Joseph Henry Hughes was a toolmaker in Birmingham England in the mid 19th century.
In September 1877 Hughes drew up the patent for a ball bearing race for bicycle and carriage wheels which includes all the elements of an adjustable system. His drawings look much like the design of the Aeolus fittings for ordinaries or high bicycles.
Hughes was only 27 at the time of his invention.
He later went on to work along side William Bown.
