Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing race comprising a surface having a plurality of pores formed therein. A lubricant is provided in the pores. The race has a body having a porous volume contiguous with the surface. The surface includes a load bearing zone configured to be in contact with a rolling element of a bearing, the pores being distributed on the surface to provide the lubricant to the load bearing zone.

Abstract: A method for protecting the suspension and frame of a vehicle is provided. The method may include providing a first working mode where the strut is at a fully expanded state, providing a second working mode where the strut is at a partially collapsed state, and providing a fail-safe working mode where the strut is at a fully collapsed state. The method may further comprise alerting the user that the strut is operating in the fail-safe working mode and servicing the strut by placing a fail-safe member into the strut.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rubber component by compression molding is provided. The method includes receiving a rubber molding material in a plastic mold assembly. The plastic mold assembly includes a mold body having a cavity for receiving the rubber molding material. The cavity corresponds to a shape of the rubber component to be molded. The method includes receiving a plurality of metal inserts within a plurality of holes in the mold body. The plurality of metal inserts is conducting heat to the rubber molding material. The method further includes compressing the rubber molding material received within the cavity of the mold body to form the rubber component.

Abstract: A check valve normally blocks fluid flow from a bore to a passage and includes a spring normally holding a ball in sealing engagement with a valve seat to form a primary metal-to-metal hard seal. Another spring normally holds a poppet in engagement with another valve seat causing an annular protuberance formed on the poppet to sealingly engage a resilient seal to provide a more positive secondary soft seat seal. The poppet is unseated from the valve seat by a stem of a piston prior to the ball being unseated from the valve seat by a guide stem of the poppet so that the soft seal is opened at essentially zero flow conditions.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic composition that possesses excellent wear resistance and weld line strength without a significant increase in the flexural modulus. The reinforced plastic composition for forming molded and extruded products has a plastic matrix with a plurality of fibers dispersed therein. The fibers are present in the range of about 1% to about 30% by weight of the plastic matrix. The reinforced plastic composition has a weld line strength greater than 66% of the weld line strength of the plastic matrix without the fibers. The plastic composition is particularly useful for making thrust washers, pump seals, piston rings and other dynamic bearing and sealing components for engines, transmissions and drivelines.