Abstract: A drive line apparatus has a pair of tubular shafts configured to fit telescopically. The outer shaft has internal splines and the inner shaft has outer splines so that the shafts rotate in unison. Each of the outer and inner shaft has one partially closed end for coupling to a universal joint, wherein the joint connected to the partially closed end of the inner shaft is disposed within the inner shaft for further reducing the length of the drive line apparatus.

Abstract: A motorized gear reducer wherein a first external gear 41 is mounted on an input rotary shaft 11 coupled to a driving motor 3 and wherein a second external gear 43 is capable of engaging with the first external gear. The front end portion 63 of the first external gear side of the input rotary shaft is unable to make a relative rotation with respect to the input rotary shaft but made movable in the axial direction of the input rotary shaft. The front end portion thereof movably axially engages with the first external gear. The front end portion and the first external gear are allowed to select one of the conditions including making an integral rotation and freely making relative rotations in accordance with the axial movement of the front end portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for rotatably coupling two coaxial shafts while allowing relative movement of the shafts in the X, Y and Z directions. The mechanism includes a female socket and a male fitting. The female socket is attached to one shaft and contains channels. The male fitting is attached to the other shaft and has arms that fit into the channels of the female socket. The mechanism also drives an external visual indicator. The present invention allows an operator to separate the external visual indicator from the mechanism and then reassemble it without losing rotational position readout of the indicator through the action of two axially aligned cams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal joint which includes a slip joint in which a shaft is inserted into an interior of a hollow pipe for thereby implementing a rotation force transferring and slipping operation, a hollow yoke joint installed at both sides of the slip joint and having one side which surrounds the pipe and shaft, and an elastic means inserted between the pipe and shaft and both ends of the slip joint and the yoke joint for generating an elastic force in a radial direction.

Abstract: A system for rotationally coupling telescopic interior and exterior shafts, which are disposed so that they can slide one within the other along a common axis, includes a first rotational coupling between the two shafts which is constituted by a rotation friction system. A second rotational coupling between the two shafts is constituted by internal and external splines. The internal splines are on the periphery of the end of the interior shaft and the external splines are on the internal face of the exterior tubular shaft so that a normal rotation torque is transmitted by friction and an exceptional rotation torque is additionally transmitted by the splines.

Abstract: A collapsible driveshaft and method of making the same. The collapsible driveshaft includes a tubular member having first and second portions that are integrally formed as a one-piece member. The first portion has splines formed on an exterior surface thereof. The second, opposite portion has both outer and inner diameters that are greater than the outer diameter of the first portion. The method includes placing a tubular metal blank into a hydroforming die having a die cavity and expanding the blank by pressurizing the interior of the blank with hydroforming fluid. During the hydroforming process, the first portion of the blank is expanded to form splines while the second portion is expanded to form inner and outer diameters that are greater than the outer diameter of the first portion.

Abstract: In order to facilitate angular phase-alignment during assembly of a telescopic cardan shaft, comprising an outer splined shaft (1)—equipped with longitudinal inner splines (11)—and an inner splined shaft (3)—equipped with longitudinal outer projections (13, 13A)—the inner splines (11) of the outer shaft (1) have a width greater than the width of the outer projections (13,13A) of the inner splined shaft (3), in order to obtain a mutual angular play of at least 60°.

Abstract: A slip joint includes a structure that prevents a negative pressure situation from occurring within a sealed lubricant chamber during operation thereof. The slip joint includes a male splined member having a plurality of external splines formed thereon that cooperate with a plurality of internal splines formed on a female splined member. The cooperating splines are disposed within a lubricant chamber defined at one end by a seal assembly and at the other end by a pressure regulator assembly that maintains a positive pressure situation within the lubricant chamber during operation thereof (i.e., a situation where the fluid pressure within the lubricant chamber is greater than or equal to than the fluid pressure outside of the lubricant chamber). To accomplish this, the pressure regulator assembly includes a housing having an open end that faces toward the lubricant chamber. A spring urges the pressure compensator assembly toward the lubricant chamber.

Abstract: A U-joint construction includes a drive coupling member connected to a drive shaft, and intermediate coupling member, and a driven coupling member connected to a driven shaft. The drive coupling member and the driven coupling member include bearings which protrude within channels of the intermediate coupling member. The drive bearing and the driven bearing are each pivotal about two axes, one of which coincides with the longitudinal axes of the channel and the other which is transverse with respect thereto. According to one embodiment of the invention the first and second bearings are also longitudinally slidable within the channels.

Abstract: A torque transmitting mechanism between coaxial first and second rotary parts, at least one of which should be free to move axially relative to the other part, employs two frames at least one of which is resilient. Both frames surround one of the parts (e.g., a shaft for one adjustable pulley of a continuously variable transmission), one of the frames has spaced-apart sections affixed to the first part, and the other frame has spaced-apart sections affixed to the second part (e.g., to one flange of the adjustable pulley). Rivets and/or other suitable fasteners couple the two frames to each other at locations each of which is spaced apart from a section of one of the frames and from a section of the other frame. Each frame can have a polygonal outline with corners which are alternatingly coupled to the other frame and to the respective rotary part. The braces between the corners of each polygonal frame can be profiled to oppose certain types of deformation but to permit other types of deformation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive assembly for transmitting torque, having a propeller shaft (1) and an intermediate bearing (2), such as they are used in motor vehicles for example, wherein the propeller shaft (1) includes a first shaft portion (3) with a first joint (8), a second shaft portion (4) with a second joint (21), and a third joint (5) in the form of a constant velocity fixed joint which connects the first shaft portion (3) and the second shaft portion (4), and wherein the intermediate bearing (2), which adjoins the constant velocity fixed joint (5) and is associated with the first shaft portion (3), including rolling contact bearing (15); in the drive assembly, the smallest inner diameters (dcA, dwz) of the outer joint part (25) of the joint (5) and of the second shaft tube (19) associated with the second shaft portion (4) are greater than the greatest outer diameters (Dw, DL) of the first shaft portion (3) and of the rolling contact bearing (15) of the intermediate bearing (2); this assembly permi

Abstract: A torque-transmitting linear rolling bearing (16) comprises ball circuits (24) which are formed in a cage (18) between an inner profiled element (17) and an outer profiled element (19), and rolling elements (22) travelling through a first guide track (24a) are elastically biased by a spring sheet (23).

Abstract: A slip yoke assembly includes a slip yoke having a barrel portion extending from a first end to a second end and a lug portion extending from the first end thereof. The barrel portion has a bore extending from the first end to the second end. The bore has a splined inner surface. The slip yoke assembly also includes a plug having a flange portion. The flange portion is attached to the first end of the barrel portion of the slip yoke. The plug also has a body portion which extends from the flange portion a predetermined distance into the bore. The slip yoke assembly also includes a shaft having an end portion disposed inside the bore of the slip yoke. The end portion includes an end which abuts the body portion of the plug. The end portion of the shaft has a splined outer surface which cooperates with the splined inner surface of the slip yoke bore to provide a rotatable connection between the shaft and the slip yoke while allowing a limited amount of relative axial movement therebetween.

Abstract: A drive line apparatus has a pair of tubular shafts configured to fit telescopically. The outer shaft has internal splines and the inner shaft has outer splines so that the shafts rotate in unison. Each of the outer and inner shaft has one partially closed end for coupling to an individual joint, wherein the joint connected to the partially closed end of the inner shaft is disposed within the inner shaft for further reducing the length of the drive line apparatus.

Abstract: A driving shaft includes yokes at both its ends and an intermediate slidable portion composed of a male shaft member and a female shaft member fitted with each other by means of splines. The male shaft member includes a hollow shaft member having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of one end of the female shaft member on the side of the male shaft member, and a splined male member having a splined slidable portion to be fitted in the splined hole of the female shaft member and a fixing portion fitted in the hollow shaft member. An elastic body interposed between the inner surface of the hollow shaft member and the outer surface of the fixing portion to fix the splined male member to the hollow shaft member. In producing such a driving shaft, before fitting the splined male member in the hollow shaft member, a resin coating is applied to either the inner surface of the hollow shaft member or the fixing portion of the splined male member.

Abstract: A coupling device having a drive-side centrifugal mass, which is actively connected in rotation-proof fashion to a driving gear that acts on the drive train. On the centrifugal mass, there is an accommodating fixture that faces the driving gear and is equipped with a tooth system. The driving gear has an axial shoulder that, on its end facing the accommodating fixture, is also embodied with a tooth system. At least one tooth of the tooth system of the driving gear is pressed, under radial prestress, into the space between two teeth of the tooth system of the accommodating fixture.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling two selectively rotatable shafts is provided. The assembly includes a first cross-member which is fixedly coupled to the first rotating shaft, and a second cross-member which is fixedly coupled to the second shaft. A third member is pivotally coupled to the first and to the second cross-member and selectively pivots about a first axis. A fourth member is pivotally coupled to the first and to the second cross-member and pivots about a second axis which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The third member and the fourth member cooperate to transmit torque from the first rotating shaft to the second shaft and substantially aligns the first and second longitudinal axes of symmetry of the first and second shafts while maintaining the alignment as torque is transmitted from the first rotating shaft to the second shaft.

Abstract: A driving shaft includes yokes at both its ends and an intermediate slidable portion composed of a male shaft member and a female shaft member fitted with each other by means of splines. The male shaft member includes a hollow shaft member having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of one end of the female shaft member on the side of the male shaft member, and a splined male member having a splined slidable portion to be fitted in the splined hole of the female shaft member and a fixing portion fitted in the hollow shaft member. An elastic body interposed between the inner surface of the hollow shaft member and the outer surface of the fixing portion to fix the splined male member to the hollow shaft member. In producing such a driving shaft, before fitting the splined male member in the hollow shaft member, a resin coating is applied to either the inner surface of the hollow shaft member or the fixing portion of the splined male member.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump includes a pump mechanism having a driven shaft. The driven shaft is connected to an input shaft by a flexible coupling such as a splined connection. A housing extends completely around the driven shaft, and a high-pressure seal is disposed between the housing and the input shaft. A thrust bearing carries hydraulic axial forces on the input shaft to the housing. This arrangement provides balanced hydraulic forces on both ends of the driven shaft, thereby reducing friction and wear.

Abstract: A variable length double telescoping drive shaft assembly particularly suited for higher RPM applications (2,500 to 3,000 RPM). The assembly includes splined sliding members, namely a drive shaft and two elongated tubular members allowing for maximum telescoping with shorter minimum conditions. The assembly also includes a positive phasing and a non-pull apart features.

Abstract: A steering shaft includes: an outer shaft having an inner splined portion; an inner shaft having a shaft portion and an outer splined portion which are arranged continuously along an axial direction; a retaining portion formed on at least one of the outer splined portion and the shaft portion; a sliding coupling section formed by a coupling portion of the outer shaft and a coupling portion of the inner shaft so as to allow the outer shaft and the inner shaft to be telescopically slidable in the axial direction relative to each other by means of splines; and a sliding resin member which is filled in a space formed in the sliding coupling section between an opening portion of the outer shaft and the retaining portion of the inner shaft.

Abstract: A collet assembly coupled to a rotary-linear drive unit allows easily placement of a susceptor shaft within a collet of the collet assembly when the collet assembly is in a first position. After the susceptor shaft is placed into the collet, the collet assembly is retracted to a second position by a spring force acting on a collet draw bar that is coupled to the collet. As the collet assembly is retracted by the spring force, the collet is closed about the susceptor shaft by the interaction between the collet and a collet spindle in which the collet is moveably mounted. As the collet closes, the collet assembly exerts a pressure about a circumferential surface of a susceptor shaft that in turn holds the susceptor shaft firmly in place within the collet, i.e., holds the susceptor shaft stationary within the collet. Consequently, when the susceptor shaft is rotated by the rotary-linear drive unit, there is no wobble associated with the rotary movement of the susceptor shaft.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly includes a male shaft and a female shaft slidably engaged with the male shaft. The shafts absorb energy during axial deformation of the driveshaft while substantially maintaining radial alignment of the male and female shafts.

Abstract: The protective means is supported by means of sliding blocks (53) which can slide in to annular channels (37, 39) formed in the base of each of the two forks (29, 31); the base (29A) of the fork (29) is formed with a circular cross section essentially as far as the arms (29B) of the fork, and the channel (37) for the annular sliding block (53) is recessed in said base (29A) adjacently to said arms (29B) of the fork, between these and the pin (33) locking the shaft to the fork (29).

Abstract: A dust cover assembly for a slip spline assembly acts as a mechanical fuse in response to fluid pressure and includes a cup shaped dust cover and two snap rings for securing the dust cover in the yoke bore end of the slip spline assembly. The larger snap ring is fitted in an annular groove in the yoke while the smaller snap ring is fitted in an annular groove in cylindrical side wall of the dust cover. The groove in the side wall of the dust cover divides the side wall up into exposed and unexposed segments. By selecting the radial thicknesses of the groove in the side wall or the axial length of unexposed segment, the failure limit at which the dust cover pops out from the yoke due to pressures or forces in the yoke bore can be readily predicted. The dust cover assembly provides increased reliability of the slip spline assembly by providing a consistent pressure or load in the yoke bore which will cause the dust cover to release from the yoke and relieve the yoke bore pressure.

Abstract: A variable length steering shaft for steering mechanism of motor vehicles and including an external profile tubular member having a non-circular cross-section, an internal profile member arranged coaxially with the external profile member and having its end portion received in the external profile tubular member, the internal profile member being axially displaceable within the external tubular member, and a slide sleeve formed of a macromolecular material and arranged in the gap formed by the external and internal profile members for formlockingly connecting the external and internal profile members for transmitting a torque therebetween, with an outer circumferential contour of the internal profile member and the inner circumferential contour of the external profile tubular member being at least partially formed each of a plurality of following each other convex and concave sections with radii of the convex and concave sections being respectively located inside and outside of a respective profile member, an

Abstract: An elastic shaft joint of the present invention comprises an elastic member, a slide sleeve and a stopper. The elastic member is composed of an elastic material such as rubber, elastomer etc and held on an inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical portion fixedly provided on the cylindrical member. The slide sleeve is made using a low-friction material such as a synthetic resin, an oil-impregnated metal etc, held on an inner peripheral surface of the elastic member and elastically pressed against an outer peripheral surface of the shaft by an elasticity of the elastic member. The stopper is provided between the shaft and the cylindrical member, permits the shaft and the cylindrical member to slightly displace in the axial and rotating directions, and hinders the displacement in the rotating direction beyond a predetermined angle enough to damage the elastic member and the slide sleeve.

Abstract: The inner peripheral wall of the sleeve has four longitudinal grooves each disposed between two adjacent races. The driver has the form of a cross with four arms disposed radially at right angles to one another and each serving as a pivot shaft for a corresponding equalizing lever. Each bipod has four radial lugs disposed at 45.degree. to the axis of the rollers carried by said bipod, and each lug has on its surface facing the driver a slot designed to receive an associated end of the corresponding equalizing lever.

Abstract: A steering intermediate shaft has an inner shaft member and an outer tube member so engaged with each other as to be capable of transmitting rotation and to be slidable in an axial direction. The outer tube member includes slits so formed at one end as to extend in the axial direction. An annular fastening member is provided at a portion of the outer tube member formed with the slits to exert a fastening action inwards in a radial direction. The fastening member includes a disengagement preventing member for preventing the outer tube member from disengaging from the inner shaft member against an axial force within a predetermined value by engaging with the inner shaft member.

Abstract: A lubricating device (13) for a telescopic shaft has a lubricating element and a reservoir. The lubricating device (13) is inserted into a cavity (18) of the inner profiled tube (7). The lubricating device (13) serves to lubricate the surface portions of the outer and inner profiled tubes (6, 7), which slide on one another. Thus, it is possible to achieve permanent lubrication.

Abstract: An intermediate shaft apparatus of a steering shaft assembly includes: an input shaft; a coupling shaft fixed to the input shaft in a circumferential direction and arranged to be slidable relative to the input shaft in an axial direction only during application of an impact thereto; an output shaft fixed to the coupling shaft in the circumferential direction and arranged to be slidable in the axial direction; and a buffer joint fitted at an axial end portion of the output shaft and formed by coupling an output-side yoke member and a cup member via an elastic member, wherein the output shaft and the cup member are provided with a penetrating portion through which the coupling shaft is capable of penetrating in the axial direction.

Abstract: A drive aft has two universal joints. The universal joint (1) is connected to a sliding sleeve (9). The other universal joint carries a sliding journal (8). The sliding journal (8) and the sliding sleeve (9) engage one another in a rotationally fast way via teeth (11, 22). The teeth (11, 22) are longitudinally displaceable relative to one another in the direction of a longitudinal axis (10). In order to prevent the driveshaft, in the fitted condition, from falling apart after having suffered a fracture, an anti-disengagement member is provided. The member includes an annular stop (13) arranged at the end of the sliding journal (8). The stop (13) may be fitted through an aperture (15) in the joint yoke (4) of the first universal joint (1). The stop (13) stops against a suitable face of the inner longitudinal teeth (22) when the sliding sleeve (9) and the sliding journal (8) are moved apart by a change in length distance (16).

Abstract: A drive shaft assembly for a portable lathe includes a first hollow shaft and a second shaft axially aligned with and telescopingly received in the first shaft, for permitting an effective length of the drive shaft to be altered within a limited range. The first and second shafts are also rotatable relative to each other. Opposite ends of the first and second shafts have uncovered joints including mounting flanges attached thereto, and a locking device is provided to lock both first and second shafts relative to each other after they have been adjusted to a desired axial and rotational orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for turning steerable vehicle wheels (12 and 14) includes a plurality of longitudinally extending force transmitting members (24, 40, 42, 46 and 48) which are connected with coupling assemblies (30, 34 and 36). At least some of the coupling assemblies (30, 34 and 36) include an improved coupling component (52) having a base (56) with a first circular, radially outwardly facing mounting surface (64) for engaging an inner side surface (84) on a tubular force transmitting member (40). In addition, the base (56) of the coupling component (52) includes a second circular mounting surface (66) having a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the first circular mounting surface (64) and which is engageable with an inner side surface (94) of a tubular force transmitting member (48) having a smaller diameter than the first tubular force transmitting member (40).

Abstract: The drive shaft assembly has a variable length. Each end of the drive shaft assembly has a flange for attaching to whatever is intend thereon such as a gear box drive or fan mount, and a female threaded attachment on the opposite side of the flange. A slide is secured in this attachment. The slide has a bore therein with longitudinal ball bearing races partially along the length of the wall. Each end of the shaft has opposing ball bearing races as compared to those in the slide and has further thereon an o-ring retainer. A sufficient number of ball bearings are placed in each race to allow for movement of the shaft in the slide. The o-ring is placed on the shaft after the bearings are inserted. After this the slide is secured to the flange.

Abstract: A variable length light weight drive shaft for a rolling mill roll including: a driven first end including a universal joint connecting with an end of a male splined shaft having an axial bore and counter bore and a driving second end including a universal joint connecting with a torque tube and a female spline shaft which engages over the male splined shaft for axial movement. A gas cylinder is mounted in the counter bore adjacent to the second end of the male splined shaft. A cylinder rod extends from the cylinder and is connected to with the universal joint at the driving end. The piston rod includes a self aligning coupler. The gas cylinder and cylinder rod exert continuous outward pressure against the driven and driving ends which maintains them in pressure contact with the driving and driven members while allowing axial movement of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A telescoping driveshaft assembly that has a relatively low collapse force rating and that does not have a reduced torque carrying capacity includes an inner tube that is received within an outer tube in a press fit relationship. The inner tube is disposed within the outer tube such that a predetermined amount of overlap is formed between the two tubes. A mechanical interlock is formed in the overlapped region for increasing the total frictional force between the inner tube and the outer tube as well as for increasing the torque carrying capacity of the driveshaft tube. The mechanical interlock can be formed using one or more crimps which are disposed in the overlapped region. The length of the overlapped region, the number of crimps and the crimp configuration are a function of a number of factors including the torque requirements of the driveshaft tube, the sizes of the inner tube and the outer tube, and the material chosen for the driveshaft tube.

Abstract: A driveline assembly including a tubular male member and a tubular female member both disposed about an axis and having thin walls defining inner and outer surfaces. Both the male and female members are fixed to yokes. The yoke of the female member is coupled to a transmission and the yoke of the male member is coupled to a wheel axle. An elastomeric sleeve is adhered to and conforms with the inner surface of the female member and is complementary in configuration to the outer surface of the male member. A male tooth is formed within the thin wall of the male member and a female tooth is formed within the thin wall of the female member. Each tooth has a linear portion and a pair of legs. The legs of the male and female teeth are separated by additional circumferentially extending linear portions. The male member nonrotatably engages the female member for transmitting torque from the transmission to the axle. Specifically, the female member is the drive shaft and the male member is the driven shaft.

Abstract: An adjustable length telescoping radial free motion driveline including a shaft slidable within a sleeve to slide axially with respect to each other which allows the driveline to elongate and shorten while still maintaining a fixed radial alignment. The shaft and mating sleeve are configured to allow for a fixed amount of radial motion between the shaft and sleeve that can be used by the installer to compensate for any misalignment between the two fixtures that the driveline is connected between. In one embodiment the shafting is square and the other the shafting is splined.

Abstract: An elastic shaft coupling comprises a tubular housing having a first inner peripheral surface portion and a second inner peripheral surface portion, a shaft member extending into the tubular housing, an elastic member disposed between the tubular housing and the shaft member, and a displacement preventing portion for preventing excessive relative rotational displacement between the tubular housing and the shaft member. The shaft member has a terminal end disposed in the tubular housing, a first outer peripheral surface portion, and a second outer peripheral surface portion disposed at the terminal end. The elastic member is connected to the first inner peripheral surface portion of the tubular housing and the first outer peripheral surface portion of the shaft member. The displacement preventing portion is disposed between the second inner peripheral surface portion of the tubular housing and the second outer peripheral surface portion of the shaft member.

Abstract: A hand-guided working tool has a telescopic rod with a first and a second end. A drive motor is connected to the first end of the telescopic rod. A working tool, connected to the second end of the telescopic rod, is driven by the drive motor. The telescopic rod includes an outer tube and an inner tube inserted with an inner end into the outer tube and displacable in the longitudinal direction of the telescopic rod. A first clamping member is connected to the first end of the outer tube for fixing the axial position of the inner tube. The inner tube has an outer mantle surface and the outer tube has an inner circumferential surface. The outer mantle surface is spaced at a radial distance from the inner circumferential surface. A first cylindrical bearing body is supported on the inner end of the inner tube. The first bearing body is displacably supported in the outer tube.

Abstract: A propeller shaft includes male and female shafts, each having at one end a yoke and at the other end a spline sliding portion. At least one of these shafts is wholly made of a hollow tube and its one end is worked to form an integral yoke and the other end is plastically worked with a die to form an integral spline sliding portion. A separate yoke may be welded to the hollow tube. The spline sliding portion thus formed has spline teeth of an integer number within the range of numerals obtained by multiplying the numeral indicating a larger spline diameter in mm by 0.12 to 0.25. The spline teeth has a spline tooth root angle within the range of 90 to 120 degrees enclosed between side faces of adjacent spline teeth. The propeller shaft reduces man-hour for producing it to improve the production efficiency and hence reduce its cost.

Abstract: A steering column assembly comprising an outer isolator tube closed at one end and open at an opposite end; at least one tubular resilient member concentrically disposed within and adhered to an inner wall of the outer isolator tube; and an inner isolator tube concentrically disposed within and adhered to an inner wall of the resilient member, the inner isolator tube member having one end extending from the open end of the outer isolator tube. A telescoping shaft insert assembly is provided having a first end concentrically received within an inner wall of the inner isolator tube and with an opposite end of the telescoping shaft assembly from the open end of the outer isolator tube. The tubular resilient member disposed between the outer and inner isolator tubes is preferably made from a polymeric material and absorbs or dampens transient noise and vibration produced by the road and sensed at the steering wheel. This results in reduced fatigue for the operator.

Abstract: A sealing device for a drive line slip yoke includes a generally resilient seal and a substantially rigid cover that cooperate to provide a fluid-tight seal at the interface between a slip yoke and an axially moving splined shaft. The seal has a mounting portion that includes a shoulder received within a groove defined on an outer surface of the slip yoke. The cover is snapped over the seal and maintained in position by cooperating tabs on the cover and a groove defined on an outer surface of the seal. The seal includes a sealing portion having three axially spaced and radially inwardly extending lips. A middle lip acts as an O-ring that serves as a back-up in the event that one of the other two lips becomes damaged or deteriorates with use. The substantially rigid cover serves to maintain the seal in proper engagement with the end of the slip yoke and protects the seal from damage potentially caused by debris encountered during operation.

Abstract: A slip yoke includes a generally cylindrical body rotatable about an axis. The slip yoke further includes an axially extending spline for engagement with a mating spline of an associated apparatus. Two generally axially extending arms are symmetrically positioned about the axis. Each of the arms has a generally cylindrical opening formed therethrough transversely to the axis. The openings are aligned with one another. Each of the arms includes an outer surface having recessed areas formed therein. The recessed areas define webs extending between the cylindrical body and the opening.

Abstract: An elastic coupling for a steering apparatus includes: a thin-walled tubular member; a joint arm which is joined and fixed to the tubular member; an engaging through hole portion formed in a joining portion for joining the tubular member and the joint arm; an elastic bearing member fitted to an inner periphery of the tubular member; and a shaft fitted in the tubular member via the elastic bearing member and adapted to abut against an inner peripheral surface of the engaging through hole portion when the shaft is rotated by more than a predetermined rotating angle.

Abstract: The rotary pump, which in particular is suitable for use in a continuously variable transmission, is provided with a pump housing and a rotor with a drive shaft. Movable displacement elements are accommodated in the grooves of the rotor. The rotor is surrounded by a cam ring. End faces adjoin the two side faces of the rotor, at least one end face being provided with one or more feed and/or discharge openings. The cam ring, the rotor, the displacement elements and the end faces delimit pump chambers. A rotationally stable compensating coupling, which is mounted in bearings in the pump housing, is arranged between the rotor and the drive shaft. The mounting in the pump housing engages around the compensating coupling and adjoins one running face of the rotor.

Abstract: A telescopic shaft including a male member slidably fitted in the interior of a female member. The male and female members are rotatably locked by providing, on contact surfaces, a succession of small longitudinal ribs meshing with one another. One of the members includes at least one smooth longitudinal region devoid of ribs. The longitudinal region extends from one end of the one member to an intermediate point. The longitudinal region is engaged by a projection extending from the other member. The projection is directed towards the one member and acts as an abutment against the ends of the longitudinal region to limit the possibility of one member sliding with respect to the other member to prevent disassembly of the two members.

Abstract: An adjustable length telescoping radial free motion driveline including a shaft slidable within a sleeve to slide axially with respect to each other which allows the driveline to elongate and shorten while still maintaining a fixed radial alignment. The shaft and mating sleeve are configured to allow for a fixed amount of radial motion between the shaft and sleeve that can be used by the installer to compensate for any misalignment between the two fixtures that the driveline is connected between. In one embodiment the shafting is square and the other the shafting is splined.

Abstract: Telescopic shafts having a peripheral zone of a male member having grooves and ribs which grooves and ribs are interrupted longitudinally according to a sliding zone, which zone, in one embodiment, terminates in proximity to a fork member of a U-joint and in another embodiment, terminates at a limit of one of the extremes of the fork member.