Abstract: A system, method and/or reamer driver device provides a fully closed tube which prevents the invasion of debris and minimizes abrasion of soft tissue during use. The reamer device includes a minimum number of component assemblies, so as to permit easy replacement and minimize wear.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for a drill string has a mud motor and a mandrel. The motor has a rotor driven by drilling fluid flow, and the rotor defines a bore for passage of fluid flow and/or conductors. The mandrel has a bore for passage of the conductors and/or fluid flow, and rotation of the mandrel rotates a drill bit. A shaft and universal joints transfer the drive of the rotor to the mandrel. To pass the conductors from a sonde uphole of the motor to electronics disposed with the mandrel and/or to conduct fluid flow, inner beams dispose in a bore of the shaft to seal at the ends of the shaft coupled to the first and second universal joints. Each beam has an internal passage for the conductors and/or fluid flow. One of the universal joints and inner beams compensate for eccentricity in motion of the rotor, while the other second universal joint and inner beam compensate for a bend in the downhole assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum pump comprising a cup-shaped housing, a rotor eccentrically mounted for rotation in the housing, and a housing cover closing the cup-shaped housing, wherein the rotor has a rotor shaft that passes through the cup-shaped housing and by which the rotor is driven, wherein the rotor shaft is provided with a bore for delivering a lubricant, and a connection nipple is seated in the free end section of the bore.

Abstract: A cross shaft member has four shaft portions arranged in a generally cross-shape around an outer periphery of a body portion thereof, and a recessed portion is formed in the body portion, and has a depth in a direction perpendicular to a plane in which axes of the four shaft portions lie. Four ridge-like thickened portions are formed in the recessed portion, and are equally spaced from one another, and extend diagonally with respect to the axes of the shaft portions in the plane.

Abstract: A universal joint with improved ball lubrication, the improvement wherein each yoke has a ball head at an inward end of the yoke, the centering plate has a tube in which the ball heads of the yokes are slideably received to establish a slideable connection between the ends of the yokes and the centering plate, and the lubricant is supplied from the second passageway to an interior of the tube. A shield substantially encloses the joint in combination with the tractor master shield and has lubrication fitting access holes.

Abstract: A plurality of first oil passageways are recessed in an annular projected portion of a bearing cup of a cross shaft joint, each first oil passageway communicating with inner and outer periphery sides, and being increasing in groove width gradually from the outer periphery side toward the inner periphery side. A plurality of second oil passageways are recessed in the annular projected portion, and each second oil passageway is disposed between the first oil passageways, and communicates with the inner and outer periphery sides, and is decreasing in groove width gradually from the outer periphery side toward the inner periphery side. When the bearing cup is angularly moved relative to a cross shaft, grease in the first oil passageways is flowed from the outer periphery side of the annular projected portion to the inner periphery side thereof, while grease in the second oil passageways is flowed from the inner periphery side of the annular projected portion toward the inner periphery side.

Abstract: A shaft member coupling structure includes first and second spool members lockably coupled in a condition wherein the spool members coaxially extend with a coupling part in the center, a fitting concave portion axially extends and is formed at the end of the first spool member and a fitting convex portion axially extends and can be fitted into the fitting concave portion and is formed at the end of the second spool member. A coupling pin is inserted into first and second coupling holes. Further, an annular holding groove concave in a circumferential direction is formed in a part in which the coupling hole is formed on the periphery of the first spool member, both ends of the coupling pin inserted into the coupling holes are covered with a ring fitted into the holding groove. Thus, the coupling pin is prevented from falling away.

Abstract: An articulating joint apparatus includes a first rotational member having an axis, a second rotational member coupled with and positioned generally coaxial to the first rotational member, and a boot cover assembly for sealing at least part of the first rotational member to the second rotational member. The boot cover assembly is selectively coupled to both the first rotational member and the second rotational member. The joint apparatus also includes an insert positioned at least partially between the first rotational member and the second rotational member. The insert will deform in response to axial movement of the second rotational member relative to the first rotational member.

Abstract: A shudderless inboard CV joint having both oil storage chambers formed around each track of an outer race and around a journal of a trunnion and an oil groove formed in an outer ring of each roller assembly. The CV joint includes an outer race connected to a first shaft and having tracks therein; a trunnion connected to a second shaft and having radial journals; and a roller assembly having both an inner ring fitted over each journal and an outer ring engaging with each track so as to be movable in an axial direction of the track, wherein an oil storage chamber is formed around an upper portion of each track and oil is supplied to the oil storage chamber, thus reducing friction formed between the track and the outer ring.

Abstract: Each boot of a tripot type constant velocity joint comprises a polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPC). A grease encapsulated in the boot comprises a base oil, a thickening agent comprising a diurea-based compound, molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate sulfide, a sulfur-phorsphorous based extreme-pressure agent being a sulfur-phosphorus based compound containing sulfur and phosphorous as constituting elements, and potassium borate hydrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary homokinetic joint (1) which comprises an outer joint part (2) having an outer surface (3) and an inner surface (4), said outer joint part (2) comprising at least three guide tracks (6), evenly distributed across the periphery of the inner surface (4) and extending in the axial direction, an inner joint part (8) comprising at least three pivots (10), evenly distributed across the periphery and extending in the radial direction, and antifriction bearings (12), arranged between the outer joint part (2) and the inner joint part (8) and borne on the pivots (10). Every antifriction bearing (12) comprises antifriction bearing outer surfaces (14) which are adapted to the guide tracks (6) of the outer joint part (2) for the purpose of linear displacement of the inner joint part (14) in the axial direction. Said guide tracks (6) comprise two opposite lateral guide surfaces (16) each for guiding the antifriction bearing (12) in the axial direction.

Abstract: An articulating joint apparatus includes a first rotational member having an axis, a second rotational member coupled with and positioned generally coaxial to the first rotational member, and a boot cover assembly for sealing at least part of the first rotational member to the second rotational member. The boot cover assembly is selectively coupled to both the first rotational member and the second rotational member. The joint apparatus also includes an insert positioned at least partially between the first rotational member and the second rotational member. The insert will deform in response to axial movement of the second rotational member relative to the first rotational member.

Abstract: A shifter rod assembly used in automotive vehicles extends between a manual shifter assembly having a manual shift lever and a transmission spaced from the manual shift lever. Large tolerance universal joints with play between the components thereof connect the shifter rod assembly to the manual shifter assembly and to the transmission. In order to eliminate rattle noise in the universal joints, the universal joints are each encased in a layer of elastomer. A preferred elastomer is silicone elastomer can be applied in liquid form, cures at room temperature and maintains integrity at temperatures in a range of about 200° F. to 240° F.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for supporting a universal joint trunnion in an outer cup includes a radial bearing having cylindrical rolling elements disposed between the trunnion and the outer cup, and a resistance member made of a material to allow elastic deformation and bearing upon a confronting surface area of an end surface of the trunnion. The resistance member and the trunnion are hereby so configured either alone or in combination as to form a large lubricant reservoir. Disposed at a distance to the end surface of the trunnion is a stop member to define an axial gap, whereby the stop member inhibits an axial movement of the trunnion after the trunnion has moved in axial direction to close the gap.

Abstract: The universal joint features caps that allow the insertion of grease without removal of the caps. Inside each cap is a bushing that replaces the bearings used in other universal joints. One embodiment of the universal joint features a device for protecting a rubber o-ring which fits inside the caps and around the pins. Another aspect of the universal joint features an arrangement for cleaning the grease under the cap. Another aspect of the universal joint is a stronger material that can withstand more extreme driving conditions.

Abstract: A double-jointed cardan shaft for vehicles includes a first yoke journal assembly disposed in a first fork joint, the first fork joint including a ball calotte, a second yoke journal assembly disposed in a second fork joint, and a connection element connecting the first and second fork joints. A centering ball is disposed in the ball calotte and has a bore. A first cavity is formed between the centering ball and the ball calotte. An elastic gasket disposed outside of the ball calotte forms a second cavity between the elastic gasket and the ball calotte. A centering pin is connected to the second fork joint and disposed in the bore, and a plurality of lubricant recesses for a lubricant are disposed at an interface between the centering pin and the bore. The centering ball includes at least one indentation extending along an outer circumferential surface of the centering ball such that no lubricant may pass from the first cavity to the second cavity.

Abstract: A cross joint comprises yokes each formed with a bearing hole and a spider shaft rotatably fitted into the bearing hole through a rolling bearing. The spider shaft is formed with a contact portion with the rolling bearing, the contact portion having its outside diameter larger than an outside diameter of the spider shaft.

Abstract: Wide-angle constant velocity joint, with two yokes (10, 14), two cross journals (18) and a central core (16) forming a sliding housing (24) for a securing member (20) for the ball ends (10B, 14B) of the two yokes; the terminal edges (36C, 36B; 38C; 38B) of protective bellows means (36; 38), which delimit a space which surrounds the joint and can contain liquid lubricant for oil-bath lubrication, are tightly engaged with the central core (16) and with the base (10A; 14A) of each of the two yokes (10, 14).

Abstract: The coupler is a ball and socket arrangement with retaining, sealing and lubricating features, and torque transmitting elements to rotationally connect the ball and socket. The torque transmitting elements include cams secured to the ball and sliding, to allow flexure, in slots in the socket surface. The retainer, which limits axial separation of ball and socket, preferably, also has a convex spherical surface with an origin common to that of the ball to provide a sealing surface to retain lubricant in the ball and socket region. A spring biased seal carrier has seals to engage the retainer convex surface and the element carrying the ball to form a closure. In an alternate form, the sealing elements comprise a tubular elastomer element attached at each end to the opposite terminals of the coupler.

Abstract: A cross member unit for universal joints has a cross member (6) with four arms (17). Each opposing two arms (17) define a common longitudinal axis 7. A bearing bush (9) is provided per arm (17) which covers the arm (17). Rolling contact members (29), in the form of a ring, are arranged in the intermediate space between the casing (23) of the bearing bush (9) and the cylindrical running face (19) of the arm (17). A preseal (38) is arranged towards the open end (27) of the bearing bush (9) between the arms (17) and the casing (23). To achieve a high running performance and a static sealing effect, the preseal (38), in its bore (40), is provided with beads (41, 42) which are firmly positioned on the seat portion (22) of the arm (17).

Abstract: A universal joint (150) includes a centering device (160) for maintaining the joint at constant velocity. Each shaft (101) of the joint (150) is connected to a centering device (160). Movement of one of the shafts (101) at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device (117) is transmitted to the other shaft (101) by the centering device (160) and the centering device (160) causes the other shaft (101) to likewise move at the same angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device (117). The centering device (160) includes an epicyclic bearing (106) within an epicyclic bearing (105), which arrangement of epicyclic bearings allows a full range of movement of the shafts (101).

Abstract: A rolling or sliding machine part that has an improved oil film formation capacity. The machine part has a rolling or sliding contact surface formed with discontinuous grooves, which are dispersedly arranged and extend across the direction in which the machine part rolls or slides.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint includes a plurality of trunnions formed to have a spherical configuration and expanding toward guide grooves, cylindrical holders for surrounding the trunnions, to which roller members displaceable along said guide grooves are externally fitted, and cutouts formed on surfaces of the trunnions.

Abstract: Cross member units for universal joints have a cross member (6) with four arms (17). Each two opposing arms define a common longitudinal axis (7). A bearing bush (9), covering the arm (17), is provided per arm (17). In the space between the casing (25) of the bearing bush (9) and the cylindrical running face (19) of the arm (17), rolling contact members (32) are arranged in the form of a rim. Towards the open end (30) of the bearing bush (9), a preseal (44) and main seal (37) are arranged between the arms (17) and the casing (25). To achieve a high running performance and a maintenance-free assembly for storing lubricating grease, the arms (17) include a storage chamber (20) which is open towards its end face (18) and otherwise closed. The chamber is tapered, starting from the end face (18). Furthermore, the main seal (37) is secured to the bearing bush (9) by means of an externally positioned carrier (39) which projects beyond the open end of the bearing bush (9).

Abstract: An elastomeric seal assembly for use with a bearing cup mounted on a trunnion of a universal joint cross member includes an elastomeric seal attached to a metallic support ring. The metallic rings are pressed into the open ends of the bearing cups and are retained therein by friction. The elastomeric seals each include first, second and third radially inwardly extending sealing lips. When the bearing cups and sealing assemblies are mounted about the trunnions the annular lubricant sealing lip engages the frustoconical sealing surface of the trunnion. The annular lubricant sealing lip is slanted towards the closed end of the cup to prevent lubricant from flowing past the seal and out of the roller bearing region. The second sealing lip engages the cylindrical sealing surface of the trunnion and is slanted towards the open end of the cup to resist the entry of abrasive contaminants into the roller bearing region.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a centering device for maintaining the joint at constant velocity. Each shaft of the joint is connected to a ball stud. Movement of one of the shafts at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device is transmitted to the other shaft by the centering device and the centering device causes the other shaft to likewise move at the same angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device.

Abstract: A high capacity universal joint has a larger cross with larger bearings surfaces. The cross has a heavier main body with four legs, the diameters of which are larger than those of a standard cross used with yokes of a given size. The cross can also have longer trunnions to provide larger bearing surfaces. The yokes have two arms with bores and with locating surfaces adjacent the bores. The cups for races can be deeper and extend beyond outer surfaces of the arms with the cups having recessed locating surfaces in coplanar relationship with the yoke locating surfaces and held in position by machine screws. Closed ends of the cups have lubricating fittings with standpipes extending into recesses in the ends of the trunnions. Two rows of bearings separated by an annular ring are located between the trunnions and the cups, and seals in the open ends of the cups urge the bearings toward the closed ends thereof.

Abstract: A cone style universal joint has two yokes defining two pivot axes perpendicular to one another. Four pins, each coaxial with its corresponding pivot axis, are fixed to the arms of the yokes and are journaled in associated cone bearings radially inside of the arms. The cone bearings are snap fit into four sides of a seal block to form a lubricant-tight seal between the bearing and the seal block. Each cone bearing has a 45.degree. frusto-conical surface which engages the frusto-conical surfaces of the two adjacent cone bearings in line contact. Each cone bearing also has a recessed spherical surface facing inwardly and the four bearings together capture a ball within their recessed surfaces, inside the seal block.

Abstract: A structure of a universal joint is disclosed in which an end surface of a spider is coated with a solid lubricant and a projection having an arc cross section formed on a center of a bearing cup into which the spider is fitted is brought into point contact with the solid lubricant coated end surface of the spider. When the spider is axially rotated, the friction generated on the bearing cup can be remarkably reduced.

Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint part (1) with three uniformly circumferentially distributed axis-parallel recesses (2) forming circumferentially opposed tracks (4, 5), and an inner joint part (6) having a tripod-shaped cross-section with three circumferentially distributed arms (7) which extend into the recesses (2) of the outer joint part (1). Roller assemblies (8) are supported on the arms 7. Each roller assembly has at least one inner ring (12) and one outer roller (9) supported by the arms (7). The roller surface of the outer roller (9) rolls directly on the track (4, 5), with surfaces in each case being paired, such surface pairing enabling at least one radial sliding movement of at least part of a roller assembly (8) relative to the associated arm (7). A space (16) is formed between the roller assemblies (8) and the arms (7) for storing a first lubricant for the surface pairs enabling the radial sliding movement. The remaining joint interior or cavity (3) is filled with a second lubricant.

Abstract: A universal joint (1) has two joint yokes (2 and 3) each including two yoke arms (4 and 5). A supporting member (8) including legs (9 and 10) is arranged to extend transversely relative to the rotational axis (D) of the joint yokes (2, 3). The connection of the two joint yokes (2 and 3) is effected through yoke arm through-bores (6 and 7) and the support member bores (11 and 12) via a bearing pin (13).

Abstract: A lubricant supply assembly for a universal joint comprises a universal joint, two rotation shafts connected via the universal joint and being capable of being bent relative to one another, ball-and-socket joints secured at the two rotation shafts, and a coupling tube provided at the universal joint for introducing a lubricant from one of the two rotation shafts to the other of the two rotation shafts. The coupling tube is a single tube. The end of the coupling tube is fixed to a ball in one of the ball-and-socket joints while the other end of the coupling tube slidably penetrates a ball in the other of the ball-and-socket joints to protrude from it.

Abstract: A double joint provided with an arrangement for lubricating the centering devices which, via the lubricating nipple provided for a universal joint, may be supplied with lubricant. For this purpose, a hose is inserted centrally into the cross member into a threaded bore which communicates with the lubricating channels of the cross member. The hose extends into a lubricating channel in the centering device which is arranged so as to extend on the axis of the outer yoke of the universal joint. It supplies the centering device for the two universal joints, consisting of a sleeve and a journal, with lubricant. The flexible hose permits articulation of the outer yoke relative to the cross member without the hose leaving the lubricating channel. The articulation of the two parts relative to each other is accommodated by elastic deformation of the hose.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint of the type including a pair of outer yokes pivotally connected to a double inner housing and a centering apparatus positioned between the outer yokes is disclosed. The centering apparatus has a centering plate which is restrained axially but free to move radially between the outer yokes. A pin extends from each side of the centering plate and journals a pair of sliders, one on each side of the plate. A cavity is defined at the end of each outer yoke to receive the adjacent slider. Mating spherical surfaces on each slider and in each cavity provide sliding surface contact between the cavity surfaces and the sliders. This arrangement results in a compact constant velocity universal joint with surface contact throughout the centering apparatus. In an especially useful embodiment, a grease reservoir is formed in the double inner housing and grease passageways are formed in the centering plate and pin to provide a dynamic lubrication system throughout the centering apparatus.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a transmission ring provided with two pairs of holes, a pair of rotating shafts whose integrally provided pins are slidably fitted into the corresponding holes and a lubricating ring fitted onto the transmission ring with a predetermined clearance therebetween to maintain a lubricant therein. Thus, the sliding engagement between the pins and the holes may be maintained lubricated at all times.

Abstract: An improvement in a double Cardan universal joint having a pair of spiders connected by a ring-shaped coupling member, a pair of yoke members angularly movably connected with each other by the spiders, a centering assembly for aligning the yoke members with each other and defining a reservoir for grease within a bridge forming a part of one of the yoke members and a breather hole formed in the bridge for making the reservoir communicate with the atmosphere. The improvement comprises a valve of elastic material inserted in the breather hole and capable of elastically blockading the communication of the reservoir with the atmosphere when internal pressure of the reservoir is below a predetermined amount and being elastically deformed to make the reservoir communicate with the atmosphere when the internal pressure reaches or exceeds the predetermined amount.

Abstract: A wide angle joint which permits good lubrication in any of its possible angular positions is formed with joint cross pieces which are each provided on their interior sides with a partially spherical recess connected with at least one of the lubricating channels which extend through the joint cross pieces with spherical trunnions being provided which also have partially spherical shoulders reaching through a bridge which joins the outer yokes of the joint. The midpoints of the partially spherical recesses are the partially spherical shoulders lie at an intersecting point of the two axes of the joint cross piece and the spherical trunnions each have a bore hole extending in the axial direction.

Abstract: A needle bearing wear reduction arrangement for causing a series of needle bearings to positively circumferentially migrate in the annular space between a trunnion and a bearing cup. A free floating washer has a series of radially extending circumferentially spaced serrations on the washer face proximate one of the ends of the needle bearings. During relative movement between the trunnion and bearing cup, the lubricant flow in the annular space causes the washer face to intermittently engage the ends of the needle bearings and one or more of the serrations pick up and move one or more of the needle bearings circumferentially between the trunnion and bearing cup. The serrations are spaced differently than the circumferential spacing of the needle bearings to ensure that the washer will not ride with all of the needle bearings.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint includes a centering device which restricts each cardan joint to mutually equal operating angles by the use of annular involute gear teeth designed to mesh in the homokinetic plane. A boot seal simultaneously flexes and rolls as the universal joint articulates to develop a kneading action which pumps lubricant among the gear teeth.

Abstract: A universal joint having a trunnion cross adapted to be received in the arms of a pair of yokes is formed with a continuous resilient seal member loosely extending over the body of the trunnion cross and adapted to contain therein a supply of lubricant located within a recess formed with a center of the recess spaced closer to the axis of symmetry of the trunnion cross than the peripheral portions of the recess. Grooves extend from the trunnion members to the center of the recess, with the grooves being arranged to have an angle of inclination relative to the axis of symmetry of the trunnion cross.

Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint part with three circumferentially distributed, axis-parallel recesses forming circumferentially distributed opposed tracks. An inner joint part has a star-shaped cross-section and three circumferentially distributed arms engaging the recesses in the outer joint part. The arms support roller assemblies. When torque is transmitted with the joint in an extended position, the resultant K.sub.1 of the forces acting from the inner joint part directly on a roller forms a shorter perpendicular distance from the joint axis than the resultant K.sub.2 of the counter forces acting from the outer joint part on the roller, so that, when torque is introduced into the joint, at any angle of articulation of the operating range, the roller is subject to a tilting moment.