Roller Or Ball Bearing Patents (Class 29/724)
  • Patent number: 11885388
    Abstract: A vibration damping device including an inner, a tubular outer disposed on a radially outer side of the inner, an elastic body connecting the inner and the outer, and a retainer disposed on at least one axial end of the inner and penetrated by an opening in an axial direction. The inner includes an annular projection extending outward in the axial direction from at least one axial end face of the inner and inserted in the opening of the retainer. The annular projection includes a plurality of compressed fixation parts arranged apart from each other in a circumferential direction. The retainer is fixed by compression to the inner by the compressed fixation parts being compressed against an inner circumferential surface of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RIKO COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Kazuki Hotta
  • Patent number: 11161228
    Abstract: A ball joint press includes a first frame including a first member and a first adaptor, and a second frame including a second member and a second adaptor. A link is pivotally coupled to the first member and to the second the second member. An actuating screw is rotatably coupled to the first member and to the second member. Rotation of the actuating screw in a first rotational direction causes the first member and second member to undergo a first pivoting action relative to the link to move the first adaptor toward the second adaptor. Rotation of the actuating screw in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction causes the first member and second member to undergo a second pivoting action relative to the link, opposite to the first pivot action, to move the first adaptor away from the second adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLEY PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Chad Schley, Tim Hume, Jeff Marshall
  • Patent number: 11131345
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a bearing ball assembly device comprising a steel ball output unit, a steel ball control unit and a steel ball assembly unit, wherein said steel ball output unit is connected to said steel ball control unit, said steel ball control unit is connected to said steel ball assembly unit, said steel ball output unit delivers steel balls to said steel ball control unit, said steel ball control unit allows a certain number of steel balls to enter said steel ball assembly unit each time, and said steel ball assembly unit embeds steel balls in a bearing retainer. The present invention automatically realize the process of embedding of steel balls in a bearing retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: NINGBO BAOHENG BEARING FITTINGS MANUFACTURING CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Xingguo Chen
  • Patent number: 11098763
    Abstract: An installation tool for a bearing ring including rolling elements includes a ring that is configured to be disposed on a lateral surface of the bearing ring and slider elements extending through receptacles in the ring. The slider elements are uniformly distributed circumferentially around the ring and are displaceable relative to the ring from an initial position into an end position and are configured to be disposed in the end position between two rolling elements and against a contact surface of a wall of a cage segment, which wall is disposed between two rolling elements, in order to limit axial and radial movement of the rolling elements relative to the bearing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Dominik Fritz, Michael Reugels
  • Patent number: 10935122
    Abstract: A bearing preload apparatus may include a gearbox assembly, a coupling assembly, and a sensor assembly. The gearbox assembly may include a gearbox housing, a first shaft and a second shaft. The first and second shafts may extend out of the housing and may be rotatable simultaneously with each other at different speeds. The coupling assembly may include a first driver coupling connected to the first shaft and a second driver coupling connected to the second shaft. The sensor assembly may be mounted to a stationary structure and the gearbox housing. The sensor assembly may measure a reaction torque of the gearbox assembly relative to the stationary structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan N. Waineo, James P. Downs
  • Patent number: 10655681
    Abstract: A bearing assembly for rotatably supporting a first carrier element on a second carrier element includes first and second parts, each having a through-bore, configured to rotate about a common axis, and a first fastener for attaching the first part to the first carrier element and a second fastener for attaching the second part to the second carrier element. The first and the second through-bores are aligned with each other, and the second fastener is configured to pass entirely through the first through-bore into the second through-bore and engage an interior of the second through-bore to fasten the second part to the second carrier element. The first fastener is too large to pass entirely through the first through-bore and is configured to engage an interior of the first through-bore to fasten the first part to the first carrier element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Ingo Schulz, Tilmann Haar, Daniel Reck
  • Patent number: 10590961
    Abstract: A vibration control mechanism 50 is interposed between a ball bearing 8 and a support section 2a of a base 2. The vibration control mechanism 50 is provided with a plurality of laminated sliding members 51, 52 and an elastic body 53. The vibration control mechanism 50 is provided with the plurality of sliding members 51, 52, and therefore has a plurality of sliding surfaces. As a result, it is possible to enhance a vibration control effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Shin Sumimoto
  • Patent number: 10590986
    Abstract: A method for preloading a bearing includes releasably, threadably, and directly attaching an attaching member to a circumferential outside surface of an exposed end of a threaded shaft of an axle or spindle. A frame is axially separated from, and coupled to, the attaching member. A plurality of extensions extends from the frame axially past the attaching member toward the wheel hub assembly. An adjustment mechanism moves the frame and the plurality of extensions axially towards the wheel hub assembly to contact the wheel hub assembly and/or the bearing to apply a preload to the bearing within the wheel hub assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Temper Axle Products Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 10533595
    Abstract: Disclosed is a manual adjustable tensioning device. Slope guide slots are formed in the periphery of a lead screw nut, and contacts are provided with slopes having the same angles and placed in the guide slots of the lead screw nut; two ends of a lead screw are respectively supported in threaded holes of a shell and an end cover; screws are connected to the lead screw nut via threaded holes, the tail end of each screw is in contact with one end of a lever, the other end of the lever is in contact with the slope of the lead screw nut, a roller is mounted at the tail end of the lever, and an extension spring is mounted at the end of the slope of the lead screw nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: CITIC Dicastal CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ruixiao Zhou, Fengbao Luo, Xiao Liu, Dengyao Li, Weidong Liu, Minghua Liu
  • Patent number: 10527102
    Abstract: A pinion needle roller bearing post for use during pinion gear carrier assembly includes a solid cylindrical post having a longitudinal surface wall extending between a first end and a second end. At least one radially recessed channel is disposed in the longitudinal surface and extends substantially between the first end and the second end and a spring biased needle roller is disposed within the at least one radially recessed channel that operates to prevent needle roller bearing skew during pinion gear carrier assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Richard P Milostan
  • Patent number: 10240639
    Abstract: When conveying a rolling bearing from a ball collection operation position to a block division operation position or/and when conveying the rolling bearing from the block division operation position to an equal distribution operation position, a positional misalignment prevention member is inserted into a circumferential gap existing between rolling elements, so that the rolling elements are prevented from rolling and being thus dispersedly scattered and positionally misaligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Yanagisawa, Kouhei Dobashi
  • Patent number: 10151343
    Abstract: A method of adjusting preload on a bearing assembly of a wheel mounted on an axle or spindle with a lock nut includes mounting a preload adjustment tool onto a threaded axle or spindle. The load on the bearing assembly is increased using the tool. The wheel on the axle or spindle is rotated to set the bearing assembly. The load on the bearing assembly is decreased to a desired maximum preload on the bearing. After decreasing the load on the bearing assembly to a desired maximum preload, the lock nut is tightened by hand until the lock nut cannot be further tightened. The lock nut is loosened by rotating the lock nut to a preferred location where a guide mark on the tool aligns with one mark on the lock nut located closest to the guide mark wherein a resultant preload on the bearing assembly is within a preset range from the desired maximum preload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 10105799
    Abstract: An axial section of a continuous portion where an outer peripheral surface of a spindle portion of a main spindle in which a punch is installed is continuous with an outer peripheral surface of a punch holder is formed of a first circular arc joined to the outer peripheral surface of the spindle portion and a second circular arc joined to the outer peripheral surface of the punch holder. The first circular arc and the second circular arc are in contact with each other. The second circular arc is smaller than the first circular arc in curvature radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takaaki Onizuka
  • Patent number: 9120114
    Abstract: A deposition apparatus includes a substrate supporting pin that is fixed to a supporting plate through an autoalignment control unit to prevent the substrate supporting pin from being broken when loading or unloading a substrate, thereby preventing damaging the substrate and also preventing decreased yield that may result due to the breakage of the substrate supporting pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: ASM IP HOLDINGS B.V.
    Inventor: Sang-Jin Jeong
  • Publication number: 20150113797
    Abstract: An assembling device for a bush may include: a bush unit mounted on a part; a connection unit of which the inside is locked and fixed to the bush unit; and a support unit coupled to the connection unit, and supporting the bush unit so as to prevent separation of the bush unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Seung Hwan Cha
  • Publication number: 20150075004
    Abstract: An alignment device aligns rollers R in an annular shaped alignment space 24 in parallel to each other while at the same time prevents damage from occurring on rolling surfaces of rollers R. Plural rollers R that are arranged in a row in an axial direction are sequentially supplied into an annular shaped alignment space 24 that is formed in a main jig 14 in a direction that coincides with a width direction of the alignment space 24. The plural rollers R are aligned in an annular shape so as to be in parallel to each other by alignment-fluid-supply means 16 spraying air onto a roller R that is in a supply position in the alignment space 24 from a direction that is orthogonal to the roller R supply direction and moving the roller R in a circumferential direction of the alignment space 24, and then supplying a next roller R into the alignment space 24.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Yuuichi Nagasaki
  • Publication number: 20150040401
    Abstract: The tool is designed to carried out maintenance operations on a bearing assembly comprising a bushing split into at least two shells; the maintenance tool comprises a device arranged to act on and rotate the bushing shells. In particular, the device comprises a slide and a pin; the slide has a hole transversal to its sliding direction and the pin is slidably mounted inside the hole and protrudes from the hole; in a first operating position the pin acts on a shell and in a second operating position the pin does not act on any shell. The method provides to rotate the bushing shells without rotating the supported shaft, and to carry out maintenance operations on a shell at a time while leaving the shaft supported by the other shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Massimo Bargiacchi, Tommaso Breschi, Leonardo Raugei, Michele Bogazzi
  • Publication number: 20150026983
    Abstract: Various embodiments of stand-off devices and methods are disclosed. The stand-off device can space a bearing assembly apart from a support, such as a frame of a conveyor belt, thereby providing access between the bearing assembly and the frame, such as for cleaning fluid. Certain embodiments of the stand-off device include a first end and a second end, with the first end being receivable in a securing hole of the bearing assembly and the second end configured to protrude from the bearing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Tom Eure, Scott Phillips
  • Publication number: 20150013164
    Abstract: A roller bearing assembly apparatus is provided that, when assembling the roller bearing, effectively prevents rollers R that are assembled inside an outer ring W from becoming tilted or dropping out from the state immediately after assembly. After the rollers R are aligned into an annular shape by an alignment jig 14, the roller group G aligned in an annular shape is pushed out from the alignment space 26 of the alignment jig 14, and pushed inside a guide hole 39 of an insertion jig 15. As a result, with the diameter of the roller group G being prevented from expanding by the inner-circumferential surface of the guide hole 39, a retaining member 36, the diameter thereof being elastically reduced, is inserted inside the roller group G.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Yuuichi Nagasaki
  • Publication number: 20140366378
    Abstract: A rolling-element bearing in which a rolling element is retained in each of retaining openings formed in a retainer and method for manufacturing the bearing are provided. Each retaining opening is defined by a pair of inner side faces facing each other, and a pair of inner end faces facing each other. In the manufacturing method, with a support die being brought into contact with one of the inner side faces and the inner end faces of one of the retaining openings, the outer and inner circumferential surfaces of the retainer are pressed by an outer punch and an inner punch. Accordingly, on at least one of the inner side faces and the inner end faces, a first retaining piece and a second retaining piece for preventing the rolling element from falling off are formed on the outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface of the retainer, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Kazuyuki HIRATA
  • Patent number: 8904646
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft includes an attaching member and a press mechanism. The attaching member is releasably connected to the shaft. The press member is coupled to the attaching member and is configured to provide a compressive load to the bearing. The press mechanism includes an aligning arm configured to engage a shaft slot of the shaft to align the press mechanism relative to the shaft when the attaching member connects to the shaft. A lock nut is engageable with the shaft and has a plurality of engaging teeth configured to engage a plurality of keeper teeth of a keeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 8869366
    Abstract: A universal ball joint extractor has a first body having a first applying end for engaging with a ball joint. A second body has a second applying end for pushing against a member having the ball joint. A connecting rod connects the second body and the first body to allow relative movements thereof. A control screw for pushing an rear end of the second body and an rear end the first body provides an opposite force to the first applying end to push out the ball joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Poul Chang Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Huang-Chia Hao
  • Publication number: 20140290065
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preloading a bearing are provided. These methods and apparatus include preload monitoring devices whereby the mechanic can accurately monitor and regulate the preload on a bearing or bearing assembly. Aspects of the invention may also be used to adjust the endplay on a bearing or a bearing assembly. In one aspect, the preload on the bearing is transmitted through a housing having a fluid pressure that can be detected and monitored. An apparatus for precisely rotating a nut and a tool for precisely rotating a nut are also provided. A bearing retaining nut arrangement that permits the loading or evaluating of a bearing inner race is also provided. The bearing retaining nut arrangement includes a first load-setting nut, a lock washer, and a second jam nut that secures the arrangement to a shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Publication number: 20140165404
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relates to a roller changing apparatus for changing a roller from a multiplicity of rollers in a furnace for the thermal treatment of components, wherein the roller changing apparatus has a housing which can be closed off and in which a first protective gas atmosphere can be formed, and a roller handling device which is arranged at least partially in the housing, and which is designed to remove the roller to be exchanged from the furnace and to fit a replacement roller in the furnace while maintaining a high temperature and a second protective gas atmosphere in the furnace during the roller change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Ebner, Andreas Sauschlager
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140130343
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft includes an attaching member and a press mechanism. The attaching member is releasably connected to the shaft. The press member is coupled to the attaching member and is configured to provide a compressive load to the bearing. The press mechanism includes an aligning arm configured to engage a shaft slot of the shaft to align the press mechanism relative to the shaft when the attaching member connects to the shaft. A lock nut is engageable with the shaft and has a plurality of engaging teeth configured to engage a plurality of keeper teeth of a keeper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 8713800
    Abstract: An assembly jig for a radial roller bearing comprises a retaining structure having a plurality of axially-projecting projections configured to retain a plurality of roller bodies disposed in a ring-shape during a bearing assembly process. The roller bodies are supportable in a first radial direction on a first component and each roller body contacts two adjacent projections in a second radial direction, which is opposite of the first radial direction. The projections are configured to press the roller bodies against the first component and such that a portion of the roller bodies projects past the projections in the second radial direction. The assembly jig is removable from the roller bearing in the axial direction after final assembly of the roller bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventor: Wolfgang Friedl
  • Patent number: 8689445
    Abstract: An axle spindle and wheel end assembly includes a precision-formed axle spindle, wheel hub, and axle spindle nut. The axle spindle is formed with parallel inboard and outboard bearing surfaces, a shoulder that is perpendicular to the inboard and outboard bearing surfaces, and threads for a spindle nut that are aligned with the inboard and outboard bearing surfaces. The wheel hub is formed with inboard and outboard bearing surfaces that are in parallel alignment with one another, and bearing axial stop surfaces that are perpendicular to the wheel hub bearing surfaces. The spindle nut is formed with threads on its inner periphery and a flat inboard surface that is perpendicular to the threads. The axle spindle, wheel hub, and spindle nut cooperate to enable an axle spindle nut assembly to consistently provide a light preload on a bearing cone and spacer group of the wheel end assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jay D. White, Jeffrey S. Morris, Donald R. Hester
  • Publication number: 20140086515
    Abstract: A sliding bearing of a wind turbine and a method to perform a service at a sliding bearing are proposed. The sliding bearing has a first bearing shell and a second bearing shell and a plurality of bearing pads arranged between the first bearing shell and the second bearing shell. The bearing pads are connected to the second bearing shell and the first bearing shell has a sliding surface that is prepared and arranged so that the bearing pads can slide along the sliding surface when the bearing shells are moved in respect to each other. A machining element is arranged between the first bearing shell and the second bearing shell to treat the sliding surface of the first bearing shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Bo Pedersen, Kim Thomsen
  • Patent number: 8656592
    Abstract: An axle spindle and wheel end assembly includes a precision-formed axle spindle, wheel hub, and axle spindle nut. The axle spindle is formed with parallel inboard and outboard bearing surfaces, a shoulder that is perpendicular to the inboard and outboard bearing surfaces, and threads for a spindle nut that are aligned with the inboard and outboard bearing surfaces. The wheel hub is formed with inboard and outboard bearing surfaces that are in parallel alignment with one another, and bearing axial stop surfaces that are perpendicular to the wheel hub bearing surfaces. The spindle nut is formed with threads on its inner periphery and a flat inboard surface that is perpendicular to the threads. The axle spindle, wheel hub, and spindle nut cooperate to enable an axle spindle nut assembly to consistently provide a light preload on a bearing cone and spacer group of the wheel end assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jay D. White, Jeffrey S. Morris, Donald R. Hester
  • Patent number: 8650757
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft includes an attaching member and a press mechanism. The attaching member is releasably connected to the shaft. The press member is coupled to the attaching member and is configured to provide a compressive load to the bearing. The press mechanism includes an aligning arm configured to engage a shaft slot of the shaft to align the press mechanism relative to the shaft when the attaching member connects to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Publication number: 20140013603
    Abstract: A split cage is configured by annularly arranging cage segments in a circumferential direction. Each cage segment includes a pair of first and second rim portions spaced from each other by a predetermined interval and facing each other, and bar portions extending from the first rim portion to the second rim portion. Spaces, each of which is surrounded by the adjacent bar portions and the first and second rim portions, are formed as pockets that house rolling elements. A jig for the split cage includes a looped band wound on an outer peripheral side of the first or second rim portions of the cage segments annularly arranged. The band includes a lock portion that is able to adjust a loop length of the band with respect to an outer peripheral length of the first or second rim portions, and that is able to fix the adjusted loop length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Takeshi MIYACHI
  • Publication number: 20130340256
    Abstract: A bearing replacement method for a rotating machine of the present invention includes the steps of: when at least one bearing of a rotating machine is to be replaced with a new one, mounting at an end portion of the rotating machine a plurality of bendable arms for removing a first bearing covering part, a power supply unit outer frame, and a slipring, respectively; removing with the arms the first bearing covering part, the power supply unit outer frame, and the slipring, respectively; and thereafter replacing the at least one bearing with a new one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Osamu TSUCHITANI, Motonobu IIZUKA, Shuji MIZUTANI, Tetsuo FUJIGAKI, Masaaki ENDO, Yoshihiro YASUI, Shogo SERITA, Masakazu SHINDEN
  • Publication number: 20130243358
    Abstract: A bearing cage (10) for a rolling-element bearing is split in the circumferential direction along at least one cutting line (11-1; 11-2) between a first and a second bearing cage section (12-1; 12-2). A projection (14) and a corresponding opening (15) are respectively formed on opposing bordering surfaces (13-1; 13-2) of the cutting line between the first and second bearing cage sections, and are configured to fix the bordering surfaces to each other in three directions upon meshing of the projection with the opening. A main axis (17-1; 17-2) of projection and opening extends at an angle (?) oblique to the rotational axis (16) of the bearing cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Josef Stork, Bernd Eich
  • Patent number: 8533957
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing bearing seal for use in a roller bearing is provided. A steel coil of a preselected width is fed into a ring rolling machine to form a closed coil ring. The closed coil ring is then welded along the butted joint. The welded closed coil ring is then fed to a series of pre-forming machines wherein the desired profiles of the final bearing seal are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Amsted Rail Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan J. Spurlock, Dwight A. Marcellus
  • Patent number: 8534140
    Abstract: A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a structure attachable to a shaft of a wheel hub assembly. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the structure and is configured to measure movement of the structure to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to a hub mounted on the shaft and coupled to the bearing to support the frame relative to the hub. The handle is connected to the frame and extends substantially perpendicularly relative to an axis of the shaft and extends to opposite sides of the axis. The frame, the plurality of legs and the handle are sufficiently rigid to allow a user to apply a force to the handle to move the hub in an axial direction relative to the shaft until cessation of movement of the hub relative to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 8499436
    Abstract: A tool device includes a support lever having two screw holes, a pressing lever, an adjusting member is threaded with one of the screw holes and pivotally coupled to the middle portion of the pressing lever, and a pressing member is threaded with the other screw hole of the support lever and has an end portion for engaging with a rear portion of the pressing lever, a holding member is attached to the support lever and includes a front portion having an opening, and a retaining member is changeably attached to the support lever for engaging with the holding member and for selectively engaging or retaining the ball joint or universal joint between the retaining member and the pressing lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Wei nan Shen
  • Patent number: 8474330
    Abstract: A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a cap attachable to a shaft of a wheel hub assembly. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the cap and is configured to measure movement of the cap to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to mount on the shaft. The legs contain torque sockets and torque limiters which are threadably engaged and tightened onto lugs of the wheel hub assembly without exceeding a preselected torque. The torque sockets allow the frame and system to be used on hub assemblies having wheels thereon without removal of the wheels from the hub assemblies or lug nuts from the lugs supporting the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: John E Rode
  • Publication number: 20130145621
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft includes an attaching member and a press mechanism. The attaching member is releasably connected to the shaft. The press member is coupled to the attaching member and is configured to provide a compressive load to the bearing. The press mechanism includes an aligning arm configured to engage a shaft slot of the shaft to align the press mechanism relative to the shaft when the attaching member connects to the shaft. A lock nut is engageable with the shaft and has a plurality of engaging teeth configured to engage a plurality of keeper teeth of a keeper. The nut includes an outer surface having a plurality of markings corresponding to a plurality of roots of the plurality of engaging teeth to allow a user to selectively rotate the nut relative to the aligning arm to an engaging position such that a radially inner side of the keeper engages a slot of the shaft when the keeper teeth engage the engaging teeth of the nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 8397589
    Abstract: A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a cap attachable to a shaft of a wheel hub assembly. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the cap and is configured to measure movement of the cap to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to a hub mounted on the shaft and coupled to the bearing to support the frame relative to the hub. The handle is connected to the frame and extends substantially perpendicularly relative to an axis of the shaft and extends to opposite sides of the axis. The frame, the plurality of legs and the handle are sufficiently rigid to allow a user to apply a force to the handle to move the hub in an axial direction relative to the shaft until cessation of movement of the hub relative to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: John Earl Rode
  • Patent number: 8365413
    Abstract: In an apparatus for manufacturing a fluid dynamic bearing, a housing portion defines a first work area. A vacuum pump discharges air in the first work area. A lubricant discharge device is arranged in the first work area, and discharges a lubricant into an inlet of a reservoir for storing the lubricant of the fluid dynamic bearing. At least one aperture is provided in the housing portion. A first door closes the aperture and a second door closes the aperture. Between the first door and the second door, when both have closed the aperture, a second work area is formed where the fluid dynamic bearing is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Alphana Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8359733
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preloading a bearing are provided. These methods and apparatus include preload monitoring procedures and devices whereby a mechanic can accurately monitor and regulate the preload on a bearing or bearing assembly. Aspects of the invention may also be used to adjust the endplay on a bearing or a bearing assembly. The methods and apparatus allow the mechanic to apply and/or verify a preload on the bearing, for example, to apply and/or verify a preferred “3 thousandths” preload, as is desired in the industry. In one aspect, the preload on the bearing is transmitted through a housing having a fluid pressure that can be detected and monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 8316530
    Abstract: A system for providing a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft includes an attaching member and a press mechanism. The attaching member is releasably connected to the shaft. The press member is coupled to the attaching member and is configured to provide a compressive load to the bearing. The press mechanism includes an aligning arm configured to engage a shaft slot of the shaft to align the press mechanism relative to the shaft when the attaching member connects to the shaft. A lock nut is engageable with the shaft and has a plurality of engaging teeth configured to engage a plurality of keeper teeth of a keeper. The nut includes an outer surface having a plurality of markings corresponding to a plurality of roots of the plurality of engaging teeth to allow a user to selectively rotate the nut relative to the aligning arm to an engaging position such that a radially inner side of the keeper engages a slot of the shaft when the keeper teeth engage the engaging teeth of the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Publication number: 20120272516
    Abstract: Constructive arrangement added to a support for assembling agricultural tilting bearings with new constructive form applied to the assembly support, which comprises the arrangement of multiple and contiguous openings practiced on its upper portion, so as to allow the use, in different diameters and different inter centers, of fastening elements. Alternatively, the multiple openings can be of analogous conformation and not contiguous, so as to allow the desirable interchangeability among different brands and models of agricultural equipment. The new constructive form of the support foresees the arrangement of hollow ears at opposite side ends, and also the arrangement of openings practiced on its lower ends, preferably with recesses tied in one of the ends of the fastening methods for their retention at the tilting bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Joao Carlos Marchesan
  • Publication number: 20120174388
    Abstract: A tool device includes a support lever having two screw holes, a pressing lever, an adjusting member is threaded with one of the screw holes and pivotally coupled to the middle portion of the pressing lever, and a pressing member is threaded with the other screw hole of the support lever and has an end portion for engaging with a rear portion of the pressing lever, a holding member is attached to the support lever and includes a front portion having an opening, and a retaining member is changeably attached to the support lever for engaging with the holding member and for selectively engaging or retaining the ball joint or universal joint between the retaining member and the pressing lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Wei nan Shen
  • Publication number: 20120011953
    Abstract: A ram air turbine gearbox includes a pinion shaft arranged in a housing and operatively supports a pinion gear. An input shaft is arranged in the housing and operatively supports a ring gear coupled to the pinion gear. The input and output shafts are oriented at an angle. A rolling element bearing supports the pinion shaft in the housing and includes inner and outer races between which a multiple ball bearings are arranged. Each ball includes a ball diameter. The inner and outer races respectively include inner and outer raceway radii and inner and outer raceway depths. The inner and outer raceway radii each are approximately 52% of the ball diameter. The inner raceway depth is at a minimum 25% of the ball diameter, and the outer raceway depth is at a minimum 20% of the ball diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen Michael Bortoli
  • Patent number: 8096045
    Abstract: The present invention relates to device and method for manufacturing a wheel bearing assembly that reduces an error rate by reducing stress concentrated on rolling elements in manufacturing processes of the wheel bearing assembly. The device for manufacturing a wheel bearing assembly may include: a base, on which a hub is mounted, supporting the hub in a case of orbital-forming; a forming tool mounting portion mounted above the base; a rotating portion rotatably connected to an outer ring and rotating or pivoting the outer ring about a hub axis in a case of the orbital-forming; and a forming tool mounted at the forming tool mounting portion, rotating on a first axis slanted to the hub axis by a predetermined angle, and simultaneously orbiting about a second axis parallel with the hub axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Il Jin Global Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: John R. Gingrich
  • Patent number: 7979974
    Abstract: A system for feeding a fuel cell stack including fuel cells having separating plates and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). The system includes a separating plate supply unit for feeding the separating plates; an MEA supply unit for feeding the MEAs; a feeding unit on which the separating plates and the MEAs are fed, the feeding unit being configured to move upward and downward; and a transfer unit for receiving the separating plates and the MEAs from the separating plate supply unit and the MEA supply unit, respectively, and for loading the separating plates and the MEAs onto the feeding unit. A method for feeding a fuel cell stack includes feeding one of the separating plates, moving a magazine a predetermined amount, lowering a plate of a feeding unit, feeding one of the MEAs, and determining if the separating plates and the MEAs have been fed as much as a required number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jong Ho Maing
  • Publication number: 20110154666
    Abstract: An assembly jig for a radial roller bearing comprises a retaining structure having a plurality of axially-projecting projections configured to retain a plurality of roller bodies disposed in a ring-shape during a bearing assembly process. The roller bodies are supportable in a first radial direction on a first component and each roller body contacts two adjacent projections in a second radial direction, which is opposite of the first radial direction. The projections are configured to press the roller bodies against the first component and such that a portion of the roller bodies projects past the projections in the second radial direction. The assembly jig is removable from the roller bearing in the axial direction after final assembly of the roller bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Wolfgang Friedl
  • Publication number: 20110154645
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in forming a kinematic coupling having at least one component including a plate adapted for carrying a plurality of bearing elements comprises a template including a plurality of supports adapted for engaging and assisting in aligning the plurality of bearing elements relative to the plate of the component. The template may be used in forming either a top or base of the kinematic coupling. The top may further be adapted to be inverted relative to the base, which may also include bearing elements for receiving bearing elements associated with the top. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher J. Morgan