By definition, a spherical roller bearing (SRB) is a rolling element bearing that permits rotation with low friction and permits angular misalignment. SRBs consist of spherical rolling elements, an outer ring, a cage as well as an inner ring with two raceways inclined at an angle to the bearing axis. SRB technology has landed the component in unique applications including high pressure grinding rolls (HPGRs), pipelaying ships, Ferris wheels and even a Cold War–era marine espionage mission.

Automation specialist B&R is using this year's PackExpo exhibition in Las Vegas to feature open solutions with Codian robot mechanics, now integrated and rebranded within B&R. The Codian portfolio of delta configurations, including class-leading hygienic models, is open to any control platform and can be incorporated into any machine configuration. B&R's Machine-Centric Robotics solution combines Codian mechanics and B&R controls to offer machine builders and manufacturers single-source robotics and automation for precise synchronization and ease of engineering – ideal when implementing highly flexible packaging solutions.

Mechanical motion components, though relatively small, contribute immensely to the safety of multiple systems like automobiles, manufacturing systems, elevators, water treatment facilities, etc. Motion components experience wear and tear over time caused by:

• Friction as motion surfaces come into contact with adjacent components.
• Corrosion due to exposure to chemicals, humidity, and corrosive gasses
• Fatigue emanating from repetitive stress and strain.
• Improper lubrication and system overloads

The Houston Turbomachinery & Pump Symposia (TPS), still organized by the Turbomachinery Laboratory at Texas A&M University, will gather for the 52nd Turbomachinery and 39th Pump Symposium annual event from September 26–28, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.

Conveying parcel delivery with no system downtime is accomplished with speed and accuracy using Miki Pulley CSZ Clutches. Conveyors continuously operate via servomotor power by way of a V-belt. The system automatically switches on/off as programmed when engaged by the CSZ Clutches.

The Timken Company has acquired Des-Case Corp., a Nashville, Tenn.-based manufacturer of specialty filtration products for industrial lubricants. Founded in 1983, the company serves customers across a variety of industrial end markets. Des-Case's revenue for the calendar year 2023 is expected to be around $40 million.  

The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) welcomes three new distributors to its membership including Gordon Russell, MROSupply.com and Grainger.

ZF has developed an electric motor which does not require magnets. In contrast to the magnet-free concepts of so-called separately excited synchronous motors (SESM) already available today, ZF’s I2SM (In-Rotor Inductive-Excited Synchronous Motor) transmits the energy for the magnetic field via an inductive exciter inside the rotor shaft. This makes the motor uniquely compact with maximum power and torque density.

Trade show and event season is upon us. This issue we feature several upcoming shows that are extremely important in terms of mechanical power transmission components and the technology of motion control.

A slow U.S. economy and high interest rates have taken a toll on robot orders in North American, resulting in a decline for the second quarter in a row after record purchases in 2021 and 2022. According to the latest report from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), companies ordered 7,697 robots valued at $457 million from April to July 2023, a 37% decline in robot orders and 20% drop in value over the same period in 2022.