Abstract: An impact universal joint has a socket which receives a swivel head. A flat leaf spring with dependent members is connected to the upper face of the socket. The swivel head is substantially a sphere with spaced-apart lugs formed around a circumference of the sphere. Axially connected to the sphere is a body having an opening distal from the sphere. The opening receives a power driver. The socket has a cavity formed therein which cooperates with the spherical swivel head. The cavity has a plurality of spaced-apart channels formed therein dividing the cavity into respective segments. Each channel of the cavity receives a respective lug of the swivel head. Each lug has an outer face which is curved to cooperate with the outer wall of the respective channel. Each lug further has a pair of opposite driving faces which are convex to allow the spherical swivel head to swivel within the socket without binding.

Abstract: A flexible joint for first and second rotating members, including: a hub fixedly connected to a proximal end of the first rotating member at a first end of the hub; the hub being constructed for the insertion in a second, opposite end of the hub of a proximal end of the second rotating member, the proximal end of the second rotating member being moveable within the hub such that a distal end of the second rotating member may move axially with respect to the first rotating member and/or may move radially away from a major axis of the first rotating member; and a spring disposed between an end face of the proximal end of the second rotating member and an inner face of the hub to bias the second rotating member axially away from the hub and the first rotating member, strength of the spring determining the ease with which the distal end of the second rotating member may move.

Abstract: A lawn tractor has a pivoting shaft mechanism and a tilt steering mechanism. The lawn tractor includes a frame, a first wheel, a steering implement for steering the wheel, and a power steering pump for use in providing power for the steering of the first wheel. The pivoting shaft mechanism includes a steering shaft having a first end that is connected to the steering implement and that is pivotable about its second end. The pivoting shaft mechanism also includes a pin operatively connected to the second end of the steering shaft, a connecting shaft having a first end operatively connected to the second end of the steering shaft and a second end operatively connected to the power steering pump, and a pivot coupling for translating rotational motion from the pin to the first end of the connecting shaft.

Abstract: A half round end yoke and a pair of retainer straps retain an opposed pair of bearing cups to the half round end yoke in such a universal joint. The half round end yoke includes a body defining an axis of rotation having first and second arms extending therefrom. Each of the first and second arms has a semi-cylindrical recess formed therein that is adapted to receive a bearing cup. A pair of threaded bores is formed in each of the first and second arms. Retainer straps are disposed about the bearing cups to retain them within the semi-cylindrical recesses. Each of the retainer straps includes a curved central portion having a pair of straight end portions extending outwardly therefrom. The end portions have respective apertures formed therethrough that can be aligned with the threaded bores formed in the arms of the half round end yoke.

Abstract: A universal joint for a tilt steering column of a vehicle includes an intermediate cup pivotally coupled to an end of a driven shaft, and a bell yoke receiving the intermediate cup within a cavity of the bell yoke. A pin extends from the bell yoke into an aperture of the intermediate cup. A layered bushing is compressed between an end of the pin and the aperture of the intermediate cup. The layered bushing is comprised of a mesh main body having a radially inner sliding layer and a radially outer gripping layer.

Abstract: The axially stiff link provides a rigid connection linking two shaft segments (1, 2) of a shaft such that it can bend and or twist yet remain rigid with no slop for high tolerance positioning applications. The link is composed of two rolling elements (4) attached to the shaft segments (1, 2) having a rolling line contact (10) with each other. The rolling elements (4) are held together and preloaded by a ring spring (6) which encircles a portion of the rolling element extending transversely from the shaft segment and engages it by rolling line contact (8). The rolling elements may be solid plain curved portions of the shaft ends, a cylindrical bar, cylindrical bar pairs, or conical pairs to provide for torsional as well as axial bending in the link. Closely spaced perpendicularly disposed axial links provide for 2 axis bending of the shaft.

Abstract: An improved startup device for the rotor of a permanent-magnet synchronous motor, particularly adapted for liquid conveyance pumps, such as those used in electrical household appliances or the like, which are equipped with a permanent-magnet synchronous motor of the type comprising a stator unit with a pack of metal laminations and electrical windings supported by a body that forms a substantially cylindrical chamber that accommodates, upon assembly, the rotor unit, which is axially crossed by a motor shaft.

Abstract: A vibration damping universal joint is disclosed for providing three degree of freedom orientation and limiting rotational deflection between a first and second rod portion of a manual transmission gear shift rod. The universal joint includes a first and a second clevis and a rotational isolation mechanism which provides axial deflection of the second rod portion relative to the second clevis and limits rotational deflection between the first and second rod portions.

Abstract: The axially stiff link provides a rigid connection linking two shaft segments (1, 2) of a shaft such that it can bend and or twist yet remain rigid which no slop for high tolerance positioning applications. The link is composed of two rolling elements (4) attached to the shaft segments (1, 2) having a rolling line contact (10) with each other. The rolling elements (4) are held together and preloaded by a ring spring (6) which encircles a portion of the rolling element extending transversely from the shaft segment and engages it by rolling line contact (8). The rolling elements may be solid plain curved portions of the shaft ends, a cylindrical bar, cylindrical bar pairs, or conical pairs to provide for torsional as well as axial bending in the link. Closely spaced perpendicularly disposed axial links provide for two axis bending of the shaft.

Abstract: A universal joint comparable in construction to a ball and socket joint in that it comprises a ball member (14) attached to a first shaft (10) and a socket member (16) attached to a second shaft (18), wherein the ball member (14) and the socket member (16) are both equipped with slots (A.sub.b, B.sub.b ; A.sub.s B.sub.s) at their adjoining slotted surfaces and are disposed so that the slots at least partially overlap to form pin passageways. A pin (22a, 24a) is disposed in each pin passageway to transfer rotational motion without variation from one shaft to the other. In preferred embodiments, the ball member and the socket member each have three slots (A.sub.b, B.sub.b, C.sub.b ; A.sub.s, B.sub.s, C.sub.s). In some embodiments, the ball member may be hollow and the pins may be interconnected within the ball member to form a pin mechanism 42. In other embodiments, the ball member may be solid, and there may be a girdle member 26 surrounding the socket member, into which the pins extend.

Abstract: A hermetic motor compressor includes a shell, first and second scroll members and a closure member extending across a portion of the interior of the shell adjacent one end of the shell to define a discharge chamber. A discharge port in the scroll member located closest to the closure member provides fluid communication between the center of the scroll members and the discharge chamber through an opening in the closure member. A seal member located between the closure member and the scroll member places the discharge port in sealed fluid communication with the discharge chamber.

Abstract: A variable angle torque transmitting coupling apparatus for use in an automobile steering column as well as other applications which includes a first member which is generally T-shaped and has an elongated shaft and an elongated head each having an axis. The respective axes thereof are disposed substantially at a right angles. A second member includes a housing in which an elongated slot is disposed, the slot is dimensioned and configured for receiving the head of the first member. The head has side surfaces which are cylindrical section shaped and the sides of the slot are dimensioned and configured for receiving the head. The slot has a generally planar bearing surfaces on the sides thereof which engage the cylindrical section shaped surfaces of the head with sliding engagement therebetween. The head has surfaces at the axial extremities thereof which are spherical section shaped and which slidingly engage spherical section shaped members.

Abstract: Joint for transmission of the torque of a first shaft to a second shaft so that the second shaft additionally makes a lifting movement, and the angle between the axes of the two shafts is adjustable, characterized by two bolts mounted to be rotatable and axially movable, advantageously in a connector between the shafts, and the bolt axes or their shortest interval is outside the point of intersection of the axes of the first and second shaft or outside the shortest interval of these shafts.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus having progressive cavity drive train which includes a progressive cavity device and a coupling for converting the complex motion of the rotor into simple rotation. The coupling includes a sealed universal joint assembly coupling yokes formed on a first stub shaft to yokes formed on the second stub shaft. The sealed universal joint assembly includes a cross member assembly having a cross member and a sealing cup. The cross member has a central body and two sets of pin portions extending from the body. Each set of pin portions includes two pin portions having coincident axes. The pin portions of one set are transverse to the pin portions of the other set. The sealing cup is fixed to each of the pin portions of the cross member. The sealing cup includes connecting sleeve portion fixed to the pin portion of the cross member, a flexible elastomeric section secured to the sleeve portion and a hollow upon portion enclosing the end of the pin portion.

Abstract: A method of attaching a stepper motor to a throttle shaft provides constant torque transmission by connecting the shafts coaxially with a coupling that accommodates limited shaft misalignment and movement. In the preferred embodiment, the coupling comprises a fork, parallel to, and attached to, one shaft that receives a pin, perpendicular to, and attached to, the second shaft. The coupling permits the coaxial attachment of the shaft without the necessity of maintaining precise mounting tolerances.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a first shaft member having a cylindrical portion, a pair of yoke portions at a free end thereof and a ball-like portion formed between the yoke portions and a second shaft member having a cylindrical portion and a pair of yoke portions at a free end thereof. The ball-like portion is formed integrally and inseparably with the yoke portions of the first shaft member. The first and second shaft members are thus detachably and movably connected with each other through engagement between the ball-like portion of the former and the yoke portions of the latter.

Abstract: A universal joint for use in an automobile tilt wheel assembly includes a first (12) and second (28) shaft. The end of the first shaft (12) includes a pin (20) extending on opposite sides of the first shaft (12). A pair of caps (22) having a circular outer periphery are rotatably disposed on the pin (20). Two socket member halves (34) interconnect the first shaft (12) and the second shaft (28). The socket members (34) define a circular pocket (36) for receiving the first end of the first shaft (12). The socket members (34) mate in a plane containing the axis of the pin (20). The socket members (34) define an outwardly flared recess (40, 41) to accommodate the sides (17) of the first shaft (12) during rotational movement of the cap members (22) in the circular pocket (36) and to accommodate movement of the first shaft (12) about the axis of the pin ( 20).

Abstract: A joint for transmitting torque is made up of an outer generally tulip-shaped coupling member, an inner coupling member and an intermediate member received within the outer coupling member and, in turn, receiving a joint pin of the inner coupling member. The intermediate member is formed by two generally symmetrical shell halves, each having a surface contacting the other with the contacting surfaces forming a separation plane. The axis of the joint pin is located in, or closely adjacent to, the separation plane. A shaped spring fits through the two shell halves and into recesses in the opposite ends of the joint pins. Axially aligned pivot pins interconnect the outer coupling member and intermediate member and are located on opposite sides of the joint pin axis. The axes of the pivot pins intersect the joint pin axis at right angles.

Abstract: A scroll machine having an eccentric crank pin on a cranshaft disposed nonrotatably in the bore of a drive busing for driving the orbiting scroll of the compressor. A flat on the crank pin drivingly engages a flat in the bore, one flat being at an acute angle to the normal cranksahft axis so that when the crankshaft deflects under normal loads the flats come into better contact with one another to reduce unwanted wear. Several other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible extension assembly for use with a tube expander of the type having an expanding head which has internal apparatus driven for tube expansion by a drive device connected coaxially thereto with a spacer for locating the expanding head at a predetermined distance from the end of the tube to be expanded. The flexible extension assembly comprises a rigid hollow extension segment pivotably connected at one end to the expanding head and pivotably connected at the other end to the spacer so that the extension segment is pivotable into and out of coaxial alignment with the tube to be expanded, and an extension link slidably carried in the hollow rigid extension segment and pivotably connected at one end to the internal apparatus and pivotably connected at its other end to the drive shaft so that the extension link is pivotable with the extension segment into and out of coaxial alignment with the tube to be expanded.

Abstract: A coupler for coupling up a rotary shaft of an ignition distributor to an engine camshaft comprises an annular member having a circular axial recess into which the rotary shaft loosely projects over one axial end of the annular member, at least one projection provided on the other axial end of the disk-like member for slidably fitting into a diametrical groove formed on a top end of the engine camshaft, a diametrical straight bore formed in the annular member, an axis of which crosses a line passing through the projection and a center of the disk-like member at an angle .theta.(0.degree.<.theta.<90.degree.), and a connecting pin extending through the diametrical straight bore in the annular member and a diametrical bore formed in the rotary shaft of the distributor.

Abstract: A universal joint of the type utilizing spherical roller balls to transmit torque or power between an inner joint member and an outer joint member. The balls roll in a recess in the inner joint member and each ball rolls in a rectilinear recess in the outer joint member, with such rolling action permitting and resulting from the articulation of the joint. Each recess in the outer joint member has at least a major portion that has a radial extent, from the central axis of the joint, that follows a curvilinear configuration to provide a maximum radial extent when the inner and outer joint members are aligned, through a gradually reducing radial extent as the joint is articulated, in order to provide a substantial constant depth of penetration of each ball into its outer joint member recess throughout the range of articulation of the joint.

Abstract: The universal joint (10) comprises a bearing block (40) which has a pair of cylindrical receptacles (50, 60) disposed perpendicularly relative to one another, each cylindrical receptacle (50, 60) being C-shaped to receive therein respective cylindrical members (14, 16; 34, 36) of two rotatable members (12, 30). The bearing block (40) includes a circumferential wall (70) extending between adjacent ends of each cylindrical receptacle (14, 16; 34, 36) in order to provide grooves (74) for capturing and retaining a securement ring (80). An alternative embodiment (110) provides a rotatable member (112) having a hemispherical head (113) with an interior cavity (117), the hemispherical head (113) having transverse openings (118) for the reception of a pin (125) which extends through a receptacle (160) of the bearing block (140) to rotatably secure the block (140) within the interior cavity (117).

Abstract: A coupling for simultaneously transmitting identical rotation and motor torque between two shafts which are inclinable to 90.degree..It includes a transfer ball (3) constituted by three coaxial meridian disks which oscillate relative to one another, and two tulips (1) and (2) respectively fitted with three drive members (15 to 20) equidistant in threes at the ends of three arms at 120.degree. on each tulip. The drive members engage in pairs on either side of a polar axis in circular toroidal grooves (53) in each of the three meridian disks.The transfer ball and the tulips are then interdependent and the polar axis is automatically maintained in the plane of the bend between the two shafts and perpendicular to the bisector of the angle closed by their respective half-axes.

Abstract: A universal joint transmission for a rearwards gear transmission that has a shaft which is in driving engagement with the interior of the receiving hub of the universal joint, but is movable longitudinally relative to the receiving hub, the transmission including a driving gear hub which is hollow, and which adjoins the receiving hub, its interior forming with the inside of the receiving hub a space in which the shaft extends from the gear hub into the receiving hub, the driving coupling member of the universal joint being in driving connection with the gear hub, the gear hub and a ring member of the coupling device of the universal joint being formed internally flaring outwardly to provide for easy pivoting of the shaft.

Abstract: The driving shaft has an end shaped to overlap the end of the driven shaft. The two shafts are interconnected by a coupling member. The coupling member is connected to the driven shaft by a long pin. The overlapping portion of the driving shaft is connected to the coupling member by two short pins. A preload spring mechanism applies preload forces against the two shafts.

Abstract: The universal joint (10) comprises a first shaft (12) having a head (14) with an annular cavity (16) therein in communication with an opening (18) in face (20) of head (14). A second shaft (30) has a pair of spaced arms (32) each terminating in an ear (34). The ears (34) are captured within the recesses (44) of a plastic cage member (40) mounted within cavity (16) by a pin (26). Resilient inserts (50) exert biasing force against the ears (34) to preload the universal joint (10) and eliminate free lash.

Abstract: A drive shaft assembly particularly for use in driving the wheels of a motor vehicle having a first universal joint and a second universal joint with an intermediate shaft interconnecting the two joints, the intermediate shaft being made of fiber reinforced plastic material and being formed integrally with a component of at least one of the universal joints.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a universal joint shaft having two coupling forks joined at a journal cross. Various embodiments of aligning apparatus selectively restrict the journal forks to adjust the angle of bend with respect to each other. In one embodiment, a tube radially outside the coupling forks and journal cross is supported on one fork and is driven by a pressure cylinder against the other fork to restrict the bending of the forks with respect to each other at the journal cross. In other embodiments, one or more piston/cylinder units are provided on one of the forks, with the piston being movable against a bearing point on the other fork for restricting the extent to which the other forks may bend. Pressure medium is delivered to the pistons through a pressure medium line controlled by a pressure maintaining valve which is shiftable for permitting pressure medium to pass to the piston/cylinder unit or to stop passing thereto.

Abstract: A power steering device for a vehicle comprises a steering wheel, a steering linkage operatively connecting the steering wheel to dirigible wheels of the vehicle and a power assisting device inserted into the steering linkage to assist the steering force of the steering wheel. A steering shaft of the steering linkage rotated with the steering wheel to transmit the steering force from the steering wheel to the power assisting device is divided into first and second parts. A pair of coil springs are inserted between the first and second parts of the steering shaft to connect them with each other and is adapted to be elastically deformed to produce a rotational displacement between them when the steering wheel is rotated. A set load is placed on the coil spring so that the coil spring can be elastically deformed only when the steering force from the steering wheel exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A steering device for a vehicle comprises a steering wheel operatively connected to dirigible wheels of the vehicle by way of a steering linkage so that the dirigible wheels are turned in response to rotation of the steering wheel. A portion of the steering linkage which is rotted with the steering wheel is divided into first and second parts and the first and second parts are connected with each other by way of a pair of coil springs and a damper. The coil springs are adapted to be elastically deformed to produce a rotational displacement between the first and second parts upon rotation of the steering wheel while the damper is adapted to damp the steering force of the steering wheel. An adjustment means is provided for changing the damping characteristics of the damper according to speed of the vehicle and/or the steering torque of the steering wheel.

Abstract: The driving shaft has an end shaped to overlap the end of the driven shaft. The two shafts are interconnected by a coupling member. The coupling member is connected to the driven shaft by a long pin. The overlapping portion of the driving shaft is connected to the coupling member by two short pins.

Abstract: A pivotable connecting device adapted to transmit rotary motion from a drive member to a driven member while minimizing the effect of torque thereon. The drive member is provided with a fork having first and second shanks each with a threaded hole. The driven member is provided with a coupling plate having a corresponding smooth hole. A screw member for insertion in the holes is provided having a smooth central portion and first and second threaded ends. The diameter of the first threaded shank hole is greater than that of the coupling plate smooth hole, and the diameter of the latter is at least as great as the diameter of the second threaded shank hole. The pitch and helix of the first and second threaded shank holes are identical thereby permitting simultaneous tightening of the first and second threaded screw ends into the corresponding first and second threaded shank holes.

Abstract: In a wide angle universal joint wherein an inner double fork is connected with an outer fork having a pair of outer yokes by a trunion cross with spherical trunnions being provided for guiding the outer yokes and with a centering disc engaging the spherical trunnions with guides, the centering disc being secured against axial displacement but being radially movable, a lubricating system is provided which includes lubricating nipples on the trunnion cross for feeding lubricant into the system and lubricating channels extending through the trunnion cross and the spherical trunnions, with the lubricating channel in the trunnion cross having an output opening which corresponds with the input opening of a lubricating channel in the spherical trunnion at a position of the output yokes, with a sealing member being provided in one of the output or input openings. The sealing member may be a movable piston arranged in the output opening of the trunnion cross.

Abstract: A drive shaft, particularly for motor vehicles, has metallic end members having facing axially inner sections of larger diameter, axially outer sections of smaller diameters and transition sections connecting the inner and outer sections. The end members are, with the exception of small axial lengths of the outer sections, embedded in and surrounded by a tubular shaft member which is constructed by winding a plurality of layers of carbon or glass-fiber roving impregnated with synthetic plastic, onto a lost mandrel and heat-hardening the synthetic plastic.