Abstract: An apparatus for axially retaining a shaft comprises a shaft having an axis of rotation and an axially-affixed member having a bore therethrough coaxial with the shaft and having an inside diameter, the shaft passing through the bore. The apparatus also includes a retainer mounted about the shaft in a first groove, the retainer having an outside diameter larger than the diameter of the bore. The apparatus further comprises a retaining ring mounted about the shaft in a second groove, the retaining ring having a compressed outside diameter less than the inside diameter of the bore and an uncompressed outside diameter larger than the diameter of the bore. The first groove and the second groove are located on first and second axial sides of the member, respectively, and the retainer and the retaining ring cooperate to substantially prevent axial movement of the shaft with respect to the member. A method for assembling an apparatus having a shaft comprises placing a retaining ring about the shaft in a groove.

Abstract: To adjust axial and radial movement of a thrust plug associated with end play of a rotating shaft, the thrust plug receives the shaft on one side and has a shoulder surface extending from the other side of the thrust plug. A housing position supports a retainer cap which receives the thrust plug so the thrust plug can have some axial movement. The thrust plug shoulder is higher than the thickness of the retainer cap so that a predetermined amount of axial play (c) can be accurately and exactly established. Radial movement of the thrust plug within a housing cavity is achieved by having a thrust plug diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the housing cavity, and having an O-ring about the thrust plug which engages the housing cavity and provides a pivot point.

Abstract: To adjust axial and radial movement of a thrust plug associated with end play of a rotating shaft, the thrust plug receives the shaft on one side and has a shoulder surface extending from the other side of the thrust plug. A housing position supports a retainer cap which receives the thrust plug so the thrust plug can have some axial movement. The thrust plug shoulder is higher than the thickness of the retainer cap, so that predetermined amount of axial play (c) can be accurately and exactly established. Radial movement of the thrust plug within a housing cavity is achieved by having a thrust plug diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the housing cavity, and having an O-ring about the thrust plug which engages the housing cavity and provides a pivot point.

Abstract: A gear wheel engages a driving worm gear with teeth which have a face with a curved portion. As a result, the circumference of the gear wheel has a portion which extends around the worm gear to increase the tooth contact area between the gear wheel and the worm gear. The gear wheel provides flexible support for the teeth. When a driving load is applied between the worm gear and the gear wheel, the gear wheel is flexed and the stepped portion of the face helps to maintain tooth contact area.