Patents by Inventor James L. Ebert

James L. Ebert has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11945260
    Abstract: A tractor or trailer axle replacement spindle and seal ring assembly includes a spindle with an elongate cylindrical body having bearing surfaces and threads. The seal ring is a shorter cylindrical component having an opening sized to achieve an interference fit with the spindle. The exterior surface of the spindle and the interior surface of the ring seal include complementary oblique, shoulders bounded by regions of constant diameter. The spindle also includes a shoulder or flange at its end opposite the threads which positively axially locates the seal ring thereon. When the two components are to be assembled, the seal ring is heated to several hundred degrees Fahrenheit and slid onto the spindle until the seal ring contacts the shoulder or flange on the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Patent number: 11897040
    Abstract: An axle boring assembly includes a portable power head or drive unit, a bearing pack to which the drive unit is attached, an adjusting base to which the bearing pack is adjustably secured and a mounting assembly which fits over a motor vehicle axle and to which the adjusting base is secured. The mounting assembly comprises a first section having axially spaced apart front and rear clamps and a substantially identical second section with matching spaced apart front and rear clamps. Threaded fasteners extend between the front and rear clamps and may be rotated to secure the mounting assembly about the end of the axle. Each clamp includes jaws which contact the axle and which may be selected from sets of various sizes and configurations to ensure accurate and suitable engagement of the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: James L. Ebert
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Patent number: 11198327
    Abstract: A replaceable replacement spindle assembly for both drive (tractor) axles and trailer axles comprises a spindle and seal ring. The spindle is an elongate cylinder having inner and outer bearing surfaces and a threaded portion at one end. The seal ring is a short annular or tubular component having a circular opening sized to achieve an interference fit on a portion of the spindle adjacent the inner bearing surface. The interfering surfaces of the spindle and the seal ring are complementarily dimensioned and tapered so that the surfaces contact when the spindle is properly positioned in the seal ring. Adjacent the end of the spindle opposite the bearing surfaces and threads is an end region with features such as openings or a channel which receive complementary fasteners such as plugs, short bolts or a through bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Publication number: 20210053396
    Abstract: A tractor or trailer axle replacement spindle and seal ring assembly includes a spindle with an elongate cylindrical body having bearing surfaces and threads. The seal ring is a shorter cylindrical component having an opening sized to achieve an interference fit with the spindle. The exterior surface of the spindle and the interior surface of the ring seal include complementary oblique, shoulders bounded by regions of constant diameter. The spindle also includes a shoulder or flange at its end opposite the threads which positively axially locates the seal ring thereon. When the two components are to be assembled, the seal ring is heated to several hundred degrees Fahrenheit and slid onto the spindle until the seal ring contacts the shoulder or flange on the spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Patent number: 10828935
    Abstract: A tractor or trailer axle replacement spindle and seal ring assembly includes a spindle with an elongate cylindrical body having bearing surfaces and threads. The seal ring is a shorter annular component having a circular opening sized to achieve an interference fit with the spindle. A portion of the exterior surface of the spindle and the interior surface of the ring seal includes complementary regions having a small, constant and equal taper. Preferably, at each end of the tapered regions of the spindle and the seal ring resides an annulus or cylindrical region of constant diameter. The spindle may also include a shoulder or flange at or adjacent its end opposite the threads which positively axially locates the seal ring thereon. When the two components are to be assembled, the seal ring is heated to several hundred degrees Fahrenheit and slid onto the spindle until the complementary tapered regions align.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Publication number: 20200316690
    Abstract: An axle boring assembly includes a portable power head or drive unit, a bearing pack to which the drive unit is attached, an adjusting base to which the bearing pack is adjustably secured and a mounting assembly which fits over a motor vehicle axle and to which the adjusting base is secured. The mounting assembly comprises a first section having axially spaced apart front and rear clamps and a substantially identical second section with matching spaced apart front and rear clamps. Threaded fasteners extend between the front and rear clamps and may be rotated to secure the mounting assembly about the end of the axle. Each clamp includes jaws which contact the axle and which may be selected from sets of various sizes and configurations to ensure accurate and suitable engagement of the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Publication number: 20200307311
    Abstract: A replaceable replacement spindle assembly for both drive (tractor) axles and trailer axles comprises a spindle and seal ring. The spindle is an elongate cylinder having inner and outer bearing surfaces and a threaded portion at one end. The seal ring is a short annular or tubular component having a circular opening sized to achieve an interference fit on a portion of the spindle adjacent the inner bearing surface. The interfering surfaces of the spindle and the seal ring are complementarily dimensioned and tapered so that the surfaces contact when the spindle is properly positioned in the seal ring. Adjacent the end of the spindle opposite the bearing surfaces and threads is an end region with features such as openings or a channel which receive complementary fasteners such as plugs, short bolts or a through bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Patent number: 10717132
    Abstract: An axle boring assembly includes a portable power head or drive unit, a bearing pack to which the drive unit is attached, an adjusting base to which the bearing pack is adjustably secured and a mounting assembly which fits over a motor vehicle axle and to which the adjusting base is secured. The mounting assembly comprises a first section having axially spaced apart front and rear clamps and a substantially identical second section with matching spaced apart front and rear clamps. Threaded fasteners extend between the front and rear clamps and may be rotated to secure the mounting assembly about the end of the axle. Each clamp includes jaws which contact the axle and which may be selected from sets of various sizes and configurations to ensure accurate and suitable engagement of the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Publication number: 20190299712
    Abstract: A tractor or trailer axle replacement spindle and seal ring assembly includes a spindle with an elongate cylindrical body having bearing surfaces and threads. The seal ring is a shorter annular component having a circular opening sized to achieve an interference fit with the spindle. A portion of the exterior surface of the spindle and the interior surface of the ring seal includes complementary regions having a small, constant and equal taper. Preferably, at each end of the tapered regions of the spindle and the seal ring resides an annulus or cylindrical region of constant diameter. The spindle may also include a shoulder or flange at or adjacent its end opposite the threads which positively axially locates the seal ring thereon. When the two components are to be assembled, the seal ring is heated to several hundred degrees Fahrenheit and slid onto the spindle until the complementary tapered regions align.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Patent number: 10145667
    Abstract: A shaft roundness gauge measures the roundness (or lack thereof) of a surface such as a bearing surface of a shaft or axle of a truck, tractor or trailer. The gauge comprehends a plurality of specifically sized rings or collars having inner diameters which correspond to common outside diameters of shafts, axles and other circular or cylindrical components. The ring includes a radial opening which receives a collet fitting which receives a probe housing of a dial indicator. A collet clamp may be tightened to secure the dial indicator to the ring. The ring and dial indicator are positioned on a shaft, at that position where the shaft or component is believed to be least worn. The dial indicator is zeroed and then the assembly is rotated around the shaft or component to determine, by the reading of the dial indicator, the location of and the extent of wear of the shaft or component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Publication number: 20180259313
    Abstract: A shaft roundness gauge measures the roundness (or lack thereof) of a surface such as a bearing surface of a shaft or axle of a truck, tractor or trailer. The gauge comprehends a plurality of specifically sized rings or collars having inner diameters which correspond to common outside diameters of shafts, axles and other circular or cylindrical components. The ring includes a radial opening which receives a collet fitting which receives a probe housing of a dial indicator. A collet clamp may be tightened to secure the dial indicator to the ring. The ring and dial indicator are positioned on a shaft, at that position where the shaft or component is believed to be least worn. The dial indicator is zeroed and then the assembly is rotated around the shaft or component to determine, by the reading of the dial indicator, the location of and the extent of wear of the shaft or component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Patent number: 9643292
    Abstract: A honing tool or device having a generally cylindrical body includes a plurality of axially extending webs to which are attached a like plurality of curved honing blades. A portion of the external surface of each blade remote from the attachment point includes an abrasive coating. The radius of curvature of the portion of the blades including the abrasive coating is nominally the same as the radius of the desired finish diameter of the bore. Resilient dampers are disposed behind the blades in the body to dampen vibrations. An additional plurality of webs may be disposed behind the blades to limit their inward translation. A double or tandem honing device includes a pair of the just described honing tools which are arranged in axially spaced apart relationship on a common shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Patent number: 9527346
    Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of securing hubs and bearings on truck spindles includes a first or inner nut, a locking ring or washer and a second or outer nut. The inner nut includes a plurality of axially oriented threaded openings. The locking ring or washer includes a radially inwardly directed key and fastener receiving features. The outer nut includes through aligned, axially oriented openings. A plurality of threaded fasteners extend through the openings in the outer nut, through the fastener receiving features in the locking ring and into the threaded openings in the inner nut. A method of installation is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Patent number: 9272574
    Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of securing hubs and bearings on truck spindles includes a flat or non-flat washer with a key and a nut having an integral and axially spaced locking ring with threads through the nut and locking ring complementary to threads on a spindle. The nut also includes a plurality of axially oriented threaded openings and a plurality of threaded fasteners that extend through apertures in the locking ring and into the threaded openings. An alternate embodiment includes a washer, a nut having threads complementary to threads on the spindle and a plurality of axially oriented threaded openings, a locking plate having a pattern of arcuate slots and a key which engages a keyway on the spindle and a plurality of fasteners which secure the locking plate to the nut in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Publication number: 20150196958
    Abstract: An axle boring assembly includes a portable power head or drive unit, a bearing pack to which the drive unit is attached, an adjusting base to which the bearing pack is adjustably secured and a mounting assembly which fits over a motor vehicle axle and to which the adjusting base is secured. The mounting assembly comprises a first section having axially spaced apart front and rear clamps and a substantially identical second section with matching spaced apart front and rear clamps. Threaded fasteners extend between the front and rear clamps and may be rotated to secure the mounting assembly about the end of the axle. Each clamp includes jaws which contact the axle and which may be selected from sets of various sizes and configurations to ensure accurate and suitable engagement of the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Patent number: 8939518
    Abstract: An improved replacement axle spindle includes a cylindrical wall exhibiting increasing thickness at increasing distances from the inner end which is secured to an axle. The wall thickness increases in correspondence with the load borne by the replacement spindle resulting in no loss of necessary strength and load carrying ability. Several different profiles are embodied in the present invention: a first embodiment utilizes a straight internal taper; a second embodiment utilizes a dual internal taper, first at a small angle and then at a larger angle; another embodiment utilizes a parabolic internal taper and yet another embodiment utilizes a straight external taper. All may be utilized to replace a tractor or a trailer axle spindle. The spindles save weight and facilitate lubricant flow from the tractor differential into the axle roller bearing assemblies after a repair procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Publication number: 20150000106
    Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of securing hubs and bearings on truck spindles includes a first or inner nut, a locking ring or washer and a second or outer nut. The inner nut includes a plurality of axially oriented threaded openings. The locking ring or washer includes a radially inwardly directed key and fastener receiving features. The outer nut includes through aligned, axially oriented openings. A plurality of threaded fasteners extend through the openings in the outer nut, through the fastener receiving features in the locking ring and into the threaded openings in the inner nut. A method of installation is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Publication number: 20140259673
    Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of securing hubs and bearings on truck spindles includes a flat or non-flat washer with a key and a nut having an integral and axially spaced locking ring with threads through the nut and locking ring complementary to threads on a spindle. The nut also includes a plurality of axially oriented threaded openings and a plurality of threaded fasteners that extend through apertures in the locking ring and into the threaded openings. An alternate embodiment includes a washer, a nut having threads complementary to threads on the spindle and a plurality of axially oriented threaded openings, a locking plate having a pattern of arcuate slots and a key which engages a keyway on the spindle and a plurality of fasteners which secure the locking plate to the nut in a desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Publication number: 20140141703
    Abstract: A honing tool or device having a generally cylindrical body includes a plurality of axially extending webs to which are attached a like plurality of curved honing blades. A portion of the external surface of each blade remote from the attachment point includes an abrasive coating. The radius of curvature of the portion of the blades including the abrasive coating is nominally the same as the radius of the desired finish diameter of the bore. Resilient dampers are disposed behind the blades in the body to dampen vibrations. An additional plurality of webs may be disposed behind the blades to limit their inward translation. A double or tandem honing device includes a pair of the just described honing tools which are arranged in axially spaced apart relationship on a common shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: James L. Ebert
  • Publication number: 20130207450
    Abstract: An improved replacement axle spindle includes a cylindrical wall exhibiting increasing thickness at increasing distances from the inner end which is secured to an axle. The wall thickness increases in correspondence with the load borne by the replacement spindle resulting in no loss of necessary strength and load carrying ability. Several different profiles are embodied in the present invention: a first embodiment utilizes a straight internal taper; a second embodiment utilizes a dual internal taper, first at a small angle and then at a larger angle; another embodiment utilizes a parabolic internal taper and yet another embodiment utilizes a straight external taper. All may be utilized to replace a tractor or a trailer axle spindle. The spindles save weight and facilitate lubricant flow from the tractor differential into the axle roller bearing assemblies after a repair procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: James L. Ebert