Patents by Inventor John C. Frana

John C. Frana has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7229358
    Abstract: A high performance constant velocity universal joint is based on a body which encloses the constant velocity joint components and provides a smooth spherical outer surface. A one-piece semi-rigid plastic boot in the form of a truncated sphere has a smooth internal spherical surface sized to match the outer surface of the body. The plastic of the boot is sufficiently elastic to allow the boot to snap over the body, yet sufficiently resilient to snap the open end closed after the boot is snapped over the body to provide a substantial seal preventing entry of debris under the seal. A retaining ring is positioned on the boot near the truncated end to resist plastic creep which would result in enlarging the opening and allowing debris to enter the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Rockford Acromatic Products Company
    Inventors: Sean M. Carlini, John C. Frana
  • Patent number: 7025684
    Abstract: A universal joint includes an inner race, an outer race, a ball cage, and balls positioned within windows of the ball cage. One end of the ball cage extends beyond the windows further than the other end of the ball cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Aircraft Gear Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Frana, James N. Olson, Sean M. Carlini
  • Publication number: 20040242337
    Abstract: A universal joint includes an inner race, an outer race, a ball cage, and balls positioned within windows of the ball cage. One end of the ball cage extends beyond the windows further than the other end of the ball cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: John C. Frana, James N. Olson, Sean M. Carlini