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US 10,850,843 B2Granted
Roller assembly of a cargo loading system
AssigneeAdvanced Aircraft Roller Systems, Inc.
InventorJohn Dallum
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A cargo handling system that enables rollers to swivel without the need for the inclusion of metal thrust bearings. A method of assembling and retrofitting existing conventional type swivel caster style wheels is also provided.
Claims15
A roller assembly including:
- a base;
- a roller support bracket configured to rotate relative to the base about a vertical axis, wherein the base and roller support bracket cooperatively define an annular bearing pocket positioned between the base and the roller support bracket;
- a thrust bearing positioned at least partially within the bearing pocket, wherein the thrust bearing includes a nonmetallic construction;
- and
- an o-ring positioned between the base and the roller support bracket, wherein the o-ring is seated within an annular groove in the roller support bracket.
2 more elements
A method of retrofitting a conventional roller assembly including the steps of:
- separating a base from a roller support bracket;
- replacing a metal thrust bearing located between the base and the roller support bracket with an annular acetal disk, wherein the annular acetal disk is configured to be partially seated within a bearing pocket defined by an annular groove in the base;
- and
- reconnecting the base to the roller support bracket.
1 more element
An aircraft cargo handling system including:
- a unicaster swivel assembly that includes:
- a swivel frame configured to be secured to the floor of a cargo area in an aircraft;
- a cargo roller support bracket configured to rotate relative to the swivel frame about a vertical axis;
- a nonmetallic thrust bearing positioned between the swivel frame and the cargo roller support bracket;
- and
- an o-ring positioned between the swivel frame and the cargo roller support bracket, wherein the o-ring is seated within an annular groove in the cargo roller support bracket.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.