Abstract: Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the stapling assembly includes a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein and a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. Adjunct systems for use with a surgical stapler are also provided. Surgical end effectors using the stapling assemblies are also provided. Methods for manufacturing stapling assemblies and using the same are also provided.

Abstract: A multi-piece propeller shaft includes a constant velocity joint disposed between and operably interconnecting first and second shaft segments. The constant velocity joint includes an outer race extending along an axis A from a first outer race end operably connected to the second shaft segment to a second outer race end to define an inner surface bounding an internal cavity. A vent and seal assembly is disposed inside the outer race and defines a plurality of venting cavities disposed serially along the axis A in fluid communication with one another. A first one of the venting cavities is disposed in fluid communication with the internal cavity and a last one of the venting cavities is disposed in fluid communication with an environment of the constant velocity joint for venting air from the internal cavity to the environment.

Abstract: A joint assembly for connecting a first rotating part and a second rotating part. The joint assembly includes a constant velocity joint that has an inner race for being connected to the first rotating part and an outer race that is pivotable relative to the outer race. A mating flange couples the outer race to the second rotating part. The outer race and the mating flange each have a radially inner surface. A piloting cover is positioned axially between the outer race and the mating flange and radially supports the radially inner surface of the outer race at a first pilot point, and radially supports the radially inner surface of the mating flange at a second pilot point for centering the outer race relative to the mating flange. The first and second pilot points are located radially inwardly of a bolt circle diameter.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint assembly includes an outer race having a first bore defined by an inner surface of the outer race. A ball cage has an outer surface and a second bore defined by an inner surface of the ball cage. The ball cage is axially received in the first bore of the outer race. At least one of the inner surface of the outer race or the inner surface the ball cage includes a first portion having a cylindrical contour and a second portion having a spherical contour.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes a shaft and an inner race coupled to the shaft. The inner race has a shaft groove formed thereon. A boot assembly engages the shaft and covers the inner race. A pair of grooves is axially formed in the boot assembly. The shaft groove provides communication between the pair of grooves.

Abstract: A joint assembly for connecting a first rotating part and a second rotating part. The joint assembly includes a constant velocity joint that has an inner race for being connected to the first rotating part and an outer race that is pivotable relative to the outer race. A mating flange couples the outer race to the second rotating part. The outer race and the mating flange each have a radially inner surface. A piloting cover is positioned axially between the outer race and the mating flange and radially supports the radially inner surface of the outer race at a first pilot point, and radially supports the radially inner surface of the mating flange at a second pilot point for centering the outer race relative to the mating flange. The first and second pilot points are located radially inwardly of a bolt circle diameter.

Abstract: A multi-piece propeller shaft includes a constant velocity joint disposed between and operably interconnecting first and second shaft segments. The constant velocity joint includes an outer race extending along an axis A from a first outer race end operably connected to the second shaft segment to a second outer race end to define an inner surface bounding an internal cavity. A vent and seal assembly is disposed inside the outer race and defines a plurality of venting cavities disposed serially along the axis A in fluid communication with one another. A first one of the venting cavities is disposed in fluid communication with the internal cavity and a last one of the venting cavities is disposed in fluid communication with an environment of the constant velocity joint for venting air from the internal cavity to the environment.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes a shaft. The constant velocity joint also includes a boot member. The boot member covers a portion of the shaft. A corrosion resistant sleeve is disposed intermediate the shaft and the boot member. The sleeve includes a vent channel. The vent channel is formed only in an outer surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint assembly includes an outer race having a first bore defined by an inner surface of the outer race. A ball cage has an outer surface and a second bore defined by an inner surface of the ball cage. The ball cage is axially received in the first bore of the outer race. At least one of the inner surface of the outer race or the inner surface the ball cage includes a first portion having a cylindrical contour and a second portion having a spherical contour.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes a shaft and an inner race coupled to the shaft. The inner race has a shaft groove formed thereon. A boot assembly engages the shaft and covers the inner race. A pair of grooves is axially formed in the boot assembly. The shaft groove provides communication between the pair of grooves.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a constant velocity joint (“CV joint”) and, more particularly, to a Rzeppa CV joint and method of forming the same. The method generally includes the steps of forming a bell shaped outer bearing race and separating the bell shaped outer bearing race into a disc shaped outer bearing race and a stub shaft. The method may further include the step of machining the bell shaped outer bearing race to create the stub shaft integrally connected to the disc shaped outer bearing race, before separating the bell shaped outer bearing race into the disc shaped outer bearing race and the stub shaft.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly includes a bearing shaft having a wheel hub mounted onto an outboard end, and a detachable outboard joint mounted onto an inboard end. A wheel bearing is mounted onto the bearing shaft, and includes a knuckle flange having an inner diameter that defines an inboard outer race and an outboard outer race. An inboard inner race and an outboard inner race are supported on the bearing shaft. Bearing elements are positioned between the inner and outer races. An inboard bearing ring is mounted onto the bearing shaft. The inboard bearing ring defines the inboard inner race and includes an engagement portion extending axially inward that engages the detachable outboard joint. The bearing shaft includes a flange portion that supports the inboard bearing ring and the wheel bearing when the outboard joint is removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to constant velocity (CV) joints and, more particularly, to a retaining ring for CV joints and a method of assembling a retaining ring on a CV joint. The tripod constant velocity joint may be assembled by placing a retaining ring in alignment with a trunnion head, applying a force to the aligned retaining ring to expand the diameter of said retaining ring so that a fracture area on the retaining ring fractures. After the fracture area fractures, the retaining ring is displaced into a retaining groove on the trunnion. The retaining ring includes an outer surface, an inner surface, a first notch extending from one of the inner and outer surfaces to the other of the inner and outer surfaces, and a fracture area extending from the first notch to the other of the inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly includes a bearing shaft having an inboard end and an outboard end. A wheel hub is mounted onto the outboard end of the bearing shaft, and a detachable outboard joint is mounted onto the inboard end of the bearing shaft. A wheel bearing is mounted onto the bearing shaft between the inboard end and the outboard end. The inboard end of the bearing shaft includes a flange portion that provides a support to keep the wheel bearing positioned onto the bearing shaft and induces a pre-load into the wheel bearing such that the pre-load is maintained on the wheel bearing when the outboard joint is removed from the wheel end assembly.

Abstract: A method of induction heat-treating certain surfaces of an article comprising a hub and a plurality of trunnions or shafts extending therefrom, wherein the surfaces to be heat-treated comprise the surfaces of the trunnions. The method employs an induction coil that provides a planar magnetic field that is adapted to the irregular shape of the article, such that the induction coil produces magnetic fields that are adapted to induce currents in, and thereby heat, the trunnion surfaces of the article. The method and induction coil are particularly adapted to provide an induction hardening heat treatment for trunnion surfaces of trunnions used in steel spiders of spider or tripod-type constant velocity joints.

Abstract: A method of induction heat treating the outer surface of articles having an irregular surface shape. The method employs an induction coil that provides a non-planar magnetic field that is adapted to the irregular shape of the article, such that distinct sections of the induction coil produce distinct magnetic fields that are adapted to induce currents in, and thereby provide heat to, distinct sections of the outer surface of the article. The method and induction coil are particularly adapted to provide an induction hardening heat treatment for the outer surfaces of the inner races of Rzeppa-type constant velocity joints.