Abstract: A universal joint comprises an input shaft comprising at one end thereof a first pair of arms and an output shaft comprising at one end thereof a second pair of arms. Respective opposed first pivot pins are provided on the distal ends of the first pair of arms and aligned along a first axis (P1). Respective opposed second pivot pins are provided on the distal ends of the second pair of opposed arms and aligned along a second axis (P2), the second axis (P2) being perpendicular to the first axis (P1). The joint further comprises a compliant ring extending around the input and output shafts and having first and second pairs of opposed openings for receiving the first and second pivot pins.

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 universal joint (310) includes a yoke (311) in which is disposed a dual trunnion (312) and which is disposed in a ring (315). Pins (321, 322) connect the ring to the dual trunnion and to the yoke. Lubricant in a non-continuous lubricant channel (319), extending less than 360.degree. around the ring, provides lubrication for the pins (321, 322), whose ends disposed in the ring (315) are surrounded by needle bearings (31). Because the channel is non-continuous, lubricant entering one lubricant port (320) must travel the length of the lubricant channel before exiting the channel via the second lubricant port (326). In this manner, the lubricant channel is purgable and lubricant is supplied to all bearings. A first shaft (340) is integrally connected to the dual trunnion (312), and a second shaft (513) is integrally connected to the yoke (311). By joining the yokes (311) of two such joints (310) with a common shaft (313), a composite joint (300) can be formed.

Abstract: A universal joint (310) includes a substantially hemispherical cup-shaped yoke (311) in which is disposed a cross trunnion (312) and which is disposed in a ring (315). Pins (321, 322) connect the ring to the cross trunnion and to the yoke. Lubricant in an annular channel (319) in the ring provides lubrication for the pins (321, 322), whose ends disposed in the ring (315) are surrounded by needle bearings (31). A first shaft (340) is integrally connected to the cross trunnion (312), and a second shaft (513) is integrally connected to the yoke (311). By joining the yokes (311) of two such joints (310) which a common shaft (313), a composite joint (300) can be formed.