Abstract: A constant velocity type of universal joint includes a sealing structure that avoids the use of a flexible boot. The constant velocity joint includes a hollow outer joint member, an inner joint member disposed within the outer joint member, and a plurality of ball bearings extending into associated grooves formed in the inner and outer joint members to provide a rotational driving connection therebetween. A sealing assembly is provided for protectively enclosing the components of the joint. The sealing assembly includes an outer sealing member that is sealingly connected to the outer joint member. An outer surface of an inner sealing member is slidably and sealingly engaged with an inner surface of the outer sealing member. An annular flange provided on the inner sealing member slidably and sealingly engages an outer surface of an annular element. An inner surface of the annular element slidably and sealingly engages a shaft connected to the inner joint member.

Abstract: A yoke for use in a universal joint includes a body having a pair of opposed arms extending therefrom. Each of the arms has an opening formed therethrough that are co-axially aligned.

Abstract: A system for automatically cooling and further processing chewing gum base materials is disclosed. The hot molten chewing gum base material is deposited in lined or coated pans, the pans are picked up by an industrial robot and placed into a pair of spiral cooling towers where the molten material is cooled and solidified. The same or a second industrial robot picks up the pans of cooled gum base material and transports them to a final staging and processing area. The pans of cooled gum base material are placed on a conveyor system or on pallets for further handling and processing.

Abstract: A component for use in a vehicular driveshaft assembly includes a tube yoke formed from a first material and having a hollow cylindrical sleeve portion extending co-axially therefrom. A first end of a driveshaft tube, also formed from the first material, is disposed telescopically about the sleeve portion of the tube yoke and is secured thereto using conventional welding processes. A transition member includes a main body portion having a hollow cylindrical sleeve portion that extends co-axially therefrom. A second end of a driveshaft tube is disposed telescopically about the sleeve portion of the transition member and is secured thereto using conventional welding processes.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly for use in a drive train system includes an inner driveshaft tube section including an end portion having an outer surface and an outer driveshaft tube section including an end portion having an inner surface. A plurality of axially extending wires is positioned on either the outer surface of the inner driveshaft tube section or on the inner surface of the outer driveshaft tube section. Then, the end portion of the outer driveshaft tube section is disposed about the end portion of the inner driveshaft tube section so as to define an overlapped region therebetween. At least one of the end portions of the inner and outer driveshaft tube sections is then deformed so as to compress the wires therebetween. As a result, recesses are formed in the outer surface of the inner driveshaft tube section and in the inner surface of the outer driveshaft tube section.

Abstract: A constant velocity type of universal joint includes a sealing structure that avoids the use of a flexible boot. The constant velocity joint includes a hollow outer joint member, an inner joint member disposed within the outer joint member, and a plurality of ball bearings extending into associated grooves formed in the inner and outer joint members to provide a rotational driving connection therebetween. A sealing assembly is provided for protectively enclosing the components of the joint. The sealing assembly includes an outer sealing member that is sealingly connected to the outer joint member. An outer surface of an inner sealing member is slidably and sealingly engaged with an inner surface of the outer sealing member. An annular flange provided on the inner sealing member slidably and sealingly engages an outer surface of an annular element. An inner surface of the annular element slidably and sealingly engages a shaft connected to the inner joint member.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly includes a universal joint and a driveshaft tube. The universal joint includes a hollow journal and bearing carrier that is adapted to support a cross having a plurality of outwardly extending trunnions therein. In a first embodiment, the universal joint is assembled by initially disposing a pair of bearing supports loosely about a first pair of opposed trunnions of the cross. Next, the cross and the bearing supports are inserted within the carrier. The bearing supports are preferably sized to fit snugly within the carrier. Then, bearing cups are inserted through openings formed through upper and lower panels of the carrier and through openings formed through the bearing supports onto the opposed trunnions of the cross. The carrier and the cross are then connected to the driveshaft tube by moving them axially such that the carrier is received within opposed channel regions provided in a pair of arms formed in an end portion of the driveshaft tube.

Abstract: A half round end yoke includes a pair of opposed arms, each terminating in an end surface having a recess and a pair of threaded bores. A cross includes a central body portion having four trunnions extending outwardly therefrom. A bearing cup is rotatably mounted on the end of each of the trunnions. The cross is initially positioned adjacent to the half round end yoke such that a pair of the bearing cups is received in the recesses formed in the arms. Then, a retainer strap is positioned adjacent to the cross and the half round end yoke. The retainer strap includes an elongated central body portion having a pair of transversely extending retainer portions. Each of the retainer portions includes a curved region having a pair of end regions extending outwardly therefrom. Each of the curved regions has an inner surface formed therein. The inner surfaces of the curved regions of the retainer strap receive portions of the bearing cups therein.

Abstract: A method for forming a one-piece steering shaft member, such as an externally splined male steering shaft member (or yoke shaft) or an internally splined female steering shaft member (or slip yoke) is disclosed. A hollow cylindrical tube is initially provided which is preferably formed from a blank of a metallic material, such as aluminum, having an elongation factor of at least fifteen percent. It is desirable that the tube have a uniform wall thickness and define an outer diameter which is substantially uniform along the length thereof. The outer diameter of one end of the tube is reduced from its original diameter while the outer diameter of the opposite end is maintained at its original diameter. A splined surface is formed in the reduced diameter end portion of the tube. The splined surface is formed on the external surface of the yoke shaft and on the internal surface of the slip yoke. A yoke member is then formed in the opposite end of the tube.

Abstract: A vehicle differential includes a case which is rotatably supported within an axle housing. The case is formed having a center wall which divides the interior of thereof into first and second fluid chambers. The ends of a pair of axle shafts extend into the case and respectively within the fluid chambers. Each of the fluid chambers is filled with a rheological fluid. Respective electromagnetic coils are disposed within or adjacent to each of the fluid chambers. An electronic controller is provided for supplying electrical current to each of the electromagnetic coils in response to sensed operating conditions of the vehicle, such as rotational speed and torque of the axle shafts. By varying the magnitude of the electrical current supplied to the electromagnetic coils, the strength of the magnetic field applied to the rheological fluid contained in each of fluid chambers can be varied.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for processing polyvinylacetate and other similar ingredients of a gum base or chewing gum product are disclosed. The ingredient materials are separated into individual pieces by a lump breaker and conveyed through a pneumatic conveying system to a cyclone receiver and holding bin. A volumetric feeder feeds the material into a side feeder which in turn introduces and feeds the material to the main continuous extruder used for making the final gum base or gum product. A unique adapter with a curved outer end shape connects the side feeder to the main extruder internal bone which allows repair and/or modification of the side feeder without separating it from the main extruder.

Abstract: A method for forming a one-piece steering shaft member, such as an externally splined male steering shaft member (or yoke shaft) or an internally splined female steering shaft member (or slip yoke) is disclosed. A hollow cylindrical tube is initially provided which is preferably formed from a blank of a metallic material, such as aluminum, having an elongation factor of at least fifteen percent. It is desirable that the tube have a uniform wall thickness and define an outer diameter which is substantially uniform along the length thereof. The outer diameter of one end of the tube is reduced from its original diameter while the outer diameter of the opposite end is maintained at its original diameter. A splined surface is formed in the reduced diameter end portion of the tube. The splined surface is formed on the external surface of the yoke shaft and on the internal surface of the slip yoke. A yoke member is then formed in the opposite end of the tube.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for melting and processing a high molecular weight elastomeric material for a gum base or chewing gum product is disclosed. The solid elastomeric material, which preferably is polyisobutylene, is heated and melted into a liquid material which is then transported to an extruder. The apparatus has a heated housing section which includes sets of heated plate members arranged in fan-type groupings. Heated diverter members are positioned beneath the sets of fan-type plates. A heated angled conduit section is positioned below the housing section and a heated storage section is attached to the angled conveyance section. A valve and pump system is used to discharge the liquid elastomeric material from the holding section to the gum base or chewing gum extruder. Accurate metering and feeding of the liquified elastomeric material to a continuous extrusion process is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for processing the elastomeric component of a gum base or chewing gum product. Bulk blocks or slabs of elastomeric materials are conveyed to a housing with a rotary cutting mechanism. A feeding and metering mechanism controls the introduction of the blocks or slabs to the cutting mechanism. A lubricant feeding mechanism controls the introduction of lubricant to the housing for coating and lubricating the elastomeric materials. A cooling mechanism maintains the temperature of the housing and materials within a prespecified range. A screen or filtering mechanism controls the size of the ground-up pieces of material which are removed from the housing. Vacuum-conveyer systems convey the ground-up pieces of material to a storage hopper where excess lubricant is removed and then to a metering mechanism for selective introduction of the pieces of material to an extruder mechanism and/or gum or gum base manufacturing process.

Abstract: A center bearing assembly adapted to rotatably support a rotatable shaft on a vehicle frame includes an annular roller bearing that is adapted to receive and rotatably support the rotatable shaft, a support member for supporting the roller bearing, and a bracket for securing the roller bearing and the support member on the vehicle frame. The support member includes a reservoir containing a Theological fluid. A rheological fluid is any fluid that exhibits a significant change in its ability to flow or shear upon the application of an appropriate energy field, such as electrical or magnetic fields. A shear plate secured to the roller bearing includes a portion extending into the reservoir so that axial movement of the shaft with respect to the support member is permitted. The novel construction of this invention includes an effective center bearing assembly support member having variable vibration dampening characteristics which can also accommodate axial movement of the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for melting and processing a high molecular weight elastomeric material for a gum base or chewing gum product is disclosed. The solid elastomeric material, which preferably is polyisobutylene, is heated and melted into a liquid material which is then transported to an extruder. The apparatus has a heated housing section which includes sets of heated plate members arranged in fan-type groupings. Heated diverter members are positioned beneath the sets of fan-type plates. A heated angled conduit section is positioned below the housing section and a heated storage section is attached to the angled conveyance section. A valve and pump system is used to discharge the liquid elastomeric material from the holding section to the gum base or chewing gum extruder. Accurate metering and feeding of the liquified elastomeric material to a continuous extrusion process is achieved.

Abstract: A process for processing polyvinylacetate and other similar ingredients of a gum base or chewing gum product are disclosed. The ingredient materials are separated into individual pieces by a lump breaker and conveyed through a pneumatic conveying system to a cyclone receiver and holding bin. A volumetric feeder feeds the material into a side feeder which in turn introduces and feeds the material to the main continuous extruder used for making the final gum base or gum product. A unique adapter connects the side feeder to the main extruder which allows repair and/or modification of the side feeder without separating it from the main extruder.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for processing the elastomeric component of a gum base or chewing gum product is disclosed. Slabs of elastomeric material are metered into a rotary cutting mechanism together with a powdered lubricant and the elastomer is ground up into small flakes and particles which are coated with the powder. A vacuum-conveyor system transports the elastomeric particles through a cyclone receiver, blender and sifter where excess powder is removed. The elastomeric particles are then transported through another receiver and fed into an extruder by a metered feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A process for cooling, grinding, and packaging an ingredient material, such as an encapsulated sweetener or acid, for a chewing gum product is disclosed. The material is extruded from an extruding machine directly onto a conveyor. The conveyor transports the liquid material, preferably in elongated strings, through a chamber cooled by circulation of cooled air. The solidified material exiting the cooling chamber is cut into small pieces by a rotating cutter and conveyed by a vacuum conveyor system to a grinder. The material is further broken up (ground) into a powder and transported to a holding bin. Thereafter, the powder is deposited in boxes or other containers for storage.

Abstract: A center bearing assembly includes a roller bearing adapted to receive and rotatably support a coupling shaft and a bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle frame. A support member is provided which supports the roller bearing within the bracket. The support member includes a bladder formed of an elastomeric material. The bladder contains a rheological fluid which exhibits a significant change in its ability to flow or shear upon the application of an appropriate energy field. Preferably, the bladder contains a magneto-rheological magnetic fluid. By varying the power supplied to an electromagnetic located adjacent the bladder, the vibration dampening characteristics of the support member may be varied depending upon the operating conditions of the vehicle.