Abstract: A cross joint comprises a flange yoke and a stab yoke, each comprising a based end portion and a pair of arm portions having a shaft hole and extending from both sides of the base end portion, and a spider having a first shaft fitted into the shaft hole of the flange yoke and a second shaft fitted into the shaft hole of the stab yoke, wherein the cross joint further comprises a flexing limiting portion, which limits a flexing angle of the cross joint due to mutual contact of a protruding portion of the base end portion and a flange portion of the spider when the flange yoke is flexed to a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A universal joint for vehicle drivetrains and the like that eliminates the spinning of bearing caps relative to yoke years and trunnions and inhibits inadvertent spreading of opposing ears of a yoke away from each other under increasing torsional loads to reduce wear and failure of the joint. Broadly, the disclosed universal joint includes a central body having a plurality of pairs of opposite apertures, first and second yokes that are disposed about the central body over respective ones of the pairs of apertures, and a plurality of trunnions inserted through the yoke ears and into the apertures of the body to pivotally secure the yokes to the body. Each trunnion is non-rotatable relative to its respective yoke and a locking assembly inhibits movement of each opposite pair of trunnions away from each other thereby inhibiting movement of the opposite ears of each respective yoke away from each other.

Abstract: An awning arm assembly is provided that includes inner and outer arms. A joint is provided that has an axle, e.g., any structure about which rotation can be provided coupled with one of the inner arm and the outer arm and a hollow body disposed about the axle. The hollow-body is coupled with the other of the inner arm and the outer arm. The hollow body is coupled with the axle such that when the outer arm moves relative to the inner arm the angle between the hollow body and the axle (and thereby the inner and outer arms) is adjusted.

Abstract: An awning arm assembly is provided that includes inner and outer arms. A joint is provided that has an axle, e.g., any structure about which rotation can be provided coupled with one of the inner arm and the outer arm and a hollow body disposed about the axle. The hollow-body is coupled with the other of the inner arm and the outer arm. The hollow body is coupled with the axle such that when the outer arm moves relative to the inner arm the angle between the hollow body and the axle (and thereby the inner and outer arms) is adjusted.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly for a downhole motor including a driveshaft having a longitudinal axis, first and second ends, and a convex spherical bearing surface disposed at the first end configured to transfer axial loads. The assembly also includes a connection lug disposed at the driveshaft first end, extending circumferentially between first and second ends, and including a recess in the first end of the lug, the recess comprising a concave cylindrical surface concentrically disposed about a pivot axis oriented orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The assembly also includes a torque transfer key disposed within the recess and having a central axis radially spaced from the pivot axis, a convex cylindrical surface concentrically disposed about the pivot axis, and a planar surface. The convex cylindrical surface of the key slidingly engages the concave cylindrical surface of the recess; and the pivot axis intersects the key.

Abstract: In a steering system that includes: an intermediate shaft on a steering wheel side; a pinion shaft on a steered wheel side; and a cross joint by which the intermediate shaft and the pinion shaft are rotatably connected to each other on a plane intersecting with each of the shafts, and that steers steered wheels by transmitting steering torque of a steering wheel from the intermediate shaft to the pinion shaft, a weakened portion is formed in a joint spider of the cross joint. The weakened portion can be identified in advance as a portion that breaks first. This makes it possible to realize a failure mode in which a vehicle is able to run by itself for a certain period of time after a failure.

Abstract: A driveshaft for a downhole motor has a longitudinal axis and includes a first end. In addition, the driveshaft includes a second end opposite the first end. The first end has a radially outer surface including a first connection lug. The outer surface also includes a second connection lug uniformly circumferentially-spaced from the first connection lug. The first connection lug and the second connection lug each include a cylindrical surface concentrically disposed about a first pivot axis oriented orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A journal cross of a universal joint includes a base body from which four journals extend outwardly, each journal of the four journals having a cylindrical section and an outer diameter and a length in an axial direction of the journal. The four journals are formed as tubular structures, an inner diameter of each of the tubular structures is at least 67% of the outer diameter of each of the tubular structures, the journal cross is formed as a one-piece component from which the four journals as well as the transitions between the four journals are also formed, and the four journals merge in a common cavity which is formed in an interior of the journal cross.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a first joint member to a second joint member in a universal-joint comprising at least one pin for insertion along a Y axis, at least one pin for insertion along an X axis, a coupler between the joint members configured to receive these pins, and a security pin configured to traverse the coupler along a Z axis when each of these pins are within the coupler, such that the security pin penetrates at least a partial hole in each of these pins. The at least one pin for insertion along the Y axis may be a main pin having two recesses. The at least one pin for insertion along the X axis may be two bracket pins each having a bracket extension. Grease may be injected into a center of a joint member through a fitting. Retaining rings may shrink the boot to a pre-defined limit.

Abstract: An in-line coupling device for a motor driven agricultural system utilizes less metal components while optimizing torque transfer. The device comprises a puck having a plurality of outwardly extending arms, a first shaft hub having outwardly extending flanges adapted to seat between a pair of the plurality of outwardly extending arms, and a second shaft hub having outwardly extending flanges adapted to seat between a pair of the outwardly extending arms.

Abstract: A jack screw connector includes a first clevis including a pair of first clevis legs, an eye block including a first bore and a second bore such that the first and second bores are formed substantially perpendicular to each other, a first pin configured to be supported within the first bore and rotably carried by the pair of first clevis legs when a first end of the eye block is carried therebetween, a second clevis including a pair of second clevis legs sized to engage a second end of the eye block, and a second pin configured to be supported within the second bore and rotably carried by the pair of second clevis legs when aligned therewith.

Abstract: A joint structure includes a sleeve, a connecting shaft, a plurality of elastic pieces and a cross-limiting stopper. The sleeve defines a receiving shaft hole and a first cross slot communicating with the receiving shaft hole. The connecting shaft is partially assembled and received within the receiving shaft hole of the sleeve, the connecting shaft defines a second cross slot corresponding to the first cross slot. The plurality of elastic pieces is elastically received within a space formed between the sleeve and connecting shaft. The cross-limiting stopper is mounted to and partially received within the second cross slot, and partially received in the first cross slot, to enable the connecting shaft to be radially and adjustably installed within the sleeve and prevent the connecting shaft from rotating relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a spider operatively coupled to two pairs of trunnions, each pair of trunnions having an axis. The spider includes first and second portions that may substantially bisect the spider along a plane containing the axes. The joint further may include a pair of yokes, each yoke having a shaft and a pair of bosses, and each pair of bosses may receive the distal parts of a corresponding pair of trunnions. The spider further may include a plurality of openings, each opening receiving a ball bearing. Each opening in the spider may include a shoulder configured to abut the ball bearing in a radial direction, e.g., by extending radially inward from an outer surface of the spider. The trunnions may be press fit into the bearings and the bosses, and the bearings may be press fit into the spider openings, thereby eliminating backlash in the universal joint.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a first rotating assembly, a second rotating assembly and a linking member. The first rotating assembly includes a rotating member including a main body and a pair of rotating portions extending from opposite ends of the main body, a pivotal member rotatably connected to the pair of the rotating portions, and a pair of locking members respectively engaging with opposite ends of the pivotal member to prevent the pivotal member detaching from the rotating member. The second rotating assembly is the same as the first rotating assembly. The linking member extends into the pivotal member of the first rotating assembly and engages with the pivotal member of the second rotating assembly to connect the two pivotal members together.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting two non-collinear associated shafts comprises a pair of sleeves. Each sleeve has a yoke provided at an end portion thereof. The yokes are offset by 90° to one another. Each sleeve further includes a central bore for receiving an end of one of the associated shafts between which motion is to be transmitted. A knuckle is provided between each yoke of the respective sleeves. The knuckle includes a body having a plurality of openings which are offset by 90° to one another. A plurality of pins separate from the knuckle and threadingly engaged to the yokes releasably connect each yoke to the knuckle.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a first rotating assembly, a second rotating assembly and a linking member. The first rotating assembly includes a rotating member including a main body and a pair of rotating portions extending from opposite ends of the main body, a pivotal member rotatably connected to the pair of the rotating portions, and a pair of locking members respectively engaging with opposite ends of the pivotal member to prevent the pivotal member detaching from the rotating member. The second rotating assembly is the same as the first rotating assembly. The linking member extends into the pivotal member of the first rotating assembly and engages with the pivotal member of the second rotating assembly to connect the two pivotal members together.

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

Abstract: A 3DOF universal joint includes a first connecting base, a second connecting base, a two-way hinged member, and a third connecting base. The first connecting base and the second connecting base are rotatably mounted together via the two-way hinged member along a first axis and a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The third connecting base is rotatably assembled to the second connecting base along a third axis substantially perpendicular to the first and second axes.

Abstract: A cardan joint assembly and a cardan joint protector device are provided. The device includes a U-shaped bracket having an arcuate-shaped portion and first and second end portions extending from opposite ends of the arcuate-shaped portion. The first and second end portions have first and second apertures, respectively, extending therethrough. The device further includes a first elongated plate portion extending from the first end portion of the U-shaped bracket and further extending generally outwardly relative to a longitudinal axis. The first elongated plate portion at least partially covers a needle bearing of a cardan joint. The device further includes an attachment portion attached to a top edge of the first elongated plate portion that has a distal end that is disposed in a groove of a gear clamp yoke of the cardan joint.

Abstract: A driveline coupler can have a pair of load arms that engage with an insert member between them. The load arms can be configured to couple to shafts in a drive assembly. At least one load arm can be adjustable to couple with different sized shafts. The at least one load arm can also self center different sized shafts including different sized shafts of similar shapes. The coupler can further have a center pin to align the coupler. A coupler with a center pin can further have a fixing member to lock the coupler in alignment.

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: A combination of an annular spacer, and a thrust washer in the opening of the spacer. The spacer and the thrust washer being connected by sacrificial tabs dimensioned to be stronger toward one of the spacer and thrust washer so that upon breaking of the sacrificial tabs, the tab remnants will stay with the one of the spacer and the washer to which it was more strongly attached. A trunnion on a spider of a universal joint and the trunnion is to be connected to a yoke arm. The trunnion being received in a trunnion cup. The spacer and the thrust washer combination being toward the bottom of the cup. An array of needle bearings around the periphery of the trunnion inside the cup. An annular seal in the cup sealing around the installed trunnion.

Abstract: A propshaft having first and second universal joints. The first universal joint has a first joint member, which is fixedly coupled to a first end of the shaft member, and a second joint member that is pivotally coupled to the first joint member. The second universal joint has a third joint member, which is fixedly coupled to a second end of the shaft member opposite the first end, and a fourth joint member that pivotally coupled to the third joint member. At least one of the second joint member and the fourth joint member is electrically insulated from the shaft member.

Abstract: A drum pedal assembly for connecting a first pedal to a support holding a beater arm may include a telescoping transmission shaft having yokes attached to shaft ends, yokes having bosses, universal joints rotatably attached to bosses and using trunnions, second yokes having bosses attached to universal joints using additional trunnions. The second yokes may rotatably attach a drive assembly rotatably attached to first pedal and an attachment arbor attached to beater arm to facilitate rotation of beater arm when first pedal is depressed. Configuration of assembly, including that of universal joints, may help reduce backlash or vibration in assembly.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a spider, first and second yokes drivingly interconnected by the spider, a plurality of bearing cups and a plurality of retaining members. The first yoke includes spaced apart arms with apertures extending through each arm. The apertures are coaxially aligned with one another and include a circumferential groove spaced apart from an edge of the arm. Each bearing cup is positioned within one of the apertures and in receipt of one of the trunnions. A portion of each bearing cup is positioned in communication with a corresponding groove. Each retaining member is operable to complement the size and shape of the corresponding groove, bearing cup and aperture such that each retaining member couples one of the bearing cups to its associated arm.

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 jack screw connector includes a first clevis including a pair of first clevis legs, an eye block including a first bore and a second bore such that the first and second bores are formed substantially perpendicular to each other, a first pin configured to be supported within the first bore and rotably carried by the pair of first clevis legs when a first end of the eye block is carried therebetween, a second clevis including a pair of second clevis legs sized to engage a second end of the eye block, and a second pin configured to be supported within the second bore and rotably carried by the pair of second clevis legs when aligned therewith.

Abstract: A universal joint for coupling a drive shaft and a driven shaft comprises a first joint yoke having axially opposite yoke arms; a second joint yoke having axially opposite yoke arms and arranged radially at an angle of 90 in relation to the first joint yoke to form an internal space; first and second connection elements, each connection element having a base web and at least one connection area extending from the base web toward the internal space; and an elastic coupling element configured to fit within the internal space and connected to the at least one connection area of each of the first and second connection elements such that the elastic coupling element is spaced from each of the first and second connection elements over a portion of the respective base webs to create an axial interspace.

Abstract: A universal joint comprises first and second joint yokes having bearing bores at axially opposite yoke arms, and first and second pin bearers, respectively, being connected to the first and second joint yokes via pins inserted into the bearing bores of the first and second joint yokes. 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 are identical and are arranged radially at an angle of 90° in relation to each other, forming a cross member configured to fit within the internal space formed by the first and second joint yokes. An elastic coupling element connects the first and second pin bearers and is configured to fit within the internal space formed by the first and second joint yokes.

Abstract: A universal joint couples a drive shaft and a driven shaft and comprises two joint yokes, each joint yoke having bearing elements at axially opposite yoke arms. The two joint yokes are arranged radially at an angle of 90° in relation to each other to form an internal space. The universal joint also comprises fastening elements having an L-shaped cross section and pivotable in the axially opposite yoke arms of one of the joint yokes, a pin bearer pivotable in the other joint yoke, and an elastic coupling element connecting the fastening elements and the pin bearer.

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

Abstract: A universal joint includes a first joint fork having a joint axis and a second joint fork having a joint axis, the joint axes being borne by plain bearings and the joint forks each being formed by a base part and two fork elements. Each fork element has a closable bore, and the joint axes intersect between the bores, whereby a bearing prestress unit allows the joint fork to function without play about the joint axis thereof so that the universal joint can be positioned precisely.

Abstract: A yoke-trunnion universal joint has a plastic anti-wear coating disposed between the sleeve and trunnion for lubrication, anti wear and absorbing vibration. A combining means combines the plastic anti-wear coating with sleeve or trunnion tightly. The plastic anti-wear coating is made by nylon or polytetrafluoroethylene. The universal joint has a simple structure, long working life, low operating noise and cheap manufacture cost. The most advantage is that the universal joint needs not oil or grease for whole working life. It is an oil or grease free and maintenance free universal joint.

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.

Abstract: A cutter machine has a knife holder 13 mounted onto a cutter shaft 6 at the center portion, wherein a material to be cut is cut with knives 15 mounted onto the outer circumference of the knife holder 13 by rotating the knife holder 13 around the cutter shaft 6. The knife holder 13 is separated into a fixing member 17 mounted onto the cutter shaft 6 and a mounting member 18 onto which the knives 15 are mounted. The mounting member 18 is pivotally supported around two axes with respect to the fixing member 17. In the cutter machine, the knives and a die plate come into contact with each other by a small press force of the knives, thereby enabling a satisfactory cutting to be obtained.

Abstract: A driveline system for an automotive driveline system includes a transmission device, a differential device, and a universal joint having a drive shaft presenting terminal ends and interconnecting the transmission and differential devices. A yoke is connected to each of the terminal ends of the drive shaft and presents an internal surface and an external surface having generally equal thickness defined therebetween to form a dish of the yoke having a tubular monolithic structure. The yoke portion includes a bottom and a pair of spaced lugs each presenting sloping side walls for reinforcing the lugs as said yoke is rotated around a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: In a cross joint (1) outwardly fitting a bearing cup (outer ring member 4) to each of four pieces of shafts 2b of a cross shaft member (2) via a cylindrical member (rolling member 3), race portions (2c, 4a) formed on a side of the cross shaft member (2) and on a side of the bearing cup (4) and a shoulder portion (2d) provided between respectives of neck portions of two of the shafts (2b) of the cross shaft member (2) contiguous to each other are subjected to roller burnishing.

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 universal joint includes two joint yokes that, respectively, have two yoke arms that each start from a connection portion. Through an eye portion distanced from the connection portion, bearing bores extend in which respectively, a journal of a journal cross by means of interposition of rolling members and of a bearing bushing are supported. On the outside of the yoke arms, a bulge is respectively provided towards the connection portion and adjacent to the bearing bore and over a partial circumference of the same, which bulge has, towards the bearing bore, a groove. A circumferential groove, belonging to a retaining trunnion projecting from the base of the bearing bushing, is arranged opposite to the groove. Between the two, a securing element is arranged that engages with an engagement portion in the groove and with a retaining portion facing away from the same, in the circumferential groove of the retaining trunnion.

Abstract: A shaft coupling device for coupling a first shaft and a second shaft together includes a grip unit to be attached to the first shaft and including a grip portion configured to grip the second shaft, the grip portion having an end with notches of a length being parallel with an axial direction of the first shaft. The shaft coupling device also includes a grip force acting unit to be attached to the second shaft and configured to cause a grip force for gripping the second shaft to act on the grip portion by moving the grip portion in a radial direction of the second shaft.

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

Abstract: A universal joint includes a pair of bifurcated yokes interconnected by a cruciform. The cruciform includes four orthogonal trunnions each including a flared end section. A bearing is retained on the trunnion by the flared end section.

Abstract: A cross for a universal joint in a vehicle driveshaft assembly is comprised of a hollowed block of material having four openings. The hollowed block holds an inner cross that has a first cross member and a second cross member. Each cross member has an end portion that extends through a thrust bearing, and each thrust bearing is engaged with an opening in the hollowed block. The resulting thrust bearing joint can operate at higher loads than conventional cross designs.

Abstract: A torsionally-compliant universal joint includes a cruciform having trunnion posts partially encapsulated within a body. The body is formed from an elastomeric material. A bearing cup assembly is rotatably coupled to one of the trunnion posts. The bearing cup assembly is coupled to a yoke.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly including a cruciform or like structured body having a plurality of spaced apart bores formed therein and a plurality of trunnion pins each rotationally mounted within different ones of the plurality of bores. A retaining assembly movably engages and retains an inner portion of the plurality of trunnion pins. Rotation of each of the trunnion pins relative to the body eliminates the need for any type of bearing assembly being interconnected or otherwise disposed between an outer end of the trunnion pins and interconnected yokes or like cooperative, exterior components conventionally associated with a universal joint assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method directed to a rotatable coupling apparatus that can transfer a rotational force from a driving shaft to a driven shaft. The connecting apparatus includes two yokes, a universal joint cross, and two internal restricted swing mechanisms. A restriction of any swinging action of the driven shaft is provided by the internal swing mechanisms that are sized and shaped such that each approximates the internal surface and volume of the yokes. The invention also includes an apparatus and method for a coupling apparatus for use primarily in a vehicle wash apparatus.

Abstract: A universal joint hub comprising a generally spherical body having two flat areas on opposing exterior sides and at least one opening into an open body interior. The hub has two flat areas on opposing interior surfaces of the body orthogonal to the exterior flat areas and an exterior circumferential groove extending between the exterior flat areas on a given plane. Four apertures extend into the body and are positioned orthogonal to each other on the given plane with each aperture disposed in one of the flat areas. A bushing is disposed in each aperture having a face exposed to the exterior surface. A circumferential band is disposed in the circumferential groove coupling each of the bushings.

Abstract: A torsionally-compliant universal joint includes a cruciform having trunnion posts partially encapsulated within a body. The body is formed from an elastomeric material. A bearing cup assembly is rotatably coupled to one of the trunnion posts. The bearing cup assembly is coupled to a yoke.

Abstract: A cross for a universal joint in a vehicle driveshaft assembly is comprised of a hollowed block of material having four openings. The hollowed block holds an inner cross that has a first cross member and a second cross member. Each cross member has an end portion that extends through a thrust bearing, and each thrust bearing is engaged with an opening in the hollowed block. The resulting thrust bearing joint can operate at higher loads than conventional cross designs.

Abstract: A universal joint hub comprising a generally spherical body having two flat areas on opposing exterior sides and at least one opening into an open body interior. The hub has two flat areas on opposing interior surfaces of the body orthogonal to the exterior flat areas and an exterior circumferential groove extending between the exterior flat areas on a given plane. Four apertures extend into the body and are positioned orthogonal to each other on the given plane with each aperture disposed in one of the flat areas. A bushing is disposed in each aperture having a face exposed to the exterior surface. A circumferential band is disposed in the circumferential groove coupling each of the bushings.