Patent Publication Number: US-2023142403-A1

Title: Systems And Methods For Inserting And Removing Bushing Assemblies

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application (Attorney&#39;s Ref No. P220279) is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/412,826 filed Aug. 28, 2021. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/412,826 claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/070,959 filed Aug. 26, 2020, now expired. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/412,826 also claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/163,627 filed Mar. 19, 2021, now expired. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/412,826 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/199,133 filed Mar. 11, 2021, currently pending. 
     The contents of all related applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to tool systems and methods for removing and/or installing bushings into a housing opening defined by a structural member. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Bushings are a form of bearing that is used to support a rotating shaft relative to a structural member. Bushings can be removed and replaced when worn or damaged. Typically, a bushing defines an outer diameter sized and dimensioned to be snugly received within the housing opening and an inner diameter sized and dimensioned to snugly receive the rotating shaft. 
     The present invention relates to the insertion of solid sleeve bushings into a housing opening defined by the structural member. 
     To replace a worn bushing, the rotating shaft is first removed from the inner opening defined by the worn bushing. The worn bushing is then pressed out of the housing opening. The replacement bushing is then pressed into the housing opening such that the replacement bushing is rigidly supported by the structural member in a desired position relative to the structural member. The rotating shaft is next arranged within the inner opening of the replacement bushing. 
     The present invention is of particular significance when used as part of the step of inserting and/or removing bushing assemblies and in particular to the insertion and/or removal of a bushing assembly comprising a bushing pin, a bushing sleeve, and elastomeric material supporting the bushing pin within the bushing sleeve, and that application of the present invention will be described herein. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention may be embodied as a bushing displacing system for displacing a bushing assembly relative to a housing opening in a structural member using an actuator and a brace assembly. So embodied, the bushing displacement system comprises and engaging member and a brace member. The engaging member is configured to engage the brace assembly such that movement of the brace assembly in a displacement direction displaces the engaging member in the displacement direction at least a portion of the bushing assembly such that displacement of the engaging member in the displacement direction displaces at least a portion of the bushing assembly in the displacement direction. The brace member is adapted to engage the brace assembly and the structural member. Operation of the actuator displaces at least one of the brace assembly and the engaging member in the displacement direction relative to the structural member such that the engaging member displaces at least a portion of the bushing assembly towards a desired position relative to the housing opening in the structural member. 
     The present invention may also be embodied as a method for displacing a bushing assembly relative to a housing opening in a structural member using an actuator and a brace assembly comprising the following steps. An engaging member is configured to engage the brace assembly such that movement of the brace assembly in a displacement direction displaces the engaging member in the displacement direction and at least a portion of the bushing assembly such that displacement of the engaging member in the displacement direction displaces at least a portion of the bushing assembly in the displacement direction. A brace member is arranged to engage the brace assembly and the structural member. The actuator is operated to displace at least one of the brace assembly and the engaging member in the displacement direction relative to the structural member such that the engaging member displaces at least a portion of the bushing assembly towards a desired position relative to the housing opening in the structural member. 
     The present invention may also be embodied as a method of displacing a bushing assembly relative to a housing opening in a structural member, the bushing assembly comprising a bushing rod and a bushing sleeve, comprising the following steps. A drive system comprising an actuator, a threaded rod, and a brace nut is provided. A pullbar socket is operatively connected to the threaded rod and the bushing rod. A receiver assembly is arranged to engage the structural member and the actuator. The actuator is operated to displace the brace nut, the threaded rod, and the pullbar socket to remove the bushing rod from the bushing assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is an exploded side elevation view illustrating the components of a first example bushing assembly insertion system of the present invention that is adapted to insert a bushing assembly into bushing opening in a structural mem ber; 
         FIG.  2    is partial exploded side elevation view of the first example bushing assembly insertion system, the bushing assembly, and the structural member; 
         FIGS.  3 - 11    are side elevation views depicting steps of an example process of using the first example bushing assembly insertion system to insert the bushing assembly into the bushing opening in the structural member; 
         FIG.  12    depicts the bushing assembly supported by the structural member in a desired position relative to the structural member; 
         FIG.  13    is a side elevation view illustrating the components of a second example bushing assembly insertion system of the present invention that is adapted to insert a bushing assembly into a bushing opening defined by a structural member; 
         FIG.  14    is a side elevation view illustrating the components of a third example bushing assembly insertion system of the present invention that is adapted to insert a bushing assembly into a bushing opening defined by a structural member; 
         FIG.  15    is an exploded side elevation view illustrating the components of a fourth example bushing assembly insertion system of the present invention that is adapted to insert a bushing assembly into bushing opening in a structural member; 
         FIG.  16 A  is an exploded view of a first step of a first example configuration and method of removing a bushing assembly from a housing; 
         FIG.  16 B  is section view of the first step of the first example configuration and method of removing a bushing assembly from a housing; 
         FIG.  17 B  is an exploded view of a second step of the first example method of removing a bushing assembly from a housing; 
         FIG.  17 B  is section view of the second step of the first example configuration and method of removing a bushing assembly from a housing; 
         FIG.  18 A  is an exploded view of an example configuration and method of inserting a bushing assembly into or removing a bushing assembly from a housing; 
         FIG.  18 B  is section view of the example configuration and method of  FIG.  18 A  depicting the removal of a bushing assembly from a housing; 
         FIG.  18 C  is section view of the example configuration and method of  FIG.  18 A  depicting the insertion of a bushing assembly into a housing; 
         FIG.  19    is an exploded, perspective view of components used in the first example removal method of  FIGS.  16  and  17    and the example inserting method of  FIG.  18   ; 
         FIG.  20    is a perspective view of a portion of an example bushing assembly to be removed and/or inserted using the methods of  FIGS.  16 - 18   ; 
         FIG.  21    is an exploded, perspective view of another set of components that may be used in the first example removal method of  FIGS.  16  and  17    and the example inserting method of  FIG.  18   ; 
         FIG.  22    is side elevation view of the set of components depicted in  FIG.  21   ; 
         FIG.  23    is side elevation section view of the set of components depicted in  FIG.  21   ; 
         FIG.  24    is an exploded, perspective view of yet another set of components that may be used in the first example removal method of  FIGS.  16  and  17    and the example inserting method of  FIG.  18   ; 
         FIG.  25    is side elevation view of the set of components depicted in  FIG.  24   ; and 
         FIG.  26    is side elevation exploded view of the set of components depicted in  FIG.  24   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring initially to  FIG.  1    of the drawing, depicted therein is a first example bushing assembly insertion system  20  constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention.  FIG.  1    further illustrates that the first example bushing assembly insertion system  20  may be used to insert an example bushing assembly  22  into an example housing opening  24  defined by an example structural member  26 .  FIG.  1    further illustrates that the example bushing assembly  22  defines a bushing assembly opening  28  sized and dimensioned to receive a shaft (not shown). The example bushing assembly  22  and structural member  26 , including the housing opening  24 , are or may be conventional and will not be described herein beyond that extent helpful for a complete understanding of the construction and operation of the first example bushing assembly insertion system  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the first example bushing assembly insertion system  20  comprises a brace assembly  30 , an actuator assembly  32 , and a drive plate  34 . The example brace assembly  30  comprises a brace rod  40 , an anchor member  42 , and a brace nut  44 . At least a portion of the example brace rod  40  is arranged to extend through bushing assembly opening  28  in the bushing assembly  22  and the housing opening  24  in the structural member  26  to support the brace nut  44 , the actuator assembly  32 , the drive plate  34  on a first side of the housing opening  24  and the anchor member  42  on a second side of the housing opening  24 . So arranged, operation of the actuator assembly  32  acts on the bushing assembly  22  through the drive plate  34  to force the bushing assembly  22  into the bushing assembly opening  24 . The example brace assembly  30  engages the structural member  26  to prevent the actuator assembly  32  from displacing itself away from the structural member  26  during operation of the actuator assembly  32 . 
     Given the foregoing general understanding of the construction and operation of the first example bushing assembly insertion system  20 , the details of construction and operation of the first example bushing assembly insertion system  20  of the present invention will now be described. 
     The example brace rod  40  defines a first rod end  50  and a second rod end  52 , and an outer surface  54  of the example brace rod  40  is threaded at least adjacent to the first rod end  52  and to the second rod end  54 . The example brace rod  40  as depicted is threaded along its entire length, but only a portion of the brace rod  40  need be threaded as will become apparent from the following discussion. The example brace rod  40  defines a brace rod axis  56 . 
     The example anchor member  42  defines an anchor cavity  60  and an anchor edge surface  62 . The anchor cavity  60  defines an anchor cavity spacing portion  64  and an anchor cavity threaded portion  66 . The anchor cavity threaded portion  66  is sized and dimensioned to receive the threaded outer surface  54  of the brace rod  40  adjacent to the first rod end  50 . Accordingly, axial rotation of the brace rod  40  and anchor member  42  relative to each other about the brace rod axis  56  with the threaded outer surface  54  within the anchor cavity threaded portion  66  prevents displacement of the anchor member  42  relative to the brace rod  40  along the brace rod axis  56  under predetermined tension loads exerted by the actuator assembly  32 . 
     The example brace nut  44  is or may be conventional and defines an external nut surface  70  and an internal threaded nut opening  72 . The internal threaded nut opening  72  is sized and dimensioned to receive the threaded outer surface  54  of the brace rod  40  adjacent to the second rod end  52 . Accordingly, axial rotation of the brace rod  40  and brace nut  44  relative to each other about the brace rod axis  56  with the threaded outer surface  54  within the internal threaded nut opening  72  prevents displacement of the brace nut  44  relative to the brace rod  40  along the brace rod axis  56  under predetermined tension loads exerted by the actuator assembly  32 . The example external nut surface  50  is a hex surface but other surface configurations may be used. 
     The example actuator assembly  32  comprises an actuator housing  80  and an actuator drive member  82 . The example actuator assembly  32  is or may be conventional and will be described herein only to that extent helpful for a complete understanding of the construction and operation of the first example bushing assembly insertion system  20 . The example actuator housing  80  defines an actuator housing opening  84 , and the example actuator drive member  82  defines an actuator drive member opening  86 . The example drive member  82  defines a drive surface  88 . Operation of the example actuator assembly  32  causes displacement of the example actuator drive member  82  relative to the actuator housing  80 . The example actuator assembly  32  may be operated using an electrical drive system, pneumatic drive system, hydraulic drive system, or any other appropriate drive system. The drive system used to supply power to the example actuator system  32  is or may be conventional and is not depicted in the drawing for simplicity and clarity. 
     The example drive plate  34  defines a first drive plate surface  90 , a second drive plate surface  92 , and a drive plate opening  94 . The example drive plate opening  94  defines a drive plate opening first portion  96  and a drive plate opening second portion  98 . The drive plate opening  94  extends between the first drive plate first surface  90  and the second drive plate second surface  92 . 
     As perhaps best shown in  FIG.  2   , the example brace rod  40  is sized and dimensioned such that the example brace rod  40  may be arranged to extend through the actuator housing opening  84 , the actuator drive member opening  86 , the adapter late opening  94 , and the bushing opening  28 .  FIG.  2    further illustrates that the example brace rod  40  is sized and dimensioned to extend through the anchor cavity spacing portion  64  of the anchor cavity  60 . And as described above, the anchor rod  40  is further sized and dimensioned such that to be threaded into the anchor cavity threaded portion  66  and at least partly into the internal nut threaded opening  72 . As arranged in  FIG.  2   , the rod axis  56  of the brace rod  40  defines a longitudinal axis of the first example bushing assembly insertion system  20 . 
       FIGS.  3 - 11    illustrate an example method of using the first example bushing assembly insertion system  20 . Initially, as shown in  FIG.  3   , the anchor cavity threaded portion  66  is engaged with the external surface  54  of the brace rod  40  to fix a position of the anchor member  42  relative to the brace rod  40 . The brace rod  40  is then arranged such that the brace rod  40  extends through the housing opening  24  with the axis  56  of the brace rod  40  substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the housing opening  24 . At this point, the anchor edge  62  defined by the anchor member  42  is in contact with the structural member  26  around the housing opening  24 . 
     Next, as shown in  FIG.  4    the bushing assembly  22  is arranged such that the brace rod  40  extends through the bushing opening  28  defined by the bushing assembly  22  with the axis  56  of the brace rod  40  substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the bushing assembly  22 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , the drive plate  34  is next arranged such that the brace rod  40  extends through the drive plate opening  94  and the drive plate second surface  92  is in contact with the bushing assembly  22 . In this position, a longitudinal axis of the drive plate  34  is substantially aligned with the brace rod axis  56 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , the actuator assembly  32  is next arranged such that the brace rod  40  extends through the actuator housing opening  84  and the actuator drive member opening  86 . At this point, the drive surface  88  of the actuator drive member  82  is in contact with the drive plate first surface  92 . With the actuator assembly  32  so arranged, a longitudinal axis of the actuator assembly  32  is substantially aligned with the brace rod axis  56 . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates that the brace nut  44  is next arranged such that the brace rod  40  engages the internal threaded opening  72  of the brace nut  44 . Axial rotation of the brace nut  44  relative to the brace rod  40  displaces the brace nut  44  along the axis  56  of the brace rod  40  until the brace nut engages the actuator housing  80 . At this point, the brace assembly  30  is formed, and a distance between the brace nut  44  and the anchor member  42  is substantially fixed. When the brace assembly  30  is formed, the first example bushing assembly insertion system  20  is formed. 
     With the brace assembly  30  formed as described above, operation of the actuator assembly  32  causes the actuator member  82  to be displaced away from the actuator housing  80  along the rod axis  56 . The actuator member  82  acts on and displaces the drive plate  34  which in turn acts on and displaces the bushing assembly  22 . The brace assembly  30  prevents movement of the anchor member  42  relative to the structural member  26 , so operation of the actuator assembly  32  forces the bushing assembly  22  into the housing opening  24  defined by the structural member  26  as shown by a comparison of  FIGS.  7  and  8   . 
     The actuator assembly  32  defines a maximum “throw” distance that the drive member  82  may be forced out of the actuator housing  80 . If the throw distance is insufficient to fully drive the bushing assembly  22  into the housing opening, the actuator assembly  32  may be turned off and the actuator housing  80  may be displaced towards the bushing assembly  22  as shown in  FIG.  9   . The brace nut  44  may be then rotated such that brace nut  44  is displaced along the brace rod  40  until the brace nut  44  contacts the housing as shown in  FIG.  10   . 
     The actuator assembly  32  may then be operated to drive the bushing assembly  22  into the bushing assembly opening  24  until the bushing assembly comes into contact with the anchor plate  42  as shown in  FIG.  11   . At this point, the anchor cavity spacing portion  64  defined by the anchor plate  42  is sized and dimensioned such that the bushing assembly  22  extends out of the housing opening  24  by a desired predetermined distance D as shown in  FIG.  12   . Accordingly, the anchor plate  42  is configured to stop further movement as soon as the bushing assembly  22  is a desired position relative to the bushing assembly opening  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  13    of the drawing, depicted therein is a second example bushing assembly insertion system  120  constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention.  FIG.  13    illustrates that the first example bushing assembly insertion system  120  may be used to insert an example bushing assembly  122  into an example housing opening  124  defined by an example structural member  126 . The example bushing assembly  122  and structural member  126 , including the housing opening  124 , are or may be conventional and will not be described herein beyond that extent helpful for a complete understanding of the construction and operation of the second example bushing assembly insertion system  120 . 
     The second example bushing assembly insertion system  120  comprises a brace assembly  130 , an actuator assembly  132 , and a drive plate  134 . The example brace assembly  130  comprises a brace rod  140 , an anchor member  142 , and a brace nut  144 . During use of the second example bushing assembly insertion system  120 , at least a portion of the example brace rod  140  is arranged to extend through a bushing assembly opening (not shown) in the bushing assembly  122  and the housing opening  124  in the structural member  126  to support the brace nut  144 , the actuator assembly  132 , the drive plate  134  on a first side of the housing opening  124  and the anchor member  142  on a second side of the housing opening  124 . So arranged, operation of the actuator assembly  132  acts on the bushing assembly  122  through the drive plate  134  to force the bushing assembly  122  into the bushing assembly opening  124 . The example brace assembly  130  engages the structural member  126  to prevent the actuator assembly  132  from displacing itself away from the structural member  126  during operation of the actuator assembly  132 . 
     The example brace rod  140  and brace nut  144  are or may be the same as the example brace rod  40  and brace nut  44  described above and will not be described herein again in detail. 
     The example anchor member  142  defines an anchor cavity  160  and an anchor edge  162 . The anchor cavity  160  defines an anchor cavity spacing portion  164  and an anchor cavity threaded portion  166 . The anchor cavity threaded portion  66  is sized and dimensioned to receive the threaded outer surface of the brace rod  140  adjacent to the first rod end. The example anchor cavity threaded portion  166  further allows the brace rod  140  to extend out of the anchor cavity  160  as shown in  FIG.  13   . Axial rotation of the brace rod  140  and anchor member  142  relative to each other about a brace rod axis prevents displacement of the anchor member  142  relative to the brace rod  140  along the brace rod axis under predetermined tension loads exerted by the actuator assembly  132 . 
     The second example bushing assembly insertion system  120  is otherwise used in a manner similar to that of the first example bushing assembly insertion system  20  described above. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  14    of the drawing, depicted therein is a third example bushing assembly insertion system  220  constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention.  FIG.  14    illustrates that the first example bushing assembly insertion system  220  may be used to insert an example bushing assembly  222  into an example housing opening  224  defined by an example structural member  226 . The example bushing assembly  222  and structural member  226 , including the housing opening  224 , are or may be conventional and will not be described herein beyond that extent helpful for a complete understanding of the construction and operation of the third example bushing assembly insertion system  220 . 
     The third example bushing assembly insertion system  220  comprises a brace assembly  230 , an actuator assembly  232 , and a drive plate  234 . The example brace assembly  230  comprises a brace rod  240 , an anchor member  242 , a first brace nut  244 , and a second brace nut  246 . 
     During use of the third example bushing assembly insertion system  220 , at least a portion of the example brace rod  240  is arranged to extend through a bushing assembly opening (not shown) in the bushing assembly  222  and the housing opening  224  in the structural member  226  to support the brace nut  244 , the actuator assembly  232 , the drive plate  234  on a first side of the housing opening  224  and the anchor member  242  on a second side of the housing opening  224 . So arranged, operation of the actuator assembly  232  acts on the bushing assembly  222  through the drive plate  234  to force the bushing assembly  222  into the bushing assembly opening  224 . The example brace assembly  230  engages the structural member  226  to prevent the actuator assembly  232  from displacing itself away from the structural member  226  during operation of the actuator assembly  232 . 
     The example brace rod  240  and brace nut  244  are or may be the same as the example brace rod  40  and brace nut  44  described above and will not be described herein again in detail. 
     The example anchor member  242  defines an anchor cavity  260  and an anchor edge  262 . The anchor cavity  260  defines an anchor cavity spacing portion  264  and an anchor cavity through portion  266 . The anchor cavity through portion  266  is sized and dimensioned to allow the threaded outer surface of the brace rod  240  adjacent to the first rod end to extend out of the anchor cavity  260  as shown in  FIG.  14   . Axial rotation of the brace rod  240  relative to the first brace nut  244  and the second brace nut  246  about a brace rod axis prevents displacement of the anchor member  242  relative to the brace rod  240  along the brace rod axis under predetermined tension loads exerted by the actuator assembly  232 . 
     The third example bushing assembly insertion system  220  is otherwise used in a manner similar to that of the first example bushing assembly insertion system  20  described above. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  15    of the drawing, depicted therein is a fourth example bushing assembly insertion system  320  constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention. FIG.  15  further illustrates that the fourth example bushing assembly insertion system  320  may be used to insert an example bushing assembly  322  into an example housing opening  324  defined by an example structural member  326 .  FIG.  15    further illustrates that the example bushing assembly  322  defines a bushing assembly opening  328  sized and dimensioned to receive a shaft (not shown). The example bushing assembly  322  and structural member  326 , including the housing opening  324 , are or may be conventional and will not be described herein beyond that extent helpful for a complete understanding of the construction and operation of the fourth example bushing assembly insertion system  320 . 
     Bushing assemblies such as the example bushing assembly  322  are sold in numerous shapes and sizes. The example bushing assembly  322  defines a first end configuration  322   a  and a second end configuration  322   b . The end configurations  322   a  and  322   b  differ for differing bushing assemblies. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the fourth example bushing assembly insertion system  320  comprises a brace assembly  330 , an actuator assembly  32 , and a drive plate  334 . The example brace assembly  330  comprises a brace rod  340 , an anchor member  342 , and a brace nut  344 . At least a portion of the example brace rod  340  is arranged to extend through bushing assembly opening  328  in the bushing assembly  322  and the housing opening  324  in the structural member  326  to support the brace nut  344 , the actuator assembly  32 , the drive plate  334  on a first side of the housing opening  324  and the anchor member  342  on a second side of the housing opening  324 . So arranged, operation of the actuator assembly  32  acts on the bushing assembly  322  through the drive plate  334  to force the bushing assembly  322  into the bushing assembly opening  324 . The example brace assembly  330  engages the structural member  326  to prevent the actuator assembly  32  from displacing itself away from the structural member  326  during operation of the actuator assembly  32 . 
     Given the foregoing general understanding of the construction and operation of the fourth example bushing assembly insertion system  320 , the details of construction and operation of the fourth example bushing assembly insertion system  320  of the present invention will now be described. 
     The example brace rod  340  defines a first rod end  350  and a second rod end  352 , and an outer surface  354  of the example brace rod  340  is threaded at least adjacent to the first rod end  352  and to the second rod end  354 . The example brace rod  340  as depicted is threaded along its entire length, but only a portion of the brace rod  340  need be threaded as will become apparent from the following discussion. The example brace rod  340  defines a brace rod axis  356 . 
     The example anchor member  342  defines an anchor cavity  360  and an anchor edge surface  362 . The anchor cavity  360  defines an anchor cavity recess portion  364  and an anchor cavity threaded portion  366 . The anchor cavity threaded portion  366  is sized and dimensioned to receive the threaded outer surface  354  of the brace rod  340  adjacent to the first rod end  350 . Accordingly, axial rotation of the brace rod  340  and anchor member  342  relative to each other about the brace rod axis  356  with the threaded outer surface  354  within the anchor cavity threaded portion  366  prevents displacement of the anchor member  342  relative to the brace rod  340  along the brace rod axis  356  under predetermined tension loads exerted by the actuator assembly  32 . The anchor cavity recess portion  364  is adapted to receive the second end  322   b  of the bushing assembly  322 . 
     The example brace nut  344  is or may be conventional and defines an external nut surface  370  and an internal threaded nut opening  372 . The internal threaded nut opening  372  is sized and dimensioned to receive the threaded outer surface  354  of the brace rod  340  adjacent to the second rod end  352 . Accordingly, axial rotation of the brace rod  340  and brace nut  344  relative to each other about the brace rod axis  356  with the threaded outer surface  354  within the internal threaded nut opening  372  prevents displacement of the brace nut  344  relative to the brace rod  340  along the brace rod axis  356  under predetermined tension loads exerted by the actuator assembly  32 . The example external nut surface  350  is a hex surface but other surface configurations may be used. 
     The example actuator assembly  32  comprises an actuator housing  380  and an actuator drive member  382 . The example actuator assembly  32  is or may be conventional and will be described herein only to that extent helpful for a complete understanding of the construction and operation of the fourth example bushing assembly insertion system  320 . The example actuator housing  380  defines an actuator housing opening  384 , and the example actuator drive member  382  defines an actuator drive member opening  386 . The example drive member  382  defines a drive surface  388  and a first connecting surface  388   a . Operation of the example actuator assembly  32  causes displacement of the example actuator drive member  382  relative to the actuator housing  380 . The example actuator assembly  32  may be operated using an electrical drive system, pneumatic drive system, hydraulic drive system, or any other appropriate drive system. The drive system used to supply power to the example actuator system  32  is or may be conventional and is not depicted in the drawing for simplicity and clarity. 
     The example drive plate  334  defines a first drive plate surface  390 , a second drive plate surface  392 , and a drive plate opening  394 . The example drive plate  334  further defines a drive recess  398   a  and a connecting surface  398   b . The example drive plate opening  394  defines a drive plate opening first portion  396  and a drive plate opening second portion  398 . The drive plate opening  394  extends between the first drive plate first surface  390  and the second drive plate second surface  392 . The drive recess  398   a  on the drive plate  334  is contoured to receive the first end configuration  322   a  of the bushing assembly  322  as will be described in further detail below. 
     The second connecting surface  398   b  is configured to engage the first connecting surface  388   a  to allow the drive plate  334  to be detachably attached to the actuator housing  380 . The example first drive surface  388   a  is internally threaded, and the example second drive surface  398   b  is externally threaded, but other connecting systems for detachably attaching the drive plate  334  to the actuator housing  380  may be used. 
     As perhaps best shown in  FIG.  15   , the example brace rod  340  is sized and dimensioned such that the example brace rod  340  may be arranged to extend through the actuator housing opening  384 , the actuator drive member opening  386 , the adapter late opening  394 , and the bushing opening  328 .  FIG.  15    further illustrates that the example brace rod  340  is sized and dimensioned to extend through the anchor cavity recess portion  364  of the anchor cavity  360 . And as described above, the anchor rod  340  is further sized and dimensioned such that to be threaded into the anchor cavity threaded portion  366  and at least partly into the internal nut threaded opening  372 . As arranged in  FIG.  15   , the rod axis  356  of the brace rod  340  defines a longitudinal axis of the fourth example bushing assembly insertion system  320 . 
     The fourth example bushing assembly insertion system  320  is used in a manner similar to that of the first example bushing assembly insertion system  20  described above. However, in the fourth example bushing assembly insertion system  320 , the actuator assembly  332  is reversed such that the actuator drive member  382  engages the brace nut  344  and the actuator housing  380  supports the drive plate  334  as generally described above. 
     The example drive plate  334  and the example anchor member  342  are sold in a variety of configurations to accommodate a variety of configurations of bushing assemblies  322 . In particular, the anchor cavity recess portion  364  defined by the anchor member  342  and the drive recess  398   a  defined by the drive plate  334  are configured as necessary to accommodate a particular bushing assembly  322  and further to locate the particular bushing assembly  322  in a desired position relative to the example structural member  326 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  16  and  17    of the drawing, depicted therein is a first example method of removing a bushing assembly  420  from a housing cavity  422  of a housing  424  using an actuator assembly  426 . As perhaps best shown in  FIG.  20   , the example bushing assembly  420  comprises a bushing sleeve  430 , bushing pin  432 , and elastomeric material (not shown in  FIG.  20    for clarity) that supports the bushing pin  432  relative to the bushing sleeve  430 . The bushing assembly  420 , housing cavity  422 , and housing  424  are not per se part of the present invention and are disclosed herein only to that extent helpful to a complete understanding of the present invention. 
     A first step of the first example method of removing the bushing assembly  420  from the housing cavity  422  is shown in  FIGS.  16 A and  16 B . A brace assembly  440  comprising a threaded rod  442  and a nut  444  is provided. The threaded rod  442  is secured to a pullbar socket  450 , and the pullbar socket  450  is secured to the bushing pin  432  by a threaded pin  452 . A receiver assembly  460  is formed by assembling an extension tube  462 , cylinder adapter  464 , cylinder tube cap  466 , and first and second snap rings  468 . The receiver assembly  460  is arranged over the pullbar socket  450  and with the tube cap  466  thereof in contact with (engaging) the housing  424 . 
     An actuator assembly  444  is arranged between the receiver assembly  460  and a nut  446  such that extension of the actuator assembly  444  acts on the nut and the receiver assembly  460  to displace the threaded rod  442  such that the bushing pin  432  is removed from the bushing assembly  420 . The bushing sleeve  430  and elastomeric material remains in the housing cavity  422  at this point. When assembled, the actuator assembly  444 , nut  446 , and threaded rod  442  form a drive assembly in the form of the actuator assembly  426  for displacing the bushing pin  432  relative to the bushing assembly  420 . 
     The user of a receiver assembly  460  comprising a separate cylinder adapter  464  and cylinder tube cap  466  allows the receiver assembly  460  to be arranged in at least two configurations depending upon the specific function be performed. In the example depicted in  FIG.  16 B , the receiver assembly  460  is in a long configuration. The tube cap  466  is sized and dimensioned relative to the structural housing member  420 , the housing cavity  422 , and the bushing assembly  420  to allow at least a portion of the bushing assembly  420  to enter the extension tube  462  when removed from the housing cavity  422 . In the first step depicted in  FIG.  16   , the bushing pin  432  and at least a portion of the elastomeric material from the housing  420 , leaving the bushing sleeve  430  and perhaps a portion of the elastomeric material within the housing cavity  422 . 
     A second step of the first example method of removing the bushing assembly  420  from the housing cavity  422  is shown in  FIGS.  17 A and  17 B . The threaded rod  442  is extended through an opening in the bushing assembly  420  formed by removal of the bushing pin  432  and secured to a sleeve remover  470 . The pullbar socket  450  is secured to the bushing pin  432  by a threaded pin  452 . The receiver assembly  460  is arranged over the threaded rod  442  in contact with the housing  426 . The actuator assembly  444  is arranged between the receiver assembly  460  and a nut  446  such that extension of the actuator assembly  444  acts on the nut and the receiver assembly  460  to displace the threaded rod  442  such that the sleeve remover forces the bushing sleeve  430  (and the elastomeric material within the bushing sleeve  430 ) from the housing cavity  422 . 
     Again, the user of a receiver assembly  460  comprising a separate cylinder adapter  464  and cylinder tube cap  466  allows the receiver assembly  460  to be arranged in at least two configurations depending upon the specific function be performed. In the example depicted in  FIG.  17 B , the receiver assembly  460  is in a short configuration. As described above, the tube cap  466  is sized and dimensioned relative to the structural housing member  420 , the housing cavity  422 , and the bushing assembly  420  to allow at least a portion of the bushing assembly  420  to enter the extension tube  462  when removed from the housing cavity  422 . The sleeve remover  470  is sized and dimensioned relative to bushing sleeve  430  and the housing cavity  422  in the structural member  420  to engage the bushing sleeve  430  and enter the cavity  422  when the sleeve  430  is removed. In the second step depicted in  FIG.  16   , the housing sleeve  430  and any remaining portion of the elastomeric material from is removed from the housing  420 . At this point, the entire bushing assembly  420  has been removed. 
       FIG.  18 A  illustrates an example configuration that allows removal of an old bushing assembly  420  or insertion of a new bushing assembly  420  relative to the housing cavity  422 . The threaded rod  442  is secured to the pullbar socket  450 , and the pullbar socket  450  is secured to the bushing pin  432  by a threaded pin  452 . A push adapter  480  is connected to the other end of the bushing pin  432  by a threaded pin  452 . The receiver assembly  460  is arranged over the pullbar socket  450  in contact with the housing  424 . An actuator assembly  444  is arranged between the receiver assembly  460  and the nut  446  such that extension of the actuator assembly  444  acts on the nut and the receiver assembly  460  to displace the threaded rod  442  such that the bushing assembly  420  is pulled into the housing cavity  422 .  FIG.  18 B  illustrates removal of the entire spent bushing assembly  420  in one step, while  FIG.  18 C  illustrates insertion of a new bushing assembly  420 . 
       FIG.  19    illustrates a first example adapter kit  490  comprising the cylinder adapter  464 , the cylinder tube cap  466 , the extension tube  462 , the pullbar socket  450 , the push adapter  480 , and the sleeve remover  470  discussed above. The threaded pins  452  and snap rings  468  are or may be conventional and are also depicted in  FIG.  19   .  FIG.  19    also illustrates a conventional socket driver  492  that may be included in the example kit  490  and used to drive the threaded pins  452  as implicit in the discussion above. As generally discussed above,  FIG.  20    illustrates an example bushing assembly  430  that may be displaced using the adapter components of  FIG.  19   . The example kit  490  may include two or more of the tube caps  466 , sleeve removers  470 , and push adapters  480 , where each of these components  466 ,  470 , and/or  480  is configured for a particular configuration of bushing assembly  420  and housing cavity  422  adapted to accommodate that particular bushing assembly  420 . 
       FIG.  21    illustrates details of a second example adapter kit  520  comprising an extension tube  532 , a cylinder adapter  534 , a cylinder tube cap  536 , a cylinder tube cap adapter  538 , a pullbar socket  450 , and a push adapter  480 . As with the first example kit  490 , threaded pins  452  depicted in  FIG.  21    are sized and dimensioned to threadingly engage the pullbar socket  450  and the push adapter  480  and are or may be conventional. As with the first example kit  490 , the second example kit  520  may include two or more of the tube caps, sleeve removers, and/or push adapters configured for a particular configuration of bushing assembly and housing cavity adapted to accommodate that particular bushing assembly. 
       FIGS.  21 - 23    illustrate that a first threaded surface  534   a  is formed on the cylinder adapter  534 , second and third threaded surfaces  532   a  and  532   b  are formed on the extension tube  532 , and a fourth threaded surface  536   a  is formed on the cylinder tube cap  536 . The first and second threaded surfaces  534   a  and  532   a  are sized and dimensioned to engage each other to allow the cylinder adapter  534  to be detachably attached to the extension tube  532 . The third and fourth threaded surfaces  432   b  and  536   a  are sized and dimensioned to engage each other to allow cylinder tube cap  536  to be detachably attached to the extension tube  532 . The cylinder tube cap  536  defines a first mating surface  536   b . The cylinder tube cap adapter  538  defines a second mating surface  538   a . The first and second mating surfaces  436   b  and  538   a  are sized and dimensioned to engage each other to allow the cylinder tube cap  536  to support the cylinder tube cap adapter  538 . 
     The second example adapter kit  520  may otherwise be used in the same manner as the first example adapter kit  490  described above. 
       FIG.  24    illustrates details of a third example adapter kit  550  comprising an extension tube  562 , a cylinder adapter  564 , a cylinder tube cap  466 M, a cylinder tube cap adapter  568 , a pullbar socket  450 , and a push adapter  480 . Threaded pins  452  depicted in  FIG.  121    are sized and dimensioned to threadingly engage the pullbar socket  450  and the push adapter  480  and are or may be conventional. As with the first example kit  490  and second example kit  520 , the third example kit  550  may include two or more of the tube caps, sleeve removers, and/or push adapters configured for a particular configuration of bushing assembly and housing cavity adapted to accommodate that particular bushing assembly. 
       FIGS.  24 - 26    illustrate that a first engaging surface  564   a  is formed on the cylinder adapter  564 , second and third engaging surfaces  562   a  and  562   b  are formed on the cylinder adapter  562 , and a fourth engaging surface  566   a  is formed on the cylinder tube cap  566 . The first and second engaging surfaces  564   a  and  562   b  are sized and dimensioned to engage each other to allow the cylinder adapter  564  to be supported by the extension tube  562 . The third and fourth engaging surfaces  562   a  and  566   a  are sized and dimensioned to engage each other to allow cylinder tube cap  566  to be supported by the extension tube  562 . The cylinder tube cap  566  further defines a fifth engaging surface  566   b . The cylinder tube cap adapter  568  defines a sixth mating surface  568   a . The fifth and sixth mating surfaces  566   b  and  568   a  are sized and dimensioned to engage each other to allow the cylinder tube cap  566  to support the cylinder tube cap adapter  568 . 
       FIGS.  24  and  26    further illustrate that magnets  470  are supported by at least one, and in the example kit  450 , each of the extension tube  562 , the cylinder adapter  564 , the cylinder tube cap  566 , the cylinder tube cap adapter  568 , to detachably attach the various components as the kit is being arranged for use. 
     The third example adapter kit  550  may otherwise be used in the same manner as either of the first example adapter kit  490  and second example adapter kit  520  described above.