Donald R Walker

US Patent:

20020059959, May 23, 2002

Filed:

Jan 8, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/042538

Inventors:

Mohamad Qatu - Bloomfield Hills MI, US
Donald Walker - Lake Orion MI, US
Jack Abner - Columbia City IN, US

International Classification:

F16L055/04

US Classification:

138/030000

Abstract:

Apparatus for reducing fluid-borne noise in a hydraulic system that includes a housing that defines a hollow chamber, and inlet and outlet connections for in-line connecting the apparatus in a hydraulic fluid flow system. A resilient member is disposed within the housing and effectively divides the housing chamber into a first portion adjacent to the fluid inlet and outlet for receiving hydraulic fluid, and a second portion remote from the fluid inlet and outlet for containing gas under pressure. Pressure pulsations in the hydraulic fluid are reduced and at least partially absorbed by the combined effect of resiliency of the elastic member and compressibility of the contained gas.

US Patent:

52732541, Dec 28, 1993

Filed:

Jul 23, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/918986

Inventors:

James McNaughton - Rochester MI
Donald C. Walker - Pontiac MI

Assignee:

Huron Products Industries, Inc. - Mt. Clemens MI

International Classification:

F16L 3728

US Classification:

2511496

Abstract:

A fluid connection includes a valve which blocks flow into or out of the housing until a tube is fully received within the housing. The valve preferably has structure which is biased against the valve seat in the housing until the tube is moved into the housing. The valve seat is preferably in a plane which is perpendicular to the central axis of the housing. Further, the valve preferably has surfaces which guide fluid between the radially outer surface of the valve and the interior of the tube. In one embodiment, the valve includes a forward ring which contacts a tube and which has two ribs connected to the main valve body. The valve surface is preferably a conical surface spaced axially inwardly from the forward ring. Preferably, additional conical surfaces are disposed between the ribs and guide the fluid between the valve surface and the interior of the tube. In another embodiment, the valve may have an X or Y-shaped cross-sectional ribs which contact the tube.

US Patent:

53259459, Jul 5, 1994

Filed:

Sep 23, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/950583

Inventors:

Donald G. Walker - Sterling Heights MI

Assignee:

Rockwell International Corporation - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

F16D 5100

US Classification:

188341

Abstract:

A brake support assembly for a vehicle including a stamped metal spider having a planar mounting portion and a pair of diametrically opposed support portions. A first support portion includes a first pair of ribs extending along opposite edges thereof as involuted ribs. A second support portion includes a second pair of ribs extending along opposite edges thereof to form flanges. A bracket extends across and connects the first pair of ribs. The bracket and the first support portion of the spider include laterally spaced apertures which receive press fit sleeve-type bushings. Anchor pins disposed in said sleeve-type bushings carry one end of a pair of brake shoes each comprised of a pair of spaced generally parallel webs secured to a table. The opposite end of the brake shoes is supported by cam follower rollers. Springs bias the brake shoes into contact with a cam actuator which may be rotated to displace the brake shoes.

US Patent:

52578330, Nov 2, 1993

Filed:

Sep 25, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/766619

Inventors:

James McNaughton - Rochester MI
Donald C. Walker - Pontiac MI

Assignee:

Bundy Corporation - Mt. Clemens MI

International Classification:

F16L 3712

US Classification:

285319

Abstract:

A unique retainer is disclosed having a plurality of resilient arms securing a tube within a housing bore. The arms include a radially inner section having a pair of circumferentially extending braces which increase the strength of the arms. The braces have axial ends which are bent radially outwardly and increase the strength of the arms, and also result in a more consistent, predictable buckling force for the retainer. Arm bends are formed between the arm radially inner section and a radially outer section. The axially outer bends of the braces are generally axially aligned with these arm bends, such that the bends provide a planer surface for positioning the retainer within the housing. Also, "bumps" are defined at a radially inner face of the radially inner sections of the arms to create a high force resisting tube insertion. The bumps are at an angle relative to a central axis that is greater than the angle of the remainder of the radially inner section of the arms.

US Patent:

50006142, Mar 19, 1991

Filed:

May 5, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/347981

Inventors:

Donald C. Walker - Pontiac MI
James McNaughton - Rochester MI

Assignee:

Huron Products Corporation - Mt. Clemens MI

International Classification:

F16B 2112
F16L 3714

US Classification:

403326

Abstract:

A quick connector assembly has a female housing with a hair pin style retaining clip to retain a beaded conduit therein. The female housing includes a pair of slots forming ramped surfaces on the housing to enable legs of the retainer to be transversely positioned within the axial bore of the female housing to retain male fittings therein.

US Patent:

53380029, Aug 16, 1994

Filed:

Oct 15, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/136702

Inventors:

James McNaughton - Rochester MI
Donald C. Walker - Pontiac MI

Assignee:

Bundy Corporation - Mt. Clemens MI

International Classification:

F16L 3728

US Classification:

2511496

Abstract:

A fluid connection includes a valve which blocks flow into or out of the housing until a tube is fully received within the housing. The valve preferably has structure which is biased against the valve seat in the housing until the tube is moved into the housing. The valve seat is preferably in a plane which is perpendicular to the central axis of the housing. Further, the valve preferably has surfaces which guide fluid between the radially outer surface of the valve and the interior of the tube. In one embodiment, the valve includes a forward ring which contacts a tube and which has two ribs connected to the main valve body. The valve surface is preferably a conical surface spaced axially inwardly from the forward ring. Preferably, additional conical surfaces are disposed between the ribs and guide the fluid between the valve surface and the interior of the tube. In another embodiment, the valve may have an X or Y-shaped cross-sectional ribs which contact the tube.

US Patent:

51618320, Nov 10, 1992

Filed:

Oct 16, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/777060

Inventors:

James McNaughton - Rochester MI
Donald C. Walker - Pontiac MI

Assignee:

Huron Products Industries, Inc. - Mt. Clemens MI

International Classification:

F16L 3700

US Classification:

285319

Abstract:

A unique plastic retainer is disclosed having a pair of axially spaced cylindrical rings. Retainer arms for retaining an upset portion of a tube within a housing bore extend from a rear ring, and a plurality of webs connect the front and rear cylindrical rings of the retainer. When a tube is initially inserted into the housing bore, it contacts an inner periphery of the arms. The retainer then moves axially forwardly within the bore for a small distance until the forward ring abuts a seal package within the housing. Further movement of the retainer is then prevented, and the upset portion of the tube causes the arm to flex radially outwardly at a flex point in the rear ring. The upset portion may then move axially beyond the arms into a fully connected position within the housing.

US Patent:

58934340, Apr 13, 1999

Filed:

Apr 17, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/839272

Inventors:

Donald G. Walker - Troy MI
David J. Dettloff - Utica MI
David J. Edwards - Shelby Township MI
Roger Gooch - Chatham, CA

Assignee:

Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC - Troy MI

International Classification:

F16D 6600

US Classification:

188 111W

Abstract:

A brake lining wear indicator is attached to a drum brake shoe backing plate adjacent the brake lining. The indicator provides a visual gage dimension that assists in the determination of when the brake linings should be replaced. This determination can be made in a very short period of time without requiring a physical measurement of the thickness of the brake lining on each brake shoe.