Kevin P Baldwin

US Patent:

57357471, Apr 7, 1998

Filed:

Apr 12, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/630700

Inventors:

Glenn Gehrke - Davisburg MI
Kevin Baldwin - Rochester Hills MI

Assignee:

Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC

International Classification:

F16D 320

US Classification:

464133

Abstract:

A sealing device for a driveline slip yoke includes a flexible diaphragm and a generally rigid cap that cooperate to provide a fluid-tight seal across one end of the slip yoke. The diaphragm and the cap have outer peripheral edges that are preferably received within a groove on the slip yoke such that the cap maintains the diaphragm in proper sealing engagement with the slip yoke. The flexible diaphragm flexes and extends inwardly and outwardly of the slip yoke in response to varying pressures within the slip yoke caused by the relative axial movement of a splined shaft within the yoke. The cap not only maintains the diaphragm in proper sealing engagement with the slip yoke, but also limits the outward flexing of the diaphragm responsive to the pressure within the slip yoke. A slip yoke sealing device designed according to this invention is especially useful in applications that require that lubricant be maintained within the slip yoke over extensive periods during extensive use.

US Patent:

59514027, Sep 14, 1999

Filed:

Jul 24, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/899532

Inventors:

Kevin Baldwin - Rochester Hills MI
Ronald N. Brissette - Lake Orion MI

Assignee:

Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, L L C - Troy MI

International Classification:

F16D 306

US Classification:

464162

Abstract:

A driveline assembly including a tubular male member and a tubular female member both disposed about an axis and having thin walls defining inner and outer surfaces. Both the male and female members are fixed to yokes. The yoke of the female member is coupled to a transmission and the yoke of the male member is coupled to a wheel axle. An elastomeric sleeve is adhered to and conforms with the inner surface of the female member and is complementary in configuration to the outer surface of the male member. A male tooth is formed within the thin wall of the male member and a female tooth is formed within the thin wall of the female member. Each tooth has a linear portion and a pair of legs. The legs of the male and female teeth are separated by additional circumferentially extending linear portions. The male member nonrotatably engages the female member for transmitting torque from the transmission to the axle.

US Patent:

58531777, Dec 29, 1998

Filed:

May 28, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/672395

Inventors:

Ronald N. Brissette - Lake Orion MI
Kevin Baldwin - Rochester Hills MI

Assignee:

Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC - Troy MI

International Classification:

F16J 1532
F16D 306

US Classification:

277559

Abstract:

A sealing device for a drive line slip yoke includes a generally resilient seal and a substantially rigid cover that cooperate to provide a fluid-tight seal at the interface between a slip yoke and an axially moving splined shaft. The seal has a mounting portion that includes a shoulder received within a groove defined on an outer surface of the slip yoke. The cover is snapped over the seal and maintained in position by cooperating tabs on the cover and a groove defined on an outer surface of the seal. The seal includes a sealing portion having three axially spaced and radially inwardly extending lips. A middle lip acts as an O-ring that serves as a back-up in the event that one of the other two lips becomes damaged or deteriorates with use. The substantially rigid cover serves to maintain the seal in proper engagement with the end of the slip yoke and protects the seal from damage potentially caused by debris encountered during operation. A sealing device designed according to this invention is especially useful in applications that require that lubricant be maintained in the slip yoke over long periods of time and during extensive use.