Abstract: A spherical bearing arrangement comprising: a bearing housing; a plurality of split-ball portions which are together arranged in the housing to produce a composite ball having a spherical bearing surface, the composite ball having a bore passing therethrough, the bore having a central axis; and a bushing secured in the bore of the composite ball. A method of assembling a spherical bearing arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A supporting unit in a moving table device, easily connected to a base and a table, is provided. A supporting unit (U?) has a pair of planar bearing plates. Inside the planar bearing plates are positioned spherical bearing plates, respectively. Further, a spherical axial member is sandwiched between the spherical bearing plates (34a, 34b). A planar bearing is formed between each of the planar bearing plates and each of the spherical bearing plates. A spherical bearing is formed between each of the spherical bearing plates and the spherical axial member. Thus, the supporting unit (U?) is provided with a certain degree of movability in five-axis directions. With the high degree of movability, the supporting unit (U?) can be easily connected to a base and a table.

Abstract: An aerospace bearing component of a substantially non-ferrous metal, the component comprising an oxygen diffusion zone near its surface to provide a bearing surface.

Abstract: Provided are a spherical bearing in which a ball portion (10) of an inside member (1) can be sealed inside an outside member (2) without employment of casting, and the outside member (2) and the inside member (1) are coupled to each other with high strength, and which can be downsized, and a manufacturing method for the same. The spherical bearing includes: an inside member (1) having a metal ball portion (10); a resin liner (3) covering the ball portion (10) of the inside member (1) and held in sliding contact with the ball portion (10); and an outside member (2) molded outside the resin liner (3) by a forging process and held in close contact with an entire of an outer peripheral surface of the resin liner (3) without being brought into contact with the inside member (1), for undetachably enclosing and holding the resin liner (3).

Abstract: A self-lubricating bearing for use in low pressure, high frequency, small amplitude applications and methods of operating and constructing the same, the bearing having a self-lubricating liner and a counterface surface in close sliding contact therewith, the counterface surface having a surface finish of less than 20 nm and a hardness of less than in the region of 1000 VPN.

Abstract: A ball/socket link end assembly includes a link opening formed in the link end. A portion of the opening forms a spherical inner surface. A pair of ball entry slots are formed in the link end. The slots are spaced apart and positioned on opposite sides of the opening, and extend only part way into the link end from one side thereof. The assembly also includes a removable truncated ball member with a spherical perimeter which matches the spherical inner surface. A clamp member is attachable to the link end. The clamp member is engagable with the ball to prevent removal of the ball from the link end when the ball is aligned with the entry slots. The clamp member is received in a recess formed in the link end adjacent to the opening.

Abstract: A bearing structure comprises a sphere, a base structure, and a plurality of adjusting elements. The base structure has an opening. The opening is abutted against a perimeter of the diameter of the sphere. The adjusting elements are disposed on two opposite edges of the base structure for adjusting the elasticity between the sphere and the base structure. The sphere rotates on the boarding structure freely so that a bearing structure with a universal rotating angle is formed.

Abstract: A pivot assembly to permit relative pivotal motion of a sleeve of the pivot assembly about a pivot axis. The pivot assembly may contain a spherical bearing assembly therein. The spherical bearing assembly may include a spherical portion and a tubular portion, wherein the tubular portion is operable to form a sealing surface, e.g., a sealing member may seal directly with the tubular portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary wing aircraft helicopter vehicle rod end and method of making a rod end. The rotary wing aircraft rod end includes a nonelastomeric inner member having an outer bonding surface segment and an axial bore with a center bore axis, a nonelastomeric outer member having an inner bonding surface segment and an axial bore center bore axis, and molded in place alternating elastomeric shims and nonelastomeric shims connecting the nonelastomeric inner member to the nonelastomeric outer member. The rod end includes a first inner elastomeric shim bonded to the nonelastomeric inner member outer bonding surface segment and to a first inner nonelastomeric shim and a second outer elastomeric shim bonded to the nonelastomeric outer member inner bonding surface segment and to a second outer nonelastomeric shim. The nonelastomeric inner member has a molded misalignment rotary wing aircraft rod end orientation with the outer nonelastomeric outer member.

Abstract: A bearing housing to receive and be deformed around a ball having a predetermined radius R to form a bearing, an inner surface of the bearing housing being generally cup-shaped, having at least approximately circular symmetry around a central axis, and comprising: a cup portion of the radius R shaped to seat closely a first portion of a ball of radius R placed in the bearing housing; and a conforming portion lying in the plane which is perpendicular to the central axis and contains the centre of curvature of the cup portion, there being a clearance between the conforming portion and a second portion of the ball, the clearance being greater than any clearance between the cup portion and the first portion of the ball, the bearing housing being shaped such that, when the bearing housing is deformed around a ball having radius R to form a bearing, the bearing housing is deformed so that the conforming portion matches closely the shape of the second portion of the ball.

Abstract: A shaft seal assembly for maintaining a seal during shaft misalignment comprising a first sealing means adjacent said shaft with a defined clearance between said shaft and said sealing means, said shaft moveable axially in relation to said first sealing means; a second sealing means, said first sealing means partially encompassed within second sealing means and in cooperative communication with said second sealing means; a third sealing means, said second sealing means partially encompassed within third sealing means and in cooperative communication with said third sealing means, said third sealing means attached to said housing or vessel and allowing said first sealing means and second sealing means to cooperatively respond to said forces produced by angular misalignment of said shaft during rotation of said shaft while maintaining defined clearance between said shaft and said sealing means.

Abstract: An improved bearing for use in movable sockets and suspension joints. The improved bearing is annular, having an outer dimension sized to seat within the housing of a suspension joint or movable socket. An inner surface of the bearing is configured to receive the head of an articulating stud within the housing. Three or more radial slots are disposed on the inner surface. Each radial slot disposed on one-half of the bearing inner surface has a unique radial dimension, such that the radial slots are optimally configured to minimize stress and stiffness within the improved bearing, whereby the bearing can be seated within the housing in a radially and rotationally locked configuration, but remain movable in an axial direction.

Abstract: A bearing shell with a spherical bearing surface for a ball and socket joint preferably for use in chassis suspensions or steering mechanisms of motor vehicles, which has essentially a joint housing and a bearing journal, which comprises a spherical surface and a pivot part and which is mounted with the spherical surface rotatably and deflectably in the spherical bearing surface of the bearing shell fixed in the joint housing, is presented, in which a filament fabric is embedded according to the present invention in the thermoplastic of the bearing shell (5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) at least in a partial area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swivel slide bearing comprising an inner first bearing part (31) with an outer first bearing surface (31a) and comprising an outer second bearing part (32) with an inner second bearing surface (32a). The outer bearing part (32) surrounds the inner bearing part (31), and the outer periphery of the outer bearing part (32) is provided in the form of a ring having a spherical segment-shaped third bearing surface (32b), via which it is mounted, whereby being able to move in a manner similar to a ball but in a limited manner, inside a third bearing part (33) having a spherical segment-shaped inner fourth bearing surface (33a) that encircles the third bearing surface (32b). In order to ensure an easy mounting, at least one insertion slot (36) is provided on one side of the third bearing part (33), and the second bearing part (32) until it reaches a position in which the center of curvatures (M) of the third and fourth bearing surface (32b, 33a) overlap.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a bearing shell for a ball-and-socket joint, wherein the bearing shell has a core component consisting of a first material, which is completely enclosed by a jacket component consisting of a second material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bearing assembly capable of assuring mechanical strength and reducing a friction coefficient and stress concentration, and a method for manufacturing the same. The present invention comprises a spherical journal and a hemispherical bearing that is made of a fiber reinforced composite and has a bearing surface for establishing a spherical pair with the spherical journal. The fiber reinforced composite can be constructed by arranging a uni-directional prepreg, woven fiber prepregs and staple-fiber prepregs in a variety of configurations, and thermoplastic resin particles or self-lubrication particles are uniformly provided on the bearing surface. It is possible to alleviate stress concentration generated on the bearing surface by forming a plurality of air channels capable of imparting directivity on an outer surface of the hemispherical bearing.

Abstract: A steering system for a small-sized vehicle is capable of coaxially arranging a steering shaft and a power steering apparatus with high accuracy. In the steering system, when the power steering apparatus is connected to the steering shaft, a plurality of bearings support the steering shaft on a vehicle body frame, and where the axis of the steering shaft arranged at a desired position is a reference axis, at least one of the bearings is configured to compensate for an inclination of the steering shaft or further, to compensate for a deviation from the bearing which is centered with respect to the reference axis.

Abstract: A metal-to-metal bearing comprising a bearing housing of a first material and a ball of a second material held within the housing, the interface between the housing and the ball comprising two bearing surfaces, wherein one of the first and second materials is a titanium alloy having a diffusion zone near its surface to which is adhered a coating of titanium nitride to provide one of the bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A combination of a bearing isolator shaft and housing with a stator member affixed to said housing, a plurality of spherical faces or interfaces between said rotor and said stator, said spherical interfaces having identical center points between said shaft and radially responsive to each other as radial movement of said rotor member occurs whereby said spherical surfaces are continually intermeshed and maintained at a constant distance from each other.

Abstract: A pivot assembly bearing used in an information storage device maintains its capabilities for a longer period of time under frequent quick starting and stopping by containing a grease composition made up of a base oil, a thickener and an extreme-pressure agent.

Abstract: In a spherical plain bearing comprising an inner ring (2) configured as a spherical body comprising a through-bore, which inner ring (2) is mounted in an outer ring (1) through a slide bushing (3) that surrounds the inner ring (2), the outer ring (1) comprising a spherical inner surface and two diametrically opposite insertion grooves (4) that start from an end face of the outer ring (1) and enable the insertion of the inner ring (2), the slide bushing (3) is slipped onto the inner ring (2) prior to insertion of the inner ring (2) into the outer ring (1) and then shaped without chip removal, so that the slide bushing (3) comes to bear against the spherical outer surface of the inner ring.

Abstract: A sleeve joint with a mount assembly unit (1) and with an inner part (2) is presented, in which the mount assembly unit (1) has a housing (3) as well as a bearing shell (4) inserted into the housing (3) for the slidingly movable mounting of a mount body (6) provided with a curved support surface (5). The mount body (6) is provided with a sliding layer (8) on its inner surface (7) facing away from the curved support surface. A sliding movement of the mount assembly unit (1) is made possible in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve joint as a consequence of the sliding contact between the mount assembly unit (1) and the inner part (2) associated with same.

Abstract: A spherical bearing including a generally annular first portion having at least a partial substantially spherical outer surface and a generally annular second portion having at least a partial substantially concave surface, the outer surface at least partially engaging the concave surface, at least one of the outer surface and the concave surface having a plurality of frayed polytetraflouroethylene fibers exposed therefrom.

Abstract: A bearing assembly and method of manufacturing a bearing assembly exposable to transmission fluid, the method comprising the steps of: providing a bearing housing (2) having: a base; an annular wall (11) upstanding from the base having an inner (6) and an outer surface; and a flange (10) extending from the base; providing a ball (3) at one end of a stem (4); forming a hemi-spherical cup in the base of the bearing housing encircled by the annular wall, the cup having an inner surface; seating the hall in the cup; and swaging the annular wall unto the ball.

Abstract: The bearing rings 1 and 2 of a rolling bearing is formed of one kind of titanium alloys of &bgr; type titanium alloys, near &bgr; type titanium alloys and &agr;+&bgr; type titanium alloys. The titanium alloy has a surface hardness of Hv 400 or more and less than Hv 600 for increasing the corrosion resistance and wear resistance of the bearing ring. Spherical rolling elements 3 rolling on the raceway surfaces 1a and 2a of the bearing rings 1 and 2 are formed of ceramics such as silicon nitride. When &bgr; type titanium alloys or &agr;+&bgr; type titanium alloys after a solution treatment and applied with an oxidation treatment at a low temperature of 400 to 600° C. are used as the material for the bearing ring, a bearing ring made of titanium alloy suitable to use under a circumstance requiring corrosion resistance is obtained.

Abstract: A pivot assembly particularly adapted for pivotally interconnecting a pair of relatively thin parallel walls spaced an appreciable distance from one another. A stud with a pivot joint on one end is interposed between the walls.

Abstract: A landing gear hinge shaft is installed on an aircraft structure using at least two ball joints (22), at least one of which is adjustable. The differences between the theoretical and real positions of the centers of the balls are measured, and the adjustments that have to be made to bring the centers of the balls back to their theoretical positions is deduced. This is done by making a first adjustment in the axial direction using a shim (30) and a second adjustment in the radial direction by adjusting the rotation of an inner cage (34) and an outer cage (36) of the ball joint. The inner and outer cages have eccentric axes that facilitate the adjustment.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a bearing shell for a ball-and-socket joint, wherein the bearing shell has a core component consisting of a first material, which is completely enclosed by a jacket component consisting of a second material.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint is disclosed with a housing 1 a bearing shell 2 inserted into same, a ball pivot 3, whose joint ball 3.1 is mounted in the bearing shell movably in all directions, and a sealing bellows 4 between the housing and the ball pivot. A sliding ring 6 receiving the pivot-side edge area 4.1 of the sealing bellows 4 is inserted into a ball race 5 fixed on the ball pivot 3.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rolling bearing having an excellent corrosion resistance and toughness which can fairly operate at a high rotary speed. At least the inner race is formed by a titanium alloy, and the rolling elements are formed by ceramics. Alternatively, at least one of the inner race and the outer race is formed by a &bgr; type titanium alloy. The percent cold working of the &bgr; type titanium alloy is predetermined to not less than 20% or a range of from 5 to 20%. The cold working is followed by shot peening. Further, the surface hardness Hv is predetermined to not less than 600. The volumetric ratio of residual &bgr; phase in the &bgr; type titanium alloy is predetermined to a range of from 30 to 80%.

Abstract: A self-aligning spherical bearing assembly for a gear motor that reduces the noise generated by the motor and allows the bearing assembly to self-align at low motor torque levels. The self-aligning bearing assembly includes a seat member that receives a metallic bearing. The seat member is formed from a plastic material, such as Teflon®, to enhance the rotation between the bearing and the seat member. The seat member is received within a thermoplastic barrier member that is positioned between the seat member and the metallic motor housing. The barrier member reduces both vibration and noise generated by the motor.

Abstract: There are provided a spherical bearing and a method for manufacturing the same, in which both of a ball bearing section and a ball section made of metal can make light and smooth swinging and rotary motions for a long period of time without biased wear and seize-up of those members even if the solid bodies of them can contact with each other due to a discontinuous oil film under a heavy load. A resin liner that contacts the ball section of the inner member in a sliding relationship is embedded in the ball bearing section, and a resin sliding contact surface provided by the resin liner and the metal sliding surface are adjacent to each other without any gap to form a sliding contact surface at the bearing section.

Abstract: A gage device and a test system for statistically qualifying compliant or semi-rigid molded bearings and bearing sets to predetermined material conditions includes a gage body, a flanged plug, a stud used to set a first predetermined material condition, an adapter used to set a second predetermined material condition, and a test fixture. The device simulates the assembly of ball joints to determine whether molded conformal bearings or bearing sets are acceptable from a beginning of life perspective. In this way, functional acceptability of a given number of samples drawn from a production lot is proven to satisfy pre-determined maximum and minimum material conditions. A method of testing and statistically qualifying the bearings is also disclosed.

Abstract: A motor rotor assembly for use in a blood pump can include a motor rotor disposed within a blood flow conduit, an inflow bearing having an inflow ball-and-cup bearing interface disposed within the blood flow conduit proximal to an inflow port of the blood flow conduit, and an outflow bearing having an outflow ball-and-cup bearing interface disposed within the blood flow conduit proximal to an outflow port of the blood flow conduit. The motor can be rotatably mounted between the inflow bearing and the outflow bearing and an outer diameter of the outflow ball-and-cup bearing interface can be larger than an outer diameter of the inflow ball-and-cup bearing interface. A motor rotor assembly for use in a blood pump incorporating aspects of the invention may improve performance, reliability and longevity of the pump. A blood pump incorporating a motor rotor can further include a motor stator. These rotors and pumps can be used in both implantable and extracorporeal blood pumps.

Abstract: A floating sleeve bearing assembly for supporting the shaft of an electric motor, the shaft having an axis of rotation and the motor having a stator. The sleeve bearing assembly includes a bearing having therein a bore for receiving the shaft. The bearing has a plurality of cylindrical outer surface portions that are centered on respective axes which are substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation and which all lie in the same plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The sleeve bearing assembly also includes a bearing support bracket having an axis and including a main body fixable relative to the stator. The bracket further includes a plurality of circuitously spaced resilient projections extending from the main body and generally parallel to the bracket axis.

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

Abstract: To provide a simple and quality improving manufacturing process for a bearing shell, particularly for rotatable and, to a limited extent, tiltable support of a ball pivot in a joint housing of a ball-and-socket joint comprising a one-piece ball socket (1) made of plastic, in which a ball above and below its equatorial plane (6) is supportable in form-fit manner at least in a spherical zone (7) along the inner surface (3) of the ball socket (1), it is proposed to provide the ball socket (1), which has a closed lateral surface (8), with elastically deformable segments (2) extending substantially meridionally in axial direction. Furthermore proposed is a ball-and-socket joint with a bearing shell (1) formed in this manner.

Abstract: A low profile gimbal system is provided to greatly reduce the generation of moments about a pivot point of the gimbal system during polishing processes. The gimbal system is adjustable so that a preferred balance between stiffness and friction may be selected as appropriate for a variety of different polishing conditions. A locking feature ensures that the adjustment setting is maintained during polishing.

Abstract: Bearing arrangement for the support of a rotor (6) relative to a machine. Bearings (8) are disposed in circular openings (9) of circular disks (10) eccentrically with respect to the circular opening center (12) and is fastenable in the circular opening (9) about the circular opening center (12) in different angular positions.

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.

Abstract: A universal slider bushing includes an inner body within an outer body. The inner body has a convex spherical segment. The outer body has a concave spherical segment or socket supporting the convex spherical segment for universal movement. The inner body has a central through-passage. A ball bearing supports a shaft in the passage for longitudinal sliding movement and for rotation about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A bearing retainer for use in a dynamoelectric machine having a rotating shaft and a bearing having a passage therethrough for rotatably receiving the shaft and being positioned within a bearing seat, includes inner and outer concentric support elements. The inner support element defines a thrust portion. Each of the inner and outer support elements defines a plane. A plurality of connectors extend between and connect the inner and outer concentric support elements. The connectors are configured so as to support the inner support element in concentric relation to the outer support element and to support the inner and outer support elements such that the planes defined thereby are non-coplanar with one another. A plurality of bearing load support projections extend inwardly from the outer concentric support element. The support projections extend inwardly a distance so as to define a gap between an end of each projection and the inner support element.

Abstract: A spherical bearing used in a rod end housing is modified with an elastomeric member equally precompressed in an amount of about 30% of an unstressed thickness of the elastomeric member to isolate the transmission of vibrations and sound. Such spherical elastomeric bearings can be used in any application where a conventional spherical bearing is used such as cable connections, clutch linkages, etc., in trucks, farm tractors, and various other pieces of equipment.

Abstract: A low profile, low hysteresis force feedback gimbal system is provided to greatly reduce the generation of moments about a pivot point of the gimbal system during polishing processes. A load cell is placed directly above a contact pin of the gimbal system to provide a very accurate feedback measurement of the amount of downward load applied to a substrate during polishing.

Abstract: A bearing assembly permits one bearing bushing to be employed in both applications that permit self-aligning pivoting movement of a rotating shaft and applications that rigidly support a rotating shaft, thereby eliminating the need to inventory two different types of bearings for these two different applications.

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.

Abstract: A ball and socket assembly adapted to receive the rotatable shaft of a rudder installed in a boat. The assembly is composed of a journal box having a spheroidal cavity in which is socketed a ball-like bearing having an axial bore to accommodate the rudder shaft, the bearing being free to rotate within the cavity and thereby align itself with the rudder shaft as it deviates from the vertical as a result of forces imposed on the rudder. The ball-like bearing is formed by a cylindrical tube of UHMW polyethylene which is heated to an annealing temperature and thereby expanded to accept a fiber-reinforced resin sleeve which when the UHMW tube cools is compressed thereby. The resultant sleeve-lined tube is then machined to assume the ball-like shape of the bearing.

Abstract: A bearing set for a ball and socket joint comprises an inner and outer bearing with a head of a ball stud engaging a spherical inner seat face of each of the bearings. An axial compression pre-load results when the bearing set and ball stud are inserted into a socket and the socket is closed. To prevent the over compression of the bearings and undesirable plastic deformation, a plurality of wedge shaped slots extend about each bearing between an outer axial surface and an outer peripheral surface. The slots provide material "flow" which eliminate unwanted plastic deformation by placing pre-load force and the natural material elasticity into a desired equilibrium. The tailored "cushioning" effect remains while still providing adequate compression pre-loading and dynamic stability to the ball stud.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bearing assembly comprising an outer stationary assembly including a housing including an axial bore with an inwardly facing spherical surface, and an outer bearing member including an outwardly facing spherical surface received by the inwardly facing spherical surface of the housing, and a bore including an inwardly facing cylindrical bearing surface, and an inner rotating assembly including a rotating shaft, and a bearing sleeve fixed to the shaft for common rotation and including an axial bore receiving the shaft, and an outwardly facing composite fabric bearing having an outwardly facing cylindrical self-lubricating bearing surface received in the inwardly facing bearing surface of the outer bearing member.