Abstract:
A jet pump for pumping fluids is disclosed. The jet pump comprises an impeller, a fluid inlet port and a venturi tube having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The venturi tube is disposed between the fluid inlet port and the impeller. The jet pump further comprises a fluid outlet port, a pump cavity disposed between the impeller and the fluid outlet port, a return cavity and an externally accessible retaining system disposed between the return cavity and the venturi tube. The retaining system is adapted to receive any of a plurality of nozzles of differing orifice dimensions to provide pump outputs according to a respective plurality of pump performance curves.
Abstract:
An end bell for a motor has a base plate, a bearing and a molded insert to couple the bearing to the base plate. The end bell with molded insert is durable, light weight and has good anti-corrosion properties. The bearing is held in relation to the base plate while the molded insert is disposed. A post-mold machining operation can be used to both size the bearing hole to the motor shaft but also to align the hole in relation to the base plate. Bushings and fasteners for assembly of the end bell to the motor housing and supplemental supports may be pre-attached to the base plate, molded into the molded insert or added in a post-mold operation. Deformations in the end bell may be used to couple the molded insert to the end bell.
Abstract:
A steer axle assembly is provided having an axle beam disposed about a longitudinal axis and an inverted knuckle yoke. The yoke includes a body portion that is affixed to an external surface of the axle beam by welding. The yoke further includes first and second arms extending from the body portion. Body the body portion and arms are disposed one side of the axis extending through the axle beam. The drop of the axle is varied by varying the length of the body portion of the knuckle yoke.
Abstract:
A suspension and axle assembly is provided having two identical stampings, each of which form a portion of an axle and a portion of first and second suspension control arms that extend from the axle. The two stampings are coupled to one another along a continuous weld path. The assembly eliminates the connection points between the axle and control arms. The assembly also defines a pair of bores in which springs may be disposed at varying heights to lower the vehicle floor and reduce loads on the control arms, bushings, and other joints.
Abstract:
A vehicle suspension and a control arm therefor are provided. The control arm includes first and second members each defining a recess corresponding to a portion of the outer surface of a vehicle axle. The members are welded or otherwise coupled together to surround at least a majority of the axle thereby enabling installation of the control arm without sliding the arm onto the axle. Each of the members includes a pair of sidewalls and a lateral wall joining, and integral with, the sidewalls. The sidewalls are angled relative to an axis of the axle to provide sufficient clearance for a spring assembly mounted to the control arm and centering of spring loads. The two sidewalls of one member may further include aligned apertures configured to receive a tube on which a shock absorber may be mounted. The tube enables strong and accurate mounting of the shock absorber.
Abstract:
An end bell for a motor has a base plate, a bearing and a molded insert to couple the bearing to the base plate. The end bell with molded insert is durable, light weight and has good anti-corrosion properties. The bearing is held in relation to the base plate while the molded insert is disposed. A post-mold machining operation can be used to both size the bearing hole to the motor shaft but also to align the hole in relation to the base plate. Bushings and fasteners for assembly of the end bell to the motor housing and supplemental supports may be pre-attached to the base plate, molded into the molded insert or added in a post-mold operation. Deformations in the end bell may be used to couple the molded insert to the end bell.
Abstract:
The inventive fabricated steer axle assembly includes an axle beam, a kingpin housing, and, a fabrication connecting the axle beam and kingpin housing. The kingpin housing comprises an open-ended cylindrical tube having a groove disposed proximate each end of the tube. The fabrication includes a first end and a second end and is bent around the kingpin housing so that the first and second ends may be attached to the axle beam. A continuous weld may be used to couple the ends of the fabrication to the axle beam and secure the ends of the fabrication together along a seam extending between the kingpin housing and the beam formed after bending the fabrication around the kingpin housing.
Abstract:
A vehicle suspension and alignment device therefor is provided. The suspension includes a suspension control arm connected to an axle of the vehicle and having one end pivotally connected to a bracket extending from a frame of the vehicle. The end of the control arm is capable of rotation about a first axis extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The suspension further includes a thrust washer disposed between one wall of the bracket and the end of the suspension control arm and a fastener that extends through the bracket, the washer, and the end of the suspension control arm. The washer is configured for engagement by a tool used to rotate the washer and cause movement of the suspension control arm relative to the bracket to thereby align the suspension and a vehicle axle.
Abstract:
A pump-motor assembly includes a housing and a lead protector sleeve to protect leads disposed along an exterior surface of the housing. The housing and the lead protector sleeve include first and second cooperating snap-fit connection elements, respectively, to secure the lead protector sleeve in position along the exterior surface of the housing via a snap-fit connection. The lead protector sleeve may include a first portion spaced from the exterior surface to form a conduit along the exterior surface to accommodate the leads, and a second portion extending from the first portion to engage the pump-motor housing. The second portion may include a projection or depression to secure the lead protector in position along the exterior surface of the pump-motor assembly via snap-fit interaction with the housing. In one embodiment, the second portion may include a resiliently deformable tab.
Abstract:
A pump-motor assembly includes a housing and a lead protector sleeve to protect leads disposed along an exterior surface of the housing. The housing and the lead protector sleeve include first and second cooperating snap-fit connection elements, respectively, to secure the lead protector sleeve in position along the exterior surface of the housing via a snap-fit connection. The lead protector sleeve may include a first portion spaced from the exterior surface to form a conduit along the exterior surface to accommodate the leads, and a second portion extending from the first portion to engage the pump-motor housing. The second portion may include a projection or depression to secure the lead protector in position along the exterior surface of the pump-motor assembly via snap-fit interaction with the housing. In one embodiment, the second portion may include a resiliently deformable tab.