Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems Limited

Michael William Brookey

Mark Thomas Winters

Graham Thornton Spencer

John C Hall

A vehicle hub includes a generally cylindrical axially extending body forming an inboard bearing seat, an outboard bearing seat and lubricant cavity therebetween. The hub is preferably cast as an integral component from a ductile iron. A plurality of integral open ribs connects the body to a radially extending flange. The ribs form an open area between the body and the ribs. The open structure of ribs providing increased cooling for the bearings and lubricant while decreasing weight without sacrificing hub strength and rigidity. The lubricant cavity is of a reduced diameter which reduces the volume of lubricating medium required to fill the cavity and minimizes the centrifuge effect acting upon the medium. The beneficial effects of the improved hub providing increased bearing cooling, lighter weight, a smaller lubricant cavity and increased strength.

Vehicle hub having reduced lubricant cavity

According to the invention, an air bag module includes a frame of channel-shape cross section and a box shaped cover of molded plastic construction which encloses a folded air bag. The box-shaped cover is slid between the side walls of the frame and first and second interfitting slide locking features are provided respectively on the frame and the cover to interlock the cover to the frame. A cylindrical inflator is installed into the frame and cover. A retainer strap encompasses the frame and the cover to restrain the relative longitudinal movement therebetween so that the frame and cover are effectively attached together. The retainer strap also has at least one apertured end flap which overlies an end of the inflator, and a fastener is installed between the end flap aperture and the inflator to attach the inflator to the frame and the cover.

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New Carlisle, OH, United States of America

Michael William Brookey