Patents by Inventor Bret E. Viant

Bret E. Viant 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).

  • Method of manufacturing crankshaft bushing
    Patent number: 7931856
    Abstract: A method of forming a crankshaft bushing or similar component is provided. A compaction die is provided having an axial, generally cylindrical internal opening. An upper and a lower punch are provided with exterior surfaces corresponding to the internal opening of the compaction die. An upper core rod passes through an axial opening in the upper punch. A lower core rod passes through an axial opening in the lower punch. The upper core rod and the lower core rod each may have a generally flat external surface section. A metal powder is compacted in the compaction die by the combined action of the upper and lower punches and the upper and lower core rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Burgess-Norton Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: John Engquist, Bret E. Viant, Mark R. Haas, Kurt Kujawski, Matthew D. Bowman, Kevin J. Skibinski
  • Method of manufacturing crankshaft bushing
    Publication number: 20090060771
    Abstract: A method of forming a crankshaft bushing or similar component is provided. A compaction die is provided having an axial, generally cylindrical internal opening. An upper and a lower punch are provided with exterior surfaces corresponding to the internal opening of the compaction die. An upper core rod passes through an axial opening in the upper punch. A lower core rod passes through an axial opening in the lower punch. The upper core rod and the lower core rod each may have a generally flat external surface section. A metal powder is compacted in the compaction die by the combined action of the upper and lower punches and the upper and lower core rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: John Engquist, Bret E. Viant, Mark R. Haas, Kurt Kujawski, Matthew D. Bowman, Kevin J. Skibinski