Abstract: A process for making a replaceable socket having a body portion with a concave internal raceway and insertion slot structure to allow installation and removal of a spherical bearing and the replaceable socket made by that process.

Abstract: A clothes dryer includes a housing, a back wall being joined to the housing, an at least approximately horizontally rotatably supported laundry drum having at least one bottom, and a bearing journal supporting the at least one bottom on the back wall. The bearing journal has a spherical bearing-relevant surface being secured to the back wall. The drum bottom has at least one bearing shell tightly embracing the spherical surface.

Abstract: A bearing comprising a spherical ball removably mounted in an outer socket. The ball has a bore axis, an insertion axis and are orientation axis orthogonally arranged, an outer spherical bearing surface, diametrically opposed truncations on the outer spherical bearing surface parallel to the bore axis spaced apart a first dimension and end surfaces spaced apart on the bore axis a second axial dimension.

Abstract: An outer ring is formed with counterbores at the ends thereof, disposed along a common axis and separated by a radially inwardly extending keel portion. A polymer liner is inserted into each end of the outer ring into abutment with the keel portion, the polymer liners being preformed with spherically concave inner surfaces conforming to a ball part entrapped therebetween. A portion of the outer ring is then deformed by upset forming over a portion of the polymer liners to lock the polymer liners in position. An electrical sensor for indicating failure of the polymer liners is also disclosed.

Abstract: A one-piece body portion injection molded of polysulfone or similar polymer has mounting portions for securing the bearing housing to a support surface and a transverse bore having a spherically concave annular bearing seat for tiltably supporting a convex outer ring of a bearing. Diametrically opposed axially extending recesses within the bearing seat facilitate insertion of the outer race ring after molding of the body portion. The bearing housing has significantly improved stiffness and resistance to moisture, creep, thermal deflection, chipping and corrosion, making the bearing housing particularly suited for use in the food processing industry.

Abstract: In a deflection mirror housing for laser material-machining systems and a beam separating filter with such a deflection mirror housing, the housing is composed of two parts comprising a housing upper part (2) supporting a deflection mirror (6) and a housing lower part (1) in the form of a spherical cup, an inlet or outlet opening for the laser beam is provided in the housing lower part (1) formed as a spherical cup and in the housing upper part (2), the deflection mirror (6) is arranged in the housing upper part (2) to be removable from the outside without changing its adjustment, the center of the spherical cup lies in the mirror plane, and the deflection mirror (6) is adjustable by pivoting the housing upper part (2) with respect to the housing lower part (1).

Abstract: A spherical bearing includes an outer ring formed integrally with a rod end, an inner ring having a spherical outer peripheral surface arranged in face-to-face relation with the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring, and a flexible lubricating sheet disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring and the spherical outer peripheral surface of the inner ring. Respective central portions in both annular areas of the flexible lubricating sheet which are respectively defined between an axial center of the outer ring and one annular end of the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring and between the axial center of the outer ring and another annular end of the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring are made to undergo plastic flow and are formed to be thinner than a remaining portion of the flexible lubricating sheet.

Abstract: An axle pivot assembly, used to mount an axle to a pair of brackets on a vehicle frame, includes an annular housing, an annular retaining nut, and a spherical bearing. The housing extends through an opening in the axle and has an annular rim on one end abutting against one side of the axle. The nut is fastened on an opposite end of the housing and clamps the axle between the housing rim and the nut. The spherical bearing has an outer annular ring and an inner annular spherical ring universally rotatably mounted within the outer ring. The outer ring seats against a shoulder defined within a bore in the housing and is retained therein by a snap ring. The axle pivot assembly also includes an elongated bolt and a pair of annular spacers. The bolt is fastened to and extends between the vehicle frame brackets and through an opening in the inner ring.

Abstract: A structured product family of dynamoelectric machines for use in a plurality of applications has a frame with a closed end, and a set of permanent magnets is adhesively secured within the frame. An armature disposed in the frame for interaction with the permanent magnets includes a shaft, a core having a set of winding receiving slots therein, and a commutator. During manufacturing and assembly, stress on the motor shaft and commutator is minimized. A brush plate is associated with the frame for locating a set of brushes relative to the commutator, and an end shield is secured to the frame opposite its closed end. At least one freely aligning bearing assembly disposed in the end shield for freely aligning the shaft and including a bearing and a retainer having predetermined conditions preset with the retainer being adhesively secured to the end shield. A bracket is adhesively secured to the frame for connecting the dynamoelectric machine in anyone of the applications; and a novel brush assembly is provided.

Abstract: A spherically sliding bearing unit generally includes an inner member having a first spherical surface, an outer member having a second spherical surface located opposite to and spaced apart from the first spherical surface, and a liner fixedly attached to the second spherical surface of the outer member to thereby provide a sliding interface between the liner and the first spherical surface of the inner member. The liner has a two-layer structure including an inner layer comprised of a resin material having a low coefficient of friction and an outer layer comprised of a metal. Preferably, the metal outer layer has an irregular structure, such as radial projections or grooves, such that a physically strong coupling can be provided between the liner and the outer member.

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.

Abstract: A bushing assembly for use in eliminating axial and radial play in a connection joint is disclosed wherein the bushing assembly is comprised of various members which can be interconnected so that it can be assembled as a unit. Although various embodiments of the invention are disclosed, the bushing assembly of the present invention generally comprises first and second concentrically mounted sleeve members which are engaged along oppositely tapered surfaces such that the sleeve members, when axially tightened, are radially expanded. Both of the sleeve members are axially split so as to create a hoop stress which aids in eliminating the axial and radial play and which can increase the fatigue life of the connection joint.

Abstract: A spherical hydrostatic bearing having a ball mounted in a split socket for substantially friction free movement relative thereto and a linear hydrostatic bearing extending through the ball and having a longitudinal axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the ball for permitting substantially friction free sliding movement of a rod. Also, apparatus is provided for at least limiting rotational movement of the ball around the longitudinal axis of the split socket.

Abstract: A three piece spherical bearing has a race having two axial halves. One axial half has a spherical bore. The other axial half has a bore which tapers radially outward and axially inward at an angle of about 11.degree. or more to an axial direction. The tapered wall has one or more annular depressions with radial walls and walls at angles to the radial walls. A ball having a spherical outer surface and an axial bore is placed in the race. An insert having a curved inner surface and having an outer surface with a diameter slightly less than the minimum diameter of the tapered wall is pressed into the race and is expanded around the ball into contact with the tapered wall. Forces which tend to force the insert cause sharp linear pointed surfaces at the insert of the tapered wall and radial walls of the grooves to bite into the outer surface of the insert, tightly gripping the insert within the race and holding the three part spherical bearing together.

Abstract: A ball and socket bearing having a spherical ball member positioned within a non-metallic, molded bearing material which is in turn molded within a socket formed in a socket member. The socket provides openings on either side of the equator of the ball member having a radius less than the radius of the equator of the ball member so that a metal-to-metal interference prevents lateral separation of the members even in the event of bearing material failure. Further, the bearing material is relatively thin, at least between the ball member and socket adjacent to the lateral opening, so that the bearing material can support high lateral loads.

Abstract: A truncated spherical ball enters a cavity in a link using an entry slot in the link away from the end of the link and axially extending toward the link arm. Passage of the rotated ball through the entry slot is prevented by excess thickness of the ball relative to slot width until the link is expanded by heating. Full bearing surface exists at the end and sides of the link cavity and bearing surfaces are not contacted while forcing a fit. The ball is secure from inadvertent removal.

Abstract: A self-aligning bearing structure for vacuum cleaner brushes and the like includes a plastic sleeve and a metal bearing element. The sleeve is initially formed with a flared end, allowing the bearing element to be inserted to provide a subassembly. The subassembly is then pressed axially into a cylindrical bore in the vacuum cleaner brush body. During such insertion, the flared end is deflected inwardly to produce a spherical socket which mates with a spherical periphery on the bearing element. Relative rotation between the sleeve and bearing element is prevented by a plurality of peripherally spaced teardrop-shaped projections formed on the sleeve which fit into teardrop-shaped recesses on the bearing element. The recesses are sufficiently closely spaced and are shaped in cooperation with the projections so that the recesses and projections automatically interfit upon assembly, and can therefore be assembled by automated equipment which does not require special orientation means.

Abstract: A mounting for a bearing which comprises a cavity which has at least a portion thereof formed in a spherical section and another portion of the cavity is in the form of a groove extending outwardly from the spherical section. Thus, either a bearing having an external envelope that is a sphere or a cylindrical section may be installed in the cavity.

Abstract: A spherical bearing comprises an outer ring and an inner ring located inside the outer ring to be slidable, the outer ring is prepared by casting molten metal around a resin-made sheet to be coated on the inner ring. A liner disposed between the inner and outer ring comprises a liner body and a metallic mesh member embedded in the liner body, and the molten metal is filled in meshes in the mesh member so as to partially bite the inner peripheral portion of the outer ring to achieve the firm engagement of the liner with the outer ring.

Abstract: This interference fit bearing is divided into an outer and an inner bearing assembly. The outer bearing assembly has an outside radial dimension measured from the center of the bearing which is at least 0.002 inches larger than the opening into which it will be interference fit. The inside radial dimension of the outer bearing assembly will be larger than the outer radial dimension of the inner bearing assembly prior to insertion of the bearing into the receiving hole in the interference fit. When the outer and inner bearing assemblies of the interference fit bearing are pressed into the hole in the receiving load bearing element, the compression of the bearing by the receiving hole will act to force the outer bearing assembly into the proper tolerance fit with the inner bearing assembly of the bearing.

Abstract: The non-rotating bearing ring of a pivot mounted roller is mounted to be radially movable on an undulated spring and axially held between two machine parts. Friction is produced by relative radial movement between the end surface of the bearing ring and the radially extending surfaces of the machine parts, to result in damping by dissipation of energy. The rubbing surfaces can be coated with friction layer or a solid sliding washer can be employed instead of a coated surface.

Abstract: A rod end has a split clamp housing which supports a bearing for transferring motion or loading forces from an actuator to another part to be loaded. An adjustable stop for the clamp is used to adjust the backlash of the bearing used with the rod end to a desired level without causing distortion. A spherical washer set is used for transferring loads between the two clamp portions. The housing for the bearing is clamped against the spherical washer set at a preselected loading so that the bearing is able to rotate and swivel as needed, but backlash is removed.

Abstract: A compound bearing consisting of an outer and an inner member movable relative to each other and between which are disposed load carrying annular members. The load carrying annular members comprise a pair of elastomeric rings held between the outer and inner members under compression, and a metallic ring insert disposed between and separating the two elastomeric rings. A narrow clearance is provided between the peripheral surface of the metallic ring insert and the inner surface of the bearing outer member, and between the metallic ring inner surface and the inner member peripheral surface. Normal loads are taken and absorbed by the elastomeric rings, while overloads and shock loads are taken by the metallic ring insert.

Abstract: An axial joint arrangement with integrated seal is provided with three successively arranged bearing rings, the upper and lower bearing rings having spherical guiding surfaces which oppose corresponding spherical surfaces of the middle bearing ring. The upper and lower bearing rings are connected and the middle bearing ring slides therebetween. The guiding surface of the lower bearing ring serves to center and guide the middle bearing ring and the guiding surface of the upper bearing ring serves to transmit operating loads to the middle bearing ring. A first sealing disk is attached to the middle bearing ring. One face of the first sealing disk abuts a first sealing surface and the other face abuts an intermediate disk. The intermediate disk is sealingly connected by a bellows to a second sealing disk, which is in turn connected to a second sealing surface.

Abstract: A bearing assembly comprising a first half including a first head portion partially defining a socket, a first shank portion connected to the first head portion, and a first periphery having extending therefrom a plurality of spaced first projections, and a second half substantially identical to the first half and including a second head portion aligned with the first head portion to define the socket, a second shank portion connected to the second head portion and aligned with the first shank portion, and a second periphery having extending therefrom a plurality of spaced second projections, the first projections being folded over the second periphery and the second projections being folded over the first periphery in alternating relationship so that the first and second projections interlock the halves and align the halves with respect to each other.

Abstract: A kit for use in refurbishing a worn joint in a member, such as a tie or drag link, is provided. The kit contains a bushing, a spring, a housing and a plug for use with the old stud to provide a reliable, rotational, flexible and tight joint.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine has at least one sheet metal end shield including a partial spherical bearing seating surface deformed therefrom and a set of keys also integrally deformed from the end shield so as to extend generally radially of the partial spherical bearing seating surface. A self-adjusting bearing includes a bearing surface interposed between a pair of opposite end portions of the bearing and extending generally circumferentially thereabout with the bearing surface being disposed in at least limited self-adjusting engagement with the partial spherical bearing seating surface. A set of keyways in one of the opposite end portions of the bearing extend generally radially thereof to intersect with the bearing surface and receive the keys deformed from the end shield in rotational displacement preventing engagement, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retainer comprising a substantially planar support member having an opening therein designed to receive an annular member such as a bearing. Around the opening a plurality of slits are formed extending generally radially outwardly from the opening to form a plurality of retainer lips. The retainer lips are bent out of the plane of the support member such that the retainer will receive and fixedly engage the bearing in a snap fit. Bearing guides and steps may be used in aligning the bearing in the retainer.

Abstract: A swivel joint comprises an outer ring having a cavity in the form of a portion of sphere, and an inner ring whose shape is partly spherical and which is housed in the spherical cavity of the outer ring. The inner ring presents only two diametrically opposite notches, disposed substantially in the median plane perpendicular to the axis of the ring. The outer ring presents only two pairs of notches whose width is equal, to within the clearance, to the width of the parts of the ring which flank the notches of the inner ring, the two notches of the same pair of outer ring notches being spaced apart from each other by a distance equal, to within the clearance, to the width of the notches of the inner ring, the assembly of two notches of a pair of outer ring notches extending over a width substantially equal to the thickness of the inner ring.