The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 23, 1996
Filed:
Sep. 28, 1994
Applicant:
Inventors:
Charles D Eifert, Vandalia, OH (US);
Patrick H Fullenkamp, Bellbrook, OH (US);
Douglas M Brademeyer, West Chester, OH (US);
Assignee:
General Motors Corporation, Detroit, MI (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
F16C / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
403144 ; 403132 ; 403133 ;
Abstract
A compression lower ball joint includes a ball pivotally mounted in a socket. The ball includes a substantially hemispherical bearing with a recess receiving a post of a stud which includes a parti-spherical head adapted to mate with the bearing. A spring is disposed between the post and the bearing providing a preload to force the bearing and stud apart maintaining the joint in a tight condition until a predetermined amount of wear has occurred. This provides a positive indication of when the joint is worn and in need of replacement.