Cloyes Gear and Products, Inc.

Jeffrey R Hamilton

James Justin Carty

Jimmy Dean Kinder

An automotive parts kit differentiation system and method includes a plurality of different types of parts kits, wherein each type of kit includes a base and a plurality of automotive parts removably contained by the base. The parts contained in each type of kit vary as compared to each other type of kit. Each base includes a unique identifier tag that identifies the base as being a base for one of the plurality of kit types. The unique identifier tag of each base includes a color zone defined by a color selected from a plurality of different colors that correspond respectively to the plurality of different kit types so that each kit type corresponds to one of the plurality of different colors. The unique identifier tag further includes a shape identifier selected from a plurality of different shape identifiers that correspond respectively to the plurality of different kit types so that each kit type corresponds to one of the plurality of different shapes. The color zone and shape identifier can be combined, and the color zone can comprise two different zones located respectively on two different surfaces of the base. The unique identifier tag also optionally includes a machine readable portion such as a bar-code or RFID module.

Automotive parts kit differentiation system

An idler shaft assembly for an internal combustion engine provides significant cost savings eliminates processing and assembly steps, and provides accurate orientation of components. The idler shaft assembly includes a shaft adapted for rotation about a first axis. A one-piece sprocket and gear assembly is received on the shaft. A sprocket portion of the one-piece assembly has a first diameter that cooperates with an associated drive chain that is driven by the crankshaft, and a gear portion of the one-piece assembly has a second diameter that cooperates with an associated gear of an associated balance shaft.

Integrated drive sprocket and gear for balance shaft

A method for installing a cushion ring on a sprocket body to construct a sprocket assembly includes applying a deforming force to a cushion ring so that an opening therein is deformed to a shape that accommodate passage of a non-circular flange of a sprocket body therethrough. When the cushion ring is deformed, the non-circular flange of the sprocket body is inserted through the opening of the cushion ring. The deforming force is then released from the cushion ring so that the cushion ring is trapped between the flange and another portion of the sprocket body. The sprocket assembly includes at least one and typically two cushion rings trapped by respective non-circular flanges.

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Davisburg, MI, United States of America

Jeffrey R Hamilton