Abstract: An annular ring for use with a bearing cage, retainer, or separator has a single split which allows the ring to be pulled open to a C-shaped configuration in order to facilitate installation of the ring around an inner race or a shaft. The two adjacent ends of the split ring have male and female locking elements which mate so as to lock the ring together and thereby limit radial, axial, and circumferential motion of the two ends. The pockets and locking elements are configured so as to allow the ring to be manufactured by an axial-draw molding method.

Abstract: An intermediate shaft subassembly comprises two members--an inner intermediate shaft member and an outer intermediate tube member. The subassembly connects the upper section of the intermediate shaft to the lower section of the intermediate shaft. The two members of the subassembly make a sliding fit, with the shaft member telescoping inside the tube member, and they are connected by a midpoint connection near their junction where they overlap. The midpoint connection comprises a bolt which is positioned through aligned holes through the tube member and an elongated slot through the shaft member. The elongated slot allows the shaft and tube members to be positioned in variable relative positions before the bolt is tightened to lock the two members together. When the bolt is tightened, the tube member is deformed around the shaft member to form a tight connection with minimal rotational lash.

Abstract: A drawn cup needle bearing with an open end and a covered end contains multiple roller elements in a retainer or cage. The bearing is installed on a trunnion of a universal joint and has a protuberance projecting inwardly from the covered end so as to provide a bearing surface between the protuberance and the end of the trunnion. The protuberance is surrounded by an annular region which has been spring-tempered to allow the covered end to flex without cracking during installation of the bearing onto the trunnion and during normal operation.