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: 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: 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: 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: 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: An adjustable spacer with hardened end portions and 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 hardened material contacts the faces of the roller bearings but helps prevent wear therebetween and unwanted movement of the bearings on the shaft. The unhardened material allows the spacer to collapse in the axial direction to maintain desired axial loads on the bearings.

Abstract: An adjustable spacer with hardened end portions and 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 hardened material contacts the faces of the roller bearings but helps prevent wear therebetween and unwanted movement of the bearings on the shaft. The unhardened material allows the spacer to collapse in the axial direction to maintain desired axial loads on the bearings.

Abstract: An adjustable spacer with hardened end portions and 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 hardened material contacts the faces of the roller bearings but helps prevent wear therebetween and unwanted movement of the bearings on the shaft. The unhardened material allows the spacer to collapse in the axial direction to maintain desired axial loads on the bearings.

Abstract: A train axle assembly includes a train axle, a ring assembly coaxially mounted on the train axle and a structure operatively engaged by the ring assembly and mounted on the train axle. The ring assembly has an outer diameter and a main section adjacent the outer diameter. The ring assembly includes a projection extending axially from the main section which is located at a diameter less than the outer diameter of the ring assembly. The projection has a portion of a diameter contacting the train axle so that the ring assembly is affixed to the train axle to provide resistance to relative rotation and axial movement between the ring assembly and the train axial.

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 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.