Abstract: A ball-hinged transmission shaft with a straight shaft includes a socket, a ball, and a straight shaft. A rolling element is further coaxially provided on a straight shaft. The rolling element is a rotator with an axis of the straight shaft as a center of rotation. An upper portion of the rolling element is connected to a bearing. A mouth-shaped surface is further respectively provided at two ends of a transmission hole of a ball. The mouth-shaped surface is a curved surface matching the shape of the rolling element. The rolling element is fit and provided in the mouth-shaped surface at the two ends of the transmission hole of the ball. The ball is restricted by an inner positioning spherical surface of a socket, the straight shaft, and the rolling element at the same time.

Abstract: A universal joint configured to transfer rotational movement from a first shaft to a second shaft at an angle and method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: An universal joint configured to transfer rotational movement from a first shaft to a second shaft at an angle and method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: Cable coupling assemblies are described which can be readily engaged and separated from one another. The couplings are particularly useful for use in torque transmitting cables such as those used in drain cleaning applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a trunnion bearing assembly for the drive system of a snow blower, mower, tractor, or other self-propelled utility vehicle. In certain embodiments, the trunnion assembly comprises a bearing having ball bearings, roller bearings, or another type of bearing set. This can provide free relative rotation of several components of the bearing assembly relative to a trunnion housing of the bearing assembly. This rotation is imparted when a friction disk of the assembly engages a spinning motor flywheel of the drive system.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having first and second wheels is provided that includes a differential apparatus adapted to distribute torque between the first and second wheels and a traction controller for controlling operation of the differential apparatus from vehicle launch up to a predetermined vehicle speed. The traction controller is configured to engage the differential apparatus in a first operating state according to at least one vehicle operating parameter indicative of a low traction operating condition and to further control engagement of the differential apparatus in a second vehicle operating state during the low traction operating condition according to a difference between an actual vehicle yaw rate and a predetermined target vehicle yaw rate. The control system also includes a stability controller for controlling engagement of the differential apparatus at or above the predetermined vehicle speed.

Abstract: A variable valve timing system for an internal combustion engine, comprising a drive shaft driven by the engine, a camshaft driven by the drive shaft, and a cam supported by the camshaft for bearing against a valve actuating member. The camshaft and the drive shaft have parallel, spaced apart fixed axes of rotation, and are interconnected by a drive link, one end of which is coupled to the drive shaft and the other end of which is coupled to the camshaft. Means are provided for varying the spacing between an end of the link and the axis of rotation of the shaft to which that end is coupled. The system eliminates the need to move the axis of the central drive shaft, or to move an intermediate member or the camshaft, and also eliminates the need to have a control shaft external to the drive shaft or camshaft. The invention also provides camshaft assemblies and linkages for connecting camshafts and drive shafts.

Abstract: A universal joint for use in an automobile tilt wheel assembly includes a first (12) and second (28) shaft. The end of the first shaft (12) includes a pin (20) extending on opposite sides of the first shaft (12). A pair of caps (22) having a circular outer periphery are rotatably disposed on the pin (20). Two socket member halves (34) interconnect the first shaft (12) and the second shaft (28). The socket members (34) define a circular pocket (36) for receiving the first end of the first shaft (12). The socket members (34) mate in a plane containing the axis of the pin (20). The socket members (34) define an outwardly flared recess (40, 41) to accommodate the sides (17) of the first shaft (12) during rotational movement of the cap members (22) in the circular pocket (36) and to accommodate movement of the first shaft (12) about the axis of the pin ( 20).

Abstract: A universal joint comprises a housing receiving an input assembly and an output assembly. The assemblies include bearing shoes rotatable within the housing and a pair of wedge-like elements are engageable with the housing and the bearing shoes to accommodate wear and manufacturing tolerances for the universal joint.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint (10) comprises an input shaft assembly (12) and an output shaft assembly (14), each shaft assembly (12, 14) including a cylindrical end (30, 32, and 50, 52) received within a respective pair of arcuate surfaces (40, 42, and 60, 62) in the housing (16). A pilot assembly (70) is disposed between the input shaft assembly (12) and output shaft assembly (14), with a pin (90) extending between pilot members (76, 86) of the pilot assembly (70). The pilot members (76, 86) have complementary-shaped angled faces (78, 88) for surface-to-surface sliding engagement with each other, the pin (90) extending through the centers of angled faces (78, 88) whereby the longitudinal center lines (AO, XX, BO) of the pin (90) and pilot members (76, 86) intersect at the same point (0).

Abstract: A universal joint 10 includes an input assembly (12), an output assembly (14) and a housing (16) which is rotatable with the input and output assemblies. A pilot assembly (70) is carried within the housing (16) on the input assembly (12) and output assembly (14) to control the angle formed between the input assembly (12) and the output assembly (14).