Abstract: A unitized seal assembly for use with roller or ball bearing assemblies is disclosed. The unitized seal assembly includes, among other things, a radially outer ring and a radially inner deflector ring. The outer ring includes a first shield element which defines a first sealing face. The radially inner deflector ring includes a second shield element which defines a second sealing face. The second sealing face is dimensioned and configured so as to correspond to the first sealing face such that when the first shield element is positioned in non-contacting proximity to the second shield element, a circuitous sealing labyrinth is formed between the first sealing face and the second sealing face.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for monitoring characteristics of a fluid lubricant contained within a lubricant chamber formed in a wheel hub mounted for rotation about a stationary wheel axle. The apparatus includes an annular bearing spacer configured for mounting on the wheel axle between axially opposed inboard and outboard bearings, the annular bearing spacer forming an interior lubricant reservoir between an inner surface of the spacer and the wheel axle, a guide vane for directing lubricant from the lubricant chamber to the interior lubricant reservoir during rotation of the wheel hub assembly about the wheel axle, and a sensor operatively associated with the interior lubricant reservoir for determining a condition of the lubricant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a labyrinth seal assembly for sealing an annular gap defined between a bore of a housing and an outer surface of a cylindrical shaft, wherein the housing and shaft are relatively movable. The seal assembly includes radially inner and radially outer shield rings. The radially inner shield ring has an inner surface which is adapted and configured for support by the shaft. The radially outer shield ring is partially disposed within the sealing channel of the inner shield ring. The outer shield ring includes a casing member, foam seal elements, and a shield element retainer. The foam seal elements depend radially inward into the sealing channel so as to form a circuitous sealing labyrinth therein. The seal elements are formed preferably from polyurethane. A highly viscous fluid is disposed within the circuitous sealing labyrinth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a labyrinth seal assembly for sealing an annular gap defined between a bore of a housing and an outer surface of a cylindrical shaft, wherein the housing and shaft are relatively movable. The seal assembly includes radially inner and radially outer shield rings. The radially inner shield ring has an inner surface which is adapted and configured for support by the shaft. The radially outer shield ring is partially disposed within the sealing channel of the inner shield ring. The outer shield ring includes a casing member, foam seal elements, and a shield element retainer. The foam seal elements depend radially inward into the sealing channel so as to form a circuitous sealing labyrinth therein. The seal elements are formed preferably from polyurethane. A highly viscous fluid is disposed within the circuitous sealing labyrinth.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for monitoring characteristics of a fluid lubricant contained within a lubricant chamber formed in a wheel hub mounted for rotation about a stationary wheel axle. The apparatus includes an annular bearing spacer configured for mounting on the wheel axle between axially opposed inboard and outboard bearings, the annular bearing spacer forming an interior lubricant reservoir between an inner surface of the spacer and the wheel axle, a guide vane for directing lubricant from the lubricant chamber to the interior lubricant reservoir during rotation of the wheel hub assembly about the wheel axle, and a sensor operatively associated with the interior lubricant reservoir for determining a condition of the lubricant.

Abstract: A unitized seal assembly for use with roller or ball bearing assemblies is disclosed. The unitized seal assembly includes, among other things, a radially outer ring and a radially inner deflector ring. The outer ring includes a first shield element which defines a first sealing face. The radially inner deflector ring includes a second shield element which defines a second sealing face. The second sealing face is dimensioned and configured so as to correspond to the first sealing face such that when the first shield element is positioned in non-contacting proximity to the second shield element, a circuitous sealing labyrinth is formed between the first sealing face and the second sealing face.