Thomas B Spears

US Patent:

62576011, Jul 10, 2001

Filed:

Aug 18, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/376206

Inventors:

Thomas G. Spears - Burr Ridge IL
James R. Ryshavy - Cologne MN

Assignee:

Northstar Manufacturing Co., Inc. - Minnetonka MN

International Classification:

B62D 1700

US Classification:

280 86752

Abstract:

An adjustable strut mounting plate for correcting at least one alignment parameter of a motor vehicle wheel assembly, with the adjustable strut mounting plate comprising an annular body adapted for secure attachment to the original strut mounting plate of the motor vehicle. The adjustable strut mounting plate includes a plurality of elongated ribbed adjustment bores through which bolts pass to secure the original strut mounting plate to the adjustable mounting plate. In addition, right hand and left hand tower mounting bores are provided in the adjustable strut mounting plate to accommodate attachment of the combined adjustable strut plate with the original strut plate to the vehicle tower.

US Patent:

61318833, Oct 17, 2000

Filed:

Aug 18, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/376208

Inventors:

Thomas G. Spears - Burr Ridge IL
James R. Ryshavy - Cologne MN

Assignee:

Northstar Manufacturing Co., Inc. - Minnetonka MN

International Classification:

B60P 148

US Classification:

254 105

Abstract:

A pry tool for facilitating disassembly of suspension components in a vehicle wheel suspension assembly which includes a vehicular telescopic strut member secured to a steering knuckle. The tool comprises a handle member along with a fulcrum tower, with the combination being arranged to substantially enclose the strut, and through forces created by the pry tool, and against the coil spring, the tool enables and facilitates removal of the steering knuckle from the body of the strut. The pry tool includes an elongated handle with a handle yoke at one end for enclosing or enveloping the strut, and with a fulcrum yoke at the opposed end for contacting the upper end of the steering knuckle. Axial removal forces are applied between the coil spring and the steering knuckle, thereby freeing the strut component from the assembly.

US Patent:

62937243, Sep 25, 2001

Filed:

Oct 29, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/429825

Inventors:

Thomas G. Spears - Burr Ridge IL
James R. Ryshavy - Cologne MN

Assignee:

Northstar Manufacturing Co., Inc. - Minnetonka MN

International Classification:

F16C 1100
F16D 112
B62D 1700

US Classification:

403122

Abstract:

An adjustable ball joint assembly to be secured between the wheel and the apex of an upper control arm member of a motor vehicle suspension system to provide for camber/caster adjustment of motor vehicles with altered suspensions, typically lowered suspensions. The adjustable ball joint includes a ball joint retainer body including a locking plate and with an eccentrically positioned ball socket (opening) formed in the bottom surface of the plate. A stub shaft, fast on the top surface of the locking plate, extends upwardly, with an arcuately configured annular groove formed around its periphery. A tapered boss is positioned adjacent the top surface of the locking plate and configured to be received within the ball joint port of the control arm. At least two locking screws with threaded shanks threadably engaged through the locking plate extend parallel to the wheel axis, with the shank portions being spaced apart a distance such that when advanced, the threaded shanks forceably and threadably engage the inner root diameter of the arcuate groove for locking engagement of the stub shaft within the locking plate.