Abstract: Eyeglasses are provided capable of folding into a substantially flat configuration that may be fitted inside a compact case or other narrow space. The eyeglasses may include a frame configured to hold one or more lenses and defining an imaginary plane, at least one temple piece, and at least one hinge connecting the at least one temple piece to the frame, wherein the hinge is configured to rotate the at least one temple piece between a first position extending substantially perpendicular to the imaginary plane defined by the frame, and second position extending substantially parallel to the imaginary plane.

Abstract: A multi-directional smooth damper includes a base including an inner cavity, two ends of the inner cavity defining openings, a first rotating portion, and a second rotating portion. A first end of the first rotating portion is rotated and disposed in the inner cavity of the base and a shape of the first end of the first rotating portion corresponds to a shape of the inner cavity. A second end of the first rotating portion passes through an opening of one end of the base. The first rotating portion is disposed at one end of the base having the opening and the inner cavity. A first end of the second rotating portion is rotated and disposed in an inner cavity of the first rotating portion. A grease layer is coated between a surface of the first rotating portion and the surface of the inner cavity of the base.

Abstract: A torque transmission comprising input and output shaft adapters. Pins disposed on an outer surface of the input shaft adapter. Each pin provides a curved pin portion oriented generally perpendicular to the input shaft adapter's longitudinal axis. The output shaft adapter provides a recess with a plurality of receptacles (or “notches”) formed in the recess's periphery, wherein the recess is shaped and sized such that when the input shaft adapter is received inside the recess, each pin is received into a corresponding notch. The torque transmission further comprises torsional bearings interposed between the pins and the notches, each torsional bearing providing a curved laminate portion such that the curved laminate portions contact the curved pin portions when the pins are received into their corresponding notches. The torsional bearings may further provide flat laminate portions that contact the notch when the pins are received into the notches.

Abstract: A cylindrical elastomeric bearing including a plurality of elastomeric layers arranged about a central bore. The elastomeric layers are characterized by a middle portion having a first thickness and two outer portions having a second thickness, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness, the one or more elastomeric layers being tapered between the middle portion and the outer portions. One or more shim layers, each of the plurality of shim layers being arranged between two of the plurality of elastomeric layers. The shim layers are shaped to fit with the elastomer layers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-axle component for a constant-velocity drive type driveshaft joint system, comprising: a rotation shaft comprising an end distal to a joint region, and an end proximate to the joint region; a generally cylindrical ball receiving housing located at the proximate end, comprising a cylindrical wall adapted to receive at least a partially spherically shaped shaft end; at least two holes provided in the cylindrical wall that are axially displaced from one another along a rotation axis of the multi-axle component; and a pin that extends through only one of the axially displaced holes at a time to join the shaft end with the multi-axle component.

Abstract: A rotor coupling (10) including a first member (12) rotatable about a first axis of rotation (14) and a second member (16), engageable with the first member, and rotatable about a second axis of rotation (18). The rotor coupling (10) further includes at least one torque pin (24) for transmitting torque between the first and second members such that the first and second axes of rotation are allowed to respectively angularly vary during rotation of the rotor coupling.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a novel power transmission joint system that is low in cost and can withstand extended wear. The power transmission joint system has several components including a drive cup, a drive shaft pin, and a large contact area between the drive cup and the drive shaft pin. The drive shaft pin is a pivoting pin that provides a second pivot axis to reduce wear on the system. The large contact area is larger than a corresponding contact area of an existing low-cost pinned drive shaft, drive cup system. The large contact area significantly reduces pressure on the system. The power transmission joint system can withstand extended wear and tear.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an arrangement for a sliding type constant velocity universal joint which includes a coil spring employed to urge an intermediate shaft. The arrangement prevents a spring receptacle member from interfering with an intricately-shaped portion of the roller assembly even at a maximum operating angle. Reducing the weight of the universal joint is also an object. In a sliding type constant velocity universal joint which includes a coil spring employed to urge an intermediate shaft, a cylindrical portion of a spring receptacle which supports an end of the coil spring rises by a height, so that an edge of the cylindrical portion makes contact with a lower end surface of an outer ring of a roller assembly of an inner joint member when the constant velocity universal joint takes a maximum operating angle.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly includes a driveshaft with a pair of universal joints disposed at each end of the driveshaft. Each of the universal joints provides torque transfer from the driveshaft to an adapter disposed to driveshaft using a plurality of elliptical projections that mate with interior grooves of the adapter. Stress concentration on the projections may be reduced in some embodiments by providing a variable radius fillet around each of the projections at the intersection of the projection with the driveshaft.

Abstract: A drive shaft assembly for a downhole motor includes a drive shaft formed with convexly spherical bearing surfaces on each end, and end housings with concavely spherical bearing surfaces for mating contact with the spherical bearing surfaces of the drive shaft, thereby facilitating omni-directional articulation between the drive shaft and the end housings while transferring axial thrust loads between the drive shaft and end housings across the interface of the mating spherical bearing surfaces. Torque is transferred between the drive shaft and end housings through two or alternatively four swivelling drive keys mounted to each end of the drive shaft and engageable with complementary drive key slots in the end housings. Full and constant torque-transferring contact is thus provided between the swivelling drive keys and the end housings irrespective of any angular offset between the drive shaft and the end housings, resulting from omni-directional articulation of the drive shaft relative to the end housing.

Abstract: A universal joint comprises a tool set including a driving portion secured on one end thereof and a spherical member fixed on another end thereof; a base including a receiving chamber disposed on one end thereof and a circular groove mounted on another end thereof to receive the spherical member of the tool set, between the groove and the spherical member of the tool set being defined a stooping structure, the stopping structure including two opposite sliding slots and two locking tabs relative to the sliding slots, and a locking structure disposed on the base and including two annular recesses arranged on an outer periphery of the base and communicating with the groove to receive two engaging members respectively, on an outer periphery of the base being fitted a pressing member in which an abutting surface formed therein.

Abstract: A universal joint is provided with a rotation shaft having a ball portion provided at an end thereof and a pair of projections formed on a diameter line of the ball portion, and a rotation body having guide grooves formed for receiving insertion of the respective projections of the rotation shaft and a holding hole formed for holding the ball portion, the ball portion being rotatable about an axis line of the projections and rotatable while inclining the projections along the guide grooves. In the universal joint pins serving as a stopper are provided in the holding hole for inhibiting the ball portion from slipping off.

Abstract: A shaft member coupling structure includes first and second spool members rockably coupled in a condition wherein the spool members coaxially extend with a coupling part in the center, a fitting concave portion axially extends and is formed at the end of the first spool member and a fitting convex portion axially extends and can be fitted into the fitting concave portion and is formed at the end of the second spool member. A coupling pin is inserted into first and second coupling holes. Further, an annular holding groove concave in a circumferential direction is formed in a part in which the coupling hole is formed on the periphery of the first spool member, both ends of the coupling pin inserted into the coupling holes are covered with a ring fitted into the holding groove. Thus, the coupling pin is prevented from falling away.

Abstract: A fixed center constant velocity joint includes an outer race having races formed with a spherical surface, a shaft, a driver connected to the shaft and including radially directed pivot shafts, first and second bipods each located on an opposite axial side of the driver and including radially directed trunnions, equalizers fitted on a pivot shaft and driveably connected to the first and second bipods for pivoting the bipods relative to one another, and bearings rotatably supported on a trunnion and including a spherical surface conjugate to and engaged with a surface of a race.

Abstract: A repair device for a flexible drive coupling having a shell and a hub includes a first member fixed to the shell and a second member fixed to the hub. The first member includes a slot. A portion of the second member extends from the hub and is slidably positioned within the slot. The first and second members are drivingly engageable with one another to transfer torque between the shell and the hub.

Abstract: A tripod joints includes a joint outer part and a joint inner part. The joint inner part has a tripod star with ball pins, which transmits a drive torque from the joint inner part to the joint outer part via a pressure element and via rolling bodies which are arranged between the joint outer part and a running surface of the pressure element. The running surface of the pressure element is curved in the rolling direction of the rolling bodies. The force may be distributed more uniformly between the rolling bodies when large drive torques are intended to be transmitted. The tripod joint may be suitable for the displaceable and pivotable driving connection of two shaft ends, e.g., in conjunction with drive trains or half shafts of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint comprises trunnions each of which expands toward a guide groove and each of which is provided with a spherical surface along a circumferential direction, inner rollers each of which has a recess having a spherical surface formed on an inner circumferential surface to make surface-to-surface contact corresponding to the spherical surface, and outer rollers each of which is externally fitted to the inner roller via needle bearings and each of which is provided relatively displaceably with respect to the inner roller along an axial direction (direction of the arrow B) of the trunnion.

Abstract: The joint is of the type in which each arm (3) of the tripod (1) has a spherical bearing surface (4) that cooperates with a cylindrical bore (8) in a one-piece intermediate shoe (7). A series of rolling members (12) is disposed between each side of the shoe and a rolling track (6) of the female member (5) of the joint. The bearing distance (D) between the center (A) of the spherical bearing surface (4) of each arm (3) and the main axis (X—X) of the male member (1) is significantly different from the rolling distance (d) between the main axis (X—X) and the mean plane (P′) of the rolling members (12) associated with the same arm.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint comprises a plurality of trunnions which are formed to be spherical, sliding surfaces which extend in a flat configuration along an axial direction of an outer cup, and pairs of slipper members having one side surfaces which are formed with recesses for making contact with spherical surfaces of the trunnions and the other side surfaces which are formed with flat surfaces to make contact with the sliding surfaces, wherein the pair of slipper members are provided slidably with respect to the sliding surface and the spherical surface of the trunnion.

Abstract: A flexible joint for first and second rotating members, including: a hub fixedly connected to a proximal end of the first rotating member at a first end of the hub; the hub being constructed for the insertion in a second, opposite end of the hub of a proximal end of the second rotating member, the proximal end of the second rotating member being moveable within the hub such that a distal end of the second rotating member may move axially with respect to the first rotating member and/or may move radially away from a major axis of the first rotating member; and a spring disposed between an end face of the proximal end of the second rotating member and an inner face of the hub to bias the second rotating member axially away from the hub and the first rotating member, strength of the spring determining the ease with which the distal end of the second rotating member may move.

Abstract: a sliding universal joint has a male element (1), especially a tripod, intended to be fixed to a first shaft and including arms (6) on each of which a roller (3) with a spherical external surface is mounted so that it can rotate and slide. A female element (2) intended to be fixed to a second shaft and defines on each side of each spherical roller two runway paths (7,8). A first of these runway paths (7) interacts directly with the spherical roller and axially positionins it. Between each spherical roller (3) and the associated second runway path (8) there is interposed an anti-vibration assembly (4) which, on the inside, includes a spherical surface which substantially matches the external surface of the spherical roller and interacts with this surface. This assembly (4) moves along the second runway path (8).

Abstract: The Universal Joint includes a tripod that is to be fixed to the first shaft and a female element that is to be fixed to a second shaft. The tripod has a plurality of arms to engage with the plurality of the tracks of the female element. Two of the tracks are disposed on respective sides of each of the arms of the tripod. Intermediate members are interposed between each one of the arms and the two of the plurality of tracks corresponding thereto. For each one of the arms, the two tracks corresponding thereto include a first track formed of a first slot and a second track. Each one of the arms has a second slot that forms an angle with the first slot of the first track and a first spherical surface. The intermediate members include a first intermediate member that is a ball interacting with the first slot and the second slot, and a second intermediate member interacting with the second track and having a second spherical surface that interacts with the first spherical surface.

Abstract: The tire lift mechanism has a cable and a drive tube which includes an outer tube portion and an inner tube portion. The outer tube portion is telescopically mounted upon the inner tube portion. The drive tube is adapted to be selectively rotated to cause the cable to be raised and lowered thereby raising or lowering the spare tire. The lift mechanism also includes a driven shaft having an axis of rotation and structure for raising and lowering the cable. The driven shaft is selectively driven by the drive tube through a pivot coupling interposed therebetween. The pivot coupling has a pair of inner and outer tubular coupling members. The inner coupling member has an axially extending bore for receiving the axially extending driven shaft. The inner coupling member and the driven shaft extend into the interior of the inner tube portion. The outer coupling member is mounted on the exterior of the inner tube portion.

Abstract: In a tachometer assembly for attachment to an output shaft of a rotary machine, wherein the tachometer assembly includes a tachometer housing enclosing a sensor drum fixed to a tachometer shaft, the shaft extending from the tachometer housing and adapted for attachment to the output shaft of the rotary machine for rotation therewith, and a sensor pad located peripherally adjacent the sensor drum, an improvement which includes an internal wrench mechanism for locking the tachometer shaft to the tachometer housing for common rotation therewith so as to facilitate threaded engagement between the tachometer shaft and the output shaft, as well as for unlocking the tachometer shaft from the tachometer housing for rotation relative to the tachometer housing to thereby permit the tachometer shaft to rotate with the output shaft after the tachometer housing is secured to the rotary machine housing.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting two shafts to each other. The coupling allows one shaft to pivot about transverse axes and plunge toward and away from the other shaft. The coupling is well suited for use as the inboard plunging unit of a constant velocity joint for a front wheel drive vehicle. The shaft end is received in a splined opening formed in a trunnion. The trunnion is pivotably supported in a trunnion support body. The trunnion support body is in turn pivotably supported in slider blocks and the slider blocks are slidable within a drive canister or can. The sliding surfaces preferably include bearings formed of a high PV plastic material such as VESPEL.TM..

Abstract: A variable angle torque transmitting coupling apparatus for use in an automobile steering column as well as other applications which includes a first member which is generally T-shaped and has an elongated shaft and an elongated head each having an axis. The respective axes thereof are disposed substantially at a right angles. A second member includes a housing in which an elongated slot is disposed, the slot is dimensioned and configured for receiving the head of the first member. The head has side surfaces which are cylindrical section shaped and the sides of the slot are dimensioned and configured for receiving the head. The slot has a generally planar bearing surfaces on the sides thereof which engage the cylindrical section shaped surfaces of the head with sliding engagement therebetween. The head has surfaces at the axial extremities thereof which are spherical section shaped and which slidingly engage spherical section shaped members.

Abstract: A joint comprises a tripod equipped with three spherical pivots, and a barrel with six cylindrical inner tracks. Intermediate elements comprise a cylindrical surface complementary with the spherical pivot and a surface of circular profile complementary with the circular profile of the tracks. The intermediate elements are blocks, the surface of circular profile of which is a cylindrical surface permanently bearing slidably in the tracks. The joint enables reducing the contact pressures, increasing the telescopic stroke, simplifying the form of the intermediate elements and making it possible to produce them from a material of moderate hardness.

Abstract: A method of attaching a stepper motor to a throttle shaft provides constant torque transmission by connecting the shafts coaxially with a coupling that accommodates limited shaft misalignment and movement. In the preferred embodiment, the coupling comprises a fork, parallel to, and attached to, one shaft that receives a pin, perpendicular to, and attached to, the second shaft. The coupling permits the coaxial attachment of the shaft without the necessity of maintaining precise mounting tolerances.

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: Arms (2) of a tripod element (1) are in force-transmitting relation in the circumferential direction and in mobile relation in the axial direction, with rolling tracks (9) provided longitudinally inside a bowl (10), through the medium of roller segments (6,6a, 6b). The latter have a toric outer surface (8) in rolling contact with the tracks (9) which have a corresponding transverse radius of curvature, and an inner spherical surface (3) which is in ball-joint relation to spherical regions (3) of the arms (2). When the joint operates in contraction-extension, each roller segment (6) slides around the spherical regions (3) and rolls in the tracks (9) until, in an extreme position, the two roller segments (6a, 6b) associated with each arm abut against each other by their circumferential ends (14). Utilized for reducing the number of component parts of the joint and eliminating friction between points whose relative paths have turning back points.

Abstract: A tachometric generator comprises an input shaft which can be connected to a drive take-off from the vehicle, a main shaft connected to this input shaft by means of a ball joint resilient coupling torsionally coupled to an output shaft which can be connected to an external mechanical transmission. The speed of rotation of these shafts is detected by a magneto-electric sensor facing a magnetic disc fitted onto the output shaft.

Abstract: A homokinetic joint including a first element (1,2) extending along a first axis and carrying three radial arms (3) evenly angularly spaced apart and defining spherical bearing surfaces (4), a second element (10) having a second axis intersecting the first axis and capable of making an angle therewith, the second element defining three pairs of raceways (9), intermediate elements (5) disposed between the spherical bearing surfaces and the raceways, rolling members (8) being interposed between the intermediate elements (5) and the adjacent raceways (9). The raceways (9) provided on the second element (10) are formed by cylindrical surfaces having a roughly circular cross-section and generatrices parallel to the axis of the second element, the rolling members being balls (8).

Abstract: A joint including a spider element (2) whose four branches each define a pair of raceways (4), a barrel (11) on the exterior of which are pivotally mounted jaws (13) each defining two spherical concave bearing surfaces (18), and intermediate elements (21) of planar-convex shape, disposed between the raceways and the spherical bearing surfaces. Needles (23) maintained by cages (24) are interposed between the intermediate elements and the raceways. Such a joint provides great freedom of axial sliding, even at high operating speed.

Abstract: The universal joint (10) comprises a first shaft (12) with an annular head (14) having a cavity (16) therein and oppositely disposed seats (17, 19) about the perimeter of the cavity (16). The seats (17, 19) have inclined bottom surfaces (21) which displace radially inwardly a pair of seats (30) each having a cylindrical seat extension (34) terminating in a curved seat surface (38). The second shaft (22) has a head (24) with diametrically opposed recesses (26) each having a curved surface (28) therein. The head (24) of the second shaft (22) is captured between the seats (30) to provide a lash-free universal joint (10).

Abstract: A telescopic homokinetic joint which is capable of filtering vibrations coming from the driving means and is also devoid, or substantially devoid, of periodical internal friction. This result is obtained in a homokinetic joint comprising a first element including three pairs of planes which are evenly angularly spaced apart about a first axis, the planes of each pair being parallel to each other and to said axis, a second element defining three spherical bearing surfaces which are evenly angularly spaced apart about a second axis, and intermediate elements. The intermediate elements comprise planar surfaces which are respectively parallel to the planes and spherical surfaces which cooperate with the spherical bearing surfaces. According to the invention, rolling elements are interposed between the planar surfaces of the intermediate elements and the planes of the first element.

Abstract: A telescopic homokinetic joint which is capable of filtering vibrations coming from the driving means and is also devoid, or substantially devoid, of periodical internal friction. This result is obtained in a homokinetic joint comprising a first element including three pairs of planes which are evenly angularly spaced apart about a first axis, the planes of each pair being parallel to each other and to said axis, a second element defining three spherical bearing surfaces which are evenly angularly spaced apart about a second axis, and intermediate elements. The intermediate elements comprise planar surfaces which are respectively parallel to the planes and spherical surfaces which cooperate with the spherical bearing surfaces. According to the invention, rolling elements are interposed between the planar surfaces of the intermediate elements and the planes of the first element.

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.