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. 17, 2007
Filed:
Dec. 30, 2002
Robert D. Durand, Reading, PA (US);
Richard A. Marando, Mohrsville, PA (US);
Eric M. Schrack, Shartlesville, PA (US);
Robert D. Durand, Reading, PA (US);
Richard A. Marando, Mohrsville, PA (US);
Eric M. Schrack, Shartlesville, PA (US);
Dana Corporation, Toledo, OH (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method of applying a lubricating material to an outer surface of a workpiece. Initially, a workpiece is provided that is preferably formed from a closed channel structural member having a circular or box-shaped cross sectional shape. Lubricating material is applied to an outer surface of the workpiece. In a second step of the method, the workpiece may be heat treated. The workpiece is then heated to elevate the temperature of the workpiece so as to cause the lubricating material to dry substantially immediately on the workpiece, thereby providing a coating of lubricating material having a substantially uniform thickness. In a fourth step of the method, a deforming process is performed on the workpiece during the period of time following the heat treatment process, and after applying the lubricating material, in which the workpiece retains the full or partial softening characteristics.