Abstract: A clutch assembly having driving and driven members with concentric cylindrical surfaces and which are independently rotatable about a common axis. A plurality of recesses are formed in the cylindrical surface of the driving member. The recesses include ramp surfaces which extend to the cylindrical surface. Roller elements are positioned in each of the recesses and a retainer, which is also independently rotatable about the axis, circumferentially interconnects the roller elements together. The retainer causes the rollers to move substantially in unison with one another and a biasing member individually biases each roller element into its respective recesses. During relative acceleration of the driving member relative to the driven member, the roller elements move along and up the ramp surfaces to a position where they become wedged between the driving and driven members. When wedged, torque can be transferred through the clutch assembly.

Abstract: An assembly for testing the rolling contact fatigue of a test element for evaluating the differences in the fatigue life between like materials manufactured by different manufacturers or the fatigue life of different bearing materials, heat treatments, surface coatings, lubricants, operating variables, etc. The assembly is configured to rotate load balls around a track in contact with a stationary test element. By allowing the test element to remain stationary during the test, sensors can be installed directly onto or into the element. It is possible to configure the present assembly so that sensors may be placed within millimeters of the rolling contact test track effectively eliminating outside noise and error signals and increasing the accuracy of the sensor measurements. The stationary mounting of the test element also facilitates control of the temperature of the element.

Abstract: A self lubricated and sealed pinion cartridge bearing assembly for use with a gear reduction system which may be used for example for providing rotating shaft support for a pinion shaft of a motor vehicle drive axle. The bearing assembly has a pair of anti-friction bearings having an outer and inner race and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart rolling elements which roll along inner and outer raceways. A spacer is provided between the bearing inner races, and at least one seal is formed between the inner races and the spacer to circumferentially seal the inner races together. A pair of seals are further provided between the inner and outer races of each bearing at each outboard face to form barriers at the ends of the bearing assembly for retaining lubricating oil within the bearing assembly.

Abstract: Rolling element bearings and particularly design features which reduce peak stresses acting on the bearing elements which affect bearing service life and rated load caring capacity. To reduce maximum stresses imposed by applied loads acting on the bearings, one or more of the bearing elements features an asymmetric configuration in which circumferential segments of the bearing element have increased flexibility. Such flexibility reduces maximum loads on the bearing and spreads out the load over a larger circumferential region. In addition to applied load components, nonuniform loads can act on rolling bearing elements at their lines of contact with the bearing raceways. In some embodiments of this invention segments of the bearing feature greater flexibility in order to adjust the load distribution acting on the rolling elements lines of contact.

Abstract: A hub and bearing assembly particularly adapted for motor vehicle application having anti-lock braking system (ABS). Wheel speed sensors are provided in accordance with this invention having a tone wheel configured from a support substrate having a layer of magnetic ink coated thereon. The magnetic ink is magnetized after coating and can be used in conjunction with passive sensors such as variable reluctance types, or active sensors including semi-conductor Hall effect types. The wheel speed sensors of this invention can be adapted for driven or non-driven wheel applications and are sufficiently compact to enable the device to be integrated into the bearing structure and protected from environmental exposure.

Abstract: A test bearing is adapted from a standard production bearing for recording the location and magnitude of load applied to the bearing when installed and operated in its intended environment. A groove is typically formed in the stationary raceway of a cylindrical or tapered roller bearing and a relatively soft ductile wire is inserted into the groove. A plurality of axially spaced circumferential grooves may be fitted with wires for the determination of any potentional misalignment of the bearing. The bearing is then operated under normal conditions such that the inserted wires are plastically deformed. The extent of plastic deformation of the wire provides an accurate indication of the loading of the bearing.