Abstract: The mechanical joint includes a spherical member having a pair of grooves in its outer surface, each groove extending circumferentially about the spherical member and disposed approximately 90.degree. from each other. A housing has a concave spherical socket for receiving the spherical member. The housing includes a pair of slots located proximately at an equatorial plane of the spherical member. A frame is fixedly secured to the spherical member at the intersection of the first and second groove opposite the housing. A first ribbon, slidable within the first groove, is attached to pivot pins in the slots of the housing and is looped around a first pulley within the frame. A second ribbon slidable within the second groove is attached to pivot pins mounted in the housing at the approximate midpoints between the slots of the housing. The second ribbon is attached to a second pulley within the housing. An output member is fixedly connected to the housing.

Abstract: A wide angle double Hookes joint comprises a double inner yoke 2a, 2b; two outer yokes 3 which are each pivotally connected to the inner yoke by a respective cross member 4, each cross member comprising a first pair of trunnions received in bearings in yoke arms of the outer yoke and a second pair of trunnions received in bearings in yoke arms of the inner yoke; a guide member 9 having bearing means 8 engaging said outer yokes to guide them to provide homokinetic torque transmission, said guide member 9 being mounted in the inner yoke for radial movement relative to the axis of rotation thereof; a pair of guide plates 10 in the inner yoke between which said guide member 9 is radially movable with said bearing means 8 engaged within identical radially extending slots 17 in said guide plates, and said guide plates being rotatable about the axis of rotation of the inner yoke.

Abstract: A universal joint comprises a driving shaft and an angularly movable driven shaft. Each shaft comprises a cluster of axially interengaging gear teeth. Each gear tooth is semi-spherical, and each adjacent pair of gear teeth define a semi-spherical socket between them. A bearing ball is fixed to one or the other of the gear clusters, and comprises a circumferential array of part-spherical recesses adapted to receive the ends of the semi-spherical gear teeth on the shaft that does not support the bearing ball. The specially formed bearing ball and its associated gear cluster thus define a support and bearing structure that permits the gear teeth of each cluster to mesh smoothly and evenly over a range of angular movement of the movable gear of 0.degree.-90.degree.. The universal joint is provided with a slotted casing that permits the movable gear to assume this range of angular movement.

Abstract: This articulated cable head includes a universal joint whose support (4) and ring (5) are made of fiber and epoxy resin laminates obtained by winding threads. The universal joint head (6) is spherical in shape and is made, together with an oscillating arm (7) which extends therefrom, as a single piece of cuproberyllium alloy. The oscillating arm (7) carries a tubular stop part (8) made of fiber and epoxy resin laminate obtained by winding threads, which is surrounded by a rubber sleeve (80, 81, 82) providing a transition in diameter, and which is hollowed out by a cavity serving as a housing for an anchor part (9) attached to the end of a line cable (2).

Abstract: A handbrake arrangement for a single cylinder, truck-mounted, railway car brake assembly comprising a lever system mounted on the body of the single brake cylinder, which is, in turn, mounted on one of a pair of truck brake beams. The lever system is connected to the handbrake chain, so that operation of the handwheel effects relative movement between the brake cylinder body and brake cylinder push rod. This results in the truck brake beams being spread apart into braking position in the same manner as occurs during a pneumatic brake application, via the respective brake beam, transfer levers and force-transmitting connecting rods that extend between the brake beams.

Abstract: A rotor is provided for use in combination with a stator and sleeve to function as a valve attached to an actuator. The rotor is comprised of a rotor body containing the drive section with the necessary elements to turn the rotor within the stator and sleeve, and a rotor stem with parts to act with complementary parts on the sleeve to form variable orifices that function as the valve. The rotor body is connected to the rotor stem by a flexible joint which includes a contoured surface to compensate for misalignments in the system.

Abstract: A trailer hitch is disclosed for providing coupling about three independent axes between a towing vehicle and a trailer. The hitch includes a first U-shaped yoke member having a base plate adapted for attachment to the towing vehicle and having a pair of spaced-apart arms receiving and supporting a first hinge pin extending along a horizontal, transverse axis. A second U-shaped yoke member having a pair of spaced-apart arms supports a second hinge pin about a vertical axis. The first and second U-shaped yoke members are intercoupled by first and second hollow cylindrical sections joined together in the form of a cross, the first hollow cylindrical section being supported upon the first hinge pin and the second cylindrical section being supported upon the second hinge pin to form a universal coupling.

Abstract: A reciprocating sander particularly adapted for sanding remote surfaces such as ceilings and walls is provided by concentrating a substantial part of the weight of the sander in a motor assembly. A lightweight extension tube extends from the motor assembly to a universal joint which in turn is coupled to a sanding attachment. The sanding attachment includes clips which secures a piece of sandpaper in a mechanism for converting angular rotation of the universal joint into relative reciprocating motion of a sanding plate and sandpaper with respect to the sanding attachment. By bringing relative force between the sanding attachment and the motor assembly, a resiliently retained driving rod within the extension tube, which is coupled to the universal joint and sanding attachment, is forced downwardly in the extension tube toward the motor assembly. This ultimately causes two clutch parts to engage thereby permitting the transmission of the motive force to the sanding attachment.

Abstract: Valve seat grinding apparatus incorporating an improved articulated rotatable torque transferring coupling. The coupling includes torque transfer member in connection with a pair of functionally cylindrical torque members. Each torque member includes a circular torque transfer spline with the axis of spline being disposed perpendicular to the axis of torque member. The spline has an opening of designated internal distance located at one end of torque member and centered with the axis of torque member. A pair of circular torque transfer grooves are defined into torque transfer member which cross at right angles on each side of torque transfer member to form a pair of intersections. The intersections form flat clearance surfaces with the distance between clearance surfaces being less than designated distance of internal diameter of opening.

Abstract: A rotor is provided for use in combination with a valve and sleeve to function as a valve attached to an actuator. The rotor is comprised of a rotor body containing the drive section with the necessary elements to turn the rotor within the sleeve, and a rotor stem with ports to coact with complementary ports in the sleeve to form variable orifices to control fluid flow, and a flexible means for connecting the rotor stem to the rotor body.

Abstract: A substantially frictionless connecting means providing universal swivel movement which can be used to mount an actuation means such as a hydraulic cylinder, including first and second flexible planar blades interconnected substantially perpendicular to each other so that movement imparted to either or both of the connected members bends the flexible blades.

Abstract: A method for forming a precision ball groove track in a part, especially in an outer race member of a universal joint. The method includes the steps of forming a recess groove in the ball race groove track and ball finish machining the race groove track to a predetermined precision shape, the recess reducing groove the wear on the finish machining tool used during the finish machining step.

Abstract: A heavy duty cast iron yoke (110) has two lugs (116) for receiving a journal cross and a spline body or barrel (112) defining an internal spline (114). A lug tie-in body (124) includes shoulders (128) which join the lugs (116) to the spline body (112). The internal radius (136) of the shoulders is at least 20% of the distance (134) between the internal surfaces of the lugs. An annular 15.degree. ramp (150) is provided intermediate the outer spline body surface and the lugs.

Abstract: A cast or forged universal joint yoke having a hub from which extend a pair of arms in spaced apart parallel relation. Each arm as a generally U-shaped bearing cup receiving recess, each recess including a pair of arcuate bearing cup surfaces along the sides thereof. A depression is located in the bight portion of the recess and an integral bearing cup positioning and retaining lug protrudes from the depression. The depression extends on each side of the lug between the lug and adjacent support surfaces so that there is no radius or transition of material between the lug and the supporting surfaces.

Abstract: An improved, integrated three-point hitch arrangement is disclosed which includes a mounting arrangement for conveniently effecting a fixed connection to a tractor or the like. The hitch includes a pair of upper and lower arms pivotally connected to a mounting plate, with a pair of adjustable-length link members respectively interconnecting the upper and lower arms. Connector means are provided which permit limited relative pivotal movement of each link member with respect to the respective one of the upper arms about first and second perpendicular axes, with the connector means as permitting limited relative vertical movement of the link members to accommodate "floating" of the hitch-mounted implement. The integrated nature of the present hitch permits it to be very easily mounted on an associated tractor, with the mounting arrangement preferably configured to accommodate mounting on different tractor models.

Abstract: A flexible seal assembly has an elastomeric body with a convoluted intermediate portion for accommodating pivotal movement about the center of a spherical joint and an integral radial seal lip for accommodating rotational movement about a central axis of the joint. The seal lip extends from an inner diameter portion of elastomeric body in proximate relationship to a rigid plastic lip restraining ring which is molded into such inner diameter portion such that flexure loads are carried by the restraining ring and have no effect on the seal lip.

Abstract: A trunnion assembly to interconnect the shank of a hook to a block, like a pulley block, includes trunnion pins that are assembled through the inner bore of a trunnion body and moved outward to extend from the bore into depending side plates of the block assembly and thus rotatably support the trunnion body and lock the pins in place.

Abstract: A universal joint for rotatory drives such as are for example used in motor vehicle construction. To improve the life of the bearings, asymmetrical indentations are provided on the yoke arms, or the yoke arms have tangentially directed sections in which the bearing bores are disposed. As a result, the universal joint is subjected to load, and there is no deformation of the bearing bore or unacceptable cramping of the bearings.

Abstract: A heavy duty cast iron flange yoke (110) has two lugs (116) for receiving a journal cross and a flange (112) having front (111) and back (113) faces. The back face (113) includes balance pads (141) in which may be drilled balance holes (140). The balance pads are generally underneath the lugs (116) and the holes (140) are radially inside the radially outer surface (131) of the lugs.

Abstract: In a universal joint wherein a pair of yokes of the joint are connected by a trunnion cross having journals which extend into bores of the respective yokes, and wherein a bearing bush and needle bearings are provided between the cross journal and the inner surface of the yoke bore, grooves which extend, relative to the joint center, from a point radially inwardly thereof to a point radially outwardly thereof are formed on at least a part of at least one of the inner surface of the yoke bore and the outer surface of the bearing bush.

Abstract: The yoke formed by the blanking and rolling of a blank comprises branches 1, 2 and a hub 23 which is provided at the end thereof remote from the branches of the yoke with a guiding chamfer for a shaft adapted to receive the yoke. The chamfer 10, 12, 16, 17 is formed by a cold stamping operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for assembling a uniform-speed joint having an inner rotary body and an outer rotary body which transmits a rotational force from one to the other through a plurality of small spheres disposed in receiving holes in the outer peripheral surface of the inner rotary body. The apparatus comprises a carrying member for carrying the outer rotary bodies such that the inner surface of the rotary body is oriented upward and guide members, including a first guide wall, a second guide wall and a pusher for pushing an inner rotary body along the first guide wall until it contacts the second guide wall.

Abstract: A slip spline assembly includes a splined stub shaft slidably received in a splined bore of a yoke member. A sealing plug is provided at one end of the yoke bore to maintain lubricant on the splines and prevent ingress of foreign matter. A plurality of resilient fingers on the plug snap into an annular groove formed in the yoke bore to positively retain the plug. A vent opening in the plug relieves pressure in the closed end of the yoke when the splined shaft slides toward the yoke closed end.

Abstract: A heavy duty cast iron yoke (110) has two lugs (116) for receiving a journal cross and a spline body or barrel (112) defining an internal spline (114). A lug tie-in body (124) includes shoulders (128) which join the lugs (116) to the spline body (112). The internal radius (136) of the shoulders is at least 20% of the distance (134) between the internal surfaces of the lugs. An annular 15.degree. ramp (150) is provided intermediate the outer spline body surface and the lugs.

Abstract: In apparatus for connecting a tension member, such as an element of a leg of a tension leg platform, to an underwater anchoring base, actual connection to the anchoring base is accomplished by a connector which is joined to the tension element by a flex joint which is spaced above the connector but surrounded by a tubular element rigid with the anchoring base, the flex joint carrying an annular stop surface which is closely embraced by the tubular element. Lateral loads applied to the flex joint by the tension element are transferred directly to the tubular element and the anchoring base rather than to the connector.

Abstract: A controlled motion apparatus capable of at least three degrees of freedom, such as apparatus for vibration testing of equipment, comprises a support suspended from a reaction mass by three anti-rotation, linear motion displacement actuator devices each extending and movable along one axis of an XYZ coordinate system. Each actuator may be independently activated to cause the support to undergo simultaneously controlled motion along the three axes.

Abstract: A sealing device for a joint, such as a tripod joint including flanges to be joined to each other, has a sealing member having an endless shape and provided with a plurality of projections and an end cover having its periphery held between the flanges and adapted to hold the sealing member in association with the flange of the casing. The end cover is provided with a plurality of through holes to receive the projections of the sealing member. The holes are visible from outside when the flanges are joined to form the joint.

Abstract: A printer includes a type wheel carrying a multiplicity of fingers each carrying types disposed in a plurality of tiers, and centrally formed with a rotary shaft. The type wheel is disposed perpendicular to the axis of a platen. The printer performs a printing operation by imparting to the type wheel a motion which selects one of the plurality of tiers and a rotary motion for selecting one of the multiplicity of fingers. A rotating drive from a drive shaft is transmitted to the rotary shaft of the type wheel through a joint comprising a pair of closely disposed or coplanar pins which are orthogonal to each other and a ring-shaped or forked coupling member having openings or grooves in which the respective pins are slidably fitted.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a universal joint which involves punching a blank out of a metal sheet material, the blank having a hub member portion, edge member portions on the opposite ends of the hub member portion, and a pair of prong portions projecting from one of the side edges of the hub member portion, with a neck portion therebetween, pressing the free edges of the edge member portions to form slanted surfaces on the ends thereof and to increase the width of the blank from the original punched out size and pressing the neck portion for removing fine cracks therefrom, and bending the edge member portions against the hub member portion with the slanted surfaces facing away from the surface of the hub member portion. Then the hub member portion is bent into a cylinder with the edge member portions abutting each other and projecting from the cylinder and with the slanted surfaces substantially aligned with the inner surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrostatic bearing type coupling for a vibrating machine. The coupling is interposed between a vibration table upon which a test specimen or the like is mounted and a vibrator in such a way that even when the vibration table is caused to vibrate three-dimensionally, there are free movements in the two directions.

Abstract: Spherical joints of the type pivotally connecting each end of an equalizer bar to a track roller frame of a track-type vehicle require positive sealing of the joints during operation of the vehicle wherein the joint undergoes compound movements. Standard sealing assemblies therefor are prone to failure since they are subjected to tensile and compressive forces during operation thereof. The improved seal assembly (15) of this invention substantially prevents the imposition of such forces thereon by including structure (23) for permitting flexing thereof.

Abstract: A two-dimensional flexure gimbal-type coupling in which rectangular flexure members allow limited rotation about two mutually perpendicular intersecting axes. The coupling utilizes two pairs of flexure members arranged in two mutually perpendicular planes when unflexed, the planes intersecting along an axis lying between the flexure members of both pairs. Each pair of flexures are attached to respective spaced frame members along one edge. A coupling member is attached to the opposite edges of all the flexure members in such a manner that the edges of one pair of flexure members where attached to a frame member lie in a common plane with the edges of the other pair of flexure members where attached to the coupling member.

Abstract: A boom formed by spring biased telescoping tubes is gimbaled at one end to a docking or probe space vehicle and at the opposite end to an electromagnet probe with the gimbaled joints spring biased to axially align the assembly. A light weight conical drogue fixed to the captive space vehicle mounts a passive iron target at the cone apex. The electromagnet guides itself into contact with the target during space coupling. The tubes telescope against springs which dampen impact along with columb dampening created by the telescoping tubes. A switch mounted to the electromagnet automatically energizes the retraction motor upon contact with the passive iron target. A retraction wire functions to initially pivot a plurality of radial rigidizing struts into contact with the circular edge of the light weight drogue cone to automatically align the spacecraft for pitch and yaw.

Abstract: A universal joint is formed with trunnions extending into the bores of yokes with bearing bushes being interposed between the trunnions and the yokes. Each of the trunnions is formed with a bore extending internally into the trunnion generally coaxially with the central axis of the trunnion. The trunnion is formed with a wall thickness surrounding the bore and the bearing bush has a wall thickness surrounding the trunnion with the wall thickness of the trunnion being between one and three times the size of the wall thickness of the bearing bush. The trunnion bore may extend with a depth which is at least equivalent to the depth of a generally cylindrical bore within the bearing bush within which the trunnion is received and the central bore in the trunnion may be formed with a conical portion immediately contiguous with a cylindrical portion located inwardly from the conical portion. The conical portion may be formed to widen outwardly with an angle of between 0.5.degree. and 5.degree.

Abstract: A universal joint is composed of first and second yokes each having two through holes, a hollow rectangular parallelepiped support member positioned to cooperate with the first and second yokes, the support member having five rectangular plate sections leaving a rectangular opening, and formed with four through holes, the adjacent rectangular plate sections being completely integral with each other at connecting edges thereof, and pins insertable into the through holes of the yokes and of the support member so as to connect the yokes with the support member, thereby producing a universal joint light in weight and high in torsional strength.

Abstract: The hand and foot cable controlled throttle with a hand lever controlling movement of the cable and the foot pedal controlling movement of the cable sheath and cable for selectively controlling the throttle.

Abstract: An improved disconnecting switch is provided having an improved hinging structure which provides the traditional movements of a vertical break disconnect switch-blade in a simple and unique way. The switch-blade rotates about its longitudinal axis on a blade plug which is supported by a hinge pin that passes at a right angle through slots provided in the blade and a hole in the blade plug. The slots define the amount of rotation and prevent the switch-blade from sliding along the longitudinal axis. The structure also allows the switch-blade to pivot open on the axis of the hinge pin. The switch-blade contact on the hinge end of the switch may be used as the supporting member for the hinge pin.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly which includes a first and a second yoke operatively interconnected by a trunnion cross arranged therebetween is formed with a generally centrally located bore extending through the trunnion cross between the first and the second yoke with a bolt extending within the bore interconnecting the first and second yoke through the trunnion cross. One end of the bolt is attached to a radially movable member in the first yoke and lock means are provided for locking the radially movable element in any selected position in order to fix the position of a connecting member joined to the second yoke so that interconnection of torque transmitting elements may be facilitated.

Abstract: This invention concerns an articulated coupling or universal coupling including two coupling halves or forks coupled together. A respective machine part is connectable to each of the coupling halves. A supporting component, such as a bracing rod, extends between the coupling halves. On at least one of the coupling halves is a first surface. A second surface is connected to the rod. A spring, or the like, biases the second surface on the rod against the first surface on the coupling half and such bias blocks the coupling half thus engaged from pivoting, tilting or deflecting. The rod or second surface is so arranged that upon the thus supported coupling half being connected to its respective machine part, the cooperating first and second surfaces are no longer so biased together as to prevent the respective coupling half from pivoting, tilting or deflecting.

Abstract: The device comprises a resilient fastener which has branches clipped on a first of the two elements of the homokinetic joint and serves to hold the second element of the joint assembled with the first element. One of the branches of the resilient member carries an adjustable abutment device which cooperates with a second abutment device on the first element. The fastener can be made to exert a prestressing force by adjustment of the adjustable abutment device. The adjustable abutment device may be a screw which is screwthreadedly engaged in a nut carried by the corresponding branch of the fastener and has an abutment surface which abuts an abutment surface formed on the first element.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to improve the performance of the tulip members in the regions of connection or attachment between the petal portions and the adjacent shaft, this result being obtained by simple means. For this purpose, whereas the rest of the member (the raceways, bottom, cavities for the attachment of members effecting an axial retention) is carburized or carbonitrided, the connection regions are substantially devoid of any carburizing or carbonitriding.

Abstract: A blade and a handle assembly are provided with the blade assembly including a pair of generally right angulated first and second sections joined together along adjacent marginal portions. The first section of the blade assembly includes a scraping edge remote from the second section of the blade assembly and the handle includes base and free ends. A mount is supported from the second blade assembly section for limited angular adjustment about an axis generally normal to the second section and a base end of the handle is pivotally secured to the mount for limited angular adjustment relative thereto about an axis transverse to the handle, normal to the first mentioned axis and generally paralleling the first section of the blade. Further, a hand grip assembly is carried by the handle intermediate the base and free ends thereof and is lengthwise and angularly adjustable along and about the handle.

Abstract: A paint pad support and handle assembly includes a paint pad support body and a handle which is mounted to the support for swinging movement of about 90.degree. extent about an axis parallel to the plane of the support body and for pivotal movement about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the support body. A spring clip is used for biasing the handle without interfering with its free swing.

Abstract: An outer member for a universal joint with torque transmission by balls engaged in grooves in the outer member, comprising a first component of a lightweight material for attachment to a transmission shaft, a second component fitting closely within the first component and defining the grooves, the first and second components being keyed against relative rotation and retained together by deformation of the first component.

Abstract: A hitch for connecting a tractor to an agricultural implement, enabling relative angular movement of the two, about three mutually normal axes and characterized by great strength, rigidity and ease of fabrication without machining, from readily obtainable forms and shapes.

Abstract: A yoke for a hookes universal joint, formed of a lightweight metal and having a base, two limbs extending axially from the base, the limbs having reinforcing flanges at least adjacent to the base and the thickness of the base being such that the limbs and base form a generally U-shaped structure of high rigidity.

Abstract: A universal joint for interconnecting two rotatable shafts comprises a first fork assembly, first and second fork half members, each having a first end with a cylindrical hub portion and an opposite wider end having bounding side wall flanges which are adapted to engage over a hub nut which is engageable over one of the shafts, the half portions being assembled around the hub nut and the shaft and being clamped thereto and a similar assembly of third and fourth fork members which are connectable to the other shaft in a similar manner and which also includes a cross link which has a first set of diametrically opposite rotational pins rotatably supported with respect to cylindrical hub portions of the first and second fork half members, and a second set of rotation axis pins rotatably supported in respective cylindrical hub portions of the third and fourth fork half members, and wherein the construction includes half forks which are advantageously made of U-shape cross section and comprise thin stamped metal sh

Abstract: A joint of the type with an outer member having an inner cylindrical surface provided with an inner member having an outer diameter spherical surface and a cage member mounted on the inner member having an inner spherical surface and an outer diameter spherical surface which are eccentric with respect to each other. The cage member is provided with plural balls mounted in its respective windows, and the respective balls are in engagement with corresponding respective pairs of longitudinal directional guide grooves made in mutually facing surfaces of the outer member and the inner member. There is also provided an annular guide member mounted at its inner spherical surface and its outer cylindrical surface so as to be interposed between the cage member and the outer member.

Abstract: A mop connector comprising, a handle, a frame for releasably carrying a sleeve-like mop member, first swivel means mounted for 180.degree. swivel movement in a vertical plane relative to the frame and releasably attached to the handle, and second swivel means mounted for 180.degree. swivel movement about a horizontal axis pivotally coupled to the first swivel means and frame.

Abstract: A method for forming a precision ball groove track in a part, especially in an outer race member of a universal joint. The method includes the steps of forming a recess groove in the ball race groove track and .[.ball.]. finish machining the .Iadd.ball .Iaddend.race groove track to a predetermined precision shape, the recess .[.reducing groove.]. .Iadd.groove reducing .Iaddend.the wear on the finish machining tool used during the finish machining step.