Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a case hardened journal cross includes an inductor having an open side to allow the journal cross to be inserted and withdrawn from the induction process with relative ease. The conductive frame of the inductor is shaped in a cross-like pattern that outlines the outer perimeter of a journal cross on each side of the journal cross. Because the induction coil passes across both sides of the journal cross, heat treating may be enhanced at specific locations of the outer surface of the journal cross by adjusting the distance of the induction coil from the journal cross. Also, a method for manufacturing such a journal cross includes determining the maximum stress distribution for the journal cross and, based thereon, determining the desired depth and location of the case hardening.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a case hardened journal cross includes an inductor having an open side to allow the journal cross to be inserted and withdrawn from the induction process with relative ease. The conductive frame of the inductor is shaped in a cross-like pattern that outlines the outer perimeter of a journal cross on each side of the journal cross. Because the induction coil passes across both sides of the journal cross, heat treating may be enhanced at specific locations of the outer surface of the journal cross by adjusting the distance of the induction coil from the journal cross. Also, a method for manufacturing such a journal cross includes determining the maximum stress distribution for the journal cross and, based thereon, determining the desired depth and location of the case hardening.

Abstract: An apparatus for balancing an aluminum drive shaft uses a transition material to attach steel counterweights to the aluminum drive shaft. The transition material is disposed between an outer surface of the aluminum drive shaft and an inner surface of the steel counterweights. A resistance welding process is then applied to the aluminum drive shaft, the steel counterweights, and the transition material to resistance weld the inner surface of the steel counterweights to the outer surface of the aluminum drive shaft. The transition material has a first surface adjacent to the aluminum drive shaft and a second surface adjacent to the steel counterweights, with the first surface being aluminum and the second surface being steel. In a method of balancing an aluminum drive shaft, a resistance welding process is applied to the aluminum drive shaft, the steel counterweights, and the transition material to resistance weld the inner surface of the steel counterweights to the outer surface of the aluminum drive shaft.