R&M 5804CN Thrust Bearing

[Dave Hoatson]

While working on a set of three R&M ceiling fans for a Baltimore restaurant, the spacing of the thrust bearing balls caught my attention. 
 

At first, it looked like there was a manufacturing defect, as the balls were not spaced consistently. 
 

And, the wear patterns on the outer races were rather wide, making me think that the bearing shifted around in use. 
 

But, now I see: the balls are positioned in a spiral pattern. This spreads the wear out over a much larger area, maybe pulls the grease into the bearing (yes, grease, a common thing with R&M’s), and maybe even makes the bearing run quieter. 

Edited November 4, 2022 by Dave Hoatson

[Jim Kovar]

On 11/4/2022 at 10:39 AM, Dave Hoatson said:

...positioned in a spiral pattern.

Maybe...  an idea from
Paul Gottlieb Nipkow?

Edited November 6, 2022 by Jim Kovar

[Levi Mevis]

On 11/6/2022 at 6:58 AM, Jim Kovar said:

Maybe...  an idea from
Paul Gottlieb Nipkow?

Early Mechanical TV Reference? Hmm, maybe if the Fan dates to the 1920s or 1930s.

[Mark Welker]

Working on one of these currently.