Abstract: An improved method for producing a brake drum which balances a brake drum defining an inner surface and an axis. Balancing specifications are determined which correct an imbalance of the brake drum about the axis. Material is removed from the inner surface, which forms a cylindrical surface preferably defining a braking surface of the brake drum, to balance the brake drum according to the balancing specifications. It is a further feature of the invention to remove material surrounding a pilot hole initially formed in the brake drum, wherein the removal of the material also correlates to the balancing specifications.

Abstract: An improved method for final balancing a brake drum determines the location and length of a first constant depth cut and a second constant depth cut along the squealer band which are necessary to correct the imbalance, and using a cutting machine, makes the first and second constant depth cuts at the predetermined location and for the predetermined length along the squealer band to produce a final balanced brake drum. Preferably, the cutting machine is a milling machine which produces a plunge type entrance/exit cut. It is a further feature of the invention to provide a feather type entrance/exit cut to reduce the stress concentrations, and produce a cosmetically more appealing final balanced brake drum.

Abstract: An improved method for final balancing a brake drum determines the location and length of a first constant depth cut and a second constant depth cut along the squealer band which are necessary to correct the imbalance, and using a cutting machine, makes the first and second constant depth cuts at the predetermined location and for the predetermined length along the squealer band to produce a final balanced brake drum. Preferably, the cutting machine is a milling machine which produces a plunge type entrance/exit cut. It is a further feature of the invention to provide a feather type entrance/exit cut to reduce the stress concentrations, and produce a cosmetically more appealing final balanced brake drum.

Abstract: An improved method for final balancing a brake drum determines the location and length of a first constant depth cut and a second constant depth cut along the squealer band which are necessary to correct the imbalance, and using a cutting machine, makes the first and second constant depth cuts at the predetermined location and for the predetermined length along the squealer band to produce a final balanced brake drum. Preferably, the cutting machine is a milling machine which produces a plunge type entrance/exit cut. It is a further feature of the invention to provide a feather type entrance/exit cut to reduce the stress concentrations, and produce a cosmetically more appealing final balanced brake drum.

Abstract: An improved method for final balancing a brake drum determines the location and length of a first constant depth cut and a second constant depth cut along the squealer band which are necessary to correct the imbalance, and using a cutting machine, makes the first and second constant depth cuts at the predetermined location and for the predetermined length along the squealer band to produce a final balanced brake drum. Preferably, the cutting machine is a milling machine which produces a plunge type entrance/exit cut. It is a further feature of the invention to provide a feather type entrance/exit cut to reduce the stress concentrations, and produce a cosmetically more appealing final balanced brake drum.

Abstract: An improved method for final balancing the brake drum determines the location and length of a constant depth cut along the squealer band which is necessary to correct the imbalance, and using a cutting machine, makes the constant depth cut at the predetermined location and for the predetermined length along the squealer band to produce a final balanced brake drum. Preferably, the cutting machine is a milling machine which produces a plunge type entrance/exit cut. It is a further feature of the invention to provide a feather type entrance/exit cut to reduce the stress concentrations, and produce a cosmetically more appealing final balanced brake drum.

Abstract: An improved method for final balancing the brake drum determines the location and length of a constant depth cut along the squealer band which is necessary to correct the imbalance, and using a cutting machine, makes the constant depth cut at the predetermined location and for the predetermined length along the squealer band to produce a final balanced brake drum. Preferably, the cutting machine is a milling machine which produces a plunge type entrance/exit cut. It is a further feature of the invention to provide a feather type entrance/exit cut to reduce the stress concentrations, and produce a cosmetically more appealing final balanced brake drum.

Abstract: A system for final balancing of first machined cast metal brake drums using a conventional static balancer with an electronic ounce/inch imbalance recorder and a conventional lathe with adjustable chuck and cutting tool controlled by computer developed analogs for a recorded ounce/inch imbalance.

Abstract: A spacer block for dual inner and outer tire carrying rims having a medial portion with a depending keeper tang for selective positioning within a keeper groove on the spoke ends of a wheel.

Abstract: Tire carrying rims seated and locked on vehicle wheels by fastening assemblies. A wheel has spoke members with dimensioned felloe surfaces for mating engagement with a radially inclined surface on a rim base edge portion and for coaction with a series of clamp lugs having radially inwardly directed leg portions and being integrally secured to a radially directed axially outer rim base surface. Rims may be dual mounted in mating, seating or full surface engagement with coacting felloe surfaces of the rim and wheel by full tightening of the fastening assemblies.

Abstract: Two-piece rim for mounting tires, single or dual, on a wheel. The removable bead ring has an axial projection intended for engagement by restraining means mounted on the wheel in the event a tire on said rim is unintentionally deflated. Various forms of restraining means are provided.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel for dual mounting of inner and outer tire carrying rims having a radially inwardly projecting component using a spacer or separating means. The spacer may be conventional or may be one of the spacer embodiments disclosed herein. The wheel felloe portions have a concave and axially extending pocket therein housing the axially projecting component of a fastening assembly for locking the rims and spacer on the wheel. The axially inner end of the pocket terminates at a radially directed surface providing a mounting location for the fastening assembly axial component and intersecting a radially inclined felloe surface for seating the inner rim on the wheel. The axially outer end of the pocket has spaced-apart axially projecting wing portions for seating the outer rim on the wheel. The novel spacer embodiments are non-compressible and precisely located relative to a felloe portion pocket by engagement with a fastening assembly axial component.

Abstract: A rim, wheel and fastening assembly. The rim has radially outwardly directed bead flanges and a radially inwardly projecting mounting flange with an axially extending portion attached to the rim between the bead flanges. The rim mounting flange has a radially inclined portion and a radially directed portion with inwardly facing surfaces. The wheel has a felloe portion with outwardly facing radially inclined and radially directed surfaces for mating engagement with the conforming rim flange surfaces. The fastening assembly includes a shank component projecting axially from a radially directed wheel felloe surface and through a radially directed rim flange portion and a rotatable component with a radially oriented surface for fastening a rim flange on a wheel felloe. The fastening assembly also includes a clamp element with radially inclined and radially directed surfaces for mating engagement with conforming rim flange surfaces.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel for dual mounting of inner and outer tire carrying rims having a radially inwardly projecting component using a spacer or separating means. The spacer may be conventional or may be one of the spacer embodiments disclosed herein. The wheel felloe portions have a concave and axially extending pocket therein housing the axially projecting component of a fastening assembly for locking the rims and spacer on the wheel. The axially inner end of the pocket terminates at a radially directed surface providing a mounting location for the fastening assembly axial component and intersecting a radially inclined felloe surface for seating the inner rim on the wheel. The axially outer end of the pocket has spaced-apart axially projecting wing portions for seating the outer rim on the wheel. The novel spacer embodiments are non-compressible and precisely located relative to a felloe portion pocket by engagement with a fastening assembly axial component .[.The novel.]. .Iadd.In one form, the .Iaddend.