Abstract: A system for locking, with respect to rotation and translation, the engagement of a first shaft with a second shaft, the first shaft being disposed in an axial bore in the second shaft. The system includes a locking device movable between a locking position and a release position, the first shaft having an end part which includes two walls inclined towards each other in a transverse direction, the axial bore having two corresponding walls opposite the inclined walls of the first shaft wherein changing the locking position of the locking device causes a transverse movement of the end part which puts the inclined walls of the first shaft in abutment against the corresponding walls of the axial bore.

Abstract: A roller bearing for longitudinal motion includes a sleeve part through which passes a guide rod, a plurality of preferably uniformly distributed race plates each disposed in a respective receptacle formed in either the sleeve part or the guide rod, and a plurality of roller bodies disposed between the race plates and the guide rod. To compensate in a simple way for production variations, a spring mechanism is operatively associated with at least one of the race plates.

Abstract: A linear guide device for an automobile vehicle steering column includes a steering shaft rotatably mounted inside a guide-tube which is connected to a support assembly which is fixed to the chassis of the vehicle. A fixed support member is fastened to the chassis of the vehicle. A mobile support member is connected to the fixed support member in order to constitute the support assembly and is immobilized to the fixed support member against forces up to particular value. Rolling members are disposed between fixed rollways formed on the fixed support member and mobile rollways formed on the mobile support member. The fixed and mobile rollways each lie in the required guidance direction.

Abstract: A system for coupling an inner shaft and an outer shaft which slide one within the other in the direction of a common axis, the system comprising balls disposed between the inner shaft and the outer shaft in axial grooves on the inner shaft and in axial grooves on the outer shaft. Thrust is applied to each row of balls by an axial coil spring which bears in the groove and which applies thrust to two races of the balls which come into contact with the groove.

Abstract: A device for permanently coupling two shafts rotatable about a common axis comprises a tubular intermediate member disposed between the outer shaft and the inner shaft, an elastic connecting member disposed between the inner shaft and the tubular intermediate member, the elastic member being attached directly to the inner shaft and to the tubular intermediate member; and rotational connecting means between the outer shaft and the tubular intermediate member. When the coupling is mounted on an automobile vehicle steering column, the inner shaft is a tube of the steering shaft and the outer shaft is the connection end of the yoke of a universal joint.