Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool – With work-engaging structure other than tool or tool-support
Reexamination Certificate
1998-01-30
2001-03-20
Howell, Daniel W. (Department: 3722)
Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool
With work-engaging structure other than tool or tool-support
C408S079000, C408S101000, C408S137000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06203252
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a tool useful in rebuilding the housing of an automobile transfer case, and more particularly, a tool useful in resurfacing a bore in the transfer case.
BACKGROUND
The drive train of an automobile or truck contains components that are used to propel the vehicle. These components may include an engine, transmission, transfer case, drive shafts, differentials, and axles. In a typical automobile, the engine develops torque and transfers this torque to the transmission. The transmission multiplies the torque from the engine and transmits that power to the differential. The differential multiplies the torque from the transmission and divides that torque between the two driving wheels. This power transfer becomes more complicated in four wheel drive vehicles where power is supplied to either one axle or both axles. This is accomplished by attaching a transfer case between the transmission and the drive shafts. The transfer case is a housing containing gears used to distribute the driving power from the transmission to one or both drive shafts of a vehicle equipped with more than one driving axle. The transfer case is equipped with a shift rod connected to some linkage within the transfer case for changing the gear ratio and for engaging or disengaging the front axle from driving. Typically, the rear drive shaft drives full time.
Over time, use of the shift rod causes the housing around the linkage to wear. As the housing becomes worn, the shift rod and linkage become loose. This loose fitting makes it more difficult to shift and causes a loose linkage between the gears in the transfer case that can cause premature wear of the gears and poor performance. When the housing around the linkage becomes worn, the transfer case is typically discarded, and a new transfer case is installed. This replacement is expensive and wasteful.
Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus and method to rebuild the transfer case. There is a further need for an apparatus and method to resurface the bore in the transfer case.
SUMMARY
The present invention is directed to a tool for resurfacing a worn bore in a transfer case housing. The tool comprises an aligning device configured to be attached to the transfer case. A guide is connected to the aligning device. A rod and cutting bit arrangement are connected to the guide. The rod is in axial alignment with the bore when the aligning device is connected to the transfer case.
The present invention is also directed to tool for resurfacing a worn bore in a transfer case housing wherein the transfer case housing has a plurality of bolt holes and a lip. The tool comprises a plate that defines a hole and has a leading edge. The hole is arranged to align with one of the plurality of bolt holes defined in the transfer case. The leading edge is configured to extend around at least a portion of the lip. A sleeve is connected to the plate. A rod and cutting bit arrangement is threaded to the sleeve. The rod is in axial alignment with the bore when the hole in the mounting plate is in alignment with one of the plurality of bolt holes in the transfer case.
The present invention is also directed to a method for resurfacing a worn bore in the housing of a transfer case. The method utilizes a cutting tool that has an aligning device, a threaded rod, and a cutting bit. The method comprises the steps of: attaching the aligning device to the transfer case housing; aligning the threaded rod with the bore; and rotating the threaded rod thereby causing the cutting bit to ream the bore.
The present invention is also directed to a tool for installing a bushing comprises a threaded rod with a head at a first end. A nut is threaded to a second end of the threaded rod. A bushing is coaxial with the threaded rod and positioned between the nut and the head.
REFERENCES:
patent: 334817 (1886-01-01), Spratley
patent: 457708 (1891-08-01), Earle
patent: 1381101 (1921-06-01), Albertson
patent: 1382835 (1921-06-01), Johnson
patent: 1614691 (1927-01-01), Rottler
patent: 2341969 (1944-02-01), Wiesner
patent: 2688795 (1954-09-01), Schwenzfeier
patent: 3736067 (1973-05-01), Akins
patent: 3799687 (1974-03-01), Anderson
patent: 3800391 (1974-04-01), Westbrook
patent: 4080707 (1978-03-01), Mabry
patent: 4724608 (1988-02-01), Parrott
patent: 4837915 (1989-06-01), Willms
patent: 5025556 (1991-06-01), Stafford
patent: 5103548 (1992-04-01), Reid et al.
patent: 5165169 (1992-11-01), Boyce
patent: 5213455 (1993-05-01), Reynolds
patent: 5255435 (1993-10-01), Shultz
patent: 5623761 (1997-04-01), Chiang
Howell Daniel W.
Merchant & Gould P.C.
LandOfFree
Tool for rebuilding housing of transfer cases does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Tool for rebuilding housing of transfer cases, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Tool for rebuilding housing of transfer cases will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2448269