Bearing race retention device and method

Claim 1

A bearing race retention device for a bearing assembly mounted between a first member and a second member having a cylindrical surface, comprising: the bearing assembly having a first race secured to the first member, a plurality of bearing elements, and a second race defining a smooth notchless cylindrical surface and a preselected diametral slip fit clearance with the cylindrical surface of the second member; a swellable ring of unrestrained uniform circular cross section about its periphery and being of a preselected diameter; and an annular groove of generally rectangular cross section concentrically formed in the second member and defined generally by a cylindrical seat and first and second side walls spaced apart about 11/3 times the preselected diameter for containment purposes, the swellable ring being disposed in the groove and being compressed radially during installation of the second race and into a mean groove fill condition of at least 65% in volume prior to swelling of the ring, the ring being of a preselected thermoset elatomeric material sufficient for volumetrically swelling upon the exposure thereof to a petroleum-based lubricating fluid, the ring being in open communication with the clearance and in response to being exposed to the lubricating fluid substantially filling the groove upon swelling and frictionally holding the second race from rotating with respect to the second member.