Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
176 words
Apparatus comprising a pair of parts, one of which has a continuous even surface that is engaged under a force against an opposing continuous even surface on the other part to frictionally inhibit relative motion in at least one direction between said parts, said apparatus being characterized by: A. said one part (1) having at its said surface, when in a nonengaged condition, (a) a plurality of strip-like hard zones which do not protrude from said even surface, have their lengths substantially transverse to said direction and which are laterally spaced apart and (b) strip-like soft zones between said hard zones which do not protrude from said even surface, and (2) having substantially greater hardness in said hard zones than in said soft zones; and B. the material of the other of said parts at said opposing surface thereof being of such hardness that when in an engaged condition under said force the differences in hardness as between said hard zones and said soft zones tend to produce in said opposing surface undulations in said direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
176 words
Apparatus comprising a pair of parts, one of which has a continuous even surface that is engaged under a force against an opposing continuous even surface on the other part to frictionally inhibit relative motion in at least one direction between said parts, said apparatus being characterized by: A. said one part (1) having at its said surface, when in a nonengaged condition, (a) a plurality of strip-like hard zones which do not protrude from said even surface, have their lengths substantially transverse to said direction and which are laterally spaced apart and (b) strip-like soft zones between said hard zones which do not protrude from said even surface, and (2) having substantially greater hardness in said hard zones than in said soft zones; and B. the material of the other of said parts at said opposing surface thereof being of such hardness that when in an engaged condition under said force the differences in hardness as between said hard zones and said soft zones tend to produce in said opposing surface undulations in said direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said one part is surface hardened in its said hard zones.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said one part has, only in its said hard zones, particles of a material which is substantially harder than the material comprising the remainder of that part and whereby said substantially greater hardness is imparted to said hard zones.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said one part has, only in its said soft zones, particles of a material substantially softer than the material of the remainder of that one part including said hard zones thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said one part has, only in its soft zones, particles of a self-lubricating material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said one part and said other part are in rolling engagement with each other, and wherein said one part and/or said other part are formed with said strip-like hard zones.