Michael A French

US Patent:

6535135, Mar 18, 2003

Filed:

Jun 23, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/603294

Inventors:

Michael L. French - Uniontown OH
Khan M. Iftekharuddin - Fargo ND
David R. Leeper - Canton OH
Ram P. Samy - Canton OH
Wen-Ruey Hwang - North Canton OH

Assignee:

The Timken Company - Canton OH

International Classification:

G08B 2100

US Classification:

340682, 73 5305, 384459

Abstract:

A tapered roller bearing having its rollers arranged in two rows within an outer race and around an inner race contains a sensing device that radiates signals which reflect conditions within the bearing. In one embodiment, the outer race is unitary and the sensing device is wireless and self-powered and includes a mounting ring that is fitted to the outer race between the raceways along which the rollers roll. The ring has embedded within it several sensors for monitoring bearing conditions such as temperature and vibrations. The ring also contains a radio transmitter, a microprocessor to which the sensors are connected, and a power supply for producing the electrical energy required to operate the processor and the transmitter. The electric power is generated by means of electromechanical energy conversion using permanent magnets, armature winding and a target wheel that is captured between and rotates with the two cones. The transmitter converts conditions registered by the sensors and processed by the processor into radio signals which are received externally from the bearing.

US Patent:

54401844, Aug 8, 1995

Filed:

Sep 12, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/304374

Inventors:

Ram P. Samy - Canton OH
Orestes J. Varonis - North Canton OH
Michael L. French - Uniontown OH

Assignee:

The Timken Comapany - Canton OH

International Classification:

F16C 3200

US Classification:

310 90

Abstract:

A bearing fits over the journal of a rail car axle and within an adaptor that is received within a pedestal opening of the side frame of a rail car truck. The bearing includes an outer race in the form of a double cup, an inner race in the form of two cones, and rolling elements in the form of tapered rollers. The cup and cones have raceways, and the tapered rollers are arranged in two rows between the raceways. Seals close the ends of the bearing, establishing dynamic fluid barriers around wear rings that encircle the journal beyond both ends of the bearing. The bearing between its two rows of tapered rollers contains a generator for producing electrical energy.

US Patent:

61619620, Dec 19, 2000

Filed:

Jul 20, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/341895

Inventors:

Michael L. French - Uniontown OH
Jason W. Melvin - Portland OR
Joseph A. Talafous - Worthington OH

Assignee:

The Timken Company - Canton OH

International Classification:

F16C 3200
B61F 1512

US Classification:

384459

Abstract:

An antifriction bearing (A) that enables a shaft (4) to rotate with minimum friction in a housing (2) includes a generally cylindrical outer race (46) located in an opening (12) in the housing, an inner race (48) located around the shaft, and rolling elements (50) arranged in rows between raceways on the outer and inner races. The outer race has a cylindrical exterior surface (56), whereas the opening in which the bearing is located has a flat wall (14, 16). A stabilizing block (C) may be attached to the outer race against its cylindrical surface, and this block lies along the flat surface of the housing opening to prevent the outer race from turning in the housing opening. A sensor module (B) is located within the environs of the bearing, and it contains a plurality of sensors (110, 112, 114) which produce signals that reflect conditions under which the bearing operates. Among the conditions monitored are speed, temperature and vibrations.