Abstract: A braked universal joint assembly for rotatably joining two members is described wherein both load bearing and braking are performed by conical surfaces. The joint body comprises bores defining rotation axes, each bore comprising two frusto-conical sections. Rotation assemblies for nonrotatably engaging the joined members comprise a pair of brake cones, each having a frusto-conical section, and friction cones compressed between the frusto-conical sections of the bores and the frusto-conical sections of the brake cones. Rotation occurs by motion of the joined members and the engaged brake cones relative to the joint body. Load forces and braking torques are borne by the frusto-conical sections of the bores and brake cones and by the friction cones.

Abstract: A braked universal joint assembly for rotatably joining two members is described wherein both load bearing and braking are performed by conical surfaces. The joint body comprises bores defining rotation axes, each bore comprising two frusto-conical sections. Rotation assemblies for nonrotatably engaging the joined members comprise a pair of brake cones, each having a frusto-conical section, and friction cones compressed between the frusto-conical sections of the bores and the frusto-conical sections of the brake cones. Rotation occurs by motion of the joined members and the engaged brake cones relative to the joint body. Load forces and braking torques are borne by the frusto-conical sections of the bores and brake cones and by the friction cones.

Abstract: A multi-dirctional swivel joint for carrying loading members comprises a crosswise main body having a pair of first and a pair of second hollow cylinder members perpendicular to one another each having connected with a stepped neck member at their free end and pivotally and intersectionally coupled with a pair of lug members so as to permit the main body swiveling alternatively therewithin in multi-directions. A piston member slidingly disposed into each of the hollow cylinder members for defining a pair of first and second cylinder chambers which respectively communicate with an ambient hydraulic compressor via a pair of the first and second conduits through the piston member therein, in addition to a retaining ring sleeved on the free end of the piston member and secured by nut. So that the coupling of the main body with the lug members can be tightened or released upon the alternative exertion of the hydraulic force from the ambient compressor.

Abstract: An improved construction for a pinch bolt yoke for use as a flexible coupling in a vehicle steering system includes two separate components, a block and a stamping. The block includes front and rear surfaces, upper and lower surfaces, opposing side surfaces, and edges between the surfaces. The block includes a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear surfaces. The block further includes a cutout to accommodate a transverse bolt. The cutout extends across a portion of the upper surface in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The block further includes a bore to receive a shaft. The bore extends through the block between the front and rear surfaces in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The stamping is adapted to receive the block. The stamping includes a base and a pair of arms extending perpendicularly from the base. The stamping further includes a front surface and a rear end, upper and lower surfaces, and opposing side surfaces.

Abstract: A method of making a tube yoke for a drive line assembly is provided. The tube yoke is a unitary element and has a tube seat at one end for mating with a driveshaft tube, and lug ears at the other end for connecting with a universal joint assembly. The method includes forging a body of metal into a net shape body of the tube yoke with a single die-punching stroke, and subjecting the tube seat of the net shape body to a draw and iron operation to form the tube seat into its final pre-assembly form and shape, having a tube seat at one end and lug ears at the other end without machining of the tube seat. The lug ears are machined to enable connection with the universal joint assembly.

Abstract: A vibration damping universal joint is disclosed for providing three degree of freedom orientation and limiting rotational deflection between a first and second rod portion of a manual transmission gear shift rod. The universal joint includes a first and a second clevis and a rotational isolation mechanism which provides axial deflection of the second rod portion relative to the second clevis and limits rotational deflection between the first and second rod portions.

Abstract: A floor cleaning assembly including a gimballing connector is disclosed. The floor cleaning assembly includes a mounting member having an annular ring of bristles attached to the bottom surface thereof. The upper surface includes a centrally disposed hub and plurality of spokes and passageways extending radially therefrom. An annular barrier wall disposed adjacent the passageways extends upwardly from the upper surface of the barrier wall. The floor assembly is coupled to a motor drive by a gimballing connector which allows the axis of rotation of the floor assembly to shift relative to the axis of rotation of the motor drive. The geometry of the gimballing connector results in an evenly distributed wear pattern on the gimballing surface of the connector.

Abstract: A mechanical transmission mechanism with rolling unit includes an input member, an output member and a transmission medium for transmitting a mechanical input. The input member includes a driving gear which is enveloped in a casing with a peripheral channel that is confined between a partial circumference of the driving gear and an inner face of the casing. The casing has two openings formed on both ends of the peripheral channel and connected respectively and tangentially to a pair of guide channels so as to form a guide path that extends between the input and output members. The transmission medium is a plurality of rolling bodies which are packed in the guide path and which are disposed alternatingly in juxtaposed lines along the guide path. Each of the rolling bodies is in rolling contact with adjacent rolling bodies.

Abstract: A compliancy joint for a robot has six degrees of compliancy freedom and comprises a housing having an inner ring. A float block is movably disposed in the interior of the housing and a plurality of circumferentially arranged pneumatic cylinders on the housing apply force circumferentially to the float block. Sensors are used to detect when the float block is near its compliancy limit and a controller is operatively connected to the sensors and the cylinders for preventing the float block from reaching its compliancy limit. This joint is able to break away from the robot should the robot exceed the device's compliancy limit, preventing damage to the robot and robot end of arm tooling.

Abstract: An operator for controlling movement of a window sash relative to a window frame, including a drive gear pivotable about a central axis substantially perpendicular to one side of the window frame and drivably linked to move the sash, a connector defining first and second pivot axes intersecting at a point and rotatable around the intersection point, a worm pivotable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the central axis and drivably engaging a portion of the drive gear by a helical thread having variable height peaks lying in an annular orientation substantially conforming to the annular orientation of the drive gear portion, and a drive input shaft rotatable about a shaft axis intersecting the worm axis at an angle. The worm, connector and drive shaft are secured whereby the connector is pivotable relative to the worm about the first pivot axis and the connector is pivotable relative to the drive shaft about the second pivot axis.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a crank of a fishing-rod reel includes universally oting finger engaging members which function to prevent wrist sprains and fatigue and also assure uniform guidance of a lure.

Abstract: A universal joint including a ball and a ball socket. The ball includes a drive socket for connection to a driving or driver shaft. The drive socket is located substantially totally within the ball socket.

Abstract: A lubrication system is set forth for a universal joint. A cross of the universal joint has four trunnions extending therefrom along two mutually perpendicular lines. Bearing cups are rotatably received on the ends of the trunnions and the cups, in turn, are held by universal joint yokes. Lubrication passages extend from a central portion of the cross outwardly to cavities located at the ends of the trunnions. A passage extension extends substantially through each cavity from the lubrication passage toward the end of the trunnion. A lubricant retainer is of generally inverted U-shaped configuration and extends over the passage extension. The retainer has openings near the bottom of the cavity and is centered in the cavity by a flange on the passage extension or by an outer flange at the edge of the retainer. The retainer prevents air from being trapped in the bottom of the cavity so that the cavity will always be filled with lubricant.

Abstract: A coupling device for coupling a floor-treating unit to a rod-like device for guiding the floor-treating unit includes a first coupling part and a second coupling part. The first coupling part is hingedly connected to the elongated rod at a hinge axis and the second coupling part is rotatably mounted on the floor-treating unit for rotatable movement about a generally horizontal rotational axis. The first coupling part is movably positioned in a slot in the second coupling part for movement between a first positional setting in which the second coupling part is locked against rotational movement, a second positional setting in which the rod is movable about the hinge axis to unlock the second coupling part and permit rotational movement of the second coupling part about the rotational axis, and a third positional setting in which the rod is movable about the hinge axis for being lowered over the floor-treating unit in a stored position.

Abstract: A drawbar bearing block for a slackless drawbar system which connects adjacent ends of a pair of railway cars in a semi-permanent manner. Such bearing block includes a top portion supported and retained in a hemispherical recess which extends partially around a pin opening formed in a pin receiving opening disposed in a butt end of a drawbar. Such top portion of the bearing block has an outer surface which closely matches a surface of such hemispherical recess and an inner surface having a cylindrical shape to receive a pin therein. There is at least one recessed opening formed in the top portion adjacent a bottom surface and an outer surface thereof. A bottom portion is supported and retained in such hemispherical recess and assists in supporting and retaining such top portion in the hemispherical recess. Such bottom portion of the bearing block includes an outer surface which closely matches the surface of such hemispherical recess and an inner surface having a cylindrical shape to receive a pin therein.

Abstract: A monobloc coupling is formed from a sheet and is adapted to be connected, on the one hand, to a torque transmitting device, and on the other hand, to a receiving device. This coupling includes three sections along an axis. A linking section for lining the coupling with the torque transmitting device is provided and includes a hub which is axially split and which is connected to the torque transmitting device by a fastening unit. An intermediate section is provided and is formed with two claws having longitudinal rims. The rims have complementary profiles which fit together and absorb the stresses on the coupling unit. An angle is formed between two claws 6 and 7 so that the rims fit one another. A linking section 3 for linking the coupling with the receiving device is provided and includes linking or fastening legs. The coupling is useful in the steering units of automotive vehicles.

Abstract: A cardan joint is provided for transmitting rotation between first and second parts of a toy building set. A first rotating part consists of a shaft having a coupler head at one end in the form of flaps which project radially outwardly with respect to the shaft axis and which form spherical segments of a cardan ball. A second rotating part includes a cavity into which the coupling head of the first part fits. Carrier pins extend radially inwardly into the cavity to mesh between and be displaced along the flaps so that the coupler head with the flap may be tiltable about at least one pin.

Abstract: The present invention is a hoist ring provided with a central screw having a screw head at one end and a threaded shank at an opposite end. A washer is provided between the screw head and a lower bushing, with the lower bushing being secured on the screw with a self-lock retaining ring which inserts into a lower recess provided in the lower bushing. The self-lock retaining ring is provided with teeth for gripping the threaded shank. An upward oriented sleeve provided on the lower bushing extends upward to the washer. A body rotatably mounts around the sleeve by means of an axial bore provided in the body. A bail pivotally mounts to the body on an axis transverse to an axis of the lower bushing by means of shoulder pins which insert into horizontal bores of the body and which are secured therein by roll pins. The roll pins insert through vertical bores in the body and through aligned holes in the shoulder pins and are held in place by the washer and lower bushing.

Abstract: A connective joint comprises the following seven elements:(a) Four quarter spheres arranged in adjacent quadrant relationship to form a substantially spherical element or "ball". The quarter spheres are provided with grooved edges that form two substantially perpendicular grooves extending around the spherical element;(b) Two hinge elements, each having a ring shaped portion that is inserted in an individual one of the two grooves;(c) A device for applying a force between two diametrically opposing ones of the quarter spheres in the spherical element.

Abstract: A shielded universal joint having a pivot head defining a primary axis. The pivot head has a ball and a neck. The ball has a longitudinal slot. The slot has a throat at the center of the ball. The imperfect socket head is provided having a socket and a pin. The socket defines a secondary axis. The socket has a cavity concentric with the secondary axis. The cavity closely receives the ball. The socket has a continuous margin. The pin is joined to the socket in spaced relation to the margin. The pin extends through the passage. The pin defines a first pivot axis extending longitudinally through the pin. The pin and the throat define a second pivot axis extending through the throat and the pin perpendicularly to the first pivot axis. The socket head is simultaneously pivotal relative to the ball about both of the pivot axes.

Abstract: A modified jaw type shaft coupling has two opposed members arranged to allow limited flexure about a point that is the geometric center of mating spherical surfaces, a concave surface on one member and a mating convex surface on the other member. One member is attached to each shaft to be rotationally and axially coupled. The jaws on one coupling member have lugs that extend radially inward to axially entrap a larger flange attached to the other coupling member. The flange has notches to allow the flange to axially traverse the lugs. The flange is then rotated relative to the lugs to allow the flange to oppose the lugs. The flange is secured to the other coupling member after the coupling members are axially moved together to allow the jaws to interdigitate to provide rotational coupling. The convex and concave surfaces cooperate to accept axial compressive loads and the flange and lugs prevent axial separation.

Abstract: A flexible double U-joint assembly that includes structure for locking the assembly in a single U-joint mode to permit easy insertion into a pipeline with an associated inspection device. When in the pipeline, the assembly may be converted to a double U-joint mode by applying tension to the device.

Abstract: A universal joint yoke comprises: (a) a generally cylindrical connecting part made by press-forming a metal plate and having internal peripheral serrations, a first end portion at which edges of the metal plate are brought into abutment to form a tubular abutting part, a second end portion with a pair of flanges disposed at opposite sides of an axial gap and facing one another substantially in parallel, and a pair of reentrant cut-outs with a respective one of the cut-outs being disposed between each flange and the abutting part, and (b) a pair of diametrically opposed connecting arms integrally formed with the first end portion of the connecting part and extending axially outwardly from the first end portion of the connecting part. One of the flanges is provided with a tapped hole and the other of the flanges is provided with a through-hole coaxial with the tapered hole for passing a bolt to be screwed inito the tapped hole.

Abstract: A towing coupling to connect a towing vehicle to a trailer, the coupling comprising: a vehicle bar connected to the vehicle; a trailer bar connected to the trailer; an intermediate member adapted to be pivotally connected at a first end thereof to the vehicle bar; and, a releasable member adapted to be releasably and pivotally connected at a first end thereof to a second end of the intermediate member, and to be connected to the trailer bar at a second end thereof; wherein: a first pivot axis is defined by a first coupling arrangement connecting the first end of the intermediate member to the vehicle bar; a second pivot axis is defined by a second coupling arrangement between the intermediate member and the releasable member, the second pivot axis being in a substantially normal direction to the first pivot axis; and a third pivot axis is defined by a third coupling arrangement formed by first and second pivotally connected parts of either the intermediate member or the releasable member, the third pivot axis

Abstract: The yoke of a driveline is formed with diametrically spaced and generally semi-cylindrical pockets for receiving the bearing caps of the cross of a universal joint. A notch is formed in each pocket and receives the shank of a pin whose head projects into overlying relation with the pocket and into engagement with the bearing cap to captivate the bearing cap axially in the pocket. The inner end portion of the yoke is formed on a spherical radius and is adapted to pilot into drive tubes of varying internal diameters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bearing assembly for use in an articulated coupling apparatus which connects one end of one railway car to an adjacent end of a second railway car in a semipermanent manner. Such coupling apparatus includes a male connection member, a female connection member, and a device for securing such bearing assembly to the coupling apparatus.

Abstract: A serpentine tube inspection positioning spine formed from a plurality of identical links. Each link has a convex first end and concave second end spaced along the longitudinal axis of the link whereby adjacent links may be mated together. An axially extending bore in each link receives a continuous cable maintained under tension by a spring attached to one end of the cable. This places pressure on the links that serves to maintain the mated links in a rigid straight configuration while under compressive forces during insertion into a tube to be inspected. The resilience of the spring also allows pivoting of adjacent links for travelling through a bend in the tube.

Abstract: A downhole drilling apparatus which includes a drive train having a downhole motor device and a coupling for permitting bending of the drive shaft to accommodate directional drilling. The coupling includes two distinct portions. The first portion transmits torque only and the second portion transmits thrust only. Thus, the coupling transmits torque and thrust through different portions. This makes it possible to optimize the coupling design to allow bending while still being able to transmit the loads experienced downhole. The downhole motor may be a progressive cavity device, a turbine-type downhole motor or another type of downhole motor such as an electric motor.

Abstract: A torque transfer case includes an output shaft angled relative to an input shaft by the use of a constant velocity (CV) universal joint. The CV joint is contained within a hollow drive sprocket rotatably supported within a housing by a pair of spaced apart, different sized bearing assemblies, and is coupled to input shaft via a drive chain. The drive sprocket is provided with a cylindrical opening at one end thereof and a smaller cylindrical opening at an opposite end thereof. The different sized openings produce a differential pressure across the openings when the sprocket is rotated, thus causing oil contained in the housing to flow through the sprocket and lubricate the CV joint. The output shaft has one end which extends into the one cylindrical opening of the drive sprocket and is coupled to the CV joint, and an opposite end which is rotatably supported within the housing by a single bearing unit.

Abstract: These joints are particularly useful for transmitting a flux (electrical, optical, liquid or gaseous) either entirely across the joint, or from one side of the joint to devices mounted on the joint itself that use such a flux. Such devices can, for example, be motors to drive the joint itself. The interlocking bodies are typically but not necessarily circular rings, mounted to a common internal structure that permits each body to rotate about its own axis. The resulting joints can rotate in all directions with a very high angular range--in most cases limited only by the angle subtended by connecting stems used to mount the joint to a base or to mount objects to the joint for motion. Some of these joints have hollow central enclosures for passing flexible wires or tubing to carry the flux, so that the flux can be transmitted across or into the joint with the same high degree of freedom, and yet without slip rings, brushes, or other expensive motionaccommodating components subject to wear.

Abstract: An assembly mechanism is provided for removably securing a bearing assembly carried by a male connection member to a female connection member of an articulated coupling system. Such assembly mechanism includes at least one vertically disposed lug member secured to an outer surface of a vertically disposed side wall of a cavity formed in one end of such female connection member adjacent an opening formed in such side wall portion. There is at least one horizontally disposed lug member secured to such outer surface adjacent another portion of such opening in such side wall portion. A locking member is engageable with each of such vertical lug member and such horizontal lug member and a portion of a shaft-like member extending outwardly from such bearing assembly. The locking member removably secures such shaft-like member against rotation in such opening.

Abstract: A ball and socket-type Universal joint including an elongate female part with an elongate, central, polygonal socket opening entering one end and defining a flat axially disposed bottom and a plurality of elongate circumferentially spaced, radially inwardly disposed, longitudinally straight and laterally convex flats; an elongate male part with a shank and a semi-spherical polygonal head at one end of the shank and having a plurality of elongate circumferentially spaced, radially outwardly disposed, longitudinally extending, laterally straight and convexly curved facets. The head of the male part is engaged in the socket opening of the female part with opposing points on the flats and facets, along the central portions thereof, in circumferential driving and longitudinal sliding bearing engagement with each other. The other end of the female part is connected with an end of one elongate rotatable work piece, and the other end of the male part is connected with an end of another elongate work piece.

Abstract: A universal joint having two joint bodies coupled together by a coupling member. Each of the joint bodies has a cylindrical hub portion and a pair of yoke portions provided integral with the hub portion by sintering, casting, or injection molding (die casting). The yokes are formed with bearing holes with which sleeve members are force-fittable. The coupling member has a rectangular segment formed with holes and separate pins force-fittable with the holes of the segment. Each of the pins is slidably inserted into each of the sleeve members fitted with the bearing holes, and extends into each of the holes of the rectangular segment.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus having progressive cavity drive train which includes a progressive cavity device and a coupling for converting the complex motion of the rotor into simple rotation. The coupling includes a sealed universal joint assembly coupling yokes formed on a first stub shaft to yokes formed on the second stub shaft. The sealed universal joint assembly includes a cross member assembly having a cross member and a sealing cup. The cross member has a central body and two sets of pin portions extending from the body. Each set of pin portions includes two pin portions having coincident axes. The pin portions of one set are transverse to the pin portions of the other set. The sealing cup is fixed to each of the pin portions of the cross member. The sealing cup includes connecting sleeve portion fixed to the pin portion of the cross member, a flexible elastomeric section secured to the sleeve portion and a hollow upon portion enclosing the end of the pin portion.

Abstract: A mount for securing a load, for example a strut insulator, to a stationary support has a pair of end parts one of which is fixed to the load and the other of which is fixed to the support and a pair of respective intermediate parts. Respective end pivots connect the intermediate parts to the end parts for pivoting thereon about respective axes that are perpendicular to each other and a central pivot connects the intermediate parts to each other for relative pivoting about a center axis lying substantially perpendicular to the end axes. One of these end axes is at least generally horizontal and at least generally aligned with the load.

Abstract: A yoke for universal joint is composed of a cylindrical coupling tube formed by pressing a metal plate and having a slit in a radial direction and serrate grooves on the internal periphery; a pair of flanges integrally formed at an end of the coupling tube and positioned on both sides of the slit; and a coupling arm formed by pressing a metal plate. One of the flanges has a screw hole, while the other flange has a hole, coaxial with the screw hole, for passing a bolt to be screwed into the screw hole. The coupling arm has a penetrating hole in the base portion, and mutually coaxial circular holes at its opposite ends. The yoke is assembled by fitting the other end of the coupling tube into the penetrating hole in the base portion, and connecting the other end of the coupling tube with the base portion of the coupling arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for accurately positioning an object, such as a mirror 3 used to precisely aim a laser. The invention uses kinematic principles to hold the object. Here a 2-2-2 kinematic bipod system is employed. The invention uses three actuators 5 to position the object. Each actuator acts as a bipod restricting the object in two of its six degrees of freedom. Each actuator has three degrees of freedom it can transmit to the object. The actuator can rotate on its single-axis flexure 7 so that the actuator cna rotate on one axis relative to support 4. Each actuator has a two-axis coincident flexure 8 on one end for allowing the object to be moved in two rotational degrees of freedom and the roller sleeve 50 allows a third rotational degree of freedom. Each actuator is positioned circumferencially about the central coordinate axis of the object to be moved, 120 degrees apart.

Abstract: An improved device for quickly and reliably retaining a pair of bearing cups on a universal joint cross during purging and shipment thereof is disclosed. The retainer includes a central portion which is generally elongated and flat in shape. In a first embodiment, first angled portions are formed integrally with each end of the central portion extending outwardly therefrom. The first angled portions may be oriented at relatively small angles with respect to the central portion. Second angled portions are formed integrally with each end of the first angled portions extending outwardly therefrom. The second angled portions may be oriented at relatively large angles with respect to the first angle portions. The corners between the first and second angled portions are adapted to receive the outer edges of the bearing cups therein. Respective apertures are formed through the retainer at each of such corners to receive locating tangs formed on a mating yoke for the cross.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a first shaft member having a cylindrical portion, a pair of yoke portions at a free end thereof and a ball-like portion formed between the yoke portions and a second shaft member having a cylindrical portion and a pair of yoke portions at a free end thereof. The ball-like portion is formed integrally and inseparably with the yoke portions of the first shaft member. The first and second shaft members are thus detachably and movably connected with each other through engagement between the ball-like portion of the former and the yoke portions of the latter.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a pair of yokes each having two trunnions projecting radially thereof, and an annular intermediate ring having bearings arranged on two diametrical lines thereof intersecting each other at right angles for supporting the respective trunnions. An annular central cover having a spherical outer surface is fixedly intimately fitted around the intermediate ring. Between the ring and a connecting flange at the outer end of each yoke, a collar is formed on the yoke. A pair of annular side covers each having a spherical inner surface slidable in contact with the spherical outer surface of the central cover each have an outer end portion horizontal in section and fixed to the periphery of the collar. An annular seal member in intimate contact with the outer surface of the central cover is provided at the inner end portion of each side cover. A clearance required for the sliding movement of the side covers is formed between the inner ends of the side covers.

Abstract: A coupling device includes a first support member which is connected to the arm of a robot and which supports a second support member for precision universal tilting and axial and/or rotary movement from an aligned normal position. The second support member supports robotic tooling, and a set of springs or springs and ball members or fluid actuated piston bias the support members to the normal position. An electrical control circuit is effective to stop movement of the robot arm in response to minute tilting or axial or rotary movement of the second support member in the event the tooling or article carried by the tooling is accidentally hit or overloaded. A set of semi-circular rings and auxiliary springs are attached to the support members for producing a substantial biasing force towards the normal position, and a set of construction balls and corresponding seats are used to establish a precision normal position.

Abstract: In a universal joint for a drive shaft or Cardan shaft each yoke or fork has two arms or bosses which are connected to the pins of the central spider or cross. At least one or both of the yoke arms or fork arms is removable from the remainder of the yoke or fork at parting lines spaced around tie fork away from the fork arm or boss which receives the pin therein. Each yoke or fork includes a hub extending away from the spider or cross to receive the drive shaft. In some embodiments, the removable are of the fork terminates in a flange which is separably clamped to the end of the hub for torque transmission between them. In another embodiment, the hub is an integral rearward extension fromt he respective fork arm and the hub is comprised of a tube half. With two such tube halves, each half is attached to one of the two arms of the york or fork, and clamping rings hold the tube parts and thus the yoke arms together.

Abstract: A universal joint for use with impact wrenches and the like comprising a coupling having a bore at one end for engaging the drive shaft of a wrench and a ball receiving cavity at its other end; a socket engaging part having a ball member disposed in the ball receiving cavity; and a guide sleeve concentrically and slidably mounted for free rotation to the coupling, the guide sleeve having a substantially smooth uninterrupted outer cylindrical surface which may be held between the fingers of an operator while the joint is rotating.

Abstract: A support arrangement which allows pivoting of a non-rotatable shaft has a flexure structure and a pair of axially-displaced inner and outer hubs respectively connected to, and disposed inwardly and outwardly of, the flexure structure. The flexure structure is composed of a disk-shaped flexural elements disposed in stacked, axially spaced relation to one another and connected peripherally one to the next. The flexural elements together define a frictionless, laterally stiff, fulcrum or pivot point about which the shaft can pivot through a predefined range of angular motion. The inner hub is attached to an inner end one of the flexural elements at an interior peripheral edge thereof, whereas the outer hub is attached to an outer end one of the flexural elements at an exterior peripheral edge thereof. The shaft extends axially through the bores in the hubs and an opening in the flexure structure along a common axis, and is rigidly attached to the inner hub.

Abstract: A compliant joint is provided for prosthetic and robotic devices which permits rotation in three different planes. The joint provides for the controlled use of cable under motion. Perpendicular outer mounting frames are joined by swaged cables that interlock at a center block. Ball bearings allow for the free rotation of the second mounting frame relative to the first mounting frame within a predetermined angular rotation that is controlled by two stop devices. The cables allow for compliance at the stops and the cables allow for compliance in six degrees of freedom enabling the duplication or simulation of the rotational movement and flexibility of a natural hip or knee joint, as well as the simulation of a joint designed for a specific robotic component for predetermined design parameters.

Abstract: A ferrous metal yoke for a universal joint, the yoke having a central axis, an annular hub and spaced-apart arms extending from an end of the hub on opposite sides of the central axis. The arms have coaxial openings extending therethrough for pivotably receiving the opposed arms of a first pair of arms of a cruciform-shaped journal cross, and each of the arms of the yoke is provided with a shear center which is positioned between such arm and the central axis of the yoke to provide corresponding or closely corresponding free deflection characteristics under torsional load around the central axis between the arms of the yoke and the arms of the journal cross which are received therein.

Abstract: A universal joint comprising a pair of coupling devices each including a generally cylindrical portion having an extension at one end including a plurality of projections which are outwardly divergent and circularly spaced. Such projections of each coupling device are arranged to have their successively adjacent side surfaces formed to define therebetween spaces the bounding sides of which are divergent. In the assembled relation of the coupling devices the projections of the respective extensions thereof are relatively rotatively displaced and interfit and the projections of one thereof are respectively projected in, through and beyond the spaces defined between the bounding sides of the projections of the other of said extensions.

Abstract: A differential gear assembly wherein at least one constant velocity universal joint is integrated within the gear housing and wherein an outer joint member of the universal joint is designed as an outer bevel gear and is axially inwardly supported relative to the differential or planetary gears of the assembly and is outwardly supported relative to the differential carrier on a radial supporting face. The inner member of the joint is supported toward the outside on a counter face of the differential cage and/or toward the inside on a corresponding part of a second constant velocity universal joint or on a special supporting ring. Support of the joint inner part may be effected either directly or indirectly by means of a ball cage or a shaft journal, and the supporting ring is particularly suitable as a central supporting element if two constant velocity universal joints are integrated into the differential gear assembly.

Abstract: Herein presented is a device for turning a screw with a handle at difficult angles to the screw. The device consist of a handle, a screwdriver head and a joint that joins the handle and screwdriver head. The joint consist of two spheres enclosed in a spherical housing.The handle of the device can be turned and rotated while at an angle to the screwdriver head and screw. The screwdriver head remains in line with the screw and fitted in place in the grooves of the face of the screw.

Abstract: A universal joint having first and second shaft members respectively including a pair of yoke portions and a ball member disposed between the first and second shaft members for movably interconnecting the same. The respective first and second shaft members are constituted by two separate half-elements together with forming the respective pair of yoke portions. Base seats respectively having a truncated cone shape are provided in mutually opposing faces of the yoke portions such that each virtual cone has a virtual vertex having an angle of substantially 90 degrees and at the same time the virtual vertexes of the cones are substantially in contact with each other, the base seats respectively defining arc faces in mutually opposing surfaces thereof. And, the arc faces respectively have a central axis in a direction transverse to the shaft members and are formed by a part of a peripheral face of a virtual cylinder having the same diameter as the ball member which is rotatably supported between these arc faces.