Abstract:
A bearing, hub and carrier assembly for use in a driven steering wheel wherein the drive shaft-engaging spindle on the wheel-mounting hub is locked against axial movement with respect to the spindle-surrounding wheel bearings by a one-piece retaining wire disposed in radially aligned circumferential grooves in the hub spindle and the inner race of the inboard wheel bearing.
Abstract:
A conveyor belt (10) having an electrically conductive sensor (20) or antenna embedded therein. The conductor (20) has a copper core having a plurality of stainless steel filaments wrapped together to form a strand or a cable. The conductor has a low profile cross section making it suitable for use in thin belts. The conductor is formed in a repeating sine wave to aid in flexibility. The conductor/belt is especially useful in conveyor rip detection systems.
Abstract:
There is disclosed a portable apparatus (10) for measuring relative coefficients of friction of a cnoveyor belt (12) or other work surface. A rounded contact shoe (38) contacts the surface while suspended between two flanking wheels (18,20). The shoe (38) forms one end of a lever arm (68) which is variably spring loaded at the opposite end to constantly urge the shoe (38) into contact with the moving test surface (42). The relative resistance is measured by a detector means, such as a load cell or strain gage (44) mounted in connection with the lever arm (68).
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for manufacture of brake drums, particularly tri-metallic drums of the type comprising a preformed brake liner, a mounting disc, and an aluminum shell cast around and joining the liner and disc into a rigid structure. The apparatus includes a mandrel with a plurality of springs for internally resiliently engaging the brake liner and locating the same in accurate position. The mounting disc is likewise accurately positioned on a mold surface, and the mold is closed to form a cavity for casting of the shell coaxially with the liner and disc.
Abstract:
In a wheel mounting arrangement which comprises a wheel-attachment spindle rotatably carried by roller bearings within a bearing hub and clamped thereto by a nut received on a threaded end of a spindle shaft, a locking device for preventing removal of the nut from the spindle shaft and consequent detachment of the spindle and spindle-attached wheel from the bearing hub and vehicle. The device comprises a locking snap ring received in a circumferential groove in the threaded spindle end so as to block removal of the nut. In accordance with a particular and critical feature of the invention, the groove and locking ring are axially spaced from the opposing surface of the nut in assembly and in normal operation so that the ring cooperates with the nut opposing surface to permit limited loosening of the nut. This feature permits limited axial movement of the spindle shaft with respect to the bearing and bearing hub causing an audible rattling sound which will warn the vehicle operator that the associated spindle nut should be retightened or otherwise serviced.
Abstract:
A safety tire and wheel assembly for pneumatic tires which includes a safety insert having an inner portion extending around the wheel rim base for clamping the tire bead toes against the opposing rim flanges and an outer portion projecting radially into the tire cavity. A band of resilient material such as rubber is carried by a circumferential array of bearing elements in a depression formed on the outer surface of the core outer portion for supporting the tire tread with respect to the wheel rim upon loss of tire inflation pressure. The wheel includes a two-piece rim comprising a first rim portion welded to a wheel disc and a demountable rim portion mounted by the circumferential array of clamps to the fixed rim portion. A sealing ring is disposed between the rim portions for sealing the tire cavity for tubeless operation.
Abstract:
A knock-down utility trailer frame and suspension system characterized by an elongated hollow spine adapted to extend lengthwise of a trailer body, and a trailer hitch draw tongue carried within the spine and slideable longitudinally therein between extended and retracted positions. The hitch tongue is wedged in the extended position by cooperating compression pads on the tongue and in the encompassing spine which simultaneously capture a pair of wheel-mounting leaf springs on corresponding studs disposed within the trailer spine. As the tongue is moved to the retracted position, the tongue portion which captures the leaf springs move axially of the studs, whereupon the leaf springs and corresponding wheels may be disengaged from the trailer spine for storage.
Abstract:
A wheel rim assembly comprising a generally cylindrical rim base and a flange ring including a bead seat retained at one axial end of the rim base by a split locking ring. A T-shaped lug on the flange ring captures the ends of the locking ring in a corresponding groove on the rim base and prevents removal of the locking and flange rings when a tire mounted on the wheel rim is inflated. Circumferential grooves on the inside surface of the tire bead seat cooperate with an annular seal in the rim base to prevent inflation of a tire mounted on the wheel rim when the flange ring and bead seat are improperly positioned thereon.
Abstract:
An improved form of conductor wires utilizing a jacketing envelope for inclusion into a conveyor belt. Low coefficient of friction envelopes form small voids in the conveyor belt carcass to allow the conductors to freely move during flexing of the belt in service. The movement minimizes stress and breakage of the conductor. The belt with arrays of these conductors spaced along the length of the belt may be used in electrical or magnetic rip detection systems for sensing rips in long haul conveyor belts. When an array is damaged the conveyor system can be shut down to minimize the length of the longitudinal rips.
Abstract:
A safety tire and wheel assembly which includes an improved multiple-piece wheel rim assembly for preventing inflation and/or venting to atmosphere when the rim assembly components are improperly assembled, and an improved safety insert mounted on the wheel rim base for supporting the tire tread during operation following loss of inflation pressure. The wheel rim assembly includes telescoping rim segments and an O-ring normally captured in compression between opposing portions of the rim segments for sealing the tire cavity. Air bleed passages are formed in one rim segment adjacent the sealing ring externally of the cavity to vent the tire cavity to atmosphere when sealing compressive stresses are absent from the O-ring as in the event of improper assembly or disassembly. The safety insert includes a ledge normally disposed within the tire cavity and having a radially facing surface roughened by a circumferential series of axially extending splines. Encapsulated lubricant is carried by the insert in a position to be fractured by the tire tread upon loss of inflation pressure so that the lubricant is spread over the tread-engaging insert surface and retained adjacent the surface between the splines.