An Improved Ball-bearing.
Year: 1895

page_text: An Improved Ball-bearing.
I, WILLIAM HENRY MUNNS, of 55 Chancery Lane, in the County of London,
Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention (a communication to
me from abroad by Thomas John Reid, of Washington Court House, and Jesse
Lyman Dann, of Columbus, both of Ohio, U.S.A., Inventors,) to be as follows:-
My invention relates to ball-bearings for vehicle and other journals, and my
principal objects are to improve the construction of ball-incasements and to make
the same independent of both the box and journal and to render more simple and
efficient the adjustment of the parts, to lessen the number of the parts, to exclude
dust and dirt from the bearings, while holding effectually the lubricating material
in place, to give length and strength to the ball races by giving them long
surface bearings in the box and on the journal, doing away with the usual light
short cones thus avoiding the rocking and shattering motion between the balls
and their bearings by which the contacting parts are worn away and broken and
the cone seats in the box and axle rendered unfit for new cones. By my construction
long and uniform wear of the ball races is ensured, and a bearing which is softer
than another cannot wear any faster.
In this invention the axle box is secured within the bore of the hub and enlarged
at the point or outer end forming a raised flange, threaded inside, so as to receive
an exteriorly threaded case instead of having, as in some instances, such cap
screwed on the outside of the box. By having the point end of the box enlarged,
and by having the case screwed under this enlarged end two abutting shoulders
are formed for the case to bear against, one at the inner end of the threaded flange
of the box, where the case flange abuts the box, and, the other at the exterior end
of the box, where the portion of the case bears against the box. Thus a more
solid support is obtained for the case and the balls than if the case were screwed
on the outside of the box. Again by this construction of the point of the box
counter boring the hub between the ends of the spoke-tenons and the box for
clearance space is dispensed with, thus saving one operation in boring the hub for
the box. This clearance space is necessary, owing to the fact that if the spokes
were in direct contact with the box the elasticity of the hub would be destroyed,
the box would be liable to be broken, and the life of the wheel would be greatly
shortened. Heretofore it has been the custom to-bore out the hub under and
adjacent to the spoke-tenons in order that the latter may be free to yield somewhat
to the strain upon them without danger of destroying the box. This additional
boring is rendered unnecessary by my construction. When the box is driven into
the hub, the enlarged or raised part of the outer end will fit tightly in the hub,
and at the other end the box will fit tightly in the hub at the base of the enlarged
part, thus leaving a space between the hub and the box throughout the greater
length of the latter. The spokes are thus prevented from bearing against the box
and the necessary freedom and elasticity secured.
The case is threaded on the inside near its outer end to receive an axle cap,
threaded on its outer surface. The journal at its outer end receives a shell, which
is provided with a locking screw, having its inner end fitting into a hole in the
axle to keep the shell from turning. A locking ring screws on the cap for the
purpose of locking the cap after the balls have been adjusted by screwing the ring
tightly against the case. The cap partially encloses the journal shell, leaving a

page_text: space between them, which constitutes an oil channel, to which oil is conducted
through a hole in the cap. This oil hole is threaded and provided with a screw
plug, which registers with the screw in the shell.
On the interior surface of the cap are recesses to form race-ways for two sets
of balls. The balls also have bearings or raceways in the journal shell. The
race-ways in the cap face inwardly, so as to bear on the balls in front, and the
race-ways in the journal shell face outwardly, so as to engage the balls on
the inside, thus forming diagonally opposite supporting-bearings for the balls.
The incasement for the balls and ball races at the point is thus composed of
the case, the ball adjusting cap, and the journal shell.
The inner or butt end of the box is threaded near its end to receive a retaining
cone. Inside of this retaining cone is a ring, which is provided with a rib or lug
adapted to slide with the ring in a groove in the box to prevent the ring from
turning. The groove in the box, for the rib, extends the length of the enlarged
part of the box, and is cut through the threads in the box to the end of the same
to permit of the insertion of the rib in the groove. A sleeve or nut, threaded part
of its length, screws on the journal and bears against the axle-collar. The cone
has an outwardly extending flange, which overlaps and abuts against the end of
the box and locks the cone in place. Race-ways for the two rows of balls are
formed in and by the cone and ring and the threaded sleeve. The encasement
composed of these parts is in turn encased by the enlarged end of the box.
'
The inner end of the retaining cone bears against the end of the ring and both
bear on their respective sets of balls, and all four sets or rows of balls are
simultaneously adjusted by the cap being screwed into the case. By screwing the
cap against the balls the wheel will be drawn outward on the axle; but since the
sleeve is screwed on the axle and the balls have their bearings therein the wheel,
together with the ring and cone, is limited in its movement toward the outer end
by the balls. Hence when the wheel is drawn outward by screwing in the cap the
ring and cone will bear directly on the balls and adjust them in their raceways.
To place the wheel on the axle, the ball-incasements being in the box, the wheel
is moved back on the journal until the threads in the sleeve engage with the
threads on the journal. Then the sleeve is screwed up against the axle collar
and thus locked. The outer end of the sleeve may be octagonal, or may be
provided with other means for the application of a wrench.
adjusted previously in their incasements no adjustment is required; but if they
have not been it is merely necessary to loosen the screw ring, adjust the balls with
the cap, and screw the ring against the case by which the adjusting cap is locked
in place. To remove the wheel from the axle it is only necessary to unscrew the
sleeve from the axle, when the wheel can be at once taken off.
If the balls have been
To put the balls in place in their incasements when the latter are disengaged
from both the wheel and the axle the cap is set on its outer closed end and the
first row of balls placed in their raceway, which is undercut, so as to keep the
balls in place. The shell is then placed within the cap, nearly down on the balls,
but leaving enough space between the cap and shell for the insertion of the second
row of balls. These balls are then placed and the shell dropped down in the cap.
The case is then screwed on the cap and the balls adjusted and locked. The
manner of placing the balls at the other end of the journal is practically the same
as that just described.
A band or ring of rubber or other elastic material is sprung into the recess on
the sleeve and overlaps the edge of the cone. This band serves to keep the dirt
and water from entering the bearings and to keep the lubricant within the box.
A more important object accomplished by this band, however, is that of bolding
the cone in place on the sleeve when the incasement is removed from the box.
The case and cone may be provided with suitable holes or notches for the
application of a spanner wrench, by which the incasements may be removed entire
from the box. The incasements may be shipped separately from the wheel and
axle, and they can be fitted up for use on shafting, counter shafts, loose pulleys;

page_text: and rotary journals generally without departing from the principle of my
invention.
Two or three rows of balls can be employed without changing the principle of
my construction.
An Improved Ball-bearing:
1, WILLIAM HENRY MUNNS, of 55 Chancery Lane, in the County of London,
Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, (a communication
to me from abroad by Thomas. John Reid, of Washington Court House, and Jesse
Lyman Dann, of Columbus, both of Ohio, U.S.A., Inventors) and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement :--
My invention relates to ball bearings for vehicle and other journals, and my
principal objects are to improve the construction of the ball incasements and to
make the same independent of both box and journal and to render more simple and
efficient the adjustment of the parts, to lessen the number of parts, to exclude dirt
and dust from the bearings, while holding effectually the lubricating material in
place, to give length and strength to the ball races by giving them long. surface
bearings in the box and on the journal, doing away with the usual light short cones,
thus avoiding the rocking and shattering motion between the balls and their
bearings by which the contacting parts are worn away aud broken and the cone
seats in the box and axle rendered unfit for new cones. By my construction, long
and uniform wear of the ball races is insured, and a bearing which is softer than
another cannot wear any faster.
To these ends my invention consists of the parts and combinations of parts and
their equivalents, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and as described
and particularly claimed in the following specification.
My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in, which→
Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a journal box, journal, and ball
bearings and hub, partly broken away; and Fig. 2 a transverse sectional: view, on
line y-y of Fig. 1.
Referring to the drawings, A is the journal part of the axle. In the drawings
the journal is shewn tapering, but my invention is adapted to be used with. straight
journals also.
B is the axle box, secured within the bore of the hub, and enlarged at the point
or outer end b, forming a raised flange, threaded inside, so as to receive an
exteriorly-threaded case C instead of having, as in some instances, such
cap. screwed
to the outside of the box. By having the point end of the box enlarged and by
having the case screwed under this enlarged end two abutting shoulders are formed
for the case C to bear against, one at the inner end of the threaded flange of the
box, where the case flange cabuts the box, and, the other at the exterior end of
the box, where the portion of the case bears against the box. Thus a more solid
support is obtained for the case and the balls than if the case were screwed on the
outside of the box. Again, by this construction of the point of the box, counter-
boring the hub between the ends of the spoke tenons and the box for clearance
space is dispensed with, thus saving one operation in. boring the hub for the box.
This clearance space is necessary owing to the fact that if the spokes were in
direct contact with the box the elasticity of the hub would be destroyed, the box
would be liable to be broken, and the life of the wheel would be greatly shortened.
Heretofore it has been the custom to bore out the hub under and adjacent to the

page_text: spoke tenons in order that the latter may be free to yield somewhat to the strain
upon them without danger of destroying the box. This additional boring is
rendered unnecessary by my construction. When the box B is driven into the
hub B', the enlarged or raised part of the outer end 6 will fit tightly in the hub at
the base of the enlarged part b', thus leaving a space 62 between the hub and the
box throughout the greater length of the latter. The spokes B³ are thus
prevented from bearing against the box and the necessary freedom and elasticity is
secured.
The case C is threaded on the inside near its outer end to receive an axle cap D,
threaded on its outer surface. The journal at its outer end receives a shell E,
which is provided with a locking screw h, having its inner end fitting into a plain
unthreaded hole in the axle to keep the shell from turning, yet permitting it to be
readily withdrawn. A locking ring k screws on the cap D for the purpose of
locking the cap after the balls have been adjusted by screwing the ring tightly
against the case C. The cap D partially incloses the journal shell E, leaving a
space between them, which constitutes an oil channel e, to which oil is conducted
through a hole i in the cap D. This oil hole is threaded and provided with a
screw-plug, which registers with the screw h in the shell E.
On the interior surface of the cap D are recesses to form race-ways for two sets
of balls 3 and 4. The balls also have bearings or race-ways in the journal shell E.
The race-ways in the cap D face inwardly, so as to bear on the balls in front, and
the race-ways in the journal shell E face outwardly so as to engage the balls
on the inside, thus forming diagonally opposite supporting bearings for the balls.
The incasement for the balls and ball races at the point is thus composed of the
case C, the ball adjusting cap D, and the journal shell E.
The inner or butt end of the box is threaded near its end to receive retaining
cone G. Inside of this retaining cone is a ring f, which is provided with a rib or
lug g, adapted to slide with the ring in a groove in the box to prevent the ring
from turning. The groove in the box for the rib g extends the length of the
enlarged part of the box, and is cut through the threads in the box to the end of
the same to permit of the insertion of the rib in the groove. A sleeve or nut f
threaded part of its length screws on the journal and bears against the axle
collar. The cone G has an outwardly extending flange g', which overlap and
abuts against the end of the box and locks the cone in place. Raceways for the
two rows of balls 1 and 2 are formed in and by the cone G and ring and the
threaded sleeve f¹. The incasement composed of these parts is in turn incased by
the enlarged end of the box b'.
The inner end of the retaining cone G bears against the end of the ring f, and
both bear against their respective sets of balls, and all four sets or rows of balls
are adjusted by the cap D being screwed into the case C. By screwing the cap D
against the balls 3 and 4 the wheel will be drawn outward on the axle; but since
the sleeve is screwed on the axle and the balls have their bearings therein the
wheel, together with the ring f and cone G, is limited in its movement towards
the centre by the balls 1 and 2. Hence when the wheel is drawn outwards by
screwing in the cap D the ring and cone will bear directly on the balls 1 and 2 and
adjust them in their race ways.
To place the wheel on the axle, the ball incasements being in the box, the
wheel is moved back on the journal until the threads in the sleeve fl engage with
the threads on the journal. Then the sleeve screwed up against the axle collar
and thus locked. The outer end of the sleeve may be octagonal, or may be
provided with other means for the application of a wrench. If the balls have
been adjusted previously in their encasements no adjustment is required but if they
have not been it is merely necessary to loosen the screw-ring k, adjust the balls
with the cap D, and screw the ring k against case C, by which the adjusting
cap is locked in place. To remove the wheel from the axle it is only necessary
to unscrew the sleeve ¹ from the axle, when the wheel can be at once taken off.
To put the balls in place in their incasements when the latter are disengaged

page_text: from both the wheel and axle the cap D is set on its outer closed end and the first
row of balls 3 placed in their raceway, which is undercut so as to keep the balls in
place. The shell E is then placed within the cap D, nearly down on the balls 3,
but leaving enough space between the cap and shell for the insertion of balls 4..
The balls 4 are then placed and the shell E dropped down in the cap. The case C
is then screwed on cap D and the balls adjusted and locked. The manner of
placing the balls at the other end of the journal is practically the same as that just
described.
A band or ring of rubber or other elastic material is sprung into the recessª
on the sleeves fi and overlaps the edge of the cone G. This band serves to
keep the dirt and water from entering the bearings and to keep the lubricant
within the box. A more important object accomplished by this band, however, is
that of holding the cone G in place on the sleeves f¹ when the incasement is
removed from the box.
The case C and cone G may be provided with suitable holes or notches.
for the application of a spanner-wrench, by which the incasements may be removed
entire from the box. The incasements may be shipped separately from the wheel
and axle, and they can be fitted up for use on shafting, counter shafts, loose.
pulleys, and rotary journals generally without departing from the principle of my
invention.
While in the drawings four rows of balls are shewn, yet it may be seen that two-
or three rows of balls can be employed without changing the principle of my
construction.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
:-
(1.) The combination with the journal, of an axle box, enlarged at its outer end
and interiorly screw-threaded, a case having a threaded flange extending under
and engaging the said outer end of the box, the outer end of said case
also interiorly screw-threaded, a cap having exterior screw threads engaging with
said
case, a shell placed on the end of the journal and partially enclosed by
said cap, said cap and shell each provided with race ways, and balls in said
raceways and an internally screw threaded locking ring on said cap, substantially
as described.
(2.) The combination with the journal of an axle box enlarged at its inner
end and interiorly screw-threaded, a cone externally screw-threaded extending
under and engaging with said box, an unthreaded ring within said box abutting
said cone, a partially threaded sleeve screwed onto the inner end of said journal,
the threaded end of said sleeve adapted to bear against the journal collar, said
ring and cone placed between the journal box and said sleeve, and the said ring,
cone and sleeve provided with raceways for balls, and said balls substantially as
described.
(3.) The independent removable and adjustable incasement for the outer end of
the journal, said incasement comprising a case interiorly screw-threaded, a cap
externally threaded to engage with said case, a shell enclosed by said cap and
adapted to be placed on the end of the journal, said cap and shell each provided
with raceways for balls, and said balls, and a locking ring for locking the said cap.
and case substantially as described.
(4.) The independent, removable and adjustable incasement for the inner end of
the journal, said incasement comprising a cone, an unthreaded ring next to the inner
end of said cone, a partly threaded sleeve adapted to be screwed on the end of said
journal, said ring, cone and sleeve provided with raceways for balls, and said balls,
and an elastic band sprung into a recess on said sleeve to hold said cone in place
substantially as described.
(5.) The combination with an axle box, of a hub having a bore of a plain
continuous surface at its central portion, said box provided at its outer end with a

page_text: peripheral enlargement fixed by a driven fit into the outer end of said bore
whereby the axle box is inserted in place in the hub, a clearance space for the
spoke tenons is left between the middle portion of the axle box and the hub,
substantially as described.
Dated the JS AL 1000
W. H. MUNNS,
Applicant.