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:
Feb. 03, 1998
Filed:
Feb. 14, 1997
Jack E Skelton, Lake James, IN (US);
Mark C Barnholt, Fort Wayne, IN (US);
Patrick J Ballinger, Fort Wayne, IN (US);
Dana Corporation, Toledo, OH (US);
Abstract
An apparatus comprising a support structure having at least one trunnion which is adapted to receive a generally cylindrical hollow tube. The trunnion includes an annular groove formed in an outer surface. The apparatus further comprises an annular reinforcing ring disposed in the annular groove. The support structure is preferably made of a non-ferrous metallic alloy and the reinforcing ring may be made of either a ferrous metal, such as iron or a steel alloy, or may be made of a composite material. The support structure may comprise an axle carrier or a disconnect housing of an axle drive assembly, or any other support structure having a trunnion which accepts a generally cylindrical hollow tube. The support structure may comprise a casting, and the reinforcing ring may comprise a prefabricated, one-piece construction which is cast in place in the trunnion groove of the support structure. Alternatively, the reinforcing ring may comprise a prefabricated one-piece construction which is pressed in place in the trunnion groove, or may comprise a two-piece construction with each piece disposed in the trunnion groove and fastened to one another.