Patents Assigned to Metaldyne
  • Patent number: 7892133
    Abstract: The present invention includes novel apparatus and methods for engaging and disengaging a locking differential. In an embodiment, an assembly for use with a locking differential is provided. The assembly includes an actuator, a housing, a shaft, a pair of biasing members, a side gear, and a locking pin. The actuator is arranged to move the assembly from a first position to a second position. The housing is coupled to the actuator. The first biasing member biases the housing, and the second biasing member biases the housing and shaft. The side gear includes an aperture for engaging the locking pin. The locking pin is coupled to the shaft such that the biasing of the shaft determines whether the locking pin is biased into engagement with the aperture or out of engagement with the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Metaldyne, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Lubben, Ryan McAlister
  • Patent number: 7766035
    Abstract: A fluid jet for providing fluid under pressure to a desired location is disclosed wherein the valve body includes and integral valve element retaining region. Preferably, the valve body and integral valve element retaining region are die cast as a one-piece component. More specifically, the fluid jet includes a die cast one-piece valve body having a valve element retaining region extending longitudinally within at least a portion of the valve body, at least one fluid passage extending longitudinally within at least a portion of the valve body and in fluid communication with at least a portion of the valve element retaining region, and at least one fluid-exiting aperture through the valve body in fluid communication with the at least one fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Metaldyne, LLC
    Inventor: Jose Correa Neto
  • Patent number: 7758462
    Abstract: A pin retention and assembly system that is used with vehicles, such as, off-road vehicles is provided. The pin retention and assembly system has modular locking pins engaging a collar positionable about a bearing journal of a differential housing. Channels are formed in the bearing journal for receiving the locking pins. The channels aid in maximizing the size of the bearing journal. The locking pins engage the collar to lock the differential housing. In an embodiment, the locking pins and locking apertures in the differential housing are orientated asymmetrically causing the number of locking pins to be independent to the apertures in the side gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Metaldyne, LLC
    Inventors: Robert F. Veldman, Jeffrey L. Lubben, Zhipeng Han, Greg Sabourin
  • Patent number: 7753592
    Abstract: Bearing caps and methods for manufacturing bearing cap are disclosed. Bearing cap includes a body that comprises an abutment surface, a bearing surface, an exterior surface, and a recess portion. The abutment surface provides for the bearing cap to be coupled to an engine along a flat and even surface. The bearing surface provides for the bearing cap to at least partially capture the bearing shaft to secure the bearing shaft when the bearing cap is abutted to the engine. The recess portion extends into the body of the bearing cap from the exterior surface to reduce the weight of the bearing cap. The recess portion can be located anywhere along the exterior surface and be any shape and dimension that retains sufficient structural integrity of the bearing cap to secure the balance shaft to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Metaldyne Corporation
    Inventor: Jose Correa Neto
  • Patent number: 7748288
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling backlash comprising an intermediate gear capable of adjustably meshed engagement between a first driving gear and a second driven gear, and a body rotatably supporting the intermediate gear and capable of movement in a direction that reduces the center distance between the intermediate gear and either the first gear, the second gear, or both. The movement of the body utilizes both resilient urging and hysteretic damping to supply appropriately light resilient biasing while being fortified against rapid retraction or repulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Metaldyne BSM, LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. Chevalier, David L. Killion
  • Publication number: 20100132654
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a balance shaft module for a vehicle. In the balance shaft module of the present invention, an intermediate gear is covered by a baffle cover, thus making it possible to prevent air from mixing into the engine oil when an intermediate gear rotates. Further, since an intermediate gear is supported with increased support force by a gear shaft, to the present invention provides a reduction in noise and frictional wear and improves durability while considerably improving the NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness) performance of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, METALDYNE KOREA LTD.
    Inventors: Byungsik Lee, Sangkyu Chai
  • Patent number: 7716833
    Abstract: A knuckle hub assembly (10) and a method for manufacturing same whereby brake run out is produced includes a knuckle (12), a bearing (28) press fit into the knuckle (12), and a wheel hub (14) coupled to the bearing (28) and rotateable with respect to the knuckle (12). The wheel hub (14) has a flange surface (34) having a relief channel (60) formed therein. A plurality of wheel studs (44) are press fit into bolt opening (42) formed in the relief channel (60). This arrangement provides a flat flange surface (34) for mating with a rotor (42) to minimize brake run out. The knuckle hub assembly (10) is mounted into a floating tool for finish turning of the flange surface (34) to provide minimal run out and maximum flatness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Metaldyne Chassis Products, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Brinker, Brian Elzerman, Ben Merrill, Robert Veldman
  • Patent number: 7708026
    Abstract: Pressure actuated oil jets have long been used to cool the underside of the pistons in such reciprocating engines. The present disclosure is a fluid jet for providing fluid under pressure to a desired location. The fluid jet comprises a valve body, at least one fluid passage extending longitudinally within at least a portion of the valve body, a fluid pressure actuated valve element located within the valve body and moveable longitudinally therein between a valve open position and a valve closed position, and a sleeve extending inwardly within said valve body, wherein said valve element is retained within said sleeve when oil pressure drops below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Metaldyne, LLC
    Inventor: Jose Correa Neto
  • Patent number: 7509863
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring and testing device incorporating an air gauge capable of measuring dimensional characteristics of a tapered bore of a component. The measuring and testing device has an actuator for moving the air gauge or the component relative to the other so that the measuring and testing device are capable of utilization in an inline process for manufacturing the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Metaldyne Company LLC
    Inventor: Glenn R. Weier
  • Patent number: 7479087
    Abstract: The present invention provides a differential housing assembly having a pinion shaft positioned therein. The differential housing assembly is capable of imparting torque to at least a pair of axle shafts of, for example a vehicle. The pinion shaft has a relief portion for receiving a portion of at least one of the axle shafts. The relief portion is capable of compensating for offset between the centerline of the pinion shaft and a centerline of a vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the relief portion allows the axle shafts to have equal lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Metaldyne Company LLC
    Inventors: Robert Veldman, Jeffrey L. Lubben
  • Patent number: 7479086
    Abstract: The present invention provides a differential housing having guide slots formed therein. The guide slots permit movement of pinion shaft axially therethrough. A plurality of apertures are provided in the housing for properly positioning a pinion shaft within the housing. The apertures further provide fluid communication between the exterior and the interior of the housing to aid in adequately lubricating the components within the differential housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Metaldyne Company
    Inventors: Robert Veldman, Zhipeng Han
  • Publication number: 20080273992
    Abstract: A variable nozzle area jet pump is provided having a nozzle-sealing member resiliently urged to form a sealing closure. The sealing member is part of a normally non-passing pressure control valve that recirculates excess fluid back to the inlet of a positive displacement fluid pump. The fluid is recirculated with elevated pressure after a threshold fluid pressure is exceeded. The disclosed system provides for energy conservation and pump cavitation speed increase. The system may be integrated with an engine balance shaft module so as to provide low cost robustness to low speed gear noise emissions by application of the oil pump's drive torque to at lease one gearset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: METALDYNE COMPANY LLC.
    Inventor: David L. Killion
  • Patent number: 7410035
    Abstract: A damper and method for tuning a damper utilizing a surface contact reducing resilient member is disclosed. A damper for dampening torsional and bending vibrations in a rotating shaft includes a hub member, an inertia member spaced radially outwardly from the hub member, and a resilient member positioned under compression between the hub member and the inertia member. The resilient member has at least one protrusion extending axially thereon to reduce the amount of surface contact between the resilient member and the hub member or the inertia member. A method for tuning dampers is also disclosed wherein reducing the amount of surface contact between the resilient member and the hub member and inertia member allows the damper to achieve lower part frequency based primarily on the geometry of the resilient member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Metaldyne Company LLC
    Inventor: Michael S. Crissy
  • Patent number: 7174919
    Abstract: Fluid transmission devices combine and separate fluid flowing therein, and are particularly useful in engine exhaust systems. Given the ever-increasing complexity of exhaust systems, there is a need to reduce construction costs, labor costs, and costs associated with maintaining an inventory of parts. The present fluid transmission device and method of manufacturing comprises a tubular member having a wall, an integral flow redirection member, and an opening. The integral flow redirection member is formed from the wall by cutting a slit in the wall and depressing the wall adjacent the slit until at least a portion of the wall extends within the tubular member. The opening is also formed from depressing the wall. Finally, the flow direction member redirects at least a portion of fluid flow traveling within the tubular member through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Metaldyne Company, LLC
    Inventors: Paul W. Kenyon, Michael Blackie, Keith Shrock
  • Patent number: 7152623
    Abstract: A fluid jet for providing fluid under pressure to a desired location is disclosed wherein the valve body includes and integral valve element retaining region. Preferably, the valve body and integral valve element retaining region are die cast as a one-piece component. More specifically, the fluid jet includes a die cast one-piece valve body having a valve element retaining region extending longitudinally within at least a portion of the valve body, at least one fluid passage extending longitudinally within at least a portion of the valve body and in fluid communication with at least a portion of the valve element retaining region, and at least one fluid-exiting aperture through the valve body in fluid communication with the at least one fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Metaldyne Company, LLC
    Inventor: Jose Correa Neto
  • Patent number: 7086366
    Abstract: A dual pumping element fluid system for an engine or other system which reduces the driving power consumption by unloading one pumping element through the use of recirculation when a fluid pressure target value is achieved. A cross-over port fluid system prevents cavitation of the unloaded pump. A pressure-activated flow control valve mechanism is utilized to open and close the passageways from the secondary pump. The fluid system works in conjunction with an engine balance shaft system to control gear rattle at low speeds without adding undue gear loads at high speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Metaldyne Machining and Assembly Company, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Killion
  • Patent number: 7024751
    Abstract: A housing for a vehicle component and a method for making the same. The housing comprises a housing body having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The outer wall of the housing is formed with a plurality of longitudinal splines and a plurality of longitudinal troughs located between confronting splines. A spiral groove is cut into the interior surface of the outer wall so as to remove material sufficient to engage at least one of the troughs thereby forming a plurality of apertures having a closed periphery and extending longitudinally along the outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Metaldyne Company LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Sefcik, Robert F. Veldman
  • Patent number: 6955252
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for isolating torque fluctuations of a rotary drive shaft. The device comprises a first member (2) for connection to the drive shaft, a second member (3) for connection to a driven member and an intermediate member (21) interposed between the first and second members. The intermediate member comprises a radially outer ring (22) connected to the first member, a radially inner ring (24) connected to the second member and at least one resilient rolling element (32) in a cavity between the inner and outer rings. The cavity is defined by alignment of at least one pair of recesses (26, 29), one recess being on the radially inner surface of the outer ring and the other recess being on the outer surface of the inner ring, each recess having a ramped surface. Relative rotation of the first and second members causes relative rotation of the inner and outer rings so that the rolling element rotates and compresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Metaldyne International (UK) Limited
    Inventor: John Martin Allport
  • Patent number: 6915568
    Abstract: A streamlined method for the mass production of connecting rods is disclosed, with particular applicability for anticipated in the production of rods made from powdered metal materials. The method contemplates the rough grinding of a work piece, followed by the use of a single, flexibly tooled boring machine to create crank and pin bores. The work piece is then fracture split, subjected to a final grinding process and honed to specific tolerances without the need for final boring. The entire inventive process may be implemented on a five work station assembly line, thereby reducing the capital investment in machinery and space required by previously known methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Metaldyne Company LLC
    Inventor: Michael Haehnel
  • Patent number: 6708589
    Abstract: A method for forming a brake assembly for a motor vehicle includes a wheel hub, a knuckle, and a brake rotor. The wheel hub includes a neck portion and a flange portion having a flange face. The flange face has a plurality of bolt receiving holes formed therein. The wheel hub is placed in rotational communication with the knuckle. The flange face of the wheel hub has a brake rotor secured thereto. The brake rotor has an inner surface, which is subjected to final finishing in order to reduce lateral run-out of the brake rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Metaldyne Machining & Assembly Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Brinker, Robert Veldman