Abstract: A light weight hybrid torque transfer joint trunnion has an integral metal hub spline fitting oriented on a center axis. This integral metal hub spline fitting may be made of steel, aluminum, titanium, or the like and may be generally cylindrical. The integral metal hub spline fitting defines an integral central internally-splined mast or driveshaft coupling opening centered about the center axis. A composite material body centrally retains, and is cured to, the metal hub spline fitting. Torque transfer joint link attachment pins extend from the composite material body and are rigidly linked to the metal hub spline fitting. In an example constant-velocity joint, a plurality of pivoting linkages may each be rotatably coupled to the torque transfer joint link attachment pins, and each of the plurality of pivoting linkages may, in turn be secured to a rotor yoke configured to mount a plurality of rotorcraft blades.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint having driving and driven pivot arm segments coupled together with a pivotal bearing element provides high power density transmission through a large dynamic angle. The constant velocity joint may be configured for axial movement, such as a plunge capability, or may be a fixed center joint.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint comprising a first shaft rotating about a first rotation axis, a second shaft rotating about a second rotation axis, with the first and the second rotation axes intersecting at the center of the joint, three triads of yokes, each triad of yokes comprising a control yoke, a first shaft yoke pivotally mounted on the first shaft and a second yoke pivotally mounted on the second shaft, with the three yokes of the triad of yokes pivotally mounted to each other to pivot about a common axis passing from the center of the joint, the three control yokes, one from each triad of yokes, are pivotally mounted to each other to pivot about a common axis passing from the center of the joint, with the transmission ratio of the constant velocity joint remaining strictly at 1:1 no matter what the angle between the two rotation axes is.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a drive to a load has an input connector that defines with a plurality of radially spaced input attachment points all lying on a common radial plane of a rotation axis and a similar output connector with a plurality of output attachment points. Connecting elements each have one end connected to a respective input attachment point and an opposite end connected to a respective output attachment point by a link joint. The radial spacing of the input attachment points from the input rotation axis and the radial spacing of the output attachment points from the output rotation axis are the same. The input attachment points and the output attachment points coupled to these input attachment points by a connecting element are angularly spaced relative to each other about the input rotation axis by 80° to 100°.

Abstract: A boot for joints, such as constant velocity joints, has a first attachment region and a fold region with a plurality of folds with peaks and roots and a transition area adjacent to the last fold arranged near said first attachment region. The transition area comprises a connecting root between said last fold in the transition part, wherein at least part of said transition part is inclined towards said first attachment region.

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

Abstract: A multi-part drive shaft for a transit vehicle door comprises an upper drive shaft connected to a door operating mechanism and having a door panel operating arm extending therefrom, a lower drive shaft journaled for rotation, a door panel operating arm extending therefrom and a flexible drive shaft secured at one end to the upper drive shaft and at the other end to the lower drive shaft. Rotation of the upper drive shaft will transfer torque to the lower drive shaft at the same angular speed.

Abstract: A constant-velocity drive system for an aircraft rotor has a gimbal mechanism and a differential torque-combining mechanism. The gimbal mechanism has gimbals driven in rotation by a rotor mast about a mast axis, the gimbals providing for gimballing relative to the mast about gimbal axes generally perpendicular to the mast axis. The differential torque-combining mechanism is connected to the gimbal mechanism and configured to be driven in rotation about the mast axis by the gimbal mechanism. The differential mechanism is capable of gimballing relative to the mast about the gimbal axes, the differential torque-combining mechanism having an output component attached to a yoke of the rotor for driving the yoke in rotation with the differential torque-combining mechanism.

Abstract: A torque transmission device having a torque converter which is accommodated in the drivetrain of a motor vehicle, for transmitting torque between a drive unit and a transmission, has a converter housing that is rotationally mounted about an axis of rotation and is nonrotatably connected to the drive unit. The torsionally fixed connection between the drive unit and the converter housing includes a tubular connecting element that is located coaxially to the axis of rotation of the converter housing.

Abstract: A pair of spherical gears connects the intersecting shafts of a CV-joint. One gear has internal teeth, and the other has external teeth. The gear design is based on pitch circles that are great circles on theoretical pitch spheres that are concentric and have identical radii. The internal teeth are either conically or spherically shaped, while the external tooth faces are cylindrical with tangential flat extensions. The spherical gears are shown on half-shafts. The preferred embodiments have six teeth on each gear, and one preferred embodiment also uses balls for the internal teeth. The gears, while rotating at high speeds under load, can intersect throughout a continuous maximum range of 60° or more in any direction.

Abstract: In a universal joint boot including a bellows part, a ring-shaped mounting part that is formed at one end of the bellows part and into which a cup for receiving one member of two members moving relatively to each other is inserted; and a seal that is formed toward the peripheral direction of the inner peripheral surface of the mounting part to which the cup is mounted, the inner peripheral surface has protrusions protruding toward the axial center of the ring-shaped mounting part and the height of the seal lip becomes lower from the bottom of the protrusion to a peak and width of the seal lip becomes wider from the bottom of the protrusion to the peak, whereby sealing performance can be improved.

Abstract: A constant velocity coupling which rotatably connects an input shaft to an output shaft via a control mechanism which includes a gimbal arrangement with an inner yoke rotatably connected to an outer yoke. The control mechanism includes a control yoke to constrain at least portions of the coupling to lie on or in association with a homokinetic plane of the coupling. The control mechanism operates symmetrically about a supplementary angle bisector. In another arrangement the coupling includes a double constant velocity joint in which the control mechanism is located in a control tube connecting the two joints. In another arrangement the angle between the input shaft and the output shaft is controlled so as to vary the volumetric capacity of a swash plate hydraulic displacement device.

Abstract: A constant velocity coupling which rotabably connects an input shaft to an output shaft by means of a control mechanism or control system which, in particular forms, includes a gimbal arrangement comprised of an inner yoke rotatably connected to an outer yoke. The control mechanism including control yoke constrains at least portions of the coupling to lie on or in association with a homokinetic plane of the coupling. In particular forms the control mechanism operates symmetrically about supplementary angle bisector.

Abstract: A fixed center constant velocity joint includes an outer race having races formed with a spherical surface, a shaft, a driver connected to the shaft and including radially directed pivot shafts, first and second bipods each located on an opposite axial side of the driver and including radially directed trunnions, equalizers fitted on a pivot shaft and driveably connected to the first and second bipods for pivoting the bipods relative to one another, and bearings rotatably supported on a trunnion and including a spherical surface conjugate to and engaged with a surface of a race.

Abstract: A coupling having slots for receiving drive tabs of an associated driving shaft and a driven shaft, wherein the tabs of the driving shaft and the driven shaft are tapered to militate against rotational play between the driving shaft and the driven shaft which results in undesirable wear and damage to the drive shafts and coupling.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes outer and inner races with mating part-spherical surfaces in which a single functional set of ball grooves are formed bearing a single torque-transmitting ball which is urged under an applied torque load toward one axial end of the joint. A retainer is carried by one of the two races or the shaft to which they are connected and acts on the ball to maintain the ball within the grooves during all angles of the joint.

Abstract: A pulley type constant velocity joint may include first and second shafts for transmitting and receiving power therebetween, first and second pulleys being fixedly attached to ends of the first and second shafts, respectively, and first and second wires wound around circumferential grooves of the first and second pulleys to allow the first and second pulleys to be rotated with reference to the center of the first and second pulleys. Further, first and second support frames may be included for rotatably supporting each center of the first and second pulleys, both ends of which are rotatably connected to each other. The constant velocity joint may also include two rotating pins to rotatably connect the first and second pulleys and the frames at the centers of the first and second pulleys, and two connecting pins for connecting the first and the second frames at their ends and for allowing rotation of the frames.

Abstract: An improved constant velocity joint grease cover and flange assembly and method of making the same. The constant joint has a mating surface with a first anti-slip portion. The flange has a mating surface with a second anti-slip portion, the grease cover has a first mating surface with a third anti-slip portion adapted to receive and mate with the first anti-slip portion of the constant velocity joint, and a second mating surface with a fourth anti-slip portion adapted to receive and mate with the second anti-slip portion of the flange. The respective anti-slip portions functions to reduce shearing forces on connecting bolts of the assembly caused by applied torque.

Abstract: A method of reducing hard machining time, and correspondingly increasing hard machining tooling life, of a non plunging type constant velocity joint for use in reduced angle applications. The method comprises forming a recess having a larger formed radius in a portion of the ball track and cage track areas that is non-functional in low angle operations prior to heat treat hardening. The new process results in a significant reduction of approximately forty-five percent in the hard machining of the ball and cage track surfaces.

Abstract: A prop rotor hub includes a constant velocity joint in the same plane as a prop blade yoke. Torque is transmitted from a shaft to the blades through the CV joint, hub plates attached to the CV joint, and the yoke, which is attached to the hub plates. Providing all elements in a substantially planar arrangement results in a hub assembly which has significantly less height than a traditional design. The hub itself is in-plane with the yoke, resulting in a more efficient torque transmission from the mast to the rotor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for coupling the torque transmission between a primary shaft and a receiving shaft to enable an angular and/or radial misalignment and/or an axial displacement between the two shafts, comprising two hubs (2) each provided with an external toothing (3) normally symmetrically convex with respect to a symmetrical plane (4) and a sleeve tube (7) having an internal toothing (8) co-operating with each external toothing (3) and capable of sliding longitudinally on them, limit stop means (9) being arranged in a ring-shaped space (10) between a wall (11) bearing the external toothing (3) and part (12) of at least of one of the hubs (2) and comprising a ring-shaped stop (15) fixed to the hub (2) in the symmetrical plane (4) and, at least on one side of the stop (15), a stop pin (16, 17) associated with the stop (15), arranged in the shape of a ring of the same diameter as that of the stop (15), perpendicular to the axis (18) of the sleeve tube (7), and fixed to it.

Abstract: A constant velocity flexible coupling for direct drive to the wheels of a low speed light duty wheeled vehicle or 4-wheel drive steer lawn tractor having discs which flexibly couple a drive shaft to a wheel flange.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint wherein the relatively moveable components are substantially contained within a cup-like housing having an open end. A spherical enlargement on the input shaft provides a sealing surface which may be sealed with relatively conventional seals. A concavo-convex connecting link is interconnected with both the input shaft and with the output shaft through interconnected arcuate T-shaped tongues and grooves which extend concentrically to the spherical enlargement surface to permit the joint components to maintain proper position at all times.

Abstract: A constant velocity universals joint accepts rotary input through its axle and is also steered by a thrust bearing. A ball member having outward projections passes rotary motion to a surrounding socket member having cooperating inward projections which slidingly engage the ball projections. Both types of projections rotate about respective mountings. As the socket member turns in response to a steering input and the ball member maintains its orientation, the respective cooperating projections rotate about their mountings and slide across one another. The ball member thus continues to propel the socket member while accommodating variable angularity therebetween.

Abstract: An input shaft is coupled to an output shaft through a constant velocity joint in which tangentially oriented constraints, spaced 120.degree. apart and resiliently connected, effect the coupling. The input and output shafts have radially projecting pins thereon which abut axially projecting pins on a center coupling element. Tensioned coil springs extend between the radially projecting pins on the input and output shafts while contact element bearings are disposed between the center coupling element and shafts. Alternatively, the input and output shafts are each connected to a center element by tangentially extending wire elements. Alternatively, the shafts are coupled directly to one another with tangentially oriented constraints connected directly to the shafts or shaft elements rather than being connected through an intermediate coupling element.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism employing connecting drive rods for the transmission of rotational drive between two shafts with intersecting axes of rotation. The mechanism provides; self-containment of the coupler, self-alignment and controlled axial displacement of the coupled shafts, pressure activated lubrication of the coupler mechanism, constant or variable angle of intersection of the coupled shafts, and constant angular velocity power transmission.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint (10) is provided specifically for connecting a yoke (14) to a mast (12) in a helicopter and more generally (200) for interconnecting a first shaft (202) to a second shaft (204) for bidirectional drive. The constant velocity joint employs a carrier (40, 218) which is formed with a series of apertures for receiving elastomeric bearing assemblies (42, 80, 220). The elastomeric bearing assemblies are provided with a spherical elastomeric bearing (60) and a cylindrical elastomeric bearing (48). Certain of the elastomeric bearing assemblies connect the carrier to one of the rotating members while the remaining elastomeric bearing assemblies connect the other rotating member to the carrier. The axis of symmetry (67) of the carrier always bisects the angle of misalignment between the two rotating shafts or members to assure that a constant velocity joint is achieved.

Abstract: A link for use in a link-type rotary coupling. The link has an elastomeric bearing which incorporates a pair of cavities that provide discontinuities for preventing the transfer of tensile stresses in the elastomeric layers when the link is tensioned axially while permitting the elastomeric layers to accept compressive stresses when the link is compressed axially. The resulting link is durable.

Abstract: An equal velocity universal joint is suitable for coupling shafts, driving and driven shafts, of mutual machines and for use in an axial piston pump motor device. One ends driving pins of the equal velocity universal joint rotate along a predetermined locus on a concentric circle while rotating and sliding by themselves in the cylinder bores of the driving or driven shaft. Spherical head portions of the other ends perform rotating motion in cylinder bores or ball receiving bores of the driving or driven shaft. Accordingly, the respective drving pins continue linear sliding motion in response to the rotation of the driving or driven shaft and thereby the spherical head portions of the other ends are held at the concentric circle on the driving or driven shaft so as to keep the driving center in floating state. As a result, the respective pistons are driven on a concentric circle, thereby an equal velocity universal joint is realized and the mechanical vibration thereof is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A power transmission joint comprises a pair of rotational members each having a rotation axis and arranged so as to be axially spaced from each other. A guide pin is disposed between the pair of rotational members and has an end portion thereof rotatably and swingably engaged with opposite end portions of the rotational members at rotation axes, respectively. A pair of drive pins are arranged symmetrically with respect to and in parallel to an axis of the guide pin and each is engaged with the opposite ends of the rotational members so as to transmit torque while allowing the drive pins to slide in a radial direction on the rotational members, swing and axially slide. A member is disposed between the pair of rotational members and rigidly ties the guide pin and the drive pins to keep a prescribed fixed relation therebetween.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint (10) rotationally connecting rotationally mounted first and second members (12 and 14) together each having an axis of rotation (16 and 18) in accordance with the invention and includes at least one axial bore (42) within the first shaft offset from and parallel to the axis of rotation of the first member, a plurality of axial channels (46) extending along each axial bore which are located in a peripheral wall (44) of each axial bore; at least one axial bore (42) within the second member offset from and parallel to the axis of rotation of the second member, a plurality of channels (46) extending along each axial bore which are located in a peripheral wall (44) of each axial bore of the second member; at least one pair of rods connected together by a joint (28) having at least one degree of rotational freedom, one of the rods of each pair of connected rods being disposed in an axial bore within the first member and another of the rods of each pair of connected rods being disposed in a

Abstract: A link-type coupling particularly suited for use in connecting a drive shaft to a rotor hub in an aircraft for permitting the hub to rotate about an axis that may be angularly misaligned with respect to the rotational axis of the drive shaft. The coupling includes a series of links arranged tangentially with respect to the hub and shaft and connected thereto by laminated elastomeric bearings at the ends of the links. The laminated elastomeric bearings accommodate the motion of each link while transferring torque between the shaft and hub.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint (200) for interconnecting a first shaft (202) to a second shaft (204) for bidirectional drive is provided. The constant velocity joint employs a carrier (218) which is formed with a series of apertures for receiving elastomeric bearing assemblies (220). The elastomeric bearing assemblies are provided with a spherical elastomeric bearing (60) and a cylindrical elastomeric bearing (48). Certain of the elastomeric bearing assemblies connect the carrier to one of the rotated members while the remaining elastomeric bearing assemblies connect the other rotating member to the carrier. The axis of symmetry of the carrier (218) will always bisect the angle of misalignment between the two rotating shafts to assure that a constant velocity joint is achieved.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint (10) is provided specifically for connecting a yoke (14) to a mast (12) in a helicopter and more generally (200) for interconnecting a first shaft (202) to a second shaft (204) for bidirectional drive. The constant velocity joint employs a carrier (40, 218) which is formed with a series of apertures for receiving elastomeric bearing assemblies (42, 80, 220). The elastomeric bearing assemblies are provided with a spherical elastomeric bearing (60) and a cylindrical elastomeric bearing (48). Certain of the elastomeric bearing assemblies connect the carrier to one of the rotating members while the remaining elastomeric bearing assemblies connect the other rotating member to the carrier. The axis of symmetry (67) of the carrier always bisects the angle of misalignment between the two rotating shafts or members to assure that a constant velocity joint is achieved.

Abstract: A shaft coupling assembly having a first and a second internal fluid chamber system, each containing therein a fluid medium which is placed under pressure when torque is transmitted through the coupling assembly, each of the fluid chamber systems including a plurality of chambers and a plurality of channels which converge from a common point placing the channels in flow communication with each other and which interconnect the plurality of chambers of each of the systems. The channels of the first and the second systems are axially offset relative to each other and each of the systems is designed to create a throttling effect offering resistance to flow of the fluid medium within each of the systems. The coupling assembly enables compensation for axial, radial, angular and/or torsional shaft offset and, additionally, makes it possible to damp the vibrations in an axial, radial, angular and torsional direction and to adjust the stiffness of the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A constant velocity coupling characterized by a hub made of a rigid material, a plurality of torque transmitting elements made of a rigid material, and elastomeric sections connecting the hub and the torque transmitting elements. The coupling consists of a female half and a male half and offers the advantage that the two halves may be molded in a single cavity mold, with the mating portions characteristic of the male half being added after the molding has been accomplished.

Abstract: The invention relates to a homokinetic shaft coupling which permits an offset angular disposition and, if need be, a radial and/or an axial offset, between the two parts to be coupled. For this purpose, at least one radially-extending intermediary member is provided between the two coupling halves which is coupled on both diametrically opposite ends with the two coupling halves by guides which generally are disposed in a circumferential direction. The guides are universally mounted on the two coupling halves, as well as on the intermediary member on pins which are disposed in axial direction, axially aligned with one another. If two or more intermediary members are provided, they may be coupled with a universal joint for the purpose of generally effecting a centering with respect to each other.

Abstract: The axial load-carrying ability of an axially-lobed, nearly-spherical elastomeric joint is enhanced by offsetting the elastomer layers so that there is more elastomer to react the load in compression. The improvement is useful in the application of the joint to a gimbal-like rotor system.

Abstract: A tool holding member is coupled to a driving or spindle member by a lug-and-slot universal type coupling member. The three members are held against axial separation by a pair of resiliently yieldable retaining rings which coact with the coupling member to allow the tool holding member to float radially relative to the spindle member. Means are provided for locking tools of various diameters in the tool holding member while providing a positive drive between the holding member and the tool.

Abstract: A kinematic universal coupling assembly for converting rotation about a first rotational axis to rotation about a second rotational axis comprises a driving member rotatable about the first rotational axis and having first, second and third torque transmitting portions relative to the first rotational axis, a driven member rotatable about the second rotational axis and having first, second and third torque transmitted portions relative to the second rotational axis, lines connecting the first, second and third torque transmitted portions to the first, second and third torque transmitting portions intersecting one another at a point, and a torque transmitting device for transmitting a torque from a rotative driving member to a rotative driven member. The torque transmitting device includes first, second and third members for transmitting a torque from the first, second and third torque transmitting portions to the first, second and third torque transmitting portions.

Abstract: The drive coupling assembly, which is adapted to drivingly connect together a drive member mounted for rotation about a first axis and a driven member mounted for rotation about a second axis generally coaxially with the first rotational axis, has identically arranged torque transmitting members mounted on the drive and driven members and connected together by a pair of resilient members extending transversely of the rotational axes. Each transmitting member includes a base portion for mounting on the associated drive member and driven member, first and second opposed wall sections extending axially from the base portion in spaced, parallel relationship on the opposite sides of the rotational axes. A first axially extending projection on the first wall section of one torque transmitting members extends in spaced, parallel relationship to a corresponding first axially extending projection on the first wall section of the other torque transmitting member.

Abstract: In a constant-velocity universal joint, the rotary motion to be transmitted from the driving shaft to the driven shaft through the medium of rotary members disposed between the opposed lateral contact surfaces of the adjacent yokes of the driving shaft and the driven shaft is made to act on the rotary members in the tangential direction of the pitch circle of the rotary members when the lateral contact surfaces of the adjacent yokes are formed parallel to the normal axes, thereby enabling the rotary motion to be transmitted with high efficiency without entailing any loss due to occurrence of resultant force. The retainer for holding in position the rotary members can be positively kept in the plane perpendicular to the bisector of the intersecting angle of the axes of the two shafts when the surfaces formed in the retainer for guiding the yokes are curved, thereby allowing the constancy of the angular-velocity of transmission of the rotary motion to be secured.

Abstract: A homokinetic coupling with an inner ring contained within a groove-like ball race within the outer ring, and with a series of flattened balls therebetween for imparting rotation and transmitting forces, the balls being at least partially enclosed by a flexible annular ball cage.

Abstract: A tripod type constant velocity universal joint for interconnecting two shafts to permit transmission of a driving force in a vehicle such as a motor car. In said tripod type constant velocity universal joint, a trunnion portion of the tripod shafts is urged against and supported by a tulip portion of a second shaft by a tripod spring, the spherical head of a mushroom-shaped member provided in the mounting hole of said trunnion portion is kept in contact with a recess in said tulip portion by the biasing force of a compression spring, and further, said mushroom-shaped member or said trunnion portion of the tripod shafts is formed to provide a spherically curved surface or a conical surface incorporating a straight line, in which the distance from the center of the joint is increased as a point on the external configuration leaves the center toward the outer periphery.

Abstract: A coupling of the "Tracta" joint type comprises a driving member rotatable about a first axis, a driven member rotatable about a second axis, and two intermediate members for operatively coupling the driving member to the driven member. The improvement comprises elastomeric bearing means disposed between and engaging each set of mutually opposing bearing surfaces of the driving, driven and intermediate members under compression when torque is applied to the driving member about the first axis.