Patent ID: 7845857
Filing Date: 2010-12-07
Classification: F16C

Abstract:
1. A thrust bearing assembly comprising: a cage having first and second cage halves, each cage half having a respective radial segment with a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings, each opening having an opening perimeter, the cage halves being interconnected with portions of the radial segments circumferentially between the plurality of openings abutting along a given plane and the respective openings aligned to define rolling element pockets; a plurality of rolling elements positioned in the rolling element pockets such that a centerline of each rolling element lies in or in proximity to the given plane; and a flange extending along at least a portion of each opening perimeter to retain the rolling elements within a respective one of the rolling element pockets, wherein each flange is formed as a plurality of tabs, and tabs from one cage half alternate with tabs of the other cage half on at least a portion of a respective opening perimeter.