Bearing journal

Claim 2

In a generally cylindrically shaped cavity having two semi-cylindrical supporting surfaces joining at a plane for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical shaped member therebetween, an improvement comprising each surface of the cylindrical shaped cavity having ridges, said ridges having faces, substantially all of said faces extending generally facing the plane joining the semi-cylindrical supporting surfaces, said ridges being deformable to conform to the shape of the generally cylindrical shaped member and thus provide full support for same.

Claim 3

The improved surface of claim 1 characterized in that said ridges are generally triangular in cross section.

Claim 4

The improved surface of claim 1 characterized in that said ridges extend generally axially of the cavity.

Claim 5

The improved surface of claim 3 characterized by the addition of a second set of ridges, said second set of ridges being deformable and said second set of ridges extending circumferentially of the cavity.

Claim 6

The improved cavity of claim 1 wherein the cylindrically shaped cavity is one of two cavities, each cavity having a center, and characterized in that the deforming of the ridges adjusts the center to center distance between the cavities.

Claim 7

The improved cavity of claim 5 wherein the center to center distance between the cavities has a desired value and characterized in that the center to center distance is adjusted to this desired value.

Claim 8

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, one side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending generally parallel to said mating surfaces and another side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending at a small angle to a plane extending normal to said mating surfaces and said plurality of ridges forming substantially all of the support surface for the bearing.

Claim 9

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, one side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending generally parallel to said mating surfaces and another side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending at a small angle to a plane extending normal to said mating surfaces and said plurality of ridges forming substantially all of the support surface for the bearing.

Claim 10

A bearing supporting surface as claimed in claim 7 wherein said first plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges are arranged in groups which groups are circumferentially spaced from each other.

Claim 11

A bearing supporting surface as claimed in claim 7 wherein the apex of said triangular shape of at least some of said first plurality of ridges is flattened to accommodate the diameter of the bearing member it is to receive.

Claim 12

A bearing supporting surface as claimed in claim 8 wherein there are four groups within the 360 degree extent of said bearing supporting surface and each group extends about 20-25 degrees and each group is equally spaced from the other.

Claim 13

The improved cylindrical shaped bearing supporting surface of claim 7 wherein the cylindrical shaped bearing supporting surface is one of two cylindrical shaped surfaces, each surface having a central axis, and characterized in that said plurality of ridges are deformable to adjust the distance center to center between the central axes of the cylindrical shaped surfaces.

Claim 14

The improved cylindrical shaped surface of claim 11 wherein the center to center distance between the central axes of the cylindrical shaped surfaces has a desired value and characterized in that this center to center distance is adjusted to this desired value.

Claim 15

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, one side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending generally parallel to said mating surfaces and another side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending at a small angle to a plane extending normal to said mating surfaces, said plurality of ridges being deformable to conform to the shape of generally cylindrical bearing member and said plurality of ridges forming substantially all of the support surface for the generally cylindrical bearing member.

Claim 16

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, one side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending generally parallel to said mating surfaces and another side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending at a small angle to a plane extending normal to said mating surfaces, said plurality of ridges being deformable to conform to the shape of generally cylindrical bearing member and said plurality of ridges forming substantially all of the support surface for the generally cylindrical bearing member.

Claim 17

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a first plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, one side of said triangular shape of said first plurality of ridges extending generally parallel to said mating surfaces, another side of said triangular shape of said first plurality of ridges extending at a small angle to a plane extending normal to said mating surfaces, a second plurality of circumferentially extending and axially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, and said first and second plurality of ridges being axially spaced from each other.

Claim 18

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a first plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, one side of said triangular shape of said first plurality of ridges extending generally parallel to said mating surfaces, another side of said triangular shape of said first plurality of ridges extending at a small angle to a plane extending normal to said mating surfaces, a second plurality of circumferentially extending and axially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, and said first and second plurality of ridges being axially spaced from each other.

Claim 19

A bearing supporting surface as claimed in claim 14 wherein said first plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges are arranged in groups which groups are circumferentially spaced from each other.

Claim 20

A bearing supporting surface as claimed in claim 14 wherein the apex of said triangular shape of at least some of said first plurality of ridges is flattened to accommodate the diameter of the bearing member it is to receive.

Claim 21

A bearing supporting surface as claimed in claim 15 wherein there are four groups within the 360 degree extent of said bearing supporting surface and each group extends about 20-25 degrees and each group is equally spaced from the other.

Claim 22

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a first plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges, and a second plurality of circumferentially extending and axially spaced ridges, said first and second plurality of ridges being axially spaced from each other.

Claim 23

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a first plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges, and a second plurality of circumferentially extending and axially spaced ridges, said first and second plurality of ridges being axially spaced from each other.

Claim 24

A bearing supporting surface as claimed in claim 18 wherein said first plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges are arranged in groups which groups are circumferentially spaced from each other.

Claim 25

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface as claimed in claim 18 wherein said ridges of said first and second plurality are generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section.

Claim 26

A bearing supporting surface as claimed in claim 20 wherein the apex of said triangular shape of at least some of said first and second plurality of ridges is flattened to accommodate the diameter of the bearing member it is to receive.

Claim 27

A bearing supporting surface as claimed in claim 19 wherein there are four groups within the 360 degree extent of said bearing supporting surface and each group extends about 20-25 degrees and each group is equally spaced from the other.

Claim 28

The improved cylindrical shaped bearing supporting surface of claim 18 wherein the cylindrical shaped bearing supporting surface is one of two cylindrical shaped surfaces, each surface having a central axis, and characterized in that said first plurality and said second plurality of ridges are deformable to adjust the distance center to center between the central axes of the cylindrical shaped surfaces.

Claim 29

The improved cylindrical shaped surface of claim 23 wherein the center to center distance between the central axes of the cylindrical shaped surfaces has a desired value and characterized in that this center to center distance is adjusted to this desired value.

Claim 30

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze, or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, one side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending generally parallel to said mating surfaces and another side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending at a small angle to a plane extending normal to said mating surfaces, said ridges directly contacting the bearing and forming substantially all of the support surface therefor.

Claim 31

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze, or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, one side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending generally parallel to said mating surfaces and another side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending at a small angle to a plane extending normal to said mating surfaces, said ridges directly contacting the bearing and forming substantially all of the support surface therefor.

Claim 32

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, one side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending generally parallel to said mating surfaces and another side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending at a small angle to a plane extending normal to said mating surfaces, said plurality of ridges extending about substantially the entire length of said bearing support surface, and said plurality of ridges directly contacting the bearing and forming substantially all of the support surface for the bearing.

Claim 33

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, one side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending generally parallel to said mating surfaces and another side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending at a small angle to a plane extending normal to said mating surfaces, said plurality of ridges extending about substantially the entire length of said bearing support surface, and said plurality of ridges directly contacting the bearing and forming substantially all of the support surface for the bearing.

Claim 34

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a plurality of ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, substantially all of the sides of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending generally facing said mating surfaces and said plurality of ridges forming substantially all of the support surface for the bearing.

Claim 35

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a plurality of ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, substantially all of the sides of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending generally facing said mating surfaces and said plurality of ridges forming substantially all of the support surface for the bearing.

Claim 36

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, one side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending generally facing said mating surfaces and another side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending at a small angle to a plane extending normal to said mating surfaces and said plurality of ridges forming substantially all of the support surface for the bearing.

Claim 37

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, one side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending generally facing said mating surfaces and another side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending at a small angle to a plane extending normal to said mating surfaces and said plurality of ridges forming substantially all of the support surface for the bearing.

Claim 38

A bearing supporting surface as claimed in claim 28 wherein said first plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges are arranged in groups which groups are circumferentially spaced from each other.

Claim 39

A bearing supporting surface as claimed in claim 28 wherein the apex of said triangular shape of at least some of said first plurality of ridges is flattened to accommodate the diameter of the bearing member it is to receive.

Claim 40

The improved cylindrical shaped bearing supporting surface of claim 28 wherein the cylindrical shaped bearing supporting surface is one of two cylindrical shaped surfaces, each surface having a central axis, and characterized in that said plurality of ridges are deformable to adjust the distance center to center between the central axes of the cylindrical shaped surfaces.

Claim 41

The improved cylindrical shaped surface of claim 31 wherein the center to center distance between the central axes of the cylindrical shaped surfaces has a desired value and characterized in that this center to center distance is adjusted to this desired value.

Claim 42

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, one side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending generally facing said mating surfaces and another side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending at a small angle to a plane extending normal to said mating surfaces, said plurality of ridges being deformable to conform to the shape of the generally cylindrical bearing member and said plurality of ridges forming substantially all of the support surface for the generally cylindrical bearing member.

Claim 43

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, one side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending generally facing said mating surfaces and another side of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending at a small angle to a plane extending normal to said mating surfaces, said plurality of ridges being deformable to conform to the shape of the generally cylindrical bearing member and said plurality of ridges forming substantially all of the support surface for the generally cylindrical bearing member.

Claim 44

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a first plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, one side of said triangular shape of said first plurality of ridges extending generally facing said mating surfaces, another side of said triangular shape of said first plurality of ridges extending at a small angle to a plane extending normal to said mating surfaces, a second plurality of circumferentially extending and axially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, and said first and second plurality of ridges being axially spaced from each other.

Claim 45

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a first plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, one side of said triangular shape of said first plurality of ridges extending generally facing said mating surfaces, another side of said triangular shape of said first plurality of ridges extending at a small angle to a plane extending normal to said mating surfaces, a second plurality of circumferentially extending and axially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, and said first and second plurality of ridges being axially spaced from each other.

Claim 46

A bearing supporting surface as claimed in claim 29 wherein there are four groups within the 360 degree extent of said bearing supporting surface and each group extends about 20-25 degrees and each group if equally spaced from the other.

Claim 47

A bearing supporting surface as claimed in claim 34 wherein said first plurality of axially extending and circumferentially spaced ridges are arranged in groups which groups are circumferentially spaced from each other.

Claim 48

A bearing supporting surface as claimed in claim 34 wherein the apex of said triangular shape of at least some of said first plurality of ridges is flattened to accommodate the diameter of the bearing member it is to receive.

Claim 49

A bearing supporting surface as claimed in claim 36 wherein there are four groups within the 360 degree extent of said bearing supporting surface and each group extends about 20-25 degrees and each group is equally spaced from the other.

Claim 50

The improved cylindrical shaped bearing supporting surface of claim 34 wherein the cylindrical shaped bearing supporting surface is one of two cylindrical shaped surfaces, each surface having a central axis, and characterized in that said first plurality and said second plurality of ridges are deformable to adjust the distance center to center between the central axes of the cylindrical shaped surfaces.

Claim 51

The improved cylindrical shaped surface of claim 39 wherein the center to center distance between the central axes of the cylindrical shaped surfaces has a desired value and characterized in that this center to center distance is adjusted to this desired value.

Claim 52

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface said bearing supporting surface comprising a plurality of circumferentially extending and axially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, both sides of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending generally facing said mating surfaces, and said plurality of ridges forming substantially all of the support surface for the bearing.

Claim 53

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface said bearing supporting surface comprising a plurality of circumferentially extending and axially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, both sides of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending generally facing said mating surfaces, and said plurality of ridges forming substantially all of the support surface for the bearing.

Claim 54

A bearing supporting surface as claimed in claim 41 wherein the apex of said triangular shape of at least some of said first plurality of ridges is flattened to accommodate the diameter of the bearing member it is to receive.

Claim 55

The improved cylindrical shaped bearing supporting surface of claim 41 wherein the cylindrical shaped bearing supporting surface is one of two cylindrical shaped surfaces, each surface having a central axis, and characterized in that said plurality of ridges are deformable to adjust the distance center to center between the central axes of the cylindrical shaped surfaces.

Claim 56

The improved cylindrical shaped surface of claim 43 wherein the center to center distance between the central axes of the cylindrical shaped surfaces has a desired value and characterized in that this center to center distance is adjusted to this desired value.

Claim 57

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a plurality of circumferentially extending and axially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, both sides of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending generally facing said mating surfaces, said plurality of ridges being deformable to conform to the shape of the generally cylindrical bearing member and said plurality of ridges forming substantially all of the support surface for the generally cylindrical bearing member.

Claim 58

A cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface for receiving and holding a generally cylindrical bearing member, said bearing supporting surface being formed in a die cast member of aluminum, brass, bronze or like material and including in combination first and second housing members having mating surfaces engaging each other, each of said first and second housing members having a surface comprising substantially one-half of said cylindrically shaped bearing supporting surface, said bearing supporting surface comprising a plurality of circumferentially extending and axially spaced ridges each of which is generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, both sides of said triangular shape of said plurality of ridges extending generally facing said mating surfaces, said plurality of ridges being deformable to conform to the shape of the generally cylindrical bearing member and said plurality of ridges forming substantially all of the support surface for the generally cylindrical bearing member.

Claim 59

A bearing supporting surface as claimed in claim 45 wherein the apex of said triangular shape of at least some of said first plurality of ridges is flattened to accommodate the diameter of the bearing member is to receive.