Abstract: A non-plunging constant velocity ratio universal joint comprising outer and inner joint members (1, 2) with groove pairs (7, 8) in meridian planes and a cage (13) having apertures wherein torque-transmitting balls (9) are received on in each facing pair of grooves, has groove center lines which comprise portions with centers of curvature (M.sub.ag, M.sub.ak, M.sub.ig, M.sub.ik) which, with the joint in the aligned position, are disposed symmetrically relative to each other on opposite sides of the joint center plane (E.sub.K), and in the case of which the center lines of the grooves each comprise a portion with a narrower curvature on that side of the ball center plane (E.sub.K) to which the respective offset line (O.sub.A, O.sub.B) of the joint member points, as well as a portion with a wider curvature on the side of the ball center plane (E.sub.K) positioned opposite the respective offset line of the joint member.

Abstract: In a universal joint assembly having an outer joint member with grooves in its internal wall, an inner joint member with opposed grooves, balls disposed one in each pair of the grooves, and a cage supporting the balls, there are included pairs of grooves formed of adjacent grooves one in each joint member with the pairs including pairs having grooves extending parallel to a center axis of the joint and pairs having grooves which are inclined or oblique relative to the center axis of the joint with adjacent oblique grooves in each of the joint members being inclined relative to the center axis at equal angles but in intersecting directions. Each joint member may have at least nine, and preferably twelve, grooves. The balls may be considered as divided into groups which provide the joint with improved ball control and torque transmitting ability.

Abstract: A wheel hub assembly for a motor vehicle wheel having: a bearing including an outer bearing ring adapted to be affixed with the vehicle chassis and an inner bearing ring having the vehicle wheel mounted thereon; a rotary joint including an inner joint member and an outer joint member rotatively fixed with the inner bearing ring; and a stepped bore provided in the inner bearing ring opening toward the rotary joint and receiving the outer joint member therein. The outer joint member has on its side facing the bearing a centering surface engaging within the stepped bore to provide a centering effect between the outer joint member and the inner bearing ring. The centering surface simultaneously serves as a welding face for a welded joint formed by a low heat welding process between the inner bearing ring and the outer joint member. The outer joint member is also formed with a surface cooperating with the stepped bore of the inner bearing ring and spaced a distance from the inner bearing ring.

Abstract: A drive shaft construction particularly for a motor vehicle including a hollow tubular shaft having a pair of end portions formed with a splined configuration adapted to receive driving joints is structured so that the tubular shaft is formed with an intermediate portion having an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the end portions, with the wall thickness of the intermediate portion being between 1/8 and 1/15 of the outer diameter of the intermediate portions.

Abstract: A driven steering shaft assembly especially for a planetary steering shaft is formed with a universal joint interposed between an axle shaft extending from a differential and a steering shaft for driving a wheel hub or the inner central gear of a planetary set, with the universal joint coupling the axle shaft and the steering shaft together. The universal joint includes an outer joint member coupled with one of the shafts and an inner joint member coupled with the other shaft. A sealing boot is operatively coupled to seal the interior of the universal joint and the sealing boot is releasably attached with the outer joint member of the universal joint. A neck portion of the sealing boot engages the steering shaft in releasable connection therewith but axially slideably movable relative thereto.

Abstract: In a drive arrangement for a ship, a flexibly mounted drive unit provides the torque for a propeller shaft. The propeller shaft can be supported in a flexibly mounted thrust bearing. A drive shaft interconnecting the drive unit and the propeller shaft includes a single length rigid shaft with a constant velocity universal joint at each end. At least one of the universal joints can absorb axial movement while both can absorb angular movement. The drive unit may consist of a drive motor or the combination of a drive motor and a reduction gear unit interconnected by a rigid shaft with a constant velocity universal joint at each of its ends.

Abstract: In a homokinetic universal joint, an inner joint member extends into the hollow space formed within an outer joint member. Each of the inner and outer joint members has an axially extending check pin located within the hollow space with the pins extending toward one another. The check pins have an axial length which prevent the angular relation between the inner and outer joint members from being less than 20.degree..

Abstract: A variable length transmission shaft for drive transmissions in various types of machinery includes a pair of parallel rotating or synchronous speed torque coupling joints and a connecting shaft carried between the coupling joints. Each of the coupling joints has inner and outer joint members which are slidable with respect to each other, and torque transmitting balls arranged between the inner and outer joint members for transmitting torque between the inner and outer joint members. The connecting shaft is formed of a pair of telescopically cooperating shaft members which are arranged for relative sliding movement with respect to each other. One of the shaft members is coupled to the inner joint member of one of the coupling joints and the other shaft member is coupled to the inner joint member of the other coupling joint. The overall length of the transmission shaft can be varied by effecting sliding movement of one of the shaft members with respect to the other shaft member.

Abstract: A bearing mount for a wheel driven through a constant velocity universal joint has an inner bearing ring which is axially adjacent to an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint and is attached to the outer joint member by a welded joint formed by a low temperature welding process.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint comprises an outer joint element having a cavity therein and an inner joint element positioned within the cavity. A plurality of torque transmitting balls are positioned within pairs of opposed grooves formed in the opposing surfaces of the inner and outer joint elements with the grooves being positioned in meridial planes. A ball retaining cage is disposed between the joint elements and has an inner spherical surface coacting with the outer spherical surface of the inner joint member and an outer spherical surface co-acting with a spherical surface portion on the cavity surface of the outer joint element so that the balls are retained in a plane which bisects the angle between the joint elements.

Abstract: In a universal joint there is provided a sealing ring for sealing relative to a trunnion and a bearing element surrounding a trunnion pin having roller bearings adjacent thereto. The sealing ring has an axial portion projecting between the bearing element and the trunnion pin toward the roller bearings. A chamber is formed between the sealing ring and the bearing element. A sealing lip on the axial portion engages the inner wall of the bearing element and defines an angle of less than 90.degree.. The sealing lip is thin and resilient to define an annular membrane.