Abstract: A spring includes intermediate coils of larger and smaller diameter so that upon compression of the spring the smaller diameter coil may nest within one of the large diameter coils, thereby reducing the overall length of the spring without causing the coils to come in contact with one another. The spring may be used in automotive vehicle suspension assemblies and other applications. The axis of the smaller coil may be offset from the axes of the other coils, thereby providing a spring in which one side is softer and the other is stiffer, so that upon compression the spring bows or deflects along a curved line. In addition to the small diameter coil being offset from the remaining coils, the wire diameter of one or more of the coils may be changed to affect the local stiffness of the spring.

Abstract: A spring includes intermediate coils of larger and smaller diameter so that upon compression of the spring the smaller diameter coil may nest within one of the large diameter coils, thereby reducing the overall length of the spring without causing the coils to come in contact with one another. The spring may be used in automotive vehicle suspension assemblies and other applications. The axis of the smaller coil may be offset from the axes of the other coils, thereby providing a spring in which one side is softer and the other is stiffer, so that upon compression the spring bows or deflects along a curved line. In addition to the small diameter coil being offset from the remaining coils, the wire diameter of one or more of the coils may be changed to affect the local stiffness of the spring.

Abstract: A wheel bearing includes a spindle having a center axis of rotation and an annular formed bead on an axial end of the spindle. The wheel bearing also includes a self-aligning sensor ring disposed concentric with the center axis of rotation of the spindle and positioned on the spindle and retained adjacent the bead on the spindle.

Abstract: An improved method for retaining a separable bearing race to a inner bearing member and also preventing twisting of the separable race on the spindle. The circular corner edge where the cylindrical inner surface of the separable race would otherwise intersect with the annular, axial face of the race is machined off with a chamfer that is eccentric to the co axis of the race and spindle. Then, a deformable lip of the spindle is deformed in and over the face of the race, concurrently filling in the eccentric chamfer. When the race thereafter attempts to turn on the spindle, a wedging action is created by the eccentric chamfer to prevent twisting.

Abstract: An improved method for retaining a separable bearing race to a inner bearing member by rolling over a deformable lip of the inner bearing member into a race abutting bead. The outer edge and inner surface of the separable race are cut away partially by a shallow, continuous, conical relieved portion with sufficient length and radial thickness to accommodate the degree of material swelling just inside of the race that results from the lip deformation process. Consequently, the swelled material does not bind unevenly on or stress the race, which maintains solid and secure contact with the inner bearing member.