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. 23, 2010
Filed:
Aug. 17, 2007
George E. Arlt, Midland, MI (US);
George E. Arlt, Midland, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A rack and pinion steering gear assembly including a housing, a rack that is translatably moveable relative to the housing along an axis and a bushing operably disposed between the rack and housing. The bushing defines a gap which extends the entire axial length of the bushing. At least one compressible member may be disposed between the bushing and the housing with the compressible member extending across the gap in the bushing and fully encircling the bushing. The bushing may also include a radial flange that acts as a travel stop. The bushing may also be formed of an acetal material wherein the flange and a tubular portion of the bushing are axially separated by an intermediate portion having a relatively thin radial thickness. Axially extending recesses may be provided to enhance the flexibility of the bushing.