Bearings – Rotary bearing – Antifriction bearing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-18
2001-05-01
Hannon, Thomas R. (Department: 3682)
Bearings
Rotary bearing
Antifriction bearing
Reexamination Certificate
active
06224267
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to thrust bearings and, more particularly, to needle roller thrust bearing assemblies allowing motion other than pure rotation.
Typical needle roller thrust bearing assemblies provide axial thrust load support for static and rotational conditions, only. There is no provision in such bearing assemblies for translation of one thrust face relative to an opposed thrust face. However, in some specific applications, an additional axis of motion would enhance performance of the thrust bearing assembly.
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 needle roller thrust bearing assembly comprising a needle roller and cage subassembly having needle rollers arranged in a plane along a pitch circle and retained within a cage. First and second raceways are positioned against the rollers, with the roller and cage subassembly between the raceways, such that the rollers facilitate free rotation of the second raceway relative to the first raceway when a thrust load is applied through the first and second raceways. At least one of the first and second raceways has a recessed portion such that diametrically opposite rollers are loaded when the thrust load is applied while other rollers are unloaded, thereby facilitating linear translation of the second raceway relative to the first raceway.
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.
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Bigler John C.
Hannon Thomas R.
The Torrington Company
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