Abstract: An axle (A) has a journal (2) to which an antifriction bearing (B) is fitted on an enlarged or dust guard section (4) located beyond the journal, with a fillet (6) leading from the journal up to the enlarged section. A backing ring (R) fits over and against the fillet of the journal and has a counterbore (48) that receives the adjacent end of the enlarged section. A stabilizing ring (S) fits into the counterbore of the backing ring and around the enlarged section of the journal to stabilize the backing ring and thereby reduce radial and circumferential movement between it and the fillet of the journal. The stabilizing ring includes a rigidifying element (54) that fits over the enlarged section of the axle with an interference fit and a more flexible compression member (56) that lies within the counterbore where it exists in a state of compression between the counterbore and the rigidifying element. The stabilizing ring allows some microaxial movement of the backing ring.

Abstract: A planetary gear system (P) includes a sun gear (2), a ring gear (4) a carrier (6) located between the sun and ring gears (2, 4), and planet pinions (8, 10) organized in two arrays and supported on flexpin assemblies (32, 34) in the carrier (6). All of the gearing is helical, with the sun and ring gears (2, 4) having their teeth arranged in at double helix angles (herringbone) and the planet gears (8, 10) at single helix angles. The pinions (8) of the one array engage the teeth of one angle on the sun and ring gears (2, 4) and the pinions (10) of the other array engage the teeth of the other angle on the sun and ring gears (2, 4). Torque transfers through the carrier (6) through two torque paths (a, b)—one to the flexpin assemblies (32) for one array and the other to the flexpin assemblies (34) of the other array—and the paths (a) is stiffer than the path (b). Owing to the helical cut of the teeth the planet pinions (8, 10) of the two arrays exert oppositely directed axial forces (A) on the sun gear (2).

Abstract: A wind turbine blade mounting system for use with variable-pitch wind turbine blades (100) having reduced diameter blade roots. For each wind turbine blade (100) to be installed on a nose cone structure (20) of a wind turbine nacelle, the mounting system incorporates a high capacity bearing assembly (106) configured with an outwardly-opening tapered inner sleeve (105) to engage a tapered shank section (104) of an associated wind turbine blade in a self-locking coupling, thereby facilitating assembly and disassembly of the wind turbine blades from a nose cone structure (20).

Abstract: A method for assembling a set of bearing assemblies 100 onto a mill roll 10 and for establishing a required bearing setting. The mill roll 10 is configured to receive a set of bearing assemblies 100 at each axial end, with the bearing rolling elements 100A contained within supporting chocks 102 adapted for placement within a mill housing. The chock assembly 102R and bearing assembly 100 at a first end of the roll are positioned first, and coupled to the first end an axial center rod 22 passing through an axial bore 24 of the roll 12. The chock assembly 102L and bearing assembly 100 at the second end of the roll 12 is then positioned onto the opposite end of the roll 12, and a connecting sub-assembly 300, 400, 504A is secured to the second end of the axial center rod 22. The connecting sub-assembly engages the second chock assembly 102L and bearing assembly 100, and is adjusted to achieve a desired bearing setting for both bearing assemblies 100 through the center rod 22.

Abstract: A bearing cage for use with a plurality of rolling elements in a bearing assembly includes a plurality of bridge elements arranged to separate the rolling elements from each other and to retain the rolling elements in alignment in the bearing assembly. Each of the bridge elements is formed of sheet material bent to define a partially hollow component. The cage further includes at least one rim element connecting the plurality of bridge elements.

Abstract: An epicyclic gear system includes sun and ring gears (2, 4), planet pinions (6, 8) arrayed (a, b) between these gears, and a carrier (10) to which planet pinions are coupled through flexpins (30). The pinions are located between carrier walls (20, 22) with flexpins for the respective arrays cantilevered from opposite walls. The carrier is subjected to externally applied torque which transfers through the system. The load path (pa) for one array is shorter than that (pb) for the other array, which disparity causes carrier distortion with flexpins on one wall angularly displaced from flexpins on the other wall. The system compensates for this by one wall having areas (40, 44) of weakness where the flexpins cantilever from it. This enables the pinions of the two arrays to better mesh under a load and share torque transfer more evenly.

Abstract: A method for use with a transmission system (A, A1, B) incorporating a split gear assembly (20, 120, 220) for splitting an applied input load between two or more reaction gears (30, 40, 130, 140, 230, 240) or pathways to selectively positioning a support bearing (50, 150, 250) to achieve an optimized load distribution (LRT) among a set of drive planet pinions (22, 122, 222) and idler planet pinions (70, 170, 270) in the transmission system.

Abstract: A structure (200) for containing a volume of lubricant additive gel (10) which is disposed within a mechanical system, in close proximity to a wear critical surface, and which is configured to provide a release of the contained additives into a flow of lubricant over time or as a function of temperature in a site-specific manner to minimize wear or reduce oil oxidation due to harsh operating conditions. The structure defines a cage or capsule with screen or mesh sides (202) having multiple perforations or openings through which the flow of lubricant may circulate. Within the contained volume of the structure (200), additives are disposed in a gel matrix (10), and are release over time or as a function of temperature, through the perorations or openings, in close operative proximity to wear critical surfaces of the mechanical system such as a bearing assembly or gear arrangement.

Abstract: A geared power train (100) for use in a wind turbine application to maximize a step-up ratio within a radial space that is defined by the planetary gearing system ring gear size. The geared power train (100) is configured as a split-compound planetary gearing system with a closed-carrier flex-pin planetary system in a high-torque stage (Stage 1) for receiving driving torque via an input shaft (IN) from a wind turbine, and an open-carrier flex-pin planetary system in a low-torque stage (Stage 2) coupled to the high-torque stage (Stage 1) for delivering the driving torque to an electrical generator via an output shaft (OUT).

Abstract: A bearing includes an outer ring (14) having an inner surface (26), an inner ring (18) at least partially positioned within the outer ring (14) and having an outer surface (22) in facing relationship with the inner surface (26), a groove (30) defined in either the inner surface (26) or the outer surface (22), and a porous material (38) positioned in the groove (30) in which lubricant is absorbed. The porous material (38) is configured to secrete the absorbed lubricant in response to being compressed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a transmission system selectively positioning sets of planet gear support bearings (50, 55, 80, 90) to achieve an optimized load distribution among a set of drive planet pinions (22) and a set of idler planet pinions (70) disposed in engagement between two reaction gears (30, 40) in the transmission system (A, A1), for splitting an applied load between at least two pathways between an input and an output.

Abstract: A method for heat treating a gear having gear teeth includes removably mounting the gear on a work-piece holder, moving one of either a magnet assembly or the work-piece holder to bring the gear and the magnet assembly into heating proximity, rotating the magnet assembly for a desired amount of time while said magnet assembly and gear are in heating proximity to each other to heat treat surfaces of the gear teeth, moving one of either the magnet assembly or the work-piece holder relative to the other to bring different surfaces of the gear into heating proximity with said magnet assembly, and repeating for each opposed pair of gear teeth surfaces until all said gear teeth surfaces are heat treated.

Abstract: A variable speed compressor system (A) incorporating an electric power generation capability by combining a variable-speed compressor assembly (70) with an electric motor assembly (50) via a drive subassembly (30) in a compact unit regulated by a control system (400). The control system (400) facilitates fully controllable boost-on-demand forced-air induction operation across an entire engine speed range, and offers intelligent electric power generation.

Abstract: A bearing cage assembly consisting of a plurality of discrete bridge elements coupled between first and second cage support wire rings having selected tensions, and conforming to the surfaces of associated rolling elements. The discrete bridge elements maintain rolling element in separation, provide rolling element retention within the bearing assembly, and function as a lubrication reservoir for grease lubricated bearings.

Abstract: A compact wheel end for an automotive vehicle includes a housing, a hub having a drive flange and a spindle projecting from the flange into the housing, and an antifriction bearing located between the housing and the hub spindle. The spindle at its inboard end has an abutment, and the bearing has an inner race that is spaced from the abutment. Captured between the abutment and inner race is a splined coupler ring. It abuts the inner race at a back face on the inner race and has a beveled end that extends into an annular recess in the inner race. The drive flange of the hub has a shallow recess that receives the outboard end of the housing. The annular recess in the inner race and the shallow recess in the drive flange render the wheel end highly compact.

Abstract: A mechanical structure (16) for enabling a rotor (28) in a permanent magnet electric motor A to be moved axially relative to a stator (14) under an actuating force, without experiencing frictional sliding during such a movement. As the rotor (28) is moved away from the stator (14), the motor magnetic field is weakened, enabling the motor A to operate efficiently at elevated speeds, extending speed coverage under constant power.

Abstract: An X-ray tube bearing includes an outer housing having an axial bore, a shaft at least partially received within the axial bore, a first outer ring positioned within the axial bore and surrounding a first portion of the shaft, and a second outer ring at least partially received within the axial bore and surrounding a second portion of the shaft. The second outer ring includes a radially outwardly extending flange engaged with the outer housing to limit the extent to which the second outer ring is received within the axial bore. The X-ray tube bearing also includes a first biasing member biasing the flange into engagement with the outer housing, and a second biasing member positioned within the axial bore for exerting an axial preload force between the first and second outer rings.

Abstract: A method for heating surfaces includes heating the surface of a hole by inserting a magnet cylinder into the hole and rotating the magnet cylinder, heating the surface of a hole by inserting a magnet stack into the hole and reciprocating the magnet stack, or heating a selected area of a workpiece surface by positioning a magnet disc adjacent the selected area and rotating the magnet disc. In each case, eddy currents are produced, inducing heating of the surface.

Abstract: The wear resistance of a bi-directional tapered roller bearing is improved by applying a tribological coating to both the small and large end faces of the roller and to at least one of the rib faces of the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A roller chain may include a link having a pair of outer plates connected to a pair of pins, where one of the pins sufficiently extends outside the plate to facilitate connection with a stud and thereby provide connection for attachments.