Abstract: A seal ring for a seal assembly includes a body and a seal flange. The body is generally cylindrical, extending along a longitudinal axis between a load end and a seal end. The seal flange is disposed adjacent the seal end of the body, projecting radially in a circumscribing manner from the body. The seal flange includes a sealing face having a sealing band for sealing contact with a mating seal ring. A layer of coating composition formulated to help increase the corrosion resistance of the seal ring is applied to at least the body. A mask is applied to the seal ring to cover at least a portion of the seal ring having the layer of coating composition applied thereto such that the sealing band remains exposed. The sealing band is polished by an isotropic finishing process. The mask is removed after the sealing band is isotropically polished.

Abstract: A seal ring for a seal assembly includes a body and a seal flange. The body is generally cylindrical, extending along a longitudinal axis between a load end and a seal end. The seal flange is disposed adjacent the seal end of the body, projecting radially in a circumscribing manner from the body. The seal flange includes a sealing face having a sealing band for sealing contact with a mating seal ring. A layer of coating composition formulated to help increase the corrosion resistance of the seal ring is applied to at least the body. A mask is applied to the seal ring to cover at least a portion of the seal ring having the layer of coating composition applied thereto such that the sealing band remains exposed. The sealing band is polished by an isotropic finishing process. The mask is removed after the sealing band is isotropically polished.

Abstract: A seal ring for a seal assembly includes a body and a seal flange. The body is generally cylindrical, extending along a longitudinal axis between a load end and a seal end. The seal flange is disposed adjacent the seal end of the body, projecting radially in a circumscribing manner from the body. The seal flange includes a sealing face having a sealing band for sealing contact with a mating seal ring. A layer of coating composition formulated to help increase the corrosion resistance of the seal ring is applied to at least the body. A mask is applied to the seal ring to cover at least a portion of the seal ring having the layer of coating composition applied thereto such that the sealing band remains exposed. The sealing band is polished by an isotropic finishing process. The mask is removed after the sealing band is isotropically polished.

Abstract: A seal ring for a seal assembly includes a body and a seal flange. The body is generally cylindrical and extends along a longitudinal axis between a load end and a seal end. The seal flange is disposed adjacent the seal end of the body. The seal flange projects radially in circumscribing manner from the body to an outer perimeter thereof. The seal flange includes a sealing face having a sealing band, disposed adjacent the outer perimeter of the seal flange, and an inner relieved area, disposed between the sealing band and an inner perimeter of the seal flange. The sealing band is polished by an isotropic finishing process after a layer of coating composition is applied to at least the body. The layer of coating composition is formulated to withstand the isotropic finishing process and to help increase the corrosion resistance of the seal ring.

Abstract: A laser polishing method for a metal face seal is provided. The method includes determining, using a processor, a first smoothness level of a seal face surface of the metal face seal. The method includes applying, using the processor, a laser beam at a first angle to at least one peak on the seal face surface of the metal face seal, the first angle measured relative to a normal to the seal face surface. The method includes determining, using the processor, a second smoothness level of the seal face surface. The method includes controlling, using the processor, the laser beam until the second smoothness level is equal to a threshold smoothness level. The method includes turning off the laser beam, using the processor, when the second smoothness level is equal to the threshold smoothness level isotropically over the seal face surface.

Abstract: A laser polishing method for a metal face seal is provided. The method includes determining, using a processor, a first smoothness level of a seal face surface of the metal face seal. The method includes applying, using the processor, a laser beam at a first angle to at least one peak on the seal face surface of the metal face seal, the first angle measured relative to a normal to the seal face surface. The method includes determining, using the processor, a second smoothness level of the seal face surface. The method includes controlling, using the processor, the laser beam until the second smoothness level is equal to a threshold smoothness level. The method includes turning off the laser beam, using the processor, when the second smoothness level is equal to the threshold smoothness level isotropically over the seal face surface.

Abstract: A planetary gear system with floating components includes design features that center the floating components radially and reduces sagging of the floating components under the force of gravity. An input carrier is centered by the use of an annular bearing in a distal central opening of the input carrier and a stationary end cap assembly that is received in the annular bushing. The bushing and end cap assembly support the input carrier radially. The stationary output carrier is centered by providing a pilot on the output carrier that is received in a circumferential recess in a fixed component, such as a reaction hub.

Abstract: A floating style seal assembly is provided. The floating style seal assembly includes a first mating seal ring and a second metal mating seal ring. The first and the second mating seal rings are composed of metals that are dissimilar from each other. A method of making a floating style seal is also provided. The method includes providing a first mating seal ring and providing a second mating seal ring wherein the first and second mating seal rings are composed of metals dissimilar from each other.

Abstract: A debris guard includes a plurality of fasteners and an outer cover including two or more sections that when assembled form an annular inner wall. Each of the two or more sections includes at least one mounting feature shaped to receive at least one of the plurality of fasteners. An inner guard includes a mounting portion and a seal.

Abstract: A debris guard includes a plurality of fasteners and an outer cover including two or more sections that when assembled form an annular inner wall. Each of the two or more sections includes at least one mounting feature shaped to receive at least one of the plurality of fasteners. An inner guard includes a mounting portion and a seal.

Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one wheel and an associated brake. Especially if the vehicle is traveling down an incline, the brake may overheat from prolonged use. The present invention provides an operator warning device which alerts the operator to a possible or actual brake overheat condition, based on any number of chosen non-temperature vehicle conditions. These conditions may include incline, machine speed, brake application pressure, and brake application duration.

Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one wheel and an associated brake. Especially if the vehicle is traveling down an incline, the brake may overheat from prolonged use. The present invention provides an operator warning device which alerts the operator to a possible or actual brake overheat condition, based on any number of chosen non-temperature vehicle conditions. These conditions may include incline, machine speed, brake application pressure, and brake application duration.