Abstract: A drive aft has two universal joints. The universal joint (1) is connected to a sliding sleeve (9). The other universal joint carries a sliding journal (8). The sliding journal (8) and the sliding sleeve (9) engage one another in a rotationally fast way via teeth (11, 22). The teeth (11, 22) are longitudinally displaceable relative to one another in the direction of a longitudinal axis (10). In order to prevent the driveshaft, in the fitted condition, from falling apart after having suffered a fracture, an anti-disengagement member is provided. The member includes an annular stop (13) arranged at the end of the sliding journal (8). The stop (13) may be fitted through an aperture (15) in the joint yoke (4) of the first universal joint (1). The stop (13) stops against a suitable face of the inner longitudinal teeth (22) when the sliding sleeve (9) and the sliding journal (8) are moved apart by a change in length distance (16).

Abstract: A bipode joint for small articulation angles and high torque transmission has a first joint part (1) and a second joint part (23). Two rollers (7, 8) are rotatably supported on arms (3) of the first joint part (1). The rollers (7, 8) engage apertures (27) which extend from a cavity (24) to the outer face of the second joint part (23). To assemble the first joint part (1) with arms (3), recesses (32) are provided which enable the first joint part (1) to be threaded in. Thus, it is possible to associate the running faces which cooperate with the rollers (7, 8) with the apertures in the second joint part, thus, overall achieving a stable embodiment for high torque transmission.

Abstract: A wash water draining device for washing patients in bed has a mattress base, which is formed, for example, by inflatable chambers and is disposed underneath a waterproof bed mattress and slopes the bed mattress from the sides to the center and from the head end to the foot end. A waterproof mattress pad is placed over the mattress and a mattress compressing device is attached centrally to the foot end of the mattress such that a drainage socket of the waterproof mattress pad can be embedded into the resulting and stabilized depression of the bed mattress.

Abstract: A Hookes universal joint has each limb (5, 6) of its yokes provided at its free end with a removable portion (15, 115) which, when it is removed, leaves an opening to facilitate fitting of the respective journal (11, 111) of the joint cross member into the bore (9, 109) in the yoke arm. The removable portion and main part of the yoke arm have inter-engaging dovetail formations either of frusto-conical form (18, 19) or straight configuration (118, 119). When a bearing bush (13, 113) is fitted in the bore, the removable portion of the yoke arm is held in a position or orientation such that its dovetail formations cannot become disengaged. The necessity of providing the yoke arm with bores for fixing bolts, which would weaken it, is thus avoided.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a Hookes universal joint including a bearing bush (11) with an external surface (16) for reception in a bore (12) in joint yoke (6), and a support ring (18) screw-threadedly engaged on the external surface of the bush at its ends nearest the axis of rotation of the joint yoke, for adjustment of the position of the bush in the yoke. For locking the support ring (18) in its adjusted position a locking member (23) is provided, with surfaces (24, 25) of different radii of curvature and/or offset centers of curvature so that the locking membrer can become jammed between facing cylindrical surfaces (20, 21) of the bearing bush and support ring. A spring (28, 29) is provided to bias the locking member to its jammed position, and a releasing pin (31) to release it to enable adjustment of the support ring.

Abstract: A cross member (8) for a Hookes universal joint, comprising a body portion (20) and arms (19) extending outwardly therefrom, is made of a fibre reinforced plastics material including fibres (29) which extend between adjacent pairs of arms of the cross member. Each arm has an internal lubricant passage (11) which is of increasing cross sectional area in a portion (16) towards the free end of the arm, the lubricant passages being formed by use of a lost core during production of the cross member.

Abstract: A bearing for oscillating angular movement including inner and outer bearing parts with rollers therebetween, and with one or more swivel members between at least some of the adjacent rollers. Each swivel member comprises a central part of smaller diameter than a roller, and inwardly and outwardly extending portions having supporting faces which engage the inner and outer bearing parts. Because each swivel member occupies a smaller space circumferentially of the bearing than does an individual roller, the total number of members available to transmit loads between the inner and outer bearing parts is increased, thereby improving the capacity of the bearing. The bearings are particularly useful for Hookes universal joints.