Improvements in Ball-bearings.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 11th July, 1893
Complete Specification Left, 11th Apr., 1894-Accepted, 16th June, 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
[Communicated from abroad by GEORGE FREDERICK SIMONDS, of Fitchburg,
Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States of America, Engineer.]
Improvements in Ball-bearings.
I, HENRY HARRIS Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine Lake & Co., Patent Agents,
45 Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates preferably to ball-bearings comprising one or more
annular series or groups of spherical rollers or balls arranged to bear against and
roll in contact with concentric bearing surfaces for the purpose of supporting the
radial pressure of a rotary shaft or axle, or a wheel or other part adapted to rotate
on a fixed shaft or axle, and other spherical rollers or balls arranged in annular
series to bear against and roll in contact with parallel plane surfaces for the purpose
of resisting end pressure or thrust.
One feature of the present invention relates to the surfaces whether cylindrical
or plain against which the balls or rollers bear. According to this part of the
invention the material forming the bearing surfaces whether it be the axle or shaft
or hub or other part, or a sleeve or lining, disc or the like applied to said parts is
made from low grade steel or wrought iron converted by the addition of carbon
into high grade steel at the wearing surface and then hardened. By this means it is
possible to produce a wearing surface which is excessively hard and yet being
supported by a backing of comparatively soft steel or iron is not liable to fracture
as is the case when the material is made hard throughout its whole body.
Other objects of the present invention are to provide an improved anti-friction
ball-bearing for railway car axles, vehicle wheels, and similar rotary bodies, and to
provide a new and improved ball-retaining cage, and this part of the invention
consists in the peculiar features of construction and novel combinations of devices
hereinafter particularly described, the parts being contained within an outer sleeve
or box ready to be applied directly to a shaft axle, wheel or other body in or
upon which it is to be used.
In the annexed drawings illustrating the invention―
Figures 1 and 2 are longitudinal sectional views of car axle bearings illustrating
my improvements.
Figures 3 and 4 are similar views illustrating the application of my improved
ball-bearings to axles for carriage wheels.
Figure 5 is a side elevation of one form of ball-retaining cage.
Figure 6 is a broken end elevation of the same;
Figure 7 is a detail view of one of the separate ball-retaining compartments.
Figure 8 is a view of a tubular connecting and spacing portion, by which the
separate ball-retaining compartments are connected;
Figure 9 is a side elevation of a modified form of ball-retaining cage; and
Figure 10 is a sectional end elevation of the same.
Figures 11 and 12 are longitudinal sectional views of slightly modified bearings
for carriage axles.
Like reference numerals denote corresponding parts in all the drawings.
The numeral 1 designates part of an axle body, and 2 an axle spindle. The
numeral 3, Figures 1 and 2, represents a journal box or housing for a car axle
spindle or journal. The axle spindle is made of converted steel hardened on its

page_text: -surface as described in the Specification of Letters Patent No. 15444 A.D: 1892,
or is provided with a sleeve 4 treated externally in the manner described in said
prior Patent, or by any process for effecting a like result. A similar converted
and internally hardened steel sleeve or tubular boxing 5, but of greater diameter,
is to be inserted in the journal box of a car axle or in the hub of a vehicle wheel,
as the case may be..
Between the concentric converted and hardened surfaces provided by the axle
spindle or its sleeve 4 and the boxing 5 are placed a number of spherical rollers or
balls 6 confined in an annular retaining cage 7, that is independent of the concentric
bearing surfaces and freely movable between them. As shown in Figures 1 and 2
this cage 7 may consist of double sets of longitudinally arranged wires connected
by suitable rings. The balls 6 are adapted to roll freely in all directions between
and in bearing contact with the hardened concentric surfaces of the parts 4 and 5
to sustain radial pressure and diminish friction; and are so arranged as to have
free lateral play within the retaining cage in such a manner as to move in varying
lines on and against the concentric bearing surfaces and thereby distribute the wear
with great uniformity.
As shown in Figure 1 the inner end of the box or housing 3 may be provided
with an annular shouldered recess 8 for reception of any suitable packing. In the
outer end of the car axle box 3, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, are placed hardened
steel rings 9 and 10 that are spaced apart by a tubular piece 11 of greater internal
diameter than said rings. In the car axle bearings shown in Figures 1 and 2 the
inner ring 9 abuts against the outer end of the hardened tubular boxing 5; while
in the carriage wheel axle bearing shown in Figure 3 both rings 9 and 10 and the
tubular spacing piece 11 are inserted in the outer end of said tubular boxing.
Midway between the rings 9 and 10 is a collar or annular projection 12 which, as
shown in Figures 1 and 3, may be loosely placed on the reduced screw-threaded
end 13 of the axle spindle, or may be formed integral with the retaining nut 14 as
shown in Figure 2. The opposing plane parallel surfaces or sides of the rings 9
and 10, and intermediate collar or annular projection 12 serve as bearing surfaces
for separate annular series of spherical rollers or balls 15 confined in ball-retaining
cages 16 and projecting laterally therefrom in such position as to be capable of re-
volving freely in all directions and in contact with said parallel plane bearing surfaces,
for the purpose of resisting thrust or end pressure. The rings 9 and 10 and inter-
mediate tubular spacing piece 11 are preferably connected at intervals by bolts 17,
Figures 12 and 3, so that said rings, spacing piece, collar or annular projection 12
and intermediate cages of thrust-resisting balls 15 can be removed in a body when
the nut 14 is detached. When in position the nut 14 can be retained or locked by
a pin or key 18 passed through a perforation in the end of the axle spinale.
Although I have described one means of carrying out this part of my invention
it is obvious that other means and modifications may be adopted for achieving this
result.
The outer end of the car axle bearing, Figures 1 and 2, is closed by a sand cap
or box 19 that is securely bolted to the journal box or housing 3 and is so arranged
as to have a bearing contact for the outer ring 10 and thereby retain in position
the several cages of spherical rollers or balls. As shown in Figure 2 the inner end
of the car axle bearing may also be closed by a cap 20 bolted to the box or
housing 3 and recessed for the reception of a suitable spring packing 21 that may
surround the axle. A metal packing ring 22 may also surround the axle within
said recessed portion of the inner cap.
In the carriage axle bearing shown in Figures 3 and 4 the sand box or cap 19 is
screwed into the outer internally-threaded end of the hub lining or tubular boxing 5
abutting against a screw ring 23 that has been previously inserted into the end of
said lining or boxing. As shown in Figure 4 this screw ring 23 may take the place
of the ring 10 and thus form one of the bearings for the outer ring of thrust-
resisting balls. In that case, however, the connecting bolts 17 would be dispensed
with. At the inner end of the carriage axle bearing is a metal washer or packing

page_text: ring 24 and between this and the axle collar 25 is placed a packing 26 of felt, or
suitable fibrous material.
In the carriage axle bearings I prefer to place the balls 6 for sustaining radial
pressure in a double or two part cage 1ª composed of annular end compartments or
ball receptacles connected by a series of rods 28 as shown in Figures 3, 9 and 10,
or by a tubular shell 29, as shown in Figures 4, 5, 6 and 8.
Referring particularly to Figures 5 to 8, the numeral 1ª designates the separate
annular ball-retaining compartments of my improved cage for receiving and holding
annular series or groups of balls in a ball-bearing. These cage compartments 1*
may be formed by drilling an annular series of open sided chambers 2, Figure 7,
in a metallic ring or hollow cylinder of the required dimensions, said chambers being
extended longitudinally from one end of the cylinder nearly to its other end which
may form one closed end of the cage. The chambers 2ª are provided as shown,
with open or slotted sides through which the spherical rollers or balls 6 placed in
the several chambers of the annular compartment are permitted to project radially
both within and on the outside of the cage in position to bear against and roll freely
in all directions on the inner and outer concentric surfaces of the bearing in which
said cage of balls is to be inserted.
If preferred the ball-retaining compartments 1ª may be composed of parallel end
rings connected by wire rods 5" and 6" Figures 9 and 10 extended only the length
of each compartment as shown in Figure 9. These wire rods 5* and 6* are arranged
in concentric annular sets, as shown in Figure 10 at sufficient distances apart to
form elongated spaces or chambers 2ª adapted to receive and retain the spherical
rollers or balls and at the same time permit them to project in position to sustain
radial pressure or weight.
The separate annular ball-retaining compartments 1ª may be connected to each
other and spaced a suitable distance apart either by means of the tubular shell 29,
as in Figures 4, 5 and 8, or by means of a single annular series of wire rods 28,
Figures 3, 9 and 10. This connecting or spacing portion of the cage is not designed
or adapted to receive rollers or balls, but serves the purpose of spacing apart the
annular ball-retaining compartments so that the latter will occupy their required
positions in the bearing and at the same time it rigidly connects said compartments
in such a manner as to cause them to revolve together and in unison. When the
tubular connecting and spacing shell 29 is to be applied to annular compartments
of the construction shewn in Figures 5 and 7 it should be preferably provided with
flared ends 9ª, Figure 8, that will facilitate its secure attachment to the annular
cage compartments and at the same time close the open ends of the annular series
of elongated chambers. The inner ends of the ball-retaining cages 1ª may be
recessed to receive the flared ends 9" of the shell 29, and may be secured thereto by
spinning or turning down the projecting rim of said recess over said flared ends of
the shell.
An annular ball-retaining cage of the construction described, having separate
annular ball compartments connected by a spacing portion in which no balls can be
carried, is designed for insertion into those bearings that do not require the use of
balls through their entire length but in which it is desirable to have the separate
groups of balls act in unison and be capable of being handled in a body. The cage
is removable from, and independent of, the bearing surfaces against which the balls
are to act, and the balls in each elongated chamber of the annular ball-retaining
compartments are so arranged as to have free lateral play therein and be capable of
revolving freely in all directions so that wear and friction will be evenly
distributed and greatly lessened. The cage is light, durable, and comparatively
inexpensive, and furnishes a convenient means for applying or removing separate
groups of spherical rollers or balls in a body.
The bearings shown in Figures 11 and 12 are similar to those shown in
Figures 3 and 4 the chief difference being in the construction of the inner end of
the bearing.
Figure 11 shows a construction where the packing 26 is kept in place by a nut 30

page_text: which is screwed into the boxing 5. In Figure 12 the shoulder or collar 25 is
shown provided with a recess 31 to receive packing material 32 against which the
inner end of the boxing 5 bears. 33 is a circumferential groove formed around the
boxing 5. Said groove is intended to form a lodgment for water which otherwise
might enter the bearing. Similar grooves are shown in Figures 4 and 5.
It will be observed that an anti-friction ball-bearing in which the several parts
are constructed and arranged as described will effectually prevent the access of dust,
dirt or moisture to its interior. The parts can be readily and quickly connected or
disconnected whenever required, and by reason of its simple and economical
construction the cost of the bearing is diminished and its efficiency largely
increased.
All the bearing surfaces on which the balls roll are treated in accordance with
the prior Patent hereinbefore mentioned.
Dated this 5th day of July 1893.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in Ball-bearings.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent Agents,
45 Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates principally to ball-bearings comprising one or more
annular series or groups of spherical rollers or balls arranged to bear against and
roll in contact with concentric bearing surfaces for the purpose of supporting the
radial pressure of a rotary shaft or axle, or a wheel or other part adapted to rotate
on a fixed shaft or axle, and other spherical rollers or balls arranged in annular
series to bear against and roll in contact with parallel plane surfaces for the purpose
of resisting end pressure or thrust.
One object of the present invention is to provide improved surfaces whether
cylindrical or plain against which the balls or rollers bear. According to this
part of the invention the material forming the bearing surfaces whether it be the
axle or shaft or hub or other part, or a sleeve or lining, disc or the like applied to
said parts is made from low grade steel or wrought iron converted by the addition
of carbon into high grade steel at the wearing surface and then hardened. By
this means it is possible to produce a wearing surface which is excessively hard
and yet being supported by a backing of comparatively soft steel or iron is not
liable to fracture as is the case when the material is made hard throughout its whole
body.
Other objects of the present invention are to provide an improved anti-friction
ball-bearing for railway car axles, vehicle wheels, and similar rotary bodies, and a
new and improved ball-retaining cage; and this part of the invention consists in
the peculiar features of construction and novel combinations of devices hereinafter
particularly described, the parts being contained within an outer sleeve or box
ready to be applied directly to a shaft, axle wheel or other body in or upon which
it is to be used.
Referring to Figs. 1 to 9 and 11 and 12 of the drawings accompanying the
Provisional Specification,
Figures 1 and 2 are longitudinal sectional views of car axle bearings illustrating
my improvements.
Figures 3 and 4 are similar views illustrating the application of my improved
ball-bearings to axles for carriage wheels.
Figure 5 is a side elevation of one form of ball-retaining cage.

page_text: Figure 7 is a detail view of one of the separate ball-retaining compartments.
Figure 8 is a view of a tubular connecting and spacing portion, by which the
separate ball-retaining compartments are connected.
Figure 9 is a side elevation of a modified form of ball-retaining cage; and
Figures 11 and 12 are longitudinal, sectional views of slightly modified bearings
for carriage axles.
The figure lodged with the Complete Specification is a sectional end elevation
of Fig. aforesaid.
Like reference numerals denote corresponding parts in all the drawings.
The numeral 1 designates part of an axle body, and 2 an axle spindle. The
numeral 3 Figures 1 and 2, represents a journal box or housing for a car axle
spindle or journal. The axle spindle is made of soft steel converted at the working
surface and for some depth inward into a higher grade steel by carburization, and
hardened, as described in the Specification of Letters Patent No. 15444 A.D. 1892
or is provided with a sleeve 4, treated externally in a similar manner or in any
other manner for producing a like result. A similar converted and internally
hardened steel sleeve or tubular boxing 5, but of greater diameter is to be inserted
in the journal box of a car axle or in the hub of a vehicle wheel, as the case may
be. The backing of the sleeve 4 and boxing 5 remains soft.
All the surfaces to be converted are preferably treated for this purpose in
the manner described in the Specification of prior Letters Patent No. 15,444
A.D. 1892 and are subsequently hardened or tempered by any approved method,
for example by the method described in the Specification of prior Letters Patent
No. 15142 A.D. 1891.
Between the concentric converted and hardened surfaces of the axle spindle or
its sleeve 4 and the boxing 5 are placed a number of spherical rollers or balls 6
confined in an annular retaining cage 7, that is independent of the concentric
bearing surfaces and freely movable between them. These balls may be treated
for converting and hardening the same in the manner above referred to with
reference to the bearing surfaces. As shown in Figures 1 and 2 the cage 7 may
consist of double sets of longitudinally arranged wire connected by suitable rings.
The balls 6 are adapted to roll freely in all directions between and in bearing
contact with the hardened concentric surfaces of the parts 4 and 5 to sustain
radial pressure and diminish friction; and are so arranged as to have free lateral
play within the retaining cage in such a manner as to move in varying lines on
and against the concentric bearing surfaces and thereby distribute the wear with
great uniformity.
As shown in Figure 1 the inner end of the box or housing 3 may be provided
with an annular shouldered recess 8 for the reception of any suitable packing. In
the outer end of the car axle box 3, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, are placed
hardened steel rings 9 and 10 that are spaced apart by a tubular piece 11 of
greater internal diameter than said rings. In the car axle bearings shown in
Figures 1 and 2 the inner ring 9 abuts against the outer end of the hardened
tubular boxing 5; while in the carriage wheel axle bearing shown in Figure 3
both rings 9 and 10 and the tubular spacing piece 11 are inserted in the outer end
of said tubular boxing. Midway between the rings 9 and 10 is a collar or annular
projection 12 which, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, may be loosely placed on the
reduced screw-threaded end 13 of the axle spindle, or may be formed integral
with the retaining nut 14 as shown in Figure 2. The opposing plane parallel
surfaces or sides of the rings 9 and 10, and intermediate collar or annular pro-
jection 12 serve as bearing surfaces for separate annular series of spherical rollers
or balls 15 confined in ball-retaining cages 16 and projecting laterally therefrom in
such position as to be capable of revolving freely in all directions and in contact
with said parallel plane bearing surfaces, for the purpose of resisting thrust or end
pressure. The rings 9 and 10 and intermediate tubular spacing piece 11 are
sometimes connected at intervals by bolts or rivets 17, Figures 1, 2 and 3 so that

page_text: said rings, spacing piece collar or annular projection 12 and intermediate cages of
thrust-resisting balls 15 can be removed in a body when the nut 14 is detached.
When is position, the nut 14 can be retained or locked by a pin or key 18 passed
through a perforation in the end of the axle spindle. Although I have described
one means of carrying out this part of my invention it is obvious that other means
and modifications may be adopted for achieving this result.
The outer end of the car axle bearing, Figures 1 and 2, is closed by a sand cap
or box 19 that is securely bolted to the journal box or housing 3 and is so arranged
as to have a bearing contact for the outer ring 10 and thereby retain in position
the several cages of spherical rollers or balls. As shown in Figure 2 the inner
end of the car axle bearing may also be closed by a cap 20 bolted to the box or
honsing 3 and recessed for the reception of a suitable spring packing 21 that may
surround the axle. A metal packing ring 22 may also surround the axle within
said recessed portion of the inner cap.
In the carriage axle bearing shown in Figures 3 and 4 the sand box or cap 19
is screwed into the outer internally-threaded end of the hub lining or tubular
boxing 5 abutting against a screw ring 23 that has been previously inserted into
the end of said lining or boxing. As shown in Figure this screw ring 23 may
take the place of the ring 10 and thus form one of the bearings for the outer ring
of thrust-resisting balls. In that case, however, the connecting bolts 17 would be
dispensed with. At the inner end of the carriage axle bearing is a metal washer
or packing ring 24 and between this and the axle collar 25 is placed a packing 26
of felt, or suitable fibrous material.
In the carriage axle bearings I prefer to place the balls 6 for sustaining radial
pressure in a double or two part cage 1ª composed of annular end compartments or
ball receptacles connected by a series of rods 28 as shown in Figures 3, and 9, or
by a tubular shell 29, as shown in Figures 4, 5, 6 and 8.
Referring particularly to Figures 5 to 8, the numeral 1ª designates the separate
annular ball-retaining compartments of my improved cage for receiving and holding
annular series or groups of balls in a ball-bearing. These cage compartments 1
may be formed by drilling an annular series of open sided chambers 2, Figure 7,
in a metallic ring or hollow cylinder of the required dimensions, said chambers
being extended longitudinally from one end of the cylinder nearly to its other end
which may form one closed end of the cage. The chambers 2ª are provided as
shown, with open or slotted sides through which the spherical rollers or balls 6
placed in the several.chambers of the annular compartment are permitted to project
radially both within and on the outside of the cage in position to bear against and
roll freely in all directions on the inner and outer concentric surfaces of the bearing
in which said cage of balls is to be inserted.
If preferred the ball-retaining compartments 1ª may be composed of parallel
end rings 4ª connected by wire rods 5 and 6ª, Figure 9 and figure lodged with
Complete Specification, extending only the length of each compartment as shown in
Figure 9. These wire rods 5ª and 6ª are arranged in concentric annular sets, as
:shown in figure accompanying Complete Specification, at sufficient distances apart
to form elongated spaces or chambers 2ª Fig. 9 adapted to receive and retain the
spherical rollers or balls and at the same time permit them to project in position to
sustain radial pressure or weight.
The separate annular ball-retaining compartments 1ª may be connected to each
other and spaced a suitable distance apart either by means of the tubular shell 29,
as in Figures 4, 5 and 8, or by means of a single annular series of wire rods 28,
Figures 3, and 9. This connecting or spacing portion of the cage is not designed
or adapted to receive rollers or balls, but serves the purpose of spacing apart the
annular ball-retaining compartments so that the latter will occupy their required
positions in the bearing, and at the same time it rigidly connects said compartments
in such a manner as to cause them to revolve together and in unison. When the
tubular connecting and spacing shell 29 is to be applied to annular compartments
of the construction shown in Figures 5 and 7 it should be preferably provided with

page_text: flared ends 9ª, Figure 8, that will facilitate its secure attachment to the annular
cage compartments and at the same time close the open ends of the annular series
of elongated chambers. The inner ends of the ball-retaining cages 1° may be
recessed to receive the flared ends 9" of the shell 29 and may be secured thereto by
spinning or turning down the projecting rim of said recess over said flared ends of
the shell.
An annular ball-retaining cage of the construction described, having separate-
annular ball compartments connected by a spacing portion in which no balls can be
carried, designed for insertion into those bearings that do not require the use of
balls throughout their entire length but in which it is desirable to have the
separate groups of balls act in unison and be capable of being handled in a body...
The cage is removable from, and is independent of, the bearing surfaces against-
which the balls are to act, and the balls in each elongated chamber of the annular
ball-retaining compartments are so arranged as to have free lateral play therein
and be capable of revolving freely in all directions so that wear and friction will
be evenly distributed and greatly lessened. The cage is light, durable, and coni-
paratively inexpensive, and furnishes a convenient means for applying or removing
separate groups of spherical rollers or balls in a body.
•
The bearings shown in Figures 11 and 12 are similar to those shown in
Figures 3 and 4 the chief difference being in the construction of the inner end of
the bearing.
Figure 11 shows a construction where the packing 26 bears against a ring 4* let into.
the end of the sleeve 4 as shown, or against a flange formed by turning outwards.
the end of said sleeve 4, and is kept in place by a nut 30 which is screwed into the
boxing 5. In Figure 12 the shoulder or collar 25 is shown provided with a
recess 31 to receive packing material 32 against which the inner end of the
boxing 5 bears. 33 is a circumferential groove formed around the boxing 5. Said
groove is intended to form a lodgment for water which otherwise might enter the
bearing. Similar grooves are shown in Figures 3 and 4.
It will be observed that an anti-friction ball-bearing in which the. several parts
are constructed and arranged as described will effectually prevent the access of
dust, dirt, or moisture to its interior. The parts can be readily and quickly
connected or disconnected whenever required, and by reason of its simple and
economical construction the cost of the bearing is diminished and its efficiency
largely increased.
All the bearing surfaces on which the balls roll are treated for converting and
hardening the same in accordance with the methods hereinbefore referred to.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me.
by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. A ball-bearing having the surfaces on which the balls roll converted into high
grade steel and hardened to a sufficient depth while the backing is left comparatively
soft, as, and for the purposes, specified.
2. In a ball-bearing, the combination, with a sleeve the external surface of which.
is converted into high grade steel and hardened to a sufficient depth, of a lining
bush the internal surface of which is similarly converted and hardened, the backing
of said sleeve and lining remaining comparatively soft, substantially as, and for the
purposes specified.
3. In a ball-bearing, a disc on which the balls that resist end pressure or thrust
roll, the said disc having its bearing surfaces converted into high grade steel and
hardened to a sufficient depth, while the interior thereof is maintained comparatively.
soft, substantially as, and for the purpose, specified.
4. In a ball-bearing, the parallel rings located at the outer end of the bearing and
separated by a tubular spacing piece, in combination with a collar or annular
projection carried on the axle spindle intermediate of said parallel rings, the said

page_text: -rings-being connected either by bolts or a tubular sleeve, and removable as a whole,
substantially as described, for the purpose specified.
5. In a ball-bearing the combination, with the bearing parts that sustain the
radial pressure, of other bearing parts that take the end thrust, the latter being
removable as a whole without interfering with the former or with any of the
individual members of said thrust-resisting parts.
6. The combination, with spherical rollers or balls for diminishing friction, of an
annular cage composed of separate compartments in which the balls are retained so
as to be capable of removal from or replacement within the bearing as a whole,
and an intermediate connecting and spacing portion in which no balls are carried,
substantially as described.
7. A ball-bearing constructed substantially as described with reference to any of
the Figures 1 to 4 or to Figures 11 and 12.
8. A ball-retaining cage constructed substantially as described with reference to
Figures 5 to 8, or to Figure 9 for the purpose specified.
Dated this 11th day of April 1894.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.