Abstract: A method of welding bearing retainer rings comprising the steps of: assembling two annular metal retainer rings and a plurality of bearing balls, each retainer ring having a plurality of ball pockets spaced about the ring, the ball pockets of one retainer ring being aligned with the ball pockets of the other retainer ring, a bearing ball being located within each ball pocket; applying pressure to the retainer rings; and then exposing at least a portion of the area of the retainer rings between adjacent ball pockets to a coherent high-energy beam of radiation thereby fusing the retainer rings together at a plurality of locations.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing ball bearing retainers by forming material into a helical coil consisting of a plurality of coils, then severing a coil of the helical coil to form a split ring, the severed ends overlapping one another. The split ring is then pressed to form a ball pocket opposite the overlapping severed ends. The remaining ball pockets are formed by successively pressing the split ring forming a pair of ball pockets, each ball pocket being adjacent a previously formed ball pocket.

Abstract: A split ring antifriction bearing retainer assembled from two mating annular split rings. Each split ring has a plurality of ball pockets. When the two split rings are assembled, the ball pockets of one split ring are aligned with the ball pockets of the other split ring. The ends of one split ring are angularly offset from the ends of the other split ring.

Abstract: The annular split cage is made of two semicircular parts. Each part has roller pockets containing one or more rollers. The cross-sectional area of the end rims of each semicircular part decreases from the circumferential center of the end rim to each circumferential end of the end rim.

Abstract: A single retainer retains two sets of circumferentially separated rollers. The retainer is made from flat metal stock. A method for making a double row retainer bearing from strip stock is disclosed.

Abstract: A single retainer retains two sets of circumferentially separated rollers. The retainer is made from flat metal stock. The retainer includes a pair of axially separated end rings interconnected by circumferentially separated axially extending cross-bars, and an axially centered ring. The axially centered ring may be an integral center ring or a separate metal band which has been attached to the cross-bars by methods such as welding.

Abstract: A machine knitting needle with an improved hook structure is disclosed. The hook includes a shank portion extending from the tapered part of the needle blade, a curved portion, and a portion overlapping the shank. At least a major longitudinal part of the overlapping portion has cross-sectional areas greater than the cross-sectional areas of the remainder of the hook.

Abstract: A hardened wear spot on a textile element is formed by applying high energy heat to a selected small area of the element which has been previously hardened and tempered to provide the proper spring characteristics for an operating textile element. The intensity and time of application of the high energy heat and the cooling after heat cut-off are carefully controlled to provide a small area of full hardness which is completely separated from the remaining tempered portion by a buffer zone of less hardness than either the tempered portion or the full hardness area.The new textile element made by this new method is a textile element with the major portion having a predetermined spring characteristic for an operating textile element. A small area of full hardness is located at a predetermined location to provide wear resistance. A buffer zone having less hardness than either the full hardness area or the major tempered portion completely separates the full hardness area from the major portion.

Abstract: A hardened wear spot on a textile element is formed by applying high energy heat to a selected small area of the element which has been previously hardened and tempered to provide the proper spring characteristics for an operating textile element. The intensity and time of application of the high energy heat and the cooling after heat cut-off are carefully controlled to provide a small area of full hardness which is completely separated from the remaining tempered portion by a buffer zone of less hardness than either the tempered portion or the full hardness area.The new textile element made by this new method is a textile element with the major portion having a predetermined spring characteristic for an operating textile element. A small area of full hardness is located at a predetermined location to provide wear resistance. A buffer zone having less hardness than either the full hardness area or the major tempered portion completely separates the full hardness area from the major portion.

Abstract: This is a knitting machine latch needle. The latch pivot is formed by displacing portions of the walls of the slot so that the displaced portions extend into the pivot hole of the latch. The displaced portions of the walls are fused together by a high energy heat source emitting sufficient energy to either drill a hole through the displaced portions or melt the displaced portions.