CHAPTER XX.
ANTIFRICTION BEARINGS, BALL AND ROLLER.
The cycle art has developed the use of antifriction, or, we might say, rolling-friction bearings, to an extent never before attained; these bearings are in the form of balls and rollers; the former are made in several styles and the latter in at least two, but all are more or less old in the arts.
1861. Ball-bearing patent.
The first prominent patent in the American office, upon balls or rollers, is dated June 18, 1861, No. 32,604. There are some three hundred drawings of roller and ball-bearing patents on file at the United States office; this, however, does not represent the entire number issued. All of the more recent patents are substantially modifications of former patterns, such as No. 29,570, 1860; 37,765, 1863; 58,739, 1866; 63,609, 1867; 82,665, 1868; 113,867, 1871; 202,271, 1878, and Peter’s, November 20, 1877, No. 197,289.
One of the most useful variations and the one best adapted to the cycle art, is the lateral adjusting bearing of this style.
Rear-wheel bearing.
Below find selected figure and claim from a prominent patent over which there has been much contention.