Abstract: A boat has installed therein a primary propulsion system to produce a thrust at least in the longitudinal direction, manual controls for controlling the primary propulsion system, a transverse propulsion system for producing a transverse thrust, and a joystick control for controlling the primary and transverse propulsion systems for navigation at slow speed or in docking manoeuvres. An electronic control unit controls the propulsion systems and receives information on the instantaneous speed of the boat and on the instantaneous distance between the boat and an obstacle such as the coast, the bottom or floating or half-submerged bodies. The electronic unit is so arranged that when the boat is located at a distance from an obstacle less than a predetermined distance it controls the propulsion systems to reduce the speed of the boat to below a predetermined limit, disables the manual controls of the primary propulsion system and enables the joystick control.

Abstract: A boat has installed therein a primary propulsion system to produce a thrust at least in the longitudinal direction, manual controls for controlling the primary propulsion system, a transverse propulsion system for producing a transverse thrust, and a joystick control for controlling the primary and transverse propulsion systems for navigation at slow speed or in docking manoeuvres. An electronic control unit controls the propulsion systems and receives information on the instantaneous speed of the boat and on the instantaneous distance between the boat and an obstacle such as the coast, the bottom or floating or half-submerged bodies. The electronic unit is so arranged that when the boat is located at a distance from an obstacle less than a predetermined distance it controls the propulsion systems to reduce the speed of the boat to below a predetermined limit, disables the manual controls of the primary propulsion system and enables the joystick control.

Abstract: A suspension standard (10) for a motor vehicle has a cylindrical seat (11) for accommodating the outer, non-rotating race (13) of a wheel hub bearing (12). At least one body (16; 16′, 16″; 22) distinct from the standard (10) and the outer bearing race (13) has end portions (16a, 16b) extending in a radially outer direction on opposite sides (10a, 10b) of the standard so as to axially lock the bearing with respect to the standard.

Abstract: In a vehicle wheel hub bearing unit the bearing forms a rotating radial flange (11) adapted for securing to a radial flange (12) of a disc or drum brake member and rotate fixedly therewith. The brake flange (12) is located in the same radial plane of the bearing flange (11) and secured directly to the peripheral portion thereof. Radial bulk of the bearing assembly is reduced and deformation of the bearing races and braking surface is avoided.

Abstract: A rolling contact bearing is fitted at one end thereof with a sealing device and a device for measuring the relative revolving speed between the bearing races. The sealing device comprises a metal insert (10) of annular shape fast for rotation with the rotating bearing race (11). The speed measuring device comprises a multipolar ring (18) mounted to the metal insert (10) and provided with magnetized segments of alternate polarity in the circumferential direction. The multipolar ring (18) is a ring of plastoferrite co-molded to the metal insert (10). Formed on the insert (10) is formed a plurality of radial recesses (21) adapted to yield, in the co-molding operation, a corresponding plurality of radial protrusions (22) in the multipolar ring (18). The radial recesses and protrusions (21, 22) are mutually engaged so as to prevent relative rotation between the multipolar ring (18) and the metal insert (10), but allow relative radial displacement owing to thermal variations.

Abstract: In a device for reversibly locking a constant-velocity joint (2) with respect to a hub (1), the constant-velocity joint is axially locked to the hub by means of a spring-lock ring (21) of circular cross section recessed in a circumferential groove (22) in part formed on said joint (2) and in part on said hub (1). The joint comprises reaction means (24) integral therewith, particularly a rigid annular diaphragm disposed adjacent to the hub and facing an axial through bore (15) formed in the hub. The diaphragm is adapted for co-operation with an extraction tool (28) that can be inserted through the hub bore (15) in order to apply to the joint (2) and the spring-lock ring (21) an axial force with relative to the hub in either direction so as to separate or couple the joint (2) from or to the hub.

Abstract: A rolling contact bearing is described with a sealing device suitable to discharge the electrostatic currents which accumulate in a autovehicle; the sealing device (13, 32) has at least one sealing element (17, 37, 43) made of elastic conductive material integral with the stationary race (11) of the bearing and said sealing element engages, by sliding contact, a surface (21, 22, 40, 41, 33) integral with the rotating race (10, 35) of the bearing. The sealing element made of elastic conductive material (17, 37, 43) co-operates with the sealing device (13, 32) to form a hermetically sealed chamber (26, 24, 39, 44); said chamber contains electrically conductive grease and is placed between the outside environment and the bearing inner portions (14) which normally contain lubricant grease.

Abstract: Integrated wheel and wheel hub assembly for a vehicle, including a wheel hub (3), a wheel (2), carried by the wheel hub (3), a suspension mount (5) to connect the wheel hub (3) to the vehicle body, a rolling bearing, interposed between the wheel hub (3) and the suspension mount (5), and a brake rotor (39). The wheel includes a a rim (10) for the insertion of a tire (11) and a wheel flange (13), substantially radial, to connect the rim (10) with the wheel hub (3), the empty wheel flange (13) being prepared as an independent component, both of the rim (10) and of the wheel hub (3), and being connected solidly axially and angularly and in a secured manner to the wheel huo (3), and being connectable in a removable way to the rim (10).

Abstract: A disc or drum brake member is usually connected to the flange of the bearing of a motor vehicle wheel; possible manufacturing errors in the flange of the bearing, and/or the brake member cause, on tightening the wheel to the flange, deformations in the bearing tracks and the active surfaces of the brake member; to avoid this, an elastically-yielding connection element is interposed, connected to the bearing on one side and the brake member on the other side, and constituted by a bell of sheet metal, dimensioned to present a high torsional rigidity associated with a limited axial rigidity to absorb and neutralise the tensions produced on tightening the screws holding the wheel to the flange of the bearing, even in the presence of manufacturing errors on the corresponding facing surfaces of the parts to be joined.

Abstract: There is disclosed a wheel hub or hub unit of the type having a radial hub flange (13) providing connection to the wheel (40) and to a brake member (10) having an annular disc portion having a plurality of ears (11) radially protruding from its inner edge. The hub flange (13) defines a plurality of axial passages, in the form of peripheral radial recesses (19) or bores (17, 17') for slipping a plurality of axial pins (30) to be fitted in holes (12) obtained in the brake member ears (11) and in openings (22) obtained in at least one radial wall (23) of a brake carrier (20) rotatably fast with the hub (14) to rotationally secure the brake member (10) to the hub. When the wheel (40) is mounted on the outside of the hub flange, axial movement of the pins towards the outside is stopped by the wheel.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a rolling element bearing includes first and second screens fixed respectively to first and second rings of the bearing, with each screen including a respective rigid reinforcement and a respective elastomeric covering. The first screen includes a sleeve portion and a flange portion and also includes two sealing lips which cooperate with a sealing surface of the second screen. The first screen also has an annular projection extending from the sleeve portion that is adapted to be interposed, together with an extension of the elastomeric covering, between the front surface of the first ring of the bearing and a shoulder of the bearing itself. The second screen has a phonic wheel defined by a flange portion of the rigid reinforcement and a magnetized portion of the elastomeric covering. The elastomeric covering of the second screen has a front surface projecting beyond the front surface of the first ring.

Abstract: The hub of a wheel of a motor vehicle, defined by a flanged ring of a rolling element bearing, is joined to a corresponding constant velocity universal joint by a coupling capable of transmitting torque even in the most extreme operating conditions; an intermediate ring is interposed between the hub and the joint, mounted with slight interference or with some play on a suitable smooth cylindrical centring seat of the hub and then locked axially to the hub by means of the plastic deformation of an edge at the end of the hub; the intermediate ring is provided with two opposite splined couplings defined, for example, by sets of axial teeth, one internal and the other external, disposed at one end of the ring itself, and capable of interlocking respectively with corresponding teeth for a splined coupling of the joint and the hub; alternatively, the two teeth are both formed within the intermediate ring and the teeth coupled with the hub are disposed between the races of the rolling element bearing; the intermedia

Abstract: In a vehicle wheel hub bearing unit the bearing forms a rotating radial flange (11) adapted for securing to a radial flange (12) of a disc or drum brake member and rotate fixedly therewith. The brake flange (12) is located in the same radial plane as the bearing flange (11) and secured directly to the peripheral portion thereof. Radial bulk of the bearing assembly is reduced and deformation of the bearing races and braking surface is avoided.

Abstract: A hub-wheel assembly having a rolling bearing wherein the rolling bodies roll between an inner ring having a flange for connection to the wheel and to the brake disk, and an outer ring having a flange for connection to the suspension upright. The bearing has an applied element in turn having two ears for connection of the brake calipers, and which is connected peripherally to the flange of the outer ring; and the applied element and the flange of the outer ring are made angularly integral with each other by pins engaging respective holes formed partly along the edge of the applied element and partly along the mating edge of the flange of the outer ring.

Abstract: A ball bearing for the hub (4) of a vehicle wheel comprises a dual set of bearing balls in angular contact wherein the inner race of the axially innermost set (5) of bearing balls consists of an annular member (6) fitted onto the hub (4). The annular member (6) is secured to the hub (4) by a welding (11) performed between the axially inner end portion (14) of the hub (4) and the annular member (6) or a washer (10) adjacent thereto. At least one of the two welded parts has a low carbon content portion at the welding zone.

Abstract: In a ball bearing for an automobile wheel hub comprising a double set of balls, the inner race is composed of two half-races to allow mounting of one of the two sets of balls. A first set of balls (2) is located between an outer race (3) and a facing portion of the hub (4). A second set of balls (5) is located between the outer race (3) and an inner half-race (6) fixed onto the hub (4). The inner half-race (6) is secured by an ring-like end portion (9) of the hub (4) folded by cold forming. A substantially flat washer (10) is interposed between said inner half-race (6) and the ring-like end portion (9).

Abstract: A bearing-upright unit supporting a rotary hub of a vehicle wheel, wherein the bearing has the inner ring fitted to the rotary hub of the wheel, and the outer ring locked stably to the upright; and the outer ring has an asymmetrical tubular projection extending from only one side of the outer ring, and which is interference-fitted to the upright and locked axially by cold rolling the outer edge of the projection. Advantages: assembly is simplified by involving fewer operations; the outer ring is of simple design, small size, and cheap to produce; the upright may be of simpler design, lighter in weight, and therefore cheaper to produce; and, in the case of an aluminium upright, the outer ring remains safely and firmly locked to the upright at high temperature, by virtue of the greater axial expansion of the upright with respect to the outer ring compensating for any reduction in radial interference.

Abstract: A wheel hub unit in which an inner ring of a rolling bearing acts as a wheel hub and is rigidly connected to an outer cap of a constant-velocity universal joint; the inner ring is formed by a first element having a first race for the rolling bodies and a sleeve-shaped connecting portion and a second annular element provided with a second race for the rolling bodies, which is fixed to a first length of the sleeve-shaped portion so as to be rigid for rotation therewith, the second element being in abutment with an axial shoulder of the first element adjacent the first race and being axially locked thereagainst by means of the plastic deformation of a stop member; the cap of the joint being coupled with a second, splined length of the sleeve-shaped portion on which it is axially snap engaged.

Abstract: Support unit for a free running element, especially a nondriving wheel of a vehicle, consisting of a first and second support element mounted coaxially and rotatably relative to each other; a first pair of opposing annular raceways cooperating by angular contact with the first set of rolling elements and provided externally on the first support element and internally on the second support element; an annular element carried externally on the initial support element; a second pair of opposing annular raceways cooperating by angular contact with the second set of rolling elements and provided externally on the annular element and internally on the second support element, half-cones engaging in an annular groove provided externally in the first support element and cooperating with the annular element to hold it in cooperation with the second set of rolling elements; and a retaining ring capable of holding the half-cones engaged in the annular groove of the first support element, characterized in that said retain

Abstract: The belt stretcher unit is designed for assembly on a drive provided with a flexible member, e.g. for motor vehicles and consists of a pin, pivoting round a first axis, and of a pulley turning on the pin round a second axis eccentric with the first; the pulley is supported on the pin by at least one rolling bearing, and between the pin and the bearing, provision is made for an annular element made of elastic material.