Wheel Making Patents (Class 29/894)
  • Patent number: 11300188
    Abstract: A gear-double ring-hydraulic hybrid transmission device includes an input mechanism, a double ring series transmission mechanism, a hydraulic transmission mechanism, an output member, a front planetary gear mechanism, a middle planetary gear mechanism, a rear planetary gear mechanism, a clutch assembly, and a brake assembly. An output of the double ring series transmission mechanism is connected to the middle planetary gear mechanism. The clutch assembly connects the input mechanism to the double ring series transmission mechanism, the hydraulic transmission mechanism, and the front planetary gear mechanism, connects an output of the hydraulic transmission mechanism to the middle planetary gear mechanism, and connects an output of the rear planetary gear mechanism to the output member. The clutch assembly and the brake assembly provide a continuous transmission ratio between the input mechanism and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: JIANGSU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zhen Zhu, Xiang Tian, Yingfeng Cai, Long Chen, Changgao Xia, Juncheng Wang, Jiangyi Han, Jianguo Zhu, Rong Zou, Lingxin Zeng
  • Patent number: 10458495
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite brake disc (1), comprising shaping a bell (2) through deep-drawing of a metal sheet (20), forming at least one groove (22) in a surface of a bottom portion (24) of the metal sheet (20) and, then, pushing the bottom portion (24) relative to an outer portion (25) in a retro-forming direction (23) opposite the drawing direction (20), connecting, a brake band (3) to the bell (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: FRENI BREMBO S.P.A. O ANCHE PIU' BREVEMENTE BREMBO S.P.A.
    Inventor: Massimiliano Valle
  • Patent number: 9248701
    Abstract: A method for changing a vehicle wheel held to the vehicle by nuts and retainer cleats comprising: using a mobile robot for removal and replacement of the wheel nuts and retainer cleats in combination with the use of a mobile mechanical wheel handler to grip and remove the wheel and to bring a replacement wheel into position before replacement of the wheel nuts and cleats by the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Technological Resources Pty. Limited
    Inventor: John Calvi
  • Patent number: 8914977
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel according to the present invention includes a hollow-state hollow portion and a solid-state non-hollow portion inside an outboard bead seat in a radial direction, which are provided in series in a circumferential direction of the wheel, the non-hollow portion having a cross section with a larger area than a hole cross section of a valve hole and having the valve hole formed therein. This structure prevents a sealing structure for ensuring hermetic performance from being complicated as compared to a wheel having the valve hole in the hollow portion, thus simplifying a mounting structure of an air valve. A method for manufacturing such a vehicle wheel allows formation of the valve hole in the non-hollow portion. Machining dust generated through a cutting process can thus be prevented from entering the hollow portion and remaining therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Central Motor Wheel Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahide Furukawa, Hideyo Nehyo
  • Patent number: 8800148
    Abstract: An outer rim molded material is molded by forging or casting, a portion of the outer rim which extends from a hump to a bead seat is separated from part of a rim flange precursor and is caused to fall in a sloping fashion inwards of a wheel width so as to form a bead seat precursor, and the bead seat precursor so formed is then joined to be welded to a top or side of a rim well rising portion precursor. An external surface is cut to be finished to a proper shape, and an annular hollow portion is formed underneath a lower surface of the bead seat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Washi Kosan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsunori Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 8776372
    Abstract: A method of imparting superior fatigue performance to a vehicle wheel cast from a magnesium alloy by selective application of friction stir processing to regions of the casting known to be subject to high in-service stresses is described. The method may be particularly applicable to open wheel designs in which a plurality of spokes is used to connect the hub and rim portions of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul E. Krajewski, Ravi Verma
  • Patent number: 8758873
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a product including an annular portion including a frictional surface and a first flange portion extending from the frictional surface, wherein the first flange portion comprises a first face, a second face, and a third face; and a hub portion and a second flange portion extending from the hub portion, wherein the second flange portion engages the first face, the second face, and the third face of the first flange portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Kleber, Michael D. Hanna
  • Publication number: 20140127033
    Abstract: A turbomachine wheel assembly having slotted flanges includes a turbomachine wheel having a first wheel arm and a second, opposing wheel arm. The first wheel arm includes a first flange having a first radially outer surface and the second wheel arm includes a second flange having a second radially outer surface. The second flange includes a fastener retaining member extending axially outwardly from the second radially outer surface and an opening extending axially through the flange at the fastener retaining member. The fastener retaining member includes at least one wall section extending radially inward from the second radial outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Meelan Ravindra Nanivadekar, Anil Mishra, Chethan Shankara
  • Patent number: 8677623
    Abstract: A wheel trim adapter adapted to be securely affixed to the wheel of a vehicle without the use of tools, wherein the adapter can be used in a system for affixing a wheel trim or wheel cover to said vehicle, and methods for using same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: J A E Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Rayburn, John Samuel Coons, Ron Jackson, Bobby Atkins, Michael Rushing
  • Patent number: 8578607
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of designing spokes of a non-pneumatic tire which randomly arranges spokes around a circumference to optimize noise dispersion. The method of designing spokes of a non-pneumatic tire includes placing a plurality of spokes (2) holding and supporting a tread (1) to be radially installed around a circumference of the tire on a circular spoke support (3) under the tread (1) to be in contact with the ground, wherein the spokes (2) are arranged at three angles on the circular spoke support (3) around the circumference of the tire, the three angles being divided into a small angle (a), a medium angle (b) and a large angle (c), and the spokes (2) are arranged at irregular angles under a condition that a ratio (q) of the large angle (c) to the small angle (a) is greater than a ratio (p) of the medium angle (b) to the small angle (a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hankook Tire Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Hun Kim
  • Publication number: 20120241531
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a wheel assembly for use on a tower of an irrigation system. The wheel assembly comprises a generally cylindrical wheel having a hub, one or more spokes and a rim to which a plurality of non-pneumatic tire sections are mounted to encircle and effectively cover the circumferential outwardly facing surface of the rim. The tire segments are typically solid and comprised of a resilient polymeric material such as polyurethane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Werner
  • Publication number: 20120228926
    Abstract: A method of modifying a track assembly wheel includes removing at least a portion of the wheel from the track assembly including a first disc, securing a second disc to the wheel on a first side of the first disc to create a modified track wheel, and replacing the modified track wheel on the track assembly such that the wheel engages a continuous track of the track assembly and an alignment mechanism of the track, the wheel being positioned such that a portion of the alignment mechanism is between the first disc and the second disc such that the first disc engages a first side of the portion of the alignment mechanism and the second disc engages a second side of the portion of the alignment mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Larry Bair
  • Patent number: 8176631
    Abstract: A method for making positioning structures of a bicycle hub comprises the steps of: A. bicycle hub clamping step; B. bicycle hub press forming step; and C. bicycle hub loading step. By such arrangements, the positioning structures of the bicycle hub can be obtained by the quick press forming without affecting the structure strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Bitex Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Te-Yao Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20120019048
    Abstract: A method of assembling a wheel rotatable about a main axis and having a plurality of peripheral rollers mounted on peripheral axles aligned tangentially about the wheel and radially spaced from the main axis, each peripheral axle joined to adjacent other peripheral axles to form a continuous ring comprising the peripheral axles, the method including the steps of: molding each peripheral axle in a die having a cylindrical cycle for forming the axle shaft of the peripheral axle without longitudinal separation tines, the peripheral axles each having a receiving head portion for receiving a free end of the axle shaft of an adjacent peripheral axle; mounting a roller on each axle shaft; joining the peripheral axles together to form a continuous ring of peripheral axles; and molding a wheel body including a support structure around the continuous ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Peter R. Mckinnon, Gerry Taylor
  • Patent number: 8086340
    Abstract: Distance meters measure distances from a reference position to a first area including an upper pitch circle portion and a second area including a lower pitch circle portion. Center coordinates of the hub is calculated based on respective center coordinates of two hub bolts included within the first and second areas. Coordinates of three points defining apexes of a triangle are acquired. Inclination angle of the hub relative to a vertical plane is calculated based on the coordinates of the three points, and an orientation of each of the hub bolts is calculated based on the center coordinates of the hub and the center coordinates of the hub bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kondo, Takao Shibayama
  • Patent number: 8033020
    Abstract: A marinating machine rotates a drum containing the food to be marinated. The drum is positioned on a pair of rotatable shafts only one of which is drivingly engaged to a motor rotating the drum. The drum is rotated by a drive wheel that is mounted on the rotating shaft. The drive wheel is locked for rotation with the shaft by a set screw in a threaded bore extending into the wheel at an angle with the axis of rotation of the wheel, and with the nearest portion of the bore spaced from the axis of rotation to allow the threads of the set screw to cut into the surface of the rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: David C. Curtis
  • Publication number: 20110239463
    Abstract: In a method for producing a cellular wheel made of metal, the following steps are conducted consecutively: (a) providing a sheet metal strip (26) having a length (1) that corresponds at least to the length of a circumferential line of an intermediate sleeve and a width (b) that corresponds at least to the length of the cellular wheel; (b) placing disks (16) in predetermined locations in predetermined quantities on both sides of the sheet metal strip (26) perpendicular to the sheet metal surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sheet metal strip (26) and connecting the disks (16) to the sheet metal strip (26) by welding or brazing; (c) bending the metal strip (26) equipped on both sides with the disks (16) and connecting the two ends of the sheet metal strip (26) by welding or brazing to form the intermediate sleeve; (d) placing a first tubular sleeve that is concentric to the intermediate sleeve as an outer sleeve, and a second tubular sleeve that is concentric to the intermediate sleeve
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: MEC LASERTEC AG
    Inventor: Karl Merz
  • Publication number: 20110227398
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing debris from accessing and wrapping around the axles of a vehicle, such as a landfill compactor, are disclosed. The apparatus may include a wheel having a rim from which radially extend a plurality of cleats or tips. A subset of tips may be provided circumferentially around a laterally inner edge of the wheel. A wheel guard may be mounted between adjacent pairs of tips of the subset. Each wheel guard may be welded to the rim and to the adjacent pairs of tips. Each wheel guard may be a unitary piece of metal, or could be provided in two or more segment so as to be adjustable and thus facilitate use on wheels of differing diameters, or with different tip spacing. The wheel guards and adjacent tips form a continuous barrier around the circumference of the wheel to prevent debris from accessing and wrapping around the axles of the compactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC
    Inventors: James D. McPhail, Michael Hans Hinrichsen, Randy E. Schoepke
  • Patent number: 8020300
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a product including an annular portion including a frictional surface and a first flange portion extending from the frictional surface, wherein the first flange portion comprises a first face, a second face, and a third face; and a hub portion and a second flange portion extending from the hub portion, wherein the second flange portion engages the first face, the second face, and the third face of the first flange portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Kleber, Michael D. Hanna
  • Patent number: 8015708
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a tonewheel for vehicles. The method includes machining a material into a tonewheel shape, manufacturing a semi-finished tonewheel product having a sensing part in which a plurality of sensing holes is formed at regular intervals in a circumferential direction of the sensing part, by machining the tonewheel shape manufactured at the forming step, and manufacturing a finished tonewheel product having a sensing part of which deformation is recovered, by processing the sensing part of the semi-finished tonewheel product, which is deformed to be curved at the sensing-hole machining step, through a restrike mold. The apparatus is capable of performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: YUSUNG FT Corporation
    Inventors: Jae-Hwan Song, Jin Hur
  • Patent number: 7984551
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fabricated vehicle wheel and method for producing the same. The wheel includes a rim and a disc secured to the rim. The disc includes a plurality of outwardly extending spokes, an outer rim connecting flange defining a side edge surface and a window formed therein between adjacent pairs of spokes and having a predetermined shape defined by the adjacent pairs of spokes and the side edge surface of the rim connecting flange such that each of the windows extends to an outermost periphery of the wheel disc, at least one of the windows includes at least a first window portion and a second window portion, the first window portion being formed by a first piercing operation and the second window portion being formed by a second piercing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick McCorry, Tom Czarniecki, Monty Csapo, Todd Duffield, Matthias Grutgen, Frank Kramer, Alan Coleman
  • Patent number: 7963028
    Abstract: A method for producing alloy wheels for motor vehicles in which each wheel is provided with a hub and a rim contemplates realizing a finishing operation with a cutting machine tool, measuring the unbalance of the wheel, checking whether the unbalance falls within the predetermined acceptability values by means of a control unit and issuing a signal related to the acceptability of the unbalance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: IMT Intermato S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Tosi
  • Publication number: 20110068617
    Abstract: In one embodiment a drive wheel comprises a hub, a wheel portion, at least one bearing and at least one spacer. In this embodiment the wheel portion is positioned about the outer surface of the hub. The outer surface of the hub comprises an engagement member, and the wheel portion comprises an engagement recess configured to receive the engagement member. The at least one bearing is positioned within the interior cavity of the hub, and the at least one spacer is positioned within the interior cavity of the hub adjacent to the at least one bearing. In another embodiment, a drive wheel comprises a wheel portion, a hub, first and second bearings and a spacer. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the first end of the hub and at least a portion of the second end of the hub are crimped inward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Charles P. Tabler
  • Publication number: 20100258394
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of a brake rotor includes a cheek member, an intermediate portion, and a hub member. The intermediate portion may be located between the cheek and hub members, and may extend from either the cheek member or the hub member. The intermediate portion may have an exposed section with multiple openings located in the exposed section. The intermediate portion may also have multiple blades extending from inner surfaces of all or some of the openings. The blades cause airflow to pass through the openings to cool the intermediate portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Hanna, Richard M. Kleber, Ronnie T. Brown, Charon L. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7802363
    Abstract: Attachment holes are formed in a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the attachment flange of a wheel bearing unit. The amount “h” of projection from an attachment surface in the axial direction of the opening edge peripheral portion of the respective attachment holes is limited under the condition that studs are press-fitted and fixed into the respective attachment holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Junshi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 7797832
    Abstract: A process is provided for manufacturing aluminum vehicle wheels by a casting process that is followed by processing including flow forming and heat treatment steps while one or more risers remain on the cast wheel blank. The process can include directing cooling fluid onto an exposed surface of the casting mold to enhance wheel strength. One-by-one transfer of wheel blanks can be practiced to avoid negative aspects of batch processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Kosei Aluminum Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunkichi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 7774938
    Abstract: Thus, the present disclosure includes a method of producing a weight-optimized pneumatic tire rim having rotationally-symmetrically partially different wall thickness. The steps include: providing a tube section having a first wall thickness and two end sides; leveling the first wall thickness starting from the two end sides over a defined rotationally-symmetrical area thereby forming two flanks by precontouring, each of the flanks having a second wall thickness, and pushing tolerance-caused excess material of the flanks into a well base zone between the two flanks; and contouring the flanks by pressure rolling while drawing each of the flanks toward an end area of each of the flanks and reducing the thickness of each of the flanks partially differently to predetermined measurements. The present disclosure also includes a device to implement the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: WF-Maschinenbau und Blechformtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Udo Friese
  • Patent number: 7712220
    Abstract: A method of a double starwheel unit in multiple rows with a multi-hole manner, an instrument and the like are disclosed. The double starwheel unit has a sleeve and two starwheel parallel-arranged and connecting the sleeve. The instrument has a plate-like assembly fixture and an orientation mechanism. The plate-like assembly fixture has a plurality of strip-like tools. The method combines the strip-like tools with the plate-like assembly fixture and a plurality of module holes, presses an exterior mold on the starwheel onto upper and lower surfaces of the plate-like assembly fixture, and injects a working fluid to shape the double starwheel units. The strip-like tools are engaged or disengaged by the orientation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Sine San AIE Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-Sheng Cheng
  • Patent number: 7703206
    Abstract: A wheel pylon includes a tubular mounting shaft that slidably receives a tubular support shaft. A helical spring is disposed within the shafts and a stop, formed from a resilient material, is mounted upon an end of the support shaft. The wheel pylon extends axially to accommodate wheel discs having different axial recess depths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey L. Gatton
  • Publication number: 20100001130
    Abstract: An aircraft wheel (14) comprises a metal support structure (30) having a first annular ring (31) and a second annular ring (32) connected via at least one connecting element (37); and a fiber-enforced, molded-composite body. The metal support structure (30) is at least partially embedded in the composite body to form a first aircraft wheel section (20, 22) having a rim flange (16a, 16b) for forming a seal with a tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Douglas J. Steinke, Allen H. Simpson, James F. Stevenson, Manuel G. Koucouthakis, Richard L. Bye
  • Publication number: 20090297781
    Abstract: Visibility of ply-bonding created by glassining spot embossing on decorative pattern embossed tissue products is provided by obscuring the glassined spot embosses by distributing them along a meandering path through the decorative pattern, obscuring the edges of the glassined spot embosses by providing a gradual transition therefrom and combinations of the two techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Richard D. Huss, Brian J. Schuh, Michael E. Hennes, Kang Chang Yeh
  • Patent number: 7621048
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a wheel cover and a vehicle wheel including such a wheel cover. The method for producing the vehicle wheel cover comprises the steps of: (a) providing a tooling fixture including at least a first tooling member and a second tooling member; (b) providing a wheel cover having at least a preformed outer end; (c) positioning the wheel cover onto the tooling fixture wherein the wheel cover is supported on the first tooling member and spaced apart from the second tooling member; (d) actuating the tooling fixture whereby the second tooling member is operative to engage and reshape the outer end of the wheel cover to produce a desired outer end shape; and (e) removing the wheel cover from the tooling fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Coleman, Joseph Wolf, Patrick McCorry, Thomas E. Heck
  • Publication number: 20090256309
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a code wheel for a rotary encoder is provided. The code wheel includes, in a central portion, a hole into which a rotary shaft of a rotary member is fitted and a code portion including a radial code pattern in a circumferential edge portion. The manufacturing method is configured to include the steps of forming the code portion and a reference circle in a plate so that the reference circle has a radius larger than a radius of the hole by a tolerance of deviation between a center position of the code portion and a center position of the hole and has a same center as that of the code portion; and forming the hole in the plate in which the code portion and the reference circle are formed, so as to be contained in the reference circle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Koichi Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20090211323
    Abstract: A method of forming a circular sheet-metal blank which rests on a tool rotating about an axis. The sheet-metal blank has a thickness and has a diameter which is small than a diameter of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: WF-MASCHINENBAU UND BLECHFORMTECHNK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Udo Friese
  • Publication number: 20090056134
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a product including an annular portion including a frictional surface and a first flange portion extending from the frictional surface, wherein the first flange portion comprises a first face, a second face, and a third face; and a hub portion and a second flange portion extending from the hub portion, wherein the second flange portion engages the first face, the second face, and the third face of the first flange portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard M. Kleber, Michael D. Hanna
  • Publication number: 20080315676
    Abstract: A wheel having a tire receiving ring and a fiber reinforced plastic rim. The ring has a ring outer annular surface, and a ring inner annular surface, wherein the ring inner annular surface defines a material opening. The fiber reinforced plastic rim has a rim outer annular surface. The ring inner annular surface and rim outer annular surface are abutted together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: John Cobb
  • Publication number: 20080272769
    Abstract: A pulse generator wheel has a cylindrical wall provided with windows distributed about a circumference of the cylindrical wall and closed axially at a first end by a ring. The ring is made of circumferentially extending profiled sections of profiled parts that are separated from one another. The pulse generator wheel is made by stamping in a round sheet metal about the circumference profiled parts each having at least one profiled section extending in the circumferential direction for forming windows between the profiled parts. The profiled sections are spaced from one another in the circumferential direction. The profiled parts are erected and the profiled sections then form a circumferential ring delimiting the windows axially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: KACO GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Brokelmann
  • Patent number: 7415766
    Abstract: A method of processing a vehicle wheel/rim preform with a centersection/spider and an annular wall extending around a first rotational axis and having an annular surface defining axially spaced, annular inboard and outboard bead seats. The method includes the steps of: providing a workpiece support having a chuck assembly that is rotatable around a second axis and at least one rim wall support assembly; engaging the chuck assembly with the centersection/spider to maintain the vehicle wheel/rim preform in a processing position; engaging the at least one rim wall support assembly with the annular wall to exert thereon a force with a radial component to thereby stabilize the wheel/rim preform; and processing the vehicle wheel/rim preform at the annular surface fully axially between the inboard and outboard bead seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: NorthTech Workholding
    Inventors: Shawn Luschei, Spencer Hastert, Tim Winard, Peter Wang
  • Patent number: 7325712
    Abstract: An electrical drive-in tool includes a driving ram (13) displaceable in a guide (12), and a motor-driven drive flywheel (32) for driving the driving ram (13) and having a first component forming at least a circumferentially arranged rim and formed of a metal selected from a group consisting of steel and alloyed iron, and a second component formed of a material having a density greater than a density of the metal the first component is formed of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ulrich Schiestl
  • Publication number: 20070271790
    Abstract: Methods and guide members to transfer a wheel assembly are disclosed. An illustrated method employs using the guide member to displace the wheel assembly relative to an axle assembly to maintain a continuous linear alignment of the wheel assembly with the axle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Douglas S. Bingham, Stephanie Guitteny
  • Patent number: 7036227
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing ratchet wheels including the steps of: forming a cylindrical forging billet by hot or cold forging, the forging billet having a thru hole of inter-communicating recesses which are pre-formed in a forging die; providing a broach having teeth formed thereon; machining the forging billet into a workpiece having a sidewall with two annular grooves on the sidewall; forming a semi-product having a driving recess which is complementary in shape to the teeth by operating the broach through the workpiece along the thru hole; and forming a finished product having a plurality of teeth on a sidewall thereof by milling the semi-product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventors: David Ling, Hsien Chung Tuan-Mu
  • Patent number: 7036224
    Abstract: A fluid sensor probe such as a temperature probe uses heat shrink tubing to seal and provide strain relief at a proximal end of the probe. The heat shrink tubing uses a layer of hot melt adhesive along its inside surface to form a strong bond and hermetic seal. The heat shrink tubing is applied as an inner tubing around circuit wires extending into the probe and as an outer tubing around the inner tubing and around the proximal end of the probe housing. Together the inner tubing and the outer tubing can hermetically seal a substantial gap between the probe housing and the circuit wires. In a fast response probe, prior to closing the distal end of the probe housing with an end wall, openings are punched in a side wall of the probe housing against a mandrel. The openings permit fluid flow to contact the sensing element within the probe housing. Heat shrink tubing can be used to seal the circuit wires and prevent leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Mamac Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: S. Asim Gul
  • Patent number: 6857187
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a measuring wheel for wireline operations includes the step of machining a metal wheel to achieve a first outer radius. The metal wheel is positioned within a ceramic ring having an inner radius that exceeds the first outer radius by an amount in the range of 0.005 to 0.010 inches, defining a gap between the ceramic ring and the metal wheel. The gap is substantially filled with a suitable epoxy, and the epoxy is cured to adjoin the ceramic ring to the metal wheel. The perimeter of the ceramic ring is machined to achieve a second outer radius and a desirable surface finish and pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey S Epstein
  • Patent number: 6848158
    Abstract: The device comprises a base for positioning a tire and a lever pivoted on a support and able to move and be fixed in position along a plane which is radial with respect to the center of the base. An active end of the lever, located on an L-shaped bend at an end of the lever, can be introduced internally of the opening to interact contactingly with the internal surface of a part of the support ring pre-inserted in the opening. By acting on the lever, the active end presses the ring against the inside of the tire with radial force. The support ring is of a type which when applied on a vehicle wheel enables the vehicle to continue moving for a considerable time even where tire pressure is suddenly lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Snap-On Equipment S.r.l.
    Inventor: Rino Spaggiari
  • Patent number: 6745468
    Abstract: A formed stainless steel steering wheel is produced by a process that includes starting with a linear stock of round tubing which is then formed into a generally circular shape with an oval-shaped cross-section. The two ends of the curved tubing are then welded together to form a circular blank. The blank is then placed into a circular die having forming punches associated therewith to strike the blank to form finger grip indentations therein. The circular die is then rotationally indexed so that the forming punches can form subsequent finger grip indentations around the circumference of the blank adjacent to the previously formed indentations in a predetermined pattern until the steering wheel rim is completed. By utilizing multiple, preferably three, forming punches equidistantly spaced along the circumference of the circular die, the finger grip indentations can be formed without crushing the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Schmitt Marine Steering Wheels, Inc.
    Inventor: Gervase G. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6688704
    Abstract: A one-piece wheel hub of a bicycle wheel made from layered structural fiber based material, preferably carbon fiber material. The wheel hub is preferably formed by applying layers of the fiber based material to an expandable core to form a tubular body. The tubular body may be cured, during which time the core expands, by applying radial pressure to the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Patent number: 6498475
    Abstract: A sensor ring and method for forming same is provided in which the ring has a stamped configuration bent into a final configuration. The stamped configuration has a flat, annular sensor portion extending from a cylindrical hub portion and the sensor portion has a plurality of substantially identical, circumferentially spaced window openings therein. Each window opening has an inner edge adjacent to and spaced radially outward from the hub and an outer edge spaced radially inward from the outer peripheral end of the sensor portion and leading and trailing edges extending, respectively, from the ends of the inner and outer edges to form each window as a polygon, preferably a trapezoid. In the final configuration, the sensor portion has a bight segment extending radially outward from the hub and a sensor or finger segment extending from the bight segment in the direction fo the hub to form a U-shaped cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Alden Foster, Larry R Kreh, Karl Edward Kalb
  • Patent number: 6488067
    Abstract: A two-part device for producing a toy wheel from cylindrical playing blocks composed of a hard foam, the device has a cutting device having a trough for insertion of a playing block and a guide for a separating tool extending at an angle to the trough, a joining device which has a circular-ring-shaped trough for insertion of playing block segments cut with the cutting device from the playing blocks, and a wheel shaft hole which is coaxial to the trough of the joining device for passing a wheel shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Artur Fischer Tip GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Artur Fischer
  • Patent number: 6418620
    Abstract: The centering unit for the primary and secondary flywheels of a torsional vibration damping apparatus for use in the power train of a motor vehicle employs a radial bearing with a sleeve which is or can be a press fit on or in one of the flywheels, and the still accessible internal or external surface of the sleeve is calibrated simultaneously with or following the press fit. The calibrated surface of the sleeve is thereupon inserted into a socket or receives an extension of the other flywheel. The centering unit further utilizes an axial bearing wherein the function of the sleeve in the radial bearing is performed by an annular collar which can extend radially inwardly or radially outwardly of the sleeve. One of the bearings can be installed radially inwardly of the fasteners which secure the primary flywheel to the output shaft of the engine, and the other bearing can be installed radially outwardly of such fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau
    Inventors: Johann Jäckel, Daniel Niess
  • Patent number: 6392405
    Abstract: A sensor ring is coaxially mounted on a free end portion of a rotating element for detecting rotations of the rotating element. The free end portion defines an axially extending cylindrical surface and a radially extending stop surface for mounting of the sensor ring. The sensor ring has a cylindrical portion which defines a cylindrical center opening to be press fitted over the axially extending cylindrical surface of the free end portion of the rotating element. The sensor ring also has a flange portion which extends diagonally radially outward from one end periphery of the cylindrical portion such that the flange portion abuts on the stop surface of the free end portion of the rotating element when the sensor ring is completely mounted on the rotating element. The diagonally extending flange portion can avoid a connection curvature between the axial and radial surfaces of the free end portion of the rotating element during the press fitting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: Shiro Nishizaki, Yoshinori Nagai, Makoto Kaminaka