Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle is disclosed. In some embodiments, the suspension system includes a wheel arch. In some embodiments, a wheel arch includes a gear track. In some embodiments, a wheel axle is coupled to a first and a second end of the wheel arch. In some embodiments, a steradian shaped wheel is mounted on the wheel axle. In some embodiments, a motor frame is coupled to a chassis of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the motor frame includes a lean motor configured to engage with the gear track. In some embodiments, actuation of the lean motor causes the wheel arch to rotate along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to create a change in a camber angle of the wheel.

Abstract: A roller assembly for a storage unit enabling rolling of the storage unit on a surface includes a set of bearings and a set of couplers. The bearings are ball transfer type. Each coupler is coupled to a respective bearing and is configured to couple to a bottom of the storage unit so that the coupler is coupled the respective bearing to the bottom of the storage unit. The set of bearings is configured to facilitate rolling of the storage unit and contents thereof along the surface.

Abstract: Provided is a moving body capable of transmitting driving force of a drive unit to a spherical wheel without a separation between the spherical wheel and the drive unit even in the case where the moving body receives impact due to the road surface condition or the like. The moving body (10) is a self-sustained mobile robot. The moving body (10) includes a spherical wheel (21), a drive unit (22) which is in contact with the spherical wheel (21) to give a rotational driving force to the spherical wheel (21), a support (31) which supports the drive unit (22), and a biasing mechanism (41) which is suspended from the support (31) and abuts on the spherical wheel (21) to bias the spherical wheel (21) in a direction toward the support (31).

Abstract: Implementations relate to a spherical wheel drive and mounting. In some implementations, a wheel mechanism includes a spherical wheel, a base, and a rotary bearing coupled to the base and contacting a surface of the spherical wheel, where the rotary bearing configured to allow the spherical wheel to rotate. The wheel mechanism includes an omni wheel coupled to the base and engaged with a surface of the spherical wheel, and an actuator coupled to the base and to the omni wheel, where the actuator configured to rotate the omni wheel to cause rotation of the spherical wheel.

Abstract: Implementations relate to a brake mechanism for a spherical wheel. In some implementations, a wheel mechanism includes a spherical wheel and a base coupled to the spherical wheel via a rotary bearing contacting a surface of the spherical wheel, where the rotary bearing is configured to allow the spherical wheel to rotate. The wheel mechanism includes a brake ring coupled to the base and configured to selectively engage and disengage the surface of the spherical wheel, where the brake ring provides friction opposing rotation of the spherical wheel when engaged.

Abstract: The present utility model refers to a rolling device and, more particularly, an improved multi-directional ball caster-type device having an increased slope, which means a smaller angular slope level, or a more acute inclination angle between the central vertical axis of the device and the surface upon which it rolls. The slope, or inclination angle of the present improved device is from 62° to 50°, or less. As the inclinations angle can be more acute, the object supported on the rolling system, e.g. a luggage case, can be more sloped without having friction between the main ball involving structure and the ground.

Abstract: A rolling device for a device that is to be moved along a surface is described. The rolling device comprises a cylinder with an opening at one end and a piston that is arranged reciprocally movably in the cylinder such that the piston can be moved between an upper position in the cylinder and a lower position in the cylinder. The piston comprises a rolling element that is arranged in a first end portion of the piston that faces the cylinder opening and that rolls on the surface when the device is to be moved. The rolling device further comprises an actuator system for movement of the piston between the upper position and the lower position in the cylinder.

Abstract: A mobile component having a roller bearing unit, in particular a mobile component having a steering roller, a roller, in particular a drive roller, being rotationally braced in a pivot unit, which is supported via a pivot bearing on the frame of the mobile component, the axes of rotation of the two pivot bearings in particular being aligned perpendicularly with respect to each other, the axis of rotation of the pivot bearing for pivoting parallel to the direction of the normal of the normal of the driving surface of the mobile component touched by the roller, a drum brake being developed on the roller, the actuation of the drum brake being able to be brought about by an electromagnet, which is connected on the frame of the mobile component, the drum brake being able to be actuated by the electromagnet via a wedge gear.

Abstract: A wheel pad for moving an object across a surface having non-planar obstructions to allow movement of the object across the surface. The wheel pad has a contact pad and a load bearing assembly. The contact pad has an outer skin enclosing a fluid and a torus bearing. The torus bearing has a plurality of bearings, with each adjacent bearing rotatably joined by a connector that allows the bearings to independently rotate. The load bearing assembly has a load transfer mechanism and a load transfer device. The load transfer mechanism has a plurality of recirculating bearings moveably positioned inside a ball chamber. The load transfer device interacts with, but moves independently of, the load transfer mechanism to transfer the weight of the object to the contact pad, which weight is transferred to a lower surface thereof by the fluid and torus bearing to provide omnidirectional movement for the wheel pad.

Abstract: A universal rotating module is provided. The universal rotating module comprises a suspension carrier, a top cover, a globular element, and a plurality of cushion members. The suspension carrier includes a through hole and a plurality of first fixing portions beside the through hole. The top cover includes a plurality of second fixing portions. The globular element is disposed between the suspension carrier and the top cover. A portion of the globular element passes through the through hole. Each of the cushion members is correspondingly connected with the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion.

Abstract: A multidirectional wheel assembly for facilitating a cart to be moved in any direction at any time. The assembly includes a cup that is coupled to a leg of a cart. A sphere is rotatably positioned in the cup and the sphere rolls along a support surface. The sphere is rotatable in a selectable direction in the cup to facilitate the cart to be urged in the selectable direction.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for handling and translating high level radioactive waste. The apparatus comprises a body for supporting the cask close to the ground so that the cask and the apparatus can pass underneath over head doors. The apparatus further comprises rollers for translating the cask. The apparatus additionally supports the storage cask during spent nuclear fuel transfer procedures.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus including a top member configured to couple with an anatomical appendage or a structure thereof; a bottom member rotatably attached to the top member; and a movement-enabling means for enabling the apparatus to move across a surface substantially without interruption, wherein the movement-enabling means comprises a turntable bearing between the top member and the bottom member, and a rolling mechanism about a bottom surface of the bottom member.

Abstract: A ball transfer unit support may include a top ring, an upper portion adjacent to the top ring, a lower portion, and a shoulder located between the upper portion and the lower portion. The shoulder may be configured to support a ball transfer unit. The top ring may be in the shape of a truncated circle, and the top ring may snap into an aperture in a top skin of a ball panel. The top ring may include a retaining lip which snaps below the top skin. The truncated circle shape of the top ring may provide anti-rotation between the ball transfer unit support and the ball panel. The ball transfer unit support may transfer load on the ball transfer unit to a bottom skin of the ball panel.

Abstract: A conveying system includes rolling bodies each with a rolling element cage and rolling elements. The rolling elements are arranged in recesses of the rolling element cage and for the rolling in a guide channel. In each case two or three or more rolling elements form a roller set, and the rolling elements of a roller set roll on one another as well as on the guide channel, and at least one roller set is present per rolling body. The conveying system includes at least two guide channels which run at an essentially constant distance to one another and together form a guide path; and at least two rolling bodies are connected to one other by way of a connection element, into a conveying element, and the conveying element with its at least two rolling bodies is movable in at least two guide channels along the guide path.

Abstract: A shelving layout concept which allows selective configuration and reconfiguration of the orientation of certain shelving systems within the central portion of a store to create a PrimeZone area including an assembly of End Caps, Center Caps, Power Sets, Corner Boards, Hot Spots and Banner Boards, the combination of which provides a solution for enabling retailers to re-invigorate their Center Store, increase their vendor promotional revenue, and increase their in-store sales due to more favorable consumer response to greater promotional activity and the continuing change of product venues in key areas of the store layout. The concept also includes novel hardware which enables the reconfiguration of the shelving layout to accommodate vendors' desire to change display schemes.

Abstract: A ball wheel assembly including a wheel ball is provided. The assembly further includes first and second legs. The legs include a mounting portion and a ring-shaped leg cover. The legs are secured together proximate to the mounting portions. The legs further include a leg ball bearing retaining ring and leg ball bearings. The leg ball bearing retaining ring and leg ball bearings are positioned between the leg cover and the wheel ball. The assembly further includes a top housing. The top housing includes a top housing cover, a housing ball bearing retaining ring, and housing ball bearings. The top housing is secured to the legs, and the housing ball bearing retaining ring and housing ball bearings are positioned between the top housing cover and the wheel ball.

Abstract: A glider that attaches to the bottom of the legs of a walker is disclosed. The glider, preferably a ball made from wood, provides the walker with additional stability and mobility. The glider includes a hole with a rubber stopper that secures the glider to the leg of a walker. A screw is first inserted into the glider and then a design is created on the glider. The screw is removed and then a hole is drilled over the same spot, large enough to fit the leg of a walker. A rubber stopper is inserted into the hole to help secure the leg of the walker to the glider. A scribe line can be included around the opposite end of the glider to inform users of when to replace the glider.

Abstract: A universal-joint roller for an exercise apparatus includes a main body, a ball roller, and an arresting ring. The main body has a connecting bar at one end thereof and a receiving portion at the other end thereof. Three layers of ball grooves are disposed within the receiving portion for receiving several balls in certain position to enclose the circumference of the ball roller. Thereafter, the ball roller is received by the hollow arresting ring in position such that the ball roller is exposed from the arresting ring to achieve an expected rolling movement in all directions.

Abstract: A wheelchair is provided with front anti-tip wheels adapted to assist the wheelchair in mounting an obstacle that the wheelchair approaches obliquely. The anti-tip wheels may function as casters, capable of rotating about a vertical axis, or may be fixed for rotation about a horizontal axis only. The anti-tip wheels may include lateral convex surfaces which tend to allow the anti-tip wheel to slide or roll over the obstacle. The lateral convex surfaces may be provided by a laterally oriented rolling element, a convex-shaped hub, a convex-shaped housing that partially surrounds the wheel, or a ball-shaped wheel. Alternatively, rotation of the anti-tip wheel may be controlled such that the wheel rolling surface faces and engages the obstacle.

Abstract: A hand-pushed mower of which blade height setter is provided with a sphere rolling on the ground, many small spheres holding the sphere as to freely roll, a semi-spherical receiving member forming a gap between an upper spherical face of the sphere to hold the many small spheres in the gap, and a scraping ring frame portion disposed to be parallel to and having a predetermined interval with a lower end edge of the semi-spherical receiving member. The scraping ring frame portion is disposed to be near the surface of the sphere as to scrape foreign matter on the surface of the sphere. A window portion for removing the foreign matter is formed between the lower end edge of the semi-spherical receiving member and the scraping ring frame portion.

Abstract: A caster assembly that can be used with furniture to support the furniture and to make the furniture mobile. The caster assembly has a housing with a stem that extends upwardly to be attached to the particular piece of furniture. Within the housing is a plurality of spherical rollers that are supported within the housing so as to be rotatable about their center points and therefore can rotate in any direction as the furniture is moved. In the preferred embodiment, there are three spherical rollers that are all equidistant from the center line or longitudinal axis of the stem so that the weight of the furniture that bears down upon the stem is supported equally by the spherical rollers contacting the floor. As a further feature, a glide cup is provided that can be readily attached and detached from the bottom of the housing and, whet attached, the glide cup covers the spherical rollers and presents a flat, planar surface that contacts the floor.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a ball plunger wherein a main ball of the ball plunger is rotated surely and smoothly, when a mold, jig or other article is fixed, positioned, or transported. Another object is to control and keep constant the main ball projection height from a surface fixed to the ball plunger. A plurality of the sub balls are accommodated on the bottom portion of the ball roller which farther accommodates the main ball on the sub balls, thereby reducing the rolling friction between the main ball and the sub balls. Thus, the main ball rolls smoothly. The ball roller and the spring is inserted into the casing. Finally, the spring is fixed to the casing by the coupling ring such as a c-shaped ring.

Abstract: A caster assembly that can be used with furniture to support the furniture and to make the furniture mobile. The caster assembly has a housing with a stem that extends upwardly to be attached to the particular piece of furniture. Within the housing is a plurality of spherical rollers that are supported within the housing so as to be rotatable about their center points and therefore can rotate in any direction as the furniture is moved. In the preferred embodiment, there are three spherical rollers that are all equidistant from the center line or longitudinal axis of the stem so that the weight of the furniture that bears down upon the stem is supported equally by the spherical rollers contacting the floor. As a further feature, a glide cup is provided that can be readily attached and detached from the bottom of the housing and, whet attached, the glide cup covers the spherical rollers and presents a flat, planar surface that contacts the floor.

Abstract: A caster assembly that can be used with furniture to support the furniture and to make the furniture mobile. The caster assembly has a housing with a stem that extends upwardly to be attached to the particular piece of furniture. Within the housing is a plurality of spherical rollers that are supported within the housing so as to be rotatable about their center points and therefore can rotate in any direction as the furniture is moved. In the preferred embodiment, there are three spherical rollers that are all equidistant from the center line or longitudinal axis of the stem so that the weight of the furniture that bears down upon the stem is supported equally by the spherical rollers contacting the floor. As a further feature, a glide cup is provided that can be readily attached and detached from the bottom of the housing and, whet attached, the glide cup covers the spherical rollers and presents a flat, planar surface that contacts the floor.

Abstract: A caster structure including a seat body, a linking member, a caster seat and a lower bearing cover. The linking member is integrally formed with an upper bearing cover. The seat body is formed with a differential fixing hole and the top of the linking member is formed with a fixing section. The shape of the cross-section of the fixing section is an internal tangential circle of the differential fixing hole. When the fixing section is passed through the fixing hole and compressed and fixedly riveted, the fixing section will form a differential section complementary to the fixing hole. Accordingly, the linking member is firmly connected with the seat body without rotation.

Abstract: A ball-type anti-friction device which has a housing, a ball cage mounted within the housing for movement relative to the housing between a lower inactive position and an upper active position. The ball cage contains a relatively large ball mounted on relatively small bearing balls so that when the ball cage is in the lower or inactive position, the large ball is below the top surface of the housing and when the ball cage is in the upper or active position, the ball extends above the top surface of the housing. In a first embodiment, the housing contains a double acting fluid drive system. The fluid drive system includes two fluid chambers and a piston connected to the ball cage. The piston is selectively actuated by selective pressurization of the two fluid chambers. In a second embodiment, the ball cage is actuated by a single acting fluid drive system. A piston is connected to the ball cage and is biased downwardly to normally maintain the ball cage and large ball in the lower or inactive position.

Abstract: A dual roller assembly adapted to simultaneously rotate along perpendicular surfaces. The roller assembly comprises a pair of telescopically engaging shaft members sized to rotate and move axially of one another. A first of the shaft member, mounts first and second interfitting cylindrical members receiving a rotary caster ball, where the rotary caster ball is supported for rotative movement within the roller unit formed by the interfitting cylindrical members, by a first ball bearing ring. The second shaft member mounts a cylindrical cap member for receiving a second ball bearing ring in rotary contact with the second cylindrical member, and finally, the second shaft member further mounts a fixed annular ring spaced from the cylindrical cap member, and an encircling compression spring on the second shaft member extending between the cylindrical cap member and the annular ring, to provide shock obsorbing features thereto.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven for controlled acquisition and distribution of liquid, comprising at least a first support layer and a first bulky layer, the bulky layer functioning to acquire and distribute liquid and the support layer being suitable for use either as a coverstock or as a transfer layer between the bulky layer and a liquid retention layer, the support layer and the bulky layer being bonded together, by non-chemical bonding, by a network of individual bonding points to form a liquid control system that facilitates liquid distribution within the individual layers and liquid transfer between the layers, the composite nonwoven showing a combination of a low strike-through time and a low rewet; and a high-speed in-line process for producing the composite nonwoven, the process comprising forming a first support layer, e.g.

Abstract: A ball-transfer mechanism 1 is movable along the surface of floor 9, having a main body 2, a large ball 5, a plurality of small balls 6 and a restriction member 20. The large ball 5 is spherical and contacts the floor 9. A plurality of small balls 6 are disposed within portions of the main body 2 and support the large ball 5. Some of the small balls 6 are in rolling contact with the large ball 5, but upon rolling some of the small balls 5 move to a space defined within the main body 2 away from the large ball 5, while other small balls 6 move from the space back into contact with the large ball 5. The restriction member 20 can restrict a movement of all or a part of small balls 6 by contacting balls in the space within the main body 2 thereby restricting movement of adjacent small balls 6. The ball-transfer mechanism 1 has at least one restriction member 20, but can have a plurality of restriction members such as the restriction members.

Abstract: The Global Force Caster, acting as a multi-directional unhindered wheel permits an object, i.e. furnitures, shopping carts, mobility aids etc., resting on the global Force Bearer's threaded casing or in bored hole in the object's body, with instantaneous movements at will in any direction upon a negligible external lateral force without the jerking movement or hinderance of delays due to a dispositioning of the wheel in relation to the direction of the external lateral force, commonly found in conventional wheels assemblies. Additionally, the "Bearer" is free of extra efforts needed when a change in direction is unavoidable when changing elevations, as opposed to the typical wheel assemblies.

Abstract: An inline skateboard comprised of a board body, a pair of downwardly depending mounting rails integrally formed and smoothly merging from the bottom surface of the board body along a medial position thereof, a plurality of mounting shafts extending transversely across and through the mounting rails and ground engaging, interchangeable transit arrangements mounted on the mounting shafts in at least one of an inboard position between the mounting rails and an outboard position disposed to the outside of the mounting rails. An optional ball wheel is positioned at the end of the board body to define a pivot point which a rider may attain improved stability, balance and turnability.

Abstract: A caster device for supporting a push cart includes a cap member having a flat top fixed to the push cart and a circular side wall. The circular side wall of the cap member has an inwardly curled lower edge. An inverted and truncated conical ring member has a curved side wall and a flange. A bowl-shaped rotary member is disposed below the ring member such that a horizontal flange thereof abuts the flange of the ring member. The side wall of the rotary member and the curved side wall of the ring member cooperatively define a first annular ball-receiving space. The horizontal flange and the side wall of the rotary member, and the inwardly curled lower edge of the cap member cooperatively define a second annular ball-receiving space. A plurality of steel balls are rotatably confined within the first annular ball-receiving space and the second annular ball-receiving space to permit rotation of the rotary member with respect to the cap member.

Abstract: A caster for baggage is provided which includes a lower fixing plate fixed firmly to an upper fixing plate to contain a ball, a shaft, a bearing and a ring therebetween. The ball is pivotally supported on the shaft, and the shaft is supported by the bearing. The bearing has a plurality of small balls disposed on an upper surface, and a ring fits on the small balls and also fits in an annular groove formed in a bottom surface of the upper fixing plate. This arrangement enables the bearing and the ball to rotate horizontally relative to the upper and lower fixing plates. The caster can move smoothly on the ground after it is fixed to a bottom surface of a piece of baggage.

Abstract: A conveyor ball unit comprises a conveyor ball mounted on a plurality of mounting balls in a mounting shell. A spring arrangement is provided to support the mounting shell resiliently in a housing and the conveyor ball is retained on the mounting balls by a retaining ring. A first holding device is provided to keep the housing substantially perpendicular to the surface of a supporting structure for the conveyor ball unit against a force acting on the conveyor ball. A second holding device is provided to hold the housing within an opening defined in the supporting structure and is located at an upper end of the housing. To simplify installation and removal of the unit in the supporting structure, the outer periphery of the second holding device is larger than that of the housing and locking elements are provided to fix the unit in the supporting structure.

Abstract: A trackball device comprising a housing having a circular opening formed in a top wall thereof, a ball received in the housing and partially projecting through the circular opening, a pair of rotatable members arranged orthogonally to each other and rotatable in accordance with rotation of the ball, detectors capable of detecting the amounts of rotation of the respective rotatable members, and elastic members arranged in the vicinity of the edge of the circular opening and capable of suppressing vibration of the ball.

Abstract: A free wheel caster is provided and consists of a large ball rotatively carried within a cavity in a cup portion of a caster body which rolls against a plurality of small balls to ride freely within anti-friction material coating recesses in the cavity. The caster body can be attached to bottom of an object to move the object across a flat surface. It can also be attached to top of an object to move other objects thereacross. A ready access hole is also provided in the cup portion so that a tool can be inserted for prying and thereby removing the large ball from the cavity in the cup portion for cleaning and repair.

Abstract: A movable support which includes a first axle, two stub axles which are in line with one another and which extend in opposing directions from the first axle at right angles thereto, and two hemispherical members which are mounted, with respective convex surfaces outermost, for independent rotation on the respective stub axles, on opposing sides of the first axle. The movable support finds particular application in supporting a cleaning head of a suction type pool cleaner.

Abstract: A conveyor ball unit for use in a conveyor track for example for moving freight material comprises a housing accommodating a conveyor ball member supported in a mounting shell member by way of a plurality of mounting balls. The mounting shell member is supported resiliently by spring means. To prevent the mounting shell member with conveyor ball member supported therein tilting in the housing under the effect of a load thereon, upon resilient deflection of the spring, with the result of the conveyor ball member becoming jammed, the conveyor ball member is supported in the mounting shell member only at an annular region thereof and the mounting shell member is itself supported on the spring means in that annular region. The spring means comprises a plurality of plate springs, with the outer periphery thereof being held in concentric relationship in the housing, thereby providing that the conveyor ball member and mounting shell member are self-centering in the housing, to reduce the risk of jamming.

Abstract: A dispensing rack has a knockdown construction that permits quick and easy assembly and disassembly without any tools. The rack construction is also modular to facilitate varying the size and shape of the rack, and to greatly reduce manufacturing and transportation costs. Hanging row dividers stabilize and separate adjacent stacks of articles. Adjustable shelf jacks and casters provide additional rigidity for the shelves, and facilitate moving the rack from one location to another. A header assembly permits use of common parts to construct a low profile version of the rack.

Abstract: A rolling support device or ball roller comprises a main ball housed in a casing comprising a substantially hemispherical bearing bush, an outer shell and a retaining ring assembly connected to the outer shell to retain the main ball and the bearing bush therein with a portion of the ball exposed through the ring to contact a member to be supported thereby; the outer shell is shaped to be received in an opening in a supporting member and the retaining ring defines a shoulder determining the limit of insertion; resilient tongues projecting from the casing act to retain the device in such an opening, for which purpose the tongues have an elbow portion each provided with at least one radially outwardly projecting tooth for biting into the side wall of an opening receiving the device to resist withdrawal thereof.

Abstract: Ball element for use in material handling equipment in which a rotatable ball is movable by a pneumatic piston from a first to a second position relative to a friction surface.

Abstract: A mounting member having an upper peripheral side wall to receive a ball member, and a lower connecting portion to be placed in locking engagement through a bottom opening in a base member. The side wall is positioned within a base support member for limited up and down movement; a plurality of spring-like washers are positioned between the mounting member and the base support member to urge the mounting member and the ball member which it supports to an upper support position.

Abstract: A ball unit (10), in particular for conveying devices (1), possesses a load ball (12), which by a part (14) of its surface can bear against a load object, a bearing unit (24), which so bears and encloses the load ball to be freely rotatable that a free part (14) of the load ball surface projects out of the bearing unit through a circular passage opening (61), and a holder (20), which for fastening of the ball unit at a carrier frame of the conveying device displays a fastening portion (31), which can be borne on the carrier frame. The bearing unit (24) is so linearly movable to and fro relative to the holder (20) that the free load ball surface in an advanced end position protrudes further beyond a surface (3) of the carrying frame than in a withdrawn end position.

Abstract: Ball element for use in material handling equipment in which a rotatable ball is movable by a pneumatic piston from a first to a second position relative to a friction surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a holder for a position indicator device used to position a cursor on a visual display. The holder comprises a rectangular base member having rotatably-mounted ball bearings and apertures adapted to allow the spherical transport ball of the position indicator device to come in contact with a supporting surface. When the holder is coupled to the position indicator, only the ball bearings and transport ball make contact with the supporting surface, thereby providing for smoother and faster movement of the position indicator and correspondingly more accurate positioning of the associated cursor.

Abstract: A caster is disclosed to provide a mobile support for a burden. The burden may be home or office furniture or may be industrial, laboratory or production equipment. The caster may be inverted and held in a stationary position, and used to support a moving conveyor. In short, the caster enables low friction and an instant way of changing direction on a full 360.degree. plane with a minimum resistance to realign all casters involved into a new direction. The caster is built into a housing body having a semi-spherical socket with a ball caster smaller than the socket residing in the socket and thereby providing a space therebetween for holding a plurality of spherical bearings. The number of bearings is less than that required to fill the space in order to assure recirculation of the bearing balls. However, the balls are retained in the service position by a retainer and/or circular integral races built into the semi-spherical socket.

Abstract: A swivel caster of the type having an inverted U-shaped horn member with a cup-shaped upper portion that rotatably receives a swivel plate adapted for connection to the underside of the supported article. A thrust bearing is provided including an annular array of ball bearings that are seated in adjacent semi-toroidal recesses in the bottom of the swivel plate and the top of the horn member. The area around the ball bearings is sealed by an integral plastic seal and lubrication ring that has an upper frusto-toroidal surface engaging and sealing the swivel plate and a lower frusto-toroidal surface engaging and sealing the horn member. The ring has an integral outwardly extending cylindrical projection that defines a lubrication fitting with a small radial bore extending therethrough and communicating with the interior of the ring to supply lubricant from a source to the bearing.

Abstract: A cargo pallet incorporates a plurality of pneumatically extendable and retractable roller means disposed in a lower, deck or floor contacting portion thereof. The roller means are arranged in a pattern to provide equitable load distribution such that, when the roller means are extended, the pallet and any cargo thereon may be easily moved in any horizontal direction; and, when the roller means are retracted, the pallet is immobilized with its lower surface resting substantially flush with a cargo-supporting floor, deck or platform. Inherent load-levelling is accomplished since one or more roller means may be partially retracted to accommodate bumps and uneven portions of the floor, deck or platform over which the pallet is to be moved. The conjoint operation of one or more roller means in the foregoing manner also provides a cushioning or load-distributing action for the pallet and its cargo.

Abstract: A spokeless wheel which comprises a shroud in which a rotor (or hoop) is rotatably disposed and lateral bearings to laterally stabilize the rotor within the shroud. A series of resiliently mounted bearings are spaced about the shroud for rotatably retaining the rotor (or hoop) within the shroud and for transmitting load and for absorbing any impact forces imparted to the rotor as it rolls over the ground.