Abstract: An annular bead or other protuberance is provided on the outside of a bearing or other part on a non-critical surface so that the protuberance can be case hardened in the same manner as critical surfaces of the part and provide a degree of hardness at each surface that exceeds the hardness at predetermined depths below that surface. The shape of the protuberance is chosen to permit quantitative testing for hardness depth and hardness gradient. The bead or protuberance is then removed so as to expose at a scar the resulting subsurface structure or property gradient for inspection. Hardness inspection can be utilized to provide Rockwell C hardness indications at spaced points along the scar.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a seal construction as for use between relatively rotating parts such as the inner and outer race rings of an antifriction bearing. In such an application, the end of the inner ring is rabbeted to define a cylindrical land and a generally frusto-conical shoulder near one axial end of the raceway, and the outer ring may be conventionally formed for swedged or crimped reception of an annular metal seal cap assembled thereto. The cap metal is formed with an inward skirt having radial-clearance relation of an axially outer portion of the land, and an elastomeric seal member is bonded to the axially inner face of the cap metal, at a location radially offset from the inner edge of the skirt.