With Adjustment Means Patents (Class 384/583)
  • Patent number: 10508727
    Abstract: A drive sub-assembly includes a hub extending from a first end face to a second end face along a longitudinal axis. The hub may have an outer circumferential surface arranged to engage a first bearing assembly and an inner circumferential surface arranged to engage an output shaft. The drive sub-assembly further includes a gear attached to the second end face of the hub. The gear may have a second inner circumferential surface that is arranged to directly engage a second bearing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: SPX Flow, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Engel, Richard Adams
  • Patent number: 10240669
    Abstract: A gearing is described as having a first and a second housing part, an intermediate shaft of the gearing being supported via two bearings in a bushing accommodating the bearings, the bushing centering the first housing part with respect to the second housing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Miki Tegeltija
  • Patent number: 10189124
    Abstract: An assembling device including: a bearing setting unit configured to set a bearing unit such that the bearing unit is coaxial with respect to a hub cylindrical part and can be moved toward the hub cylindrical part, a rotational drive source configured to transmit rotational force around an axis to the bearing unit set in the bearing setting unit; and an inner-ring press-fitting unit configured to externally fit inner rings of the bearing unit to which the rotational force around the axis has been transmitted, to the hub cylindrical part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 10161456
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adapting a stop that is adjustable by screwing onto the extremity of a fine tube (1), including the following stages: slipping onto the extremity of the tube (5) a ferrule (10) that is threaded on its external surface and is immobilized on the extremity of the tube by means of a plurality of pins (8) engaged in orifices (7,9) facing towards the ferrule and the tube; screwing onto the ferrule a nut (14) having a first end face (15) acting as a stop in order to preload any element (4, 4) mounted on the tube in front of the ferrule, and a second opposing end face (18) containing forms (25) adapted for it to be driven in rotation by a tool, the nut covering the pins in service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS
    Inventor: Vincent Bellenger
  • Patent number: 10054159
    Abstract: A tensioner for preloading a bearing, the bearing including a first bearing ring and a second bearing ring and being configured to transmit a preload force in a radial direction and/or in an axial direction between the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring, the tensioner including a component coupled to the first bearing ring, a support element for supporting the component relative to the second bearing ring such that a closed force flow arises from the first bearing ring via the component and the support element to the second bearing ring, and a sleeve disposed in an axially displaceable manner between the first bearing ring and the component, the sleeve being configured to change the preload force in response to an axial displacement of the sleeve with respect to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Juergen Reichert, Dominik Fritz, Hans-Juergen Liesegang
  • Patent number: 9382941
    Abstract: A bearing arrangement includes a housing, a rotating member traversing the housing, a bearing assembly located between the housing and the rotating member and supporting the bearing member, and a retainer in contact with the housing and the bearing assembly. The retainer has positioning means adapted to engage with the housing so that the retainer is moveable to a predetermined position to retain the bearing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Romax Technology Limited
    Inventor: Richard Smith
  • Patent number: 9334890
    Abstract: A clamping system for securing hardmetal rolls includes a shaft having a groove, one or more clamping nuts having threads on the inner circumference which are mounted around the pressure ring having threads on the outer circumference by threading mechanism, pair of split clamps having wedge provided on the inner circumference of the split clamps and is accommodated in the groove provided on the shaft fixed to the pressure ring and acts as the bearing member of the mechanism to sustain the axial load applied by the screws. Plurality of screws passing through plurality of threaded holes provided on front face of the split clamps to prevent rotation of the hardmetal rolls. Plurality of locating pins are passed through the through holes provided at the mating face of the wedge of the split clamps to restrict radial movement of the split clamps and are used to fix the split clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: KENNAMETAL INDIA LIMITED
    Inventors: Ravishankar Rs, Raghu Kuppalli Venkataramu, Suresh Kamath Purushottam, Sanjay Kumar
  • Patent number: 9303687
    Abstract: A bearing cup has an axis and is formed with an interior surface and an exterior surface. The exterior surface has a first extent and a second extent. A plurality of grooves are formed in the exterior surface of the first extent. Screw threads are formed in the exterior surface of the second extent. An adjusting collar has an axis with an inside diameter formed with screw threads received on the screw threads of the bearing cup. The adjusting collar has an outside diameter essentially equal to the diameter of the major extent. A plurality of grooves are formed in the adjusting collar. The adjusting collar forms an annular thrust surface perpendicular to the axis. The annular thrust surface is axially adjustable with respect to the bearing cup. A locking pin is positioned within aligned grooves in the bearing cup and adjustable collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Allen L. Wiseman
  • Patent number: 9186141
    Abstract: A circular anastomosis stapler is provided and includes a handle assembly having a firing trigger that is actuatable between a first firing stroke and a second firing stroke. A shell assembly includes a pusher assembly having a main pusher, a staple pusher and a knife pusher. A compressible member positioned between the main pusher and the knife pusher is movable between a first configuration for advancing the staple pusher through the first firing stroke to drive at least one staple from the shell assembly to staple tissue and a second configuration for advancing the knife pusher through the second firing stroke to drive a knife from the shell assembly to core the stapled tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 9022892
    Abstract: An axle assembly having a carrier housing, a pair of axle tubes, a differential case, a pair of differential bearings and a pair of bearing adjusters. The carrier housing includes a cavity, which is configured to receive the differential case, and a pair of axle tubes that are mounted to the carrier housing. The differential case includes bearing bores into which the outer races of the differential bearings are received. The bearing adjusters are threaded to the carrier housing and support the differential bearings on a side opposite the differential case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Marsh, Jr., Matthew T. Blakeman
  • Patent number: 8944695
    Abstract: A bearing cartridge for a rotatable shaft of a wind turbine comprising a shaft and a back-to-back tapered roller bearing arrangement coupled to the shaft. The bearing arrangement comprising a first bearing having a first outer ring, a first inner ring and a plurality of tapered rollers; and a second bearing having a second outer ring, a second inner ring and a plurality of tapered rollers. The bearing cartridge further comprising a gear located on the shaft between the first bearing and second bearing and a sleeve for supporting an axial load between the first and second bearings and having one or more apertures that expose the gear for coupling to an external gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Romax Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Siu Yun Poon, Michael Barnes
  • Patent number: 8777493
    Abstract: An axle assembly having a housing, a bearing, and a bearing adjuster mechanism. The bearing adjuster mechanism may include an adjuster ring and a lock ring. The adjuster ring may have a set of teeth and exert a preload force upon the bearing. The lock ring may include a lock tab portion that extends between two teeth and engages a lock ring positioning feature disposed on the housing to inhibit rotation of the adjuster ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Dale L. Kwasniewski, Sreenivasa L. Nayak, Larry P. Wagle
  • Patent number: 8757890
    Abstract: A method for assembling a set of bearing assemblies 100 onto a mill roll 10 and for establishing a required bearing setting. The mill roll 10 is configured to receive a set of bearing assemblies 100 at each axial end, with the bearing rolling elements 100A contained within supporting chocks 102 adapted for placement within a mill housing. The chock assembly 102R and bearing assembly 100 at a first end of the roll are positioned first, and coupled to the first end an axial center rod 22 passing through an axial bore 24 of the roll 12. The chock assembly 102L and bearing assembly 100 at the second end of the roll 12 is then positioned onto the opposite end of the roll 12, and a connecting sub-assembly 300, 400, 504A is secured to the second end of the axial center rod 22. The connecting sub-assembly engages the second chock assembly 102L and bearing assembly 100, and is adjusted to achieve a desired bearing setting for both bearing assemblies 100 through the center rod 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Mark E. Baker, Nigel A. Los, Thomas L. Baker
  • Patent number: 8745875
    Abstract: An interlocking nut and washer system complies with new standards identified in the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Recommended Practice J2535, Setting Preload in Heavy-Duty Wheel Bearings, and with maintenance recommendations issued by the Technology Maintenance Council (TMC) Recommended Practice RP618, Wheel Bearing Adjustment Procedure. The system includes an improved inner washer, adjustment nut, intermediate washer, and outer nut that interlocks with the intermediate washer following the introduction of an established level of preload force by the adjustment nut. The inner washer isolates the adjustment nut from the inner bearing race to eliminate frictional wear. An increase in outer diameter of the inner washer provides an interference capability that serves as a safety factor to prevent separation of the wheel hub from the axle spindle in event of bearing failure. The inner washer includes markers to establish the final adjusted preload or the endplay position of the adjustment nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: George A. Hagelthorn
  • Patent number: 8616780
    Abstract: A bearing adjuster assembly is provided. The bearing adjuster assembly may have a housing, a bearing, an adjuster ring, a retainer ring, and a seal assembly. The adjuster ring exerts a force upon the bearing. The retainer ring inhibits rotation of the adjuster ring. The seal assembly inhibits movement of the retainer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Kwasniewski, Robert D. Kluck, Larry Wagle
  • Publication number: 20130343691
    Abstract: An axle assembly having a housing, a bearing, and a bearing adjuster mechanism. The bearing adjuster mechanism may include an adjuster ring and a lock ring. The adjuster ring may have a set of teeth and exert a preload force upon the bearing. The lock ring may include a lock tab portion that extends between two teeth and engages a lock ring positioning feature disposed on the housing to inhibit rotation of the adjuster ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: ARVINMERITOR TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Dale L. Kwasniewski, Sreenivasa L. Nayak, Larry P. Wagle
  • Patent number: 8534925
    Abstract: An axle assembly with an axle housing, a case, a bearing, a hollow bearing adjuster and a locking system. The bearing is received onto a bearing hub on the case and supports the case for rotation relative to a bulkhead structure in the axle housing. The bearing adjuster has a threaded portion, which is threaded to the axle housing, and an inboard end surface that is abutted against an outboard bearing race of the bearing. The locking system inhibits relative rotation between the axle housing and the bearing adjuster. The locking system consists of a threaded hole in the bulkhead structure, a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart adjustment apertures formed in the bearing adjuster and a threaded fastener that is threadably received into the threaded hole. The threaded fastener extends into one of the adjustment apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel G. Stambek
  • Publication number: 20130182983
    Abstract: A bearing adjuster assembly is provided. The bearing adjuster assembly may have a housing, a bearing, an adjuster ring, a retainer ring, and a seal assembly. The adjuster ring exerts a force upon the bearing. The retainer ring inhibits rotation of the adjuster ring. The seal assembly inhibits movement of the retainer ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: ARVINMERITOR TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Kwasniewski, Robert D. Kluck, Larry Wagle
  • Patent number: 8436484
    Abstract: A direct-drive wind turbine generator is provided with: a main shaft having one end connected to a rotor head of a wind turbine rotor; a generator having a stator, a stator casing for supporting the stator, and the rotor connected to the other end of the main shaft; first and second bearings positioned between the rotor head and the generator to rotatably support the main shaft; and a torque support for supporting the stator casing. The second bearing is positioned closer to the generator than the first bearing. The first bearing is a bearing with an aligning capability, and the second bearing is a bearing with no aligning capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Numajiri
  • Patent number: 8353420
    Abstract: A horizontal hinged closure with a large diameter track ring attached directly to the rear of a female threaded head. The threaded female head is designed to removably attach to a male threaded structure. A bearing ring with cam followers that engage the track ring to allow the threaded head to be rotated relative to the male threaded structure to attach and remove the threaded head there from. The bearing ring is attached to a hinge arm that allows the removed threaded head to be moved away from the male threaded structure and then rotated about a vertical axis. Direct attachment of the large diameter track ring to the rear of the threaded head moves the center of gravity forward, resulting in the threaded head remaining essentially vertical when it is removed from the male threaded structure and thereby making it easier to reattach to the male threaded structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Map Group LLC
    Inventor: James D. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20120295753
    Abstract: A bearing preload adjuster assembly can include a first annular member defining a first outer wall having a threaded region and a first inner wall having a plurality of first ramped surfaces formed thereon. The first outer wall can threadably engage a corresponding threaded region of an axle assembly. A second annular member can define a second outer wall having a plurality of second ramped surfaces formed thereon and can be received in the first annular member such that the second outer wall faces the first inner wall. A biasing member can bias the second annular member in a first axial direction such that the plurality of second ramped surfaces are in selective meshed engagement with the plurality of first ramped surfaces. A retaining member can be coupled to the first inner wall and can retain the biasing member and second annular member within the first annular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: Ryong-Uk Kwon
  • Patent number: 8282287
    Abstract: A connecting arrangement (10) for connecting a mowing knife to a mowing knife drive journal (12) has an annularly configured connecting element (16), a bearing arrangement (18) receivable in the connecting element (16), for mounting of the connecting element (16) on a mowing knife drive journal (12), and a mowing knife carrier (14) attachable to the connecting element (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Mönica Gil Martinez, Ryan S. Herlyn
  • Publication number: 20120219248
    Abstract: A rolling-bearing mounted apparatus includes a shaft, and at least one rolling bearing supporting the shaft in a section of the apparatus. The rolling bearing includes at least one inner ring arranged on the shaft, an outer ring arranged on the section, and rolling elements arranged between the inner and outer rings. A sleeve is provided between the outer ring and the section to permit an axial and/or radial displacement of the outer ring of the rolling bearing when exposed to an axially and/or radially directed force. The sleeve has at least two rows of recesses, with hollow-drilled rolling elements being arranged in the recesses of the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: FELIX BUTZ
  • Patent number: 8178988
    Abstract: A direct-drive wind turbine generator is provided with: a main shaft having one end connected to a rotor head of a wind turbine rotor; a generator having a stator, a stator casing for supporting the stator, and a rotor connected to the other end of the main shaft; first and second bearings positioned between the rotor head and the generator to rotatably support the main shaft; and a torque support for supporting the stator casing. The second bearing is positioned closer to the generator than the first bearing. The first bearing is a bearing with an aligning capability, and the second bearing is a bearing with no aligning capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Numajiri
  • Patent number: 7997804
    Abstract: A rolling bearing apparatus includes inner and outer rings in which a preload applying unit applies a preload to the outer ring. If a fluid pressure in a fluid supply passage is higher than a first set pressure, then fluid is supplied to a pressure chamber via a check valve, and if a pressure becomes lower than the first set pressure, then fluid is supplied from a hydraulic pump to the pressure chamber via the check valve. If the pressure becomes higher than a second set pressure, then the fluid is discharged from the pressure chamber via a relief valve, and if the pressure within the pressure chamber becomes higher than a third set pressure, which is higher than the first set pressure but is lower than the second set pressure, then the supply of fluid is stopped. Thus, the pressure within the pressure chamber is maintained between the first and second set pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Kanichi Koda, Kiyoshi Ogino
  • Patent number: 7794153
    Abstract: An axle differential mechanism includes a carrier, a bearing supporting the carrier in rotation about an axis, a bearing adjuster including a adjuster sleeve held against rotation and axial displacement, and an adjuster nut formed with first teeth, and engaged by screw threads with the adjuster sleeve such that rotation of the adjuster nut about the axis causes the adjuster nut to contact the bearing and produce a preload force on the bearing between the adjuster nut and the carrier, and a locking device secured against displacement for engaging the adjuster nut, said engagement preventing rotation of the adjuster nut relative to the bearing and maintaining the preload on the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald S. Szczepanski, Charles Krysztof, Jeffrey L. Hoff
  • Patent number: 7762725
    Abstract: A shaft is supported in a housing on the front and rear antifriction bearings that are mounted in opposition. The front bearing has an outer race provided with an external thread that engages an internal thread within the housing. That outer race is fitted with a locking ring provided with an inner flange that is engaged to turn the race and thereby bring the front and rear bearings into the correct adjustment. The locking ring also has an axially directed outer flange that is segmented, so that one of the segments can be bent outwardly into a recess in the housing, thus providing a tab that prevents rotation of the locking ring and outer race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Glenn R. Fahrni, Jr., Wayne D. Barnette
  • Patent number: 7743592
    Abstract: A connection arrangement between a mowing sickle drive and a linear reciprocating mowing sickle has a first metallic connection element (4). The first connection element (4) forms either one component with the mowing sickle (1) or serves to connect the same. The first connection element (4) is at least partially formed annularly and includes a circular cylindrical bore (6), which defines a longitudinal axis (5). The first connection element (4) is slotted and includes a clamping mechanism (11) to change the cross-section of the bore (6). A metallic ring (14) has a circular cylindrical outer face (19) to nest in bore (6). A hollow spherical inner face (18) is on the intermediate ring (14). The intermediate ring (14) has at least one slot on its circumference. A rotational rolling member bearing has an outer metallic bearing ring (20) and is closed in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventors: Günter Schumacher, Heinrich-Günter Schumacher
  • Publication number: 20100026005
    Abstract: A wind energy plant with a rotor, which is connected to a gearbox and/or a generator via a rotor shaft, wherein the rotor shaft is bearing mounted on a carrier unit via two taper roller bearings in an O arrangement, characterised in that each taper roller bearing has an inner and an outer race, wherein the inner races and the outer races are secured in their distance to each other in the axial direction with respect to the rotational axis of the rotor shaft via an adjustment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Nordex Energy GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Nitzpon, Matthias Zahr, Viktor Nickel
  • Patent number: 7503867
    Abstract: An axle center for the forward axle in a vehicle having tandem drive axles includes a housing containing input, output and through shafts that rotate in the housing about a common axis on front, rear and through shaft antifriction bearings. The front and rear bearings, which support the input and output shafts, are mounted in opposition. The front bearing has an outer race provided with an external thread that engages an internal thread within the housing. That outer race is fitted with a locking ring provided with an inner flange that is engaged to turn the race and thereby bring the front and rear bearings into the correct adjustment. The locking ring also has an outer flange which is engaged with the housing once the front and rear bearings are correctly adjusted so as to maintain the correct adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Glenn R. Fahrni, Jr., Wayne D. Barnette
  • Patent number: 7393141
    Abstract: A vehicle differential includes a housing having bearing seats and a carrier provided with stub shafts which project into the bearing seats. The carrier is supported in the housing on two single row tapered roller bearings which allow the carrier to rotate, but confine it radially and axially. The housing also contains a beveled pinion which meshes with a beveled ring gear that is attached to the carrier. The two bearings are mounted in opposition and each includes a cup that is located in the bearing seat for that bearing, a cone that fits around the stub axle that projects into that bearing seat, and tapered rollers located between the cup and cone. Each bearing seat contains an internal thread and the bearing cup which fits into the seat has an external thread that engages the internal thread. Each cup also carries a locking ring which is engaged by an adjustment tool to turn the cup, but is later deformed into the housing to secure the cup against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Glenn R. Fahrni, Jr., David L. Milam, Michael F. Marcelli, Christopher S. Marks, Kofi P. Obeng, Scott D. Russell, Byron Roubanes, Gary A. Stoffer
  • Patent number: 7346985
    Abstract: A system for adjusting at least one spacer of a bearing assembly includes a force-transmitting member and a preload regulator. The force-transmitting member is configured to operatively receive a force and to transmit the force to an adjustable spacer. The preload regulator includes a first portion and a second portion movable relative to each other with the first portion being movable in response to the force and the second portion being received by and stationary relative to the bearing assembly. The preload regulator further includes a controller coupled to the first portion and the second portion with the controller being configured to detect an electrical contact between the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Temper Corporation
    Inventor: Sean Strait
  • Patent number: 7165471
    Abstract: A thermally compensated differential comprises a housing, a pinion gear mounted into the housing, a differential case carrying a ring gear with the case being supported by a first roller bearing and a second roller bearing with the bearings being mounted indirectly, and the first and second roller bearings being contacted by adjustable spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Joki, Sharon E. Ross
  • Patent number: 7108428
    Abstract: The present invention provides an axle assembly for a motor vehicle including an axle housing, a differential assembly supported in the axle housing with a differential bearing, a bearing insert, an adjuster sleeve and a lock ring. The bearing insert is coupled to the axle housing. The adjuster sleeve is rotatably coupled to the bearing insert in a pre-installed position. The adjuster sleeve is adapted to engage the differential bearing and impart a preload force thereon. The lock ring is disposed between the bearing insert and the adjuster sleeve in an installed position. The lock ring precludes relative movement between the bearing insert and the adjuster sleeve thereby maintaining a desired preload on the differential bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Ason, Jeffrey S. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7086783
    Abstract: A bearing assembly is disclosed for rotatably supporting a quill in the housing of a rolling mill laying head. The bearing assembly includes first and second axially spaced roller bearing sets interposed between the quill and the housing. The bearing assembly also includes a force exerting unit for applying a radial preloading force to the first bearing set at a first location around the circumference thereof. The preloading force is opposed by a reactionary force acting on the second bearing set at a second location around the circumference thereof disposed 180° from the first location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Morgan Construction Company
    Inventors: T. Michael Shore, James F. Walsh
  • Patent number: 6994405
    Abstract: An axle assembly serves as a primary structural member for a motor vehicle and comprises an axle tube having a first end and a second end and with an opening located near the first end and a mounting module formed as a unitary extension of the axle tube. At least one steel insert is positioned near the first end, and the steel insert is adapted to be welded to a differential carrier to secure the axle tube to the differential carrier. The axle assembly may also have an axle tube formed unitary with the differential carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Citation Corporation
    Inventors: Xiao-Ming Li, Michael Wayne Johnston, Vincent Joseph Genise
  • Publication number: 20040252928
    Abstract: The invention concerns a bearing arrangement for opposite journals of cylinders, rolls or drums having actuators that permit a displacement of the cylinders, rolls or drums in a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation of said cylinders, rolls or drums, each of said journals being received in a frame wall via a rotary bearing for being placed against and removed from said frame wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Dittenhofer, Stephan Popp, Klaus-Peter Zeilinger
  • Publication number: 20040247217
    Abstract: A gear drive that has a continuously variable float and preload bearing adjustment system with an integral seal carrier for the bearings on drive shafts that have a fixed axial alignment within the gear drive, the adjustment system comprising a housing bore in a housing for the gear drive with threads that mate with threads in a combination bearing adjustment and drive shaft seal carrier to provide continuous adjustment of drive shaft bearings without disassembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Michael E. Konruff, Kenneth W. Wheelock
  • Patent number: 6813972
    Abstract: A differential housing assembly includes a differential housing having a differential case supported therein. The differential housing includes a first support structure and a second support structure. The differential case includes a pair of extending neck portions. The first support structure includes a pedestal and a bearing cap, wherein a first of the extending neck portions is received by the pedestal and the bearing cap is attached to the pedestal whereby the first extending neck portion is secured radially between the pedestal and the bearing cap. The second support structure includes a bearing bore having a snap ring groove and a snap ring, wherein a second of the neck portions is received within the bearing bore and the snap ring is positioned within the snap ring groove to provide axial support for the differential case within the differential housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Don F. Guo
  • Patent number: 6736544
    Abstract: An improved method and structure for setting pinion bearing preload and fastener clamp load in a vehicle differential is provided. The apparatus and method provide a preload spacer readily accessible outboard of the pinion bearings and input yoke. Pinion bearing preload is set according to the present invention by the force of the pinion gear on the inner cone of an inner bearing and the force of an input yoke on the outer cone of an outer bearing. As a nut is torqued into contact with the input yoke, a preload spacer limits the movement of the nut as the input yoke engages the outer cone. This provides for consistent preload on the bearings and allows for increased clamp load for retaining the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory T. DeWald
  • Patent number: 6659651
    Abstract: A differential allowing relatively easy alignment and secure positioning of bearings is provided. The differential includes a differential carrier and a differential case disposed within the carrier. A bearing assembly is located between the differential carrier and the differential case and allows the differential case to rotate within the differential carrier. The differential carrier and a cup of the bearing assembly having mating threads allowing relatively easy alignment of the bearing assembly within the differential. A deformable member is attached to the bearing assembly cup and is deformed and inserted into a slot in the differential carrier upon alignment of the bearing assembly to securely position the bearing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Gary A. Turner, Mark Edward Rodgers
  • Patent number: 6533697
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly for a motor vehicle includes an axle housing a differential bearing, a differential assembly, an adjustment nut and an adjuster lock. The differential assembly is rotatably supported within the axle housing by the differential bearing. The differential bearing is coupled to the axle housing via a bearing cap having an aperture formed therein The adjustment nut has at least one retention aperture and the adjustment nut is engaged with the differential bearing such that rotation of the adjustment nut axially displaces the differential bearing. The adjuster lock includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a barb disposed in the bearing cap aperture. The second portion has a first lock pin disposed in the retention aperture thereby restricting the adjustment nut from rotating relative to the bearing cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Morse, Jill R. Gnass, Joseph M. Endreszl
  • Patent number: 6474873
    Abstract: An assembly by which to effect incremental adjustments to the end play, or preloading, to a bearing set. Relatively rotatable first and second thrust rings have contiguously juxtaposed and interacting ramp surfaces. Interposed between the first and second thrust rings is an indexing spring that provides incremental adjustment of the first thrust ring with respect to the second thrust ring. A plurality of indexing pawls formed on the indexing spring interacts with a plurality of indexing teeth formed on one of the thrust rings. The second thrust ring is selectively rotatable with respect to the first thrust ring to effect axial translation of the first thrust ring by virtue of the interaction between said opposed, contiguously juxtaposed ramp surfaces. The indexing pawls preclude reverse relative rotation of the thrust plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Spicer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Krisher, Gregory A. Fett
  • Patent number: 6464435
    Abstract: A machine tool includes a tool spindle rotatably mounted in a housing. A tool member is disposed in a front spindle segment of the spindle and is releasably clamped by a clamping member. An actuating member is mounted in and is axially movable relative to the spindle to actuate the clamping member. First and second anti-friction bearings are interposed between the housing and the spindle and have different outer diameters. A preload actuating member is disposed to force the second anti-friction bearing in the axial direction to take up the slack in a non-actuated state of the second anti-friction bearing when the spindle is running in a higher speed, thereby resuming the anti-friction function of the second anti-friction bearing when running the tool spindle at a lower speed is intended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Hsi-Kuan Chen
  • Patent number: 6457864
    Abstract: A high precision friction drive positioning stage system is described. The friction drive positioning stage system uses three special actuation systems, each having a tip in contact with the stage and being capable of generating directional elliptical motion which allows the stage to move in any direction in the plane of the stage and in rotation. In one embodiment, each actuation system includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements in contact with a hat-shaped element at which the tip of the actuation system is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Woo Sok Chang, Kamal Youcef-Toumi
  • Patent number: 6425690
    Abstract: A bearing subassembly includes an improved arrangement for securing the bearing subassembly to a shaft. An adjusting nut is axially locked to a bearing inner ring by sliding the adjusting nut over the inner ring so that a groove in the adjusting nut and recesses, for example, pockets, on the inner ring align. Securement elements, for example, balls, are inserted into the groove and seated in the recesses through a bore from the outer diameter of the adjusting nut to the groove. The inner ring is rotated to allow the securement elements to fall into the recesses and are enclosed between the groove and recesses by inserting, for example, a set screw after the securement elements are loaded. The securement arrangement then prevents the bearing subassembly adjusting nut and inner ring from separating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ryan N. DeWachter
  • Patent number: 6409626
    Abstract: An axle assembly employs a simple adjustable connection between the differential case and the housing to adjust the position of the ring gear relative to the pinion gear. A pair of adjustment collars facilitates positioning the differential case to selectively position the ring gear relative to the pinion gear of an input shaft. The adjustment collars threadingly engage the differential case. Bearings are disposed between the adjustment collars and the housing. The adjustment collars are rotated to position the differential case together with the ring gear. The adjustment collars are also provided to adjust the preload of the bearings. A locking collar is employed to lock the adjustment collars once the differential case and ring gear are properly positioned. In an alternate embodiment a single adjustment collar is employed. Shims and spacers are utilized to position the differential case and ring gear and the adjustment collar used to adjust the preload of the bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Spicer Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl James Irwin
  • Patent number: 6398689
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly for a motor vehicle includes an axle housing, a differential bearing, a differential assembly, an adjustment nut and an adjuster lock. The differential assembly is rotatably supported within the axle housing by the differential bearing. The differential bearing is coupled to the axle housing via a bearing cap having an aperture formed therein. The adjustment nut has at least one retention aperture and the adjustment nut is engaged with the differential bearing such that rotation of the adjustment nut axially displaces the differential bearing. The adjuster lock includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a barb disposed in the bearing cap aperture. The second portion has a first lock pin disposed in the retention aperture thereby restricting the adjustment nut from rotating relative to the bearing cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Morse, Jill R. Gnass, Joseph M. Endreszl
  • Patent number: 6394655
    Abstract: A method and a shaft bearing for influencing machine background noise emitted by at least by one rotating part of the machine, especially for influencing the background noise within a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The amplitudes and/or the frequencies of primary vibrations which cause the background noise are preferably lessened and/or supplemented by controlled external interventions. The mounting conditions between the shaft bearing and a rotating part held in the machine shaft bearing, especially a shaft, is varied by a radial adjustment unit having piezo elements. The transfer function of the vibrations, especially the vibrations producing the sound waves, present between the rotating part and the shaft bearing or a component in contact with the shaft bearing, is varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrylser AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Schnur, Silvia Tomaschko
  • Patent number: 6327773
    Abstract: One or more force application members (e.g., a force transmission member and/or a hydraulic force application member) may be employed to provide a desired adjustment (e.g., a preload and/or a compression) to an adjustable spacer of a bearing assembly. The hydraulic force application member may provide a first stage of the adjustment to the spacer, and the force transmission member may be threadingly rotated to apply a second stage of the adjustment to the spacer. An additional force application member may (e.g., contemporaneously) oppose at least one of the force application members in the providing of the adjustment to the spacer. This opposing force may cause a gap between certain surfaces (e.g., in a press) until the adjustment to the spacer is completed. The closure of the gap may serve to indicate the completion of the desired adjustment to the spacer. A housing rotatable on a portion of the bearing assembly may be prevented from rotating at the closure of the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: John E. Rode