Abstract: A combination LED lamp and heat sink structure includes a heat sink formed by bending or stamping a metal sheet member into shape to provide a plurality of upright walls and mounting holes, a circuit board carrying a LED or LEDs at the front side and having a plurality of through holes, a plurality of metal connection members mounted in the mounting holes and the through holes to fixedly connect the heat sink and the circuit board together, and a lampshade surrounding the circuit board to let the heat sink be exposed to the outside.

Abstract: An LED lens and a light emitting device using the same are disclosed. The LED lens comprises a light incident surface, a light emitting surface, and a bottom surface. The light emitting surface includes a first recession portion disposed at the central thereof and a protrusion portion connected to the outer periphery of the emitting recession portion. The light incident surface comprises a first optically active area and a second optically active area. The first optically active area is disposed at the central of the light incident surface, and has a second recession portion; the second optically active area is a concave surface connected to the first optically active area. The LED lens satisfies specific conditions. The LED lens distributes a light beam emitted from the light emitting device to form an even light pattern.

Abstract: A light-diffusing element with high coupling efficiency to LED sources. The light-diffusing element may be a glass monolith that includes a plurality of internal voids. When light propagating through the monolith encounters the internal voids, it is scattered in a transverse direction and exits the lateral surface of the monolith to provide a broad-area illumination effect. The glass monolith has a diameter of at least 0.7 mm and features a numerical aperture of at least 0.6 to facilitate efficient coupling to LED sources. The internal voids have a cross-sectional dimension that ranges from about 100 nm to several microns and a length that ranges from about 1 ?m to a few millimeters. The light-diffusing element can be configured as a rod or as a bent or arbitrarily-shaped fixture.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a liquid crystal display (LCD) module and an LCD device. The LCD module includes a backplane, and a reflector sheet arranged on the backplane. The backplane is configured with a plurality of reinforced structures, a plurality of concave parts are formed between the reinforced structures, and the reflector sheet is arranged over the reinforced structures. The concave part(s) is configured with a support member used for supporting the reflector sheet. In the present disclosure, because the concave part of the backplane is configured with a support member used for supporting the reflector sheet, the reflector sheet is prevented from deforming and being depressed on the concave part of the backplane because of no support, and the reflector sheet is prevented from abnormally reflecting light because of deformation, thereby increasing the display effect of the LCD device.

Abstract: An LED-based luminaire employs an LED module mounted to a housing. The LED module is advantageously configured to transmit heat generated by the LEDs across and/or through the module and to the housing for dispersal to the environment. LED modules can be configured with conductive or non-conductive cores, and may be configured to evacuate heat from one or both faces of the LED module. Further, multiple heat paths can be defined from components on an LED module to the housing and to the environment.

Abstract: A device for mounting lighting sources on a substrate includes a mounting frame provided with fixing formations for fixing on the substrate, the mounting frame defining a cavity for receiving the lighting source which rests on the substrate. A locking member may be provided which can be positioned in the cavity of the mounting frame to urge said lighting source toward the substrate. At least one of the mounting frame and the locking member may include at least one retaining formation for the lighting source, including one or more pins extending into corresponding openings in the lighting source, and/or one or more elastic fins extending from the mounting frame to elastically contact the lighting source.

Abstract: A lens system includes multiple light emitting diode sources. The lens system further includes optics configured to capture and direct light from the multiple light emitting diode sources. The system generates a 360° horizontal beam pattern and a predetermined vertical beam pattern.

Abstract: A side-view mirror assembly for a vehicle, the side-view mirror assembly comprising: a housing for securement to a side of a vehicle, the housing defining an internal cavity opening toward a rear of the housing; a mirror disposed in the internal cavity, the mirror comprising a reflective element substantially occupying and being visible through the opening of the housing, and the reflective element supported on a first surface of a backplate, the backplate including at least one light-transmissive portion positioned proximate a peripheral edge of the reflective element; and one or more light sources disposed within the housing and operable to selectively illuminate the at least one light-transmissive portion so that the illumination is visible from outside the side-view mirror assembly in an area defined between the peripheral edge of the reflective element and the opening of the housing.

Abstract: A lighting device includes a light source, an elongated panel member, an elongated light guide member provided to the panel member, a first light transmission portion provided in the panel member and through which the light from the light guide member transmits toward the first portion to be illuminated, and a second light transmission portion provided in the panel member to be farther away from the light source than the first light transmission portion and through which the light from the light guide member transmits toward the second portion to be illuminated, the second light transmission portion and the second portion extending along a longitudinal direction of the light exit portion. The light guide member and the second portion are provided to be closer to each other as they are farther away from the light source.

Abstract: A vehicular accessory system includes an attachment element attached at an interior surface of a windshield of a vehicle and an accessory assembly having a housing that accommodates an accessory element. The accessory assembly includes structure used in attaching the accessory assembly to the attachment element. The accessory assembly includes circuitry disposed in the housing, and at least two electrical accessories of the accessory assembly share at least one component of the circuitry. One of the at least two electrical accessories includes a video camera and another of the at least two electrical accessories is selected from the group consisting of (i) a headlamp controller, (ii) a remote keyless entry receiver, (iii) a cellular phone and (iv) a vehicle status indicator. The video camera, when the accessory assembly is normally mounted in the vehicle, may have a field of view through the windshield of the vehicle.

Abstract: A ring light illuminator with annularly arranged light sources is disclosed. To each light source there corresponds a light collector, a homogenizing means for light from the light source, and an anamorphic system for imaging an output of the homogenizing means into an area to be illuminated. The anamorphic system compensates deformations of a cross-sectional area of a light beam in a surface to be illuminated due to an oblique angle of incidence of the light beam onto the surface. The homogenizing means in embodiments is a rod, into which light from the light collector is directed. The end of the rod opposite the light collector is imaged by the anamorphic system into the area to be illuminated on the surface. Also disclosed is a method for illumination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for an integrated light pipe. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a light pipe with a cavity positioned at a first end of the light pipe. The apparatus may further include a light emitting diode (LED) coupled to the light pipe within the cavity. The apparatus may further include, the light emitted from the LED is directed through the light pipe. The apparatus may also include a first and second conductive mount coupled to the LED and extending out of the cavity.

Abstract: A flexible light transmitting device, comprising a printable layer, a backing layer, and a light-emitting diode strip disposed between the printable layer and the backing layer. The printable layer is translucent to permit transmission of light from the light-emitting diodes through the printable layer when the light-emitting diodes are activated; however, the LED strip remains hidden between the layers. The printable layer is adapted to receive printed indicia by way of thermal printing process. The backing layer is substantially opaque comprises a durable nylon webbing or polypropylene material. The embedded LED strip comprises an elongated flexible casing containing spaced apart light-emitting diodes, one or more light interrupting spacers, and at least one ribbon wire extending through the casing and electrically coupling said light-emitting diodes. A fastener is disposed through the printable layer, the strip, and the backing layer to secure the strip to prevent breakage or dislodgment.

Abstract: In a backlight assembly and a display apparatus having the backlight assembly, the backlight assembly includes a light source, a light guide, a first reflector, and an optical unit. The light guide is disposed adjacent to the light source, extends substantially parallel with a longitudinal direction of the light source, and refracts light emitted from the light source. The first reflector is disposed under the light guide and reflects the refracted light toward the optical unit. The optical unit is disposed over the first reflector such that an empty space is formed between the optical unit and the first reflector.

Abstract: A light-emitting device combining a first luminous flux control member having a total reflection surface and emitting light from an emission surface in a narrow angle range centered mainly on an optical axis, and a second luminous flux control member arranged to surround the total reflection surface of the first luminous flux control member. The second luminous flux control member (102) of the light-emitting device is provided with a second incidence surface (126a) and a second emitting surface (126b). Of the light emitted from the light-emitting element (200), the light incident to the second incidence surface (126a) is within a range of angles ? larger than a largest angle to the optical axis of the light incident to the first luminous flux control member (101).

Abstract: A light diffusing member includes a base material having a light transmitting property; a plurality of light blocking sections that are formed in a scattered manner at one surface of the base material; and a light transmissive material layer that is formed at the one surface of the base material. A thickness of the light transmissive material layer is larger than a thickness of each light blocking section. The light transmissive material layer has hollow portions in regions where the light blocking sections are formed. Each hollow portion has a shape in which a cross-section area when each hollow portion is cut at a plane that is parallel to the one surface of the base material is large on a side of the corresponding light blocking section and becomes gradually smaller with increasing distance from the corresponding light blocking section. A portion of the light transmissive material layer other than where the hollow portions are formed is a light transmitting section.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for array illumination. In one aspect, an array of light engines is coupled to a support structure. Each light engine can be separately controlled to achieve a desired output beam. In another aspect, a support structure includes an array of LED emitters. The support structure is configured to removably receive a plurality of light guides over the array of LED emitters, thereby forming an array of light engines. The support structure can include an integrated heat sink in thermal communication with the array of LED emitters. Light from the LED emitters is distributed over the surface of the light guides to produce a desired output beam. The light engines can be configured to produce output beams of differing color, direction, shape and/or size.

Abstract: A front and back reflector are arranged to form a hollow light recycling cavity having an output region, and one or more light sources (e.g. LEDs) are disposed to emit light into the cavity. In one aspect, the back reflector has a design characterized by a first and second parameter. The first design parameter is a ratio of the collective emitting area of the light sources Aemit to the area of the output region Aout, and Aemit/Aout is preferably from 0.0001 to 0.1. The second design parameter is SEP/H, where H is the depth of the recycling cavity, and SEP is an average plan view source separation associated with the light sources. Other aspects of the disclosed extended area light sources are also described.

Abstract: The light guide plate has at least two layers which are superposed on each other in the direction almost perpendicular to the light exit surface and contain the scattering particles at different particle concentrations, the scattering particles are polydisperse particles including a mixture of particles with different particle sizes, and the combined particle concentrations in each portion of the light guide plate is different by changing the thicknesses of the first layer and the second layer in the direction almost perpendicular to the exit surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a display apparatus includes a first step of arranging a display panel (110) inside a housing (130); a second step including a light guide lens formation step of forming a curved surface (151b) of a light guide lens (151) into a concave-convex surface having surface roughness of 40-250 ?m, and a cover layer formation step of forming a light guide member (150) in such a manner that the curved surface (151b) of the light guide lens (151) is covered by a cover layer (152) to form an image-display-side surface of the cover layer (152) into a non-concave-convex surface; and a third step of bonding the light guide member (150) to a surface of an outer peripheral edge part of the display panel (110) and a surface of the window frame (130).

Abstract: A backlight module including a back frame, a light guiding plate received in the back frame, and a position piece is disclosed. The position piece is arranged between the back frame and the light guiding plate, and the position piece is detachably fixed on sidewalls of the back frame to firmly press the light guiding plate within the back frame. In addition, a liquid crystal display with the backlight module is also disclosed. The light guiding plate is reliably positioned by adopting the above position piece.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display and the backlight module thereof are disclosed. The backlight module includes a substrate, a light guiding plate, a first pillar, a light source, at least two separating pieces, and an elastic piece. The separating pieces keep the distance between the light guiding plate and the lighting assembly of the light source equals to a minimum distance. A first end of the elastic piece connects one end of the first pillar passing through the crack of the substrate, and a second end of the elastic piece connects to the substrate. The elastic piece pushes the light guiding plate via the first pillar to move toward the light source until the distance between the light guiding plate and the lighting assembly of the light source equals to the minimum distance. The liquid crystal device and the backlight module are capable of keeping the coupling distance of the backlight module remain unchanged.

Abstract: A mixer truck includes: a mixer drum capable of carrying ready-mixed concrete; a driving device that drives the mixer drum to rotate using an oil pressure of a working oil; a pressure sensor that detects a driving condition of the mixer drum driven by the driving device; a controller that determines a magnitude of rotation unevenness in the mixer drum by comparing a magnitude of variation in the driving condition detected by the pressure sensor with a predetermined set value after the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum has been discharged; and a notifying device that notifies a driver that the magnitude of the rotation unevenness in the mixer drum has reached an allowable value when the controller determines that the magnitude of the variation in the driving condition detected by the pressure sensor has reached the set value.

Abstract: In an agitation mixing apparatus 51 which includes: a casing 52 having a flow path 56 in which a fluid flows; an agitator 53 which is disposed inside the casing 52 and includes a shaft 57 and a vane 58 mounted around the shaft 57; and a drive source 59, connected to the shaft 57, for vibrating the agitator 53 in an axial direction, grooves 71 are provided on an inner wall surface of the casing 52 at predetermined intervals in the axial direction.

Abstract: Provided is a kneading rotor, a batch kneader and a method of kneading materials capable of obtaining kneaded materials with higher quality in comparison to conventional kneaded materials when the materials to be kneaded are kneaded in a high temperature state. The kneading rotor comprises a rotor portion which is disposed in a kneading chamber of a chamber of a batch kneader, and applies shear force, by using a plurality of kneading blades, to materials to be kneaded which pass through a tip clearance. A first long blade of the plurality of kneading blades has an apex for forming, with the inner surface of the chamber forming the kneading chamber, three-staged tip clearances of different sizes configured from a combination of a large tip clearance, a mid tip clearance that is smaller than the large tip clearance, and a small tip clearance that is smaller than the mid tip clearance so as to be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the first long blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a timepiece including a resonator cooperating with an escapement system. According to the invention, the escapement system includes a moving escape wheel arranged coaxially to the balance and driven by the gear train of the timepiece, a first fixed wheel having a first toothing and a second fixed wheel having a second toothing, the first and second fixed wheels being arranged coaxially to the moving escape wheel and a device for securing the outer end of the balance spring including a part hinged relative to the moving escape wheel and arranged to ensure a radial movement of the outer end between the first and second toothings to maintain the resonator and to transmit the motion thereof to the timepiece gear train.

Abstract: Timepiece barrel with a drum coaxial to a barrel arbour in a direction arranged to confine a barrel spring hooked to the drum and to a core coaxial to the barrel arbour and guided thereon. The core pivots in a bore of the drum, and includes a first stopping surface limiting the axial travel of the core, in the direction, relative to an inner face of the drum, and a second stopping surface opposite the first and limiting the axial travel of the core, relative to an outer face of the drum, which is arranged, on the one hand, imprisoned between the first stopping surface and the second stopping surface, and on the other hand to pivot freely about the core.

Abstract: A timepiece case has a case body having a face and a central axis normal to the face, a bezel on the case body, and a releasable attachment device operatively releasably attaching the bezel to the case body. The releasable attachment device has a retainer and an operator for moving the retainer from an engaged position, in engagement with the bezel for retaining the bezel on the case body, to a disengaged position, disengaged from the bezel, for releasing the bezel.

Abstract: A shock absorber bearing for an arbor of a timepiece wheel set. The arbor includes a pivot-shank extended by a pivot. The bearing includes a support including a recess for receiving a pivot system into which the pivot-shank is inserted. The pivot system is arranged to absorb, at least in part, shocks experienced by the timepiece wheel set and is formed of a single piece made of an at least partially amorphous metal alloy.

Abstract: A balance for a simultaneous differential thermal analysis instrument that combines gravimetric measurements with measurements that require propagation of electrical signals from the sample holder to an apparatus for recording the electrical signals. In one embodiment of the present invention, conductive cross-flexure pivots are used in a parallel guided balance to mechanically and electrically couple the components of the balance mechanism to the apparatus that records the electrical signals.

Abstract: The differential adiabatic compensation calorimeter comprises sample and reference containers, sample and reference temperature sensors connected back-to-back, in series, sample and reference compensating heaters coupled to the sample and reference containers, and a temperature-controlled chamber. In this differential adiabatic mixing and reaction calorimeter, the sample heat-sink heat loss to the sample container is compensated so that the exothermic reaction is conducted in an adiabatic state, resulting in an undistorted adiabatic process gaining the highest adiabatic temperature rise that corresponds to the theoretical value and an experimentally measured time to maximum rate value. The calorimeter is designed for measuring the time-resolved adiabatic temperature rise, the rate of temperature rise, the time to maximum temperature peak and time to maximum rate of an exothermic chemical reaction.

Abstract: A distributed optical fiber sensor system is provided. In this system, backward-scattered light generated in a test optical fiber is filtered to separate the backward-scattered light into Raman scattered light and Brillouin scattered light. The separated Raman scattered light and Brillouin scattered light are each converted into digital data. A change in temperature with respect to the distance of the test optical fiber is measured from the digital data of the Raman scattered light. A change in temperature and a change in the degree of deformation with respect to the distance of the test optical fiber are measured from the digital data of the Brillouin scattered light. The change in temperature and the change in the degree of deformation with respect to the distance of the test optical fiber are separately output using the measured data.

Abstract: A controller of a power converter has: an average loss calculator (202) calculating an average loss in a semiconductor device; and a partial temperature variation estimation part (204), while regarding the semiconductor device as a thermal network including at least one combination of a thermal resistance and a thermal time constant, estimating a partial temperature variation of the combination from a loss in the semiconductor device and the combination of the thermal resistance and the thermal time constant. The partial temperature variation estimation part (204) estimates an average temperature from the loss, the thermal resistance, and the thermal time constant; extracts a pulsation envelope temperature exceeding the maximum value of a pulsation temperature dependent on the average loss and the pulsation frequency; and estimates a temperature variation in the semiconductor device by adding the average temperature and the pulsation envelope temperature.

Abstract: An adapter slip configured to be seated in a fluid port, the adapter slip including a lumen, an exterior wall, a shoulder, and a sleeve. The lumen extending along a length of a longitudinal axis, the lumen configured to receive a temperature probe. The exterior wall including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, wherein the proximal end portion includes a tapered portion tapered at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The shoulder extending outward from the exterior wall distal to the tapered portion configured to engage with a distal end of the fluid port. The sleeve configured extend within the lumen and project a predetermined distance beyond the proximal end portion of the exterior wall, the sleeve including a sleeve lumen and a closed proximal end, the sleeve lumen configured to receive at least a temperature sensor of the temperature probe.

Abstract: A thermowell is provided for positioning on a pipeline or tank to measure the temperature. The thermowell comprises a head for receiving a probe, and the well has a closed end. An elongated hollow tubular connects the head and the well. The tubular includes one or more tubular parts, each of a selected axial length, joined by a friction welding to one of the more of the head, the well or another of the tubular parts.

Abstract: A source-side radiation detector (SSRD) includes a detector module assembly, and a monitoring lens coupled to the detector module assembly, the detector module assembly and the monitoring lens being positioned proximate to an x-ray source, the monitoring lens including a plurality of slits configured to receive x-rays therethrough from the x-ray source, the detector module assembly being configured detect the x-rays transmitted through the slits and to generate information to track a position of a focal spot of the x-ray source.

Abstract: A flexible tank having a closed form wherein liquid can be stored and which can carry liquid from one location to the other by means of a vehicle, characterized by comprising a lower compartment and an upper compartment one having smaller width or length than the other and positioned one upon the other so that the liquid transfer in between is at least partially prevented.

Abstract: A closure mechanism includes a first elongate closure member that sealing engages with a second elongate closure member. A slider slides along the first and second elongate closure members to engage or to separate the first and second elongate closure members. The first elongate closure member includes a first series of regularly spaced features that interacts with the slider to produce a first feedback at a first frequency and the second elongate closure member includes a second series of regularly spaced features that interacts with the slider to produce a second feedback at a second frequency. The first feedback and the second feedback are produced simultaneously when the slider is slid along the first and second elongate closure members.

Abstract: The disclosed seismic isolation bearing includes an upper base plate, a lower base plate, a disc bearing core, and at least one shear spring. The upper and lower base plates each have an upper surface and a lower surface. The disc bearing core is centrally positioned with respect to the planes of the upper and lower base plates and is in contact with the lower surface of the upper base plate and the upper surface of the lower base plate, where the disc bearing core allows the lower surface of the upper base plate to slide along the disc bearing core. The shear spring is coupled to the lower surface of the upper base plate and the upper surface of the lower base plate, deforms in shear upon lateral movement of the upper base plate relative to the lower base plate, and exerts a lateral return force on the upper base plate when laterally displaced.

Abstract: An endless circulation path for a linear rail includes a loaded path, an unloaded path and two direction change paths which are connected between the loaded path and the unloaded path. Each of the unloaded path, the direction change paths and the loaded path has top and bottom grooves. A first line is connected between top and bottom grooves of the unloaded path. A second line is connected between the top and bottom grooves of each of the direction change paths. A slope of the second line, starting from the intersection between the direction change path and the unloaded path to the intersection between the direction change path and the loaded path, is gradually inclined relative to the first line. A third line is connected between the top and bottom groove of the loaded path. The third line is inclined relative to the first line.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing sleeve for supporting a shaft of an air cycle machine. The bearing sleeve includes an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The outer diameter is within a range of 3.222 and 3.224 inches. Further included is a foil retaining cavity provided in the inner diameter of the sleeve. The foil retaining cavity includes a slot and first and second openings located at opposing axial ends of the slot. Each of the first and second openings include a small portion and a large portion having different axial lengths. A ratio of the combined axial lengths of the large portions to an axial length of the foil retaining cavity is within a range of 0.19:1 and 0.22:1. Further included is a seal attachment portion provided at one axial end of the bearing sleeve configured to circumferentially support a seal.

Abstract: An inner peripheral surface and a lower end surface of a bearing sleeve made of a sintered metal are each formed into a smooth cylindrical surface or a flat surface that does not have a dynamic pressure generating portion. Thus, a step of forming the dynamic pressure generating portion can be omitted from a manufacturing step of the bearing sleeve, and cost of dies can be markedly reduced. Further, the inner peripheral surface of the bearing sleeve is formed into the smooth cylindrical surface, and hence a radial dynamic pressure generating portion is formed on an outer peripheral surface of a shaft member. However, the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion is accessible to tools, and hence the radial dynamic pressure generating portion can be formed easily with high accuracy. As a result, accuracy of a radial bearing gap is enhanced so that a bearing rigidity is enhanced.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus, including a fluid dynamic bearing, wherein the fluid dynamic bearing includes a set of pressure-generating grooves, and wherein the set of pressure-generating grooves includes a plurality of chevron-shaped grooves, each chevron-shaped groove including at least two selected from a non-uniform depth, non-uniform angle, a non-uniform width, or a non-uniform length, selected to provide a predetermined spindle-motor stiffness to the journal bearing during steady-state operation and during a shock event.

Abstract: A spherical bearing has an outer ring with a concave bearing surface and an inner ring having a convex bearing surface, which is in sliding engagement with the concave bearing surface. A lubrication groove is formed in the convex bearing surface and/or the concave bearing surface. The lubrication groove is defined by a concave central portion and by convex side portions. The concave central portion has a first radius of curvature and the convex side portions have a second radius of curvature. The second radius of curvature is at least 0.7 times the first radius of curvature.

Abstract: A rolling-element bearing assembly includes an inner ring, an outer ring and a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring on a common pitch circle diameter. A retaining device is attached to one of the inner ring and the outer ring and holds the rolling-element bearing assembly together without falling apart. The rolling elements include balls and rollers disposed on the common pitch circle diameter in an alternating manner. Further, at least one of the inner ring and the outer ring includes a raceway groove that axially supports the roller bearing balls.

Abstract: A bearing comprises an inner wheel, an outer wheel which includes a first outer wheel and a second outer wheel, a plurality of rolling elements which are disposed between the inner wheel and the outer wheel, an inner wheel elastic ring which is disposed between the inner wheel and the a plurality of rolling elements and an outer wheel elastic ring which is disposed between the outer wheel and the a plurality of rolling elements. The bearing also comprises a first boss part which is disposed on an outer portion of the first outer wheel and has a plurality of fixing holes, and a second boss part which is disposed on an outer edge portion of the second wheel and has a plurality of hook parts, where the plurality of hook parts are inserted into the plurality of fixing holes.

Abstract: A compliant bearing mount for mounting a bearing relative to a support structure. The bearing mount assembly of the present invention is adapted to absorb a force applied to the bearing mount. A force translating element translates a component of an applied force to a shear force absorber, which absorbs the shear component of the applied force and restores the bearing mount back to the original position.

Abstract: The rolling bearing device (1), in particular for a motor vehicle steering column, comprises an outer race (2), an inner race (3), rolling elements (4) placed between the outer race (2) and inner race (3). The inner race comprises a plurality of retaining tongues (6) directed radially inwards suitable for coming into contact with a tube or a shaft (7).

Abstract: A bearing cage assembly comprising of a plurality of discrete bridge elements coupled between first and second cage support wire rings having selected tensions, and conforming to the surfaces of associated rolling elements. The discrete bridge elements maintain rolling element in separation, provide rolling element retention within the bearing assembly, and function as a lubrication reservoir for grease lubricated bearings. The discrete bridge elements may be disposed between adjacent rolling elements, or may be configured to pass through axial bores of hollow rolling elements.

Abstract: An axial cage for cylindrical rolling elements includes an annular disc, the disc having a W-shaped profile cross-section and including a radially inner rim, a radially outer rim, and a U-shaped bead connected via straight profile sections to the rims. Rectangular cage pockets are worked out of the bead and the adjoining straight sections, between which are pocket webs that connect the rims to one another and hold cylindrical rolling elements in the cage pockets. The outer rim has a crown cap-like overall shape such that it includes, in the region of each cage pocket, a constriction that extends axially into the cage pocket and is in supporting contact with an end face of the rolling elements, and, in the region of each pocket web, a section corresponding to the outer diameter of the axial cage.