Abstract: A method for fabricating an input pinion for an automotive differential that includes: providing a shaft; forging a pinion with a plurality of teeth such that each tooth is formed to at least a near-net size, forming a hole in the pinion, pressing an end of the shaft into the hole in the pinion, and securing the shaft to the pinion.

Abstract: A vehicle is powered by an electric linear induction motor (LIM) in at least one of the vehicle wheels and the height from the ground and/or wheelbase changed by the wheel structure and its connection to the vehicle chassis. The LIM is disposed radially outwardly from the wheel axis of rotation and comprises a stator having an electrically energizable propulsion coil circumposed by a rotor. A stator shaft connects the stator to the vehicle chassis and the stator and associated shaft are fixedly-connected and angularly orbited about the inner diameter of the rotor whereby to change the height of the vehicle chassis from the ground or the wheelbase of the vehicle. The rotor is supported for rotation about the stator by bearings, or by magnetic levitation, as provided by a ring of permanent magnets in the rotor disposed in juxtaposition with an electrically energizable levitation coil in the stator.

Abstract: A vehicle is powered by an electric linear induction motor (LIM) in at least one of the vehicle wheels and the height from the ground and/or wheelbase changed by the wheel structure and its connection to the vehicle chassis. The LIM is disposed radially outwardly from the wheel axis of rotation and comprises a stator having an elelctrically energizable propulsion coil circumposed by a rotor. A stator shaft connects the stator to the vehicle chassis and the stator and associated shaft are fixedly-connected and angulary orbited about the inner diameter of the rotor whereby to change the height of the vehicle chassis from the ground or the wheelbase of the vehicle. The rotor is supported for rotation about the stator by bearings, or by magnetic levitation, as provided by a ring of permanent magnets in the rotor disposed in juxtaposition with an electrically energizable levitation coil in the stator.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an input pinion for an automotive differential that includes: providing a shaft; forging a pinion with a plurality of teeth such that each tooth is formed to at least a near-net size, forming a hole in the pinion, pressing an end of the shaft into the hole in the pinion, and securing the shaft to the pinion.

Abstract: A vehicle is powered by an electric linear induction motor (LIM) in at least one of the vehicle wheels and the height from the ground and/or wheelbase changed by the wheel structure and its connection to the vehicle chassis. The LIM is disposed radially outwardly from the wheel axis of rotation and comprises a stator having an electrically energizable propulsion coil circumposed by a rotor. A stator shaft connects the stator to the vehicle chassis and the stator and associated shaft are fixedly-connected and angularly orbited about the inner diameter of the rotor whereby to change the height of the vehicle chassis from the ground or the wheelbase of the vehicle. The rotor is supported for rotation about the stator by bearings, or by magnetic levitation, as provided by a ring of permanent magnets in the rotor disposed in juxtaposition with an electrically energizable levitation coil in the stator.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an axle tube housing for a differential assembly includes heating a localized area of a one-piece tubular blank. A mandrel is inserted within the tubular blank and the localized area is then deformed to provide an increased wall thickness. A compression force is applied to the localized area of the one-piece tubular blank using a forging die to form a spindle section, wherein the spindle section closely conforms to at least one of the forging die and the mandrel. The remaining portion of the one-piece tubular blank is then cold reduced to form a carrier section.

Abstract: An input pinion shaft for a differential assembly. The input pinion shaft includes a discretely formed stem and a discretely formed gear. The stem includes an engagement surface. The gear includes a plurality of gear teeth and a mounting aperture that is sized to receive the stem such that the engagement surface and the contact surface are engaged to one another so as to facilitate transmission of rotary power therebetween. A coupling element, such as a weld, a key or a threaded fastener may also be employed to fix the stem and the gear to one another. A method for forming an input pinion shaft is also provided.

Abstract: A driving or driven wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a wheel having a rotor which has an inner surface coaxial with the axis of rotation of the wheel and a stator which form part of the axle structure. A portion of the stator is encircled by the rotor and an electrical coil connected to a source of electrical energy for creating an electromagnetic force to rotate the rotor relative to the stator. The stator is coupled to the wheel radially outwardly from the axis of rotation and orbits about the inner surface of the rotor via a trunnions mounted shaft. The shaft is driven into orbiting rotation and is coupled to the wheel chassis such that as the shaft orbits the chassis moves in response thereto while maintaining its spatial relation thereto.

Abstract: A structurally networked matrix ceramic composite material is disclosed as comprising either a continuous ceramic skeletal structure or a series of noncontinuous ceramic skeletal structure surrounded by a resilient polymeric, metallic etc. material to obtain a structural composite with a high compression and tensile strength of ceramics while permitting an accurate prediction of the strength of the resulting composite. Alternatively, the skeletal matrix structure could have no surrounding material or substrate. The matrix structure distributes to all connecting members the compressive and tensile forces resulting from loads on the overall composite.

Abstract: A spot welding electrode includes a plurality of alternating, co-axially first and second sections, the first sections having a first predetermined sized cross section. Each first section has an undercut portion tangential to the second section which defines a shear line. The second sections have a second predetermined sized cross section smaller than the cross section of the first sections. The outer sides of the second sections form undercut areas between the outer sides of adjacent first sections. The outer sides of the second sections act as cleavage surfaces which remove excess material formed at the peripheral edges of the adjoining first sections caused by successive deformation of the first sections during repeated welding operations.

Abstract: A spot welding electrode and method of assembling the same. The electrode includes a cap having a hollow cavity with an open bottom end and a closed tip. A plurality of circumferentially spaced fins are formed interiorally in the cap and extend inward from the side wall of the cap. The upper ends of the fin meet and have a spherical domed shape. The bottom ends of the fins are spaced from the bottom end of the cap to form a coolant flow path within the electrode. A shoulder is formed on the bottom wall of the electrode and mates with and is joined to a complimentary formed shoulder on the upper end of a shank to mount the cap to the shank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple carrier transportation system. The system employs a plurality of linear induction motors positioned along a track. A plurality of carrier units are used for moving work pieces along the track. Each carrier is mounted with a reaction plate or secondary. The reaction plate passes over the linear induction motors and reacts with the electromagnetic field generated therein. The electromagnetic energy induced from the linear induction motors into the secondary produces a mechanical thrust which propels the carrier along the track. A control system utilizing a series of feedback loops and a computer is used to monitor and coordinate the movement of the carriers in the system. Attached to each carrier is a position indicator. The indicator relays position information to position sensors. The sensors relay position information to a control module or computer which determines the velocity and acceleration of the carrier.

Abstract: A spot welding electrode includes a plurality of alternating, co-axially first and second sections, the first sections having a first predetermined sized cross section. The second sections have a second predetermined sized cross section smaller than the cross section of the first sections. The outer sides of the second sections form undercut areas between the outer sides of adjacent first sections. The outer sides of the second sections act as cleavage surfaces which remove excess material formed at the peripheral edges of the adjoining first sections caused by successive deformation of the first sections during repeated welding operations.