Dana Corporation

James G Koedam

Eric Keith Manning

Daniel C Perry

Kellie L Stevens

Donald C Schultz

Earl L Brazle

Tyrone L Bowman

David Alvin Cole

A method for installing a noise reduction structure within a vehicle driveshaft tube includes the initial step of disposing a reducing sleeve adjacent to a first end of the driveshaft tube. The reducing sleeve may define an inner surface that is tapered from a first diameter, which is slightly larger than the uncompressed outer diameter of the noise reduction structure, to a second diameter, which is approximately equal to the diameter of the first end of the driveshaft tube. Alternatively, the reducing sleeve may define an inner surface that is tapered from a first diameter and then rounded to a second diameter. A source of vacuum is disposed adjacent to a second end of the driveshaft tube, opposite the first end. The source of vacuum may be an accumulator tank and compressor assembly or a venturi arrangement. In any event, the noise reduction structure is disposed within the reducing sleeve and a vacuum is generated such that the vacuum draws the noise reduction structure into the driveshaft tube. To control the position of the noise reduction structure within the driveshaft tube, a limit switch can be positioned at a desired location within the driveshaft tube. When the leading end of the noise reduction structure touches the limit switch, the vacuum may be vented to the atmosphere, thereby preventing further movement of the noise reduction structure. Once installed within the driveshaft tube, the noise reduction structure expands outwardly into a light interference fit therewith. If desired, several methods are proposed to increase the force exerted on the noise reduction structure by the source of vacuum.

Apparatus and method for installing a noise reduction structure within a

An annular two-piece thrust washer for use between the end wall of a bearing cup and the axially outer ends of the bearings and trunnion of a universal joint assembly includes a first piece and a second piece. The first piece is sized to be disposed between the axially outer ends of the bearings and the end wall of the bearing cup. In a preferred embodiment, a circumferential recess is formed at the junction between the radially inner surface and the axially outer surface of the first piece. The second piece of the thrust washer is sized to be disposed between the trunnion and the end wall of the bearing cup. When assembled, the second piece of the thrust washer is disposed within the first piece. The outer circumferential portion of the second piece extends into the circumferential recess of the first piece. A predetermined small clearance is provided between the first piece and the second piece which allows a limited amount of relative movement therebetween.

Two-piece thrust washer for universal joint

A noise and vibration damper for a shift lever assembly in a manually operable vehicle transmission is disclosed. The damper includes a hollow cylindrical housing having upper and lower pairs of aligned, transversely extending apertures. The upper end of a lower shift lever member extends upwardly into housing, while the lower end of an upper shift lever member extends downwardly into the housing. A transversely extending pin extends through apertures formed in the ends of each of the shift lever members and through their respective pair of apertures to secure the shift lever members to the housing. The ends of the pins are supported within the apertures by nylon bushings. The ends of the upper and lower shift lever members are spaced apart from one another and from the damper housing by a hollow cylindrical sleeve of vibration dampening material, such as polyurethane. The polyurethane is injected into the housing and molded about the ends of the shift lever members so as to acoustically isolate them from one another. A collar is provided about both the upper and lower ends of the damper housing to provide positive stops for the shift lever members when they are moved.

Noise and vibration damper for a transmission shift lever

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Olathe, KS, United States of America

James G Koedam