Theodore L Collins

US Patent:

6585601, Jul 1, 2003

Filed:

Aug 31, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/944926

Inventors:

Daniel Booker - Troy MI
Theodore H. Collins - Rochester Hills MI
Joachim Proelss - Ober-Ramstadt, DE

Assignee:

GKN Automotive, Inc. - Auburn Hills MI

International Classification:

F16D 316

US Classification:

464146, 464167

Abstract:

A propeller shaft assembly ( ) comprising a constant velocity universal joint ( ) including a hollow shaft ( ) and a connecting shaft ( ) is provided. The hollow shaft ( ) includes an outer joint part ( ) having an outer race surface ( ) that includes an outer forward portion ( ) and an outer rearward portion ( ). The connecting shaft ( ) includes an inner joint part ( ) having an inner race surface ( ) that includes an inner forward portion ( ) and an inner rearward portion ( ). The connecting shaft ( ) further includes a recessed surface portion ( ). A ball cage ( ) that has a plurality of torque transmitting balls ( ) is included. During a collision, the torque transmitting balls ( ) translate off said inner race surface ( ) and drop into the recessed surface portion ( ) allowing the connecting shaft ( ) to collapse into the hollow shaft ( ).

US Patent:

52363945, Aug 17, 1993

Filed:

Sep 10, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/579556

Inventors:

Theodore H. Collins - Rochester Hills MI
Frederick J. Uchman - Clarkston MI

Assignee:

GKN Automotive, Inc. - Auburn Hills MI

International Classification:

F16D 384

US Classification:

464175

Abstract:

A boot for a high speed constant velocity universal joint having an articulation accommodating portion attached to the outer joint member of the universal joint and a contiguous linear displacement accommodating portion having its end connected to the inner joint member shaft. The junction between the articulation and linear displacement accommodating portions is reinforced to form a boot stabilizer at a point intermediate its opposite ends which inhibits eccentric spinning of the boot at high rotational speeds. The articulation accommodating portion has a first plurality of annular convolutes, the diameters of which diminish as a function of their displacement from the outer joint member. The linear displacement accommodating portion has a second plurality of annular convolutes having substantially equal diameters.

US Patent:

60857978, Jul 11, 2000

Filed:

Sep 20, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/717433

Inventors:

Gary D. Grabaum - Troy MI
Theodore H. Collins - Rochester Hills MI
Gwynne Williams - Rochester Hills MI
Mohan L. Sanduja - Flushing NY
Carl Horowitz - Brooklyn NY
Boris Shvartsman - Long Island City NY
Paul Thottathil - New Hyde Park NY

International Classification:

F16L 1104
F16L 1111

US Classification:

138121

Abstract:

Durability of elastomeric bellows-type suspension and drivetrain components, particularly constant velocity joint boots, is improved by coating the elastomeric boot with a thin, flexible, and lubricious coating formed by curing the admixture of epoxy resins, curing agents, an unsaturated polymerizable monomer, a free radical polymerization and/or grafting initiator, and a non-fugitive solid lubricant. The coating strongly adheres to the elastomer and greatly increases the longevity under severe operating conditions.

US Patent:

44598629, Jul 17, 1984

Filed:

Aug 18, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/409242

Inventors:

Francis L. Fillmore - Birmingham MI
David Wampler - Warren MI
Theodore H. Collins - Troy MI

Assignee:

GKN Automotive Components, Inc. - Southfield MI

International Classification:

G01L 500

US Classification:

7386201

Abstract:

A clamp and method enabling the tightness established by a clamp connection to be checked after installation. The clamp consisting of a band member formed with diametrically opposite eyelets which are engageable with a spanner tool, which in turn is engagable with a torque wrench to enable the tightness of the clamped connection to be checked by applying a torque sufficient to just slip.