Abstract: An adjustable spacer with a non-hardened intermediate portion therebetween is mountable between a pair of roller bearings also mounted on a shaft such an axle or spindle or the like. The intermediate portion allows the spacer to collapse in the axial direction to maintain desired axial loads on the bearings.

Abstract: Mounting rings and methods for mounting structures to shafts are provided. The rings and methods may be used to mount other rings or housings to a shaft. The rings are characterized by having flexible inner diameters that can deflect under a radial load. The radial deflection of the inner diameter permits the rings to deflect and engage an outer diameter of a shaft. The engagement of the rings with a shaft provides at least some resistance to movement, for example, rotation and/or axial displacement, of the shaft relative to the ring and structure. In one aspect, the ring has a closed, hollow, construction, for example, a circular, oval, or polygonal closed, hollow construction. The ring may include a plurality of indentations, such as slots, on the inside diameter of the ring that may relieve at least some of the circumferential stress in the ring. Methods for using the rings to mount a structure to a shaft are also disclosed.

Abstract: Mounting rings and methods for mounting structures to shafts are provided. The rings and methods may be used to mount other rings or housings to a shaft. The rings are characterized by having flexible inner diameters that can deflect under a radial load. The radial deflection of the inner diameter permits the rings to deflect and engage an outer diameter of a shaft. The engagement of the rings with a shaft provides at least some resistance to the rotation of the shaft relative to the ring and structure. In one aspect, the ring is substantially rigidly mounted to the shaft. The ring may include a plurality of indentations, such as slots, on the inside diameter of the ring. These indentations may relieve at least some of the circumferential stress created by the radial deflection. Methods for using the rings to mount a structure to a shaft are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for adjusting at least one spacer of a bearing assembly includes a force-transmitting member and a preload regulator. The force-transmitting member is configured to operatively receive a force and to transmit the force to an adjustable spacer. The preload regulator includes a first portion and a second portion movable relative to each other with the first portion being movable in response to the force and the second portion being received by and stationary relative to the bearing assembly. The preload regulator further includes a controller coupled to the first portion and the second portion with the controller being configured to detect an electrical contact between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A system for adjusting at least one spacer of a bearing assembly includes a force-transmitting member and a preload regulator. The force-transmitting member is configured to operatively receive a force and to transmit the force to an adjustable spacer. The preload regulator includes a first portion and a second portion movable relative to each other with the first portion being movable in response to the force and the second portion being received by and stationary relative to the bearing assembly. The preload regulator further includes a controller coupled to the first portion and the second portion with the controller being configured to detect an electrical contact between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: Mounting rings and methods for mounting structures to shafts are provided. The rings and methods may be used to mount other rings or housings to a shaft. The rings are characterized by having flexible inner diameters that can deflect under a radial load. The radial deflection of the inner diameter permits the rings to deflect and engage an outer diameter of a shaft. The engagement of the rings with a shaft provides at least some resistance to the rotation of the shaft relative to the ring and structure. In one aspect, the ring is substantially rigidly mounted to the shaft. The ring may include a plurality of indentations, such as slots, on the inside diameter of the ring. These indentations may relieve at least some of the circumferential stress created by the radial deflection. Methods for using the rings to mount a structure to a shaft are also disclosed.

Abstract: Mounting rings and methods for mounting structures to shafts are provided. The rings and methods may be used to mount other rings or housings to a shaft. The rings are characterized by having flexible inner diameters that can deflect under a radial load. The radial deflection of the inner diameter permits the rings to deflect and engage an outer diameter of a shaft. The engagement of the rings with a shaft provides at least some resistance to movement, for example, rotation and/or axial displacement, of the shaft relative to the ring and structure. In one aspect, the ring has a closed, hollow, construction, for example, a circular, oval, or polygonal closed, hollow construction. The ring may include a plurality of indentations, such as slots, on the inside diameter of the ring that may relieve at least some of the circumferential stress in the ring. Methods for using the rings to mount a structure to a shaft are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for adjusting at least one spacer of a bearing assembly includes a force-transmitting member and a preload regulator. The force-transmitting member is configured to operatively receive a force and to transmit the force to an adjustable spacer. The preload regulator includes a first portion and a second portion movable relative to each other with the first portion being movable in response to the force and the second portion being received by and stationary relative to the bearing assembly. The preload regulator further includes a controller coupled to the first portion and the second portion with the controller being configured to detect an electrical contact between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A bearing assembly adjustable spacer may include an end portion, a deformable portion, a transversely inward face portion, and a transversely outward face portion. The end portion may be configured for generally axial abutment (e.g., with a shoulder portion) at a location about a spindle portion. The deformable portion may allow the spacer to be provided with a desired adjustment (e.g., a preload, an adjustment to an axial dimension of the spacer, and/or a compression of the deformable portion of the spacer). The inward face portion may be generally directed radially relative to an axis of the spacer. Further, the inward face portion may be configured for generally radial abutment (e.g., with a surface portion) at a location about a spindle portion. The outward face portion may have a generally axially curved portion. The curved portion may be largely directed obliquely away from the end portion of the spacer. Also, the curved portion may be configured to interface with a generally axially curved part (e.g.

Abstract: In one aspect, an adjustment system includes a first gage part adjustably engaged (e.g., mated and/or threaded) with a second gage part. The gage parts may be employed in a (e.g., pressing) process of direct installation of bearings (e.g., tapered roller bearings) on a final assembly spindle (e.g., a motor, pump and/or speed reducer shaft). Also, the gage part(s) may be employed in providing adjustment(s) (e.g., a preload and/or an endplay setting) for an adjustable spacer during the same process of direct installation of the bearings. The gage parts may have various interface(s) with the bearing(s), retainer(s), and/or housing portion(s), rotationally supported with respect to the spindle with the bearings. Further, the gage part(s) may serve to protect the bearing(s) from path(s) of compression employed in the adjustment(s). In another aspect, the gage part(s) may be employed in providing a desired adjustment for a gear mounted on the spindle. For the desired gear adjustment (e.g.

Abstract: An adjustable spacer of the type shaped as a ring for mounting between a pair of tapered bearings mounted on an axle or spindle to allow a load to be axially placed on the bearings is disclosed. The adjustable spacer may include an extension located at a radius from an imaginary axis of the spacer, a contact means oriented radially outward from the extension, and a compressible area located between the contact means and the extension wherein the compressible area deforms when a predetermined load is applied to the ring in the axial direction. The adjustable spacer may be configured to be used with an adapter sleeve for use on axles or spindles of multiple radius.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a non-metallic magnetic component from a strip of non-metallic magnetic material useable on a rotor or the like includes a pair of blocks placeable in juxtaposed position to form a support frame having a predetermined length. Each of the strip of non-metallic magnetic material is placed on the support frame and secured by, for example, wedges to each of the blocks. The block is moved by, for example, a cam to extend the length of the support frame so that the length of a strip of non-metallic magnetic material placed on the support frame and secured to the blocks may be stretch to a desired length and cut.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing electrical components for sensing or measuring magnetic fields includes a tubular member made of a ferrous material such as austenitic stainless steel or aluminum. The tubular member is capable of receiving electric components therein for measuring magnetic fields. A cap made of a non-ferrous metal is affixed to one end of the tubular member and the electrical components are placed within the tubular member in close proximity with the inner surface of the cap. The tubular member is positioned in proximity to a rotor shaft or the like to enable the electrical components therein to measure magnetic fields to sense the rate and/or direction of rotation.

Abstract: A magnetic gear configuration utilizing non-metallic magnetic material about a circumference of a rotatable member is disclosed. A plurality of magnetic units may be spaced around the circumference of the rotatable member. Each magnetic unit may extend along a direction substantially parallel to the central axis of the rotatable member and each magnetic unit may be inversely aligned to its adjacent magnetic unit. The magnetic units may be equidistantly spaced from one another and each magnetic unit contains a north and south pole. Gear train configurations may be constructed by utilizing gears having similarly spaced magnetic units where inversely aligned magnetic units attract one another to facilitate gear rotation.

Abstract: An adjustable spacer of the type shaped as a ring for mounting between a pair of tapered bearings mounted on an axle or spindle to allow a load to be axially placed on the bearings is disclosed. The adjustable spacer may include an extension located at a radius from an imaginary axis of the spacer, a contact means oriented radially outward from the extension, and a compressible area located between the contact means and the extension wherein the compressible area deforms when a predetermined load is applied to the ring in the axial direction. The adjustable spacer may be configured to be used with an adapter sleeve for use on axles or spindles of multiple radius.

Abstract: A bearing setting procedure for a pair of bearings mounted on a spindle or an axle. Mounted on the spindle or axle are two bearings, each having an inner bearing race. Interposed between the inner bearing races is an adjustable spacer. A mechanism is employed for adjusting the bearings and collapsing the spacer such that a desired bearing tension is provided. In particular, the mechanism includes a piston extension which engages one of the inner bearing races when hydraulic pressure is applied to the piston extension. By applying the pressure, one of the inner bearing races moves closer to the other causing the adjustable spacer to collapse such that a desired bearing tension is provided.

Abstract: A bearing setting apparatus for a pair of bearings mounted on a spindle or an axle. Mounted on the spindle or axle are two bearings, each having an inner bearing race. Interposed between the inner bearing races is an adjustable spacer. A mechanism is employed for adjusting the bearings and collapsing the spacer such that a desired bearing tension is provided. In particular, the mechanism includes a piston extension which engages one of the inner bearing races when hydraulic pressure is applied to the piston extension. By applying the pressure, one of the inner bearing races moves closer to the other causing the adjustable spacer to collapse such that a desired bearing tension is provided.

Abstract: A system of manufacturing a metal wrapped non-metallic magnetic component useable about a rotor or the like comprises welding the ends of a strip of sheet metal to form a cylinder. If necessary, the cylinder may be cut about its entire circumference at two axial locations thereby isolating a central portion of the cylinder having exposed a first axial end and a second axial end. The cylinder is then form rolled to deform the first and second axial ends radially inward to form a channel located along the inner diameter. The magnetic material may then be inserted within the channel between a deformed first and second axial ends of the central cylindrical portion. The central cylindrical portion may then be form rolled such that the flanges are folded about the ends of the magnetic material.

Abstract: A system of manufacturing a metal wrapped non-metallic magnetic component useable about a rotor or the like comprises welding the ends of a strip of sheet metal to form a cylinder. If necessary, the cylinder may be cut about its entire circumference at two axial locations thereby isolating a central portion of the cylinder having exposed a first axial end and a second axial end. The cylinder is then form rolled to deform the first and second axial ends radially inward to form a channel located along the inner diameter. The magnetic material may then be inserted within the channel between a deformed first and second axial ends of the central cylindrical portion. The central cylindrical portion may then be form rolled such that the flanges are folded about the ends of the magnetic material.

Abstract: A lawn rake having an improved means of tine containment. The tines are positioned and locked within a spreader bar heretofore used primarily for maintaining a spacial relationship between adjacent tines. Additionally, the tines are anchored within the rake socket portion by means of a spring clip which also coacts with a stiffener spring engaging the spreader bar to enhance fixed tine location within the rake head assembly.