Hans U Pannwitz

US Patent:

45964750, Jun 24, 1986

Filed:

Aug 13, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/640304

Inventors:

Hans U. Pannwitz - Odessa FL

International Classification:

F16C 1704

US Classification:

384147

Abstract:

A thrust bearing is disclosed for enabling relative rotation between coaxial first and second members. The thrust bearing includes a pressure transmitting washer for transmitting axial thrust pressure between the members, the washer being disposed coaxially relative to the members. The washer defines a first central aperture through which the first member extends, the washer being disposed adjacent to the second member. A flexible spring for transmitting axial thrust pressure between the first member and the washer is of annular configuration. The spring is disposed coaxially relative to the first member and adjacent to the washer. The spring defines a central aperture through which the first member extends. A bearing for transmitting axial thrust pressure between the first member and the spring and for enabling relative rotation between the first member and the spring is disposed coaxially relative to the members. The bearing is disposed adjacent to the spring and defines a third aperture through which the first member extends such that the spring is disposed between the bearing and the washer.

US Patent:

41758048, Nov 27, 1979

Filed:

Sep 20, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/834903

Inventors:

Hans U. Pannwitz - Odessa FL

International Classification:

F16C 2706

US Classification:

308 26

Abstract:

A flexible spring bearing having concave and convex portions, and including main bearing race and thrust race are incorporated to be contiguous to the end of the concave portion. The main bearing race along with the cylindrical configuration rotates, via a bearing means, upon the thrust race. The bearing means may be an annular protrusion disposed concentric with the cylindrical configuration. The bearing means is protected from corrosion and dirt by a set of annular skirts and walls which form a channel with the bearing means located therein. The channel may be prepacked with a lubricant, thereby creating a hydraulic floating relationship between the main bearing race and thrust race. A visual indicator provides a means to measure the amount of surface wear of the bearing means on the thrust race.

US Patent:

44021089, Sep 6, 1983

Filed:

Feb 17, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/234751

Inventors:

Hans U. Pannwitz - Odessa FL

International Classification:

B60B 3308

US Classification:

16 26

Abstract:

A caster is disclosed to provide a mobile support for a burden. The burden may be home or office furniture or may be industrial, laboratory or production equipment. The caster may be inverted and held in a stationary position, and used to support a moving conveyor. In short, the caster enables low friction and an instant way of changing direction on a full 360. degree. plane with a minimum resistance to realign all casters involved into a new direction. The caster is built into a housing body having a semi-spherical socket with a ball caster smaller than the socket residing in the socket and thereby providing a space therebetween for holding a plurality of spherical bearings. The number of bearings is less than that required to fill the space in order to assure recirculation of the bearing balls. However, the balls are retained in the service position by a retainer and/or circular integral races built into the semi-spherical socket. The preferred embodiment of the invention places the support of the burden on the housing body at locations spaced from the vertical axis whereby any housing body flexure will be resisted by the bearing nearest the equator of the caster ball to maintain the spherical form of the socket and full bearing load on all bearings.

US Patent:

42393019, Dec 16, 1980

Filed:

Apr 25, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/033200

Inventors:

Hans U. Pannwitz - Odessa FL

International Classification:

F16C 2100

US Classification:

308 35

Abstract:

A flexible spring bearing comprising a substantially cylindrical configuration with an arcuate portion being disposed circumferentially about the cylindrical configuration. The arcuate portions may be convexly curved outward or concavely curved inward. Although many combinations are possible, the preferred embodiment is a concave portion at one end and a convex portion at the other end. A thrust cap is incorporated to be inserted over the convex portion thereby evenly distributing the applied pressure throughout the flexible spring bearing and also regulating the flexibility of the convex portion. Furthermore, a main bearing race and thrust race are incorporated to be contiguous to the end of the concave portion. The main bearing race along with the cylindrical configuration rotates, via a bearing means, upon the thrust race. The bearing means may be an annular protrusion disposed concentric with the cylindrical configuration.

US Patent:

44653859, Aug 14, 1984

Filed:

Nov 10, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/205109

Inventors:

Hans U. Pannwitz - Odessa FL

International Classification:

F16C 3374

US Classification:

384138

Abstract:

A flexible spring bearing comprising a substantially cylindrical configuration with an arcuate portion being disposed circumferentially about the cylindrical configuration. The arcuate portions may be convexly curved outward or concavely curved inward. Although many combinations are possible, the preferred embodiment is a concave portion at one end and a convex portion at the other end. A thrust cap is incorporated to be inserted over the convex portion thereby evenly distributing the applied pressure throughout the flexible spring bearing and also regulating the flexibility of the convex portion. Furthermore, a main bearing race and thrust race are incorporated to be contiguous to the end of the concave portion. The main bearing race along with the cylindrical configuration rotates, via a bearing means, upon the thrust race. The bearing means may be an annular protrusion disposed concentric with the cylindrical configuration.