Dana Corporation

Erin D Hennon

Thomas J Keller

Robert G Joyner

The present invention concerns a unique method and apparatus for machining a bearing cap assembly of the type typically utilized in a universal joint mechanism. The bearing cap assembly includes an open-ended bearing cap having a closed end wall with an outer surface secured to a mounting plate located generally parallel to the end wall and having spaced apart opposite end portions extending outwardly past the bearing cap. The present invention is specifically concerned with machining the end portions of the mounting plate extending outwardly from the bearing cap to produce spaced apart machined surfaces which can be utilized to attach the bearing cap assembly to an associated yoke arm. In the method of the present invention, the open end of the cap is placed on a support pin having a stop surface adapted to engage the inner surface of the end wall of the bearing cap. Next, the support pin having the bearing cap assembly supported thereon is moved in a predetermined direction with the mounting plate located in a plane generally parallel to the direction to travel. As the bearing cap assembly and support pin are moved past a machining device, a force is exerted on the bearing cap in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel to urge the inner surface of the end wall of the cap into positive engagement with the stop surface of the support pin.

Method and apparatus for making bearing cap

The present invention concerns a unique method and apparatus for machining a bearing cap assembly of the type typically utilized in a universal joint mechanism. The bearing cap assembly includes an open-ended bearing cap having a closed end wall with an outer surface secured to a mounting plate located generally parallel to the end wall and having spaced apart opposite end portions extending outwardly past the bearing cap. The present invention is specifically concerned with machining the end portions of the mounting plate extending outwardly from the bearing cap to produce spaced apart machined surfaces which can be utilized to attach the bearing cap assembly to an associated yoke arm. The present invention also concerns a unique bearing cap assembly which is produced by the disclosed method and apparatus.

Bearing cap assembly

A protective cover assembly provides protection for an external surface of a tubular member. The assembly includes a cover having an axially extending annulus which overlies the external surface of the tubular member. The cover also includes an elongate projection disposed for axial extension into the bore of the tubular member. A retainer for the cover is defined by a support flange having an axially extending portion which carries a radially extending segmented flange. The segmented flange frictionally engages the elongate projection to retain the cover about the tubular member. In one preferred embodiment, the tubular member is an end yoke of a universal joint, and the external surface to be protected is a ground bearing sleeve. In another, the tubular member is a companion flange of a universal joint.

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Lima, OH, United States of America

Erin D Hennon