Self-adjusting Or Self-aligning Patents (Class 384/192)
  • Publication number: 20020090154
    Abstract: Self-adjustable, self-lubricating joint or sliding bearing unit incorporating an inner ring having an outer contour, which together with an outer part designed in a complementary manner and having a main axial direction is designed to be able to permit angular deviations between the axis direction of the inner ring and the axis direction of the outer part, and where the outer part is manufactured from a porous, preferably sintered material that is compressed about the inner part, and having an ability of bleeding oil during operation of the joint or bearing unit for lubrication of the contact surfaces facing each other, whereby the inner part is provided with irregularities in the form of grooves and/or chutes, indentations and/or bridges, arranged to eliminate between the contact surfaces and uneven pressure distribution in the oil caused by a laminar oil flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Hans Murray
  • Publication number: 20020085776
    Abstract: An improved flexible support for a steady bearing in rotational contact with the surface of a shaft allows the bearing and housing to substantially track the contact surface of an impeller shaft when the shaft is subject to elastic deflection during operation. The flexible support employs a flexible disc pack, which is comprised of a plurality of thin, flexible disc elements in a stacked arrangement. The disc pack is mounted to a support ring and is also mounted to the bearing housing such that the bearing housing and other bearing elements are capable of deflection to substantially align with the axis of the impeller shaft when the shaft deflects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Robert A. Blakley
  • Patent number: 6390700
    Abstract: A bearing for an imaging apparatus includes a first bearing flank including a first bearing surface having a shape in cross-section defined by a first arc having a first radius extending from a first surface axis. The bearing further includes a second bearing flank including a second bearing surface having a shape in cross-section defined by a second arc having a second radius extending from a second surface axis. The first bearing flank and the second bearing flank are structured and adapted such that the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface together in cross-section form a concave shape, and such that the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface are non-concentric. Alternatively, the first and second bearing flanks can be replaced by roller bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc
    Inventors: Larry Steven Foster, Darin M. Gettelfinger, John Paul Spicer
  • Patent number: 6376952
    Abstract: A floating bearing system comprising a bearing supported in a clearance fit within a bearing bracket, for example for use in fractional horsepower shaded pole type electric motors. The bearing system is self aligning, to compensate for deviations in the axial alignment of the rotor shaft. A rotation lock restrains the bearing against rotation within the bearing receptacle while allowing the bearing to settle into proper alignment with the rotor shaft by automatically shifting the pitch of the axis of the bearing. In the preferred embodiment the bracket is composed of an engineering plastic and the bearing is composed of a high performance plastic polymer, so that the bearing system is non-lubricating. In the preferred embodiment the bearing bracket is provided with retaining fingers which hold the bearing in place during the assembly and working life of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Christopher Scott Stenta
  • Publication number: 20020034347
    Abstract: A shaft bearing system having a housing including a spherical collar for the shaft. The shaft bearing is made up of a cage (19) into which the spherical collar (20) is inserted. The cage is installed in a recess (18) in a housing (16); a sleeve (21) is arranged in the interior of the spherical collar, and an axle stub (22) is inserted into the shaft bearing. The rotational movement preferably takes place between the sleeve (21) and the axle stub (22). The use of the spherical collar in a shaft bearing made up of a cage and a guide bushing has the advantage of greater flexibility in selecting the material or materials from which the housing and the rotatable component installed therein may be formed. The shaft bearing of the invention is particularly useful for accommodating a centrifuge rotor (10) in a centrifuge housing (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: Helmut Fischer, Peter Frehland
  • Patent number: 6349612
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for a four-wheeled vehicle transmits a steering force through a steering shaft, a reduction gear, a steering lever and right and left tie rods to right and left knuckles. The reduction gear includes a pinion gear turned by the steering shaft, a steering gear engaged with the pinion gear and fixedly mounted on a lever shaft, which is combined with the steering lever, and a gear case housing the pinion gear and the steering gear. The lever shaft has a first end portion supported in a bearing held on the gear case. The bearing permits the lever shaft to be turned therein. The lever has a second end portion supported in a bearing hole that permits the second end portion to be shifted in the back-and-forth direction. The second end portion of the lever shaft is biased by a spring so as to press the steering gear against the pinion gear so that no backlash is formed between the pinion gear and the steering gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sosuke Kinouchi, Masatoshi Inoue
  • Publication number: 20010048779
    Abstract: A rotary stage having a rotary table mounted by a bearing on a shaft defining a table axis of rotation and supported on a base plate by an optically polished surface, the bearing comprising a ball bearing pre-loaded axially by an axially adjustable split ring in engagement with an annular chamfer on a race of the bearing to center the bearing relative to the table axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: George Mauro
  • Patent number: 6325544
    Abstract: On one side of the race retention hole 2, a screw portion 3 is formed, and on one side of the periphery surface of the outer race 4 an outer conical portion 5 is formed, and with the race retention hole 2, the periphery surface of the outer race 4 supporting the spherical surface 9a of the outer race 9 is retained, the stopping screw 8 is formed on with the inner conical portion 7 to be fit with the periphery surface 5a of the outer conical portion 5 is screwed in the screw portion 3 and tightened. Thus, by tightening the stopping screw 8, the periphery surface 5a of the outer conical portion 5 is pressed with the inner circumference 7a of the inner conical portion 7 and the contact surface pressure between the inner circumference surface 4b of the outer race 4 and the spherical surface 9a of the inner race 9 is increased, so that by regulating the tightening force of the stopping screw 8 the sliding torque of the spherical bearing is easily adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gen Sasaki, Shinichi Akao, Kennosuke Kariya
  • Patent number: 6250809
    Abstract: A bearing structure for a motor rotor includes an engaging portion of a larger diameter formel on an outer periphery of the bearing tightly mounted to an inner periphery of an axle tube. The bearing structure further includes an axle hole for pivotally supporting a shaft of the motor rotor. The axle hole includes a pivotal section and an oil reservoir section that has an inner diameter larger than that of the pivotal section and that is not aligned with the pivotal section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Sunonwealth Electric Machine Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Alex Horng
  • Patent number: 6182996
    Abstract: A fifth wheel is described with a coupling plate having elements for fastening to the vehicle frame. It is supposed to facilitate the mounting on the vehicle frame, while it should be possible to equalize manufacturing tolerances of the frame in simple fashion. The fastening elements attach to pivot pins, which are detachably arranged on the fifth wheel and project outward to the side beyond the coupling plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH & Co., KG.
    Inventors: Stefan Koetter, Wolfgang Pohl, Rainer Spitz, Josè Manuel Algëera Gallego
  • Patent number: 6182523
    Abstract: A motor unit for operating a functional member of a vehicle includes a motor portion and a gearing portion. The gear portion includes a wheel gear intermeshed with a worm gear driven by a shaft. The shaft is supported by a plurality of mounts. At least one of the mounts and the shaft defines a complementary contacting surface having a bowed cross section. The bowed cross section minimizes any misalignment problems of the shaft and reduces deformation of the shaft when torque is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems - France
    Inventor: Hervé Marcel Nomerange
  • Patent number: 6168403
    Abstract: A unique bearing system for particular use in scroll compressors includes a pair of spaced tapered portions. Upon misalignment of the shaft, the tapered portions contact the bearing and provide surface contact between the shaft and the bearing. This allows the bearing to more easily distribute the loads that are placed onto the bearing during shaft misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: James W. Bush
  • Patent number: 6164830
    Abstract: A pendulum sliding bearing has a sliding bearing bushing provided for receiving a rotatable elements, such as shafts, axles and the like, the sliding bearing bushing having calotte portions at end sides, a bearing body formed of a metal plate and having a ring-shaped abutment surface for one of the calotte portions of the sliding bearing bushing, a wall extending substantially outwardly of the abutment surface, and a casing adjoining the wall and provided for insertion in a cylindrical opening, a spring disk having a central opening and an adjoining at least one second abutment surface for the second calotte portion of the sliding bearing bushing and having a radially outer edge fixed on the bearing body, the casing being subdivided into casing fields which extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axial of the bearing body so that gaps are available between the casing fields, a plurality of supporting fingers extending at least over a width of the gaps from the wall in a direction opposite to a course
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Boosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Nitzsche, Heinz Seibert, Gerald Kuenzel, Oliver Jung, Hans-Peter Seebacher, Bernd Wieland, Peter Litterst, Hansjuergen Linde, Uwe Neumann
  • Patent number: 6149337
    Abstract: A ball and socket bearing assembly adapted to receive the vertical post of a rudder installed in the stern of a boat. The assembly consists of a molded journal box having a spheroidal cavity therein defining a socket in which is nested a ball-like bearing formed of UHMW polyethylene or of a material having similar non-stick properties, the post passing through an axial bore in the bearing. The assembly is produced by placing the preformed bearing in a mold to create an annular space between the bearing and the inner wall of the mold. This space is then flooded with a curable liquid resin monomer whereby when the monomer is polymerized and rigidified, it does not bond to the non-stick bearing. The bearing is therefore free to rotate in the cavity and align itself with the rudder post regardless of the degree to which the post deviates from the vertical as a result of hydrodynamic or other forces imposed on the rudder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Tides Marine, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Newton, Jeffre W. Strong
  • Patent number: 6109899
    Abstract: A scroll compressor of the type having a cantilever mounted shaft is provided with a carbon crankcase bearing. Further, the bearing mounting the eccentric pin within the orbiting scroll is also formed of a carbon material. The bearing mounting the lower end of the shaft is further formed of the carbon material. The carbon bearing insures that the shaft will be quickly worn away should there be shaft misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Thomas R. Barito, Jason J. Hugenroth
  • Patent number: 6012849
    Abstract: A rotating shaft of a rotating machine is supported at its both ends by bearing bushes which are held in a frame of the rotating machine. The outer periphery of the bearing bush is rounded and held with a rounded surface formed on the frame, so that the rotational axis of the shaft and the bearing are self-aligned by rotation of the bearing bush. The inner bore of the bearing bush rotatably supporting the shaft therein is shortened by forming a relief bore, the diameter of which is larger than that of the inner bore. Because of this bearing structure, a natural vibration frequency of the shaft varies less, and, therefore, the rotating machine can be easily designed so that harmful noises due to the natural vibration are sufficiently suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Takagi
  • Patent number: 6004037
    Abstract: A bearing assembly comprising an outer non-rotating sub-assembly including an outer housing including a cylindrical bore, and an outer bearing including an outer cylindrical surface engaging the cylindrical bore of the outer housing, and a bore defined by a spherical inwardly facing bearing surface, and an inner rotating sub-assembly including an inner bearing including an outer surface defined by a spherical outwardly facing bearing surface engaging the inwardly facing bearing surface of the outer bearing, and an internal cylindrical bore adapted to receive a rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard Harris, Dennis E. Bozych, Jeffrey R. Scholbe
  • Patent number: 5984527
    Abstract: An oblong hole guide is provided between two structural component parts of which the first, guiding structural component part has an oblong hole in which a guide bushing can glide in an adjustable manner transverse to its longitudinal axis, and which is fastened to the second, guided structural component part with the help of a bolt that penetrates it longitudinally. The bolt is anchored in the thread bore which is inserted into the guided structural component part. The hole guide is designed in such a manner that an easy adjustment is guaranteed without a bending out of line between the structural component parts, even in case of greater angular tolerances among the corresponding elements, by having the bolt penetrate the guide bushing with radial play, the thread bore is groove and an axial end of the guide bushing, which is supported by the guided structural component part, is externally chamfered and penetrates the groove area of the thread bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Peer-Olaf Kober
  • Patent number: 5945756
    Abstract: A high speed electric motor for automotive applications that is designed to effectively minimize vibration of its component parts and thus suppress noise generated during its operation. The motor incorporates acoustic engineering principles including surface vibration control, acoustic radiation efficiency, active intensity field control and noise control using acoustic materials to reduce overall vibration of the motor components and the motor noise sensed by the passenger of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventors: Haran K. Periyathamby, Marek Horski, Peter A. Kershaw
  • Patent number: 5942823
    Abstract: A lateral pressure mechanism 4 for a motor has a first ring 5 which is fixed to a stator-side member 2 so as to surround a rotary shaft 50; a second ring 6 which is disposed inside the first ring so as to surround the rotary shaft 50, and which is radially movable inside the first ring 5; and a wire spring 7 which is bridged between two engaging portions 11 and 13 of the first ring 5 so that an intermediate part abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the second ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seiki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Daisuke Higuchi, Syunji Matsushima, Hiroyuki Kiuchi
  • Patent number: 5917258
    Abstract: A high speed electric motor for automotive applications that is designed to effectively minimize vibration of its component parts and thus suppress noise generated during its operation. The motor incorporates acoustic engineering principles including surface vibration control, acoustic radiation efficiency, active intensity field control and noise control using acoustic materials to reduce overall vibration of the motor components and the motor noise sensed by the passenger of the vehicle. In one aspect, a bearing assembly for an electric motor is disclosed. The electric motor is of the type including a housing defining an internal chamber, an armature disposed within the internal chamber and having a rotatable shaft, and magnet means for inducing rotational movement of the armature shaft. The bearing assembly includes a bearing member for supporting the armature shaft for rotational movement and a bearing housing defining an internal bore that accommodates at least a portion of the bearing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventors: Peter A. Kershaw, Haran K. Periyathamby, Marek Horski
  • Patent number: 5913608
    Abstract: A slide bearing has a bearing bore for accommodating a shaft acted upon at least temporarily by a radial force. At least one bearing end of the slide bearing has at least one chamfer for preventing a contact between the shaft and the slide bearing and/or for facilitating the supply of the slide bearing with lubricating medium. In a preferred embodiment, in which the radial force acts essentially in a predetermined direction onto the shaft, at least one chamfer is provided on an unstressed side created because of the predetermined force effect, which chamfer is larger than a chamfer on a stressed side situated opposite the unstressed side. By means of the chamfer or chamfers, the danger of contact on the unstressed side caused by a bending of the shaft is reduced and the supply of the slide bearing with lubricating medium is increased without significantly reducing the bearing length on the stressed side which essentially carries the bearing load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: MAAG Pump Systems Textron AG
    Inventor: Peter Blume
  • Patent number: 5885006
    Abstract: A plain bearing assembly including an inner bearing, outer bearing, and at least one intermediate bearing. The inner bearing has an annular inner bearing surface. The intermediate bearing includes a ring bearing having an annular inner and outer surface. The intermediate bearing also includes bushes rotatably mounted about the inner bearing and rotatable with respect to the bearing ring and outer bearing. The bushes provide a bearing surface adjacent to the annular inner bearing surface of the bearing ring and providing a bearing surface adjacent to the annular outer bearing surface of the bearing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Plastic Bearings & Housings Australasia PTY. Ltd.
    Inventor: Noel Francis Sheedy
  • Patent number: 5853248
    Abstract: A monolithically formed bearing is disclosed for use with a rotatable shaft positioned within a supporting structure which includes a bearing body having an internal bore extending partially therethrough and defining a cylindrical bearing surface for receiving and supporting the rotatable shaft, an external bearing surface having a radially inwardly tapered leading edge for engaging a complementary first abutment surface defined within an interior cavity of the supporting structure, an annular thrust collar projecting beyond the leading edge of the external bearing surface for engaging a corresponding second abutment surface defined within the interior cavity of the supporting structure, and an annular retention flange depending from the periphery of the bearing body to retain the bearing body within the interior cavity of the supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Frank Dalessandro
  • Patent number: 5853260
    Abstract: A rotation center type joint has a one-piece body with an inner part, an outer part and a plurality of elastically deformable transverse arms inclined relative to the axis of the body, linking the inner and outer parts and converging towards the rotation center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Societe Nationale Industrielle et Aerospatiale
    Inventors: Laurent Curbillon, Jean-Marc Pellissier
  • Patent number: 5813768
    Abstract: A thermoplastic bearing liner having compliant and compensating structure to adjust for a misalignment of a shaft insertably received therein. The bearing liner comprises a hollow, substantially cylindrical shaped member having two ends and an intermediate portion. A flange extends circumferentially and projects radially from at least one of the two ends. A flexible frustoconical member is mounted adjacent a distal end of the flange and extends circumferentially from the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Thomson Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory S. Lyon
  • Patent number: 5809610
    Abstract: A motor vehicle window wiper device with a wiper arm at the top end of a drive shaft rotatably mounted in a fixed bearing by means of two ball joints of which at least one is off-center relative to the axis of the drive shaft so that the angle of the drive shaft axis to the plane of the window varies when said shaft is rotated about said axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Valeo Systems d'Essuyage
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Eustache
  • Patent number: 5811902
    Abstract: A motor support apparatus is provided which supports an output shaft of a motor used to operate a pump. The motor support apparatus includes a support housing, a bearing chamber formed in said support housing, a bearing member for bearing an output shaft of a motor. The bearing member is disposed within the bearing chamber with a given clearance between itself and an inner wall of the bearing chamber. A spring is provided so as to produce an eccentric spring load acting on the bearing member so as to decrease the given clearance for retaining the bearing member tightly within the bearing chamber in order to suppress mechanical vibrations generated during a motor operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Sato
  • Patent number: 5762753
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for peeling a layer from a laminate utilizing a peel rod about which the layer is guided during peeling. The peel rod is continuously supported along its length by a bearing sleeve having a longitudinal passage receiving the rod and in turn supported in a holder. The bearing sleeve has a longitudinal opening in its wall communicating with its longitudinal passage, and the edge of the opening forms a continuous scraping edge for scraping debris from the rod. A cleaning pad of SCOTCH BRITE material extends radially through the bearing to engage the rod. The peeling rod and bearing are made of low friction material such as a ceramic, and the rod is preferably driven by a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Arthur H. Clough
  • Patent number: 5718517
    Abstract: A steel mill roll has its ends supported in self-aligning bearings that do not require a liquid or grease lubricant, and which are capable or operating at roll shaft temperatures up to 1500.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Alphatech, Inc.
    Inventor: Jorge A. Morando
  • Patent number: 5716143
    Abstract: A spherical plain bearing is provided having improved wear resistance under heavy axial and radial loads of a rotating shaft. The bearing includes a pillow block having a concave inner surface, a split cylindrical protective sleeve for mating with and detachably clamping around the shaft, the outer surface of the sleeve having a peripheral recess. The bearing includes a split cylindrical liner having an inner wear resistant surface for sliding contact within the recess of the protective sleeve, and multiple thrust plate rings, and a split cylindrical cartridge for holding the liner in the recess of the protective sleeve. The bearing includes a plurality of high wear-resistant elements for providing high wear resistance and low friction resistance when placed into the wear surfaces of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Allegheny Ludlum Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy M. Browne, Jeffrey C. Badac, J. David Scott, Robert M. Suchevich, Joseph A. Downie
  • Patent number: 5660482
    Abstract: A sliding contact bearing, especially an aircraft landing gear trunnion beating, comprises two bearing members (1, 3) composed of titanium or titanium alloy with cooperating sliding surfaces (2, 4), a first one of which is chromium plated and the second one of which is coated with nickel and fluorocarbon polymer. Preferably, the nickel coating is applied by an electroless plating process, and the fluorocarbon is infused into pores in the nickel plating. Preferably, the nickel and fluorocarbon coating is 0.025 to 0.041 mm thick, and has a hardness in the range 750-1000 VPN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Dowty Aerospace Gloucester Limited
    Inventors: Richard Andrew Newley, Paul Raymond Smith, Alun Davies-Jones
  • Patent number: 5636849
    Abstract: The invention relates to a diffuser (1), comprising a substantially cylindrical, vertical container (2), through which cellulose pulp is arranged to be transported, nozzle arms (6, 7) for delivering a fluid, such as washing liquid, to the pulp, concentrically disposed screen surfaces (3, 4) and screen arms (5) disposed on and connected to the said screen surfaces for withdrawal of the said fluid. The screen arms are provided, at their outer ends, with withdrawal pipes (26), directed substantially vertically downwards, which are slidably controlled and are connected in sealing arrangement to outlets for the said fluid. The invention relates also to a stuffing box designed to receive a rod, preferably a pull rod (29) for raising and lowering a screen pack having screen surfaces (3, 4) in a diffuser, the said rod being guided in sealing arrangement and slidably through a fixture (35; 35') which is mounted in a bearing for free movement in a plane substantially perpendicular to the said rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Lennart Jonsson, Bjorn Karlsson
  • Patent number: 5607239
    Abstract: Peaks 4b which extend circumferentially are formed around the inner peripheral surface of a bearing alloy layer 4 which forms a sliding bearing 2. When a total error resulting from manufacturing tolerances and an assembly error of a rotating shaft 3 and the sliding bearing 2 are denoted by W, the height of the peak by h, and an axial pitch of the peaks by p, the parameters W, h and p are chosen to satisfy the following requirements:2.ltoreq.h.ltoreq.10 (1),1.ltoreq.W.ltoreq.8 (2),h.ltoreq.4W/3+14/3 (3),50.ltoreq.p.ltoreq.600 (4),andp.ltoreq.-250h/3+3250/3 (5)where h, p and W are measured in unit of .mu.m. Such selection of the parameters achieves an excellent abrasion resistance without providing an overlay layer around the inner peripheral surface of the bearing alloy layer 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Taiho Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Kumada, Katsuyuki Hashizume, Soji Kamiya
  • Patent number: 5547289
    Abstract: A bearing arrangement at the intake aperture of a centrifugal pump impeller in which a bearing shell (5) arranged in the housing (4) can be fitted from outside the pump. The bearing shell (5) is positioned by a retainer (7) and the flange (10) of a pipe to be connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: KSB Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jorg Urban
  • Patent number: 5484211
    Abstract: A one-piece, self-aligning bearing is disclosed which includes a cylindrical bearing sleeve of uniform thickness having an outwardly convex hemispherical flange projecting from a first end of the sleeve and arching longitudinally toward an opposite second end of the sleeve, the flange being of uniform wall thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Robert D. Uthoff
  • Patent number: 5455471
    Abstract: An electric motor that includes a case having an axially oriented stamped steel endhead, a motor output shaft projecting from the endhead for coupling to a motor load, and a self-aligning spherical bearing mounted on the endhead for rotatably supporting the shaft. The bearing has a cylindrical extension that projects axially outwardly from the motor case coaxially with the shaft. The bearing extension is constructed and arranged to be engaged by the support structure and/or load coupled to the shaft for locating the same coaxially with the shaft. The bearing, including the extension, is of homogeneously integral unitary construction, preferably of lubricant-impregnated porous metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Magnetek Universal Electric
    Inventor: James R. Dowell
  • Patent number: 5447376
    Abstract: A self contained, "package", bearing system, has relatively rotating and sliding, precisely formed, truncated spherical, journal and bearing surfaces with a high hardness and with a low surface roughness, that operate on a thin hydrodynamic film of pressurized lubricant, when the bearing system is operated under any combination of axial and radial loads. It optionally contains either a supply of dry lubricant, or normally a capillary supported, self-contained reserve of fluid lubricant, and a system of "internally discharging" throwers, for keeping the fluid lubricant within the system, to promote a long operating life.Lubricant re-circulation channels at the ends of the bearing and the inherently lower rates of flow of lubricant from the ends of truncated spherical bearings facilitates achieving long operating life. Grooves and recesses are optionally included in the bearing surfaces for enhancing the axial load capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventors: Eldon R. Cunningham, deceased, Shirley J. Cunningham, personal representative
  • Patent number: 5413036
    Abstract: A roll press with two press rolls which together form a press gap and whose axes are situated in a press plane. A journal is disposed on the ends of each roll, with pillow blocks for receiving the journals, with a rack for supporting the pillow blocks, and with tie rods which are arranged on both sides of the press plane and at least approximately parallel to it. Cradles are provided which support the pillow blocks. Between the cradles and the pillow blocks is an articulated joint which enables the pillow blocks to pivot about an axis which extends perpendicularly to the press plane and essentially in the axial plane of the respective roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: J. M. Voith GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Schiel
  • Patent number: 5407334
    Abstract: A scroll type compressor having a main frame, a sub frame and a crankshaft rotatably mounted in the main frame and the sub frame via a main frame bushing and a sub frame bushing, further includes a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll cooperable with the fixed scroll to compress gas, the orbiting scroll being drivingly mounted on the eccentric shaft portion. A barrel shaped band portion faces the crankshaft and presents a convex surface in at least one of a respective force direction of a compressive load generated in a compression chamber formed between the orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll, and a reactive force direction of a centrifugal load generated by a revolution movement of the orbiting scroll and rotary movements of upper and lower balance weights. The barrel shaped band portion is formed on the sub frame bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumiaki Sano, Masahiko Oide, Toshiyuki Nakamura, Hiroshi Ogawa, Norihide Kobayashi, Yoshinori Shirafuji, Takashi Yamamoto, Keiji Sakaino
  • Patent number: 5372433
    Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a bearing device for an electric motor in which a bearing holder holding an oil-impregnated bearing provides good area contact from the beginning and can be readily formed with high productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seiki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Toru Nakanishi, Hisaya Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 5360274
    Abstract: A self-aligning bearing for a 0.5 kW PMDC electric motor has a bearing member having a cylindrical inner surface for receiving a rotatable shaft and an outer surface comprising a first external, part-spherical, surface-of-revolution and a second external surface-of-revolution comprising a first part extending inwardly from the first external, part-spherical, surface-of-revolution and a cylindrical second part extending from the first part. A housing has a convergent end defining an internal surface of revolution which engages the first external, part-spherical, surface-of-revolution and encloses a retainer engaging the first part of the second external surface-of-revolution. The housing also encloses a support ring which holds the retainer in place and has a radially inner part which surrounds the second part of the second external surface-of-revolution with a clearance space. The support ring thereby limits tilting movement of the bearing member about axes perpendicular to the axis of the bearing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventor: Georg Strobl
  • Patent number: 5346315
    Abstract: A ball and socket assembly adapted to engage the post of a rudder installed in the stern of a boat and to maintain it at a proper upright position regardless of the degree to which the post deviates from the vertical and is subjected to hydrodynamic forces which seek to displace the post. The assembly consists of a journal box fixedly mounted on a support and having a spheroidal cavity, and a bearing through which the rudder post extends. The bearing is constituted by a spheroidal section that nests within the cavity of the box and a cylindrical section projecting from the box and pinned to the post whereby the bearing is in alignment with the post and its spheroidal section is caused to rotate within the cavity in accordance with the rotation of the post as the boat is steered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Tides Marine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Strong, John R. Newton
  • Patent number: 5326178
    Abstract: An angularly biassed self-aligning bearing has a bearing member which is seated in a housing and held in place by a retainer which urges a first external, part-spherical, surface-of-revolution on the bearing member axially into engagement with an internal, part-spherical, surface-of-revolution formed in the housing. The retainer has first and second resilient retaining members which engage opposite sides of a transversely extending first portion of a second external surface-of-revolution on the bearing member. The first resilient retaining members exert greater loading on the bearing member than the second resilient retaining members so that the bearing member is tilted relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventor: Gerorg Strobl
  • Patent number: 5325736
    Abstract: A bearing device for use with of a motor, includes a worm-like thread, which is threaded to a rotor shaft, and which engages a worm wheel. The rotor shaft is supported by a pair of radial bearings. When the rotor shaft is not caused to bend, a third radial bearing is spaced away from the outer peripheral surface of the rotor shaft. When the rotor shaft is caused to bend under the counter force generated by the worm wheel, the rotor shaft is supported by the third radial bearing along the bend direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuaki Tsujita
  • Patent number: 5273369
    Abstract: A self-aligning bearing for a fractional-horsepower PMDC electric motor is formed from sheet metal coated with polytetrafluoroethylene to facilitate intermittent, short-term operation. A tubular first part provides a journal-bearing surface. A second part extends radially from a first end of the first part to provide radial support for the first part. A third part extends axially from a radially outer second end of the second part so as to surround the first part and is provided with a part-spherical outer mounting surface for engagement with a bearing support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventor: George Strobl
  • Patent number: 5265965
    Abstract: A spherical bearing subassembly comprising a one-piece integrally formed annular socket member having an axis, axially spaced ends, an axially extending bore, a concave inner raceway facing into the bore and a convex generally spherical outer surface, and a spherical bearing mounted in the concave inner raceway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Rexnord Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard Harris, Dennis E. Bozych
  • Patent number: 5252872
    Abstract: A diametral runout reducer adapted to drive a rotor for exciting a stator of a speed sensor located in a differential carrier. The rotor is driven by a diametral runout reducer. The runout reducer includes an annular axially extending member having a first end which engages a vehicle axle shaft driven by the differential case and a second end which drives the rotor. Intermediate the first and second end of the runout reducer is a radial protrusion disposed proximate the second end defining a peripheral surface which extends equidistantly from a central point. The rotatable axially extending flange defines a bore whose central axis is maintained coincident with a preferred axis of rotation by means of bearings supporting the differential case. The bore has a dimensional interrelationship with a radial protrusion which facilitates sliding, thereby maintaining the central point of the annular axially extending flange coincident with the preferred central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: David E. Peck
  • Patent number: 5224790
    Abstract: A mount assembly is described for resiliently mounting a stabilizer bar on an automobile frame. The mount assembly comprises a bracket assembly and a bushing assembly. The bushing assembly includes an outer sleeve adjacent to the bracket and an inner sleeve for contacting the stabilizer bar. The nesting sleeves are designed so as to provide restraint of axial movement while allowing ease of rotational movement. The restraint can be provided by a positive stop such as a projecting flange member, or by cooperating conical or tapered surfaces which defines an increased frictional engagement and compression of the stabilizer bar as the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve move increasingly out of relative axial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: GenCorp Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Hein
  • Patent number: 5219231
    Abstract: A self-aligning bearing having a first bearing member connected to a rotatable shaft and a stationary second bearing member located around the first bearing member. The second bearing member includes at least two annular rings with mating recesses in each which together define a groove. The first bearing member is provided with a continuous flange located for rotation within the groove when in use. The second bearing member has a convexly curved exterior providing a self-aligning surface for engaging a mating concavely curved surface of a bearing housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Plastic Bearing Housing Australiasia PTY Ltd.
    Inventor: Noel F. Sheedy