High speed ball bearing for dental or medical handpieces

US8931960B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• THE TIMKEN COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Frank J. Damato · Keene, US
• Joseph P. Greathouse · Nelson, US
• Paul J. Carabello · Dublin, US
• Ryan D. Evans · Canton, US
• Martin Scott Galehouse · Muskegon, US
• Steven R. Morel · Swanzey, US
• John A. Zannotti · Simsbury, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 17, 2009
• Grant date: Jan 13, 2015
• Expiry date: May 4, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16C2316/13
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A bearing assembly (20) for use in a medical, surgical, or dental handpiece (10) that enables spindle rotation for a supported rotary tool (36) at high speeds. The bearing assembly (28) incorporates annular gap shields (50, 54) at each axial end to prevent contaminate ingress and to retain lubricating grease within the bearing assembly (28) to avoid re-lubricated after each use or sterilization cycle.