Abstract: A joint assembly for a driveshaft has a yoke stub with multiple channels in the direction of extension; and a tube sleeve having a recess aligned with a corresponding channel and telescopically engaged with a yoke stub. The driveshaft includes multiple rollers spaced apart from each other in such a way that providing axial movement between the channel and the corresponding recess to transmit torque and a cage extending between the rollers to secure them together.

Abstract: A plunging assembly of a driveshaft includes: an outer housing having a bore having a plurality of outer ball grooves extending in a longitudinal direction; an inner shaft being disposed to be able to undergo relative movement in the longitudinal direction in the bore of the outer housing and having a plurality of inner ball grooves that are paired respectively with the outer ball grooves to form a plurality of ball tracks; a plunging unit connecting the outer housing and the inner shaft to allow a plunging motion and a rotational power transmission between the outer housing and the inner shaft; and a stopper that is provided in the bore of the outer housing to limit relative movement of the inner housing and the inner shaft in a direction in which the inner shaft is inserted into the bore. The outer housing has a mounting hole communicating with the bore, and the stopper is a plug member that is inserted into the mounting hole in a state that a frontal end portion thereof is exposed to the bore.

Abstract: A force-transmitting assembly includes a metal shaft having at least two longitudinally-extending grooves defined in an outer surface, and a metal hub having at least two longitudinally-extending grooves defined in an inner surface that surrounds the outer surface of the shaft. A plurality of discrete parts is disposed in the at least two longitudinally-extending grooves of the shaft and the hub in an interference-fit manner so as to transmit a torque from the shaft to the hub. Each of the discrete parts is composed of at least 50 mass % of technical ceramic selected from Si3N4, SiAlON, Al2O3, ZrO2, or a mixture of two or more of Si3N4, SiAlON, Al2O3, and ZrO2.

Abstract: A steering shaft may include a hollow shaft in which an inner shaft is arranged telescopically coaxially in an axial direction. A rolling body may be held in a form fit manner in a circumferential direction and configured to roll in the axial direction in a rolling body holding element of a rolling body cage disposed between the inner and hollow shafts, which is arranged in the axial direction between radially projecting stop elements of the hollow shaft and of the inner shaft. The rolling body cage may have end-face axial support surfaces that are oriented in the axial direction against the stop elements. The rolling body cage may have at least one transfer element extending axially between the end-face axial support surfaces.

Abstract: A steering shaft assembly includes a first member having a first member inner surface and a first member outer surface. Each surface extending between a first member first end and a first member second end along an axis. A second member having a second member inner surface and a second member outer surface. Each surface extending between a second member first end and a second member second end along the axis. The first member first end arranged to be received within the second member such that the second member inner surface is disposed about a portion of the first member outer surface. Also included is a shaft extending from a third member. The shaft extending into the first member second end along the axis.

Abstract: A turbomachine includes a low-pressure shaft that drives a fan shaft in rotation by a coupling assembly including a first shaft on which are formed plural first axial grooves, a second shaft on which are formed plural second axial grooves, and a coupling device including rolling elements and an annular cage positioned between the first shaft and the second shaft. The rolling elements are positioned between one of the first axial grooves and one of the second axial grooves to couple in rotation the first and the second shaft. Each first and second groove has a first and a second substantially planar surface inclined with respect to one another and extending along the axis.

Abstract: A bearing device for motor vehicle shafts is described, in particular for motor vehicle steering shafts. The bearing device is provided for torque transmission between an inner shaft and the hollow shaft surrounded by the inner shaft. The inner shaft and the hollow shaft each have opposing bearing grooves, in which rolling elements are received. At least one positive locking cam in radial direction is provided. A safety contour is assigned to the positive locking cam, the safety contour comprising two engagement positions for the positive locking cam. In the case of unoccupied bearing grooves the positive locking cam is rotationally movable along the safety contour between the engagement points during a torque transmission, in a manner that a defined relative movement between the inner shaft and the hollow shaft is possible, which generates both tactile feedback and acoustic feedback. Furthermore, an automotive shaft assembly is described.

Abstract: A steering shaft for a motor vehicle includes a hollow outer shaft with a longitudinal axis. An inner shaft is arranged coaxially within the outer shaft. The inner shaft telescopes longitudinally relative to the outer shaft and is connected in a torque-transmitting manner to the outer shaft via a rolling body. The rolling body can roll in the direction of the longitudinal axis and the rolling body bearing in a positively locking manner in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis between rolling body raceways on the inner and outer shaft. The steering shaft includes a securing element with a supporting body arranged between supporting faces configured on the inner shaft and on the outer shaft, which at least one supporting body can be supported in a positively locking manner in the circumferential direction. The supporting body is spaced apart in the circumferential direction from the supporting faces.

Abstract: A process for constructing a high-tensile strength, high-gradient insulator (HGI) may include stacking alternating layers of conductors and insulators, and vacuum pressure potting the stacked layers onto an insulating rod. The process may also include post machining the stacked layers to form a complete assembly of the HGI.

Abstract: A propshaft with first and second propshaft segments, a bearing assembly, a slinger and a boot seal. The first and second propshaft segments have connection members that are non-rotatably but axially slidably coupled together. The bearing assembly is mounted to the first propshaft segment and supports the first propshaft segment for rotation. The slinger has a first slinger member, which is mounted to the bearing assembly, and a second slinger member that is mounted to the first propshaft segment. The first and second slinger members cooperate to shroud an axial end of the bearing assembly and are spaced apart from one another to form a labyrinth. Opposite ends of the boot seal are fixedly coupled to the second slinger member and the second propshaft segment. A vent is disposed through the second slinger member to fluidly couple the boot seal and the labyrinth.

Abstract: An intermediate steering shaft for a motor vehicle includes an elastic element arranged and formed (i) at least partially in a first recess and second recess formed in a receiving section of a profile shaft, and (ii) at least partially in a recess formed in a first guide rail and a recess formed in a second guide rail, in order to apply a pretension to a respective guide arrangement.

Abstract: A portion of the target guide plate interposed between the rolling surface of each ball and an inner surface of the sub-concave groove is supported at the other radial surface opposite to the rolling surface of each ball by the inner surface of the sub-concave groove at a state where one radial surface facing towards the rolling surface of each ball is pressed by the rolling surface of each ball and is thus curved along the rolling surface of each ball.

Abstract: A rolling element shaft assembly includes a solid shaft having a first end and a second end, a tubular shaft configured to receive the shaft first end, and a bearing sleeve coupled to the solid shaft. The bearing sleeve includes a first portion defining a first edge, a second edge, and at least one first bearing aperture, and a second portion defining a third edge, a fourth edge, and at least one second bearing aperture. The first portion is configured to couple to the second portion about the solid shaft. The bearing sleeve further includes at least one first bearing disposed within the at least one first bearing aperture and at least one second bearing disposed within the at least one second bearing aperture.

Abstract: A steering shaft for a motor vehicle, comprises an outer shaft which is configured as a hollow shaft and an inner shaft which is arranged coaxially in the hollow shaft. The inner shaft can be telescoped relative to the hollow shaft in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft, and is connected to the hollow shaft in a torque-transmitting manner via at least one positively locking element. A securing apparatus with at least one stop element is attached on an end region of the hollow shaft which faces the inner shaft. A stop face is arranged in the opening cross section of the hollow shaft and faces the hollow shaft in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A spreader bar assembly includes first and second spreader bars and a coupling member that extends between the two spreader bars and holds them together. The spreader bars are pivotally coupled to the connecting member and are able to pivot with respect to the connecting member in a single direction only. The connecting member may be a telescopic structure with a rod and cylinder and is able to extend and contract in length. Also, there may be rotation within the spreader bar, in the example, rotation of the rod within the cylinder. This enables the spreader bar assembly to accommodate loading differences from one side of a spreader bar to the other. The structure enables two spreader bars to be manipulated together, reducing the risk of injury to a patient or caregiver.

Abstract: An intermediate steering shaft for a motor vehicle includes an outer hollow shaft, an inner hollow shaft that is arranged at least partially in the outer hollow shaft, and a profile shaft that is arranged in the outer hollow shaft and connects the outer hollow shaft and the inner hollow shaft to one another. The intermediate steering shaft also includes a plurality of guide arrangements that guide the profile shaft in the outer hollow shaft for displacing the profile shaft and the inner hollow shaft. An elastic element is arranged between a respective guide rail and a receiving section of the profile shaft. The elastic element is configured to provide play compensation for the respective guide arrangement and to transmit a torque that acts from the outer hollow shaft on the guide arrangement to the profile shaft.

Abstract: A rolling element intermediate shaft assembly includes a solid shaft having first and second ends. Also included is a tubular shaft configured to receive the first end, the tubular shaft having an inner wall with an axially extending groove formed therein, the axially extending groove having an inner surface. Further included is a wear plate having a bottom surface and an elastically deformable body having first and second ends, the body defining an axially extending channel, the body of the wear plate received in the tubular shaft groove. Yet further included is an outer surface of the body of the wear plate defining a gap between the wear plate and the axially extending groove of the tubular shaft, the gap reduced upon flexure of the wear plate. Also included is at least one ball bearing disposed within the wear plate channel between the wear plate and the solid shaft.

Abstract: A swashplate-type pivot bearing, or an axial piston machine that has the swashplate-type pivot bearing, which ensure reliable operation. The swashplate-type pivot bearing for a hydraulic axial piston machine has a housing section, a swashplate section and a multiplicity of rolling bodies. The swashplate section is pivotably mounted in the housing section by the rolling bodies and the rolling bodies are arranged in a full-roller configuration and/or without a cage in at least one rolling body row. The swashplate-type pivot bearing also has at least one follow-up device for follow-up adjustment and/or synchronization of the rolling bodies, which is arranged and/or formed at an end of the rolling body row. The follow-up device is controlled by a slotted guide.

Abstract: A drive-shaft-connecting, torque-transmitting telescoping shaft assembly is provided. The assembly includes an outer shaft member extending along a longitudinal axis and defines an interior bore and inner surface. An inner shaft member is at least partially disposed within the bore and telescopically moveable relative thereto along the axis and defines an outer surface. Rolling-element outer grooves are arranged in the inner surface, distributed around the axis, and functional (i.e., used for transmitting a torque). Outer recesses are defined between the outer grooves and define a shorter distance between adjacent torque-transmitting outer grooves. Rolling-element inner grooves are defined on the outer surface and distributed around the axis. Rolling elements are rollingly arranged in the outer and inner grooves and rollingly engage the outer and inner shaft members during telescoping movement of the shaft assembly to reduce friction therebetween.

Abstract: In one aspect, a retainer cap for a rolling element shaft assembly having a yoke, a solid shaft, and a tubular shaft is provided. The retainer cap includes a body having a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and an inner surface defining an internal cavity to receive the tubular shaft, an axial end surface disposed at the first end and defining a first opening to receive the solid shaft, and a second opening defined in the body second end to receive the tubular shaft after insertion through the first opening. The retainer cap further includes a first tab extending from the axial end surface into the internal cavity, and a second tab extending from the axial end surface into the internal cavity.

Abstract: A telescoping shaft having a roller assembly in a steering column is provided. The telescoping shaft includes an outer shaft having at least one projection or at least one groove, and an inner shaft telescopically received in the outer shaft, the inner shaft having the other of the at least one groove and the at least one projection, the at least one groove matingly engaging the at least one projection, each of the at least one grooves having a mounting section formed therein. A roller assembly is positioned in the mounting section of each of the at least one grooves and includes a spring having a first biasing section and a second biasing section, a first plurality of rollers positioned on the first biasing section and a second plurality of rollers positioned on the second biasing section, the at least one projection extending between the first plurality of rollers and the second plurality of rollers.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle and a bushing for the adjustable steering column are provided. The adjustable steering column includes a column jacket having a lower jacket extending along a first axis and an upper jacket telescopically coupled to and extending with the lower jacket. The lower and upper shafts are configured to selectively move telescopically relative to one another for telescope adjustment of the steering column. The adjustable steering column also includes a bushing positioned between the lower jacket and the upper jacket, the bushing including a support portion extending along a length between the lower jacket and upper jacket, the support portion including a first seating area, and a roller portion positioned in the first seating area, the roller portion configured to engage at least one of an outer surface of the lower jacket and an inner surface of the upper jacket.

Abstract: In one aspect, a rolling element intermediate shaft assembly is provided. The assembly includes a solid shaft having a first end and a second end and a tubular shaft configured to receive the shaft first end. The tubular shaft includes an inner wall with an axially extending groove formed therein, and the axially extending groove includes an inner surface. The assembly further includes a wear plate having a bottom surface and defining an axially extending channel, the wear plate being received in the tubular shaft axially extending groove, and at least one ball bearing disposed within the wear plate channel between the wear plate and the solid shaft.

Abstract: A telescoping shaft in a steering column in a steering column is provided. The telescoping shaft includes an outer shaft having a bore extending in a longitudinal direction, an inner shaft telescopically received in the bore, the inner shaft rotationally fixed relative to the outer shaft and moveable relative to the outer shaft in the longitudinal direction, and at least one roller assembly positioned between the inner shaft and outer shaft. Each roller assembly of the at least one the roller assembly includes a spring having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end, a first roller positioned on the first end of the spring, and a second roller positioned on the second end of the spring, the spring urging the first roller and the second roller into contact with the outer shaft.

Abstract: In a splined drive wherein the teeth of a male spline and the teeth of a female spline are interposed in driving relation, a plurality of friction inhibitors in a string interposed between at least some of said male splined teeth and said female splined teeth and stops disposed at either end of said string of friction inhibitors to limit longitudinal travel of the string, with springs, or other elastic devices, interposed between the string of friction inhibitors and stops to center the friction inhibitors between the stops.

Abstract: A telescoping shaft in a steering column in a steering column is provided. The telescoping shaft includes an outer shaft having a bore extending in a longitudinal direction, an inner shaft telescopically received in the bore, the inner shaft rotationally fixed relative to the outer shaft and moveable relative to the outer shaft in the longitudinal direction, and at least one roller assembly positioned between the inner shaft and outer shaft. Each roller assembly of the at least one the roller assembly includes a spring having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end, a first roller positioned on the first end of the spring, and a second roller positioned on the second end of the spring, the spring urging the first roller and the second roller into contact with the outer shaft.

Abstract: A rotating shaft has: a first shaft member that includes a rail member and a first connecting portion which is disposed at the rail member; and a second shaft member that includes a slider which is movably installed to the rail member, a tubular unit which is secured to the slider, and a second connecting portion which is disposed at the tubular unit. The slider includes a plurality of roller type rolling elements. The plurality of roller type rolling elements includes: first roller type rolling elements which roll along a rolling path and when torque in a first direction is inputted, transfer running torque between the slider and the rail member; and second roller type rolling elements which roll along a rolling path and when torque in a second direction, which is opposite of the first direction, is inputted, transfer running torque between the slider and the rail member.

Abstract: Device for coupling an inner shaft and an outer shaft which slide along their common axis with balls positioned between the two shafts. The balls rest directly in axial grooves of the outer shaft and on two rails positioned in axial grooves of the inner shaft. The two rails pivot about the balls, by pressing against flanks of mating curved profile of the axial groove, and are held in place by an elastic element which presses against the bottom of the axial groove.

Abstract: A device for coupling an inner shaft and an outer shaft includes balls arranged in rows between axial grooves of the inner shaft and axial grooves of the outer shaft, enabling the shafts to slide in the direction of a common axis. Each row of balls is maintained by a double elastic member that bears in the groove of one of the inner or outer shafts and urges the balls along two rolling tracks so that they come into contact with the groove of the other of the inner and outer shafts. The two rolling tracks are hinged through a convex pivot surface and a corresponding concave support face of one of the inner and outer shafts, and a difference between the radii of the pivot surface and the support face defines two contact areas and a pivot axis parallel to the common axis.

Abstract: A length-adjustable shaft comprises an outer sleeve-shaped axial part; an inner axial part which can be pushed into and deployed out of the outer axial part in a telescopic fashion and which encloses a buffer chamber; having a bearing which is arranged between the two axial parts and which can be lubricated with a lubricant; that end of the inner axial part which can be pushed into the outer axial part has an end wall; a ventilation opening is provided which connects, in a conducting fashion, the buffer chamber to the cavity which is enclosed by the outer axial part, and the ventilation opening comprises at least one bore which is offset with respect to the rotational axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A slip joint comprising, a female portion comprised of four axially extending segments. The segments together create an outer perimeter. Each of the combined segments together form an inner surface of the female portion and each has its own ball tracks extending substantially the length of the female portion. A unitary male portion has an outer surface defined by a plurality of axially extending ball tracks. A unitary cage is located radially outward from the male portion and radially inward from the female portion. The cage has a plurality of ball apertures with balls located in the ball apertures. The balls are in contact with both the ball tracks in the male and female portions for selective movement of the male portion with respect to the female portion. A tube member is in direct radial outer contact substantially entirely along the outer perimeter of the female portion.

Abstract: A slip joint comprising, a female portion comprised of four axially extending segments. The segments together create an outer perimeter. Each of the combined segments together form an inner surface of the female portion and each has its own ball tracks extending substantially the length of the female portion. A unitary male portion has an outer surface defined by a plurality of axially extending ball tracks. A unitary cage is located radially outward from the male portion and radially inward from the female portion. The cage has a plurality of ball apertures with balls located in the ball apertures. The balls are in contact with both the ball tracks in the male and female portions for selective movement of the male portion with respect to the female portion. A tube member is in direct radial outer contact substantially entirely along the outer perimeter of the female portion.

Abstract: A variable length steering spindle for a steering mechanism of a motor vehicle includes an outer sleeve, an inner member, a slide sleeve having recesses, and rolling bodies. The recesses and the rolling bodies are configured such that the rolling bodies project from the slide sleeve in a no-load state of the slide sleeve, and in an assembled state of the steering spindle the rolling bodies are prestressed against a raceway face and are displaced in a direction away from the raceway face against a reset force. The slide sleeve contacts the other of the outer sleeve and the inner member when a limit value of torque is exceeded. The rolling bodies are non-displaceable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the slide sleeve or are finitely displaceable between stops formed at distal ends of the recesses.

Abstract: A rotary machine includes a rotary shaft having two driving reactive force receiving parts that are displaced in an axial direction and are applied with diametrical reactive forces having different rotation phases from driving targets as normal loads; and bearings that rotatably support the rotary shaft wherein the rotary shaft is rotated at a state where the rotary shaft is supported by the bearings to drive the driving targets via the driving reactive force receiving parts, wherein the bearings are respectively provided at both axial sides of one of the two driving reactive force receiving parts, which receives a higher normal load, and wherein a leading end side of the rotary shaft more than the other of the two driving reactive force receiving part, which receive a lower normal load lower than the higher normal load, is configured as a free end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for coupling an inner shaft and an outer shaft sliding in the direction of a common axis thereof, with balls provided between the two shafts. The balls are arranged in axial grooves of the inner shaft and in axial grooves of the outer shaft. Each row of balls is maintained by a double elastic member that bears in the groove of the inner shaft and urges the balls along two rolling tracks so that they come into contact with the groove of the outer shaft, wherein each of the two rolling tracks is hinged through a pivot surface and a bearing surface of the corresponding shaft, and the difference between the radii defines two bearing areas defining a hinge axis parallel to the common axis.

Abstract: Device for coupling an inner shaft and an outer shaft which slide along their common axis with balls positioned between the two shafts. The balls rest directly in axial grooves of the outer shaft and on two rails positioned in axial grooves of the inner shaft. The two rails pivot about the balls, by pressing against flanks of mating curved profile of the axial groove, and are held in place by an elastic element which presses against the bottom of the axial groove.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for coupling an inner shaft and an outer shaft sliding in the direction of a common axis thereof, with balls provided between the two shafts. The balls are arranged in axial grooves of the inner shaft and in axial grooves of the outer shaft. Each row of balls is maintained by a double elastic member that bears in the groove of the inner shaft and urges the balls along two rolling tracks so that they come into contact with the groove of the outer shaft, wherein each of the two rolling tracks is hinged through a pivot surface and a bearing surface of the corresponding shaft, and the difference between the radii defines two bearing areas defining a hinge axis parallel to the common axis.

Abstract: An input shaft for a hybrid transmission that is used for the hybrid transmission equipped with a plurality of friction elements and at least two or more planetary gear sets receiving power from an engine and at least one or more motor generators, may include a first spline to which at least one of the motor generators may be connected, a second spline and a third spline to which rotary elements of the planetary gear sets may be connected, respectively, and a lubricant channel formed inside the input shaft to provide a channel for lubricant for lubricating parts of the transmission.

Abstract: A displacement unit comprising a tubular outer part on an inner surface of which outer paths are provided. An inner part displaceable in the tubular outer part in axial direction, on whose exterior surface inner paths are provided and a plurality of balls guided in a cage, the balls respectively located in outer and inner paths that are associated with each other in pairs. The tubular outer part and/or the inner part provided with cage guide paths between at least some of the paths for axial guiding the cage. A quantity of the cage guide paths is smaller than the quantity of pairs of paths formed by the outer and inner paths. The cage may comprise a plurality of integral guide path protrusions that engage the cage guide paths.

Abstract: A telescopic shaft including a male shaft including a plurality of first splines formed on an outer circumferential surface in an axial direction and a fixing groove and a derail prevention protrusion which are formed on outer circumferential surfaces at one end and a middle portion of the male shaft in a radius direction, a female shaft including a hollow and a plurality of second splines formed on an inner circumferential surface of the hollow corresponding to the plurality of first splines, a plurality of balls disposed between grooves of the plurality of first splines and grooves of the plurality of second splines, a leaf spring having a plate shape and inserted into the plurality of first spline grooves, and a fixing ring connected to the fixing groove and surrounding one end of the leaf spring to prevent the leaf spring from derailing.

Abstract: A damper unit (1) composed of two parts (2, 3) which are connected to rotate with one another and between which an axially elastic element (7) is disposed. Such damper units are used particularly for axial damping and for compensating slight axial misalignments of shafts in drive trains. To improve such damper units, particularly with respect to their external diameters, the axially acting energy storage device is compressed by a rotational movement produced by threads upon axial loading of the two parts.

Abstract: A telescopic shaft for vehicles comprising an inner shaft axially movable in an outer shaft. The telescopic shaft comprises at least two rows of balls with at least one ball per row between the inner shaft and the outer shaft. A row of balls is arranged on at least one ball race arranged against the inner shaft. The ball race is wedge shaped on its against the inner shaft facing surface. The telescopic shaft comprises a prestress mechanism which pushes the ball race along a wedge unit axially in relation to and radially in the direction against the outer shaft. whereby the telescopic shaft is prestressed. The prestress mechanism is arranged to release the prestress when the alteration in length of the telescopic shaft exceeds a predetermined length.

Abstract: A slip joint of a steering apparatus for a vehicle, the slip joint including: an outer member having a plurality of first assembling recesses; an inner member being inserted within the outer member and having a plurality of second assembling recesses; and a slip bush, which is inserted between the outer member and the inner member and has mounting parts, into which balls and rollers are inserted, and elastic parts having one side cut out in an axial direction, each mounting part having a plurality of first mounting holes and a plurality of second mounting holes. Each elastic part transfers power while compensating for clearance even when the balls disposed between the inner member and the outer member of the slip joint are worn away so that a rattling noise generated due to clearance is removed, and steering stability and durability of the slip joint can be improved.

Abstract: A rolling-sliding unit, particularly for a jointed shaft, including a profiled sleeve (4) having outer raceways on an interior surface thereof; a journal (5) which is displaceable in the profiled sleeve (4) and which has inner raceways on an exterior surface thereof, and balls (9) in the raceways between the profiled sleeve and the journal for transmitting torque. A cover is provided on the journal of the rolling-sliding unit and an elastic element is arranged between the profiled sleeve and the journal of the rolling-sliding unit. A jointed shaft comprising a rolling-sliding unit of the described type also is described.

Abstract: A telescopic shaft (5) has an inner shaft (12) and a tubular outer shaft (13) that are fitted to each other so as to be relatively movable in an axial direction (X1) and to be able to transmit torque between each other. A row of a plurality of rolling bodies (14) is interposed between corresponding axial grooves (15, 16) of the inner shaft (12) and the outer shaft (13). A retaining member (17) moving together with the rolling bodies (14) while retaining the rolling bodies (14) has a facing portion (33) facing an end surface (121) of the inner shaft (12). As the telescopic shaft (5) telescopes in and out, the facing portion (33) comes into contact with the end surface (121) of the inner shaft (12), and this limits the movement of the rolling bodies (14) in the axial direction (X1).

Abstract: A jointed shaft with two shaft sections which are connected together in a rotationally fixed manner via a central shaft which is constructed as a constant velocity fixed joint. A constant velocity fixed joint is also arranged on the end of each of the shaft sections which is oriented away from the central joint. At least one roller displacement unit, which enables both shaft sections to be displaced in an axial manner in relation to each other, is also provided.

Abstract: A displacement unit comprising two shaft-shaped drive components which are displaceable in one another and each have a plurality of roller body raceways facing one another with roller bodies arranged between them. To both save weight and facilitate proper positioning of the components, a profile groove is provided between two adjacent roller body raceways of at least one drive component, the profile groove having a profile depth which is smaller than the profile depth of one of the adjacent roller body raceways.

Abstract: A flexible, dual ball joint assembly used for increasing the wear life of a mud motor. The ball joint assembly includes an drive shaft with a drive shaft hollow ball joint. An outer circumference of the hollow ball joint includes a plurality of equally spaced apart drive shaft ball bearings. An inner circumference, inside the hollow ball joint, includes a plurality of equally spaced apart drive shaft grooves. Also, the ball joint assembly includes an annular shaped torque coupler with a torque coupler ball joint. An outer circumference of the torque coupler ball joint includes a plurality of equally spaced apart torque coupler ball bearings. The torque coupler ball bearings are received in the drive shaft grooves for providing lateral movement between the drive shaft and the torque coupler. An outer circumference of the torque coupler next to the torque coupler ball joint includes a plurality of torque coupler lobes equally spaced apart therearound.

Abstract: A shaft assembly includes a first shaft member and a second shaft member telescopically engaged with the first shaft member. A roller carrier supporting a plurality of rollers is disposed between the first and second shaft members. The first shaft member defines a first slot extending along and angled relative to a longitudinal axis. The second shaft member defines a second slot extending along and angled relative to the first slot and the longitudinal axis. The roller carrier defines a carrier slot extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pin extends through the first slot, the second slot and the carrier slot and moves the roller carrier at a slower speed than the relative movement speed between the first shaft member and the second shaft member during telescoping movement. A wedge is disposed between the first shaft member and a portion of the rollers to de-lash the shaft assembly.

Abstract: A centrifugal advance mechanism has drive and driven members connected with one another to rotate about a common axis as they move toward and away from each other along the common axis. A resilient element biases the members toward each other. A ramp on one of the members has an inner end portion and an outer end portion. The inner end portion is closer to the common axis than the outer end portion, the ramp rising as it moves from the inner end portion toward the outer end portion. A ba1l contacts the ramp and the other member. The resilient element biases the ball down the ramp, the ball traveling radially outward and up the ramp as the members rotate at increasing angular velocity thereby causing the members to separate from each other against the bias of the resilient element and to rotate with respect to each other.