278results about "Wheel bearings" patented technology

In a frictional drive device comprising a pair of drive disks (48) rotatably supported by a frame (10) around a central axial line (A) in a mutually opposing relationship, a pair of motors (64) supported by the frame for individually rotatively actuating the drive disks, a plurality of drive rollers (56) arranged along an outer periphery of each drive disk at a regular interval and each having a rotational center line so as to be rotatable along a plane which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the central axial line, and an annular main wheel (84, 110) disposed approximately coaxially with respect to the central axial line and engaged by the drive rollers of the drive disks, the main wheel comprising an annular member (86, 111) and a plurality of driven rollers (92) supported along the annular member so as to be rotatable around a tangential line of the annular member, a resiliency is incorporated either in the main wheel or in the drive rollers so that a relatively large number of driven rollers can be simultaneously engaged by the drive rollers and, hence, a relative high drive efficiency can be maintained even when the axial center of the annular member and the axial center of the drive disks are offset from each other.

A main ellipsoidal drive element is provided including a buoyant internal chamber. The main ellipsoidal drive element defines a main ellipsoid axis, a minor ellipsoid plane, a first ellipsoid end portion, a second ellipsoid end portion, and an outer ellipsoid surface. A drive engagement element is mounted to the first ellipsoid end portion and selectively transfers rotational drive to the main ellipsoidal drive element around the main ellipsoid axis. A plurality of roller elements are mounted around a minor ellipsoid periphery of the main ellipsoidal element. Each of the roller elements are orientated to provide friction reduced rolling in a main ellipsoid axis direction and traction perpendicular to the main ellipsoid axis direction.

A frictional drive device comprises a pair of drive disks (48) each rotatably supported by a frame (2, 42) around a central axial line (A) in a mutually opposing relationship, and a pair of actuators (64) supported by the frame for individually rotatively actuating the drive disks and coaxially disposed with respect to the corresponding drive disks, a plurality of drive rollers (56) arranged along an outer periphery of each drive disk and each having a rotational center line so as to be rotatable along a plane which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the central axial line, and an annular main wheel (85) disposed approximately coaxially with respect to the central axial line and engaged by the drive rollers of the drive disks, the main wheel comprising an annular member (86) and a plurality of driven rollers (92) supported along the annular member so as to be rotatable around a tangential line of the annular member. A speed reduction unit (72, 100) may be interposed between each actuator and the corresponding drive disk all in a coaxial relationship.

A multi-functional active container (e.g., luggage or suitcase) with a plurality of sensors and actuators is described. The container may include a body defining an enclosure and having at least one opening. The container may include a processor, a wireless receiver, and an electronically controllable lock. The processor can selectively lock or unlock the electronically controllable lock based on signals received via a wireless receiver (e.g., via Wi-Fi or BLUETOOTH connections). In some examples, a distance between the active container and a remote device (e.g., a smart phone) can be determined (e.g., based on relative GPS signals or connection strength) and if the distance exceeds a threshold, the electronically controllable lock can be activated to secure the container. Further, the container may include a rechargeable power source for powering external devices and an integrated weight sensor for detecting the weight of the container.

A modular portal wheel end system allows for connection of a portal wheel end to any of a plurality of differently configured axles for vehicles. The portal wheel end includes a housing that houses an input gear and an output gear. The input gear is coupled to the axle to which the portal wheel end is connected. A wheel hub is coupled to the output gear. A plurality of adapter brackets are each configured to be interchangeably connected to the housing and the axle. Each adapter bracket has a different predetermined configuration for connection to a separate one of the differently configured axles. The portal wheel end system allows the same housing, input gear, output gear, and wheel hub to be connected to any of the differently configured axles with the use of the appropriate adapter bracket.

A multi-functional active container (e.g., luggage or suitcase) with a plurality of sensors and actuators is described. The container may include a body defining an enclosure and having at least one opening. The container may include a processor, a wireless receiver, and an electronically controllable lock. The processor can selectively lock or unlock the electronically controllable lock based on signals received via a wireless receiver (e.g., via Wi-Fi or BLUETOOTH connections). In some examples, a distance between the active container and a remote device (e.g., a smart phone) can be determined (e.g., based on relative GPS signals or connection strength) and if the distance exceeds a threshold, the electronically controllable lock can be activated to secure the container. Further, the container may include a rechargeable power source for powering external devices and an integrated weight sensor for detecting the weight of the container.

An omnidirectional wheel has a hub that is rotatable around a rotational axis, and two wheel discs connected to the hub and spaced coaxially on the hub. A number of roller bodies are located between the wheel discs, evenly distributed around a circumferential edge of the wheel. The respective roller axes of the roller bodies are aligned at a diagonal angle relative to the rotational axis, and are each supported in a freely rotating manner between the wheel discs at opposite ends thereof. Each roller body is mounted in a freely rotating manner in respective modules respectively attached to the wheel discs.

An axle assembly includes a spindle (12) that extends through a mounting collar (28) into the open end of the axle. A cam key (70) moves through a key hole (22) in the axle and registers with the cam slot (54) of the spindle. The cam surface (76) of the cam key (70) is reversible with the cam surface (76) engaging either the bearing surface (58) or the bearing surface (60) of the spindle, to urge the spindle into or out of the axle.

A drive axle assembly for motor vehicles, includes a support beam member having a substantially flat, enlarged central plate section and two opposite arm sections, a differential assembly module secured to the central plate section and enclosed into a housing formed by a rear cover and a front cover secured to opposite surfaces of the central plate section. A method for assembling the drive axle assembly comprises the steps of securing the front cover to a front mounting surface of the support beam member, fastening the differential assembly module to the central plate section of the support beam member, and fastening the rear cover to the rear mounting surface of the support beam member.

A wheel assembly having multiple small rotatable wheels mounted laterally thereon whereby lateral movement as well as forward and backward movement is provided. A pair of the wheel assemblies are utilized on a hand-propelled wheelchair that can be moved laterally as well as in the standard forward-reverse motion. The wheelchair comprises a frame, one or more axles, a pair of main wheels rotatable on the one or more axles, and a plurality of small rotatable outer wheels positioned laterally on the main wheels.