Abstract: Presently disclosed grip assemblies provide for a selectively removable and replaceable grip for a shaft. Such grip assemblies include a grip sleeve and a grip liner at least partially fixed to an inner grip surface of the grip sleeve. The grip liner is configured to expand as the grip sleeve and grip liner are positioned on the shaft. The grip liner includes a liner feature that engages a shaft feature, which may be integrally formed on the shaft, or may be formed on a shaft sheath on the shaft. Engagement of the liner feature with the shaft feature may align the grip sleeve to the shaft and may substantially prevent rotation of the grip sleeve with respect to the shaft once the grip sleeve is on the shaft. Presently disclosed grip sleeves may be selectively removed from the shaft without damaging the grip sleeve, and without requiring solvents or specialized tools.

Abstract: Presently disclosed grip assemblies provide for a selectively removable and replaceable grip for a shaft. Such grip assemblies include a grip sleeve and a grip liner at least partially fixed to an inner grip surface of the grip sleeve. The grip liner is configured to expand as the grip sleeve and grip liner are positioned on the shaft. The grip liner includes a liner feature that engages a shaft feature, which may be integrally formed on the shaft, or may be formed on a shaft sheath on the shaft. Engagement of the liner feature with the shaft feature may align the grip sleeve to the shaft and may substantially prevent rotation of the grip sleeve with respect to the shaft once the grip sleeve is on the shaft. Presently disclosed grip sleeves may be selectively removed from the shaft without damaging the grip sleeve, and without requiring solvents or specialized tools.

Abstract: Presently disclosed grip assemblies provide for a selectively removable and replaceable grip for a shaft. Such grip assemblies include a grip sleeve and a grip liner at least partially fixed to an inner grip surface of the grip sleeve. The grip liner is configured to expand between a resting conformation and an expanded conformation as the grip sleeve and grip liner are positioned on the shaft. The grip liner includes a liner feature that engages a shaft feature, which may be integrally formed on the shaft, or may be formed on a shaft sheath on the shaft. Engagement of the liner feature with the shaft feature may substantially prevent rotation of the grip sleeve with respect to the shaft once the grip sleeve is on the shaft. Presently disclosed grip sleeves may be selectively removed from the shaft without damaging the grip sleeve, and without requiring solvents or specialized tools.

Abstract: A wheel hub assembly is provided including a movable clutch ring for selective engagement between an engaged and disengaged position for providing driving torque from an axle shaft to a wheel hub. The clutch ring is in full-time engagement with external clutch teeth of the axle shaft and is movable to an engaged position with external clutch teeth of a coupler that is secured to the wheel hub. Furthermore, the coupler is provided with a travel limiter for preventing the clutch ring from traveling beyond a predetermined desired position along the coupler.

Abstract: A rotary seal machine is provided and includes a motor drive shaft which extends into and through a canister. A test seal specimen surrounds the shaft in the outer wall, and contaminant circulates through the canister for inducing leakage of the contaminant through the seal being tested. The seal and protruded shaft are visually exposed from outside the outer wall so that contaminant leakage past the seal can be visually detected.

Abstract: A shift mechanism for a vehicle wheel wherein a pneumatic annular actuator, through air pressurization and depressurization, produces clutch ring movement to engage and disengage the wheel from the vehicle's drive axle. The components of the wheel end providing an air tight cavity in which the clutch ring is manipulated and which is subjected to air pressure changes. The components include a pneumatic annular actuator, a CV-joint, a rotary seal between the actuator and the CV-joint and a vent passage formed between the air chamber and rotary seal and breaching said air tight cavity. An air line from said passage to non-contaminated ambient air to provide continuous ambient air pressure to said cavity.

Abstract: A shift mechanism for a vehicle wheel wherein a pneumatic annular actuator, through air pressurization and depressurization, produces clutch ring movement to engage and disengage the wheel from the vehicle's drive axle. The components of the wheel end providing an air tight cavity in which the clutch ring is manipulated and which is subjected to air pressure changes. The components include a pneumatic annular actuator, a CV-joint, a rotary seal between the actuator and the CV-joint and a vent passage formed between the air chamber and rotary seal and breaching said air tight cavity. An air line from said passage to non-contaminated ambient air to provide continuous ambient air pressure to said cavity.

Abstract: An assembly for converting a vehicle between two-wheel and four-wheel drive. The assembly includes a bell form of a constant velocity joint being supported by a bearing mounted to one of the vehicle knuckle and the wheel hub. The bell form further includes a collar that has a connector, and a spindle of the wheel hub has a connector in close proximity to the bell form connector. A clutch ring actuated by an actuator is moved by the actuator between engagement with one of the connectors and engagement with both of the connectors.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly including a live spindle secured to a wheel hub at an outboard end. A bearing surrounding the spindle and abutted against a shoulder on the spindle. Said bearing preloaded by a retention structure that slidably engages the bearing to compress the bearing against the shoulder. A clutch ring slidably engages splines associated with the live spindle and with an axle portion to connect and disconnect the axle to the live spindle and accordingly the wheel hub.

Abstract: An annular actuator for moving a member axially to couple and un couple a drive member with a driven member of a vehicle drive train. The actuator encircles the drive and driven member. The actuator has a housing to which a diaphragm is mounted. A spring biases the diaphragm to move in one axial direction and withdrawal of air forces the diaphragm to move in the opposite axial direction. A shifting fork coupled to the diaphragm moves a clutch ring in the one axial direction to be coupled with only one of the drive and driven members and is coupled with both the drive and driven members when moved in the opposite direction. The actuator defines a sealed chamber that is totally non-rotatable with relative movement occurring between the shifting fork and the clutch ring.