And Flexible Seal Patents (Class 464/131)
  • Patent number: 11598420
    Abstract: A seal ring (26) configured to be employed with a cross shaft (16) including a center section (17) and four shaft sections (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) extending in four directions from the center section and formed with step faces (17a) where the center section widens out from base ends of the shaft sections outward in radial directions of the shaft sections, and with bearings (21) for mounting to leading end portions of the shaft sections. The seal ring is fitted over the shaft section and interposed between the bearing and the step face. The seal ring includes a seal lip (34) configured to contact the step face around the entire circumference, and an indentation (36) the seal lip enters by deforming when mounted to the cross shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Seiichi Moriyama, Masaki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11384799
    Abstract: A joint assembly for use in a vehicle. The joint assembly includes a first joint member drivingly connected to a second joint member by one or more third joint members. The joint assembly further includes one or more bearing cup assemblies having a bearing cup, one or more bearings and one or more sealing members. The bearing cup has a receiving portion having a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of one or more trunnions extending from a body portion of the one or more third joint members. At least a portion of the one or more bearings are interposed between the one or more trunnions and one or more side surfaces of the receiving portion. Additionally, the one or more sealing members may be connected to and/or sealingly engaged with at least a portion of the outer surface of the one or more trunnions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew T. Malanga
  • Patent number: 11168739
    Abstract: A structural unit for assembly to a trunnion of a universal joint bearing providing a cup, a sealing ring, which is fixed to the cup, and a shield, which is connected to the cup in a state in which the structural unit is not assembled to the trunnion. The cup includes a bottom and the sealing ring provides at least one sealing lip that points in a direction with an axial component towards the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Nicolas Berruet, Helmut Hauck, Hubert Herbst, Daniel Jansen, Suhel Ahamad Khan, Manfred Mattes, Fabio Picatto, Marcel Schmitt, Hector Villalobos
  • Patent number: 10859114
    Abstract: A universal joint bearing having a cup that serves as an outer ring of the universal joint bearing. The universal joint bearing includes exactly one sealing ring that is provided for sealing a gap between the cup and a trunnion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Suhel Ahamad Khan, Helmut Hauck, Hubert Herbst
  • Patent number: 10794420
    Abstract: A universal joint includes a bush, a bearing journal supported in the bush by a bearing and a seal assembly configured to form a seal between the bearing journal and the bush. The seal assembly includes an outer body formed from a first material having a first hardness, and a reinforcing body at least partially embedded in the outer body is formed from a second material having a hardness greater than the hardness of the first material. The reinforcing body contacts and forms a slip surface for a rolling element of the bearing. The reinforcing body and the outer body are configured such that the reinforcing body compresses a portion of the outer body against the journal when the seal assembly is mounted on the bearing journal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Volker Wendt, Padelis Katsaros
  • Patent number: 10634256
    Abstract: A protective ring for a sealing arrangement of a bearing bushing of a journal cross assembly. The protective ring has an annular sleeve segment, which is concentric to a longitudinal axis, an annular seat segment which extends radially inward at a rear axial end of the sleeve segment, and at least one protrusion, which protrudes radially inward at a front axial end region of the sleeve segment. The protective ring also has a plurality of webs, which are distributed over the circumference and which protrude axially from the seat segment and are arranged inside the sleeve segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Spicer Gelenkwellenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Stein
  • Patent number: 9695881
    Abstract: A universal joint includes a trunnion including an annular recess in an outer surface. A bearing cup is disposed on the trunnion and includes an inner diameter surface having a retention recess therein. A needle bearing assembly is disposed between an outer surface of the trunnion and the inner diameter surface of the bearing cup. A seal assembly is disposed at an open end of the bearing cup and includes a seal support insert including a radially outwardly protruding retention member engaged with the retention recess of the bearing cup. An elastomeric seal is molded to the seal support insert and includes a plurality of radially inwardly extending seal lips engaging the outer surface of the trunnion and a dust lip extending axially from the seal support insert and including a dust lip retention feature received in an annular recess of the trunnion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: FREUDENBERG-NOK GENERAL PARTNERSHIP
    Inventor: David Garner
  • Patent number: 8939844
    Abstract: Cross-type universal joint and a shell-type needle bearing that is used therein. The portions on the outer surface of the shell-type outer ring for which there is a possibility of coming in sliding contact with the tip end edges of at least two seal lips of a plurality of seal lips of a seal ring are selectively covered with a corrosion resistant coating. Preferably, the entire outer surface of the shell-type outer ring is covered by a chemically treated film having anti-corrosion properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Higuchi, Eisho Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8182350
    Abstract: A lip portion consists of two cylindrical axial lips 421, 422 extended in parallel to an axial direction of a seal 4 and in different lengths (a radial lip is obviated). A neck 22 of a cross shaft 2 is formed with a neck slant portion 221 defined by a conical surface inclined at 45° relative to an axis thereof. The two axial lips 421, 422 are pressed against the neck slant portion in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Koichiro Mizuno, Koji Kawaguchi, Tomotaka Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8142292
    Abstract: A universal joint that includes a spider, which has a trunnion, a bearing cup, a bearing, which is disposed between the trunnion and the bearing cup, and a seal assembly. The seal assembly has a first portion, which is engaged to the spider, and a second portion that sealingly engages the bearing cup and the first portion. The first portion can include features that limit axial movement of the second portion relative to the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Ledford, Russell R. Ryan, II, Donald S. DeVries, Patrick S. Adair
  • Patent number: 7833104
    Abstract: A universal joint bush for a universal joint of a universal joint shaft. In order to seal an annular gap, which is produced between the journal and the universal joint bush, a sealing ring is provided which encloses radially outwardly directed sealing lips. During assembly of the universal joint bush on the journal, the sealing lips, which are connected directly or indirectly to a radially inwardly directed rim of the universal joint bush, make a venting means possible, through which the air which is enclosed in the inner space of the universal joint bush can escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Frank Jauernig, Manfred Lehmeier, Dieter Jauernig, Martin Kruppa
  • Publication number: 20100160052
    Abstract: A universal joint that includes a spider, which has a trunnion, a bearing cup, a bearing, which is disposed between the trunnion and the bearing cup, and a seal assembly. The seal assembly has a first portion, which is engaged to the spider, and a second portion that sealingly engages the bearing cup and the first portion. The first portion can include features that limit axial movement of the second portion relative to the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin M. Ledford, Russell R. Ryan, II, Donald S. DeVries, Patrick S. Adair
  • Publication number: 20090186708
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bearing cup assembly for a universal joint comprising a cylindrically elongated bearing cup, the bearing cup having a cylindrical sidewall, a closed bottom wall, and an open top. The bearing cup is positioned over, and rotates freely on, a cylindrically elongated trunnion which is associated with the universal joint. The bearing cup assembly further comprises a lubricant-impregnated powder metal mass disposed within the bearing cup and positioned between the sidewall and closed bottom wall of the bearing cup and the trunnion. The assembly further comprises a circular seal having an open center and being disposed about the open top of the bearing cup. The trunnion is disposed within the open center of the circular seal and the seal is in close interfitment with the open top and the trunnion so as to form an impenetrable closure therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Bryan Prucher
  • Patent number: 7520814
    Abstract: A cross for a universal joint includes a body portion having a trunnion that extends outwardly therefrom. The trunnion includes a surface. A bearing cup is mounted on the trunnion. A retainer includes a first portion that is supported on the bearing cup, a second portion that extends at an angle from the first portion, and a third portion that extends at an angle from the second portion into engagement with the surface of said trunnion. The retainer allows the assembly of the bearing cup and the retainer to be installed on the trunnion with a relatively small force, but requires a relatively large force to remove the assembly of the bearing cup and the retainer from the trunnion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group LLC
    Inventors: Philip A. Eversole, Blake T. Garretson, Krisstina K. Kohart, Bao T. Luong
  • Patent number: 7465100
    Abstract: A sealing apparatus capable of increasing a grease resistance property, wherein the tip of a sealing lip is formed so that an inner side contact angle ? is equal to an open-air side contact angle ? (?=?), that is, formed in a triangular shape to prevent grease inside the apparatus from leaking so as to increase the grease resistance property, and since the extending direction of the sealing lip is set at a middle of an inner side and an open-air side, a trouble such as the inversion of the sealing lip due to the occurrence of an inner pressure does not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Nok Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroki Matsui
  • Publication number: 20080267549
    Abstract: In a propeller shaft for a motor vehicle, a cover is provided in an outer end of an annular support member, the cover extends to an inner side in a radial direction from an outer end of the annular support member, and the extended end sets a gap formed with respect to an outer shell of a stopper means so as to be open in an axial direction to an inlet of a labyrinth seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toru Yamada
  • Publication number: 20080267550
    Abstract: In a propeller shaft for a motor vehicle, an outer periphery of an outer end of an annular support member is formed as an expanded poison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junichi Hirakawa, Toru Yamada
  • Publication number: 20080207339
    Abstract: The invention relates to a universal joint bush (1) for a universal joint (4) of a universal joint shaft. In order to seal an annular gap (5) which is produced between the journal (3) and the universal joint bush (1), a sealing ring (2) is provided which encloses radially outwardly directed sealing lips (6, 7, 8). During assembly of the universal joint bush (1) on the journal (3), the sealing lips (6, 7) which are connected directly or indirectly to a radially inwardly directed rim (14) of the universal joint bush (1) make a venting means (17) possible, through which the air which is enclosed in the inner space of the universal joint bush (1) can escape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Frank Jauernig, Manfred Lehmeier, Dieter Jauernig, Martin Kruppa
  • Patent number: 7395732
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Larry G. Hartleip, Michael C. Wissinger
  • Patent number: 7361093
    Abstract: A universal joint includes a seal assembly that is positioned between each trunnion and a corresponding cup. The seal assembly includes a resilient seal that engages an inner surface of the cup and an outer surface of the trunnion. A deflector provides a snap fit for attaching the cup to the trunnion. The deflector is formed form a rigid and deformable material that protects the resilient seal from contamination, in addition to retaining the cup to the trunnion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick L. Kurzeja
  • Patent number: 7338381
    Abstract: A spider, for a universal joint for prop shafts suitable for the transmission of torque, comprising pins arranged around a mid-point and extending from the base body in pairs about a common axis, whereby the axes cross at the center of the spider at a right angle. Each pin comprises a surface arranged concentrically about the corresponding pin axis forming a running surface, or has a running surface for the rollers of a roller bearing and a transition region between the surface forming, or supporting a running surface and the base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans Lindenthal, Peter Grawenhof, Holger Wegmann
  • Patent number: 7052401
    Abstract: A seal 5 free from a core bar is fitted on each of a vertical shaft 1v and a horizontal shaft 1h of a cross shaft 1. Bases 5c of adjoining seals 5 are pressed against each other in back-to-back contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouichirou Mizuno, Kei Fujii
  • Patent number: 6964613
    Abstract: A universal joint (10) includes a cross member (24) having a trunnion (26) with a radially outer surface (32). A cup (20) is connectable with the trunnion (26) and a yoke (18). The cup (20) has an open end (54) with a radially outer surface (58). A bearing (30) supports the cup (20) for rotation relative to the trunnion (26). A seal (48) engages the trunnion (26) and the cup (20). The seal (48) has a first axial end portion (50) engaging the radially outer surface (32) of the trunnion (26) and a second axial end portion (52) engaging the radially outer surface (58) of the cup (20). The first axial end portion (50) is stretched over the radially outer surface (32) of the trunnion (26) and the second axial end portion (52) is stretched over the radially outer surface (58) of the cup (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Hobaugh, II
  • Patent number: 6837795
    Abstract: A universal joint includes a pair of bifurcated yokes interconnected by a cruciform. The cruciform includes four orthogonal trunnions each including a radially extending protrusion. A seal engages the protrusion to retain a bearing assembly on each trunnion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc M. Menosky, Salvatore N. Grupido
  • Publication number: 20040204249
    Abstract: A universal joint includes a pair of bifurcated yokes interconnected by a cruciform. The cruciform includes four orthogonal trunnions each including a lubricant passage. A seal includes a plurality of protrusions engaging a portion of the trunnion to provide a purging path for trapped air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Salvatore N. Grupido
  • Publication number: 20040171427
    Abstract: A U-joint assembly, including a face seal, is disclosed. The U-joint assembly includes a bearing cup including an outer generally cylindrical surface and an inner generally cylindrical surface, a bearing mounted within the bearing cup against the inner surface, and a shaft having a first cylindrical portion operatively engaging the bearing. The U-joint assembly also includes a face seal including an elastomeric portion, having a generally U-shaped cross section that is adapted to mount over a lip on the bearing cup and including a barb portion adapted to dynamically seal against an outer surface of the bearing cup, and also having a static seal portion adapted to statically seal against the shaft. The assembly also includes a plastic portion connected to the elastomeric portion and adapted to mate with an inner cylindrical surface of the bearing cup such that the barb portion is maintained in sealing contact with the bearing cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: John Brian Wagner
  • Publication number: 20040166947
    Abstract: A seal 5 free from a core bar is fitted on each of a vertical shaft 1v and a horizontal shaft 1h of a cross shaft 1. Bases 5c of adjoining seals 5 are pressed against each other in back-to-back contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Kouichirou Mizuno, Kei Fujii
  • Patent number: 6736731
    Abstract: A cross member unit for universal joints has a cross member (6) with four trunnions (17). Each two trunnions define a common longitudinal axis (7). Each trunnion (17) has an end face (18), a first sealing face (21) and a pre-sealing face (24). The pre-sealing face (24) is remote from the end face 18 and has a diameter increasing relative to the first sealing face (18). A bearing bush (9) is on each trunnion (17). Each bearing bush (9) has an open end 29 and has rolling contact members 27 rotatably supporting the trunnion (17) around the longitudinal axis (7) of the trunnion (17). An annular seal (30) is provided in each bearing bush 9. The annular seal (30) is held in the bearing bush 9 by a press fit. The annular seal (30) includes an annular carrier (31) which projects from the open end (29) of the bearing bush (9). The annular seal includes at least one first sealing lip (35) which is in contact with the first sealing face (18) of the trunnion (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Spicer Gelenkwellenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Schultze, Erhard Müller, Andreas Neises
  • Publication number: 20040082393
    Abstract: A universal joint (10) includes a cross member (24) having a trunnion (26) with a radially outer surface (32). A cup (20) is connectable with the trunnion (26) and a yoke (18). The cup (20) has an open end (54) with a radially outer surface (58). A bearing (30) supports the cup (20) for rotation relative to the trunnion (26). A seal (48) engages the trunnion (26) and the cup (20). The seal (48) has a first axial end portion (50) engaging the radially outer surface (32) of the trunnion (26) and a second axial end portion (52) engaging the radially outer surface (58) of the cup (20). The first axial end portion (50) is stretched over the radially outer surface (32) of the trunnion (26) and the second axial end portion (52) is stretched over the radially outer surface (58) of the cup (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Hobaugh
  • Patent number: 6708982
    Abstract: The invention relates to the application of a projection to a metal layer of a metallic cylinder-head gasket for an internal-combustion engine having at least one elastic metal sheet, which is provided with one opening or a plurality of adjacent openings depending on the number of combustion chambers of the internal-combustion engine, a bead being provided in the at least one elastic metal sheet around each opening, at a distance from the latter, so that a straight section of sheet metal is left clear in the region of the edge of the opening, for which bead a spring travel limiter or stopper, which runs coaxially with respect to the bead and is formed by the projection, is provided, the projection being produced from a mixture which contains a plastic with a high mineral filler content. A mixture of an elastomer in particular with a filler which has been surface-treated by means of a silane is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: ElringKlinger AG
    Inventors: Hans-Rainer Zerfass, Viktor Winkovic
  • Publication number: 20030040368
    Abstract: A cross member unit for universal joints has a cross member (6) with four trunnions (17). Each two trunnions define a common longitudinal axis (7). Each trunnion (17) has an end face (18), a first sealing face (21) and a pre-sealing face (24). The pre-sealing face (24) is remote from the end face 18 and has a diameter increasing relative to the first sealing face (18). A bearing bush (9) is on each trunnion (17). Each bearing bush (9) has an open end 29 and has rolling contact members 27 rotatably supporting the trunnion (17) around the longitudinal axis (7) of the trunnion (17). An annular seal (30) is provided in each bearing bush 9. The annular seal (30) is held in the bearing bush 9 by a press fit. The annular seal (30) includes an annular carrier (31) which projects from the open end (29) of the bearing bush (9). The annular seal includes at least one first sealing lip (35) which is in contact with the first sealing face (18) of the trunnion (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Schultze, Erhard Muller, Andreas Neises
  • Patent number: 6406373
    Abstract: A structure positively retains the bearing cups on the trunnions of a universal joint cross prior to assembly into a vehicle. The cross includes a body portion having a plurality of trunnions extending outwardly therefrom. Each of the trunnions may have an annular ridge formed thereon defining an increased outer diameter. A bearing cup is rotatably mounted on each of the trunnions. Each of the bearing cups has a rigid dust guard attached thereto. Each of the dust guards has an inwardly extending portion that defines an inner diameter. The inwardly extending portion of each of the dust guards extends at an angle that is less than ninety degrees relative to an axis defined by the associated trunnion and relative to the sides of the bearing cups. The inner diameters defined by the inwardly extending portions of the dust guards are smaller than the outer diameters defined by the annular ridges. Thus, during installation, the inwardly extending portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Spicer Driveshaft, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel W. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6243937
    Abstract: A slip spline assembly is provided including a slip yoke with a splined bore and an open end. A plug is sealingly secured to the open end of the slip yoke. The plug has an aperture which is sealed after the yoke is plated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Visteon Global Tech., Inc.
    Inventors: Al Benton Craig, Walter Joseph Golemblewski
  • Patent number: 6183369
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Gerd Faulbecker, Manfred Meineke, Rolf Sedlmeier
  • Patent number: 6095925
    Abstract: A seal assembly and seal guard are provided for a bearing cup positioned on a trunnion of a universal joint. The seal assembly includes a support ring and an elastomeric seal. The support ring is generally L-shaped in cross section, having a lower radial flange that is connected to an axial portion. The axial portion of the support ring is press fit within an inner bearing surface of the bearing cup. The support ring flange extends radially outwardly adjacent the open end of the bearing cup. The elastomeric seal is disposed within the support ring axial portion. An annular elastomeric seal guard is removably secured to the seal assembly. The seal guard is generally funnel shaped. The seal guard has an upper body with an annular interior groove. The interior groove has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the support ring flange. Thus, the seal guard can be secured to the support ring flange. The seal guard has a lower body inclined radially inwardly from the upper body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Johnny N. Smith
  • Patent number: 6050571
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a bearing bushing (1), particularly for a rolling bearing-mounted pin (6) of a cardan joint, said sealing arrangement comprising a rotary shaft seal (8) fixed against rotation on the bearing bush (1) by an armoring (3) and bearing sealingly against the pin (6) with a sealing lip (9), an armored fore-seal (5) disposed in front of the rotary shaft seal (8) and secured against rotation on the pin (6) while being supported on an end face (12) of the bearing bushing (1) wherein the rotary shaft seal (8) is made in one-piece with a rubber packing (15) of a sealing material extending towards the open end of the bearing bush (1) and forming a sealing lip (16) which is supported on an armoring (18) of the fore-seal (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Ina Walzlager Schaeffler oHG
    Inventors: Guido Rieder, Siegfried Gotz, Manfred Wurch, Martin Kruppa
  • Patent number: 6050899
    Abstract: A two piece sealing system for a universal joint assembly. A lubricant seal adapted to prevent the leakage of lubricant between the trunnion and bearing cup of a universal joint wherein the trunnion has a cylindrical portion merging into an outwardly flaring arcuate base portion, the seal including an elastomer body bonded to the interior of a stiffening ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Neapco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Jones, Michael J. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5865678
    Abstract: An annular two-piece thrust washer for use between the end wall of a bearing cup and the axially outer ends of the bearings and trunnion of a universal joint assembly includes a first piece and a second piece. The first piece is sized to be disposed between the axially outer ends of the bearings and the end wall of the bearing cup. In a preferred embodiment, a circumferential recess is formed at the junction between the radially inner surface and the axially outer surface of the first piece. The second piece of the thrust washer is sized to be disposed between the trunnion and the end wall of the bearing cup. When assembled, the second piece of the thrust washer is disposed within the first piece. The outer circumferential portion of the second piece extends into the circumferential recess of the first piece. A predetermined small clearance is provided between the first piece and the second piece which allows a limited amount of relative movement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Koedam, Daniel C. Perry
  • Patent number: 5769723
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Gerd Faulbecker, Manfred Meineke, Rolf Sedlmeier
  • Patent number: 5716277
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: James T. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5639099
    Abstract: A seal for use with a constant velocity joint and a transmission output component. The seal comprising a main seal body having a central axis of rotation, the main seal body including an inner wall and an outer wall and opposing first and second sides. The inner wall defining a connecting region having a generally cylindrical portion for connecting the seal to the transmission output component. A raised rib extending out from the first side of the seal, the raised rib being axially deformable in such a manner as to create an axial force parallel the axis of rotation for reducing the axial slip between the constant velocity joint and the transmission output component and a flange seal portion extending out away from the outer wall, the flange having an inner contacting surface adapts to contact the constant velocity joint and define a protective seal between the constant velocity joint and the transmission output component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny Lee Booker, Richard Daniel Frazer
  • Patent number: 5626520
    Abstract: A universal joint seal is symmetrical about a transverse plane taken centrally therethrough. In this manner, the seal can be properly and correctly inserted into a bearing cup from either end. This eliminates the requirement for sorting for orientation of the seals after they are made. Either a mechanical sorter is eliminated or an operator for sorting the seals is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: The Zeller Corporation
    Inventor: Philip J. Mazziotti
  • Patent number: 5613691
    Abstract: A sealing device for an universal joint includes a lip portion arranged to be in close contact with an outer peripheral edge of a bearing cap, and a dust cover portion arranged at the outer periphery of the lip portion substantially in parallel thereto with a predetermined clearance so as to extend over the outer peripheral edge of the bearing cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromichi Komai, Hidenori Haraguchi
  • Patent number: 5597356
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a bearing bush of a cardan spider of a universal joint of a propeller shaft, in which a bearing journal is mounted on a rolling bearing, said sealing arrangement comprising an armored seal inserted into the bearing bush at a free end thereof and having at least one sealing lip which bears against a surface of the bearing journal under pre-tension, characterized in that the sealing arrangement comprises a seal (1,21) whose armoring (6) assures an axial positional fixing of the seal (1,21) by a positive engagement with an inner surface (8) of the bearing bush (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: INA Walzlager Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Guido Rieder
  • Patent number: 5588915
    Abstract: A seal and guard assembly for a bearing cup assembly in a universal joint includes an annular seal assembly provided about the open end of a bearing cup. The seal assembly includes a metallic support ring and an elastomeric seal. The support ring is generally Z-shaped in cross section, having upper and lower radially extending flange portions which are connected together by an axially extending intermediate portion. The intermediate portion of the support ring is press fit within the inner bearing surface of the bearing cup. The upper flange portion of the support ring extends radially inwardly from the intermediate portion. The lower flange portion of the support ring extends radially outwardly from the intermediate portion adjacent the open end of the S bearing cup. The elastomeric seal is disposed within the intermediate portion of the support ring and is attached thereto. An annular seal guard is removably secured to the seal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Johnny N. Smith
  • Patent number: 5454759
    Abstract: A sealing assembly for the arms (6) of a cross member (5) of a universal joint has a seal (16) with a fixing portion (17) including a bore (18) which rests on the arm (6). In the region of its bore (18), the fixing portion (17) includes axially extending grooves (19) which open towards the bearing interior and the second end face (22) of the fixing portion (17), respectively. Towards the outside, the grooves are closed by a sealing lip (25). The sealing lips (30, 31), which have a sealing effect relative to the sealing face (32) of the bearing bush (7), are arranged at annular portions (28, 29). The sealing lip (30) closes under the pressure of lubrication. During the lubricating process, the lubricant is able to escape outwardly through the grooves (19) and the gap between the lifted sealing lip (25) and the annular shoulder (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: GKN Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Kretschmer, Hans-Jurgen Langen, Clemens Nienhaus
  • Patent number: 5407387
    Abstract: A universal joint has a primary seal and a secondary seal. The universal joint includes a cross and a bearing cup with the cross having a body and a trunnion and an annular shoulder with an adjacent surface of circular cross section at the juncture of the body and the trunnion. The open end of the cup has at least one leg extending outwardly therefrom. The primary seal comprises a resilient sealing member having spaced lips engaging the cup and the cross. The secondary seal is spaced outwardly from the primary seal and has a ring with a leg extending outwardly therefrom. The leg of the secondary seal is in overlapping relationship with the leg of the cup. The ring has a tight fit with the adjacent surface of the cross body, with a top of the ring engaging the shoulder of the cross. The secondary seal is spaced slightly from the cup to enable lubricant flushed past the primary seal to escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: The Zeller Corporation
    Inventors: Philip J. Mazziotti, Gary L. March
  • Patent number: 5026324
    Abstract: A seal for bearings such as a bearing bushing of a universal joint having inner and outer members with confronting spaced raceways. The seal includes at least one circumferentially extending sealing lip which engages a surface of one of the members outboard of the raceway and includes stiffening or rigidifying ribs which prevents inversion of the seal upon assembling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: SKF GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Schurger, Bernhard Bauer
  • Patent number: 4943262
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing assembly for a cross member. To avoid negative influences of axial forces which occur during the operation of the universal joint and which make it necessary to provide axial support for the rolling members, there have been provided supporting discs which are supported directly, via a bore, on a step of the arm. The seal which is located axially in the direction of the open end of the bearing bush is not subjected to any axial forces, as a result of which disadvantageous influences on the sealing effect of the seal are avoided. Furthermore, there is no need for any special fixing arrangement for the seal, with the exception of providing a seat which permits a defined association with the bearing bush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: GKN Cardantec International Gesellschaft fur Antriebstechnik mbH
    Inventor: Jurgen Schultze
  • Patent number: 4932923
    Abstract: A sealed bearing arrangement for a Cardan type universal joint comprises a bearing cup and a seal assembly which has an elastomeric body and a metal washer of U-shaped cross section. The elastomeric body has an inner flexible, annular seal lip which engages an inside cylindrical surface of the bearing cup and an outer seal bead and an outer flexible, annular seal lip which engage outside surfaces of the bearing cup. The sealed bearing arrangement includes a hardened steel washer inside the bearing cup which is engaged by an end of the metal washer of the seal assembly to protect the inner flexible, annular seal lip against damage or interference by needle bearing rollers inside the bearing cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: David P. Thompson