Patents by Inventor Kenneth G. Kraft

Kenneth G. Kraft 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).

  • Low lash idler arm assembly
    Patent number: 5947496
    Abstract: A low lash idler arm assembly includes upper and lower bushings which are provided for supporting a hub of an idler arm on a support member. The assembly uses the engagement of a flange nut onto the support member to axially position the bushings in their final position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Kraft, Jeffrey L. Kincaid
  • Adjustable torque pivot joint
    Patent number: 5839845
    Abstract: A preloaded pivot joint has a threaded ball seat that is screwed into an open end of the joint housing to adjust the axial load on the ball stud and consequent torque characteristics. The adjusted position of the ball seat is then maintained by swaging the joint housing inwardly to engage a hexagonal portion of the ball seat that is used to screw the ball seat into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kincaid, Brian A. Mattila, Thomas J. Miller, Kenneth G. Kraft
  • Preloaded pivot joint
    Patent number: 5597258
    Abstract: A pitman arm incorporates a preloaded pivot joint that has a stud that rotates and angulates. The preloaded pivot joint is designed so that different internal components transfer the respective lateral loads, axial compression loads and angulation loads of the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Kincaid, Manoj Bhandiwad, Kenneth G. Kraft