Preload adjustment apparatus and method
First Claim
1. A preload adjustment apparatus for use with preloaded bearings mounted within a housing, the apparatus comprising:
- first radial actuating means for selective radial engagement with the housing such that axial movement of the first radial actuating means relative to the housing is prevented;
second radial actuating means for selective radial engagement with the housing such that axial movement of the second radial actuating means relative to the housing is prevented;
axial actuating means between the first and second radial actuating means for selective expansion and contraction of the axial distance between the first and second radial actuating means; and
retention means for maintaining contact between the axial actuating means and the first radial actuating means and the second radial actuating means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
First and second radial actuating clamps provide selective radial engagement with a housing for preloaded bearings. An axial actuator, retained between the first and second radial actuating clamps, provides selective expansion and contraction of the axial distance between the first and second radial actuator clamps. A method for adjusting the preload of preloaded bearings mounted within a housing is also disclosed. The method includes alternate clamping and unclamping of two radial actuating clamps against the housing while an axial actuator expands and contracts the axial distance between the radial actuating clamps.
39 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A preload adjustment apparatus for use with preloaded bearings mounted within a housing, the apparatus comprising:
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first radial actuating means for selective radial engagement with the housing such that axial movement of the first radial actuating means relative to the housing is prevented; second radial actuating means for selective radial engagement with the housing such that axial movement of the second radial actuating means relative to the housing is prevented; axial actuating means between the first and second radial actuating means for selective expansion and contraction of the axial distance between the first and second radial actuating means; and retention means for maintaining contact between the axial actuating means and the first radial actuating means and the second radial actuating means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for adjusting the preload of preloaded bearings mounted within a housing, the method comprising the steps:
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radially moving a first radial actuating means into engagement with the housing such that axial movement of the first radial actuating means relative to the housing is prevented; changing the axial length of an axial actuating means between the first and a second radial actuating means such that the axial distance between the first and second radial actuating means is changed; radially moving the second radial actuating means into engagement with the housing such that axial movement of the second radial actuating means relative to the housing is prevented; radially moving the first radial actuating means out of engagement with the housing such that axial movement of the first radial actuating means relative to the housing is not prevented; and changing the axial length of the axial actuating means between the first and second radial actuating means such that the axial distance between the first and second radial actuating means is changed. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification