Patent classifications
B60B2900/3316
THERMOCHROMIC WHEEL LUG NUT DEVICE
A wheel lug nut locking attachment, lug nut position locator device, or lug nut locking device is provided, wherein the attachment or devices include a thermochromic material which provides an indication of excess heat generation in the wheel assembly of a tractor trailer. A warning system to alert an operator of the present of excess heat in the wheel assembly is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the device also acts to lock a wheel lug nut to an adjacent wheel lug nut, so as to prevent or reduce rotation of the wheel lug nut. A plurality of thermochromic lug nut locking devices can be fitted to a single wheel so that all of the lug nuts are operatively locked to an adjacent lug nut. The resulting locking system can be rapidly installed on each lug nut on all wheels, so as to provide improved vehicle safety aspects.
MULTI-PIECE LOCKING FASTENER ASSEMBLY SUCH AS FOR SECURING A WHEEL RIM TO A VEHICLE HUB
A multi-piece locking fastener having an intermediate component exhibiting a plurality of interior threads arrayed in a first direction. A first fastener has a first enlarged head and a first stem exteriorly threaded in the first direction. A hollowed interior is formed in an end of the stem and exhibits a further plurality of interior threads extending in a second direction opposite the first direction. A second fastener has a second enlarged head and a second stem, upon which is configured a second exterior thread pattern extending in the second direction. The first fastener is installed through the intermediate component from a first direction, with the second fastener rotationally inter-engaging the exposed interior threads of the first fastener in the second direction until the second enlarged heads contact the intermediate component, with loosening of either of the first and second fasteners being prevented.
MULTI-PIECE LOCKING FASTENER ASSEMBLY SUCH AS FOR SECURING A WHEEL RIM TO A VEHICLE HUB
A multi-piece locking fastener having an intermediate component exhibiting a plurality of interior threads arrayed in a first direction. A first fastener has a first enlarged head and a first stem exteriorly threaded in the first direction. A hollowed interior is formed in an end of the stem and exhibits a further plurality of interior threads extending in a second direction opposite the first direction. A second fastener has a second enlarged head and a second stem, upon which is configured a second exterior thread pattern extending in the second direction. The first fastener is installed through the intermediate component from a first direction, with the second fastener rotationally inter-engaging the exposed interior threads of the first fastener in the second direction until the second enlarged heads contact the intermediate component, with loosening of either of the first and second fasteners being prevented.
Device for monitoring wear of a roller flange
A device for monitoring wear of a flange (1) of a roller (2) includes a peripheral rim (3) and intended to cooperate with a homologous flange (1bis) of a roller (2bis) positioned face-to-face to interact with the head of a rolling rail (4). The device includes at least one first recess localized at the level of a peripheral line of constant radius on the flange (1) configured to be positioned at the level at which the point (7) of separation of the flange (1) relative to its homologue (1bis) is the smallest.
BREAK BEAM WEAR GUIDE
Various embodiments provided a railroad car brake beam wear guide for mounting in a brake beam guide bracket of a railroad car truck side frame and including a spacer that partially defines a slide-way for a brake beam lug of a brake beam and that limits lateral movement of the brake beam. In various embodiments, the wear guide can be employed for other uses besides for railroad cars.
Wheel End Monitoring Apparatus, Fastener, and Method
In one aspect, a wheel end monitoring apparatus comprising a wheel hub configured to receive a wheel rim and be clamped therewith. The wheel end monitoring apparatus further includes a power source, at least one sensor, and communication circuitry that are rotatable with the wheel hub. The at least one sensor is configured to detect at least one property of the clamped wheel hub and the wheel rim. The at least one property is indicative of the clamping of the clamped wheel hub and the wheel rim. The communication circuitry is configured to wirelessly communicate data associated with the at least one property to an external device.
HUB CAP ASSEMBLY
A hub cap assembly includes a disc having a top surface and a bottom surface. A rim extends from the bottom surface. The hub cap assembly also includes at least one tire stem port disposed on the disc. Moreover, the rim comprises a cavity that receives balance media. In some embodiments, the hub cap assembly further comprises cooling fins, e.g., disposed about a circumference of the top surface. The cooling fins can direct cooling air to a corresponding tire, e.g., to cool a bead of the tire.
FASTENER RETAINER
A fastener retainer includes at least one fastener cap and a hub. Each fastener cap can include a stop channel that encircles a bottom portion of a housing of the fastener cap, a base with cog members that encircle the housing, or a combination thereof. The hub has at least one port therein, where each port is associated with a corresponding fastener cap. At least one locking member is positioned on the hub. For instance, a locking member can be provided adjacent to each port. In use, each locking member constrains radial movement of a corresponding fastener cap inserted into the associated port, by disposing a projecting member into a space between adjacent cog members on the base of the corresponding fastener cap.
Device For Monitoring Wear of a Roller Flange
A device for monitoring wear of a flange (1) of a roller (2) includes a peripheral rim (3) and intended to cooperate with a homologous flange (1 bis) of a roller (2bis) positioned face-to-face to interact with the head of a rolling rail (4). The device includes at least one first recess localized at the level of a peripheral line of constant radius on the flange (1) configured to be positioned at the level at which the point (7) of separation of the flange (1) relative to its homologue (1 bis) is the smallest.
Systems and methods for monitoring wheel hub temperatures and odometry in trailer axles
A system and method for monitoring wheel hub temperatures and odometry in trailer axles. The system includes a spindle (118), an inner bearing (114), an outer bearing (116), a wheel hub (106) engaging the spindle (118) via the inner and outer bearings (114, 116), a thermocouple (108) positioned within the spindle (118), and an electronic control unit (112). The electronic control unit (112) is electrically coupled to the thermocouple (108) and configured to receive from the thermocouple (108), a temperature signal. The electronic control unit (112) is configured to determine, from the temperature signal, a temperature. The electronic control unit (112) is configured to compare the temperature to a predetermined threshold. The electronic control unit (112) is configured to, when the temperature exceeds the predetermined threshold, indicate a fault.