Abstract: The invention provides a trolley wheel assembly for a conveyor system, e.g., an overhead conveyor system. In certain embodiments, the wheel assembly includes at least one wheel face having a contour (optionally a funneling configuration and/or one or more surface features) configured to facilitate flow of a fluid toward an open bearing assembly of the wheel assembly. In some embodiments, the wheel assembly includes an inner race, outer race, and bearings having a particular hardness arrangement, optionally together with a polymer wheel having certain filler features. Methods for cleaning such a trolley wheel assembly are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a hubless caster that is at least as aesthetically pleasing as prior art hubless casters but that is significantly more durable. In one aspect, a hubless caster is provided that includes a frame member having two opposed sides. A generally ring-shaped mount portion projects from at least one of the two opposed sides of the frame member. In some embodiments, the hubless caster has the following three components mounted on the mount portion, in sequence moving radially outwardly from the mount portion: a) an annular backbone member defining an inner bearing race, b) a rolling element, and c) a wheel defining an outer bearing race.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a hubless caster that is at least as aesthetically pleasing as prior art hubless casters but that is significantly more durable. In one aspect, a hubless caster is provided that includes a frame member having two opposed sides. A generally ring-shaped mount portion projects from at least one of the two opposed sides of the frame member. In some embodiments, the hubless caster has the following three components mounted on the mount portion, in sequence moving radially outwardly from the mount portion: a) an annular backbone member defining an inner bearing race, b) a rolling element, and c) a wheel defining an outer bearing race.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a friction sleeve for a caster stem. In certain embodiments, the friction sleeve has a slot, comprises a polymer, and has at least one detent adapted to engage a corresponding detent of the caster stem.

Abstract: The invention provides a trunnion bearing assembly for the drive system of a snow blower, mower, tractor, or other self-propelled utility vehicle. In certain embodiments, the trunnion assembly comprises a bearing having ball bearings, roller bearings, or another type of bearing set. This can provide free relative rotation of several components of the bearing assembly relative to a trunnion housing of the bearing assembly. This rotation is imparted when a friction disk of the assembly engages a spinning motor flywheel of the drive system.