Dana Corporation

Edward N Campbell

Garald D Worley

Thomas J Keller

Mickey L Love

Douglas Von Massey

Thomas C Lindhuber

A bearing liner comprises an elongated resilient non-metallic unitary structure having a plurality of generally planar sides for placement between a steering sleeve and correspondingly planar-sided steering shaft. The liner is adapted to receive the steering shaft, and in a preferred form comprises four sides having a square cross-section. Each juxtaposed side is joined together by a flexible web which has a cross-section substantially thinner than the average cross-sections of the sides. Each of the sides includes two arcuate, axially extending integral spring channels which define its edges and which are designed to accommodate torsional lost motion between the steering shaft and sleeve members. In a preferred form, the liner is formed of an injection molded composition of nylon having carbon fibers and polytetraflouroethylene, the carbon fiber imparting strength to the composition, the polytetrafluoroethylene supplying lubricity.

Flexible non-metallic bearing liner for telescopic steering column

An engine is attached to a vehicle frame with at least one synthetic engine mount strut mounted generally axially in the principal directions of displacement resulting from engine torque. The strut provides isolation of noise and vibration from the engine and drive train, and reduces engine rotation resulting from the same. A one-piece strut member provides rigid engine-to-frame fixation, while at the same time accommodating small displacement flexing of the structure to isolate and damp high frequency vibration and noise through the use of selected material and structural geometry. The generally one-piece strut, which is pivotally fixed at one end to the engine and at the other end to the frame, can provide for insertion of a bushing surface about each hole provided for pivotal fixation.

Synthetic engine mount strut

A sub-assembly consisting of a synthetic plastic hub cover, separate fastener members, and a gasket improves efficiency in the production line mounting of hub covers to vehicular wheel ends. In a preferred form, each sub-assembly incorporates a plurality of fasteners (i.e. mounting bolts), lock washers, and a gasket, all secured to a moldable cover. The cover includes a plurality of cylindrical mounting apertures, each aperture containing an integrally molded segmented, tapered flange of a predetermined thickness. In a preferred embodiment the segments are designed to elastically flex upon insertion of a fastener through the aperture for retaining the fastener within the aperture. The gasket is retained against the cover via shafts of the bolts.

Hub cover assembly

A hand tool for assembling and disassembling constant velocity joints of varing size is disclosed. The hand tool includes a handle portion connected to one end of a generally C-shpaed body portion. The other end of the C-shaped body portion includes a projection extending outwardly in general longitudinal alignment with the handle portion. The projection is adapted to receive one of a plurality of differently sized end pieces thereon. Each of the end pieces is formed generally in the shape of a hollow cylinder having one closed end. The inner diameters of all of the end pieces are equal to each other, and all are slightly larger than the outer diameter of the projection. The outer diameters of the end pieces are all different, corresponding to a constant velocity joint having a different size. An O-ring is provided for selectively retaining one of the end pieces on the projection for use with a given size of constant velocity joint. Additonally, an enlarged hook portion is formed on the C-shaped body portion. In one embodiment of the invention, the hook portion is formed integrally with the C-shpaed body portion. In another embodiment, the hook portion is formed by a hook pin which is slidably disposed in a recess formed in the C-shaped body portion. A pin is provided for selectively retaining the hook pin in one of a plurality of extended positions so that the extended length thereof may be varied in accordance with the size of the particular constant velocity joint. The hand tool is adapted to be inserted within a constant velocity joint to move the joint to a position where it can be disassembled and re-assembled.

Hand tool having multiple end pieces for assembling disassembling

Tool for assembling and disassembling velocity joints on vehicles

A vice jaw support apparatus provides a novel support system for securement of splined and threaded work pieces within vice grippers or jaws. In a preferred form, the apparatus is formed of a polyethylene or other similar resilient material. In a preferred form, the apparatus defines a pair of plastic bodies which are interconnected by integral web portions joining the two bodies on opposite sides. The web portions are disposed for deforming outwardly when the two body portions are moved towards each other within the vice jaws. Each body contains a flange portion whereby the apparatus may be supported on the upper surfaces of associated vice jaws.

Growing community of inventors

Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America

Edward N Campbell