Saint-gobain Performance Plastics Corporation

Nicholas F Witting

Timothy J Hagan

Joseph Liquore

Vincent Dimartino

Alan F Hunter

Zbigniew M Koziol

A linear motion assembly having a static coefficient of friction, &#x3bc;S, as measured between an inner component and an outer component, and a dynamic coefficient of friction, &#x3bc;, as measured between the inner component and the outer component, wherein &#x3bc;/&#x3bc;is less than 2.0, such as less than 1.9, less than 1.8, less than 1.7, or even less than 1.6.

Linear motion system

A plain bearing comprising a generally cylindrical sidewall having a first axial end and a second axial end; and a curved portion disposed at the first axial end, wherein the generally cylindrical sidewall has a thickness, wherein the curved portion has an effective material thickness, wherein the effective material thickness of the curved portion is n-times thicker than the thickness of the generally cylindrical sidewall, and wherein n equals 2, 3, 4, or even 5.

Plain bearing

A steering yolk bearing assembly includes a body. The body can include a first end having a flat surface and a second end opposite the first end. The second end can have a concave surface having a radius of curvature, R, a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side. A first bearing pad can extend from the first lateral side of the concave surface and a second bearing pad can extend from the second lateral side of the concave surface opposite the first bearing pad. Each bearing pad can include a shaft contact surface having a radius of curvature, R, and R&#x2267;2&#xd7;R.

Steering yoke assembly

A steering yoke is disclosed and includes a hollow cylindrical body that can be formed from a laminated sheet of metal and polymer. The hollow cylindrical body includes a substantially uniform wall thickness. Further, the hollow cylindrical body can include a first half, a second half, a seam extending at least partially along the body between the first half and the second half, an upper end having a surface, and a lower open end. The steering yoke can also include a bearing surface coupled to the surface of the upper end of the hollow cylindrical body and a spring perch disposed in the lower end of the hollow cylindrical body. The spring perch can include a spring pocket configured to support and retain a spring for supplying a biasing force to the yoke.

Steering yoke

A yoke for use in a rack and pinion steering assembly is described. The yoke may include a bearing surface that provides a low coefficient of friction, allowing for a greater biasing force against the rack shaft. The materials and design of the yoke can provide for a quieter system with reduced vibration.

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Clark, NJ, United States of America

Nicholas F Witting