Abstract: A retainer for retaining a pair of bearing cups on an opposed pair of trunnions of a universal joint cross includes a pair of cup-shaped end portions that are connected together by an intermediate strap portion. The retainer is expandable from a contracted size, wherein the cup-shaped end portions are spaced apart from one another by a first distance, to an expanded size, wherein the cup-shaped end portions are spaced apart from one another by a second distance that is greater than the first distance. The retainer, or at least a portion thereof, is preferably formed from a single material that is relatively flexible, stretchable, or otherwise expandable to permit the retainer to be selectively expanded from the contracted size to the expanded size. During installation, the retainer is initially expanded to the expanded size to allow the end portions to be disposed about the bearing cups supported on the trunnions of the universal joint cross.

Abstract: A swivel joint according to the present invention includes first and second base members. A spider includes first and second arcuate surfaces which form joints with the first and second base members, respectively. Furthermore, the spider includes first and second pins both opposed from each other and third and fourth pins opposed from each other. A first mechanism is coupled to the spider and the first base member and is adapted to effect a force between the first arcuate surface and the first base member. Also, a second mechanism is coupled to the spider and the second base member and is adapted to effect a force between the second arcuate surface and the second base member.

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 transmission provided with an input shaft and an output shaft supported on a first axis so as to freely rotate. The transmission is also provided with a transmission eccentric shaft mounted on the input shaft so as to freely rotate, the eccentric shaft having a declination axis crossing the first axis with a predetermined angle; a transmission input plate mounted on the transmission eccentric shaft so as to freely rotate around the declination axis; and an output eccentric shaft supported on an end portion of the input shaft on the output shaft side so as to freely rotate, where the output eccentric shaft is arranged on the declination axis.

Abstract: A spider for use in a universal joint is provided. A support surface is positioned within the lubrication recess of the trunnions on the spider. The support surface can be positioned within the recess by way of a projection, support arms, or other means. Preferably, the support surface is centrally located within the recess and extends to the same length away from the main body of the spider as the outer face of the trunnion. Alternatively, the support surface can be positioned anywhere within the recess. The support surface can be used to provide resistance to a bearing cup during a staking operation.

Abstract: A yoke for use in a universal joint includes a body having a pair of opposed arms extending therefrom. Each of the arms has an opening formed therethrough that are co-axially aligned. A reinforcing portion extends between and is formed integrally with the arms to provide stiffness to the yoke.

Abstract: An improved universal joint device for socket wrenches. The improved device is constructed with non-slip spring retaining surfaces on the handle and socket portions of the device for receiving the ends of a coil spring which can maintain the universal joint in alignment during both tension and compression. The device is otherwise free of grooves or apertures for mounting the spring to the handle and socket portions.

Abstract: A coupler for connecting a drive shaft to a driven member and accommodating a substantial misalignment between the drive shaft and the driven member, while minimizing audible noise and vibration. The coupling includes a hollow core nest element having a plurality of slots formed in one end, two substantially identical elongate body elements, and a plurality of spring elements. Each elongate body element has two ends, a first end being adapted to couple with either the drive shaft or the driven member, and a second end that includes a plurality of posts that engage the slots of the hollow core nest.

Abstract: A unique structure for connecting the cross member of a universal joint to two yokes includes at least a pair of wing bearings bolted to one of the yokes. Preferably, the other yoke utilizes full circular bores to receive the other two shafts of the cross member. The wing bearings include structure which ensures a secure connection to the yoke. In particular, a locator finger extends radially inwardly from the yoke and over the wing bearing and shaft. In this way, the distance between a reaction plane between the yoke and wing bearing and the centerline of the shaft within the wing bearing is reduced. This reduces a force moment on the shaft. In other features of this invention, the use of the full circular bore for one of the yokes allows the universal joint manufacturer to fully assemble the first yoke to the cross member, and ship that assembled yoke and cross member to the vehicle manufacturer.

Abstract: A universal joint for interconnecting a pair of rotating shafts and a method of assembling the universal joint. The universal joint includes a pair of yokes secured to the shafts and a cruciform for interconnecting the yokes. Both yokes are bifurcated to define a pair of laterally-spaced legs. Each leg has an aperture which includes a first bore adapted to receive a bearing cup therein and a second bore into which an end portion of the bearing cup extends. Each bearing cup rotatably supports one of four orthogonal trunnions extending from the cruciform. With respect to each of the yokes, a pair of axially-aligned trunnions, with bearing cups mounted thereon, are installed into the apertures so as to support the cruciform between the legs of the yoke. Thereafter, a retention member is inserted in the second bore of each aperture such that one surface of the retention member rests on the bearing cup.

Abstract: A structure for connecting the cross member of a universal joint to two yokes includes at least a pair of wing bearings bolted to one of the yokes. Preferably, the other yoke utilizes full circular bores to receive the other two shafts of the cross member. The wing bearings include structure which ensures a secure connection to the yoke. In particular, a locator finger extends radially inwardly from the yoke and over the wing bearing and shaft. In this way, the distance between a reaction plane between the yoke and wing bearing and the centerline of the shaft within the wing bearing is reduced. This reduces a force moment on the shaft. In other features of this invention, the use of the full circular bore for one of the yokes allows the universal joint manufacturer to fully assemble the first yoke to the cross member, and ship that assembled yoke and cross member to the vehicle manufacturer.

Abstract: A univesal joint, block and pin type, in which a carefully designed and sized center section will limit angulation of the joint at any angle desired up to, but not including an angle which will cause lockup.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly includes a universal joint and a driveshaft tube. The universal joint includes a hollow journal and bearing carrier that is adapted to support a cross having a plurality of outwardly extending trunnions therein. In a first embodiment, the universal joint is assembled by initially disposing a pair of bearing supports loosely about a first pair of opposed trunnions of the cross. Next, the cross and the bearing supports are inserted within the carrier. The bearing supports are preferably sized to fit snugly within the carrier. Then, bearing cups are inserted through openings formed through upper and lower panels of the carrier and through openings formed through the bearing supports onto the opposed trunnions of the cross. The carrier and the cross are then connected to the driveshaft tube by moving them axially such that the carrier is received within opposed channel regions provided in a pair of arms formed in an end portion of the driveshaft tube.

Abstract: A universal, joint (300) includes a centering device (110) for supporting the universal joint and forcing the two joint halves to operate at the same angle thereby causing the joint to operate at constant velocity at all angles. Each shaft (115, 116) of the joint (300) is connected to the centering device (110). Movement of one of the shafts (115, 116) at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device (317) is transmitted to the other shaft (116, 115) by the centering device (110) and the centering device (110) causes the other shaft (116, 115) to likewise move at the same angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device (317). The centering device (110) includes a cam bearing (cam 101) longitudinally aligned with a cam bearing (cam 102), which arrangement of cam bearings allows a full range of movement of the shafts (115, 116).

Abstract: A cross member for a universal joint has a base member (1) and four arms (2). The arms (2) extend away from a base member (1). To increase the torque bearing capacity of the cross member, the outer face of the arm (2) (if viewed in a longitudinal section) extends curve-like in a transition region (18) to the base member with a continually increasing diameter and with a decreasing radius of curvature (R). If viewed in a sectional plane extending through the axes (4, 5), a distance (X) exists between a first tangent (14), on the outer face of the transition region, and a second tangent parallel to the first tangent (14). The first tangent (14) extends at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the axis (4). The second tangent (15), if viewed from the center (6), is positioned behind the first tangent (14). The second tangent (15) contacts the outer face of the base member (1) at a point (16) which is located on a line of symmetry (17) of the cross member.

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).

Abstract: A universal joint for interconnecting a pair of rotating shafts and a method of assembling the universal joint. The universal joint includes a pair of yokes secured to the shafts and a cruciform for interconnecting the yokes. Both yokes are bifurcated to define a pair of laterally-spaced legs. Each leg has an aperture which includes a first bore adapted to receive a bearing cup therein and a second bore into which an end portion of the bearing cup extends. Each bearing cup rotatably supports one of four orthogonal trunions extending from the cruciform. With respect to each of the yokes, a pair of axially-aligned trunions, with bearing cups mounted thereon, are installed into the apertures so as to support the cruciform between the legs of the yoke. Thereafter, a retention member is inserted in the second bore of each aperture such that one surface of the retention member rests on the bearing cup.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting rotary motion through a joint includes a pivotal portion which may freely pivot in two planes relative to a second portion. A rotatable shaft extends through the pivotal portion attaching to a constant velocity joint for translating rotational movement of the shaft into rotational movement of a second shaft. The pivotal portion is mounted to the second portion via a universal joint, with the constant velocity joint placed at the center of the universal joint, achieving high torque rotation.

Abstract: A joint for transmitting shifting forces from a gear-shifting system of a transmission to a transmission drive member includes a pair of joint parts (1, 2) frictionally locked to the transmission drive member and to the gear-shifting system, a coupling (3) mounted between the joint parts (1, 2) and an elastically deforming device. The elastic deforming device is a damper (4) substantially enclosing omnidirectionally the coupling (3) in such manner that when the joint is not transmitting shifting forces, the damper (4) keeps the coupling (3) spaced from the joint parts (1, 2).

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

Abstract: A universal joint apparatus having jointed shaft suited for transmitting high torques, comprising a spider and two yokes for fitting the arms of the spider. Each spider arm is fitted, with a bearing setup having a radial bearing with an outer ring and an inner ring, an axial bearing arranged in the area of the spider arm wrist, in a yoke eye associated with the latter. The axial bearing is disposed in a connecting structure of elastic behavior.

Abstract: A lubrication system designed particularly for small universal joints is provided. It includes a central distributions insert with a system of vertical and transverse passages which enable all four bearing cups and bearings to be sequentially lubricated from a single source. When all four are completely lubricated, lubricant appears at the top of the central distribution insert to assure that all cups have been fully lubricated. The lubrication system enables lubricant fittings to be positioned in four locations around the universal joint cross and also a central lubrication fitting can be located in the central distribution insert. The passages in the insert are positioned such that the insert can be made from one two-part mold without any mold inserts being required.

Abstract: An end of life indicator for a universal joint comprises an indicator member that monitors the temperature of the cross member of the universal joint. As the universal joint approaches the end of its life, the cross member exceeds expected temperatures as the bearings begin to wear. At a temperature above the typical operational temperature expected with a properly functioning universal joint, but below the temperature wherein the universal joint could be damaged or seize, a portion of the temperature indicator melts allowing the indicator to move to the actuated position. An operator will be able to visually identify the universal joint as approaching the end of its life. In one preferred embodiment, the indicator includes a plug at a position spaced forwardly of the indicator piston, with the plug holding the piston at the non-actuated position. When the plug melts, the indicator is spring biased to an outwardly actuated position where the operator will be able to visually identify an actuated indicator.

Abstract: The annular contact surface (1b1) of the bottom portion of an outer ring is formed with an uneven pattern comprising a number of projections (A) (regions A1, A2, A3) and recesses (regions B1, B2). Each projection (A) is a substantially Y-shaped region having a given level above the bottom surface of the regions (B1, B2). The regions (A1) and (A2), forming the Y's heads of the projection (A), lead to the outer diameter of the annular contact surface (1b1), while the region (A3) forming the Y's leg leads to the inner diameter of the annular contact surface (1b1).

Abstract: A cross member for a universal joint includes a body portion having at least one trunnion extending radially outwardly from the body portion, the trunnion including an outer bearing surface. A bearing cup having an open end and an inner bearing surface is mounted on the trunnion such that the inner bearing surface of the bearing cup is disposed co-axially about the outer bearing surface of the trunnion. A bearing is disposed between the inner bearing surface of the bearing cup and the outer bearing surface of the trunnion to enable rotation of the trunnion relative to the bearing cup. A trunnion bore is positioned within the trunnion and it communicates with the bearing to enable lubricant within the trunnion bore to reach the bearing. A lubrication conduit communicates with the trunnion bore to supply a lubricant to the trunnion bore. A retention valve is positioned within the lubrication conduit for preventing drainback of the lubricant within the lubrication conduit.

Abstract: A multi-dirctional swivel joint for carrying loading members comprises a crosswise main body having a pair of first and a pair of second hollow cylinder members perpendicular to one another each having connected with a stepped neck member at their free end and pivotally and intersectionally coupled with a pair of lug members so as to permit the main body swiveling alternatively therewithin in multi-directions. A piston member slidingly disposed into each of the hollow cylinder members for defining a pair of first and second cylinder chambers which respectively communicate with an ambient hydraulic compressor via a pair of the first and second conduits through the piston member therein, in addition to a retaining ring sleeved on the free end of the piston member and secured by nut. So that the coupling of the main body with the lug members can be tightened or released upon the alternative exertion of the hydraulic force from the ambient compressor.

Abstract: A universal joint attached to a cardan shaft and adapted for transmitting high torques. The universal joint includes two yokes, with each yoke having two bearing bores. A spider has a plurality of journals which are respectively disposed in the bearing bores. Each journal defines a corresponding journal axis, and has a journal bore defining an inner edge. The spider defines a joint axis extending generally perpendicular to each journal axis. A plurality of radial bearings are disposed within a respective bearing bore for rotatably supporting the journal within the bearing bore. Each radial bearing includes an inner race having a collar extending toward a respective journal axis. The collar extends radially inward of the inner edge and includes a first running face which faces toward the joint axis and parallel to the respective journal axis. A plurality of bearing caps are respectively disposed at an axial end of each journal.

Abstract: A universal joint device for interconnecting the handle portion and socket portion of a socket wrench is disclosed. The universal joint device is constructed with grooves for receiving the upper and lower ends of a coil spring which maintains the universal joint in alignment during both tension and compression. The universal joint device is also provided with recessed apertures for receiving washers or similar adjustment devices to allow the device to be customized for additional rigidity or flexibility.

Abstract: A lubrication system is set forth for a universal joint. A cross of the universal joint has four trunnions extending therefrom along two mutually perpendicular lines. Bearing cups are rotatably received on the ends of the trunnions and the cups, in turn, are held by universal joint yokes. Lubrication passages extend from a central portion of the cross outwardly to cavities located at the ends of the trunnions. A passage extension extends substantially through each cavity from the lubrication passage toward the end of the trunnion. A lubricant retainer is of generally inverted U-shaped configuration and extends over the passage extension. The retainer has openings near the bottom of the cavity and is centered in the cavity by a flange on the passage extension or by an outer flange at the edge of the retainer. The retainer prevents air from being trapped in the bottom of the cavity so that the cavity will always be filled with lubricant.

Abstract: A hub-spider assembly for a Hooke's joint in which the arms of the spider (2) include a first shaft (4), having a through-hole (41) bored in a central boss (42), the through-hole (41) axis being perpendicular to the axis of the first shaft (4), and a second shaft (5) coupled with slight interference with the first shaft (4) in its through-hole (41). At least one end of the shaft (5) is threaded or predisposed equivalently for coupling. In a double Hooke's joint a rotating coupling is realized by a bearing pair (31, 32) housed in the branches (11, 12) of a hub (1) and support the second shaft (5), the bearings (31, 32) being held in place by end ring-nuts (61, 62) at the threaded pivot ends (51, 52) of the shaft (5).

Abstract: A high capacity universal joint has a larger cross with larger bearings surfaces. The cross has a heavier main body with four legs, the diameters of which are larger than those of a standard cross used with yokes of a given size. The cross can also have longer trunnions to provide larger bearing surfaces. The yokes have two arms with bores and with locating surfaces adjacent the bores. The cups for races can be deeper and extend beyond outer surfaces of the arms with the cups having recessed locating surfaces in coplanar relationship with the yoke locating surfaces and held in position by machine screws. Closed ends of the cups have lubricating fittings with standpipes extending into recesses in the ends of the trunnions. Two rows of bearings separated by an annular ring are located between the trunnions and the cups, and seals in the open ends of the cups urge the bearings toward the closed ends thereof.

Abstract: A cone style universal joint has two yokes defining two pivot axes perpendicular to one another. Four pins, each coaxial with its corresponding pivot axis, are fixed to the arms of the yokes and are journaled in associated cone bearings radially inside of the arms. The cone bearings are snap fit into four sides of a seal block to form a lubricant-tight seal between the bearing and the seal block. Each cone bearing has a 45.degree. frusto-conical surface which engages the frusto-conical surfaces of the two adjacent cone bearings in line contact. Each cone bearing also has a recessed spherical surface facing inwardly and the four bearings together capture a ball within their recessed surfaces, inside the seal block.

Abstract: A Cardan-type universal joint has a pair of joint bodies (11) each having a cylindrical hub (12) for securing thereto a rotary shaft (10), and a cross-shaped member (15) for connecting the pair of joint bodies together. Each of the hubs has at least one first slit, or escape slit, (20) formed therein radially inwardly from the circumference thereof having a sector shape with a sectoral angle of not less than 180 degrees and being disposed on a plane intersecting the axis of the shaft at an angle, thereby enabling the joint body to elastically deform in a spring-like manner.

Abstract: A structure of a universal joint is disclosed in which an end surface of a spider is coated with a solid lubricant and a projection having an arc cross section formed on a center of a bearing cup into which the spider is fitted is brought into point contact with the solid lubricant coated end surface of the spider. When the spider is axially rotated, the friction generated on the bearing cup can be remarkably reduced.

Abstract: A joint is provided for cardan shafts, as are for instance, utilized in steering columns of motor vehicles and includes a trunnion cross provided as a coupling member, the axis length of the one pair of trunnions of this trunnion cross being larger than the axis length of the other trunnion pair, the trunnion pair having the greater axis length being supported in the end of one shaft configured as a bell-shaped joint part, while the trunnion pair having the smaller axis length on the hand is received by the arms of a fork, forming the end of the other shaft. The ratio of the lengths of the lever arms, on which the computation of the arising forces and moments is based, is only slightly greater than one, and the outer side of the bell or tulip shaped joint part is set off in a step like manner for receiving and/or abutting a bearing or a bearing ring. The center point of the joint lies in or closely to the central plane of the bearing or bearing ring received by the bell-shaped joint part.

Abstract: A universal joint (1) has two joint yokes (2 and 3) each including two yoke arms (4 and 5). A supporting member (8) including legs (9 and 10) is arranged to extend transversely relative to the rotational axis (D) of the joint yokes (2, 3). The connection of the two joint yokes (2 and 3) is effected through yoke arm through-bores (6 and 7) and the support member bores (11 and 12) via a bearing pin (13).

Abstract: To reduce as much as possible the extension of a vehicle transmisson due to the cantilever fitting of an electric retarder with two rotor discs and two rotor rings on the casing of the gearbox of this transmission, between the gearbox flange and the journal cross of the nearest cardan joint a single tubular insert is provided bearing the two rings externally and pierced radially with two bores forming bearings for two journals of the journal cross with interpositioning of bushings and by two apertures adapted to let pass bushings associated with the other two journals of the journal cross for pivotally mounting same on the fork of the cardan joint.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drive unit, particularly for a calender of a paper machine, with a universal joint featuring two joint forms as well as a crosshead, with a shaft each coordinated with the two joint forks, one shaft being arranged on the drive side and the other on the output side (drive shaft and output shaft), additionally, with a clutch for engaging and disengaging the drive unit. The invention is characterized by the following characteristics:(a) The clutch is fashioned as a gear clutch with a number of teeth extending in axial direction and coordinated each with one of the clutch halves;(b) for actuation of the clutch there is a shift mechanism provided;(c) coordinated with the universal joint is a guide device, for instance a cylindrical sleeve, for guiding the universal joint along with the extendable clutch half on its shift path in the clutch process.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission is constructed so as to reduce as much as possible its length due to the cantilevered mounting of an electric retarder (2, 3) with two rotor discs (9a, 9b) on the casing of the gear-box (1) of this transmission. To this end, the rotor of this retarder is supported by the periphery of a gear-box flange (14) via a tubular insert (23) having at one of its ends an internal collar (24) fixed to the periphery of the flange and at its other end, an external collar (13) surrounded by the rotor rings (10).

Abstract: To reduce as much as possible the extension of a vehicle transmission due to the cantilevered mounting of an electric retarder (2, 3) with two rotor discs (9) on the casing of the gearbox of this transmission, between the gearbox flange (14) and the journal cross (33) of the cardan joint (15), a tubular insert (23) and a reversed cardan flange (24) are provided successively. These two parts are applied one against the other along external collars which form an annulus (13) on which the rings (10) of the two rotor crowns of the retarder are mounted axially on each side.

Abstract: A downhole drilling apparatus which includes a progressive cavity drive train having a progressive cavity device and a coupling for converting the complex motion of the rotor into simple rotation. The coupling is constructed along the lines of a double Hooke's joint. Each joint includes two transversely arranged pins which pivot within a torsion member. The pins are supported for rotation with a bore formed in the torsion member on a plurality of rollers. An elastomer encases the rollers and fills the remaining spaces between the pin and torsion members such that all sliding surfaces within the coupling are perfectly isolated from the surrounding environment and thereby hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A tap wrench comprising a handle portion and a chuck is provided with a joint arrangement that allows for axial misalignment of the handle portion and the chuck. The joint comprises a stem that extends from the chuck and provides four planar pins equidistantly spaced thereabout which slidably engage four slots equidistantly spaced about a central opening defined in the handle portion. The stem is retained within the central opening by the engagement of each pin in a respective slot. Oscillation of the stem within the central opening provides for the above-noted axial misalignment.

Abstract: In a universal joint for a drive shaft or Cardan shaft each yoke or fork has two arms or bosses which are connected to the pins of the central spider or cross. At least one or both of the yoke arms or fork arms is removable from the remainder of the yoke or fork at parting lines spaced around tie fork away from the fork arm or boss which receives the pin therein. Each yoke or fork includes a hub extending away from the spider or cross to receive the drive shaft. In some embodiments, the removable are of the fork terminates in a flange which is separably clamped to the end of the hub for torque transmission between them. In another embodiment, the hub is an integral rearward extension fromt he respective fork arm and the hub is comprised of a tube half. With two such tube halves, each half is attached to one of the two arms of the york or fork, and clamping rings hold the tube parts and thus the yoke arms together.

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.

Abstract: A cross member (8) for a Hookes universal joint, comprising a body portion (20) and arms (19) extending outwardly therefrom, is made of a fibre reinforced plastics material including fibres (29) which extend between adjacent pairs of arms of the cross member. Each arm has an internal lubricant passage (11) which is of increasing cross sectional area in a portion (16) towards the free end of the arm, the lubricant passages being formed by use of a lost core during production of the cross member.

Abstract: A universal joint for a highly stressed cardan shaft possesses, in order to increase the rigidity and load-bearing capacity of the bearings in the trunnion cross bearing, a tie-rod which extends through a central longitudinal hole through two opposing trunnions. The bearing covers of the two opposing bearing eyes are fixed to the tie-rod under pre-stress and bear from outside against the outer ring of the radial bearing. The bearing covers carry tracks on the inner sides for the axial bearing arranged in the region of the trunnion end face. The transverse forces are thus passed to the respectively opposite joint yoke half, so that no deformation arises to spray the joint yoke. As a result the formation of axial play is prevented, and all bearings are uniformly stressed, as a result of which greater load-bearing capacity and longer service life are obtained.

Abstract: A Cardan type universal joint is provided with cross-sectional recesses at specific points either in a joint cross or at the joint yokes in order to improve the load distribution. Because of the arrangement of the recesses, it is possible to achieve an improved and approximately symmetrical load distribution toward the direction of circumferential force to be applied to the joint. This permits an increase in the useful life or alternately an optimization of the construction size of the joint.

Abstract: This invention comprises a general redundant spherical linkage capable of producing singularity free relative motion of two arms which intersect at a fixed point. All points of all links of the invention move on spheres that are concentric about this fixed point of intersection of the two arms. In a general way the invention can be considered as a sphere which is divided by a central link that supports two pairs of orthogonally intersecting axes of rotation for four semicircular links that are 180.degree. arcs of great circles. The point of intersection of a pair of orthogonally pivoted semicircular links, directs an arm passing through the center of the sphere. Each pair of orthogonally pivoted links controls the spherical motion of one arm within one hemisphere. By simultaneously controlling all four pivoted links, arbitrary relative motion of the two arms can be achieved.

Abstract: The universal joint cross consists of two cylindrical hardened and ground pins joined together at their longitudinal centers with their axes in a common plane. The pins are joined together by welding under pressure while controlling the length of the welds from the centers of the pins to provide bearing surfaces on the pins with an undisturbed metallurgical structure.

Abstract: A versatile mounting is provided for a bearing cup or race located in a yoke arm of a universal joint. The mounting includes an adapter sleeve which receives a bearing cup and enables it to be located in a larger bore of an existing yoke arm. The adapter sleeve has an annular flange which extends inwardly and contacts a closed end of the bearing cup. The sleeve also has at least one locating surface by means of which it can be located in a predetermined position in the yoke arm bore by means of a mounting fastener which engages the sleeve locating surface and a locating surface on the yoke arm adjacent the bore.