Abstract:
An improvement in linear rolling bearing assemblies having cylindrical outer sleeves with a central bore and a cage within such bore having outwardly extending projections which define a plurality of continuous ball circulation paths, each comprised of a longitudinal load channel and an adjacent longitudinal return channel. The improvement consists of a unitary cylindrical outer sleeve having longitudinal load-carrying lands and accompanying return channel grooves, the load-carrying lands straddled by the outwardly extending projections of the cage in such a way that restricted rotation of the cage relative to the sleeve is permitted. The return channel groove is formed in the bore of the outer housing by a substantially horizontal deformation from the load-carrying land which deformation is blended with a ball-conforming shape whereby guidance is provided the balls through the return channel. The case is a single unit made from a material selected from metal and plastic and can be simply assembled by inserting the cage in the sleeve to form the assembly.