Abstract: A gimbal joint may employ a plurality of wear sleeves, each disposed between a pin or pin receptive bore of a first structure and a corresponding bore or pin of a second structure and between another pin or bore of the second structure and a corresponding bore or pin of a third structure. Each of these structures may be adapted to rotate in a single plane, with one structure adapted to also tilt about a first axis, and one other structure adapted to tilt about a second axis. Each integral flanged wear sleeve may comprise a right circular hollow cylindrical body portion, which may be interiorly sized to be retained on one of the pins and externally sized to be retained in one of the pin receptive bores, and a flange portion may radiate from one end of the cylindrical body portion.

Abstract: An assembly for sealing an interface between a conduit and a case includes a boot and a bushing. The boot includes a tube and rubber flange. The rubber flange extends generally radially outward from the tube. The rubber flange includes an opening passing through a portion of the rubber flange. The bushing is disposed in the rubber flange and includes a tubular body, a channel, and a lip. The tubular body is disposed in the opening of the rubber flange. The channel extends through a center of the body. The lip is generally flat and extends radially outward from the tubular body. The lip is in contact and engages with the rubber flange so as to compress the rubber flange against the case.

Abstract: A high stiffness hub assembly for a rotor system operable to rotate with a mast of a rotorcraft. The hub assembly includes a yoke and a constant velocity joint assembly. The yoke has a plurality of blade arms each configured to hold a rotor blade. The constant velocity joint assembly provides a torque path from the mast to the yoke that includes a trunnion assembly, a plurality of drive links and a plurality of pillow blocks. The trunnion assembly is coupled to the mast and has a plurality of outwardly extending trunnions. Each drive link has a leading bearing coupled to one of the trunnions and a trailing bearing coupled to one of the pillow blocks. Each pillow block is independently mounted between an upper surface of the yoke and a hub plate.

Abstract: A high stiffness hub assembly for a proprotor system operable to rotate with a mast of a tiltrotor aircraft having helicopter and airplane flight modes. The hub assembly includes a yoke and a constant velocity joint assembly. The yoke has four blade arms each adapted to hold a proprotor blade. The constant velocity joint assembly provides a torque path from the mast to the yoke that includes a trunnion assembly, four drive links and four pillow blocks. The trunnion assembly is coupled to the mast and has four outwardly extending trunnions. Each drive link has a leading bearing coupled to one of the trunnions and a trailing bearing coupled to one of the pillow blocks. Each pillow block is independently mounted between an upper surface of the yoke and a hub plate with two connection members that extend through the yoke and the pillow block.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly includes a hollow upper shaft having an inner surface, a lower shaft extending at least partially within the upper shaft, and a cage receiving at least a portion of the lower shaft, the cage positioned within the hollow upper shaft. The assembly further includes at least one upper tilt pin extending through the upper shaft and the cage, at least one groove formed in the inner surface of the upper shaft, and a lower tilt pin extending through the cage and the lower shaft. The lower tilt pin extends into the at least one groove.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint for helicopters with gimballed rotors, in which the hub of a rotor is supported on a transmission shaft by means of a cardan's suspension composed of a first inner ring with a revolute connection to two opposite pins of the carrier connected to transmission shaft and a second outer ring with a revolute connection to two opposite pins of the hub. The rings are also interconnected by swivel opposite pins, in quadrature with respect to the pins connected to the transmission shaft and to the pins of the hub, whose common axis is stably maintained in a plane, which bisects the angle between the axes of rotation of the hub and the transmission shaft, by at least one device, which is connected to the transmission shaft and to the hub, thus obtaining a homokinetic transmission of rotational motion between the transmission shaft and the hub.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a first rotating member, an annular connecting member, a pair of first connecting assemblies, a second rotating member, and a pair of second connecting assemblies. The annular connecting member is rotatably sleeved on the first rotating member, the connecting member defines a pair of first connecting holes at opposite sides and a pair of second connecting holes at opposite sides. The pair of first connecting assemblies respectively extends into the pair of first connecting holes to rotatably connect the first rotating member to the connecting member. The second rotating member is rotatably sleeved on the connecting member. The pair of second connecting assemblies respectively extends into the pair of second connecting holes to rotatably connect the second rotating member to the connecting member.

Abstract: A universal joint member for transmitting torque between two shafts of a drive mechanism includes a first pivot axis for pivoting connection to a first shaft of the drive mechanism, wherein the first pivot axis extends substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the first shaft; and a second pivot axis for pivoting connection to a second shaft of the drive mechanism, the second pivot axis extending substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis and substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the second shaft. A cavity extends through the universal joint member for receiving a pivot pin along the second pivot axis, wherein the pivot pin is configured to connect the universal joint member to the second shaft. A universal joint assembly for a drive mechanism includes a first rotatable shaft, a second rotatable shaft, and a universal joint member for transmitting torque between the first and second shafts.

Abstract: A universal coupling is provided that aims to achieve constant velocity between the input and output shafts. The universal coupling also aims to increase the angle between input and output shafts over conventional double Cardan joints while maintaining constant velocity or near constant velocity therebetween. The universal coupling can employ a Sarrus type linkage in-between two universal joints of the Cardan type in a configuration that aims to achieve joint angles up to and including 90 degrees in the Y-Z plane, while maintaining constant velocity or near constant velocity therebetween.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint for helicopters with gimballed rotors, in which the hub of a rotor is supported on a transmission shaft by means of a cardan's suspension composed of a first inner ring with a revolute connection to two opposite pins of the carrier connected to transmission shaft and a second outer ring with a revolute connection to two opposite pins of the hub. The rings are also interconnected by swivel opposite pins, in quadrature with respect to the pins connected to the transmission shaft and to the pins of the hub, whose common axis is stably maintained in a plane, which bisects the angle between the axes of rotation of the hub and the transmission shaft, by at least one device, which is connected to the transmission shaft and to the hub, thus obtaining a homokinetic transmission of rotational motion between the transmission shaft and the hub.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a first rotating member, an annular connecting member, a pair of first connecting assemblies, a second rotating member, and a pair of second connecting assemblies. The annular connecting member is rotatably sleeved on the first rotating member, the connecting member defines a pair of first connecting holes at opposite sides and a pair of second connecting holes at opposite sides. The pair of first connecting assemblies respectively extends into the pair of first connecting holes to rotatably connect the first rotating member to the connecting member. The second rotating member is rotatably sleeved on the connecting member. The pair of second connecting assemblies respectively extends into the pair of second connecting holes to rotatably connect the second rotating member to the connecting member.

Abstract: A spherical transmission joint has an input shaft connected to a driving source to rotate, an input link fixed to the input shaft to be rotated by the input shaft and having a bent shape, a coupler link rotatably mounted to a first rotary shaft mounted to the input link and having a bent shape, an output link rotatably mounted to a second rotary shaft mounted to the coupler link and having a bent shape, and an output shaft fixed to the output link. This spherical transmission joint for rotating power transmission of inclined shafts is widely used for transmission joints with certain gradients since a rotating angle between an input shaft and an output shaft is ranged wide.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint comprising a first shaft (2) rotating about a first rotation axis (X1), a second shaft (3) rotating about a second rotation axis (X2), a triad of yokes (5) comprising a control yoke (6), a first shaft yoke (7) and a second shaft yoke (8), the first shaft yoke (7) being pivotally mounted on the first shaft (2) with the pivot axis (A1) oblique to the first rotation axis (X1), the second shaft yoke (8) being pivotally mounted on the second shaft (3) with the pivot axis (A2) oblique to the second rotation axis (X2), the three yokes of the triad of yokes (5) being pivotally mounted to each other to pivot about a common axis (C) passing from the center (4) of the joint, a set of additional pivotally mounted yokes (9) providing support to the control yoke (6) so that the transmission ratio between the first shaft (2) and the second shaft (3) of the constant velocity joint (1) remains strictly at 1:1.

Abstract: A non-rotating universal joint for a helicopter drive unit has a spider defined by a ring, which has four connecting portions spaced 90° apart and engaging respective forks defining the ends of respective arms of two connecting members which, in use, are fixed with respect to a casing of an engine and a casing of a reduction gear; each fork and the corresponding connecting portion have respective through holes coaxial with one another and engaged by a screw; and dampers are interposed between the connecting portions of the ring and the shanks of the screws, and between the connecting portions of the ring and the forks.

Abstract: A gimbal assembly for a watercraft propeller propulsion system including first and second generally cylindrical gimbal ends each having a pair of diametrically opposing gimbal yokes, and an external gimbal ring pivotally coupled to the opposing gimbal yokes of each of the first and second gimbal ends. The gimbal ring may include a zigzag shaped gimbal ring body with opposing extensions orthogonal to opposing depressions and corresponding pairs of opposing gimbal pin couplings. The opposing gimbal yokes of each gimbal end may include opposing gimbal pin couplings for coupling to the couplings of the gimbal ring. Each gimbal end may be assembled through one face of the gimbal ring and internally coupled to pin couplings of an opposite face of the gimbal ring. The gimbal pins may be clamped with U-bolts. The opposing gimbal yokes may have minimal clearance around a universal joint. A bellows may be mounted externally.

Abstract: A constant-velocity drive system for an aircraft rotor has a gimbal mechanism and a differential torque-combining mechanism. The gimbal mechanism has gimbals driven in rotation by a rotor mast about a mast axis, the gimbals providing for gimballing relative to the mast about gimbal axes generally perpendicular to the mast axis. The differential torque-combining mechanism is connected to the gimbal mechanism and configured to be driven in rotation about the mast axis by the gimbal mechanism. The differential mechanism is capable of gimballing relative to the mast about the gimbal axes, the differential torque-combining mechanism having an output component attached to a yoke of the rotor for driving the yoke in rotation with the differential torque-combining mechanism.

Abstract: A universal joint employs snap-in press pins to rotatably secure the center knuckle with the surrounding drive shaft cup providing a simplified assembly process. The press pins install flush or sub-flush with the outside of the steering shaft cup. A snap-lock feature permits one-direction axial movement only. Each snap pin includes a barb-like tapered flange with a lead-in ramp to aid installation. Once installed, a radially extending base on the backside of the flange abuts the inside wall of the drive shaft cup. A locking clip may be employed to prevent removal of the snap pin. The locking clip includes two axially extending legs with barbs located at the end of each leg, said legs being resiliently biased outwardly and abutting an inside wall of said drive shaft cup when fully engaged with the pin.

Abstract: The joint comprises a ball (4) held between two seats (5 and 6) of the members (1, 2) to be joined, and it further comprises fittings (7, 8) bound to the members (1, 2) respectively, connected together through an intermediate jointed ring (12). A spring (13) maintains the contact between the ball and the seats. A rim (15) of the ring retains the ball (4) in case of disjunction. The ball (4) provides large accuracy in the position of the centre of rotation and the remainder of the joint maintains cohesion of the assembly.

Abstract: A simple, center-less universal joint of ultra tight tolerance comprising two yokes, each having two facing, distinctly round interface surface areas; both yokes being easily engaged (a self aligning process) and disengaged.

Abstract: A universal joint comprising two joint yokes. One of the joint yokes is connected a driven shaft or drive shaft. The other joint yoke is connected to the other of the driven shaft or drive shaft. The two joint yokes are offset 90° in relation to each other to form an internal space. An elastic coupling element is associated with the universal joint. One of the joint yokes or its yoke arms is associated with a pin bearer. The other joint yoke or its yoke arm is associated with a holding element. Both the pin bearer and the holding element are pivoted in bearings respectively disposed in the joint yokes. The pin bearer and the holding element are spatially separated from one another and connected via the elastic coupling element.

Abstract: A universal joint comprises first and second joint yokes, each joint yoke having axially opposite yoke arms, and inner and outer sides with respect to an axis of symmetry of the joint; first and second connection elements, each having transverse arms for connecting the connection element to yoke arms of a respective joint yoke and a base web extending beyond the transverse arms in a direction away from the axis of symmetry of the joint; and an elastic coupling element guided around outer sides of the joint yokes and connected to the base web of each connection element at a location beyond the transverse arms in a direction away from the axis of symmetry of the joint.

Abstract: A universal joint comprises a first joint yoke having bearing bores at axially opposite yoke arms and being connected with the drive shaft, a first pin bearer being connected to the first joint yoke; a second joint yoke having bearing bores at axially opposite yoke arms and being connected with the driven shaft, a second pin bearer being connected to the second joint yoke; and an elastic coupling element connected to the cross member at each pin bearer. The first and second joint yokes are arranged radially at an angle of 90° in relation to each other to form an internal space. The first and second pin bearers each comprise an appendage such that each pin bearer extends through a respectively associated joint yoke and protrudes with its appendage over an outer side of the respective joint yoke opposite to the internal space.

Abstract: A flexible coupling capable of transmitting moments and comprising a first member having a longitudinal axis (30) connected by at least three joints (27) to a second member (41) having a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first member, the joints being circumferentially spaced apart about said axis, each joint comprising a first part (27) on one of the members and a second part (31) on the other member, the parts of each joint interfitting so that moments can be transmitted between said members by the joints and so that relative sliding and rotational movement can take place between the parts of teach joint, the joint parts on at least one of the members being flexibly arranged (41) so that the members may articulate relative to one another.

Abstract: A universal joint (110) includes a first yoke (112) having a first arm (120) and a second arm (122), and a second yoke (114) having a third arm (130) and a fourth arm (132). A coupling member (116) having a ring-shaped body (138) is disposed between the first yoke (112) and the second yoke (114). The coupling member (116) has a central aperture (142) generally circumscribing a rotational axis (A-A) of the coupling member. A plurality of receiving portions (140) on the coupling member (116) are configured to receive the first arm (120), the second arm (122), the third arm (130) and the fourth arm (132).

Abstract: A compact heavy duty double universal joint is disclosed. The joint comprises a torque coupler having an interior bore and a pair of bosses adjacent each end, a pair of collars pivotally connect to the bosses, a pair of yokes pivotally connect to the collars and a centering rod assembly in the bore of the coupler. The centering rod assembly is operable, when the operating angle of the joint is not zero, to position the torque coupler so that it splits the operating angle of the universal joint.

Abstract: A constant velocity coupling which rotatably connects an input shaft to an output shaft via a control mechanism which includes a gimbal arrangement with an inner yoke rotatably connected to an outer yoke. The control mechanism includes a control yoke to constrain at least portions of the coupling to lie on or in association with a homokinetic plane of the coupling. The control mechanism operates symmetrically about a supplementary angle bisector. In another arrangement the coupling includes a double constant velocity joint in which the control mechanism is located in a control tube connecting the two joints. In another arrangement the angle between the input shaft and the output shaft is controlled so as to vary the volumetric capacity of a swash plate hydraulic displacement device.

Abstract: A pair of spherical gears connects the intersecting shafts of a CV-joint. One gear has internal teeth, and the other has external teeth. The gear design is based on pitch circles that are great circles on theoretical pitch spheres that are concentric and have identical radii. The gear teeth are preferably straight-sided. Individual smaller construction spheres are arranged in a circle so that the points of tangency between successive smaller spheres are all positioned on the circumference of the identical pitch circles of the gears and are all also positioned on the respective pitch circles of each successive smaller construction sphere. The straight-sided tooth faces of the teeth of the internal gear are preferably cone shaped. The preferred embodiment uses six teeth on each gear, and the gears, while rotating at high speeds under load, can intersect throughout a continuous maximum range of 60° or more.

Abstract: A hollow universal joint having a first member, a second member and a first hollow yoke ring coupling the first member to the second member to transfer rotational motion between the first and second members. The first hollow yoke ring has a first central axis. The first hollow yoke ring has first pivot points pivotally coupled with the first member. The first pivot points define a first axis extending therebetween. The first pivot points are spaced from the first central axis. The first hollow yoke ring comprises second pivot points pivotally coupled with the second member. The second pivot points define a second axis extending therebetween. The second pivot points are spaced from the first central axis. The first axis extends orthogonal to the second axis and the first and second axes each extend orthogonal to the first central axis.

Abstract: A constant velocity coupling which rotabably connects an input shaft to an output shaft by means of a control mechanism or control system which, in particular forms, includes a gimbal arrangement comprised of an inner yoke rotatably connected to an outer yoke. The control mechanism including control yoke constrains at least portions of the coupling to lie on or in association with a homokinetic plane of the coupling. In particular forms the control mechanism operates symmetrically about supplementary angle bisector.

Abstract: A fixed center constant velocity joint includes an outer race having races formed with a spherical surface, a shaft, a driver connected to the shaft and including radially directed pivot shafts, first and second bipods each located on an opposite axial side of the driver and including radially directed trunnions, equalizers fitted on a pivot shaft and driveably connected to the first and second bipods for pivoting the bipods relative to one another, and bearings rotatably supported on a trunnion and including a spherical surface conjugate to and engaged with a surface of a race.

Abstract: An elastomeric coupling for a rotating shaft includes a driving yoke, a driven yoke, and a substantially circular elastomeric body having a circumferential face and first and second sets of bushings within the elastomeric body. The bushings have threaded openings exposed at the circumferential face. A plurality of fasteners secures the driving yoke to the first set of bushings and secures the driven yoke to the second set of bushings. A plurality of tensile members are located within the elastomeric body, with the tensile members connecting the first set of bushings to the second set of bushings.

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 housing has trunnions installed at three positions, equiangularly around an inner circumferential surface of the housing. Bearings are coupled to respective trunnions and rollers are coupled to the outsides of the respective bearings. A driving axle, in which an insert with grooves on an outer periphery thereof, is coupled to an end of the driving axle so that the driving axle can be coupled into the housing. According to embodiments of the present invention, vibration associated with constant velocity joints can be effectively reduced by causing the sliding friction force of the roller with respect to the trunnion to be transmitted to the housing, such that the friction force is cancelled in the transmission side.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly having a universal joint (1) with a first joint yoke (2), a second joint yoke (3), a cross member (4) and a gear (5). The first joint yoke (2) is rotatable around a first axis of rotation (6). The second joint yoke (3) is rotatable around a second axis of rotation (7). The cross member unit (4) articulatable connects the joint yokes (2, 3) to one another. Thus, angles of their axes of rotation (6, 7) are adjustable relative to one another. The gear (5) acts as a drive. The gear (5) is connected in a rotationally fast way to the first joint yoke (2). The gear (5) is arranged co-axially relative to the axis of rotation (6) around the center of the cross member unit (4). Thus, this assembly reduces the size of the angles of articulation of universal joints of a short driveshaft.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes first and second shafts, inner and outer members and a constraining unit. The first shaft has a first yoke attached thereto and the second shaft has a second yoke, smaller than the first yoke, attached thereto. Each shaft has a socket at one end thereof where the socket is concentric about its respective shaft axis. The outer member is pivotally connected to the first yoke about a first rotation axis which is perpendicular to the axis of the first shaft. The inner member is pivotally connected to the second yoke about a second rotation axis which is perpendicular to the axis of the second shaft. The outer member is pivotally connected to the inner member about a third rotation axis which is perpendicular to both the first and second rotation axes. All of the five axes intersect at a joint center point.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes first and second shafts, inner and outer members and a constraining unit. The first shaft has a first yoke attached thereto and the second shaft has a second yoke, smaller than the first yoke, attached thereto. The outer member is pivotally connected to the first yoke about a first rotation axis which is perpendicular to the axis of the first shaft. The inner member is pivotally connected to the second yoke about a second rotation axis which is perpendicular to the axis of the second shaft. The outer member is pivotally connected to the inner member about a third rotation axis which is perpendicular to both the first and second rotation axes. All of the five axes intersect at a joint center point. The constraining unit constrains the third rotation axis to continuously lie generally within the homokinetic plane of the joint.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes first and second shafts, inner and outer members and a constraining unit. The first shaft has a first yoke attached thereto and the second shaft has a second yoke, smaller than the first yoke, attached thereto. The outer member is pivotally connected to the first yoke about a first rotation axis which is perpendicular to the axis of the first shaft. The inner member is pivotally connected to the second yoke about a second rotation axis which is perpendicular to the axis of the second shaft. The outer member is pivotally connected to the inner member about a third rotation axis which is perpendicular to both the first and second rotation axes. All of the five axes intersect at a joint center point. The constraining unit constrains the third rotation axis to continuously lie generally within the homokinetic plane of the joint.

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: Transmission of torque forces between an in put shaft and an output shaft is provided in an apparatus whereby the axis of the input shaft and the output shaft may be displaced 90.degree. in any direction. The input shaft and output shaft are respectively connected to a pair of drive plates, each pair of which is respectively rotatably mounted on a drive ring. The drive rings are rotatably mounted within a case which maintains the rings at a predetermined spaced-apart distance. A yoke assembly is rotatably mounted within each of the input and output drive rings, and are interconnected by a pair of revolving plates which maintain the input and output drive yoke assemblies at respective spaced-apart distances. The input drive ring and the output drive ring are each rotatable about respective predefined parallel axes, and are maintained in a predetermined relationship during rotation about the respective parallel axes by a pair of flexible cables interconnecting the input and output drive rings.

Abstract: A double cardan universal joint having a pair of annular ring yokes pivotally connected by a tubular coupling yoke. Specific examples are provided of using the double cardan universal joint as a non-constant velocity joint in a three universal joint steering system whereby a the three universal joint system operates at constant velocity.

Abstract: A centered double cardan joint for steering shafts in motor vehicles, in which the shaft ends (1, 2), which are nonrotatably connected to one another in the joint, are mounted movably in a universal joint around two articulated axes that enclose a right angle with one another and with the longitudinal axis of the shaft in a housing, which connects the two universal joints to one another, by journals (5 through 8 and 10 through 13). To make it possible to manufacture a joint that eliminates vibrations at low cost, each of the two universal joints is provided in a ring (3, 4), which surrounds the corresponding shaft end (1, 2) at a radially spaced location, and in which the shaft end (1, 2) is mounted movably around the journals (5 through 8) arranged in one articulated axis, and which is mounted movably in a housing made of a pipe section (9) by journals arranged in the other articulated axis.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for coupling two elements in a manner providing for transfer of the rotation moment of one element to the other element. The mechanism comprises at least two coupling element (11, 12), each coupling element having a pair of radially outwardly directed spherical pivot portions (11', 12'). The spherical pivot portions of the coupling elements are housed in an intermediate element (8) comprising a continuous inner ring member (10) defining spherical pockets for the pivot portions and an outer ring (9) circumscribing the inner ring. The pivot portions (11', 12') are rotatable at least around their cardioids while being contained in pockets formed in the inner ring of the annular intermediate element (8), such that the one coupling element can swivel in one plane and the other coupling element can swivel in a plane perpendicular to the first relative to the intermediate element (8).

Abstract: A more efficient wind power generation system is afforded by extending tower heights to several hundred meters to operate wind catching rotors and generators aligned with the wind direction at various levels along the tower. With multiple vertically cascaded wind generators and higher velocity winds at higher elevations greater power is produced in a system characterized by a small footprint. This is particularly enhanced by a single mast construction, which is supported by a dynamic guy wire tensioning system to accomodate varying lateral forces primarily caused by the change in direction of wind loads on the tower. The mast is built from modular sections connected together at articulated joints, between which the various rotors are stationed.

Abstract: A steering control mechanism of a vehicle steering box connected to a steering wheel through a shaft and a coupling for coupling two generally shaft-shaped elements in such manner that a rotational force can be transferred from one element to the other whereby the cardioids of these elements can form different angles with each other, including an intermediate element to which two swivelling coupling elements are connected, each of which is connected to the shaft and each of which has two opposing parts located on both sides of the cardioid of the swivelling coupling element which are connected to, and rotate around the intermediate element so that the one swivelling coupling element can swivel in one plane and the other swivelling coupling element can swivel in a plane perpendicular to the first, with regard to the intermediate element, the intermediate element being generally an endless section or an annular part, and that the opposing parts of each swivelling coupling element are formed by two pivot pins lo

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).