Importance

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Abstract

A linear motion bearing is disclosed which includes a rail having a plurality of load bearing surfaces and a carriage which rolls smoothly along the rail to slidably support any of a plurality of devices such as individual tools, pillow blocks, etc. The bearing carriage includes a plurality of rolling element surfaces which define with the load bearing surfaces of the rail, load bearing raceways for reception of cylindrical rollers. The carriage further defines return raceways which communicate with the loaded bearing raceways for conducting the rollers between the loaded and return raceways. The loaded bearing surfaces have a unique convex shape facing the working surfaces of the rollers and thereby avoid undue stresses otherwise occurring at the roller ends. A plurality of molded plastic roller retainers are provided with integral inner end caps to guide the rollers between loaded and return raceways. Outer end caps are positioned thereover to seal the bearing and facilitate lubrication. All but central roller retainers are preferably provided in two half secions, while the central retainers extend the length of the carriage. In alternate embodiments, the retainers are formed separate from the inner end caps and may be attached by ultrasonic welding or gluing, etc.

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First Claim