Appeal No. 1999-0943 Application 08/906,135 (b) wrapping a length of wire in multiple turns tightly around a portion of the exterior surface, the wire being formed of a material having a tensile strength of at least about 180,000 psi; and (c) molding an outer shell over and substantially covering the length of wire, wherein the wire is maintained at a tension of at least about twenty-five foot-pounds subsequent to the step of molding. 19. A brake drum comprising: (a) a tubular inner member having an interior surface suitable for directly slidingly contacting a brake pad and an exterior surface, the inner member being made from an alloy which includes at least about seventy-five volume percentage of aluminum and between about ten volume percent and about twenty-five volume percent abrasive material; (b) a length of wire tightly wrapped in multiple turns around substantially the entire exterior surface, the length of wire having a diameter of between about 0.05 inches to about 0.25 inches, the wire being formed of a high-strength steel alloy; and (c) a tubular outer shell molded over and substantially covering the length of the wire, the tubular outer shell including at least one fastener for securing at least a portion of a wheel assembly to the brake drum, the outer shell being made from material which includes at least about seventy-five volume percent of aluminum, wherein the wire has a tension of at least about twenty-five foot-pounds following molding of the outer shell. 2Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12Last modified: November 3, 2007