Abstract: A bearing assembly includes inner and outer rings, a plurality of rolling elements between the rings and first and second lubricant retainers. Each one of the first and second retainers includes an annular body having an outer radial end coupled with the outer ring and an inner radial end spaced radially and/or axially outwardly from the inner bearing ring such that an annular gap is defined between the inner radial end of each retainer and the bearing inner ring. The first retainer is disposed at least generally adjacent to a first axial end of the outer ring and the second retainer is disposed at least generally adjacent to a second axial end of the outer ring. The first and second retainers retain a quantity of liquid lubricant within the bearing annular space and the annular gap is sized to permit lubricant to be directed into the bearing annular space.

Abstract: A telescoping joint assembly and a method for making a telescope joint assembly 10. The joint assembly 10 has a pair of members 12, 14 which are telescopically engaged. Assembly 10 further includes a resinous, plastic and/or polymer material 16 which shrinkably coats or lines the inner shaft 12 after the inner shaft 12 is heated and exposed to a substantially inert gas, thereby providing a relatively durable and substantially “low friction” bearing or surface 18 which is effective to promote and/or assist the telescopic sliding motion between the members 12, 14.

Abstract: A telescoping joint assembly and a method for making a telescope joint assembly 10. The joint assembly 10 has a pair of members 12, 14 which are telescopically engaged. Assembly 10 further includes a resinous, plastic and/or polymer material 16 which shrinkably coats or lines the inner shaft 12 after the inner shaft 12 is heated and exposed to a substantially inert gas, thereby providing a relatively durable and substantially “low friction” bearing or surface 18 which is effective to promote and/or assist the telescopic sliding motion between the members 12, 14.

Abstract: A hood latch mechanism having interengaging pivot elements and pins for pivotally carrying the elements, first and second parts of a frame which are placed on opposite side of the pivot elements, the parts being held together tightly by pins pivotally carrying the pivot elements on the frame parts, springs biasing the pivoting elements to predetermine positions away from the hasp catched position, the pivotal elements and pins having a coating thereon of non-conductive resin and lubricious solid film with the frame and springs having a cathodic electropainted coating thereon, the coatings permitting manual override of the springs to facilitate release of the catched position.

Abstract: A fluid conduit connecting apparatus allows various final assembly orientations of the fluid supply line (52) to a pump housing (16). The fluid conduit connecting apparatus includes a collar (12) having a first side (22) with teeth (26) and a tube (14) with at least one tooth (60) for orienting the tube (14) relative to the collar and housing when finally installed. The tube (14) further includes at least one retaining barb (82) for positively retaining the tube (14) in a fluid passage (72) of the housing (16).

Abstract: A hydraulic apparatus as used for providing fluid to a steering gear of an automotive vehicle includes a housing (10) having a valve bore (14) housing a relief valve spool (94) disposed therein and slidable between a first and second position. A discharge connector (88) is disposed on a first end of the valve bore (14) and forms a fluid passage for communicating fluid through the first end of the valve bore to a power steering actuator. An annular retainer (90) is disposed in the valve bore between the first position of the spool valve (94) and the discharge connector (88). The annular retainer includes an outer periphery (130) sized for interference fit engagement with said valve bore (14) for retaining the spool valve (94) within the valve bore (14) when the discharge connector (88) is removed from the first end of the valve bore.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly is disclosed which comprises a generally cylindrical housing having a recess at one end thereof with a circumferential lip, a ball element disposed in the housing, and a joint pin connected to the ball element and extending from the housing. The assembly further includes a polymeric bearing disposed over the ball element in the housing and a cover plate for sealing the ball element and bearing in the housing and preventing contaminants from entering the housing.

Abstract: A power tilt, telescoping and internally collapsible steering column assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a main housing, a telescope housing, and a tilt head. The telescope housing and tilt head are driven by a pair of torsionally rigid axially flexible cables extending generally along the steering column. The cable is adapted by its axial flexibility to axially flex to accommodate the collapse of the telescope housing with respect to the main housing.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for releasably securing a steering column of a motor vehicle to the chassis of the vehicle includes a bracket attached to the steering column, with the bracket having a plurality of rearwardly opening primary apertures therein, and a plurality of modules molded in place upon the bracket, with each of the modules registered with one of the rearwardly opening apertures, and with each of the modules including a solid body having an annular groove which (i) is formed during the molding of the module; (ii) which circumscribes a portion of the module and (iii) which is in contact with the bracket. Each module has an aperture through which a fastener may be inserted so as to secure the bracket to the chassis of the vehicle.