Patents by Inventor Michael Heaton

Michael Heaton has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11933357
    Abstract: A bearing, including: an inner ring defining a first groove; an outer ring including a radially inner surface, the radially inner surface facing an axis of rotation of the bearing and defining a second groove and a third groove; a cage radially disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring; a plurality of balls retained by the cage, and disposed in the first groove, and in the second groove; and a preloaded resilient washer assembly including a rigid washer and a resilient washer including a radially outermost surface disposed in the third groove. The resilient washer urges the rigid washer away from the outer ring in an axial direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dennis Roffe, Michael Heaton, Guihui Zhong, James Brown, Daniel Wuerdinger
  • Publication number: 20240068513
    Abstract: A bearing assembly includes an inner ring and an outer ring arranged coaxially with the inner ring. A first axial washer and a second axial washer are axially spaced from each other. A central ring is disposed radially between the inner ring and the outer ring and axially between the first axial washer and the second axial washer. Four rows of rolling bodies are provided. The rolling bodies in each row are engaged with the central ring. Each of the inner ring, the outer ring, the first axial washer, and the second axial washer are engaged with the rolling bodies of one respective row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dennis Roffe, Michael Heaton
  • Patent number: 11892036
    Abstract: A bearing track cage includes a plurality of retention elements, wherein each retention element includes at least a first axial side and a second axial side, and wherein each adjacent pair of retention elements of the plurality of retention elements defines a rolling element pocket configured to retain a rolling element. A first support is slidably coupled to each of the plurality of retention elements on the first axial side thereof and a second support is slidably coupled to each of the plurality of retention elements on the second axial side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dennis Roffe, Michael Heaton, Guihui Zhong
  • Publication number: 20240026925
    Abstract: A bearing track cage includes a plurality of retention elements, wherein each retention element includes at least a first axial side and a second axial side, and wherein each adjacent pair of retention elements of the plurality of retention elements defines a rolling element pocket configured to retain a rolling element. A first support is slidably coupled to each of the plurality of retention elements on the first axial side thereof and a second support is slidably coupled to each of the plurality of retention elements on the second axial side thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dennis Roffe, Michael Heaton, Guihui Zhong
  • Patent number: 11767884
    Abstract: A bearing assembly is disclosed herein. The bearing assembly includes an outer bearing ring including at least one first connection element. The assembly also includes a cap defining an axial portion and at least one radial portion defining a cavity configured to receive the outer bearing ring. The cap includes at least one second connection element configured to mate with the at least one first connection element. The cap is formed from an electrically insulating material to prevent EDM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Guihui Zhong, Venkata Kottapalli, Michael Heaton, John Tate, Charles Schwab
  • Publication number: 20230122158
    Abstract: A bearing assembly is disclosed herein. The bearing assembly includes an outer bearing ring including at least one first connection element. The assembly also includes a cap defining an axial portion and at least one radial portion defining a cavity configured to receive the outer bearing ring. The cap includes at least one second connection element configured to mate with the at least one first connection element. The cap is formed from an electrically insulating material to prevent EDM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Guihui Zhong, Venkata Kottapalli, Michael Heaton, John Tate, Charles Schwab
  • Publication number: 20220403882
    Abstract: A bearing, including: an inner ring defining a first groove; an outer ring including a radially inner surface, the radially inner surface facing an axis of rotation of the bearing and defining a second groove and a third groove; a cage radially disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring; a plurality of balls retained by the cage, and disposed in the first groove, and in the second groove; and a preloaded resilient washer assembly including a rigid washer and a resilient washer including a radially outermost surface disposed in the third groove. The resilient washer urges the rigid washer away from the outer ring in an axial direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dennis Roffe, Michael Heaton, Guihui Zhong, James Brown, Daniel Wuerdinger
  • Publication number: 20220341467
    Abstract: A bearing, including: an inner ring defining a first groove; an outer ring including a radially inner surface, the radially inner surface facing an axis of rotation of the bearing, defining a second groove, and defining at least one third groove; a cage radially disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring; a plurality of balls retained by the cage, and disposed in the first groove, and in the second groove; an annular sleeve including a first portion disposed in the third groove; and a resilient element urging the outer ring and the annular sleeve away from each other parallel to the axis of rotation of the bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Guihui Zhong, Daniel Wuerdinger, Michael Heaton, Dennis Roffe, James Brown
  • Patent number: 11286988
    Abstract: A cage for a ball bearing is optimized for high-speed applications. To reduce weight, the cage is formed by a number of conical blades which collectively form an “X” shape. To add rigidity, a number of gussets are placed between the blades at various circumferential locations. The light weight reduces the centrifugal forces for a given diameter and rotational speed. The rigidity permits the cage to withstand the centrifugal forces without excessive deflection or stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dennis Roffe, Guihui Zhong, Michael Heaton
  • Publication number: 20220025929
    Abstract: A cage for a ball bearing is optimized for high-speed applications. To reduce weight, the cage is formed by a number of conical blades which collectively form an “X” shape. To add rigidity, a number of gussets are placed between the blades at various circumferential locations. The light weight reduces the centrifugal forces for a given diameter and rotational speed. The rigidity permits the cage to withstand the centrifugal forces without excessive deflection or stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dennis Roffe, Guihui Zhong, Michael Heaton
  • Patent number: 11209048
    Abstract: A two-piece plastic ball bearing cage is designed to handle high-speed applications. Posts on one bearing half fit into holes in the other bearing half After the two halves are brought together, ultrasonic vibration is applied to the ends of the posts. The ultrasonic vibration deforms the post end to fit into a widened portion of the holes and welds material, thereby firmly securing the two cage halves to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dennis Roffe, Michael Heaton, Guihui Zhong
  • Patent number: 11193538
    Abstract: A bearing cage assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a stiffening ring formed from a first material, and a cage formed from a second material that is different than the first material. The cage includes a plurality of arms extending axially away from a base rim. The plurality of arms define a plurality of rolling element pockets therebetween. Each of the plurality of arms defines a slot dimensioned to receive a portion of the stiffening ring, such that the stiffening ring is secured to the cage via engagement within the slots of the plurality of arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Michael Heaton, Dennis Roffe, Guihui Zhong
  • Patent number: 11131344
    Abstract: A snap-fit ball bearing cage, including: a first ring-half supported for rotation around an axis of rotation and including a plurality of first curved surfaces; a second ring-half including a plurality of second curved surfaces and a plurality of first protrusions non-rotatably connecting the second ring-half to the first ring-half, each first protrusion forming a portion of a radially outer perimeter of the second ring-half, or each first protrusion forming a portion of a radially inner perimeter of the second ring-half; and a plurality of balls. The plurality of first curved surfaces and the plurality of second curved surfaces define a plurality of openings; the plurality of balls is disposed in the plurality of openings. Each first curved surface, included in the plurality of first curved surfaces, is a mirror image of a second curved surface included in the plurality of second curved surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dennis Roffe, Michael Heaton, Guihui Zhong
  • Patent number: 11125273
    Abstract: A bearing cage assembly is disclosed herein that includes a first cage half formed as a plastic cage and a second cage half formed as a metal shell. The first cage half includes a first base rim and a first plurality of arms extending axially from the first base rim. The second cage half includes a second base rim and a second plurality of arms extending axially from the second base rim. The second plurality of arms are each formed by a first flange and a second flange. The first flange and the second flange are spaced apart from each other in a radial direction to define a receptacle dimensioned to receive a respective one of the first plurality of arms. Free ends of the first flange and the second flange are crimped over to retain the first cage half with the second cage half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Dennis Roffe, Ronald Taylor, Guihui Zhong, Michael Heaton
  • Publication number: 20210285495
    Abstract: A bearing cage assembly is disclosed that includes two sub-assemblies. Both cage sub-assemblies include a shell half formed from plastic, and defining a plurality of rolling element pockets and openings. Each sub-assembly also includes a frame half formed from metal, and including a rim and a plurality of crossbars. The shell halves are overmolded with the frame halves. The first cage sub-assembly and the second cage sub-assembly are connected to each other via insertion of the crossbars into the openings of the other sub-assembly, such that free ends of the crossbars engage the other rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Guihui Zhong, Michael Heaton, Dennis Roffe
  • Publication number: 20210285494
    Abstract: A bearing cage assembly is disclosed herein that includes a first cage half formed as a plastic cage and a second cage half formed as a metal shell. The first cage half includes a first base rim and a first plurality of arms extending axially from the first base rim. The second cage half includes a second base rim and a second plurality of arms extending axially from the second base rim. The second plurality of arms are each formed by a first flange and a second flange. The first flange and the second flange are spaced apart from each other in a radial direction to define a receptacle dimensioned to receive a respective one of the first plurality of arms. Free ends of the first flange and the second flange are crimped over to retain the first cage half with the second cage half.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dennis Roffe, Ronald Taylor, Guihui Zhong, Michael Heaton
  • Patent number: 11118626
    Abstract: A bearing cage assembly including two different cage halves formed from different materials is disclosed. The first cage half includes a first rim and a first plurality of arms extending from the first rim. The second cage half includes a second rim and a second plurality of arms extending from the second rim. The first cage half and the second cage half are fastened to each other via engagement between a plurality of first retainers of the first cage half with the plurality of second retainers of the second cage half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Dennis Roffe, Michael Heaton, Guihui Zhong
  • Publication number: 20210277947
    Abstract: A bearing cage assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a stiffening ring formed from a first material, and a cage formed from a second material that is different than the first material. The cage includes a plurality of arms extending axially away from a base rim. The plurality of arms define a plurality of rolling element pockets therebetween. Each of the plurality of arms defines a slot dimensioned to receive a portion of the stiffening ring, such that the stiffening ring is secured to the cage via engagement within the slots of the plurality of arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Heaton, Dennis Roffe, Guihui Zhong
  • Patent number: 11105370
    Abstract: A bearing cage includes a first annular body having a plurality of circumferentially arranged fingers that extending axially therefrom. Each of the fingers have a tab with a first arcuate engagement surface. A second annular body has a plurality of circumferentially arranged finger-receiving holes extending axially and configured to receive the fingers. Each of the holes have an associated second arcuate engagement surface configured to engage with the first arcuate engagement surface when the fingers are received in the holes to secure the first and second bodies together to form the bearing cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Marion Jack Ince, Guihui Zhong, Michael Heaton, Dennis Roffe
  • Publication number: 20210262523
    Abstract: A bearing cage includes a first annular body having a plurality of circumferentially arranged fingers that extending axially therefrom. Each of the fingers have a tab with a first arcuate engagement surface. A second annular body has a plurality of circumferentially arranged finger-receiving holes extending axially and configured to receive the fingers. Each of the holes have an associated second arcuate engagement surface configured to engage with the first arcuate engagement surface when the fingers are received in the holes to secure the first and second bodies together to form the bearing cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Marion Jack INCE, Guihui ZHONG, Michael HEATON, Dennis ROFFE