Abstract: A thrust type one-way roller clutch includes a means to assure that the centrifugal force of rotation does not destabilize the ready position of the rollers. The cam ramp surfaces are angularly offset from a radial line in a direction opposite to the allowed direction of relative race rotation. The energizing springs bias the rollers toward a ready position of light engagement with the cam ramp surfaces, thus maintaining the rollers with their individual axes similarly angularly offset. As a consequence, the centrifugal force of rotation will cause the rollers to move in a direction toward ready position only.

Abstract: A combined bearing, pulley and shield assembly that is temporarily unitized prior to being installed on a cylindrical shaft support. A bearing having inner and outer races with an annular space between the races is molded into the hub off the pulley with a pair of shields joined to the pulley in covering relation to the annular space. The shields are joined to the pulley by frangible tabs molded integrally with the pulley. When the pulley assembly is installed, the shields are precisely positioned and fixed to the inner race. Therefore, the tabs fracture in response to initial relative rotation of the pulley and inner race to allow free subsequent relative rotation.

Abstract: An automatic belt tensioner of the type including a pivoted arm and belt engaging pulley includes an improved tensioning means to maintain a constant tension on a drive belt. A cam having an eccentric portion is wrapped and stretched by an elastomer strap. As the strap stretches, the point of tangency of the wrapped strap varies continuously to vary the effective moment arm of the tensioned strap on the cam, which is rigid to the pivoted arm. The strap tension, and the effective moment arm given by the radius of the point of tangency, are matched at each point to give a constant torque and belt tension.

Abstract: A moldable, plastic idler pulley is formed of two halves, each having a matching central hub and a radially outwardly extending web with radially disposed strengthening ribs on the outside thereof. The inner side of each central hub has a moldable stepped portion which closely mates the other hub. The stepped portions of each hub and the ribs have no under cuts or reverse bends and may be molded by two simple, axially parting mold elements. After molding, the ribs cooperate with a rotary machine to allow the stepped portions of each hub to be spin welded together. A central bearing may be captured between the hubs during the welding process, if desired.

Abstract: An alternator cooling fan drive includes a radial bearing, the outer race of which mounts the fan within the magnetic field produced by the alternator under load. The bearing has pathways with a curvature close enough to the balls that the races will self-center and transmit a minimum torque to the fan when the magnetic field is weak. The pathway and ball configurations are sufficiently divergent that when the magnetic field pulls in on the fan, the races can misalign and wedge the balls more tightly between the races to transmit more torque to the fan. The fan drive is thus more directly responsive to the need for cooling.

Abstract: A combined variable speed viscous coupling and bearing includes a rolling element bearing that supports a driven member for relative rotation on a powered member. A viscous grease interposed and sealed with respect to the rolling elements of the bearing acts as a variable speed drive, frictionally retarding the rolling of the rolling elements when the powered member turns below a certain critical speed, thus causing the driven member to turn with the powered member in a one-to-one relationship. Above the predetermined critical speed, the rolling elements roll sufficiently through the viscous material to allow the powered member to overrun the driven member. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is disclosed as a variable speed drive for the cooling fan of a vehicle alternator.

Abstract: An angular contact roller bearing has a sheet metal separator guiding rollers revolving on inclined axes in an orbital movement around the longitudinal axis of the bearing. The sheet metal separator is made from a ladder shaped strip of sheet metal with the cross bars in an angular orientation which is rolled to an annular form with axially spaced cylindrical end rings of equal diameter. The cross bars may be configured to provide roller retainment in either or both radial directions as exemplified by the three embodiments disclosed. In one embodiment one of the cylindrical end rings cooperates with one bearing race to provide a unit handled subassembly with retained rollers. As disclosed in the specification, the cylindrical end rings may also be used to center the separator from one of the races if such a feature is desired.