Abstract: A hand-held device is used to deliver and hydrate a temporary polymeric implant having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section, with a disruptable cover over the implant. A lumen may pass through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The temporary polymeric implant includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a motor vehicle comprises an axle housing having a central axis and first and second openings formed through the axle housing opposite to each other, a carrier with a differential bearing support supporting a differential thereon for rotation about the central axis, and an abutment member attached to the axle housing adjacent to the first opening to extend substantially in a direction of the central axis. The carrier is fastened to the axle housing adjacent to the second opening therein. The abutment member engages the differential bearing support and absorbs a gear separating force imparted in operation by the differential and transmitted to the differential bearing support. Thus, the abutment member restrains deflection of the differential bearing support relative to the axle housing resulting from the gear separating force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to independently measure the bearing pre-load of a pinion gear and differential case an assembled axle assembly. The ring gear and pinion gear are positioned within a backlash so that there is no engagement therebetween. The pinion shaft and differential case are rotated independently in synchronization maintaining the relative positions and the torque to rotate the pinion shaft and differential case are independently measured.

Abstract: A peripheral flange formed on a differential case for mounting a ring gear and the peripheral flange is provided with a plurality of cast-in bolt holes for bolting up the ring gear to the differential case using the lost foam casting process for making the differential case. A method of making a gear case eliminates the process of machining of the bolt holes in the differential case casting, thus reducing cost of manufacturing the differential case.

Abstract: A differential carrier, adapted to rotatably support a differential assembly and a final drive assembly, includes an integrally formed cage-type differential carrier frame member comprising a pair of axially spaced pinion support members for rotatably supporting a pinion drive shaft, a pair of laterally spaced opposite differential support members for rotatably supporting a differential case, at least one first arm member interconnecting the pinion support members, and at least two second arm members each interconnecting at least one of the pinion support members with one of the differential support members to thereby define a cage-type space frame of the differential carrier. The differential carrier frame member further comprises a continuous flange member integrally secured to the differential support members and defining a rear access opening in the differential carrier, and a mounting member for mounting the differential carrier to a vehicle sprung mass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to independently measure the bearing pre-load of a pinion gear and differential case an assembled axle assembly. The ring gear and pinion gear are positioned within a backlash so that there is no engagement therebetween. The pinion shaft and differential case are rotated in synchronization maintaining the relative positions and the torque to rotate the pinion shaft and differential case are independently measured. Once the independent pre-loads are measured, the ring gear is allowed to freely rotate being driven by the pinion gear and the overall torque to rotate the entire axle assembly can be measured.