Abstract: An assembly of a drive shaft of composite, fibre reinforced resin, material and a yoke member of a Hookes universal joint, the latter comprising a sheet metal element with a spigot portion (10) and two transverse tubular portions (11) which form or receive bearing elements for the universal joint. The fibres of the shaft are wound helically on the spigot portion and circumferentially around the tubular portions of the metal element, and reinforce the latter so that it need only be of thin sheet material.

Abstract: An assembly of a bearing unit with inner and outer members and rolling elements between them and a universal joint member, with a retaining element which has been deformed to hold the members together and removal of which to permit dismantling of the assembly leaves at least one of the members undamaged and fit for further service. Torque transmission between the members may be by way of tapered splines.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, friction welding two components such as universal joint members to the ends of a shaft, wherein the shaft is held stationary while the components are rotated against its ends to produce welding conditions, and then released as welding pressure is applied while the components are braked. Allowing the shaft to rotate with the end component during formation of the welds avoids weld quality problems occurring due to the formation and tearing apart of a succession of welds during the time which would be taken for the end components to come to rest if the shaft were held stationary.

Abstract: An assembly of a universal joint member and a shaft formed of fibre reinforced synthetic resin material is made by establishing an adhesive connection between the shaft and a connecting member, and subsequently welding the connecting member to the universal joint member. The connecting member may be adhered to the shaft by incorporating it in the structure of the shaft as the shaft is manufactured.

Abstract: A transmission means for drive by a prime mover, particularly the engine of an automobile, comprising a torque converter for direct drive by the prime mover, a continuously variable speed belt drive comprising a belt or chain entrained around two variable pitch pulleys driven directly by the torque converter and a change-direction gearing driven by the belt drive and driving a rotary output, e.g. the road wheels of an automobile, the gearing having a neutral state in which the output is disconnected from the belt drive.