Patents Examined by Peter Karytnyk
  • Patent number: 5112197
    Abstract: An assembly for providing socket plate torque restraint for a variable displacement wobble plate refrigerant compressor includes a non-rotary cross groove joint. The joint has a cylindrical outer race, a cylindrical inner race, slightly angled helical grooves in the races, a plurality of torque receiving balls and a cage for properly maintaining and positioning the balls in the cooperating grooves for operation. The joint is connected to a fixed anti-rotational shaft. The shaft is in the form of a sleeve and forms the inner race to effect torque restraint, but at the same time allow for translational axial motion of the socket plate. Radial and thrust bearings mount said socket plate relative to the rotary hub/journal. Lubricating fluid carried by the gaseous refrigerant lubricates the grooves and is then transferred by a passage extending from the grooves in the outer race to the radial/thrust bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Swain, John P. Wilcox, David L. Thomas