Abstract: A center bearing assembly has an adjustable pneumatic support member for absorbing vibrations. The bearing assembly includes a bearing and a support member assembly that supports the bearing. The support member assembly includes a bladder having an interior chamber that is filled with a fluid. A bracket is provided that supports the support member assembly for pivoting movement relative thereto. A system is provided for controlling the magnitude of the fluid pressure within the interior chamber of the bladder. The system includes a plurality of sensors that generate signals that are representative of a plurality of operating conditions. A controller is responsive to the sensor signals and generates a signal to a pressure regulating device that controls the magnitude of the fluid pressure within the interior chamber of the bladder.

Abstract: A method of assembling components of a universal joint, such as a cross and a yoke, positions and maintains the rotational center axes thereof in co-axial alignment during the assembly process. The universal joint includes a yoke including a body portion and first and second arms, wherein the first and second arms have respective openings formed therethrough. The universal joint also includes a cross including a body portion having a plurality of trunnions extending outwardly therefrom. Initially, an assembly tool having a recess formed therein is supported on the yoke such that the recess is precisely positioned relative to the rotational center axis of the yoke. Then, the cross is supported on the assembly tool such that one of the trunnions is received within and supported by the recess formed in the assembly tool. As a result, the rotational center axis of the cross is co-axially aligned with the rotational center axis of the yoke.

Abstract: A method of assembling components of a universal joint, such as a cross and a yoke, positions and maintains the rotational center axes thereof in co-axial alignment during the assembly process. The universal joint includes a yoke including a body portion and first and second arms, wherein the first and second arms have respective openings formed therethrough. The universal joint also includes a cross including a body portion having a plurality of trunnions extending outwardly therefrom. Initially, an assembly tool having a recess formed therein is supported on the yoke such that the recess is precisely positioned relative to the rotational center axis of the yoke. Then, the cross is supported on the assembly tool such that one of the trunnions is received within and supported by the recess formed in the assembly tool. As a result, the rotational center axis of the cross is co-axially aligned with the rotational center axis of the yoke.

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 structure for retaining a plurality of roller bearings within a bearing cup prior to being assembled on a trunnion of a universal joint assembly is disclosed. The bearing cup is generally hollow and cylindrical in shape, including a side wall defining an inner circumferential surface and a closed end defining an inner end surface. A plurality of roller bearings is disposed within the bearing cup adjacent to the inner cylindrical surface thereof. A first roller bearing retainer is disposed adjacent to the open end of the bearing cup, while a second roller bearing retainer is disposed adjacent to the closed end of the bearing cup. Each of the roller bearing retainers includes a generally flat annular plate having a plurality of relatively short projections extending therefrom. Preferably, the projections are formed integrally with the annular plate and extend from the inner peripheral edge generally perpendicular to the plane defined by the upper surface thereof.

Abstract: A heavy duty cast iron yoke (110) has two lugs (116) for receiving a journal cross and a spline body or barrel (112) defining an internal spline (114). A lug tie-in body (124) includes shoulders (128) which join the lugs (116) to the spline body (112). The internal radius (136) of the shoulders is at least 20% of the distance (134) between the internal surfaces of the lugs. An annular 15.degree. ramp (150) is provided intermediate the outer spline body surface and the lugs.

Abstract: A heavy duty cast iron flange yoke (110) has two lugs (116) for receiving a journal cross and a flange (112) having front (111) and back (113) faces. The back face (113) includes balance pads (141) in which may be drilled balance holes (140). The balance pads are generally underneath the lugs (116) and the holes (140) are radially inside the radially outer surface (131) of the lugs.

Abstract: A protective cover assembly provides protection for an external surface of a tubular member. The assembly includes a cover having an axially extending annulus which overlies the external surface of the tubular member. The cover also includes an elongate projection disposed for axial extension into the bore of the tubular member. A retainer for the cover is defined by a support flange having an axially extending portion which carries a radially extending segmented flange. The segmented flange frictionally engages the elongate projection to retain the cover about the tubular member. In one preferred embodiment, the tubular member is an end yoke of a universal joint, and the external surface to be protected is a ground bearing sleeve. In another, the tubular member is a companion flange of a universal joint.

Abstract: A heavy duty cast iron yoke (110) has two lugs (116) for receiving a journal cross and a spline body or barrel (112) defining an internal spline (114). A lug tie-in body (124) includes shoulders (128) which join the lugs (116) to the spline body (112). The internal radius (136) of the shoulders is at least 20% of the distance (134) between the internal surfaces of the lugs. An annular 15.degree. ramp (150) is provided intermediate the outer spline body surface and the lugs.

Abstract: The present invention is a slip spline seal assembly for sealing the ends of a splined shaft and complementary sleeve. The assembly includes a flexible body having alternating projections and intervals for meshing engagement with the spline shaft. Recesses are located on the sealing surfaces of the flexible body to provide pockets for lubricating medium and reliefs for displacement of body material when it is compressed, thereby decreasing wear and tear and promoting a longer useful life of such seal assemblies. The assembly also includes means for locking engagement with the complementary sleeve, and for completing the sealing of the spline connection between the shaft and the sleeve.