Abstract: A curved scissor linkage mechanism (1) includes at least four linkage elements (2) each having a first end (3) and a second end (4). The linkage elements are arranged to form sides of one or more rhombi or parallelograms. Each linkage element is rotationally connected to another linkage elements via a revolute joint (5) at the first end and is rotationally connected to another one of the other linkage elements via another revolute joint at the second end. The linkage elements are configured so that the axes of each joint coincide at one common remote centre of motion. The mechanism is connectable to a first external member (7) at a proximal end and is rotationally connectable to a second external member (9) at an opposite distal end to obtain three DOFs. The scissor linkage mechanism may further include a motion controlling mechanism.

Abstract: A joint assembly includes a first member having splines formed therein. A second member includes splines formed thereon and is coupled to the first member. The splines of the first member engage the splines of the second member. An access window is formed on the first member. A ring retains the first member to the second member. A portion of the ring is accessible through the access window, where the ring can be manipulated to release the first member from the second member.

Abstract: A floatable frame structure has concatenated frame modules, each formed of columns arranged substantially vertically. Neighboring columns are interconnected by upper and lower tie bars and form module sections. The connections between the tie bars and columns have rotary joints arranged at upper and lower nodes on the columns. At least one horizontal rotation joint is arranged for each column in the connection to an associated tie bar, and at least one spherical rotary joint or elastic rotary joint is arranged for each tie bar. Each module section is provided with elastic tensile elements secured to diagonally opposite upper and lower nodes, nodes lying diagonally opposite each other in the same horizontal plane and in the same frame module being connected by elastic tensile elements. Some columns form containers with submersible portions with positive buoyancy, and adjacent frame modules sharing at least one column.

Abstract: Modular tracker systems that include at least first and second tables or are continuous without the use of tables, a single motor driving the first and second tables, first and second intra-table drive shafts and an inter-table drive shaft. Each table includes a support structure including first and second mounting posts, a frame supported by the support structure, at least one solar panel supported by the frame, and first and second gearboxes being concentrically aligned for each table. The first and second gearboxes are each configured to produce first and second outputs. The first output has a first rotational speed, and the second output has a second rotational speed less than the first rotational speed, and is operatively coupled to the frame. The inter-table drive shaft couples the second gearbox of the first table with the first gearbox of the second table, whereby the first and second tables are rotated synchronously.

Abstract: A bone fixation system including a bone fixation element including a head portion having a bore passing therethrough from a first side surface to a second side surface, wherein the bore is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bone fixation element, a securing element positioned within the bore, and a bone plate extending along a plate axis and having a threaded plate hole extending therethrough from a first surface to a second surface configured to contact a bone in an operative configuration.

Abstract: A constant velocity connection for use in a drill string can include at least one ball-and-socket joint, and an insert rotationally received in an opening formed laterally through a ball of the joint. A method of constructing a constant velocity connection can include installing an insert in an opening formed in a ball of at least one ball-and-socket joint of the constant velocity connection, and allowing the insert to rotate in the opening about a lateral axis. A drill string can include a drilling motor, a drill bit, and a constant velocity connection connected between the drilling motor and the drill bit, the constant velocity connection including at least one ball-and-socket joint, and an insert rotationally received in an opening formed laterally through a ball of the joint.

Abstract: A binocular head mounted display includes a first binocular eye piece including a first torsional brace and a second binocular eye piece including a second torsional brace configured to engage the first torsional brace. The binocular head mounted also includes a frame assembly holding the first binocular eye piece and the second binocular eye piece at an adjustable interpupillary distance. The frame assembly includes a torsional support to directly or indirectly engage the first torsional brace and the second torsional brace. Such engagement resists rotational movement of the first binocular eye piece relative to the second binocular eye piece.

Abstract: A universal joint member for transmitting torque between two shafts of a drive mechanism includes a first pivot axis for pivoting connection to a first shaft of the drive mechanism, wherein the first pivot axis extends substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the first shaft; and a second pivot axis for pivoting connection to a second shaft of the drive mechanism, the second pivot axis extending substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis and substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the second shaft. A cavity extends through the universal joint member for receiving a pivot pin along the second pivot axis, wherein the pivot pin is configured to connect the universal joint member to the second shaft. A universal joint assembly for a drive mechanism includes a first rotatable shaft, a second rotatable shaft, and a universal joint member for transmitting torque between the first and second shafts.

Abstract: A blender base is generally described. The blender base includes a base frame. An outer shell may be connected to the base frame. A motor housing is supported by the base frame and positioned inside the outer shell. The motor housing is isolated from direct connection with the outer shell to reduce the transfer of noise and vibration from the motor to the outer shell.

Abstract: A steering column arrangement has a sliding sleeve and a universal joint yoke, which has a receiving section in which the sliding sleeve is included at least in sections and coaxially. The covering outer surface of the sliding sleeve and the covering inner surface of the receiving section have molded components for the positive connection. A torsion damper element is arranged between the sliding sleeve and the receiving section of the universal joint yoke. This is an annular arrangement, including an inner carrier ring, an outer carrier ring and an elastomer ring arranged between them. The inner carrier ring and outer carrier ring are elastic in a radial direction and rigid in an axial direction.

Abstract: A parallel link mechanism includes proximal end side and distal end side link hubs, and three or more link mechanisms. Each link mechanism is a trinodal link mechanism including four revolute pairs, and includes proximal side and distal side end link members and an intermediate link member. In each revolute pair of the link mechanism, a pair of pair constituent members is connected to each other via a bearing. A shaft portion provided in one pair constituent member is fitted on an inner periphery of an inner ring of the bearing, and an annular inner face forming portion provided in the other pair constituent member is fitted on an outer periphery of the outer ring of the bearing. The shaft portion and the annular inner face forming portion define a sealing structure which regulates flow of a lubricant between inside and outside of the bearing.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint comprising a first shaft (2) rotating about a first rotation axis (X1), a second shaft (3) rotating about a second rotation axis (X2), a triad of yokes (5) comprising a control yoke (6), a first shaft yoke (7) and a second shaft yoke (8), the first shaft yoke (7) being pivotally mounted on the first shaft (2) with the pivot axis (A1) being oblique to the first rotation axis (X1), the second shaft yoke (8) being pivotally mounted on the second shaft (3) with the pivot axis (A2) being oblique to the second rotation axis (X2), the three yokes of the triad of yokes (5) being pivotally mounted to each other to pivot about a common axis (C) passing from the center (4) of the joint, a set of additional pivotally mounted yokes providing support to the control yoke (6) so that the transmission ratio between the first shaft (2) and the second shaft (3) of the joint (1) remains strictly at 1:1.

Abstract: Surgical tools having a two degree-of-freedom wrist, wrist articulation by linked tension members, mechanisms for transmitting torque through an angle, and minimally invasive surgical tools incorporating these features are disclosed. An elongate intermediate wrist member is pivotally coupled with a distal end of an instrument shaft so as to rotate about a first axis transverse to the shaft, and an end effector body is pivotally coupled with the intermediate member so as to rotate about a second axis that is transverse to the first axis. Linked tension members interact with attachment features to articulate the wrist. A torque-transmitting mechanism includes a coupling member, coupling pins, a drive shaft, and a driven shaft. The drive shaft is coupled with the driven shaft so as to control the relative orientations of the drive shaft, the coupling member, and the driven shaft.

Abstract: A connecting rod assembly comprises a connecting element, a pivot element, a connecting rod, a spring and an engaging element. The connecting element is provided at both ends thereof with a connecting portion and a driving portion. The pivot element is provided at a first end thereof with a connecting pillar formed with a pivot hole, and the connecting pillar is further formed in an outer surface thereof with a moving hole in communication with the pivot hole. The connecting rod has a first end thereof connected to the connecting element, and a second end of the connecting rod is pivotally disposed in the pivot hole. The connecting rod is formed with an evasion groove for cooperating with the engaging element. The spring is disposed in the driving groove with both ends thereof pushed against an inner surface of the driving groove and the connecting element.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a rotating member having a pivotal portion received in a compartment defined by a peripheral wall at an end of a base. The rotating member includes a coupling portion and an interconnecting portion between the pivotal portion and the coupling portion. The interconnecting portion has a minimum diameter smaller than the maximum diameter of the pivotal portion but not smaller than a width of the coupling portion. A groove extends through the pivotal portion. A pin is extended through the peripheral wall of the base and the groove. The pivotal portion is pivotable relative to the base through an angle in the order of 90°.

Abstract: A cardan joint assembly and a cardan joint protector device are provided. The device includes a U-shaped bracket having an arcuate-shaped portion and first and second end portions extending from opposite ends of the arcuate-shaped portion. The first and second end portions have first and second apertures, respectively, extending therethrough. The device further includes a first elongated plate portion extending from the first end portion of the U-shaped bracket and further extending generally outwardly relative to a longitudinal axis. The first elongated plate portion at least partially covers a needle bearing of a cardan joint. The device further includes an attachment portion attached to a top edge of the first elongated plate portion that has a distal end that is disposed in a groove of a gear clamp yoke of the cardan joint.

Abstract: A universal joint employs snap-in press pins to rotatably secure the center knuckle with the surrounding drive shaft cup providing a simplified assembly process. The press pins install flush or sub-flush with the outside of the steering shaft cup. A snap-lock feature permits one-direction axial movement only. Each snap pin includes a barb-like tapered flange with a lead-in ramp to aid installation. Once installed, a radially extending base on the backside of the flange abuts the inside wall of the drive shaft cup. A locking clip may be employed to prevent removal of the snap pin. The locking clip includes two axially extending legs with barbs located at the end of each leg, said legs being resiliently biased outwardly and abutting an inside wall of said drive shaft cup when fully engaged with the pin.

Abstract: A yoke includes a body having a pair of yoke arms that are adapted to receive a cross member of a universal joint. The body includes a stiffness ring extending radially outwardly from an outer periphery of the body at least in regions of each of the yoke arms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal joint arrangement for an articulated shaft, particularly a heavy-duty articulated shaft. The universal joint arrangement comprises two joint forks having fork holes, and a journal cross. The journals of the journal cross are each supported through bearing devices in the fork holes. The bearing devices comprise at least one axial bearing and at least one radial bearing for the respective journal. The axial bearing is arranged in the area of the journal shoulder. The fork hole comprises a contact collar on the inside of said fork hole, and the journal shoulder of the respective journal comprises a contact surface. The axial bearing is now arranged between the contact surface and the contact collar. A minimum path between the force application and the support of the axial bearing is thereby realized, which makes possible an extremely robust axial bearing support and which can do without additional attachment rims for supporting axial force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a torque transmitting cardan shaft, and, in principle, includes within the shaft an adapted intermediate member or shaft, which has a first end section, that is intended for a rotationally rigid co-action with a first universal joint yoke and a second end section, opposite the first end section, intended for a rotationally rigid co-action with a second universal joint yoke. The intermediate member or shaft and its end section is configured as and includes two parts or sub-sections, which are mutually joined via a safety coupling arrangement, by which a free coupling of the subsections from one other can be ensured immediately after the torque, between said subsections, exceeds a predetermined value, determined by the construction of the safety coupling arrangement.

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 compressor drive shaft may include a first bearing portion, a second bearing portion, and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween. The intermediate portion may include a continuous, nonlinear, central axis in an unloaded state.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a base having a receiving recess and two holes defined through the base and communicating the receiving recess. A pivotal member includes a connection portion, a pivotal portion and a neck portion connected between the connection portion and the pivotal portion which is pivotably engaged with the receiving recess. A passage is defined through the pivotal portion and a pin extends through the two holes and the passage to pivotally connect the pivotal member to the base. The neck portion has a lowest point, and a shortest distance defined between the lowest point and a transverse line extending through an axial center line of the passage and perpendicular to the pivotal member is larger than a radius of the pivotal portion.

Abstract: A universal joint yoke includes: a cylindrical portion for fixing a shaft; a slit that is formed in the cylindrical portion and that extends from one end of the cylindrical portion in an axial direction of the cylindrical portion, which is a first direction; a reinforcement flange that extends from the other end of the cylindrical portion radially outward with respect to the cylindrical portion; and a pair of arms that extend from the reinforcement flange on a side opposite to a side on which the cylindrical portion is provided and that are swingably coupled to another yoke via a coupling shaft.

Abstract: The yoke member of Cardan joint is made in one unitary part of one piece and includes a pivot fork including two pivot arm portions each comprising a crossing hole, the axis of which is the pivot axis of a cross-piece, and a connecting element for the motion transmission shaft and having two tightening portions connected via a junction portion. Each of the two tightening portions comprises a tightening hole. Four reinforcing appendices are arranged on the tightening portions and opposite one another in pairs to form together with the portions a housing for the motion transmission shaft. The yoke member is stamped in order to give it the desired thickness in highly stressed and lowly stressed regions.

Abstract: Slip ring assemblies for controlling pitch of a wind driven blade such as those utilized in wind turbines can include a series of grooves disposed about an outer perimeter of a rotating portion, each one of the grooves comprising a first planar surface intersecting with a second planar surface at an angle of 75 to 105 degrees, and a concavely rounded bottom portion at the intersection of the first and planar surfaces. The rotating portion of the slip ring can be formed of a bronze material and may include a graphite coating. Also disclosed herein are wind turbine assemblies employing the slip ring assemblies.

Abstract: A constant velocity coupling which rotatably connects an input shaft to an output shaft via a control mechanism which includes a gimbal arrangement with an inner yoke rotatably connected to an outer yoke. The control mechanism includes a control yoke to constrain at least portions of the coupling to lie on or in association with a homokinetic plane of the coupling. The control mechanism operates symmetrically about a supplementary angle bisector. In another arrangement the coupling includes a double constant velocity joint in which the control mechanism is located in a control tube connecting the two joints. In another arrangement the angle between the input shaft and the output shaft is controlled so as to vary the volumetric capacity of a swash plate hydraulic displacement device.

Abstract: A lever-operated PTO shaft connection mechanism for use with a three-point hitch quick coupler that aligns and engages the PTO driveline between a tractor and a powered implement.

Abstract: A cutter machine has a knife holder 13 mounted onto a cutter shaft 6 at the center portion, wherein a material to be cut is cut with knives 15 mounted onto the outer circumference of the knife holder 13 by rotating the knife holder 13 around the cutter shaft 6. The knife holder 13 is separated into a fixing member 17 mounted onto the cutter shaft 6 and a mounting member 18 onto which the knives 15 are mounted. The mounting member 18 is pivotally supported around two axes with respect to the fixing member 17. In the cutter machine, the knives and a die plate come into contact with each other by a small press force of the knives, thereby enabling a satisfactory cutting to be obtained.

Abstract: A constant velocity coupling which rotabably connects an input shaft to an output shaft by means of a control mechanism or control system which, in particular forms, includes a gimbal arrangement comprised of an inner yoke rotatably connected to an outer yoke. The control mechanism including control yoke constrains at least portions of the coupling to lie on or in association with a homokinetic plane of the coupling. In particular forms the control mechanism operates symmetrically about supplementary angle bisector.

Abstract: A housing has a longitudinally extending aperture and at least one internal, longitudinally extending groove. At least one longitudinally extending blade is mountable on the shaft and positioned within the housing such that the blade extends radially outwardly into the longitudinal groove of the housing. A cross pin extends radially through the longitudinally extending aperture of the housing for engagement with the shaft, and a resilient material is positioned between the housing and the blade, and between the cross pin and the housing, such that the blade will transmit torque to the housing with a desired radial, axial and torsional compliance.

Abstract: A torsion shaft for a vehicle includes an elongated inner shaft, and an outer sleeve attached to the inner shaft which fits over the inner shaft. A torsion cap is further attached to the inner shaft and outer sleeve. Another embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated inner shaft and an outer casing attached to the inner shaft which fits over the inner shaft. A torsion cap is further attached to the inner shaft and outer sleeve. A method for making a torsion shaft is also provided. An inner shaft and a magnetized outer sleeve are provided. The inner shaft is inserted into the outer sleeve, and the two are joined together.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly including a cruciform or like structured body having a plurality of spaced apart bores formed therein and a plurality of trunnion pins each rotationally mounted within different ones of the plurality of bores. A retaining assembly movably engages and retains an inner portion of the plurality of trunnion pins. Rotation of each of the trunnion pins relative to the body eliminates the need for any type of bearing assembly being interconnected or otherwise disposed between an outer end of the trunnion pins and interconnected yokes or like cooperative, exterior components conventionally associated with a universal joint assembly.

Abstract: A motive power transmission device for a radio control model includes a shaft having an enlarged ball-like portion formed on one end of the shaft. A funnel-shaped groove is diametrically defined in and extends through the enlarged ball-like portion. A coupling is connected to the shaft and includes a cavity defined to universally receive the enlarged ball-like portion. Two holes are diametrically defined in the coupling and communicating with the cavity. The two holes communicate with the funnel-shaped groove when the enlarged ball-like portion is received in the cavity in the coupling. An annular groove is defined in an outer periphery of the coupling and communicating with the two holes. A pin extends through the holes and the funnel-shaped groove to connected the shaft with the coupling. A fixing member is received in the annular groove in to hold the pin in place.

Abstract: A constant velocity coupling 10, 305 which rotabably connects an input shaft 11 to an output shaft 12 by means of a control mechanism or control system 21, 309 which, in particular forms, includes a gimbal arrangement comprised of an inner yoke 22 rotatably connected to an outer yoke 16.

Abstract: A suspended drive axle and agricultural tractor having same including a central housing having inboard final drives and left and right axle housing suspended therefrom by upper and lower control arms with axle shafts extending outwardly therefrom to which wheel and tire assemblies are mounted. A constant velocity universal joint is provided between the inboard final drives and the axle shafts. The universal joint having a pair of journal members and a coupling yoke that radially surround the drive and driven yokes of the joint whereby the axial length of the universal joint is minimized to enable the wheels to be located on the axle shafts at 60 inch tread spacing. This allows the drive axle to be used on a row crop tractor without altering the structure of the vehicle from a conventional row crop tractor whereby the characteristics of a row crop tractor are maintained.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for connecting two objects together, the coupling has a first member, a second member, a bearing, and one or more torsion resistant mechanisms. The members each are constructed and arranged to engage the bearing, such that, at least one of the members may pivot around the bearing, with respect to the other member, thereby allowing at least one of the members to be moveably engaged with the bearing. The torsion resistant mechanisms are constructed and arranged to resist the transmission of a torsional load, applied to one of the members, to the other member. One or more of the torsion resistant mechanisms may also be constructed and arranged to reduce vibrational forces applied to the device.

Abstract: In a connection between a motor and a position detector that together constitute a motor actuator, a connection shaft of the position detector is engaged with an outer peripheral surface of a motor output shaft, and a shaft portion of the connection shaft is engaged with an inner peripheral surface of the motor output shaft. Furthermore, radial recesses are provided to be radially outwardly recessed from the inner peripheral surface of the motor output shaft, and one of radial recesses of the motor output shaft engages with a single radial projection of the shaft portion of the connection shaft. Thus, the motor output shaft and the connection shaft are non-rotatably connected with each other, readily accurately.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint is provided, which can ensure a smooth torque transmission, extend the useful life thereof, maintain the constant velocity, and damp vibrations and abnormal sounds. The constant velocity universal joint having at least two sets of link mechanisms. The link mechanism has: link hubs installed in an input shaft and an output shaft, respectively; end link members rotatably each coupled with the link hubs installed in the respective input and the output shafts; and a central link member to which the end link members on the respective input and output shaft sides are rotatably coupled. Geometries of the mechanism on the input shaft side and the output shaft side are identical to each other across a transverse plane in a center of the link mechanism. The universal joint further has rotational resistance reducing means installed in at least either coupling part between the link hub and the end link member or coupling part between the central link member and the end link member.

Abstract: A steering column shaft assembly for an automotive vehicle includes an upper shaft and a lower shaft coupled by a universal joint having a yoke secured to one of the shaft ends and a cage pivoted to the other shaft end and accommodated within the yoke. The yoke and cage have aligned bores in which a set of trunion pins are received to provide a pivot connection between the yoke and cage. The portion of the trunion pins received in the yoke bores are formed with screw threads that engage threaded walls of the bores. The bores of the cage are unthreaded and receive unthreaded bearing portions of the trunion pins. The threaded connection between the trunion pins and yoke support the trunion pins against axial movement and ejection from the bores during operation of the shaft assembly, particularly under heavy torsional loads. Mechanical interference structure may also be provided to act on the trunion pins to prevent their rotation and thus removal once installed.

Abstract: A tilt-steering mechanism for a vehicle including a steering shaft, a steering wheel, universal joint interconnecting the steering shaft and the steering wheel wherein rotation of the steering wheel correspondingly rotates the steering shaft, the universal joint including a yoke defining a cavity therein and a shaft having a first end pivotably supported within the cavity in the yoke, and a locking structure for selectively locking the shaft of the universal joint at a predetermined angle to the steering shaft.

Abstract: In a mounting structure of a boot (15), a communication passage (21) communicating a connection space (13) with an external portion can be formed in a base portion (14A) of a boot adapter (14) at least at an intermediate stage of being inserted and attached to an outer peripheral portion of a first member (an outer wheel (11A)) from an axial direction, and the connection space (13) can be sealed by shutting a communication by the communication passage (21) at least at a final stage of the insertion and attachment.

Abstract: A spherical swivel includes a base assembly having a clevis and a ball joined to the clevis. A swivel eye is movably joined to the ball. An elastomeric band positioning device includes an elastomeric band that is secured at opposite ends to the base assembly and is further secured to the swivel eye.

Abstract: A universal joint yoke with two parallel yoke legs, which have a partial area for a bearing eye hole, is presented, in which the inner sides of the yoke legs facing one another have areas of thickened material in the unfinished state in the areas of the bearing eye holes. Due to this feature according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a sufficient mounting overlap for the needle bearings arranged in the bearing eye holes, on the one hand, and a maximum possible passage is obtained at the same time for a through hole necessary for the connection to connection profiles in the universal joint yoke.

Abstract: An improved universal joint device for socket wrenches. The improved device is constructed with non-slip spring retaining surfaces on the handle and socket portions of the device for receiving the ends of a coil spring which can maintain the universal joint in alignment during both tension and compression. The device is otherwise free of grooves or apertures for mounting the spring to the handle and socket portions.

Abstract: A coupler for connecting a drive shaft to a driven member and accommodating a substantial misalignment between the drive shaft and the driven member, while minimizing audible noise and vibration. The coupling includes a hollow core nest element having a plurality of slots formed in one end, two substantially identical elongate body elements, and a plurality of spring elements. Each elongate body element has two ends, a first end being adapted to couple with either the drive shaft or the driven member, and a second end that includes a plurality of posts that engage the slots of the hollow core nest.

Abstract: A coupling comprises blade flexures that connect two end members through which control rods extend to cross members that are attached near the mid-points of the blade flexures, providing stable-linear load reaction means for use as end pivots for linkages where stick-slip motion is undesirable. The blade flexures are housed in a rigid cage comprising four separators that are attached to end members, and the flexures are attached to the end members by the separators.

Abstract: A universal joint is provided having a generally cup-shaped yolk. The yolk includes a base and a generally cylindrical wall projecting therefrom. The wall partially defines a cavity in the yolk. A shaft extends a longitudinal axis and has a ball on the first end thereof. The ball is receivable within the cavity and the yolk. Mounting structure is provided for pivotably supporting the ball in the cavity of the yolk.

Abstract: A torsionally-rigid compensating coupling between first and second shaft ends has a ball bearing element positioned on the first shaft end and a ball socket element with grooves positioned on the second shaft end, with the ball bearing element including a ball bearing and a drive pin extending through the ball bearing. Pin ends of the drive pin extend out of the ball bearing into the grooves of the ball socket element. The grooves and ball socket of the ball socket element, in a longitudinal direction of the second shaft end, open out into a cylindrical recess that has a guide chamfer. The ball bearing element includes an elastic-force creating member and stops, with the elastic-force creating member driving the drive pin against the stops to fix the drive pin in its working position by elastic force, the drive pin being moveable against the elastic force in a longitudinal direction of the second shaft end.

Abstract: This slidable constant velocity universal joint comprises an outer joint member 1, and a tripod member 4 having a plurality of axially extending leg shafts 5 and outer rings 3 which are rotatably fitted on the leg shafts 5 and whose outer peripheries 3b are spherical. The tripod member 4 is received inside the outer joint member 1, and the outer rings 3 of the tripod member 4 are fitted in track grooves 2 in the outer joint member 1 so that they are slidable axially of the outer joint member. A sliding contact region S where relative sliding between the outer ring 3 and the leg shaft 5 in the leg shaft direction occurs is defined between the outer ring 3 and the leg shaft 5, and the outer ring 3 is allowed to swing around the axis of the leg shaft 5. The center of curvature O of the outer periphery of the outer ring 3 coincides with the sliding contact region S, thereby preventing the outer ring 3 from exhibiting unstable behavior before and after specific phases (0°, 180°).