Patents by Inventor Jon Hootman

Jon Hootman 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: 6619533
    Abstract: Link arms for use in suspension systems are produced through an extrusion and friction stir welding process. Blocks having an eye and a planar body section are formed through an extrusion process. These sections are then paired together and joined through friction stir welding. The welded joint(s) is/are positioned in such a location so as to not impact the structural integrity of the completed component. Through this process it is possible to construct cost competitive link arms having the same or better structural integrity as previously employed steel link arms while achieving dramatic weight reductions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Tower Automotive Technology Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Hootman, John F. Hinrichs, Jeffrey S. Noruk, Mike Gall, Phillip C. Ruehl