Bearings – Rotary bearing – Antifriction bearing
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-28
2002-05-28
Footland, Lenard A. (Department: 3682)
Bearings
Rotary bearing
Antifriction bearing
C384S622000, C384S906000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06394660
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to thrust bearings and, more particularly, to thrust bearings with anti-reversal and anti-rotation features.
Thrust bearings are in general use in transmissions and similar devices to support axial load between components. For example, thrust bearings are used in automotive torque converters to position and support a stator. To function correctly, the thrust bearing must be oriented with a specific face against the stator or other housing and must be seated so that it doesn't rotate or spin with respect to the stator or housing.
Typically, such thrust bearings are painted with a stripe to indicate the face of the thrust bearing that is to face outward from the stator, and the thrust bearing is pressed into a recess of the stator so that relative rotation is reduced. However, problems sometimes occur due to inadvertent improper orientation of the thrust bearing or due to wear associated with relative rotation of the thrust bearing and the stator.
The foregoing illustrates limitations known to exist in present devices and methods. Thus, it is apparent that it would be advantageous to provide an alternative directed to overcoming one or more of the limitations set forth above. Accordingly, a suitable alternative is provided including features more fully disclosed hereinafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the invention, this is accomplished by providing a thrust bearing assembly comprising an inner thrust washer having an inner raceway, an outer thrust washer having an outer raceway, and rollers separating and in rolling contact with the inner and outer thrust washers. Two tabs extend radially from the raceway of one of the inner and outer thrust washers. The two tabs have different configurations and are distributed circumferentially at less than 180 degrees separation.
The foregoing and other aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3957325 (1976-05-01), Babb
patent: 3999816 (1976-12-01), Pitner
patent: 4042285 (1977-08-01), Dorsch
patent: 4166662 (1979-09-01), Chiba et al.
patent: 4783183 (1988-11-01), Gardella
patent: 4981373 (1991-01-01), Bando
patent: 5007746 (1991-04-01), Matzelle et al.
patent: RE34813 (1994-12-01), Gardella
patent: 5511885 (1996-04-01), Coleman
Butler III Edward P.
Urmaza Matthew
Bigler John C.
Footland Lenard A.
The Torrington Company
LandOfFree
Thrust bearing assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Thrust bearing assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Thrust bearing assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2831157