Abstract: A cover for an articulation joint that is supported in an elongate shaft assembly of a surgical instrument that is operably coupled to a surgical end effector that includes at least one end effector conductor therein. The cover includes at least one electrically conductive pathway that extends from the distal end of the cover to form an electrically conductive pathway from the end effector conductor to a shaft conductor on the elongate shaft assembly while facilitating operation of the articulation joint. Various conductor arrangements facilitating the passage of electrical current between an end effector to a control system across the articulation joint are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system and method for producing the same, the vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system including a wheel hub, a bearing unit, and a bearing retention and preload device. The wheel hub includes an inboard end, an outboard end, and a main body. The bearing unit is provided onto a bearing seat of the wheel hub. The material of the inboard end of the wheel hub is re-shaped against the bearing retention and preload device to thereby secure the device on the wheel hub and prevent axial and radial movement of said device relative to the wheel hub.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system and method for producing the same, the vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system including a wheel hub, a bearing unit, and a bearing retention and preload device. The wheel hub includes an inboard end, an outboard end, and a main body. The bearing unit is provided onto a bearing seat of the wheel hub. The material of the inboard end of the wheel hub is re-shaped against the bearing retention and preload device to thereby secure the device on the wheel hub and prevent axial and radial movement of said device relative to the wheel hub.

Abstract: An improved hub extender for use in a hub and brake assembly includes an inboard flange, an outboard flange, and a main body extending between and interconnecting the inboard flange to the outboard flange. The inboard flange of the hub extender includes a plurality of stud receiving holes formed therein. Each stud receiving hole is adapted to receive a mounting stud and a nut for securing the hub extender to the hub and brake assembly. The outboard flange of the hub extender includes a plurality of tool clearance passageways formed therein. A respective one of the tool clearance passageways is generally coaxially aligned with a respective one of the stud receiving holes thereby enabling a tool to extend through the tool clearance passageway for tightening and/or loosening the associated nut.