Abstract: A method of grinding rough-shaped spherical objects to a finished spherical form comprising the steps of freely supporting the rough-shaped spherical object on one end of a vertically oriented tube. This one end is open and has an inside diameter such that a segment portion of the object lies within the tube. Next, an abrasive is applied to the surface of the object, and the object is ground by vibrating the tube axially at a frequency in the range of approximatelly 20-25 KHz, whereby the surface of the object is ground to a truer spherical shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a multilayer powder blank, and the product of such manufacture which is suitable for subsequent extrusion. A hollow cylindrical container with its central axis oriented horizontally is rotated while powder is allowed to fall from a powder distribution tube in the center of the container downward onto the inner surface of the rotating wall, thereby forming successive layers of powder which are maintained in position by centrifugal forces acting thereon. The powder blank consisting of the multiple layers is removed from the container, isostatically compressed, and finally sintered, with fusion of the outer powder layers into a fused, water-tight coating.

Abstract: A ball bearing wherein each holder has only one oval-shaped race and a plate-like bearing surface member formed as a gutter-like circulating bearing surface conforming to the oval shape with four ball holders situated in the housing such that the bearing surface members run obliquely outward toward one another so that the straight race sections for the balls absorbing the load at one edge and the other straight race sections at the other edge run essentially along the ribs of two rectangular parallelpipeds having different cross-sectional dimensions.

Abstract: A fluid-level detector comprises a container, here a brake-fluid reservoir for an automotive vehicle, adapted to hold a supply of a fluid and containing a float connected via a link arm to a permanent magnet for displacement of the magnet vertically through a predetermined magnet position on vertical displacement of the float through a predetermined float position corresponding to a fluid level at which a signal is to be given. A pair of contacts outside the container can be engaged by a switch element which is displaceable toggle-fashion by the magnet between a closed position engaging and forming a closed circuit with the contacts and an open position out of engagement with at least one of the contacts.

Abstract: A ball bearing for linear movement on a shaft has a cage with oval guideways, and an outer sleeve surrounding the case. The cage has axially extending raceways for guiding loaded balls, the ends of the raceways joining radially outwardly directed transitions. The transitions are weakened by transversely extending grooves or slots, to provide resilience. The raceways may be axially extending radially inwardly directed ridges having central axially extending grooves, and the transitions may have V-shaped recesses with their apices at the ends of the grooves, to define two-point contact with the balls in the transition area of the bearing. A split sleeve may surround the outer sleeve for additional support.