Glen D Fillion

US Patent:

20030104870, Jun 5, 2003

Filed:

Jun 20, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/176392

Inventors:

Mark Shuster - Houston TX, US
Donald Rhoda - Perrysburg OH, US
Glen Fillion - Toledo OH, US
Otto Zaslavskiy - Brooklyn NY, US

International Classification:

F16D003/40

US Classification:

464/014000

Abstract:

An apparatus for manufacturing a case hardened journal cross includes an inductor having an open side to allow the journal cross to be inserted and withdrawn from the induction process with relative ease. The conductive frame of the inductor is shaped in a cross-like pattern that outlines the outer perimeter of a journal cross on each side of the journal cross. Because the induction coil passes across both sides of the journal cross, heat treating may be enhanced at specific locations of the outer surface of the journal cross by adjusting the distance of the induction coil from the journal cross. Also, a method for manufacturing such a journal cross includes determining the maximum stress distribution for the journal cross and, based thereon, determining the desired depth and location of the case hardening. The depth of the case hardening throughout each of the trunnions is calculated based upon the stress distribution as being greater than or equal to one-fourth of the outer diameter of the trunnion less the inner diameter of the lubrication passageway formed through the trunnion. A heat treatment is performed using the apparatus described above to achieve the desired case hardened layer throughout the trunnion.