Abstract: A bearing mounting system and method that reduces vibration using a singular annular elastomeric member contained in a substantially enclosed area that includes open area free of elastomeric material. A bearing raceway surface and an adjacent support surface are spaced apart by a predetermined radial gap. The enclosed cross-sectional area is bounded by features on the bearing raceway surface and the supporting surface that could be either the rotating roll or a support shaft. The enclosed area has a depth and a width and includes the radial gap. The viscoelastic deformation of the elastomeric member contained in this enclosed area in conjunction with the amount of open area in the enclosed area, provides a dual stiffness system that reduces or eliminates the excessive vibration that occurs in chucks for textile fiber windups or similar systems, when there is relative movement to reduce the radial gap and the enclosed area containing the radial gap.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bearing damping system for damping vibrations and conducting heat from vibration-producing, heat-generating devices, an evacuated energy storage system including such a bearing damping system for damping vibrations produced by the rotating shaft and conducting heat from bearings and/or bearing assemblies; and a method for damping vibrations and conducting heat from vibration-producing, heat-generating devices. In one aspect of the present invention, the system includes one or more flexible bearing dampers in combination with one or more heat transferring rosettes. The flexible, e.g., elastomeric, bearing dampers minimize the rigid body critical velocity, which further minimizes the amplitude of the vibrations so that relatively high damping energy is required. The heat transferring rosettes comprises a flexible thermally conductive member that transfers heat by conduction from the bearings, bearing assemblies and/or heat generating devices to a remote heat sink.

Abstract: One or more piezo-based devices are mounted on a center bearing assembly of a drive train assembly for reducing the amount of vibrations that are generated therein during operation. The piezo-based device is used to dampen these vibrations by converting the physical vibratory motion of the driveshaft tube into an electrical current that is dissipated through a resistive element as heat. By varying the magnitude of the resistive element, the center damping frequency of the piezo-based device can be varied as needed for center bearing assembly and drive train. If desired, an inductive element may be provided with the resistive element to dissipate the electrical current. The magnitude of the resistive element may be varied by a controller in response to the magnitude and/or frequency of the vibrations sensed by a sensor.

Abstract: An overmolded motor bearing is provided for use with an electric motor. A conventional ball-bearing has a rubberized sleeve molded directly onto the bearing so that the bearing and insulating rubber sleeve form a unitary subassembly. The bearing sub-assembly is formed by inserting the conventional ball-bearing directly into the mold of an injection molding machine. Importantly, the rubberized material encapsulating the bearing extends around the outer bearing race and along the side faces of the bearing. In a preferred embodiment, separate nylon washers are installed on either side of the bearing when the bearing is inserted into the mold. The rubberized material is then injection molded around the outer bearing race to capture the nylon washers. The preferred embodiment thus prevents the bearing shields on the side faces of the bearing from being subjected to the injection molding pressures within the mold which can deform and thus damage the bearing shields.

Abstract: To improve a shock-absorbing property of a center bearing support (1) by a stopper (132) at a time when a vibration displacement of a supported shaft is increased, in the center bearing support (1) with an inner ring (12) being provided in the inner periphery of an outer ring (11) fixed to the side of a vehicle body via an elastic body (13) made of an elastomer material, and a center bearing (3) being mounted to the inner periphery of the inner ring (12), a stopper (132) extending in a taper shape is formed at an end portion (131a) of a flexible main body (131) in the elastic body (13), and a rib (133) is formed between the stopper (132) and the end portion (131a) of the flexible main body (131) at a predetermined phase interval, so that a deforming force applied by the stopper (132) being in contact with the side of the outer ring (11) at a time when an excessive displacement is input is absorbed by a displacement of the end portion (131a) of the flexible main body (131) , whereby it is possible to restrict

Abstract: A bearing sleeve assembly for motors includes a stator seat having an axial tube, a supporting member securely mounted in the axial tube, an elastic member securely mounted in the supporting member and having a contacting section supported by an end of the supporting member, and a bearing which bears against the contacting section of the elastic member and rotatably supports a rotor shaft.

Abstract: A shaft bearing, which includes a roller bearing (1) having an outer ring (2) enclosed at its outer circumference by a supporting ring (3) at a radial distance, at least one first spring element (5), which is elastically yielding in the axial direction and the radial direction, being positioned in the gap (4) formed by the radial distance.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for a shaft bearing, including a supporting ring is securable in a housing and encloses a rolling-contact bearing on the outside radially to form an annular clearance with the outer ring of the rolling-contact bearing, a bellows element which bridges the annular clearance and is attached to the supporting ring and to the outer ring and has a section with at least one fold projecting axially, a stop buffer arranged in the annular clearance outside the axial extent of the at least one fold, the stop buffer (9) being formed by a C-shaped ring (12) which is open toward the fold (2) and is secured with the supporting ring (1) or with the outer ring (6) and has a leg (13) projecting cantilevered into the annular clearance (4) to form a radial stop.

Abstract: A damped tolerance ring assembly has an outer tolerance ring, an inner tolerance ring, and an elastomeric layer bonded therebetween. The tolerance rings are metal, spring-like split rings. Each tolerance ring has corrugations for additional strength. The elastomeric layer contours to the shape of both the inner and outer rings and their corrugations. The damped tolerance ring assembly is press fit between a cylindrical pivot assembly and a cylindrical hole in the actuator body of a disk drive. The friction at the interfaces of the tolerance rings due to compressive forces hold the pivot securely in the actuator body such that they all rotate together relative to a pivot shaft. The tolerance rings are formed from steel and provide a stiff outer shell for the ring assembly to resist axial rocking of the actuator body relative to the pivot, especially during structural resonance modes. The thin layer of elastomer provides the damping and isolation to absorb vibration energy of the bearing reaction force.

Abstract: The bearing device 4 is press-fitted between the inside surface of the axis insertion hole of a steering column and the outside surface of a steering axis inserted into the axis insertion hole so as to support the steering axis. The bearing device 4 comprises a roller bearing arranged on the outside surface of the steering axis and a spacer ring arranged between the outside surface of the roller bearing and the inside surface of the axis insertion hole. The spacer ring comprises a wall thickness holding unit for holding the thickness of its wall in the radius direction and a thickness reduction unit which is provided on at least one site of the inside and outside surfaces and its end in the vicinity of the wall thickness holding unit and which reduces the thickness of the wall to facilitate deformation of the spacer ring.

Abstract: A cardan shaft bearing which includes a roller bearing whose outer ring is connected to a bearing support which can be fixed to the vehicle body by an elastic element, the elastic element (16) including two rubber folds (2, 2′), attached to the outer ring (5) of the roller bearing (13), which form a circular cavity (14) in which a stop buffer (1) is positioned so that the roller bearing (13) can be elastically supported on carrier ring (3).

Abstract: An angular contact ball bearing is configured so that the inner bearing ring (6) comprises two spaced apart points of contact, B and C, and the outer bearing ring comprises one point of contact A, the point of contact C of the inner bearing ring (6) being formed only after a tilting of the inner bearing ring (6). Due to this third point of contact C, a tilting of the inner bearing ring is almost completely prevented.

Abstract: The rolling bearing 1 of this bearing assembly is of the relubricatable type and is mounted tightly on the shaft 4 by its inner race 2 in such a way as to be prevented from rotating and translating on the shaft, the latter for this purpose comprising a thrust shoulder 3. The outer race 6 of the rolling bearing is housed in a ball swivel with a spherical outer peripheral surface consisting of two half ball swivels 7 back to back and this ball swivel is itself mounted in the spherical housing 8 of a support consisting of two flanges 9, 10 arranged facing one another and slightly separated from one another in the axial direction prior to clamping. One 9 of these flanges may be fixed by lugs 11 to the structure of the craft and the other flange 10 may be fixed to the previous one using screws 12.

Abstract: A resilient shaft bearing, suitable for use as an intermediate bearing for a propeller shaft of a motor vehicle is provided. The bearing includes an outer ring for securing to a carrying structure, an inner ring which serves to support the shaft, and a resilient annular element which is arranged between the outer ring and inner ring. The resilient annular element forms a circumferential channel structure which is filled with a dilatant liquid. The invention provides a bearing having damping characteristics proportional to the energy level of the vibration to be damped.

Abstract: An improved bearing support structure for a vehicle driveline includes a bracket having ears for supporting a bearing cushion. The ears are separated by a distance which is greater than the thickness of the cushion such that the cushion can self-align within the bracket. In this way, a variety of driveline angles can be accommodated by the bearing cushion within the bracket. Moreover, the bearing cushion is provided with recesses which facilitate the ability of the cushion to flex to further allow relative alignment of the axis of the driveline within the bracket.

Abstract: An angular contact ball bearing of a steering shaft (27) of an automotive vehicle, said bearing comprising an inner bearing ring (11), an outer bearing ring (1) and bearing balls (7) arranged between the inner and outer bearing rings in rolling contact with raceways (14, 5) formed on the inner and outer bearing rings, the inner bearing ring (11) being received by an elastic tolerance ring (15) of a polymeric material, said bearing further comprising an inseparable assembly, wherein, a retaining ring (20) is arranged between the steering shaft (27) and the tolerance ring (15), the retaining ring (20) comprises circumferentially equi-spaced retaining elements (19) that project therefrom in axial direction and comprise radially outward directed retaining lugs (22) that overlap the outer bearing ring (1), the tolerance ring (15) comprises circumferentially equi-spaced clearances (18) for receiving the retaining elements (19), and the tolerance ring (15) extends in axial direction up to the end of a generally radi

Abstract: An elastic bearing suspension for a shaft bearing (1) is described. The shaft bearing (1) is connected on the outside radially to at least one stop buffer (2) made of an elastomer material, the stop buffer (2) being connected to a first supporting ring (5) arranged adjacent to and at an axial distance (4) from the shaft bearing (1) by way of at least one fold (3) made of an elastomer material which extends in the axial direction and has a V-shape as seen in the longitudinal sectional of the shaft bearing (1), the first supporting ring (5) being connected to one of the end faces (6) of a stop sleeve (7), the other end face (8) of the stop sleeve (7) surrounding the stop buffer (2) on the outer circumference at a radial distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support device for elements protecting rotating shafts, in particular telescopic cardanic shafts, wherein, in each semi-shaft terminating with a fork, is present an inner rolling race for balls, race which is obtained circumferentially exterior in a cylindrical portion of the fork and an outer rolling race on two semi-shells coaxial to the fork and mutually opposite, and a cage for the balls. The semi-shells are contained between the ring nut, provided with retaining edges, and the cylindrical fork portion.

Abstract: High in-flight vibrations in turbofan gas turbine engines are prevented at windmilling speeds after a blade-out induced structural decoupling of the fan assembly by providing a fan assembly support system with a damper assembly that dissipates vibration energy and retunes the natural frequency of the fan assembly to be above windmilling speeds. The support system includes primary and secondary bearing supports separately secured to the fan frame and a bearing disposed between the primary bearing support and the fan assembly. The damper assembly includes a journal formed on the primary bearing support and a bumper ring attached to the secondary bearing support in surrounding relationship with the journal.

Abstract: An intermediate bearing for a driveline of a commercial vehicle has a housing (7) with a stirrup-shaped cross-section. The housing (7) has a fixing face (12) formed of two straight portions (8, 9) and a first arched portion (10). A bearing member (15) is arranged between the portions (8, 9, 10). The bearing member (15) is rubber and is connected to the fixing face (12) by vulcanization. A locking element (23) bridges the space between the two straight portions (8, 9). The locking member (23) is attached to the bearing member (15). The bearing member (15) encloses a supporting ring (16) which serves to receive a rolling contact bearing. The locking element (23) is adjustable for the purpose of setting a pre-tension of the bearing member (15) towards the longitudinal axis (18) of the bore (17) of the supporting ring (16). The locking element (23) can be connected to the housing (7) after the required pre-tension has been set.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bearing device reliable of shielding any material or fluid from moving between a fluid passage within a fluid system housing and an outside of the housing. In the above bearing device, a roller bearing (12) equipped with sealing plates (17) is fitted into a coupling bore (11) in an intake pipe (1) serving as the housing so that the roller bearing (12) can bear a shaft (6) of a butterfly valve disposed in a fluid passage (2) within the intake pipe (1). The outer race (13) and the inner race (14) of the roller bearing (12) are formed with annular grooves (21, 22), respectively, and O-rings (23, 24) are engagingly arranged on the interior of the annular grooves (21, 22), respectively. With the bearing device having this structure, the O-rings (23, 24) can prevent air, etc. from permeating into the intake passage (2) even though clearance (a, b) occurs in the engaged sections due to a dimensional error, difference in thermal expansion, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides a propeller shaft supporting structure where an annular supporting member obtained by connecting an inner ring and an outer ring to each other via an elastic member axially supports a propeller shaft through a center bearing at an inner side of the inner ring. In the propeller shaft supporting structure, a metal stopper piece formed in a simple cylindrical shape with no flange is press-fitted on the propeller shaft to abut on an inner race of the center bearing so as to position and fix the center bearing to an axially predetermined position. A thin annular metal plate is fixed to an inner peripheral portion of an annular rubber flange, and the annular metal plate is fitted on an outer periphery of an end portion of the stopper piece, thereby covering the opening of the inner ring with the flange.

Abstract: An isolator to prevent transmitted vibrations includes a ring which fits within a shaft opening of a housing. A bearing is received within the isolator and a shaft is received within the bearing. The vibrations are decoupled from a vibration transmission path by the different material of the isolator. The isolator is preferably manufactured of a rigid laminate material dissimilar to the housing material. Another embodiment of the present invention integrates the isolator directly into the bearing assembly. By manufacturing the outer member of the bearing assembly of the laminated material, the outer member similarly breaks the transmission path of vibrations without the need of the additional member. Noise is thereby substantially prevented from reaching, and from being amplified by, the housing. This greatly reduces the resulting noise and vibration.

Abstract: An object of the present invention, in an idler pulley having a pulley main body formed of steel sheet, is to prevent the pulley main body and the outer ring of a bearing from creeping and the pulley main body from slipping off. An idler pulley according to the invention comprises a pulley main body adapted to have a belt entrained therearound, a ball bearing fitted in the pulley main body, and a shaft member fitted in the inner ring of the ball bearing, wherein a layer of a soft metal whose Young's modulus is lower than those of the pulley main body and the outer ring of the bearing is interposed between the inner surface of the pulley main body of steel sheet and the outer surface of the outer ring of the bearing.

Abstract: A pump unit with a drive motor mounted onto a pump block which reduces noise problems which stem from clearance fits that are required in order to be able to mount the drive motor onto the pump block. A pump unit set forth eliminates clearance fits required for the perfect assembly of the pump unit by means of plastic introduced into the clearance fits. The pump unit is particularly provided for slip-controlled vehicle brake systems in motor vehicles.

Abstract: The annular cushion 25 interposed between the fixed housing 22, 23 and a swiveling exterior surface 27 in the shape of a spherical sector with relatively large radius of curvature of the bearing block 12, 15, 16, is in a relatively rigid and incompressible material, with low coefficient of friction surface, and has a transverse section wholly adapted to the section of the annular space arranged between the inner surface of the fixed housing 22, 23 and the swiveling exterior surface of the bearing block 12, 15, 16, this annular cushion consisting of two rings 25 spaced apart and arranged on each side of the transverse median plane of the swiveling exterior surface.

Abstract: A vacuum pump has a shaft bearing (6) supported in a bearing outer ring (8). In order to improve the damping properties a substantially cylindrical radial supporting ring (7) is provided between the outer ring (8) and an interior surface of a bore (9) in a housing (1). First and second circumferential projections (11, 12) project from opposite edges of cylindrical ring (7) on one side. On its other side, a third circumferential projection (13) is axially arranged between the first projections (11, 12). The first and second projections engage one of the outer race and the bore and the third projection engages the other. The damping of the radial support ring (7) is determined by its radial stiffness which is determined by the stiffness of the material and the distance between the projections (11, 12, 13).

Abstract: A tension roll includes a rolling bearing protected by a sealing disk and having an outer ring possessing an end face and a bore surface, and an injection molded plastic roller shell arranged on the outer ring of the rolling bearing. The roller shell includes sections that are molded in one piece and cover the end face and the bore surface of the outer ring up to the sealing disk.

Abstract: An electric power assisting steering apparatus comprises a housing, a motor mounted on the housing to generate auxiliary steering power in a rotating shaft, an output shaft to transmit the steering power for steering the wheels, a bearing for supporting the output shaft to be freely rotatable, and a worm gear mechanism having a worm connected to the rotating shaft and a worm wheel connected to the output shaft, to transmit the auxiliary steering power of the motor to the output shaft. An elastic body is provided between at least one of the rotating shaft and the housing and the bearing, so that when a tooth surface of the worm and that of the worm wheel are brought into contact with each other, the rotating shaft is moved in at least one of the axial direction and the radial direction relative to the housing by deforming the elastic body.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies supporting the shaft of an electrical rotating machine are electrically insulated from the bearing housing. For each bearing assembly, a portion of the housing defines a receptacle into which an insertion ring is positioned. The gap between the insertion ring is filled with an appropriate insulative material, such as a nonconductive binding compound or an insulative polymer. In a preferred construction, nonconductive binding compound is located between spacers of insulative polymer. In another preferred construction, a nonconductive coating is applied to the outer surface and the remainder of the gap is filled with nonconductive binding compound. Insulative polymeric material may be used without binding compound in some embodiments. The bearing assembly is maintained in the insertion ring.

Abstract: A low friction shielded bearing assembly for supporting a machine shaft, for example a spindle shaft of a food cutting machine, includes a rolling element radial and thrust bearing subassembly containing ball or roller elements supported between inner and outer relatively rotatable bearing races with seal elements for retaining lubricant within the bearing subassembly. A flanged, fretting and corrosion resistant sleeve is fixed within the inner race of the bearing subassembly with the flange of the sleeve shielding an adjacent bearing seal against direct impingement by sprayed cleaning fluids. The sleeve also transmits radial and thrust loads to the inner race. The bearing subassembly is retained within an annular retainer that is adjustably attached to a machine frame to permit adjustment of the location of the rotational axis of a shaft supported by the bearing and to permit adjustment of the bearing location axially along the shaft and relative to the machine frame.

Abstract: A rolling contact bearing includes an inner race (1), an outer race (2) accommodating therein the inner race (1), and a plurality of rolling elements (4) interposed between the inner and outer races (1, 2). An insulating covering (8) made of an elastic material having an electric insulating property is mounted around the outer race (2). This insulating covering (8) includes a cylindrical body (8a) and collars (8b) extending radially inwardly from opposite ends of the cylindrical body (8a). This cylindrical body (8a) in a natural condition has an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the outer race (2), but in an assembled condition with the insulating covering (8) placed around the outer race (2) against its own elasticity, the cylindrical body (8a) is held in tight contact with an outer peripheral surface (2a) of the outer race (2) and the collars (8b) are held in tight contact with respective opposite end faces (2b) of the outer race (2).

Abstract: A rotating machine comprises a housing defining a generally cylindrical bearing pocket and defining an interior and exterior. The machine also includes a bearing retainer having a generally cylindrical sleeve portion retained in the bearing pocket and a bearing having an outer race and an inner race, the outer race affixed within the cylindrical sleeve portion. The machine further has a rotating member mounted on a shaft for rotation therewith, the shaft having a portion affixed within the inner race of the bearing. In one embodiment, the bearing retainer includes anti-rotation keying projections the bearing pocket includes complementary depressions for the keying projections. The keying projections cooperate with the complementary depressions to prevent rotation of the bearing retainer with respect to the bearing pocket. In another embodiment, a cap is affixed to the bearing retainer to substantially prevent contamination from reaching the bearing from the exterior.

Abstract: A roller bearing for the radial support of two component parts, includes an inner race, an outer race and rolling elements disposal between the inner and outer races, as well as a damping layer between at least one race and one of the component parts. The outer race has an outer contour facing the component part. The component part has an inner contour that faces the outer race, and essentially corresponds to the shape of the outer contour. With respect to an outer race having a cylindrical outer contour, the outer race according to the present invention shows an increase in thickness, at least sectionally, preferably in the area of the rolling element. The outer contour is shaped such that a pendulum motion of the bearing or of the component part, with deformation of the damping layer, is limited.

Abstract: A shaft deflection controller includes an input driveshaft adapted for inputting power from an engine. The input driveshaft includes an axis of rotation and a spur pinion at an end of the input driveshaft. The axis of rotation of the input driveshaft changes, relative to a frame, with deflections of the input driveshaft. Two face gears are adapted for meshing with the spur pinion of the input driveshaft. A flexible shaft stabilizing mount includes an inner sleeve portion and a mounting flange. The inner sleeve portion includes a base portion connecting the inner sleeve portion to the mounting flange and a plurality of cage spring members. The mounting flange is connected to and concentric with the inner sleeve portion. The flexible shaft stabilizing mount controls the deflection of the input driveshaft by applying forces onto the input driveshaft, which tend to resist changes in the alignment of the axis of rotation of the input driveshaft. The flexible shaft stabilizing mount is connected to a rigid frame.

Abstract: A reduced noise radial piston pump with a driving motor for a controlled brake system. The noise reduction is primarily accomplished by locating and orienting the motor/pump bearings with respect to the pump pistons.

Abstract: An angular contact bearing is mounted within a housing and a shaft is positioned within the bearing such that an annular space is provided between the bearing and the shaft. A mounting ring of elastomeric polymer is positioned over the shaft and against the bearing inner ring such that a portion of the mounting ring is between the bearing inner ring and the shaft, centering the shaft within the bearing and reducing radial free play. The mounting ring is compressed axially, against the bearing, such that the mounting ring deforms and resiliently spreads radially outwardly and provides a preload on the bearing balls.

Abstract: The inventive cylindrical cartridges are installed in machinery for purposes of isolating vibration of conventional rolling element bearings from major machinery components. Two inventive cartridges are concentrically coupled with a rolling element bearing, one cartridge fitting circumferentially inside the bearing's inner ring, the other cartridge fitting circumferentially outside the bearing's outer ring. Each inventive cartridge comprises inner and outer concentric cylindrical metallic pieces and an intermediate filling which includes two lateral circumferential elastomeric bands separated by a medial circumferential air gap. The inventive cartridges can be inexpensively fabricated and can be permanently integrated with existing machinery.

Abstract: A pivot bearing assembly for mounting to an enclosure of a head disk assembly to support a head stack assembly of a disk drive is disclosed. The pivot bearing assembly comprises a shaft for being affixed to the enclosure and defining a longitudinal axis, a first and second set of bearings, the second set of bearings longitudinally spaced from the first set of bearings, and each set of bearings surrounding a respective portion of the shaft. The pivot bearing assembly also comprises an inner sleeve member and an outer sleeve member, both sleeve members surrounding the shaft. A pair of channels is located between the outer and inner sleeve members. Alternatively, the pair of channels is located between the shaft and the sets of bearings. The channels contain a cured cast-in-place material, preferably, an ultra violet cured polyurethane compound having a hardness between approximately 24 Shore A to 79 Shore A.

Abstract: A retainer for preventing dislodgment of a shaft from a bearing including a radially expandable retaining ring, a circumferential groove in the shaft having a frustoconical side, and a frustoconical sidewall on an inner race of the bearing facing the frustoconical side of the groove in the shaft and cooperating therewith in defining an annular V-shaped retaining ring groove. In a seated position of the retaining ring in the retaining ring groove, the retaining ring is wedged between the frustoconical sidewall of the bearing inner race and the frustoconical side of the groove in the shaft to eliminate lash between the shaft and the bearing.

Abstract: A vibration decoupler for a swing-type head actuator pivot bearing assembly in a disk drive. The invention selectively decouples axial actuator vibrations from the pivot shaft while retaining the radial and rotational rigidity needed to ensure head positioning precision. The head stack assembly is rigidly coupled to the pivot bearing shaft in the radial and rotational dimensions and is pliably coupled to the same shaft in the axial dimension. This decoupling scheme eliminates most acoustic vibration components created in the rotary actuator. Axial decoupling eliminates most acoustic vibration components transmitted from the pivot shaft to the drive housing. The vibration isolator may be fabricated as a single piece of injection-molded plastic, including all necessary elements for coupling to the pivot bearing and the actuator body.

Abstract: A disk drive has a base, a cover, a spindle motor mounted to the base, and a disk coupled to the spindle motor. A rotary actuator comprising a head stack assembly is coupled to the base by a pivot bearing assembly. The pivot bearing assembly provides a stationary member, a bearing, and a sleeve member for rotatably supporting the actuator. The pivot bearing assembly further provides an elastomeric interface between the stationary member and the actuator such that vibratory motion imparted to the head stack assembly is dampened by the elastomeric interface.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for supporting a shaft without play, in particular for use with a steering shaft in a steering column, includes a plurality of needle-like rollers that are circumscribed by a thin-walled, split bush for elastically loading the rollers in radial direction. Fitted about the bush is an elastic ring that applies a preload on the bush and has at least one peripheral surface formed with neighboring ridges of relatively greater radial dimension and relatively smaller radial dimension in alternating relationship.

Abstract: An electric motor (1) has a stator (3) and a rotor (5) having a rotor shaft (7), which rotor shaft is supported relative to the stator by means of ball-bearings (9). The ball-bearings are connected directly to suspension elements (11 ) for the suspension of the electric motor (1) relative to an external device. Resilient elements (13) are arranged between the suspension elements (11) and the stator (3) to suppress vibrations in the suspension elements (11). When the electric motor (1) is used in an apparatus less vibrations are transmitted to the frame of the apparatus, so that the apparatus itself also produces less vibrations and less noise.

Abstract: Cantilever shafts (34, 40) support bearing assemblies (54, 56) over which is mounted a tuned compliance or constraint member (92) including flexure members (102, 104, 106) which minimize deflection of the shafts and improve operation of associated rotary tools (18, 20). An improved lock nut (70-86) permits precise installation of the bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A center bearing assembly adapted to rotatably support a rotatable shaft on a vehicle frame includes a ball bearing adapted to rotatably support the rotatable shaft, a support member for supporting the ball bearing, a bracket adapted to hold the support member, and a mounting channel secured to the bracket for attaching the center bearing assembly to the vehicle frame, the mounting channel having a seating surface for seating the support member, and the mounting channel having at least one axial control member to limit axial movement of the support member within the bracket.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for an automotive vehicle has a bearing which supports the steering shaft and a spring wedge unit for supporting the bearing. The spring wedge unit is in the form of an integral one-piece ring of flexible resilient material, preferably urethane, and encircles the shaft. The ring has an annular wedge and an integral annular spring flange. The wedge has a cylindrical radially inner surface in bearing contact with the shaft, and a conical radially outer surface providing a radially inner support for the bearing. The spring flange is tapered and abuts a tapered portion of the shaft under pressure which resiliently flexes the spring flange and resists axial movement of the ring to dampen vibration and suppress noise.

Abstract: The cartridge includes a case with two sections and a connection portion interconnecting the sections and capable of containing in a chamber a rolling bearing including an outer ring which has a bearing surface and a raceway, an inner ring which has a bearing surface and a raceway and rolling members. The case has a support region which is located on the connection portion and is adapted to receive the outer bearing surface. A collar is placed in the chamber and has an end portion coming into contact with the inner bearing surface of the inner ring.

Abstract: A bearing mounting arrangement is provided in which a dimension stabilizing ring is molded into a motor housing bearing cap to limit critical bearing mounting variations in the, as molded, plastic bearing cap. The dimension stabilizing ring has an inner castellated cylindrical surface forming axially parallel grooves. These grooves are filled with plastic during molding which include portions that intrude into the bearing mounting bore so that a bearing may be force fit in this bore, deforming these plastic portions. This fixes the outer race of the bearing and prevents rotation of it relative to the bearing cap of the motor housing.

Abstract: A center bearing assembly includes a roller bearing adapted to receive and rotatably support a coupling shaft and a bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle frame. A support member is provided which supports the roller bearing within the bracket. The support member includes a bladder formed of an elastomeric material. The bladder contains a rheological fluid which exhibits a significant change in its ability to flow or shear upon the application of an appropriate energy field. Preferably, the bladder contains a magneto-rheological magnetic fluid. By varying the power supplied to an electromagnetic located adjacent the bladder, the vibration dampening characteristics of the support member may be varied depending upon the operating conditions of the vehicle.