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: A data structure, database management system, and methods of validating data are disclosed. A data structure is described that includes a superset of interconnected relational databases containing multiple tables having a common data structure. The tables may be stored as a sparse matrix linked list. A method is disclosed for ordering records in hierarchical order, in a series of levels from general to specific. An example use with address databases is described, including a method for converting an input address having a subject representation into an output address having a preferred representation. Preferred artifacts may be marked with a token. Alias tables may be included. This Abstract is provided to comply with the rules, which require an abstract to quickly inform a searcher or other reader about the subject matter of the application. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

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 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 wheel assembly for small powered equipment including a wheel and a tire mounted on the wheel. The wheel has an outer circumferential surface and inclined cleats projecting from the outer circumferential surface. The cleats are arranged in sets of 6-7 cleats. Each set of cleats is inclined in a direction that alternates with the direction of the cleats in adjacent sets. The tire is provided with ribs along the inner circumferential surface that engage the edge of the cleats. Accordingly, regardless of which direction the tire is driven, slippage of the tire will occur only to a limited extent until the ribs of the tire engage with the edges of the cleats facing in the appropriate direction. Thereafter, rotation of the wheel in the same direction will not result in slippage between the tire and the wheel, and rotation in the opposite direction will result in only that degree of slip necessary to bring the ribs into engagement with the cleats of an adjacent set.

Abstract: A reusable, releasably lockable wheel assembly comprising a wheel having a centrally disposed hub defining an aperture in which is received an axle. A spring having diametrically opposed lugs is disposed on one side of the hub and the lugs extend into the aperture of the hub so that when the axle is inserted into the aperture, the lugs are biased into the groove on the end of the axle to lock the wheel to the axle. The lugs can be forced outwardly by a tool to withdraw the lugs from the groove so that the axle can be unlocked with respect to the wheel for removal of the wheel. In one embodiment, cooperation between a wheel cover and the spring limits slidable movement between the wheel and axle. In another embodiment, cooperation between an end cap on the wheel hub and the spring limits the slidable movement.