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:
Oct. 21, 2003
Filed:
Apr. 28, 1999
Douglas E. Breese, Northwood, OH (US);
Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc., Holland, OH (US);
Abstract
A method for manufacturing a splined member, such as a male or female splined shaft, having a low friction coating applied thereto includes the initial step of providing a length of cylindrical stock having a predetermined outer diameter. The end of the cylindrical stock is then machined by any conventional process to form a preform including an end portion and a neck portion. Next, the end portion of the preform is subjected to a cold working process by a conventional roll forming machine or similar tool to form a plurality of splines about the circumference thereof. The cold working process is effective to re-shape the end portion of the preform to form the splines without the removal of any material therefrom. As a result, each of the splines is formed having a generally involute cross sectional shape, wherein opposed sides of the splines are relatively gently curved between the inner roots and the outer ends thereof. The splines define a major diameter that is somewhat larger than the initial outer diameter of the preform and a minor diameter that is somewhat smaller than the initial outer diameter of the preform. Thereafter, the splines and the neck portion of the preform are coated with a conventional low friction material to form the splined tube shaft. A broaching machine or similar apparatus is used to precisely shape the solidified low friction material about the splines.