Earl L Brazle

60238305, Feb 15, 2000

Jun 18, 1998

9/099180

David Alvin Cole - Swanton OH
Kellie L. Stevens - Holland OH
Earl L. Brazle - Whitleyville TN
Tyrone L. Bowman - Gainesboro TN
Eric K. Manning - Gordonsville TN
James G. Koedam - Olathe KS

Dana Corporation - Toledo OH

B23Q 1700

2940701

A method for installing a noise reduction structure within a vehicle driveshaft tube includes the initial step of disposing a reducing sleeve adjacent to a first end of the driveshaft tube. The reducing sleeve may define an inner surface that is tapered from a first diameter, which is slightly larger than the uncompressed outer diameter of the noise reduction structure, to a second diameter, which is approximately equal to the diameter of the first end of the driveshaft tube. Alternatively, the reducing sleeve may define an inner surface that is tapered from a first diameter and then rounded to a second diameter. A source of vacuum is disposed adjacent to a second end of the driveshaft tube, opposite the first end. The source of vacuum may be an accumulator tank and compressor assembly or a venturi arrangement. In any event, the noise reduction structure is disposed within the reducing sleeve and a vacuum is generated such that the vacuum draws the noise reduction structure into the driveshaft tube.

57221472, Mar 3, 1998

Dec 30, 1996

8/774394

Earl Brazle - Whitleyville TN

Dana Corporation - Toledo OH

B23Q 300
B23P 1902
B25B 2714

29464

A fixture for press fitting an end yoke onto the end of a vehicle drive shaft tube includes a base having a plurality of tube supports secured thereto for supporting the tube thereon in a predetermined axial orientation. An end fitting is supported on a vertically-oriented, support pin assembly. The support pin assembly includes an upstanding pin having slot formed through the center of the upper end thereof. The slot has a lower edge which extends at an angle relative to the pin. A tab is retained within the slot and guided for sliding movement between a first extended position and a second retracted position. In the extended position, the tab defines a first width for the support pin assembly. In the retracted position, the tab defines a second width for the support pin assembly which is less than the first width. The end yoke is initially supported on the pin by aligning the openings formed through the yoke arms with the pin, then moving the end yoke downwardly such that the pin is received within the aligned yoke arm openings.