Abstract: A universal joint assembly includes a universal joint and a housing encasing the universal joint. An isolator encases the housing. The isolator includes at least one chamber formed therein. The housing is moveable relative to the isolator by compression of the isolator.

Abstract: A grease lock seal with sealing lips angled inwardly towards the internal bearing components is press fit into a bearing cup assembly to prevent grease from being purged due to centrifugal forces introduced during the rotational operation of the system. As the plurality of sealing lips retain grease in the system, the system does not have to be re-greased. If one desires to re-grease the system, the grease lock seal can further include a plurality of grease purge channels which create a path for used grease to be purged. As internal pressure increases during regreasing, the used grease flows through the grease purge channels and out of the system. However, the grease purge channels are small enough so that grease does not escape from the system during normal operation.

Abstract: A universal joint bearing assembly incorporates a thrust washer molded from plastic. The plastic thrust washer eliminates the metal galling and metal debris that have been found in prior art universal joint bearings. A support notch is formed at radially outer surfaces to support an inner end of needle bearings. Resilient members bias the notch against the needle bearings such that the needle bearings are supported on the notch and against a seal at the outer end of the bearing cup. The resilient members are compressed when the universal joint is assembled such that the needle bearings operate properly. A central dome extension on the thrust washer insures that the thrust washer is not improperly mounted within the bearing cup. An outer face of the thrust washer is formed at an angle such that central portion extend further towards the trunnion than radially outer portions.

Abstract: An end of life indicator for a universal joint comprises an indicator member that monitors the temperature of the cross member of the universal joint. As the universal joint approaches the end of its life, the cross member exceeds expected temperatures as the bearings begin to wear. At a temperature above the typical operational temperature expected with a properly functioning universal joint, but below the temperature wherein the universal joint could be damaged or seize, a portion of the temperature indicator melts allowing the indicator to move to the actuated position. An operator will be able to visually identify the universal joint as approaching the end of its life. In one preferred embodiment, the indicator includes a plug at a position spaced forwardly of the indicator piston, with the plug holding the piston at the non-actuated position. When the plug melts, the indicator is spring biased to an outwardly actuated position where the operator will be able to visually identify an actuated indicator.

Abstract: A method of retaining a splined male member and a splined female member against relative axial motion therebetween when the splines of the members are in engagement with one another and a unitary axial retaining member for use in the practice of the method. The method includes the steps of mounting a hollow, thermoplastic axial retaining member to the interior surface of the female member and positively interconnecting the other end of the axial retaining member with the male member. The axial retaining member has an inwardly oriented flange for interconnecting one end of the retaining member to the male member and an outwardly oriented radial flange for interconnecting the opposite end of the retaining member to the female member. A plurality of longitudinal slots are optionally formed in one end of the retaining member to separate it into a plurality of flexible fingers to facilitate interconnection of that end of the retaining member with its associated male or female member.

Abstract: A self-aligning tripod joint tulip cover for use in a tripod joint assembly that has an irregularly shaped, non-circular tulip body and a shaft mounted spider assembly, the tulip cover having a cylindrical flange that surrounds a portion of the tulip body, interconnecting projections extending from the cylindrical flange that are received in part annular recesses of part cylindrical outer surface portions of the tulip body to secure the tulip cover to the tulip body, the tulip body further having an annular flange that extends radially inwardly from the cylindrical flange to lie in close proximity to the front face of the tulip body and to trap a resilient, annular sealing member therebetween. The tulip body has a longitudinal recess therein and longitudinal tracks that extend radially outwardly from the recess, each such recess slidingly receiving a roller of the spider assembly to permit reciprocation of the spider assembly within the tulip body.

Abstract: An axial retaining member for retaining a male member and a female member against relative axial motion therebetween. The axial retaining member includes a longitudinally extending main body having a longitudinal axis, a first end, a second end, and a central passageway therethrough for mounting the main body to the male member. Positive interconnection means, such as an inwardly oriented flange, are provided for interconnecting one end of the main body to the male member and a second interconnection means, such as an outwardly oriented radial flange, is provided for interconnecting the opposite end of the main body to the female member. A plurality of longitudinal slots are optionally formed in the main body to separate one end of the main body into a plurality of flexible fingers to facilitate interconnection of that end of the main body with its associated male or female member.

Abstract: A constant velocity torque transmitting universal joint, utilizing spherical ball members arranged in a longitudinal groove of an inner joint member, is adapted to connect to a shaft and a longitudinal groove of an outer joint member. The outer joint member is connected to a second shaft so that the outer joint member may be displaced in an axial direction relative to the inner joint member. Therefore, the inner joint member may be displaced in an axial direction relative to the cage restraining member holding the spherical ball members in their mutually opposed grooves of their respective joint members. The cage restraining member permits the spherical ball members to roll in their respective grooves for a short distance prior to skidding to reduce the overall resistance to axial movement effort prior to skidding as a result of the friction torque relationship of the joint.

Abstract: A constant velocity torque transmitting universal joint, utilizing spherical ball members arranged in a longitudinal groove of an inner joint member, is adapted to connect to a shaft and a longitudinal groove of an outer joint member. The outer joint member is connected to a second shaft so that the outer joint member may be displaced in an axial direction relative to the inner joint member. Therefore, the inner joint member may be displaced in an axial direction relative to the cage restraining member holding the spherical ball members in their mutually opposed grooves of their respective joint members. The cage restraining member permits the spherical ball members to roll in their respective grooves for a short distance prior to skidding to reduce the overall resistance to axial movement effort prior to skidding as a result of the friction torque relationship of the joint.

Abstract: A venting arrangement for a stroking universal joint comprises a split vent sleeve seated in a closed position in a shallow annular groove of the drive shaft and maintained therein by a clamped neck portion of a flexible elastomeric boot. The vent sleeve has an internal spiral groove which provides a vent passage for accommodating interior volume changes of the universal joint during stroking. The longitudinal ends of the vent sleeve defining the split are castellated in a complementary manner to provide intermeshing tongues and grooves and a radial slot located in the interior of the universal joint for purging grease from the spiral groove during universal joint rotation.