Abstract: A kit of parts for forming an aerofoil structure including a torsion box for use in attaching a fixed leading or trailing edge structure to the torsion box, and a fixed leading or trailing edge structure attachable to the torsion box. The torsion box includes a first mounting feature. The fixed leading or trailing edge structure includes a second mounting feature configured to engage with the first mounting feature. The first mounting feature and the second mounting feature are mutually configured to permit the first and second mounting features to be moved into engagement with each other along a first direction, and to prevent relative movement of the first and second mounting features along a second direction when the first and second mounting features are engaged with each other.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a frame, a wheel supporting the frame, and a rockshaft coupled to the frame and operable to pivot with respect to the frame. The rockshaft has an outer surface, an inner surface and an open end. An internal end cap is positioned on the open end of the rockshaft. The internal end cap has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the internal end cap contacts the outer surface of the rockshaft. An external end cap is positioned on the open end of the rockshaft and contacts the outer surface of the internal end cap. A fastener connects the external end cap to the frame to retain the external end cap on the rockshaft.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for locking retaining elements in place. One embodiment is a bearing having an outer race. The race has a first end and a second end. The race includes a flange on the first end that is able to mate with a housing, and the race also includes an annular threaded portion on the second end. The threaded portion receives an annular threaded retaining element that mates with the housing. The race additionally includes an annular protrusion on the second end, concentric with the threaded portion, that is able to be swaged, thereby increasing a diameter of the protrusion to overlap the threaded portion.

Abstract: In a self-adjusting bushing bearing for engagement with a bearing shaft, a bearing housing is provided. A bearing sub-assembly is received inside of said bearing housing, and said bearing sub-assembly being adapted to receive said bearing shaft. The bearing sub-assembly comprises at least two bearing segments and at least one springy element engaged with the bearing housing which compresses the bearing segments toward one another.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ball joint assembly including providing an internal centerpiece substantially in the shape of a hollow truncated sphere, placing the centerpiece within a metal hollow sleeve and deforming the sleeve by forcing the sleeve against an outer surface of the centerpiece to shape the sleeve to complement the outer surface of the centerpiece, forming at least one groove in an exterior surface of the sleeve and there after molding a plastic matrix composite material over the exterior surface of the sleeve to form an external body over the sleeve.

Abstract: In an amphibious ATV, the wheel bearings are housed in a spherical mounting-structure, because of possible angular misalignment. The spherical mounting-structure comprises separable primary and secondary elements. The new system provides that both elements are axially wide, being e.g as wide as the outer-race of the bearing. Now, the elements are highly resistant to every distortion, which means the mounting-structure can seal the bearings very effectively—both as to keeping dirt and water out, and keeping lubricant in.

Abstract: A spherical plain bearing and method of assembling the same is disclosed. The bearing has an outer ring having a bore, a concave surface, and at least one fracture. The bearing further includes an inner ring having a convex surface. The convex surface is in sliding disposition with the concave surface when the inner ring is disposed in the bore. The bearing has a groove in a face of the outer ring radially outside a first opening of the bore. The bearing further includes a band coupled to a portion of the outer ring defining the groove. The band retains the outer ring around the inner ring when the inner ring is disposed in the bore.

Abstract: A ball socket for connection with a ball stud provides for easy manufacturing and assembly using a flat-stamped flexible retainer clip. The retainer clip is inserted into the socket and flexes to snap-fit within in the socket. The flex of the clip also flexes wings of the clip which engage with a receiving boss or socket. The flexion of the clip allows for easy push-in of the socket and sufficient resistance to accidental pull-out. The push-in socket design eliminates the need for screw-mounting of the socket. The socket assembly may be manufactured for use in connection with disengageable or conventional ball studs.

Abstract: A motor, in particular an electrical machine, has a housing, a rotor, and a rotor bearing which includes at least two bearing parts which are rotatable relative to one another, one of which is assigned to the rotor, and the other of which is assigned to the housing. The rotor bearing is designed as a sintered part, and that the bearing part assigned to the housing includes a rotation lock, and/or that the bearing part assigned to the rotor includes a rotation lock.

Abstract: In a spherical plain bearing comprising an inner ring (2) configured as a spherical body comprising a through-bore, which inner ring (2) is mounted in an outer ring (1) through a slide bushing (3) that surrounds the inner ring (2), the outer ring (1) comprising a spherical inner surface and two diametrically opposite insertion grooves (4) that start from an end face of the outer ring (1) and enable the insertion of the inner ring (2), the slide bushing (3) is slipped onto the inner ring (2) prior to insertion of the inner ring (2) into the outer ring (1) and then shaped without chip removal, so that the slide bushing (3) comes to bear against the spherical outer surface of the inner ring.

Abstract: A bearing system and journal which may incorporate either a sleeve or a ball bearing. The system includes a bearing journal having a sleeve bearing portion and a ball bearing portion. When a sleeve bearing is used in the system, a first end of the sleeve bearing is supported in the sleeve bearing portion of the journal, and a second end of the sleeve bearing is supported by a finger spring. The sleeve bearing and finger spring are retained within the journal by an end cap, which is press-fit into the ball bearing portion of the journal. When a ball bearing is used in the system, the ball bearing may be press-fit directly into the ball bearing portion of the bearing journal, or press-fit into a spacer, which is press-fit into the ball bearing portion of the bearing journal.

Abstract: A lock structure of a spherical bearing restrains an outer race from turning relative to a housing with a simple structure. It is provided with protruding portions formed on a periphery of one side of a bearing hole of the housing. A flange is formed on one side of the outer race. Meanwhile notches (engagement portions) are formed in the flange, which are brought into engagement with the protruding portions. An annular V-shaped groove (staking groove) formed in the other side of the outer race is staked. With such a simplified structure, the spherical bearing can be locked to the housing while being restrained from turning relative thereto.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a hitch link having a removable spherical bushing within a socket is arranged to be symmetrical about a plane dissecting the socket lengthwise of the link. The socket is formed with laterally extending protrusion to increase the socket strength at the location of the greatest tension forces. The socket is configured with an entry slot for the bushing that is normal to the length of the link so that the slot does not interfere with the area of the contact wear surface between the busing and the socket. Once the bushing is installed in the socket, a sleeve is inserted into a bore of the bushing. One end of the sleeve has a raised retaining lip and the opposite end of the sleeve carries a snap ring groove. A snap ring is seated in the groove and retains the sleeve in the bushing.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a hitch link having a removable spherical bushing within a socket is arranged to be symmetrical about plane dissecting the socket lengthwise of the link. The socket is formed with laterally extending protrusion to increase the socket strength at the location of the greatest tension forces. The socket is configured with an entry slot for the bushing that is normal to the length of the link so that the slot does not interfere with the area of the contact wear surface between the busing and the socket. Once the bushing is installed in the socket, a sleeve is inserted into a bore of the bushing. One end of the sleeve has a raised retaining lip and the opposite end of the sleeve carries a snap ring groove. A snap ring is seated in the groove and retains the sleeve in the bushing.

Abstract: On the periphery surface of the outer race, the stepped portion is formed, and on one side of the race retention hole formed on the housing, a screw portion is provided coaxially with the race retention hole, in which the setscrew is screwed and tightened. Retention of the front surface of the setscrew makes the end face of the stepped portion, pressed against the snap ring retained with the annular groove, formed on the race retention hole. Since the outer race is clamped by the setscrew and the snap ring and the gap between the end face of the outer race and the setscrew, and the snap ring becomes null, the outer race is securely retained in the axial direction.

Abstract: On one side of the race retention hole 2, a screw portion 3 is formed, and on one side of the periphery surface of the outer race 4 an outer conical portion 5 is formed, and with the race retention hole 2, the periphery surface of the outer race 4 supporting the spherical surface 9a of the outer race 9 is retained, the stopping screw 8 is formed on with the inner conical portion 7 to be fit with the periphery surface 5a of the outer conical portion 5 is screwed in the screw portion 3 and tightened. Thus, by tightening the stopping screw 8, the periphery surface 5a of the outer conical portion 5 is pressed with the inner circumference 7a of the inner conical portion 7 and the contact surface pressure between the inner circumference surface 4b of the outer race 4 and the spherical surface 9a of the inner race 9 is increased, so that by regulating the tightening force of the stopping screw 8 the sliding torque of the spherical bearing is easily adjusted.

Abstract: A bearing retainer ring having a compliant tab is mounted on a motor shaft between a C-ring mounted on the shaft and one or more washers and a bearing mounted on the shaft. After completion of the construction of the electric motor, the shaft is loaded axially, deforming the projecting tab and providing axial end play between the bearing and its adjacent washer.

Abstract: A V-configuration torque rod has an apex pivotal joint assembly which includes either a single forging or a pair of eyelets each of which form one arm of the V. An intermediate sleeve is located within the forging or each eyelet and an elastomeric bearing socket is located within the sleeve. The bearing socket defines a pocket within which a bar-pin journal is located. Each eyelet of the apex pivotal joint assembly is connected to a tube which is connected to an end pivotal joint assembly. Each end pivotal joint assembly has an internal joint configuration the same as the apex pivotal joint assembly.

Abstract: A high speed electric motor for automotive applications that is designed to effectively minimize vibration of its component parts and thus suppress noise generated during its operation. The motor incorporates acoustic engineering principles including surface vibration control, acoustic radiation efficiency, active intensity field control and noise control using acoustic materials to reduce overall vibration of the motor components and the motor noise sensed by the passenger of the vehicle.

Abstract: A high speed electric motor for automotive applications that is designed to effectively minimize vibration of its component parts and thus suppress noise generated during its operation. The motor incorporates acoustic engineering principles including surface vibration control, acoustic radiation efficiency, active intensity field control and noise control using acoustic materials to reduce overall vibration of the motor components and the motor noise sensed by the passenger of the vehicle. In one aspect, a bearing assembly for an electric motor is disclosed. The electric motor is of the type including a housing defining an internal chamber, an armature disposed within the internal chamber and having a rotatable shaft, and magnet means for inducing rotational movement of the armature shaft. The bearing assembly includes a bearing member for supporting the armature shaft for rotational movement and a bearing housing defining an internal bore that accommodates at least a portion of the bearing member.

Abstract: A supporting arrangement for a shaft has a bearing arrangement which facilitates self alignment at a first position of a clamping member and maintains the shaft at the self aligned position at a second position of the clamping member. An adjustment screw selectively moves the clamping member between the first and second positions relative to a spherical member supporting the shaft. The supporting arrangement is particularly suited for use in a throttle control linkage.

Abstract: A clothes dryer includes a housing, a back wall being joined to the housing, an at least approximately horizontally rotatably supported laundry drum having at least one bottom, and a bearing journal supporting the at least one bottom on the back wall. The bearing journal has a spherical bearing-relevant surface being secured to the back wall. The drum bottom has at least one bearing shell tightly embracing the spherical surface.

Abstract: An angularly biassed self-aligning bearing has a bearing member which is seated in a housing and held in place by a retainer which urges a first external, part-spherical, surface-of-revolution on the bearing member axially into engagement with an internal, part-spherical, surface-of-revolution formed in the housing. The retainer has first and second resilient retaining members which engage opposite sides of a transversely extending first portion of a second external surface-of-revolution on the bearing member. The first resilient retaining members exert greater loading on the bearing member than the second resilient retaining members so that the bearing member is tilted relative to the housing.

Abstract: The rotary shaft of a closed-type electrically driven compressor is rotatably supported by self-aligning bearings. Each bearing has a spherical bearing member, a supporting member and a bushing. The supporting member has a concave spherical inner surface and a cylindrical inner surface. The bushing has a concave spherical inner surface and a cylindrical outer surface and is fitted into a space defined by the cylindrical inner surface of the supporting member. The concave spherical inner surface of the supporting member and that of the bushing movably support the spherical bearing member.

Abstract: A structured product family of dynamoelectric machines for use in a plurality of applications has a frame with a closed end, and a set of permanent magnets is adhesively secured within the frame. An armature disposed in the frame for interaction with the permanent magnets includes a shaft, a core having a set of winding receiving slots therein, and a commutator. During manufacturing and assembly, stress on the motor shaft and commutator is minimized. A brush plate is associated with the frame for locating a set of brushes relative to the commutator, and an end shield is secured to the frame opposite its closed end. At least one freely aligning bearing assembly disposed in the end shield for freely aligning the shaft and including a bearing and a retainer having predetermined conditions preset with the retainer being adhesively secured to the end shield. A bracket is adhesively secured to the frame for connecting the dynamoelectric machine in anyone of the applications; and a novel brush assembly is provided.

Abstract: A three piece spherical bearing has a race having two axial halves. One axial half has a spherical bore. The other axial half has a bore which tapers radially outward and axially inward at an angle of about 11.degree. or more to an axial direction. The tapered wall has one or more annular depressions with radial walls and walls at angles to the radial walls. A ball having a spherical outer surface and an axial bore is placed in the race. An insert having a curved inner surface and having an outer surface with a diameter slightly less than the minimum diameter of the tapered wall is pressed into the race and is expanded around the ball into contact with the tapered wall. Forces which tend to force the insert cause sharp linear pointed surfaces at the insert of the tapered wall and radial walls of the grooves to bite into the outer surface of the insert, tightly gripping the insert within the race and holding the three part spherical bearing together.

Abstract: A bearing holder comprises a plurality of pawls engaged with an internal surface of the bearing containing part, a plurality of slots arranged in circumferences of the pawls, and bearing-contacting part in contact with an outer periphery of the bearing. It is used for holding the bearing supporting an armature shaft of a motor equipped with reduction gear, for example.

Abstract: The disclosed clamping plate exhibits a particularly great spring action and it includes a clamping rim (10) and with spring tabs (20) which point radially inward and against which the cups of the self-aligning or cup-type bearing make contact. According to the invention the spring tabs (20) are particularly long and extend from the clamping rim (10). The tabs also bend inwardly over a bead (9) limiting the clamping rim (10). An especially inexpensive design from the aspect of production engineering and assembly is achieved in that the transition from the bead (9) to the plug-in hole (2) is rounded in the plug-in direction (6) of the clamping plate and the lower area of the bead (9) is designed as oil collecting groove.

Abstract: A track-roller bearing assembly is disclosed which includes a fixed inner ball race member having an outwardly facing arcuate peripheral bearing surface; an annular body of self-lubricating bearing material affixed to the outwardly bearing surface of said inner race; and a coaxial outer race which is rotatable about an axis of the inner race and angularly displaceable relative to the axis of the inner race so as to accommodate track deflections or irregularities. The track-roller further includes a resilient element disposed between respective ends of the inner and outer races so as to bias the races back into axial alignment after they have been angularly displaced relative to each other.

Abstract: A compound bearing having a shell defining a cylindrical bore in which is installed the bearing inner member, a bearing ring of ultra high molecular weight polymer being disposed within the shell cylindrical bore between the bore surface and the peripheral surface of the inner member. The polymer bearing ring is extruded in strips cut to length and wrapped around the inner member with abutting ends prior to inserting the ring within the shell bore. In structures wherein the inner member is a spherical member or ball, the strip is extruded with a cylindrical groove on at least one surface such as to form a concave spherical surface when wrapped around the spherical peripheral surface of the inner member.