks, Manfred Antensteiner, Andries Christiaan Rinsma, Jiri Gurka, Alexander Jan Carel De Vries
  • Patent number: 6837946
    Abstract: Method for the production of a part of a rolling bearing, such as a ring for a ball bearing. The starting material used is a grade of steel containing 0.90 1.00% C; at most 0.15% Si; 0.25-0.45% Mn; at most 0.0015% P; at most 0.010% S; 1.30-1.50% Cr; at most 0.15% Ni; 0.20-0.23% Mo; at most 0.20-0.23% Cu; at most 20 ppm Ti; at most 8 ppm O. Before subjecting this grade of steel to a quenching and tempering treatment, the shaped item is subjected to plastic deformation in the hot or cold state. The mechanical properties and in particular the anticipated life under severe stress improve as a result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: SKF Engineering and Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: John Michael Beswick, Michel Christian Gorenne, Antonin Ballay
  • Patent number: 6814190
    Abstract: A screw actuator which has a housing, a motor, an actuating member and a screw mechanism which provides a linear movement of the actuating member with respect to the housing in response to a rotational movement of the motor. The screw mechanism has a screw and a nut engaging each other by rolling elements, one of the screw or the nut is rotatbly supported with respect to the housing, and a reduction gear means. The nut is fixed with repect to the housing, and the screw is rotatably supported with respect to the housing by mean of rolling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: SKF Engineering and Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Armin Herbert Emil August Olschewski, Henrikus Jan Kapaan, Clair Druet, Thomas Wilhelm Fucks, Jacobus Zwarts, Johannes Albertus Van Winden, Andries Christian Rinsma, Jiri Gurka
  • Patent number: 6763918
    Abstract: A screw actuator comprises a housing (1), a nut (A) and a screw (16) one of which is axially fixed with respect to the housing and the other of which is axially displaceable with respect to the housing for moving an actuating head, as well as a motor (2) which comprises a stator (6) connected to the housing, and a rotor (7). The rotor (7) of the motor is supported rotatably on a sleeve (8), said sleeve has an inwardly directed flange (21), which carries an excentric hub (23). The excentric hub (23) rotatably supports a gear wheel (24) through bearing (30), the outer teeth of which gear wheel (24) engage the inwardly directed teeth of the ring gear (25). The ring gear (25) is driving screw (16) which is rotatably supported in the housing (1). The nut (17) of the screw mechanism (4) is slidably, but not rotatably with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: SKF Engineering & Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrikus Jan Kapaan, Jacobus Zwarts, Simon Jan Broersen
  • Patent number: 6739436
    Abstract: A screw actuator (4) comprises a housing (1), a nut (5) and a screw (6) one of which is axially fixed with respect to the housing and the other of which is axially displaceable with respect to the housing for moving an head (21), as well as a motor (7) which comprises a stator (8) connected to the housing, and a rotor (9) which is drivingly connected to a rotatable part (6) of the screw actuator, the housing having a bore (10) accommodating at least the nut and/or screw, an axially fixed part of said nut or screw being supported with respect to a radial support abutment (11) which extends inwardly in the bore. The rotor of the motor is supported rotatably on a sleeve (13), said sleeve engaging the fixed part and extending away from the brake pad, said sleeve having a radially outwardly extending sleeve flange (14) which is interposed between said support abutment, and the axially fixed part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: SKF Engineering and Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrikus Jan Kapaan, Emmanuel Jacques Eyraud, Alexander Jan Carel Vries, Jacobus Zwarts, Lucia Puppione
  • Patent number: 6705761
    Abstract: A bearing is provided including a first part provided with a first coil (4) and a second part rotatable with respect to the first part about a bearing axis and being provided with a second coil which is electromagnetically coupled to the first coil. The first and second coil are magnetically enclosed by a first covering and a second covering, respectively. The first covering is fixed to the first part and the second covering is fixed to the second part. An air gap is formed between facing ends of the first and second coverings, with at least one of the facing ends of the first and second coverings being provided with at least one recession, such that the air gap varies when the first part and second part rotate with respect to each other. This may be used to provide an indication of speed (bearing rotation) without further sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: SKF Engineering and Research Centre, B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Andrianus Duits, Johannes Albertus Van Winden, Eduardus Gerardus Maria Holweg, Anton Paweletz
  • Patent number: 6695590
    Abstract: A lubricant pump having a housing equipped with outlets and a lubricant chamber, and having a piston axially displaceable in an axial cylinder bore in the housing by means of an electrical drive arrangement. The piston is at a first end and has an axial outlet. A first portion of the axial outlet is connected to a through-opening arranged radially on the piston position and adapted in a predetermined piston position to connect the axial outlet to a predetermined outlet of the outlets. A second portion of the axial outlet of the piston is connected to the lubricant chamber by way of an inlet and a non-return valve to allow the bore to be filled with lubricant. The outlets are arranged essentially in succession to one another. The position sensor is adapted to signal the position of the piston in the event the piston stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: SKF Engineering & Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Per Uno Magnus Rydin, Pär Piof Funck, Niklas Rehn, Hans Erik Alveling
  • Patent number: 6691837
    Abstract: A screw actuator comprises a nut and a screw each comprising helical grooves, said nut and screw engaging each other by rollers or balls which are in contact with said grooves, a lubricant being provided for the grooves and rollers or balls. Integrated in the actuator is a module, which is connected to at least the helical grooves of the nut and/or screw for replenishing the lubricant for the grooves and rollers or balls of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: SKF Engineering & Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrikus Jan Kapaan, Thomas Wilhelm Fucks, Jiri Gurka, Jérôme Dubus, Christian Boch, Clair Druet, Asbjorn Bundgart, Alberto Visconti
  • Patent number: 6691848
    Abstract: A one-way clutch including at least two concentric rings one of the rings carrying at least one ratchet pawl, and the other of the rings including ratchet teeth which engage the at least one ratchet pawl so as to allow relative rotational movement of the at least two rings in one rotational direction, and to provide a clutch between those rings in the operate rotational direction. At least one of the rings includes two identical half rings which are connected to each other and which at least partly enclose the other rings at axially opposite ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: SKF Engineering & Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Jacques Eyraud, Hendrikus Jan Kapaan, Marc Michel Le Calve