Abstract: A boot arrangement is provided for use with a constant velocity joint and shaft assembly including a shaft, a first joint part slidably engageable with the shaft, and a second joint part cooperable with the first joint part to transmit torque therebetween. The boot arrangement includes a sleeve adapted to slidably engage the shaft and having first and second ends. The second end of the sleeve is adapted to be connected to the first joint part. The arrangement further includes a boot having a first end adapted to be connected to the sleeve proximate the first end of the sleeve, and a second end adapted to be operatively connected to the second joint part.

Abstract: A slip joint assembly provides radial clearance compensation between a slip joint yoke and a receiving member. The slip joint yoke has a plurality of male splines formed externally thereon. The receiving member receives the splined yoke therein and has female splines which mate with the male splines of the yoke. The receiving member also has a plurality of circumferentially distributed, longitudinally extending, axis-parallel openings formed therein. The slip joint assembly further includes an elongated member having a C-shaped cross-section. The elongated member is compressibly received within each of the plurality of longitudinally extending openings and engages the splined shaft for providing a radial force between the splined shaft and the receiving member. This elongated member is preferably formed of a spring material to allow it to be compressible.

Abstract: A vent plug for use with a universal joint having an outer race including an vent aperture, the vent plug including an elongate body portion having a first end and a second end, a retention cap disposed adjacent the first end and a vent cavity extending from the first end to the second end, the elongate body having a rigid outer surface receivable within the vent aperture wherein the retention cap includes an escape aperture in communication with the vent cavity allowing the universal joint to vent internal pressure during high speed operation.

Abstract: An all wheel drive system for a motor vehicle comprising a front differential, a pair of front halfshaft assemblies operatively connected to the front differential whereby the front differential supplies torque to the pair of front half shaft assemblies, each of the pair of front half shaft assemblies connected to a respective front wheel, a power takeoff unit operatively connected to the front differential, a constant velocity joint connected to the power takeoff unit whereby the front differential supplies torque to the constant velocity joint through the power takeoff unit, a first propshaft having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the constant velocity joint, a plunging constant velocity joint connected to the second end of the first propshaft, a second propshaft having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the plunging constant velocity joint, a universal joint having a first end and a second end, the first end of the universal joint connected to the second end o

Abstract: A tripod universal joint assembly has a substantially annular outer race with three circumferentially distributed longitudinally extending, axis-parallel recesses. An inner joint member is disposed within the outer race and has three circumferentially distributed radial bores which define a centrally disposed cavity therebetween. A plurality of arm members each has a cylindrical body portion disposed in a respective radial bore and a head portion which projects from the inner joint member and engages a respective recess of the outer race. A spherical member is disposed in the cavity of the inner joint to maintain engagement of the head portion to the recess during articulation of the tripod universal joint. A plurality of annular bearing assemblies are each disposed between the cylindrical body portion of the arm member and its respective radial bore to provide a bearing contact surface for the radial and rotatable movement of each arm member with respect to its respective radial bore.

Abstract: A connector for securing a constant velocity universal joint having a housing to a coupling member, the housing and coupling member each having an inner surface and an outer surface. The connector includes an annular member having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of openings which extend axially from the first end to define a series of radially expanding panels for receiving the constant velocity universal joint and coupling member. The joint and coupling member each have respective mating surfaces which engage each other. The first end of the annular member engages the outer surface of the coupling member and the second end of the annular member is disposed proximate the outer surface of the housing. The mating surfaces are splined for transmitting torque. At least one wave spring is provided with the connector to accommodate axial deviation.

Abstract: A collapsible grappling hook comprising a shaft having a first end and a second end and a raised shoulder portion located between the first end and the second end a spring having a first end and a second end, the spring attached to the shaft such that the first end contacts the raised shoulder portion, a fixed grapple attached to the shaft including at least one extending fluke and a movable grapple slidable attached to the shaft between the fixed grapple and the raised shoulder, the movable grapple including at least one extending fluke, wherein the movable grapple is movable from a collapsed position such that the movable grapple is generally parallel to the to fixed grapple to an open position such that the movable grapple is generally perpendicular to the fixed grapple whereby the spring applies a sufficient force from the second end of the spring to the movable grapple to lock the grapple in the open position.

Abstract: A vent regulator device adapted for use in a constant velocity joint including a housing having an inner surface defining an inner cavity. The inner surface includes an annular portion, and a domed portion which has a relatively small vent hole centrally located therein. The vent regulator device further includes a member having a first end and a second end where the first end is mounted to the inner surface of the housing and the second end is disposed proximate the vent hole. When the constant velocity joint is in one of either a static state and an active state rotating at speeds below a predetermined threshold, the vent hole is overlappingly covered by the first end of the member, thereby preventing grease from penetrating the hole. Moreover, when the constant velocity joint is in an active state rotating at speeds above the predetermined threshold, centrifugal forces cause the second end of the member to move away radially from the vent hole to allow venting of air therethrough.

Abstract: A differential assembly for motor vehicles includes a drive pinion gear, a ring gear which is rotatably engaged by the drive pinion gear and a differential case which is rotatably attached to the ring gear. Further included is at least two differential bevel gears rotatably supported by the differential case and a pair of side output gears engagingly driven by the at least two differential bevel gears. The differential assembly further includes a constant velocity joint having an outer race which includes an outer surface, the outer surface of the outer race forming the drive pinion gear.

Abstract: An independent suspension and rear halfshaft assembly for a vehicle having at least one wheel, a frame and at least one source of torque transmission, comprising at least one rigid arm hingedly connected to the frame and connected to the wheel, a Cardan type universal joint operatively connected to the source of torque transmission and having a pivot point approximately collinear with the pivot axis of the rigid arm, a rigid axle shaft operatively connected to the Cardan type universal joint and a crown spline joint operatively connecting the rigid axle shaft and the wheel.

Abstract: A step driving tool including an elongated rigid body having a first end and an oppositely disposed second end, a front sidewall and an oppositely disposed back sidewall and a first connecting wall and a second connecting wall whereby the front sidewall, back sidewall, first connecting sidewall and second connecting sidewall all extend substantially from the first end to the second end of the elongated rigid body, the front sidewall and back sidewall are each connected at one side to the primary connecting sidewall and are each connected at an opposite side to the second connecting sidewall, the rigid body having a opening defined therein, at the first end, for receiving a tree step having an extending screw portion, the front sidewall including a notch starting at the first end of the rigid body and extending toward the second end for receiving the extending screw portion and a handle disposed on the second connecting sidewall of the rigid body and extending out away from the second connecting sidewall where

Abstract: A surface finishing tool for use in combination with a power driver for rotating a workpiece about a central axis including a microfinishing assembly adapted to be positioned adjacent the workpiece and having at least one finishing means for surface finishing the workpiece, the finishing means lying in a plane generally perpendicular to the central axis of rotation of the workpiece and a burnishing assembly for applying a burnishing pressure to the workpiece, the burnishing assembly positioned adjacent the workpiece and spaced apart from the microfinishing assembly, the burnishing assembly having at least one burnishing roller lying in the plane generally perpendicular to the central axis of rotation of the workpiece wherein the microfinishing assembly and burnishing assembly are operable upon rotation of the workpiece to microfinish and burnish the workpiece respectively.

Abstract: A transmission joint sealing boot comprising a flexible diaphragm member having a passageway extending therethrough, a first end defining an opening, an annular second end disposed opposite the first end, a flexible arcuate section connecting the first end and the annular second end of the flexible diaphragm member, the first end further including an inner surface and an outer surface, a bellows member having a passageway extending therethrough, the bellows member including a first end defining an opening, a second end disposed opposite the first end, and an intermediate bellows segment having a convoluted section disposed between the first end and the second end and connecting the first end and the second of the bellows member, wherein the second end defines an opening for receiving the first end of the flexible diaphragm member and the second end further including an inner surface and an outer surface, a magnetically active weld sleeve having an inner surface correspondingly shaped to mate with the outer su

Abstract: A seal for a constant velocity joint, the seal comprising a main seal body having a central axis of rotation, the main seal body including an inner wall and an outer wall and opposing first and second sides, a raised rib extending out from the first side, the raised rib being axially deformable in such a manner as to create an axial force parallel to the axis of rotation for reducing the axial slip between a constant velocity joint a transmission output component, a flange seal portion extending out away from the outer wall, the flange seal portion having an inner contacting surface for contacting the constant velocity joint and defining a protective seal between the constant velocity joint and the transmission output component and a rigid coupling member connected to the main seal body having an inner wall portion for contacting the transmission output component whereby the rigid coupling member supports the main seal body and connects the seal to the transmission output component.

Abstract: A surface polishing machine for polishing a workpiece, the machine including a body member adapted to be positioned adjacent the workpiece and having first and second pivot means spaced apart from each other, a pair of polishing arms, each pivotable on a pivot means, each arm having a first end adapted to receive a surface grinding means for finishing the workpiece and a second end, an actuating means connected to the respective second ends of the first and second polishing arms for moving the arms about the first and second pivot means from respective treatment enabling positions adjacently spaced from the workpiece to respective treatment positions wherein the surface grinding means engages the workpiece, whereby the actuating means forces the respective second ends of the first and second polishing arms away from each other thereby producing a grinding pressure at the surface grinding means of each respective first and second polishing arms, a rolling support member for pivotably supporting and horizontall

Abstract: A surface finishing tool for use in combination with a power driver for rotating a workpiece about a central axis including a microfinishing assembly adapted to be positioned adjacent the workpiece and having at least one finishing means for surface finishing the workpiece, the finishing means lying in a plane generally perpendicular to the central axis of rotation of the workpiece and a burnishing assembly for applying a burnishing pressure to the workpiece, the burnishing assembly positioned adjacent the workpiece and spaced apart from the microfinishing assembly, the burnishing assembly having at least one burnishing roller lying in the plane generally perpendicular to the central axis of rotation of the workpiece wherein the microfinishing assembly and burnishing assembly are operable upon rotation of the workpiece to microfinish and burnish the workpiece respectively.

Abstract: A dynamic damper for absorbing vibrations in a rotary driveshaft, including a cylindrical mass member having an inner surface and an outer surface, a plurality of elongated connecting members each connecting member extending radially inwardly from the inner surface of the mass member thereby defining a plurality of spaced apart attachment surfaces wherein the cylindrical mass member is affixable to the rotary driveshaft such that the plurality of spaced apart attachment surfaces contacts the rotary shaft, the mass member spaced apart from the rotary shaft and supported by the connecting member to allow the mass member to vibrate by resonance and the connecting members being subjected to compressive deformation between the mass member and the rotary shaft.