Abstract: A flanged boot having a rolling bearing interface suitable for connection to two mechanical components which are movable with respect to each other, in terms of both rotational and axial movements. The flanged boot has a first annular flange at one end and a second annular at the other end. A rolling bearing, such as for example a roller (needle) or ball bearing, is press-fit onto a suitably configured structure of a first mechanical component. One of the first and second annular flanges is interfaced sealingly with respect to the rolling bearing. The other of the first and second annular flanges is sealingly connected to a second mechanical component. Either of the first or second mechanical components may be considered to be moving relative to the other.

Abstract: An axially collapsible propeller shaft assembly, wherein the axial collapse feature resides in an axially collapsible drive connection between a stud shaft and a hollow propeller shaft, wherein under everyday drivingly conditions the drive connection provides torque transfer between the stud shaft and the propeller shaft, but under crash conditions the axial force telescopically receives the stud shaft into the hollow space of the propeller shaft. In a first embodiment, an end of the stud shaft is splinably engaged with an end cap affixed to the propeller shaft. In a second embodiment, a stud shaft is affixed to an end cap, which is, in turn, affixed to a propeller shaft. An annular score of the end cap has a bottom which is broken in a crash, which allows a central portion of the end cap to move with the stud shaft into the propeller shaft.

Abstract: An axially collapsible propeller shaft assembly, wherein the axial collapse feature resides in an axially collapsible drive connection between a stud shaft and a hollow propeller shaft, wherein under everyday drivingly conditions the drive connection provides torque transfer between the stud shaft and the propeller shaft, but under crash conditions the axial force telescopically receives the stud shaft into the hollow space of the propeller shaft. In a first embodiment, an end of the stud shaft is splinably engaged with an end cap affixed to the propeller shaft. In a second embodiment, a stud shaft is affixed to an end cap, which is, in turn, affixed to a propeller shaft. An annular score of the end cap has a bottom which is broken in a crash, which allows a central portion of the end cap to move with the stud shaft into the propeller shaft.

Abstract: A flanged boot having a rolling bearing interface suitable for connection to two mechanical components which are movable with respect to each other, in terms of both rotational and axial movements. The flanged boot has a first annular flange at one end and a second annular at the other end. A rolling bearing, such as for example a roller (needle) or ball bearing, is press-fit onto a suitably configured structure of a first mechanical component. One of the first and second annular flanges is interfaced sealingly with respect to the rolling bearing. The other of the first and second annular flanges is sealingly connected to a second mechanical component. Either of the first or second mechanical components may be considered to be moving relative to the other.

Abstract: A flanged axle shaft assembly includes a shaft having a tubular wall and an open end, a flange hub having a central opening fitted over the shaft and secured to the open end, and an end wedge secured in the open end and urging the shaft wall into compressive engagement with the flange hub opening to provide for transmission of forces between the shaft and the flange hub. In a preferred method of assembly, the shaft is formed with a flared inner end stop against which the hub flange is mounted about the shaft. Forcing the end wedge into the shaft inner end expands the shaft wall into a characterized, such as splined, surface of the hub central opening to provide a high torque mechanical driving connection. The hub flange and a head of the end wedge are preferably also laser welded to the shaft.