Abstract: A method of performing a heat treatment on steel rings, in particular for bearings, whereby the outer surface and inner surface of a preheated ring are exposed to different flows of a cooling medium such that the regions of the ring adjacent those surfaces are subjected to different cooling processes. The flow supply of the cooling medium is controlled in such a way that a desired internal stress pattern is obtained in the ring. The cooling medium includes of a combination of liquid and gas. An apparatus for performing a heat treatment on steel rings includes a support means for a ring to be treated; first and second supply means for supplying a spray or mist of a liquid, gas or combination thereof to the outer surface or inner surface of the ring, control means for controlling the supply of the spray or mist is also disclosed.

Abstract: A taper roller bearing comprises an inner ring and an outer ring having tapered raceways, a bearing space in which tapered rollers are arranged, as well as a cage for mutually spacing the rollers. A grease retainer is connected to the outer ring. The grease retainer is situated next to the inner ring part having the smallest raceway diameter. The retainer comprises a ring-shaped channel in the inner space of which grease can be accommodated. The channel has apertures for communicating the channel inner space with the bearing space.