Bearings – Rotary bearing – Antifriction bearing
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-08
2001-08-28
Hannon, Thomas R. (Department: 3682)
Bearings
Rotary bearing
Antifriction bearing
C074S569000, C384S449000, C384S584000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06280097
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to cam follower bearing assemblies, and more particularly, to an improved corrosion resistant cam follower having hardened roller bearing raceways.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cam followers are used in many applications for translating rotational movement into linear movement, such as cam followers used in conveyor systems. During usage, inner and outer races of cam follower bearing assemblies can be subjected to relatively high bearing stresses. Hence, it is desirable to harden the roller raceways to improve bearing life. This commonly is accomplished by forming the inner and outer bearing races from high carbon, bearing grade steel and hardening the raceway areas, such as by heat treatment.
Such steel bearing races, however, are highly subject to corrosion, particularly when the cam followers are used in working environments in which they are subjected to liquids, corrosive chemicals, or other contaminants. Corrosion on external surfaces of the cam follower can be viewed by a user as adversely affecting the performance. Internal corrosion, of course, can lead to seizure and failure of the relatively moveable bearing components.
Efforts to overcome the corrosion problem by forming the cam follower components of a corrosion resistant metal alloy, such as austenitic stainless steel (type 300 series) typically are not practical since such corrosion resistant steel can not be hardened to the extent necessary for satisfactory bearing life. Alternately, forming the cam follower components of martensitic stainless steels, such as 440 C, provides a bearing grade steel which is hardenable. However, the corrosion resistant properties are less than that of the 300 series stainless steels. Proposals for protecting the bearing races of the cam follower from corrosive contaminants also have not been effective since the laterally extending stud or mounting shaft of the cam follower is an extension of the inner bearing race, and hence, can not be easily contained.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved, maintenance free and permanently-sealed, cam follower bearing assembly suitable for use in wet or corrosive environments.
Another object is to provide a cam follower bearing assembly as characterized above having hardened bearing races which can be used in contaminated working environments without harmful corrosion.
A further object is to provide a cam follower bearing assembly of the above kind which has an outwardly projecting mounting shaft formed of a highly corrosion resistant material.
Still another object is to provide a cam follower bearing assembly of the foregoing type that is relatively simple in design and economical to manufacture.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3596533 (1971-08-01), Nightingale
patent: 4869604 (1989-09-01), Hill et al.
patent: 5302031 (1994-04-01), Yuasa
patent: 5724861 (1998-03-01), Mang
patent: 5960758 (1999-10-01), Giannone et al.
Mues Kevin Dean
Sullwold Gary Theodore
Emerson Power Transmission Manufacturing L.P.
Hannon Thomas R.
McDonnell & Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff
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