Resilient Support Member Patents (Class 384/535)
  • Patent number: 7478952
    Abstract: A decoupling device for the bearing arrangement of a shaft carried in a housing, in particular a shaft of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission with a chain that functions as the belt. The decoupling device includes an outer bearing ring configured with a circularly cylindrical outer surface and within which the shaft is mounted, and an inner surface of a housing that encloses the bearing ring outer surface. At least one radial ondular washer is arranged between the bearing ring outer surface and the housing inner surface, which allows a limited relative radial movement between the housing inner surface and the bearing ring outer surface by elastic deformation of the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Betelligungs KG
    Inventors: Hartmut Faust, Oswald Friedmann, André Linnenbrügger, Ronald Glas, Christian Bauer, Hans-Walter Wodtke
  • Patent number: 7452135
    Abstract: A support for a bearing that provides for damping of the bearing and for centering of the bearing within a housing, in which a plurality of cone shaped annular plates are stacked in series and positioned between the housing and an outer race of the bearing, the annular plates being offset from a plane normal to the rotational axis of the bearing such that vibration from the bearing produces rubbing of adjacent sides of the annular plates, the rubbing provides for friction damping of the bearing. The annular plates can be formed from a single wire strand formed in a coil, or from a plurality of annular cones stacked in series. The offset angle of the adjacent plates can be varied to affect the damping and the spring rate of the support. A coating for a sheet of another material can be placed between adjacent plates to change the frictional resistance due to rubbing between plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Holsaple
  • Patent number: 7444747
    Abstract: An improved roller assembly for use in machinery such as round balers is disclosed. The roller assembly of the present invention reduces sensitivity to varying dimensional tolerances on the roller assembly and the structure to which the roller assembly is mounted. At least one elastic member is used to permit the axial position of at least one of the bearings on the roller assembly shaft to vary. Spring washers provide a predetermined, axial force to at least one of the bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: William A. Hood, Calvin D. Meinders, Scott A. Rempe
  • Patent number: 7441960
    Abstract: A bearing arrangement for a medical device in which a rotating component is supported relative to a stationary housing includes a bearing with an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring is connected to the component which is to be supported and the outer ring is connected to the housing by way of at least one damping element. To increase quiet running of the rotating component, both the inner ring and also the outer ring are made as integral elements and have an essentially hollow cylindrical base contour, with an extension of the outer ring in the radial direction being at least twice the extension of the inner ring in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: AB SKF
    Inventors: Manfred Brandenstein, Heinz Breunig, Jurgen Neder, Gunter Neder, Armin Olschewski
  • Patent number: 7435004
    Abstract: A method for predicting bearing failure, wherein the bearing includes an inner race, an outer race, and a plurality of rolling elements between the inner and outer race. The method includes coupling a sensor assembly to the outer race, the sensor assembly including at least one temperature sensor and at least one acoustic sensor, generating a bearing performance model based on an initial signal received from the sensor assembly, receiving a second signal from the sensor assembly, and comparing the second signal to the bearing performance model to predict a bearing failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anant Pal Singh, Larry Jay Sexton
  • Patent number: 7431504
    Abstract: A high temperature damper for a roller bearing having a long shelf life and capable of withstanding temperatures in a gas turbine engine shaft. The damper includes a damping chamber formed between a stator housing and the outer race of the bearing, and is filled with a liquid metal such as Gallium that has a paste-like consistency at room temperature so as not to flow and leak from the damping chamber, and a liquid-like consistency at about 1,500 degrees F. in order to withstand the extreme temperatures of a gas turbine engine. Seals having a U-shape cross section are made of a high temperature metal like Hastalloy or Hynes and enclose the liquid metal within the damping chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip C Pelfrey
  • Patent number: 7431512
    Abstract: A bearing assembly with a bearing for a rotating element, a bearing assembly housing and a bearing liner inserted between the bearing housing and the bearing liner that has an annular channel that contains an anti-rotation and dampening element and extends from an inner surface of the liner through at least the thickness of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Phillip D. Young
  • Patent number: 7429134
    Abstract: A bearing arrangement used in a medical device in which a rotating component is supported relative to a stationary housing includes a bearing comprising an inner ring and an outer ring, with the inner ring being connected to the component which is to be supported and the outer ring being connected to the housing. To increase quiet running of the rotating component, the connection between the inner ring and the component to be supported and/or between the outer ring and the housing is produced by an annular element which is made of plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: AB SKF
    Inventors: Manfred Brandenstein, Heinz Breunig, Jurgen Neder, Gunter Neder, Armin Olschewski
  • Patent number: 7401981
    Abstract: A bearing damper includes a coiled wire wrapped around projections formed on an outer race of the bearing, and supported by a casing having projections extending toward the coiled wire. Projections on the outer race are aligned with recesses on the casing, while projections on the casing are aligned with recesses in the outer race so that the coiled wire can flex between the projections that support the wire and provide a damping function. The coiled wire is formed of a plurality of strands. Flexing of the wire causes adjacent strands to rub and dissipate energy from the vibrations. The tension in the coiled wire can be adjusted in order to vary the damping capability of the bearing damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred P. Matheny
  • Patent number: 7380334
    Abstract: A clamping device (1) for receiving and for the clearance-free prestressing of a wheel bearing comprises a clamping mechanism (3) which radially prestresses the wheel bearing (8) from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: FAG Kugelfischer AG
    Inventors: Lothar Ulmann, Karl Bywalez
  • Publication number: 20080063334
    Abstract: The thrust bearing housing comprises two opposite annular end members and a cone member extending between the two end members. The cone member is connected to each end member at a circular junction, each circular junction having a medial line which borders a respective end of a virtual conical plane. At least a major portion of the cone member is provided inside the virtual conical plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher GILLESPIE
  • Publication number: 20080056633
    Abstract: A centering ring may be used to provide a resilient mounting system with uniform stiffness for rotating machinery. The centering ring may have first and second exterior raised ridges on one surface and a central raised ridge on the other surface. The centering ring may be disposed between the housing of the rotating machinery and a bearing provided therein. Due to its uniform cross-sectional geometry about its entire circumference, the centering ring may provide uniform stiffness in any radial direction. The centering ring may be useful in any rotating machinery, including generators, turbo machines and turbine engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: David E. Stout, Balwinder S. Birdi, Anna C. Gradillas
  • Patent number: 7223020
    Abstract: A bearing assembly including a bearing having an outer bearing ring and an inner bearing ring. The outer bearing ring is axially received in a bearing-receiving recess that includes a substantially cylindrical inner wall. An element that is radially flexible is located between at least one of the outer bearing ring and the inner wall of the recess, and the inner bearing ring and a rotatable member that is rotatably carried in the bearing assembly. The flexible element includes at least one annular element that is undulated in the radial direction, or is provided with projections. Flexible elements can also be disposed against a side surface of the bearing ring for damping axial vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Christian Bauer, André Linnenbrügger, Hans-Walter Wodtke
  • Patent number: 7063464
    Abstract: A reciprocating piston mechanism for an air-conditioning compressor in a motor vehicle has a housing, a rotary driven shaft, a shaft seal assembly with a gliding ring seal, at least one radial shaft bearing, and at least one axial shaft bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: LuK Fahrzeug-Hydraulik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Georg Weber, Peter Barth
  • Patent number: 7025579
    Abstract: A bearing system for a turbocharger shaft includes an elongated bearing carrier with two anti-friction ball bearings mounted in its ends and with a radially extending flange at one end that cooperates with stationary housing portions and carries thrust loads of the rotor in both directions. The elongated bearing carrier is supported within the housing by axially spaced elastic supports which permit the rotating assembly to rotate about its mass center and provide a shock and vibration cushion. The elongated bearing carrier and housing cooperate to provide a coolant cavity which communicates with the outside periphery of the elongated bearing carrier between the axially spaced elastic supports, which also act as coolant seals between the elongated bearing cavity and the bearing housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Innovative Turbo Systems Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Woollenweber, Jon A. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7021831
    Abstract: A zero clearance bearing assembly comprising a housing defining a generally cylindrical bearing chamber with a pair of ball bearing units disposed therein. One unit is adjacent an axial thrust reaction surface of frusto-conical configuration and a shoulder on an associated shaft urges the unit into engagement with the surface. The other unit is press fit on the shaft and also has a shaft shoulder urging it toward the thrust surface. An air impeller on the shaft urges the same toward the other bearing unit and the thrust unit reacts to both the impeller load and an axial preload spring engaging the other bearing unit. One or both of the bearing units is provided with an improved radial preload device comprising a spring and a pair of circumaxially spaced reaction surfaces opposing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Torrington Research Co.
    Inventors: Edwin R. Chadwick, Mitchell Bussell, Robert A. Hoyt, Russel H. Marvin, Gary Peresada
  • Patent number: 7007386
    Abstract: A method for mounting a light duty bearing having a groove defined in an outer arcuate surface thereof for receiving a metallic tolerance ring placed therein which includes protruding waves extending radially outwardly from the groove while the main band of the bearing is positioned preferably completely within the groove such that the bearing can be placed into a workpiece aperture to be movably mounted therein in a frictionally resisted manner such as required in light-duty applications where slight restricted movement between the bearing and the mounting aperture of the workpiece is desirable. The bearing assembly can be mounted in the workpiece aperture by exerting axial force against the inner race member or the outer race member to achieve the frictionally resisted mounting therebetween. The groove defined in the outer portion of the bearing is designed to receive and retain the tolerance ring therein during mounting in the workpiece aperture for greatly facilitating mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: General Sullivan Group, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Stover
  • Patent number: 7004636
    Abstract: The concept of the invention is based on a machine housing with a bearing housing, the bearing seat of which is connected to a housing wall of the machine housing by a bearing housing wall provided with ribs (42, 43) and is subjected to radially directed forces (11, 44). The proposal is made that the bearing housing wall possess at least one ring shaped annular rib (42) which at least partially encompasses the bearing seat in an area (21), the angle (?) of inclination of which, relative to its original unloaded condition, would change itself to the greatest extent under load (11). Further proposed is that a plurality of additional ribs (43) run transverse to the annular rib (42). Thereby, with a relatively small consumption of material, a good shape-retention is achieved. In addition, a tilting of the bearing seat and the bearing is held to a lesser extent than is the case of conventional bearing housing structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Arnulf Deschler
  • Patent number: 6942390
    Abstract: A bearing arrangement for the rotor (11) of a rotating machine, in particular of a hydrogenerator (20) rotating about a vertical axis (19), comprises a combined axial and radial bearing (23) which is accommodated in a bearing body (24), on which supporting arms (27) are arranged for absorbing axial forces. The supporting arms (27) are supported with the free ends on a load-bearing base. Tangentially oriented connecting elements (29) are additionally provided between the bearing body (24) and a foundation (21), enclosing the rotor, for absorbing radial forces and for centering the bearing, which connecting elements (29) are fastened at a first end to the foundation (21) and are fastened at a second end to articulation points (31) arranged directly on the bearing body (24). This results in a material-saving construction, optimization of the individual bearing functions, and improved adjustability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Axel Guenter Albert Fuerst, Kamil Matyscak
  • Patent number: 6939052
    Abstract: A bearing with integrated mounting features is provided with a groove in at least one of the races thereof. The groove is of a shallow depth and provides a mounting location for a mounting ring of slightly different diameter than the race so as to permit the mounting and maintenance of the mounting ring by compression or interference upon the bearing, particularly during shipping and assembly. Consequently, the bearing may be preassembled even when the use of metal mounting rings is contemplated to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and conditions wherein slippage of the races is likely to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Precision Components, Inc.
    Inventor: David Warren Hull
  • Patent number: 6877901
    Abstract: A bearing system for a turbocharger shaft includes two angular contact ball bearings mounted in the opposite ends of a lubricated rotatable elongated cylinder, which includes a radially extending flange at one end that cooperates with stationary housing portions and carries the thrust load of the rotor in both directions. The angular contact ball bearing on the turbine end (hot end) of the machine is provided with a radial spring between the outside of its outer race and the elongated cylinder, which prevents rotation of the outer race, but still allows axial movement of the outer race in the elongated cylinder due to axial expansion of the shaft when exposed to high temperature. The inner races of the ball bearings are separated by a spacer, which is clamped in place between the bearings when the rotor assembly lock nut is tightened. Thus, the inner race of the bearings and spacer rotate with the shaft as part of the rotating assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: William E. Wollenweber
  • Patent number: 6848890
    Abstract: A pump assembly is provided which comprises a pump housing, an electric motor attached to the pump housing and having a casing and an output shaft that protrudes into the pump housing to drive a pump within the pump housing, the output shaft having at least two supported portions by way of which the output shaft is rotatably supporting on the casing and the housing, respectively, and an elastic device interposed between one of the supported portions and one of the casing and the pump housing for damping radial vibrations of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi Unisia Automotive, Ltd.
    Inventor: Chiharu Nakazawa
  • Publication number: 20040258338
    Abstract: A transmission noise attenuation device for a bearing assembly of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission having a chain that serves as an endless torque-transmitting device. A shaft is rotatably supported in a bearing that includes a bearing outer ring with a cylindrical outer surface, wherein the bearing is supported in a bearing housing. At least one cam ring is positioned between the bearing housing inner surface and the bearing outer ring outer surface. The cam ring is elastically deformable to allow limited radial movement between the bearing housing inner surface and the bearing outer ring outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Ronald Glas
  • Patent number: 6817771
    Abstract: A center bearing tuned absorber assembly includes a cylindrical center bearing for supporting a rotating propeller shaft, and a tuned absorber having an inner sleeve disposed around the center bearing, and a mass-spring assembly arranged on an outer circumference of the inner sleeve. The mass-spring assembly includes a mass radially offset from, and attached to, the inner sleeve by a first damping element. The mass-spring assembly is arranged circumferentially on the inner sleeve in the direction of a first bending frequency associated with the rotating propeller shaft. The mass-spring assembly may be axially or radially offset from the center bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Campbell
  • Publication number: 20040101221
    Abstract: A bearing arrangement for the rotor (11) of a rotating machine, in particular of a hydrogenerator (20) rotating about a vertical axis (19), comprises a combined axial and radial bearing (23) which is accommodated in a bearing body (24), on which supporting arms (27) are arranged for absorbing axial forces. The supporting arms (27) are supported with the free ends on a load-bearing base. Tangentially oriented connecting elements (29) are additionally provided between the bearing body (24) and a foundation (21), enclosing the rotor, for absorbing radial forces and for centering the bearing, which connecting elements (29) are fastened at a first end to the foundation (21) and are fastened at a second end to articulation points (31) arranged directly on the bearing body (24). This results in a material-saving construction, optimization of the individual bearing functions, and improved adjustability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Alex Guenter Albert Fuerst, Kamil Matyscak
  • Patent number: 6729764
    Abstract: A metal bearing liner is formed by deep drawing press process sequentially subjecting a progressive sheet material (roll material) to a plurality of press processes. This makes it possible to form a metal bearing liner by a press work instead of a cutting work that has been conventionally employed while maintaining a requisite accuracy such as roundness and cylindricality thereby remarkably reducing the manufacturing cost of the metal bearing line thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiichi Kobayashi, Kazunori Sawayama, Kaoru Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6712516
    Abstract: Existing bearing spring plates for a certain class of steam turbines fail due to a combination of static stresses and cyclic stresses over a long period of time leaving the bearings unsupported. The failures typically occur at welds between the flexible support plate and the pedestal base plate. A method to replace the broken spring plate to return the steam turbine to service is provided. A replacement bearing spring plate pedestal has a flexible plate integral with top and bottom mounting blocks. The flexible spring plate and mounting blocks meet at large radii, polished and substantially free from stress risers. A drill fixture permits drilling and tapping holes in the pedestal base plate to install the replacement spring plate pedestal at the proper location. The bottom block is secured as by bolting with epoxy to a pedestal base plate, and a top block is bolted onto a bearing-supported yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Melbourne F. Giberson
  • Publication number: 20040022466
    Abstract: The concept of the invention is based on a machine housing with a bearing housing, the bearing seat of which is connected to a housing wall of the machine housing by a bearing housing wall provided with ribs (42, 43) and is subjected to radially directed forces (11, 44). The proposal is made that the bearing housing wall possess at least one ring shaped annular rib (42) which at least partially encompasses the bearing seat in an area (21), the angle (&agr;) of inclination of which, relative to its original unloaded condition, would change itself to the greatest extent under load (11). Further proposed is that a plurality of additional ribs (43) run transverse to the annular rib (42). Thereby, with a relatively small consumption of material, a good shape-retention is achieved. In addition, a tilting of the bearing seat and the bearing is held to a lesser extent than is the case of conventional bearing housing structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Arnulf Deschler
  • Patent number: 6655847
    Abstract: A pivot bearing assembly comprises a shaft having a main body portion and a reduced portion integrally and coaxially formed therewith, an outer ring-sleeve member coaxially surrounding the shaft, a first bearing arranged between the reduced portion of the shaft and the outer ring-sleeve member, a second bearing arranged between the main body portion of the shaft and the outer ring-sleeve member and a tolerance ring mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring-sleeve member. The inner ring of the second bearing is a part of the main body portion of the shaft. The outer ring-sleeve member can comprise an outer ring and a sleeve tightly mounted on the outer ring or an outer ring portion and a sleeve portion surrounding the outer ring and integrally formed therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rikuro Obara, Toshisada Koyama
  • Patent number: 6634103
    Abstract: The locus of the displacement of the centers of the balls of a ball bearing is made elliptical and the radial bearing rigidity of the ball bearing in one radial direction is made greater than the radial bearing rigidity in another radial direction orthogonal to the one radial direction, or at least one of the axial length of the portion on the outer diametral surface of the inner race of the ball bearing which is fitted to a shaft and the axial length of the portion on the outer diametral surface of the outer race of the ball bearing which is fitted to a housing is made ½ or less of the bearing width of the ball bearing, whereby the radial rigidity of a ball bearing device is made very small as compared with the radial rigidity in the prior art. As a result, the stability of a swing arm system can be enhanced and higher speed and higher accuracy of control become possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Muraki, Katsuhiko Tanaka, Shigeru Endo, Chuichi Sato, Ikunori Sakatani, Shoji Noguchi
  • Patent number: 6626574
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a bearing for maintaining an inner mobile structural component with a revolution symmetry, rotating inside an outer structural component, which is itself fixed or mobile, said bearing comprising a set of balls or rollers and at least an outer race which provides the mechanical contact between said balls or rollers and said outer structural component, said bearing also comprising a pressurized-oil damper known as a “squeeze film” damper, arranged at the annular contact surface between said outer race and the outer structural component, characterized in that each side surface of the outer race is in contact with a side seal having an annular form, said seals being securely fastened to the outer race by means of a series of anti-rotation fixing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Techspace Aero S.A.
    Inventors: Mathieu Bos, Sébastien Ryhon
  • Publication number: 20030099417
    Abstract: A bearing assembly including a bearing having an outer bearing ring and an inner bearing ring. The outer bearing ring is axially received in a bearing-receiving recess that includes a substantially cylindrical inner wall. An element that is radially flexible is located between at least one of the outer bearing ring and the inner wall of the recess, and the inner bearing ring and a rotatable member that is rotatably carried in the bearing assembly. The flexible element includes at least one annular element that is undulated in the radial direction, or is provided with projections. Flexible elements can also be disposed against a side surface of the bearing ring for damping axial vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Christian Bauer, Andre Linnenbrugger, Hans-Walter Wodtke
  • Patent number: 6564660
    Abstract: A casing of a ball bearing which holds a ball screw can be displaced on a supporting stand against urging force of a compression coil spring and a tensile coil spring. If vibration of the ball screw is transmitted to the casing, the casing attempts to move on the supporting stand. However, when, due to the vibration, the casing is displaced against the urging force of the compression coil spring and the tensile coil spring, the urging force forcibly attempts to return the casing to its original position. A frequency of vibration of the casing is thereby forcibly changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignees: Fuji Photo Film CO, Ltd., Fuji Photo Optical Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Kawamura, Yoshihiro Koyanagi, Mamoru Murata, Mitsuyoshi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 6540407
    Abstract: In the typical embodiments described in the specification, a rolling element bearing arrangement includes an inner raceway with a curved outer surface facing in one lateral direction, an outer raceway with a curved inner surface facing in the opposite lateral direction, an array of rolling elements such as balls engaging the curved surfaces of the inner and outer raceways, a retaining ring in which the array of balls is received, and a retaining ring stabilizer urging the retaining ring in a lateral direction with respect to one of the raceways to inhibit vibration of the components. In addition, a vibration inhibiting outer ring member which may contain a heavy metal or a resilient material, is retained against the outer surface of the outer raceway by a composite wrap which may be a fiber-reinforced organic or inorganic polymer composite made by a dry layup, resin transfer molding, wet filament winding or preimpreganted filament winding technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Pieter Van Dine, David R. Atwell, Stewart Peil, Vladimir Odessky
  • Patent number: 6527449
    Abstract: A pivot bearing of the present invention comprises inner rings, outer rings surrounding the inner rings and rollable balls arranged between the inner and outer rings. This pivot bearing does not have a sleeve which is provided on the outer rings of a conventional pivot bearing. Each of the outer rings is made thicker substantially by the thickness of the sleeve of the conventional pivot bearing than the outer rings of the conventional pivot. The other components of the pivot bearing according to the present invention than the outer bearings use commercially available components or standardized components manufactured in the ordinary manufacturing line at ball bearing manufacturers' factories. Thus, a simple, inexpensive and precise pivot bearing can be manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshisada Koyama, Yasuhiro Mouri
  • Patent number: 6484582
    Abstract: A rolling bearing which has as rolling bearing components one bearing race with a first running surface, a second bearing race with a second running surface opposed to the first surface, and rolling elements arranged between the running surfaces. At least one sensing unit is integrated into the rolling bearing components. The sensing unit can be interrogated by radio via antennas or can be connected to an interrogator by a cable. The sensing unit uses at least one component operating on the SAW or BAW principle to sense changes in length and/or changes in temperature in the material of the rolling bearing component and sends the result of the measurement after the arrival of a radio signal via the antenna or via a cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignees: FAG OEM und Handel AG, Institut fur Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ehrfeld, Volker Graeff, Frank Michel, Sven Gempper, Jens Heim, Joachim Hering, Horst Masuch, Edgar Streit, Vasilis Hassiotis, Henri Van Der Knokke
  • Patent number: 6461050
    Abstract: The locus of the displacement of the centers of the balls of a ball bearing is made elliptical and the radial bearing rigidity of the ball bearing in one radial direction is made greater than the radial bearing rigidity in another radial direction orthogonal to the one radial direction, or at least one of the axial length of the portion on the inner diametral surface of the inner race of the ball bearing which is fitted to a shaft and the axial length of the portion on the outer diametral surface of the outer race of the ball bearing which is fitted to a housing is made ½ or less of the bearing width of the ball bearing, whereby the radial rigidity of a ball bearing device is made very small as compared with the radial rigidity in the prior art. As a result, the stability of a swing arm system can be enhanced and the higher speed and higher accuracy of control become possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Muraki, Katsuhiko Tanaka, Shigeru Endo, Chuichi Sato
  • Patent number: 6447248
    Abstract: A bearing support includes a hollow cone diverging between a forward bearing seat and an aft mounting flange. The cone includes an integral annular fuse sized in thickness to fail in shear under abnormal imbalance load transfer between a gas turbine engine fan supported by a bearing in the forward seat and a fan frame mounted to the aft flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Andrew Kastl, Randy Marinus Vondrell
  • Patent number: 6428460
    Abstract: The invention refers to a support device for a centrifugal separator having a centrifuge rotor (2), which is provided in a frame (1) to be rotatable about an axis (x) of rotation by use of a bearing member (4). The support device is provide between the bearing member and the frame and permits relative movements between the rotor and the frame. The support device has two first stiff portions (6′, 6″) which are substantially immovable in relation to the bearing member, two intermediate elastic portions (7′, 7″) and two second stiff portions (1′, 1″) which are substantially immovable in relation to the frame. The first stiff portions, seen in an axial section, adjoin a respective intermediate portion along a first borderline (8′, 8″) and the second stiff portions, seen in the axial section, adjoin a respective intermediate portion along a second borderline (9′, 9″).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventors: Håkan Appelquist, Jouku Pitkämäki
  • Publication number: 20020061148
    Abstract: A bearing of the type comprising a fixed raceway (2) intended to be associated with a fixed structure, a rotating raceway (3) intended to be associated with a rotating member (6, 8, 9) and rolling bodies disposed between them, in which the fixed raceway (2) comprises first means (5) of fixing the said bearing (1) to the fixed structure. The fixed raceway (2) comprises at least one elastic deformation zone able to be deformed under the action of forces exerted on the said bearing (1). At least one sensor (26) able to measure the said forces is functionally associated with the said elastic deformation zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: Arnaud Salou, Christophe Nicot, Olivier Blanchin
  • Patent number: 6390684
    Abstract: In a reciprocating rotor device such as a scanning galvanometer, a bearing assembly consisting of a rheological bearing coupler interposed between the rotor shaft and the bearing support structure or housing, where the rheological bearing coupler is relatively stiff during constant-velocity portions of rotor rotation, assuring adequate geometrical precision of the rotor within the rotor housing during the scanning phase. When loaded beyond a design load threshold by acceleration-induced moments causing lateral or asymmetrical force applied between the shaft and the bearing support structure during changes in rotor speed, becomes relatively compliant or resilient, absorbing a portion of the load at the expense of momentary axial misalignment of the rotor, then returning to original shape and realigning the rotor to it's correct precision axial position when the acceleration forces are abated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: GSI Lumonics Corporation
    Inventor: David C. Bown
  • Publication number: 20020039461
    Abstract: A pivot bearing assembly comprises a shaft having a main body portion and a reduced portion integrally and coaxially formed therewith, an outer ring-sleeve member coaxially surrounding the shaft, a first bearing arranged between the reduced portion of the shaft and the outer ring-sleeve member, a second bearing arranged between the main body portion of the shaft and the outer ring-sleeve member and a tolerance ring mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring-sleeve member. The inner ring of the second bearing is a part of the main body portion of the shaft. The outer ring-sleeve member can comprise an outer ring and a sleeve tightly mounted on the outer ring or an outer ring portion and a sleeve portion surrounding the outer ring and integrally formed therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: Minebea Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Rikuro Obara, Toshisada Koyama
  • Publication number: 20020012484
    Abstract: The object of the invention is an assembly comprising a bearing (1) and a mechanical interface (5) associated, by means of association means (7), with the fixed raceway (2) of the bearing (1), this interface (5) being intended to be interposed between the fixed raceway (2) of the bearing (1) and the fixed structure, the said interface (5) comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Arnaud Salou, Christophe Nicot, Olivier Blanchin
  • Publication number: 20020001424
    Abstract: In a reciprocating rotor device such as a scanning galvanometer, a bearing assembly consisting of a Theological bearing coupler interposed between the rotor shaft and the bearing support structure or housing, where the Theological bearing coupler is relatively stiff during constant-velocity portions of rotor rotation, assuring adequate geometrical precision of the rotor within the rotor housing during the scanning phase. When loaded beyond a design load threshold by acceleration-induced moments causing lateral or asymmetrical force applied between the shaft and the bearing support structure during changes in rotor speed, becomes relatively compliant or resilient, absorbing a portion of the load at the expense of momentary axial misalignment of the rotor, then returning to original shape and realigning the rotor to it's correct precision axial position when the acceleration forces are abated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: David C. Brown
  • Patent number: 6318900
    Abstract: A one-piece ball bearing mounting member 16 is provided for mounting a ball bearing in a housing. The mounting member includes a ring member 18. Tolerance take-up structure 22 extends from the ring member 18 in one direction and is constructed and arranged to engage at least a portion of a periphery of a ball bearing. At least a portion of the tolerance take-up structure 22 is resilient so that when inserted into the housing the resilient portion contacts a wall of the housing to take-up tolerances between the periphery of the ball bearing and the wall of the housing. A retaining structure 34 extends from the ring member 18 in a direction opposite the one direction. The retaining structure 34 is constructed and arranged 1) to permit insertion of the ball bearing mounting member into the housing in an insertion direction, and 2) to prevent movement of the ball bearing mounting member from the housing in a direction opposite the insertion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: John Delbert Bere, Stefan Zenon Smorowski
  • Patent number: 6296394
    Abstract: A center bearing for a shaft, in particular a propeller shaft, has a rolling bearing arranged on the propeller shaft and a bearing housing surrounding the center bearing. A slide ring in which the rolling bearing is axially displaceable is arranged over the outer periphery of the rolling bearing. A decoupling element is arranged between the slide ring and the bearing housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Braun, Dieter Kandert, Dittmar Wieland
  • Patent number: 6288879
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing manufacturing cost and increasing disc drive actuator assembly stiffness. A post extends from a base deck and supports an actuator assembly and cartridge bearing. In particular, the cartridge bearing comprises a stationary shaft, a bearing supported by the shaft, and a sleeve rotatably supported by the bearing for rotation about the stationary shaft. A first tolerance ring is disposed between an inner surface of the shaft and the post to secure the cartridge bearing in place during assembly. A second tolerance ring is interposed between the cartridge bearing and the E-block to secure the E-block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Seagate Technolocy LLC
    Inventors: Nigel F. Misso, Steve S. Eckerd, Daniel M. Heaton
  • Patent number: 6288878
    Abstract: A tolerance ring is disclosed which provides increased hoop strength and resistance to deformation. The tolerance ring is placed on a stationary post so as to circumferentially extend about an outer surface of the post. An actuator assembly with an inner bored recess is thereafter placed onto the post so that the tolerance ring is compressed between the surface of the inner bored recess and the outer surface of the post, thereby maintaining a desired nominal position of the actuator assembly about the actuator pivot axis. The mechanical configuration of the tolerance ring includes a substantially cylindrical base portion from which at least one brace portion and a plurality of contact portions project. The brace portion preferably extends along the circumference of the base portion and preferably comprises either a circumferentially extending ridge or flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Nigel F. Misso, Denis A. Seewald, Inman L. Jones, Dana P. Eddings
  • Patent number: 6224533
    Abstract: A flexible metal support device for a rotatable centrifuge rotor (2) provided in a frame member (1) by a bearing member (4). The support device comprises a support element (7) provided between the bearing member (4) and the frame member (1), and arranged to absorb relative movements between the centrifuge rotor and the frame member. The support element (7) comprises an inner mounting portion, essentially immovable in relation to the bearing member (4), and an outer mounting portion, essentially immovable in relation to the frame member (1). Moreover, the support element (7) comprises three flexible connecting portions which each extends between the inner and outer mounting portions and is arranged to absorb radial and axial relative movements between the centrifuge rotor and the frame member. Furthermore, the inner portion, the connecting portions and the outer portion form an integrated unit manufactured in one piece of metal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventors: Leif Bengtsson, Staffan Grandin, Jonas Hjelm, Kjell Klintenstedt, Torbjörn Larsen, Nils-Gunnar Ohlson, Jan Setterberg
  • Patent number: 6145199
    Abstract: A bearing system for mounting a rotating shaft includes a bearing assembly and a bearing mounting structure. The bearing assembly has an inner race which contacts the rotating shaft, an outer race, and bearing elements positioned therebetween. The outer race has an exterior surface with an outer dimension. The bearing mounting structure has a region for affixing it to an external structure in which the bearing system is to function. An internal surface of the bearing mounting structure defines a bearing cavity in which the bearing assembly is to be disposed. The internal surface engages the exterior surface of the outer race. The retention force exerted by the internal surface on the outer surface is determined by the design of the inner surface of the bearing mounting structure that defines the bearing cavity. The internal surface has cut-outs, or scallops, extending axially (with respect to the shaft) along the internal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Amana Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Malchow, Steve B. Schwartzkopf