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:
Jul. 10, 2001
Filed:
Sep. 23, 1999
Michael W. Brookey, New Carlisle, OH (US);
John C. Hall, Centerville, OH (US);
Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC, Troy, MI (US);
Abstract
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.