Abstract: A bearing damper assembly for a bearing compartment of a gas turbine engine includes a squirrel cage, a bearing support, an outer sleeve, and an inner sleeve. The bearing support is disposed radially outward from a portion of the squirrel cage. The outer sleeve extends axially from the bearing support. The inner sleeve is attached to the squirrel cage and is disposed radially inward from the outer sleeve. An outward surface of the inner sleeve has a first contoured portion having a first axially extending contour and an inner surface of the outer sleeve has a second contoured portion having a second axially extending contour. The outward surface of the inner sleeve and the inner surface of the outer sleeve define a gap extending between the first contoured portion and the second contoured portion. The gap forms a fluid damper.

Abstract: A wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel, an axle, and an axle-engaging wheel hub for mounting the wheel to the axle. A wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel, an axle, and a wheel hub which is adapted for use with a fastener for mounting the wheel to the axle. A wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel that is adapted to receive either an axle-engaging wheel hub or a wheel hub which is adapted for use with a fastener for mounting the wheel to the axle depending upon the preference of the assembler. Wheeled containers and methods of assembly thereof are also provided for use with such wheel assemblies.

Abstract: A retainer plate for preventing or at least mitigating loosening of an axle nut of a vehicle. The retainer plate comprises a generally flat section of rigid material that couples to an axle nut in a non-rotatable fashion and to a portion of the wheel to maintain the axle nut in tight threaded engagement with the axle. The retainer plate can have a central bore that non-rotatably engages the axle nut and a radially outward feature that engages the wheel to prevent the axle nut from loosening.

Abstract: A mechanical drive seal housing includes a lubricant reservoir to supplement the amount of available lubricant. The lubricant is used to cool a seal having two halves. The seal halves include complimentary textures configured to move and retain lubricant. A drive axle includes a stationary shaft and a wheel hub rotatably connected to the stationary shaft. A metal face seal is located at an interface between the stationary shaft and the wheel hub. A stationary seal half of the metal face seal is located in a mechanical drive seal housing which includes a lubricant reservoir to supplement the amount of available lubricant.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel end assembly includes a hub bearing assembly with an inner member having a first side defining a throughbore and a second side defining an inner raceway, a shaft extending through the throughbore of the inner member and configured to receive a torque and to transfer the torque to the inner member such that the inner member rotates with the shaft; and a seal positioned within the throughbore between the shaft and the inner member.

Abstract: A wheel retaining device is provided for axially retaining a wheel on an axle having a notch. The cap is adapted for being affixed to a wheel. One or more springs is affixed to the cap at a lateral edge. The springs have a first position wherein the distal ends are located radially outward from the lateral edge. The springs are bendable into a second position wherein the springs are adjacent to the inboard side of the outer plate so that distal ends are urged inward. The distal ends include a protrusion that is adapted for being received in a notch on the axle. The cap is held onto the wheel by tabs that extending into apertures and catching behind the apertures. The cap is designed for maintaining the lateral position of the axle with respect to the wheel to which it is attached.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attachment arrangement for use in attaching at least one composite wheel to a mount using an elongate fastener element and a fastening nut which can be fastened on the elongate fastener element. The attachment arrangement is used with a composite wheel that includes at least one attachment aperture through which the elongate fastener element is inserted. The attachment arrangement includes a fastening washer having a fastening aperture through which the elongate fastener element can be inserted when in use. The fastening aperture includes a radially central fastening axis. The fastening washer also has a base configured to face a surface of the composite wheel about the attachment aperture. In addition, the fastening washer has a fastening side facing substantially axially outwardly from the attachment aperture.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement having a rotational axis, about which the coupling arrangement can rotate, having: a first coupling element with an axially-extending flat-side spur toothing system having radially extending first teeth, a second coupling element with an axially-extending flat-side corresponding toothing system which engages axially into the spur toothing system and has radially-extending second teeth, and at least one means for bracing the first coupling element axially with the second coupling element, which coupling elements are fixedly connected fixedly to one another to rotate together about the rotational axis via the toothing systems to transmit torque. The teeth of at least one of the toothing systems have tooth tip lines that are curved convexly in the axial direction away from a tooth root.

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use and manufacture pertaining to a quick release hub-and-wheel assembly. In one embodiment, the hub-and-wheel assembly includes interior and exterior sleeves disposed about a rotatable locking ring that is biased to a latched position. The assembly also includes a quick release wheel having a latch that is configured to temporarily displace a latch-engagement mechanism on the locking ring from the latched position to an unlatched position such that the latch is captured by the latch-engagement mechanism when the latch-engagement mechanism returns to the biased, latched position. The locking ring also includes a manual latch-release mechanism configured to again temporarily displace the latch-engagement mechanism such that the wheel latch is released, allowing the wheel to be removed. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A locking hub that is useful for wheels on small vehicles. Such wheels may use a press fit or integrally cast version of the invention. The locking hub fits over a shaft. The hub has a bore for receiving the end of the shaft. An outer member is connected to and spaced from the hub. A finger is adjacent to the bore and has a protrusion that extends into the bore. The finger is resilient and movable between a first and second position. The first position has the protrusion protruding into the bore and the second position has the protrusion outside of the bore with the finger being bent radially outward. The shaft has a notch or hole that receives the finger. A locking device may selectively be placed between the outer member and the hub to prevent the finger from moving into its second position, thereby locking the hub onto the shaft.

Abstract: A hub assembly includes a housing, retaining element, biasing element, and hand-maneuverable release mechanism. The housing includes an axle sleeve including an axle bore configured to receive an axle and a pin sleeve including a first end in fluid communication with the axle bore, second end, and conduit between the first end and the second end. The retaining element is within the conduit and is configured to operatively engage a groove in an axle. The biasing element is within the conduit and is configured to bias the retaining element towards the axle bore. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism is configured to displace the retaining element away from the axle bore.

Abstract: An axle spindle and wheel end assembly includes a precision-formed axle spindle, wheel hub, and axle spindle nut. The axle spindle is formed with parallel inboard and outboard bearing surfaces, a shoulder that is perpendicular to the inboard and outboard bearing surfaces, and threads for a spindle nut that are aligned with the inboard and outboard bearing surfaces. The wheel hub is formed with inboard and outboard bearing surfaces that are in parallel alignment with one another, and bearing axial stop surfaces that are perpendicular to the wheel hub bearing surfaces. The spindle nut is formed with threads on its inner periphery and a flat inboard surface that is perpendicular to the threads. The axle spindle, wheel hub, and spindle nut cooperate to enable an axle spindle nut assembly to consistently provide a light preload on a bearing cone and spacer group of the wheel end assembly.

Abstract: A bicycle hub axle adapter basically includes a hub axle adapter main body and at least one retaining member. The hub axle adapter main body is configured to be inserted into a bicycle hub having a hollow hub axle. The at least one retaining member is disposed on an external surface of the hub axle adapter main body for contacting an internal surface of the hollow hub axle.

Abstract: A hub or wheel assembly includes a retaining element, biasing element, and hand-maneuverable release mechanism. The housing includes an axle bore configured to receive an axle and a pin sleeve including a first end in fluid communication with the axle bore, a second end, and a conduit between the first end and the second end. The retaining element is within the conduit and is configured to operatively engage a groove in an axle. The biasing element is within the conduit and is configured to bias the retaining element towards the axle bore. The hand-maneuverable release mechanism is configured to displace the retaining element away from the axle bore.

Abstract: A wheel assembly that may be installed on, and removed from, an axle without the need for tools. The wheel assembly includes a wheel, at least one clip supported by the wheel, and a cover securing the clip in position. The wheel assembly is mountable on an axle including a circumferential groove and is retained on the axle by the extension of the clip into the groove. The clip includes an actuator arm extending away from the plane of the wheel so as to be readily accessible for actuation by one's fingers. Actuation of the arm withdraws the clip from the groove to release the wheel from the axle. Preferably two clips are provided diametrically opposite one another, enabling both arms to be actuated simultaneously in a pinching operation.

Abstract: A wheel bearing assembly is connected to a rim (400) using a self-centering tooth system (100) that can transmit play-free torque during driving and also braking events. The wheel rim (400) is axially secured by a central screw connection.

Abstract: A novel spindle nut assembly is presented comprising the following three components: a washer, a locking snap ring, and a nut. Each of these three components function together, and in conjunction with the spindle of a vehicle axle, to affix a wheel hub assembly onto the spindle of an axle. The three components comprising the spindle nut assembly incorporate design features allowing the components to interlock and resist loss of preload compression on the hub assembly.

Abstract: An axle-and-hub assembly for a trailer which includes an axle with opposing ends, first and second connecting devices respectively positioned at the opposing ends of the axle, and first and second hub arrangements which are removably secured to the first and second connecting devices.

Abstract: A spindle and hub assembly for a vehicle wheel is constructed so that, in the event of a failure of the bearing arrangement rotatably supporting the hub on the spindle, separation of the hub from the spindle will not immediately occur but will be prevented for a period of time sufficient for the operator of the vehicle to safely continue to advance the vehicle to a location where corrective action may be taken. An annulus supported on the spindle is secured to the spindle by a nut separate from the annulus, and the annulus has an outside diameter large enough such that a shoulder located within the opening in the hub through which the spindle extends is capable of engaging the annulus in the absence of the bearing arrangement, thereby preventing the hub from separating from the spindle.

Abstract: A quick mount and dismount design and method of installation for a toy rim and tire/wheel assembly comprising a tire/wheel having an outer tire portion and an inner core ring housing inside the outer tire portion, where the inner core ring housing has an interior cylindrical wall, where the interior wall has multiple ring like recesses. The inner core ring housing can be divided by an expansion seam to allow for press fitting the rim on the tire and press fitting the assembly onto the hub.

Abstract: A wheel hub includes a hub flange that extends about the wheel hub. The hub flange includes a removed section that is aligned with a camshaft assembly. An insert is used to fill the removed section. The insert is selectively removable from the hub flange to provide access to the removed section such that the camshaft assembly can be removed from a brake assembly via the removed section without having to remove the wheel hub from an axle assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel hub/universal joint assembly with an axis of rotation A.

Abstract: The quick-change adjustable track center front hub assembly is secured to a spindle axle of a sprint car by a friction drive bearing system located between the spindle axle and the front hub assembly. The bearings are spaced apart to provide increased side and torsional load carrying capability. In addition, the hub includes a section of external splines for accepting at least one spacer and a wheel center section both having internal splines for mating with the external splines on the hub. A single lug nut connects to the outboard end of the hub for securing the spacers and wheel center sections to the front hub assembly to provide a quick-change arrangement not found before in sprint-type cars. A brake rotor is attached to the hub inboard of the spacers and wheel center section, thus allowing unimpaired accessibility to the wheel center section and spacers for quick-changing and adjusting the track center of the front wheels of the sprint-type cars.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel securing structure includes an outer axle, an inner axle, a head member and a lever member. The outer axle has a first threaded end and a second end. The inner axle is coupled to the outer axle within an internal bore of the outer axle. The head member is disposed on the inner axle with the lever member operatively mounted to move the head member relative to the inner axle in response to movement of the lever member. A structure is arranged such that a final rotational position of the lever member can be adjusted. A structure is also disposed between the outer axle and the inner axle to releasably prevent axial removal of the inner axle from the internal bore of the outer axle.

Abstract: A wheel, by which a base is configured to be wheeled across a floor, includes a tread and a hub. The hub has an inner surface that surrounds an axis and defines a bore. The hub further has an outer surface surrounding the inner surface and a slot extending radially outward from the bore to the outer surface. A shaft is centered on the axis and coupled to the base. The shaft is configured to be received in the bore and has a groove. A clip is configured to be attached to the hub in an installed position in which the clip extends from within the groove outward through the slot to secure the hub to the shaft. The installed position is axially between the base and the tread.

Abstract: A hub has an inner surface defining a bore centered on an axis, an outer surface surrounding the inner surface, and two slots extending in radially opposite directions from the bore to the outer surface. A shaft is configured to be received in the bore and has a circumferentially extending groove. A bent wire spring clip is configured to engage and mechanically interlock the hub and the shaft. The clip has a C-shaped section, two diametrically opposed bowed sections extending from opposite ends of the C-shaped section, and a two straight end sections respectively extending from ends of the two bowed sections to two distal ends of the clip. The clip is configured to have an installed position in which the bowed sections of the clip extend circumferentially in the groove at opposite sides of the shaft, and the end sections and the C-shaped section extend radially outward through the slots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hub assembly and a hub fastener anti-rotate apparatus for securing a wheel of vehicle (e.g., a zero-radius-turning lawn mower) to a vehicle drive axle. The anti-rotate apparatus may assist in preventing or substantially limiting loosening of a hub fastener used to secure the hub assembly to the drive axle.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a main body, two wheels, two positioning shafts, and two retaining rods. In practice, the retaining portion of each of the retaining rods is urged on the positioning plates of the respective positioning shaft to position the locking portion of each of the positioning plates on the inner side the respective pivot hole of the main body so as to lock each of the two positioning shafts on the main body, so that each of the two wheels is attached on the main body rigidly and stably, thereby preventing the two wheels from detaching from the main body during a long-term utilization.

Abstract: Improvements to personal vehicles including self-propelled and balancing personal vehicles. Ready detachability of a seat, footrest, seat back, control unit, wheels and caster assembly is provided using quick disconnect mechanisms.

Abstract: An emergency axle is provided for small trailers normally pulled by automobiles or small trucks. The emergency axle may be carried on the trailer on in the pulling vehicle. In the event an axle is damaged or breaks, the emergency axle is placed over the end of that axle so that the wheel is remounted and the trip continues. The emergency axle has an extension tube for sliding over the end of the damaged axle. One end of the tube is closed with an attachment plate which connects to the brake mounting plate on the trailer axle. The other end of the tube is closed by an axle plate with a stub axle to which the wheel can be mounted.

Abstract: A plastic wheel assembly (122, 222) and wheel mounting sleeve (127, 227) used to releasably secure the wheel (122, 222) onto an axle (123, 223). The wheel mounting sleeve (127, 227) includes an axle stabilizing opening (100, 200) positioned in an end wall (158, 258) of the sleeve which receives an axle outer end or axle stub (199, 299) that supports the axle (123, 223) against lateral loading and stabilizes it to reduce wobble, chatter and vibration. The opening (100, 200) permits visual confirmation of proper section of the axle outer end (199, 299) in the opening (100, 200). A universal axle (223, 223a) is also provided which can be used to couple wheels (122, 222) having shaped axle bores (139, 239) to the axle using wheel mounting sleeves (127, 227), as well as being used to couple wheels (420), having straight or substantially cylindrical bores (439), to the axle using conventional fasteners (450, 461, 470).

Abstract: A quick release detachable wheel hub assembly is shown for a lightweight manual wheelchair. The wheelchair wheels mount on exterior hubs and rotate therewith. The inner face out of each of the exterior hubs mates with an opposing outer face of interior hubs. One of the opposing faces on the hubs has a projection or a plurality of projections which fit snugly into corresponding openings on the opposing face of the other hub when the opposing faces of the hubs are mated. The interior hubs are mounted and rotate on detachable axles which screw into the wheelchair frame. A quick release, removable locking pin is inserted through the center of the hubs and into detachable axle and locked in place and thereby causing the hubs to be locked and rotate together. The wheels are quickly detached by simply removing the locking pins and pulling apart the hubs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hub assembly and a hub fastener anti-rotate apparatus for securing a wheel of vehicle (e.g., a zero-radius-turning lawn mower) to a vehicle drive axle. The anti-rotate apparatus may assist in preventing or substantially limiting loosening of a hub fastener used to secure the hub assembly to the drive axle.

Abstract: A journal for coupling a wheel to an axle has a main tubular body portion with a reception space for the axle and a separate locking element. The locking element is mounted in a cradle for pivotal movement about a pivot axis from a release position in which the axle is removable from the reception space to a position in which the axle is secured in position is the reception space. A biasing member such as a magnet, a spring or a tube of resilient material biases the locking element into the secured position.

Abstract: A bicycle hub is provided with a hub axle assembly, a hub shell and a pair of bearing units. The hub axle assembly basically has a hub axle washer, a bicycle hub axle and a washer retaining portion or member. The hub axle washer includes an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface defining an axle receiving opening. The bicycle hub axle includes a shaft portion and a head portion with the washer retaining member or portion being located on the shaft portion to retain the hub axle washer on the shaft portion. In the preferred embodiment, the washer retaining portion or member is a resilient member in the form of a flexible O-ring.

Abstract: Improvements to personal vehicles including self-propelled and balancing personal vehicles. Ready detachability of a seat, footrest, seat back, control unit, wheels and caster assembly is provided using quick disconnect mechanisms.

Abstract: A hub seal adapter has an outer diameter and thickness dimensioned to removably fit into the internal bore of a standard automotive hub in the same position that the grease seal would normally occupy, and be retained in the hub by the same snap ring as would be used to retain the seal in the hub. The adapter includes an internal bore into which a grease seal is press fit, the grease seal having a slightly smaller outside diameter than the standard seal. A snap ring retains the grease seal in the internal bore of the adapter. The adapter can be manually removed from the hub for cleaning and greasing of the hub bearings without damaging the seal, thereby allowing reuse of the seal.

Abstract: A journal 6 for coupling a wheel 1 to an axle 5 has a main tubular body portion 14 with a reception space 100 for the axle 5 and a separate locking element 10. The locking element 10 is mounted in a cradle 21 for pivotal movement about a pivot axis from a release position in which the axle 5 is removable from the reception space 100 to position in which the axle 5 is secured in position in the reception space 100. A biassing member such as a magnet 60, a spring 37 or a tube 50 of resilient material biases the locking element 10 into the secured position.

Abstract: A one way free spinning hubcap assembly having a decorative hubcap and a bracket assembly. The bracket assembly is attached to a vehicular wheel and the hubcap is rotatably attached thereto. A bearing clutch present in the bracket assembly permits the hubcap to rotate independently from the wheel when the wheel is rotated in one direction, but forces the hubcap to rotate concurrently with the wheel when rotational force is applied in the opposite direction. In this way the hubcap may be permitted to continue rotating after the associated wheel has ceased rotating.

Abstract: A wheel hub that provides a wheel that is free-wheeling in both directions of turning and is constructed to provide low rolling resistance, greater load carrying capacity and is more reliable that earlier hubs. The hub includes separate bearing systems for supporting, respectively, radial loads as perpendicular to a road surface, and axial loads as are side loads directed into the hub. The separate bearing systems include a pair of radial bearings for supporting radial loads, with each radial bearing of the pair mounted at each hub end to receive an axle fitted therethrough, and a pair of thrust bearings for supporting axial loads, with each thrust bearing of the pair mounted at a hub end, between the radial bearings outer surfaces and an axle mounting to a frame.

Abstract: A combining device provided between a wheel and an axle includes a main body fixed in the center hole of a wheel, a pull handle fitted in the main body, and a combining base secured at one end of the axle. The main body is formed with a hollow interior for the combining base to be inserted therein. The pull handle is fitted around with a spring for pressing down a shaft under the pull handle. The shaft is inserted in the interior of the main body and restricted to stay in a position-limiting section of the combining base positioned in the main body. The main body is provided on top with a deep and a shallow groove formed crossing each other for the pull handle to rest therein through pulling and shifting. Thus, the shaft under the pull handle is controlled to let the wheel engaged and disengaged from or detached from the axle.

Abstract: An adjustable wheel and axle assembly has a two piece inner element with inner and outer tapered portions. A wheel hub having a two-tiered tapered interior bore with one tapered portion engaging the inner element while the other tapered portion is radially space outward. A split ring wedge fits between the inner element and the wheel hub and is drawn in by a plurality of bolts extending through the wheel hub to clamp the inner element onto the axle. The taper angle is in the range of 14-16 degrees so that the parts are self releasing. A pinion gear with an integral shaft extending outward is used to move the wheel along the axle for adjusting the wheel position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a wheel to an axle. The apparatus comprises a wheel with a hub for insertion into an indentation in the end of the axle and a single bolt that is offset from the axis of rotation of the wheel and axle and that attaches the wheel to the axle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a wheel to an axle. The apparatus comprises a wheel with a hub for insertion into an indentation in the end of the axle and a non-cylindrically-symmetrical stud attached to the axle that is concentric with the axis of rotation of the wheel and axle, attaching the wheel to the axle.

Abstract: A wheel hub that provides a wheel that is free-wheeling in both directions of turning and is constructed to provide low rolling resistance, greater load carrying capacity and is more reliable that earlier hubs. The hub includes separate bearing systems for supporting, respectively, radial loads as perpendicular to a road surface, and axial loads as are side loads directed into the hub. The separate bearing systems include a pair of radial bearings for supporting radial loads, with each radial bearing of the pair mounted at each hub end to receive an axle fitted therethrough, and a pair of thrust bearings for supporting axial loads, with each thrust bearing of the pair mounted at a hub end, between the radial bearings outer surfaces and an axle mounting to a frame.

Abstract: A wheel assembly which includes a wheel having a central bore and an attached hubcap. An axle is fitted into the central bore of the wheel assembly and interlocks with the hubcap, serving to secure the wheel assembly to the axle while permitting movement of the wheel relative to the axle.

Abstract: A blow-molded wheel including an axle retainer assembly. The retainer assembly includes a housing having transverse sleeves that support an axle and a spring biased retainer pin that mounts to an annular groove at the axle. The housing is supported in a cavity formed into a wheel spoke and a bore of a wheel hub and is retained upon the shrinkage of the plastic around the housing. An aperture of the pin sleeve facilitates retraction of the pin and release of the wheel from the axle.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel attachment system for facilitating hydraulic coupling of a vehicle wheel to a vehicle includes a hub assembly having a piston hydraulically coupled to a plunger assembly. The hub assembly is passed through a wheel and attached to a rotor. The hub assembly is pressurized to extend the plunger assembly to clamp the wheel between the hub assembly and the rotor. In an embodiment, the plunger assembly is utilized hydraulically without the piston.