Abstract: A torque transfer device is disclosed that utilizes one or more universal joints to transfer rotary motion between first and second shafts that rotate about non-aligned axes of rotation. The torque transfer device maintains these rotational axes at a fixed angle while allowing the shafts to freely rotate. In order to maintain the rotational axes of the shafts at a fixed angle relative to one another, a stabilizer is utilized. In one embodiment, first and second sections of the stabilizer, which are disposed at a desired angle to one another, are disposed within central bores of the first and second shafts. In this embodiment, the first and second shafts are interconnected with a ring-type universal joint. The ring type universal joint allows the stabilizer to pass between the central bores of the two shafts without interfering with the operation of the joint connecting the two shafts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adapter for converting a yoke, which was originally designed to receive a torque transfer element between opposing surfaces, into a yoke designed to be received with an annular member of a ring-type universal joint. In this regard, cruciform-type universal joints may be readily replaced with ring-type universal joints. In a first embodiment, the adapter provides a first interface surface for engaging a yoke member that at least partially defines first and second opposing radial bores and a second interface surface for pivotal interconnection within an aperture of a ring-type universal joint. The first and second interface surfaces may be formed in multiple sizes to allow variously formed yoke members to be converted for use with a ring-type universal joint.

Abstract: A centering mechanism for a constant velocity torque transfer device that transfers rotary power from a first shaft to a second shaft via an intermediate shaft or connecting yoke. The centering mechanism maintains the first and second shafts at equal angles relative to the intermediate shaft while permitting relative movement between the first and second shafts. More particularly, the intermediate shaft houses a cam tube which in turn houses linkage members that interconnect with the first and second shafts. Movement by one of the shafts is transferred to the other shaft via the linkage. In this regard, the centering mechanism maintains a strict geometrical relationship between the shafts that is required to produce a constant velocity joint. In one embodiment, the cam tube of the centering device is rotationally coupled to the inside surface of the intermediate shaft to support the device as well as dampen vibrations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ring member of a ring-type universal joint utilized for transferring rotary motion from a first shaft to a second shaft. The ring member includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings for receiving outwardly extending torque transfer elements associated with the first and second shafts. One or more of these openings are separable to facilitate connection of the first and second shafts. In this regard, the separable bores are formed partially within the ring member and partially within a retaining member interconnectable to the ring member. This allows for disposing a torque transfer element within a portion of the bore formed on the ring member and then interconnecting the retainer over that element. In one embodiment, the, retaining members for first and second opposing pairs of bores interconnect to opposite sides of the ring member allowing individual interconnection of the shafts to the ring.

Abstract: A torque transfer device is disclosed that utilizes one or more universal joints to transfer rotary motion between first and second shafts that rotate about non-aligned axes of rotation. The torque transfer device maintains these rotational axes at a fixed angle while allowing the shafts to freely rotate. In order to maintain the rotational axes of the shafts at a fixed angle relative to one another, a stabilizer is utilized. In one embodiment, first and second sections of the stabilizer, which are disposed at a desired angle to one another, are disposed within central bores of the first and second shafts. In this embodiment, the first and second shafts are interconnected with a ring-type universal joint. The ring type universal joint allows the stabilizer to pass between the central bores of the two shafts without interfering with the operation of the joint connecting the two shafts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adapter for converting a yoke, which was originally designed to receive a torque transfer element between opposing surfaces, into a yoke designed to be received with an annular member of a ring-type universal joint. In this regard, cruciform-type universal joints may be readily replaced with ring-type universal joints. In a first embodiment, the adapter provides a first interface surface for engaging a yoke member that at least partially defines first and second opposing radial bores and a second interface surface for pivotal interconnection within an aperture of a ring-type universal joint. The first and second interface surfaces may be formed in multiple sizes to allow variously formed yoke members to be converted for use with a ring-type universal joint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ring member of a ring-type universal joint utilized for transferring rotary motion from a first shaft to a second shaft. The ring member includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings for receiving outwardly extending torque transfer elements associated with the first and second shafts. One or more of these openings are separable to facilitate connection of the first and second shafts. In this regard, the separable bores are formed partially within the ring member and partially within a retaining member interconnectable to the ring member. This allows for disposing a torque transfer element within a portion of the bore formed on the ring member and then interconnecting the retainer over that element. In one embodiment, the retaining members for first and second opposing pairs of bores interconnect to opposite sides of the ring member allowing individual interconnection of the shafts to the ring.