Patents by Inventor David K. Pfister

David K. Pfister 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: 6622828
    Abstract: A cam bushing assembly for supporting a camshaft in a cam braking system on a vehicle has a bushing retainer removable from a brake spider, and a bushing removable from the bushing retainer. The bashing retainer is bolted to the brake spider and can be removed simply by unfastening the bolts. A bushing is removably disposed within the bushing retainer. The bushing can be removed from the bushing retainer without removing the retainer from the brake spider. Further, the bushing assembly incorporates strategically located grooves that significantly increase lubricant flow to and around the camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: William L. DeLeeuw, David K. Pfister
  • Patent number: 6550780
    Abstract: A washer seal for a cam braking system is disclosed that sealingly abuts a bushing assembly and a camshaft. The washer seal is preferably made of a metal washer bonded to a flexible material. The bushing assembly supports the camshaft in the cam braking system. The bushing washer seal is preferably generally ring-shaped having a first ring-shaped flat section defining a bore along a longitudinal axis, a second ring-shaped curved section contiguous with and spaced radially from the first section, and a lip that extends longitudinally from the second section. In a preferred embodiment, the lip extends from the washer seal at an angle from the washer seal second section. In an alternative embodiment, the lip extends from the washer seal at an angle from the washer seal first section. The bushing assembly includes a radially outer surface. The lip of the washer seal deforms radially outwardly to engage the bushing assembly radially outer surface, thereby providing an axial locating feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: William L. DeLeeuw, David K. Pfister
  • Patent number: 6237732
    Abstract: A bushing boot for a cam braking system is disclosed that snaps in place over a bushing assembly. The bushing assembly supports a camshaft in the cam braking system. The bushing boot is preferably generally cylindrical having a first end, a second end and an internal bore extending along a longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the boot also has an internal circumferential groove within the bore at its first end and an external circumferential groove at its second end. The bushing assembly includes a washer at an end adjacent the boot. The internal groove of the boot snaps in place over the outside diameter of the bushing assembly washer, thereby providing an axial locating feature. The internal bore of the boot receives the camshaft. Further, the external groove on the boot receives a tie strap to connect the boot to the camshaft. In the preferred embodiment, the boot rotates with the camshaft. In an alternative embodiment, the boot does not have an external circumferential groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: William L. DeLeeuw, David K. Pfister