Mounting Patents (Class 29/898.07)
  • Patent number: 6952875
    Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing including a shaft rotating within a sleeve and a thrust plate or the like supported at an end of the shaft rotating in a recess defined with the sleeve. The thrust plate faces a counterplate supported from the sleeve over the recess, and the sleeve and shaft are supported for rotation by fluid in the gap or gaps between the shaft and sleeve, thrust plate and sleeve, and thrust plate and counterplate. To prevent fluid from leaking out of the fluid dynamic bearing into the surrounding atmosphere by seeping between the counterplate and sleeve face it rests on, a seal recess is defined in the sleeve, a crush ring seal is placed in the recess. The counterplate is then pressed into the recess, crushing the crush seal ring and blocking any passage of the fluid from the gap region surrounding the thrust plate through the gap between counterplate and sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Robin Francis Dorulla, Mark Gregory Steele
  • Patent number: 6941651
    Abstract: A pulley and bearing assembly and a method of inserting and fastening a bearing within a pulley having an axially extending cylindrical hub portion with an axial bore forming an inner periphery of the pulley and a pair of opposite ends, an annular belt groove portion around an outer periphery of the pulley and annular disk shaped body portion extending radially between the hub and belt groove portion, the steps comprising: clamping the pulley in a fixed axial position, providing a bearing of a slightly larger outside diameter than the inside diameter of the bore of the hub, axially aligning the bearing with the bore of the hub, applying axial pressure to one side of the bearing to move it into the bore in a force fit therewith, and applying axial pressure simultaneously to both ends of the hub to crimp the ends of the hub around the bearing near its circumference to retain the bearing within the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Mijo Radocaj
  • Patent number: 6939053
    Abstract: A system is provided for securing a rotating member with respect to a non-rotating member. A hollow member, such as an inner ring of a bearing assembly, includes an extension having an annular outer groove. A tapered sleeve serves to lock the hollow member about a mechanical component, such as a shaft. A nut engageable on the sleeve includes an eccentric front aperture adjacent to a concentric groove, thereby forming a lip of varying depth. The system is engaged by rotation of the nut on the sleeve in one direction, and disassembled by counterrotation of the nut such that a portion of the varying depth lip co-acts with a lip formed by the groove of the hollow member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald L. Nisley, James E. Mickelson
  • Patent number: 6935026
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel bearing assembly for motor vehicles with a bearing provided with an inner ring and an outer ring, the bearing being fitted with its outer ring into a bearing casing and the outer ring being mechanically supported in axial direction on a first side by a supporting surface provided on the bearing casing. Discrete and preferably evenly arranged stop protrusions are formed on the inner circumference of the bearing casing, the outer ring abutting thereon in axial direction on its second side, and the stop protrusions being formed by locally plastic forming the bearing casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Johannes Frantzen
  • Patent number: 6935005
    Abstract: A tool facilitates the installation of a hub/bearing assembly on a CV joint during the assembly of an automotive vehicle. The hub/bearing assembly has a housing, a hub provided with a spindle that projects into the housing, and a bearing between the spindle and housing to enable the hub to rotate in the housing. The spindle contains an internal spline which mates with an external spline located on a half-shaft of the CV joint, when the hub/bearing assembly is fitted to the CV joint, but the universal movement of the CV joint makes fitting difficult in the absence of the tool. The tool has a sleeve which fits into the spline of the hub spindle and over a reduced end that projects beyond the spline on the half-shaft. It aligns the two splines so that the hub is simply pushed off the sleeve and over the spline of the half-shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Avery, John D. Doughtery
  • Patent number: 6928729
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cylinder head and crankcase for a small engine. A crankcase and a cylinder head are cast to close tolerances and include as-cast mounting flanges, which are assembled in face-to-face contact by employing self-threading screws. Bearing recesses are cast into the crankcase. The cylindrical sidewalls of the bearing recesses are provided with as-cast flutes and roller bearings are press-fitted into the bearing recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Britt, James L. Bloemers, Elmer R. Ford
  • Patent number: 6928737
    Abstract: A cylindrical portion 10 is not quenched, and its hardness of a cylindrical portion 10 is set at Hv200 to 300. An average cross sectional area of the crystal particle in this portion is set to be within 0.03 mm2. Accordingly, when a caulking portion is formed by expanding the cylindrical portion 10b to an inner ring 3 to a hub 2b made of carbon steel, cracks or the like are not formed in the resultant caulking portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirohide Ishida, Hiroya Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 6925715
    Abstract: Methods in accordance with the present invention can eliminate cumbersome and potentially contaminating methods for connecting a bearing assembly with an actuator assembly. One such assembly comprises a bearing assembly with a threaded base for insertion into a bore, wherein the bore includes threads for engaging the threaded base of the bearing assembly, eliminating the contamination associated with such methods as glueing. The bearing assembly is designed such that it can be disconnected from the actuator assembly for rework without damaging or contaminating the actuator assembly or bearing assembly. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.
    Inventor: Richard G. Ramsdell
  • Patent number: 6907667
    Abstract: A method of assembling components of a universal joint, such as a cross and a yoke, positions and maintains the rotational center axes thereof in co-axial alignment during the assembly process. The universal joint includes a yoke including a body portion and first and second arms, wherein the first and second arms have respective openings formed therethrough. The universal joint also includes a cross including a body portion having a plurality of trunnions extending outwardly therefrom. Initially, an assembly tool having a recess formed therein is supported on the yoke such that the recess is precisely positioned relative to the rotational center axis of the yoke. Then, the cross is supported on the assembly tool such that one of the trunnions is received within and supported by the recess formed in the assembly tool. As a result, the rotational center axis of the cross is co-axially aligned with the rotational center axis of the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Joyner, James L. Oess
  • Patent number: 6904680
    Abstract: A bushing utilizes a fabric reinforced thermoset composite sleeve incorporated within an outer shell in a construction enabling the sleeve to be press-fitted within the shell and held therein by a constriction in the shell bore which is embraced by the bearing liner. Following installation of the bearing sleeve, the sleeve bore may be reamed to provide a uniform inside diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Anchor Lamina, Inc.
    Inventor: Erich D. Fidziukiewicz
  • Patent number: 6904681
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for fabricating a driving and locking mechanism. The present invention provides a bearing device having a first end and a second end, where the first end has a curvilinear shape. The present invention also provides a strip of metal material with a predetermined length, conforming the strip of metal material to the curvilinear shape of the first end and attaching the strip of metal material to the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Steven G. Slesinski
  • Patent number: 6880247
    Abstract: A bearing is mounted on a hollow shaft of a hub wheel. A shaft end of the hollow shaft is deformed radially outward and caulked to an outer end face of an inner ring of the bearing. Between a first area in which a spline portion is formed and a second area in which a caulked portion is formed, between a bending starting point for bending the shaft end radially outward and an end face of the shaft end on an inner peripheral face of the hollow shaft, a third area for suppressing deformation of the inner peripheral face of the hollow shaft caused by the caulking is formed. The third area cushions deformation in the first area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Toda, Teruyuki Wakisaka, Kenji Takahashi, Teruyuki Kawatani, Shinichirou Kashiwagi
  • Patent number: 6868609
    Abstract: A method for determining a thickness of a shim for setting up a predetermined preload of a bearing assembly that rotatably supports a shaft within a housing. The bearing assembly includes front and rear tapered roller bearings. The shim is disposed between a bearing supporting shoulder of the shaft and an inner cone of the rear bearing. The method comprises the steps of: measuring a distance X from an end face of the shaft to the bearing supporting shoulder thereof; measuring a height B of the inner cone; mounting the shaft within the housing; applying a load to the inner cone of the rear bearing corresponding to a predetermined preload; measuring a distance XL from the end face of the shaft to the inner cone of the rear bearing; and determining the thickness W of the shim in accordance with the following equation: W=X?XL?B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Nahrwold, Robert William Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6865809
    Abstract: A method is provided for achieving a desired preload on tapered roller bearings which rotatably support a gear between first and second transmission housing members in the assembly of a transmission. The bottom of each pocket which supports a tapered roller bearing is measured with respect to a mating face of the transmission case half. Shims are selected based upon these measurements so that each shim forms a reaction surface upon which the tapered roller bearings rest so that the appropriate preload is established with the case halves are bolted together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Bradford E. Vorbeck
  • Patent number: 6862808
    Abstract: An inner ring 3 is fit to a stepped part 8 formed on the inner end of a hub 2b. A desired pre-load is applied to rolling elements 5 in a state that an outer end face 28 of the inner ring 3 is butted against a step surface 12 formed on the hub 2b. The inner ring 3 is fit to the hub 2b by interference fitting causing a static friction force, which is larger than a thrust load acting on the inner ring 3 based on the pre-loading. Therefore, the inner end face of the inner ring 3 is clamped with a caulking portion, which is formed by expanding outward in the diameter directions a cylindrical portion 18 formed in the inner end of the hub 2b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroya Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 6860015
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing an elastomeric conical flap bearing assembly for rotary aircraft including an inboard bearing element and outboard bearing element disposed within an outer housing. The outer housing has an outer surface configured with a plurality of radially extending flange elements. The outer housing has an inner surface configured to receive tapered conical bearing elements. A tapered conical elastomeric inboard bearing element is inserted into its outer housing and is bonded to the inner surface. A tapered conical elastomeric outboard bearing element is inserted into the outer housing, wherein the conical tapers of the respective bearing elements are directed in opposing directions. The bearing elements are press-fit together and the outer surface of the outboard bearing is bonded to the inner surface of the outer housing forming a bearing assembly. Simultaneously, an axial pre-load is applied to the bearing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Neal M. Muylaert
  • Patent number: 6857190
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming an annular collar (11) that is essentially radial on the hollow annular end portion (12) of a port (7). This method has the following steps: A. radially deforming the end portion (12) by means of a first tool (16), in which the axis (18) of the tool (16) and the axis (5) of the end portion (12) form a non-zero angle ? between them to obtain an essentially radial collar preform (17); and B. deforming this preform (17) by means of a second tool (23) to obtain a final shaping of the collar (11) by pressing. This invention also relates to a method of retaining a bearing (1) on a shaft (7), and to the assembly that comprises this shaft (7) and bearing (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: S.N.R. Roulements
    Inventors: Cedric Gavard, Andre Odelin
  • Patent number: 6857189
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a hydrodynamic bearing in a motor is provided. The method comprises affixing a first bearing upon a shaft, applying an axial tension force to the shaft, and affixing a second bearing upon the shaft in a spaced apart relation to the first bearing, as the axial force is applied to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Seagate Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Troy Michael Herndon, Norbert Steven Parsoneault, Alex Gredinberg, Michael David Kennedy, Kris Jearakul
  • Patent number: 6855060
    Abstract: A universal joint assembly includes a cross and an end fitting having respective rotational centers that are precisely co-axially aligned with one another to minimize rotational imbalance. The cross has a pair of outwardly extending trunnions, upon which respective bearing cups are rotatably supported. A span control sleeve is press fit about each of the bearing cups. Each of the span control sleeves includes an outwardly extending flange portion that is precisely located relative to the rotational center of the cross. The end fitting is formed having a pair of inwardly facing surfaces that are precisely located relative to the rotational center of the end fitting. When the cross is assembled with the end fitting, the outwardly extending flange portions of the span control sleeves abut the inwardly facing surfaces of the end fitting. As a result, the rotational center of the cross is precisely aligned with the rotational center of the end fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Breese, Matheno B. Bey
  • Publication number: 20040261269
    Abstract: A system is provided for securing a rotating member with respect to a non-rotating member. A hollow member, such as a mounting hub or an inner ring of a bearing assembly, includes an extension having an annular outer groove. One or more tapered sleeves serve to lock the hollow member about a mechanical component, such as a shaft. A nut engageable on a sleeve includes an eccentric front aperture adjacent to a concentric groove, thereby forming a lip of varying depth The system is engaged by rotation of the nut on the sleeve in one direction, and disassembled by counterrotation of the nut such that a portion of the varying depth lip co-acts with a lip formed by a groove on an outer sleeve or on the hollow member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Donald L. Nisley, James E. Mickelson, Roman M. Wajda
  • Patent number: 6830516
    Abstract: A universal joint hub comprising a generally spherical body having two flat areas on opposing exterior sides and at least one opening into an open body interior. The hub has two flat areas on opposing interior surfaces of the body orthogonal to the exterior flat areas and an exterior circumferential groove extending between the exterior flat areas on a given plane. Four apertures extend into the body and are positioned orthogonal to each other on the given plane with each aperture disposed in one of the flat areas. A bushing is disposed in each aperture having a face exposed to the exterior surface. A circumferential band is disposed in the circumferential groove coupling each of the bushings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventors: Christopher E. McCormick, Nicholas T. Fappiano
  • Publication number: 20040244201
    Abstract: A hydraulic locking and loosening device (40) is set on the neck of a rolling-mill roll or back-up roll with a conical part (3) and a cylindrical part (4), and comprising an oil-film bearing (7, 8), a spacer ring (16), a thrust bearing (15), a thrust ring (17), and a threaded lock ring (18). The locking device (30) comprises a body (21) inserted at the centre in a ram (22) to form a hydraulic actuator with two annular chambers (23), longitudinal arms (31), on each of which is provided a C-shaped notch (32), and a cover (24) for closing the hydraulic chambers (23). A variant of the hydraulic locking and loosening device (40) is provided with a bayonet device for its engaging on the roll end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Marco Di Giacomo
  • Publication number: 20040237306
    Abstract: The invention relates to an extra-roll slide bearing system (20) for a paper/board machine or a finishing machine, surrounding a shaft (2) in a roll (1). The bearing system comprises a body section (5), which is formed with a bearing housing (7) provided with hydrostatic bearing elements (3, 3A) disposed around the shaft (2). The bearing elements are fitted with slide elements (4, 4A), having a sliding surface (16) directed towards the shaft (2). Between the slide elements (4) and the shaft (2) is a bushing (6), which is mounted on the shaft (2) for rotation therewith, said slide elements (4, 4A) being adapted to position themselves around the bushing (6) with the sliding surfaces (16) against the external surface of the bushing directed away from the shaft for supporting said shaft (2), and hence the roll (1), rotatably relative to the body section (5). The bearing housing (7) has its axial ends provided with end caps (8, 9), along with packing elements (12, 14) therefor, for sealing the bearing housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Juha Vimpari
  • Publication number: 20040231131
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for inserting a so-called inserted workpiece (100) into a receiving workpiece (200) comprising a reception zone (210) therefor by means of a machine-tool whereon is installed an inserting device (D) including receiving means and positioning means (420). The invention is characterized in that it consists in causing the end of the inserting device (D) to penetrate into the reception zone (210) and urged to be supported on the receiving workpiece (200) so as to form a vise whereof the actuation of the jaws formed by the support point (410) on said receiving workpiece (200) and by the receiving means and positioning means (420) of the insertion workpiece (100), brings the insertion workpiece (100), installed on the inserting device (D), towards the reception zone (210) of said receiving workpiece (200) and inserts it therein. The invention also concerns the device for implementing said method. The invention is useful for inserting workpieces from a machine-tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Daulon, Dominique Maynadier
  • Patent number: 6817774
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically dynamically adjusting prestressed bearings of shaft are provided. The apparatus comprises a sleeve assembly having outer and inner sleeves sandwiched between the bearings. An inner diameter of outer sleeve is smaller than an outer diameter of inner sleeve. Hence, outer and inner sleeves are fitted together after cooling. Further, inner sleeve is compressed by the outer sleeve to extend axially. During rotation of shaft, the axial extension of inner sleeve is reduced because the radial expansion of outer sleeve is larger than that of inner sleeve due to an thermal expansion coefficient of outer sleeve larger than that of inner sleeve. This can reduce prestress of bearings without degrading a rigidity thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Jinn-Fa Wu, Tsann-Huei Chang, Kuan-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 6814495
    Abstract: A bearing device comprising a shaft body having an axially cylindrical portion in a free end side thereof and a rolling bearing fitted around an outer peripheral surface of the shaft body, wherein the cylindrical portion is bent and deformed radially outward by a rolling caulking to be caulked thereby on an outer end face of an inner ring of the rolling bearing. An inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is formed by a turning work, and a residual stress left in a surface layer of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion by the turning work is set to a value capable of restraining a crack generation ratio in the inner peripheral surface to less than a predetermined rate, desirably to not more than 5 kgf/mm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Toda, Shinichirou Kashiwagi, Tomohiro Ishii, Tadashi Mitarai, Daisaku Tomita
  • Patent number: 6810576
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a shaft (22), and an apparatus containing such a shaft (22), in particular an armature shaft (22) of an electric motor-driven drive (12) that is brought to a nominal dimension (44). The shaft (22) is reshaped by means of material displacement (46) at least one point until the nominal dimension (44) is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Karl
  • Publication number: 20040211065
    Abstract: A system is provided for securing a rotating member with respect to a non-rotating member. A hollow member, such as an inner ring of a bearing assembly, includes an extension having an annular outer groove. A tapered sleeve serves to lock the hollow member about a mechanical component, such as a shaft. A nut engageable on the sleeve includes an eccentric front aperture adjacent to a concentric groove, thereby forming a lip of varying depth. The system is engaged by rotation of the nut on the sleeve in one direction, and disassembled by counterrotation of the nut such that a portion of the varying depth lip co-acts with a lip formed by the groove of the hollow member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Donald L. Nisley, James E. Mickelson
  • Patent number: 6808312
    Abstract: A bearing device comprising a shaft body having an axially cylindrical portion in a free end side thereof and a rolling bearing fitted around an outer peripheral surface of the shaft body, wherein the cylindrical portion is bent and deformed radially outward by a rolling caulking to be caulked thereby on an outer end face of an inner ring of the rolling bearing, and a surface roughness of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is set to 12.5 &mgr;m or less by a ten-point mean roughness (Rz).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Toda, Shinichirou Kashiwagi, Tomohiro Ishii, Tadashi Mitarai, Daisaku Tomita
  • Publication number: 20040200071
    Abstract: A pulley and bearing assembly and a method of inserting and fastening a bearing within a pulley having an axially extending cylindrical hub portion with an axial bore forming an inner periphery of the pulley and a pair of opposite ends, an annular belt groove portion around an outer periphery of the pulley and annular disk shaped body portion extending radially between the hub and belt groove portion, the steps comprising: clamping the pulley in a fixed axial position, providing a bearing of a slightly larger outside diameter than the inside diameter of the bore of the hub, axially aligning the bearing with the bore of the hub, applying axial pressure to one side of the bearing to move it into the bore in a force fit therewith, and applying axial pressure simultaneously to both ends of the hub to crimp the ends of the hub around the bearing near its circumference to retain the bearing within the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Mijo Radocaj
  • Publication number: 20040194315
    Abstract: A method for forming a brake assembly for a motor vehicle includes a wheel hub, a knuckle, and a brake rotor. The wheel hub includes a neck portion and a flange portion having a flange face. The flange face has a plurality of bolt receiving holes formed therein. The wheel hub is placed in rotational communication with the knuckle. The flange face of the wheel hub has a brake rotor secured thereto. The brake rotor has an inner surface, which is subjected to final finishing in order to reduce lateral run-out of the brake rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel Brinker, Robert Veldman
  • Patent number: 6796031
    Abstract: A pair of tapered roller bearings, which are located between two machine components, such as a pinion shaft and its carrier, to enable the one component to rotate relative to the other one, is set to a desired dimensional preload with the aid of a gauge and the force preload in the bearing is determined to verify that it is within acceptable limits. The gauge is interposed between a raceway and rolling elements of the second bearing to measure the size of a spacer required to give the two bearings the correct dimensional preload. The gauge also exerts a known axial force on the bearings, and while that force is maintained, the torque required by the bearings is measured. That torque divided by the axial load gives a torque signature. Thereafter, the gauge is removed, the spacer is selected and installed, and the bearings are installed in their operative positions. The spacer sets the bearings with a desired dimensional preload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventor: Daniel T. Russell
  • Patent number: 6785965
    Abstract: A caulked portion is formed by plastic deformation of a cylindrical portion which is formed at the inner end of a shaft member and is reduced in thickness toward the leading end in a diametrical outward direction. The force required to form the caulked portion is reduced, and the caulked portion is less susceptible to damage. Further, the force of the caulked portion for supporting the inner ring is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Sawai, Takafumi Kuwano, Yoshifumi Hirano
  • Patent number: 6782622
    Abstract: A cylindrical portion formed in the inside end portion of the hub is caulked and spread using a pressing mold assembled to an oscillating/caulking apparatus to thereby form the caulking portion. In working or forming the caulking portion, a cylindrical projecting portion formed in the central portion of the leading end face of the pressing mold is inserted into the cylindrical portion to thereby prevent the inside diameter of the cylindrical portion from reducing excessively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Hagiwara, Shoji Horike
  • Patent number: 6772615
    Abstract: When a shape of the cylindrical portion (8b) to be formed into the calking portion (9b) is devised and when a sectional shape of the annular recess portion (23) of the die (15a) for plastically deforming the cylindrical portion (8b) is devised, the calking portion (9b) is continuously given a compressive average stress during the process of working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Hagiwara, Shoji Horike
  • Publication number: 20040123463
    Abstract: Methods in accordance with the present invention can eliminate cumbersome and potentially contaminating methods for connecting a bearing assembly with an actuator assembly. One such assembly comprises a bearing assembly with a threaded base for insertion into a bore, wherein the bore includes threads for engaging the threaded base of the bearing assembly, eliminating the contamination associated with such methods as glueing. The bearing assembly is designed such that it can be disconnected from the actuator assembly for rework without damaging or contaminating the actuator assembly or bearing assembly. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Richard G. Ramsdell
  • Publication number: 20040111892
    Abstract: A lead-free bearing includes a bronze matrix powder metal bearing layer bonded to a steel backing a fully densified. The bearing material has about 8 to 12% by weight tin, about 1 to less than 5% by weight bismuth, and about 0.03 to 0.08% by weight phosphorus, with the balance being copper. The tin is soluable in the copper to yield the bronze matrix, and the bismuth exists as finely dispersed, undissolved islands through the matrix. Such bearings exhibit physical properties comparable to or better than those of traditional bronze-lead bearings and improved wear in seizure properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Robert L. Greene, Warren J. Whitney, James M. Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20040111889
    Abstract: Bearing hubs are typically machined in a lathe. Strict tolerances must be observed because, if the bearing fits too tightly in the hub, it may “lock up” and will not turn. An approach to relax the strict tolerances associated with these bearing hubs is to cut threads or parallel grooves (circumferentially) in the surface in contact with the outer race of the bearing. These threads or the high points between the grooves will deform (crush) when the bearing race is pressed in. The strain, then, in the bearing race is lessened due to the plastic strain of the hub, reducing the chance the bearing will lock up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Tim E. Wolf, Darrell R. Huffine
  • Patent number: 6745471
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing involves providing a sub-unit including a shaft and a bevel gear associated with the shaft, and also providing a first support member and a second support member. A first bearing is positioned between the sub-unit and first support member. A second bearing is positioned between the second support member and the sub-unit. The first support member is connected to the second support member. Preload on the first and second bearings is adjusted. At least the sub-unit, the first support member, the second support member, the first bearing, and the second bearing constitute an assembly capable of being installed in a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Randall Rey Bendtsen
  • Publication number: 20040079316
    Abstract: Balance shaft assemblies are used in internal combustion engines to dampen primary and second order inertia forces. Known balance shaft assemblies typically require precision manufacturing and a rigid frame or housing. A balance shaft assembly (1) in accordance with this invention provides a low cost and less complex solution to engine balancing. The balance shaft assembly (1) includes an elongate housing (2) having a front end and a rear end, a balance shaft (5) which is rotatably supported between a front end bearing (6), a rear end bearing (7) and an intermediate bearing (12) in the housing (2). The housing (2) is transversely flexible relative to the balance shaft (5) to accommodate misalignment of the intermediate bearing (12) relative to the front and rear end bearings (6, 7). Consequently, the balance shaft assembly (1) can be less complicated and manufactured at a lower cost than known balance shaft assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Howard J. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 6718634
    Abstract: A method of attaching a bearing (216) and hub (214) to a knuckle (212) in a corner assembly (220) of a vehicle to prevent the introduction of lateral moments into a plurality of rollers (232,234,232′,234′) retained in the bearing (216). The bearing (216) has an inner race (222) and an outer race (226) with the plurality of rollers (232,234,232′,234′) being retained between an outer race (226) and an inner race (222). The hub (214) has a cylindrical body with a flange (220) located adjacent a first end (219) and a mounting surface (224) located adjacent a second end (213). The flange (220) has a plurality of axial openings (250,250′ . . . 250n) that are spaced in an arc with respect to an axis of the cylindrical body. After the inner race (222) is located on the mounting surface (224), the inner race (222) is fixed to the cylindrical body. Thereafter, hub (214) is placed on a tool (242) such that a plurality of pins (248,248′ . . .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Corporation
    Inventors: David Thomas Sadanowicz, Robert Edward Sierminski, Jeffery D. Pontius
  • Patent number: 6709162
    Abstract: A rolling-bearing unit comprising a pair of bearing assembled such that the tolerance range of the radial clearance or contact angle of the ball bearings is divided into a plurality of divisions, and that a pair of ball bearings is selected from the same division, and that a pre-load, which is set according to the division, is applied to the selected pair of ball bearings as they are installed in the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Muraki, Norihiro Aoki, Norikazu Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 6705013
    Abstract: A method for setting one or more hydrodynamic bearing gaps in a disc drive spindle motor is provided. In one embodiment, a method setting one or more hydrodynamic bearing gaps in a disc drive spindle motor includes disposing a rotary member against one or more working surfaces such that substantially no gap exists therebetween and inducing creep between the rotary member and the working surfaces. The creep creates a bearing gap therebetween the rotary member and at least one of the working surfaces. The creep may be induced by thermally cycling the motor components or applying a force to a tool coupled to a member having at least one of the working surfaces disposed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Troy M. Herndon, Klaus D. Kloeppel
  • Patent number: 6692158
    Abstract: A bearing seat includes a cylindrical scat defining a cylindrical pocket for at least partially containing a bearing. The cylindrical seat includes a cylindrical first wall and an end wall extending from the cylindrical first wall. The cylindrical first wall has an inner face and the end wall includes an integral shim extending outwardly therefrom. The integral shim is configured to contact a side of an outer race of a bearing such that the side of the outer race of the bearing seats firmly against the integral shim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Timothy O. Williams, Michael A. Cook, Michael W. Henry, Timothy W. Carey
  • Patent number: 6688774
    Abstract: A mounting device in the form of a substantially annular washer allows a bearing having relatively movable bearing rings to be blind mounted in a bearing seat in a housing or on a shaft. The washer is fitted to one of the bearing rings and abuts a side face of the other bearing ring to transfer an axial mounting force between the two bearing rings to mount one of the bearing rings in the bearing seat. The washer is tapering and assumes a first stable position to transfer axial force sufficient to push one of the bearing rings into its seat and an unstable region encountered after the one bearing ring has reached its mounted position. Under continued axial force, the washer flexes away from the side face of the other bearing ring to an inverted tapering, second stable position, with a passage between the bearing rings being opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Jonas Kullin, Sven Göthberg
  • Patent number: 6684506
    Abstract: One or more force application members (e.g., a force transmission member and/or a hydraulic force application member) may be employed to provide a desired adjustment (e.g., a preload and/or a compression) to an adjustable spacer of a bearing assembly. The hydraulic force application member may provide a first stage of the adjustment to the spacer, and the force transmission member may be threadingly rotated to apply a second stage of the adjustment to the spacer. An additional force application member may (e.g., contemporaneously) oppose at least one of the force application members in the providing of the adjustment to the spacer. This opposing force may cause a gap between certain surfaces (e.g., in a press) until the adjustment to the spacer is completed. The closure of the gap may serve to indicate the completion of the desired adjustment to the spacer. A housing rotatable on a portion of the bearing assembly may be prevented from rotating at the closure of the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Publication number: 20040016102
    Abstract: A dual actuator pivot bearing system and method for making the same is disclosed, wherein the need for adhesive bonding is eliminated and assembly time is minimized. The dual actuator pivot includes a first and a second actuator bearing assembly that include an upper sleeve having an upper and lower ball bearing press fitted into the upper sleeve to form the first actuator bearing assembly and a lower sleeve having an upper ball bearing press fitted into the sleeve to form the second actuator bearing assembly, the first and second actuator bearing assemblies being press fitted to a shaft assembly comprising a shaft having a ball bearing press fitted at a shaft base. The first and second actuator bearing assemblies are press fitted using-a predetermined axial load that is tuned to select a desired resonance frequency for the first and second actuator bearing assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Walter L. Prater, Ambrish A. Misra, Miquel Dominguez
  • Patent number: 6675478
    Abstract: Balls are supported between the spherical inner race 5 and the outer race 6 which surrounds one potion of the inner race 6 through the resiliently transformable shell-like retainer 7. By making the inner race 5 and outer race 7, which influence the bearing precision greatly, to be formed in a unit respectively, the bearing precision is increased. For reference, although the retainer is divided, the retainer 7 bears merely the ball holding function and its transformation and the position relation in assembling state do not influence the bearing precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gen Sasaki, Shinichi Akao, Kennosuke Kariya
  • Publication number: 20040005191
    Abstract: A method of assembling an exciter assembly for a compaction machine includes mounting a torque transfer element and a bearing on an exciter shaft. A fixed eccentric weight is mounted on the exciter shaft. First and second free swinging eccentric weights are mounted on the exciter shaft adjacent respective ends of the fixed eccentric weight so as to be rotatable a limited amount relative to the exciter shaft. The first and second free swinging eccentric weights are restrained from substantial axial movement along the exciter shaft solely by being sandwiched the first and second free swinging eccentric weights between the respective ends of the fixed eccentric weight and operative components of the exciter assembly. All of the mounting steps are performed without the use of any mounting hardware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Wacker Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Geier, Ronald Brinkmann, Jay Baudhuin
  • Patent number: 6669374
    Abstract: An inner ring 3 is fit to a stepped part 8 formed on the inner end of a hub 2b. A desired pre-load is applied to rolling elements 5 in a state that an outer end face 28 of the inner ring 3 is butted against a step surface 12 formed on the hub 2b. The inner ring 3 is fit to the hub 2b by interference fitting causing a static friction force, which is larger than a thrust load acting on the inner ring 3 based on the pre-loading. Therefore, the inner end face of the inner ring 3 is clamped with a caulking portion, which is formed by expanding outward in the diameter directions a cylindrical portion 18 formed in the inner end of the hub 2b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroya Miyazaki