Abstract: Shock absorber systems include a drive plate having a plurality of removable lugs. The drive plate is connectable to a rotary drive shaft. The shock absorber further includes a driven plate connectable to a rotary driven shaft. A housing may be fixedly secured to either or both of the drive plate and the driven plate. The housing may have an outer wall forming a hollow center portion and a plurality of openings extending through the outer wall to the hollow center portion. Each opening of the plurality of openings may have first and second positive stops formed thereon. The shock absorber further comprises an elastomeric member disposed in the housing between the drive plate and the driven plate. The elastomeric member is configured to absorb vibration from the driven plate. Each removable lug of the plurality of removable lugs has first and second striking faces at a radially distal edge and on circumferentially opposing sides.

Abstract: Known autonomous taxi systems for aircraft include a rigid connection between the aircraft wheel and a gear which is used to drive it. Such arrangements have been found to suffer from the problem that wheel deformation modes cause unacceptable wear and/or stresses within the drive system and/or wheel. The present invention thus proposes a drive system for an aircraft landing gear, the drive system comprising: a pinion gear; a drive shaft arranged to rotate the pinion gear about a drive axis; a driven gear arranged to mesh with the pinion gear to be rotatable by the pinion gear, the driven gear being connectable to a wheel of the landing gear to be capable of rotating the wheel about a wheel axis; and a flexible interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handheld power tool (1), including: a mobile element (100) and a stationary element (102); a rotatable actuator; a ball nut (200); a ball screw (202) having a first end (202a) connected to the mobile element (100); and a universal joint (10, 12, 14) arranged so as to be driven by the rotatable actuator and so as to rotate the ball nut (200) on said ball screw (202) in order to move the ball screw (202), and thus the mobile element (100), relative to the stationary element (102). The universal joint can be advantageously retained inside two concentric spherical bearings (50a, 60a, 70a, 80a), thus making it possible to take up the axial forces in two directions. It is thus possible to eliminate any radial force on the ball screw (202) and have angularly variably rotational output.

Abstract: A tripod type constant velocity universal joint that can suppress generation of shudder by reducing the 3rd order cyclic axial force and has high rotation durability. In a double-roller tripod type constant velocity universal joint, a track gap ?1 between one of the roller guiding surfaces formed on both sides of a track groove, which is on the no-load applied side, and an outer circumferential surface of an outer roller is set to satisfy ?1>0.03/A. Also, a shoulder gap ?2 between a guide shoulder surface formed at the bottom of the track groove and a side surface of the outer roller is set to satisfy ?2>0.15×A. In both the expressions, a degree of torus A is defined as a ratio of a radius of curvature r of a generatrix of the outer circumferential surface to a radius R of an outer circumference of the outer roller (A=r/R).

Abstract: The invention relates to a tripod joint assembly, suited for the driveline of motor vehicles. It includes an outer joint part, rollers and an inner joint part which is connected to a shaft in a rotationally fast way, with an annular gap being formed between the shaft and the outer joint part, as well as a convoluted boot for sealing the annular gap. The outer joint part comprises a wall whose outer contour, in cross-section, deviates from the circular shape and which comprises a radially outwardly directed, circumferentially extending bead. The convoluted boot comprises an adapter ring and a convoluted portion connected to the adapter ring, with the adapter ring, on its radial inside, comprising an annular circumferential recess and, in its cross-section, being suitable for being fitted on to the outer joint part. When the adapter ring is fitted on to the outer joint part, the bead of the outer joint part engages the circumferential recess of the adapter ring in order to provide axial security.

Abstract: This spider assembly comprises a spider which comprises a hub intended to be connected to a shaft and from which there project several arms (3). Each arm comprises a cylindrical runway surface (12), a roller (5) mounted to rotate and slide on each arm via a ring of needles (4), and a split elastic ring (8) for retaining the ring of needles and the roller on the arm. The ring is axially fixed by snap-fitting onto the arm, the width of the split in the ring after mounting being zero or very much smaller than the diameter of the needles. The ring comprises, on its interior face (16), both a needle-retaining surface (20) that is flared towards the free end of the arm and delimits the space in which the needles run, and a roller-retaining surface (22) that is flared towards the free end of the arm. The flared roller-retaining surface is more or less in the continuation of the flared needle-retaining surface (20).

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint includes an inner roller and a trunnion. The inner roller has a chamfered portion formed by an inclined surface inclined at an angle not less than an assembling angle &thgr;. The inclined surface extends from a starting point defined by a crossing point of a spherical recess of the inner roller and a short radius r of an elliptic cutout formed on the inner roller.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint has a ring that is fitted on each trunnion and rotatably supports a corresponding roller so the roller is movable axially of an outer joint member along a roller guide surface. The outer circumferential surface of each trunnion has a straight shape, as viewed in the longitudinal section, and has, as viewed in the cross section, a shape which allows contact with the inner circumferential surface of the ring in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the outer joint member. A generatrix of the inner circumferential surface of the ring forms part of an ellipse having a major axis extending in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the ring or is composed of a central convex circular arc and a tangential line extending from an end portion of the circular arc to an end face of the ring.

Abstract: The invention concerns a constant velocity tripod joint for motor vehicle transmission systems comprising a male element (2) including several branches (4), a female element (8) defining for each branch a pair of tracks (9A, 9B), symmetrical with respect to a plane (P), and, mounted on each branch, a mechanical transmission member (11) comprising an outer roller (12) designed to run on one of the corresponding tracks. Each track comprises a central zone (14A, 14B) having a rectilinear transverse profile and inclined at an angle a relative to the plan (P) and a bearing (15A, 15B) for maintaining the roller radially. Each roller has a peripheral surface whereof the central zone (31) is conical and matching the central zones of the tracks, and a front surface (32) adapted to be urged into contact more or less perpendicularly with said bearing surfaces of the tracks under the effect of a driving torque. The invention is applicable to constant velocity tripod joints for transmission systems in 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: 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 constant-velocity universal joint of a tripod type, includes a housing representing a first rotation part and having three tracks, each track having two flat running surfaces in parallel relationship, a second rotation part configured as a tripod spider and having three arms defined by arm axes arranged in a plane and intersecting in a joint axis. The arms are guided in the running surfaces of the housing, wherein each of the arms is received in a rolling-contact bearing including an inner ring, an outer ring, cylindrical rolling elements, and retainer rings arranged as mirror images of one another for mutual axial securement of all components of the rolling-contact bearing with respect to the arm axis.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mechanical transmission member comprising an inner ring (9), an outer ring (11) and pivot linkage means (12) for coupling the inner and outer rings. The pivot linkage means compromise means for axially retaining the outer ring relative to the inner ring, wherein are comprised at least an axially abutment collar (30, 31) co-operating with an annular radially internal groove (16, 17) of the outer ring and with an axially external surface (23, 24) of the inner ring, and at least an elastic snap ring (32, 33) co-operating with an axially external retaining surface (18, 19) of a groove and with the abutment collar support surface (42, 43). The invention is applicable to tripod constant velocity joints for motor vehicle transmission systems.

Abstract: The inner peripheral wall of the sleeve has four longitudinal grooves each disposed between two adjacent races. The driver has the form of a cross with four arms disposed radially at right angles to one another and each serving as a pivot shaft for a corresponding equalizing lever. Each bipod has four radial lugs disposed at 45.degree. to the axis of the rollers carried by said bipod, and each lug has on its surface facing the driver a slot designed to receive an associated end of the corresponding equalizing lever.

Abstract: A constant velocity ratio universal joint of the tripode type including a first joint member having a first rotational axis and three tracks circumferentially spaced about the axis and extending lengthwise thereof. A second joint member is also included having a second rotational axis and three arms extending into the respective tracks of the first joint member. Each of the arms has a respective arm axis, and a roller is carried by each arm. Each roller has a roller axis and an external circumferential surface which engages opposite sides of the respective track in the first joint member. The external circumferential surface of each roller is a surface of revolution about the roller axis of a convex generally arcuate line having a meridian radius. The roller is characterized in that the meridian radius is greater than the equatorial radius.

Abstract: A bipode joint for small articulation angles and high torque transmission has a first joint part (1) and a second joint part (23). Two rollers (7, 8) are rotatably supported on arms (3) of the first joint part (1). The rollers (7, 8) engage apertures (27) which extend from a cavity (24) to the outer face of the second joint part (23). To assemble the first joint part (1) with arms (3), recesses (32) are provided which enable the first joint part (1) to be threaded in. Thus, it is possible to associate the running faces which cooperate with the rollers (7, 8) with the apertures in the second joint part, thus, overall achieving a stable embodiment for high torque transmission.

Abstract: A bipode joint has a first joint part (1) with a first longitudinal axis (2) and a second joint part (23) with a second longitudinal axis (27). The first joint part (1) has an arm (3) whose diameter is stepped and includes a roller (7') whose face also includes a stepped diameter. The faces are an outer face (9) with a smaller diameter and, on the radial inside, a transmitting face (11) with a larger diameter. A spherical zone is arranged between the two faces. Two running faces (30) are on the second joint part (23) to guide the outer face (9). In the radially inward direction, the running face (30) is followed by a supporting face (32). The supporting face (32) is a partial cylindrical face to support the roller (7') with its spherical zone (10). Further inwardly, towards the second longitudinal axis (27), a supplementary running face (34) follows the support face (32). The supplementary running face serves as a supporting face for the transmitting face (11) of the roller (7').

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint of a tripod type includes an outer joint part with three circumferentially spaced axial guide tracks for respectively receiving a tripod unit which is connected to a tripod spider and guided on a ball-headed pin for angular mobility. The a tripod unit (1) includes a form-fitting coupling directly between the tripod roller (6) and an inner ring (4), with the inner ring (4) having an annular shoulder (16) which has an end face bearing upon the tripod roller (6).

Abstract: A universal joint comprising a first joint member having a rotational axis and a body connected to the first joint member for pivotal movement relative thereto about a pivot axis intersecting and perpendicular to the rotational axis. The body comprises two trunnions extending along a trunnion axis perpendicular to the pivot axis of the body and respective rollers are carried by the trunnions for rotation about the trunnion axis. The universal joint also comprises a second joint member having a rotational axis and affording two tracks extending lengthwise of the second joint member and diametrically opposed to one another about the rotational axis of the second joint member with the rollers being received in the tracks for torque transmission between the joint members by way of the body and rollers.

Abstract: In a slide type universal joint, a slider is slidably fitted around a trunnion of an inner member and a roller, which rolls in a transmission groove of an outer member, is carried rotatably on the slider via a needle bearing, the slider and the roller being coupled together against axial relative displacement by an axial coupling means. This makes the joint simple in structure and reduces frictional resistance.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint of the tripode type includes a roller assembly arranged on the tripode arm which is secured against unintentionally disengagement with the tripode arm. A pressure disc is provided which holds the roller assembly together as a unit and whose shape, relative to the ideal round shape, deviates radially inwardly. The radially inwardly directed deviation in shape is designed with a slightly smaller width of opening than the dimension corresponding to the maximum outer diameter of the spherical arm. In this way it is ensured that the roller assembly on the spherical tripode arm is self-holding after having been mounted.

Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint part with three axially extending recesses and an inner joint part with three radially circumferentially distributed arms, each engaging one of the longitudinal recesses. Roller assemblies, with roller carriers and roller elements, are carried on the arms. A mechanism cooperating with the inner joint part provides a form-fitting resistance to prevent the roller assemblies from axial removal from their respective arm.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint of the tripode type increases the torque transmitting capacity of the joint while the size of the joint remains unchanged, and, respectively, with a predetermined torque capacity, to reduce the size of the joint, especially the outer diameter of the joint. This is achieved in that the joint is guided entirely by the outer roller and that the securing means for the roller assembly on the tripode arm are displaced radially inwardly with reference to the joint axis.

Abstract: The area pressure in a constant velocity universal joint of the tripode type is reduced to improve the lubrication conditions. The ends of the arms of the inner joint part facing the two directions of rotation of the joint arms are each provided with a face extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the joint and to the axis of the respective arm. The inner is produced by a forming tool divided into two parts. The workpiece is journal-shaped and when shown in an axial section, comprises a convexly curved outer circumference. The pressing and/or forging burr is formed in such a way that the use of the workpiece is not adversely affected and therefore subsequent machining of the burr is not required. In the region of the burr, there is the face as a result of which the burr, relative to the outer contour, is displaced radially inwardly.

Abstract: A stroking constant velocity universal joint including a tulip housing having three longitudinal drive channels therein and a spider having three radial trunnions reaching into the drive channels. A cylindrical drive roller is disposed in each drive channel and has a radial bore therein with an inner convex surface around a cylindrical bearing race on the corresponding radial trunnion. A full complement of needle bearings is disposed in the clearance between each cylindrical bearing race and the corresponding inner convex surface. A pair of annular washers are mounted on each radial trunnion at opposite ends of the bearing race thereon. A counterbore in a side of each washer facing the corresponding drive roller has a diameter less than the minimum diameter of the inner convex surface in the drive roller and overlaps an end of the full complement of needle bearings to hold the needle bearings closer to the cylindrical bearing race than the inner convex surface of the drive roller.

Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint part with at least two circumferentially distributed longitudinally extending tracks to receive rollers. The outer part is non-rotatingly connected to a first driveshaft. An inner joint part is coupled with the outer joint part. The inner joint part has radial arms which engage the tracks and on which the rollers are rotatably and radially movably supported. The inner part is non-rotatingly connectable to a second driveshaft. The outer joint part further includes an outer annular member directly and firmly connected to the first driveshaft. Track elements directly guide the rollers, and resilient intermediate elements are arranged between the two parts. A mutual centering mechanism is provided between the annular member of the outer joint part.

Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint part with three circumferentially distributed, axis-parallel recesses which form circumferentially opposed tracks. An inner joint part with a star-shaped cross-section and three circumferentially distributed arms engaging the recesses in the outer joint part is associated with the outer part. The arms support roller assemblies. Each roller assembly has at least one inner ring and an outer roller. The inner ring is angularly movable relative to the arm and axially movable relative to the arm axis. A rolling contact bearing is arranged between an outer surface of the inner ring and an inner surface of the outer roller. Also, the outer surface of the outer roller rolls directly on the tracks. The inner ring and outer roller, with reference to the joint axis, are each supported radially outwardly independently of one another.

Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint component having three circumferentially distributed recesses with parallel axes forming circumferentially opposing tracks. An inner joint component has a spider-shape cross-section with three circumferentially distributed arms which engage recesses of the outer joint component. The arms support roller assemblies. Each roller assembly includes a roller-carrier and a roller that runs directly on the tracks. The roller is arranged to slide axially along the arm axis and swivel with angular movement relative to the arm axis. A support is provided between the roller assembly and the outer joint component. The support absorbs tilting moments exerted on the roller assembly about an axis parallel to the joint axis and tilting moments exerted on the roller assembly about an axis perpendicular to, and spaced from, the joint axis.

Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint part (1) with three uniformly circumferentially distributed axis-parallel recesses (2) forming circumferentially opposed tracks (4, 5), and an inner joint part (6) having a tripod-shaped cross-section with three circumferentially distributed arms (7) which extend into the recesses (2) of the outer joint part (1). Roller assemblies (8) are supported on the arms 7. Each roller assembly has at least one inner ring (12) and one outer roller (9) supported by the arms (7). The roller surface of the outer roller (9) rolls directly on the track (4, 5), with surfaces in each case being paired, such surface pairing enabling at least one radial sliding movement of at least part of a roller assembly (8) relative to the associated arm (7). A space (16) is formed between the roller assemblies (8) and the arms (7) for storing a first lubricant for the surface pairs enabling the radial sliding movement. The remaining joint interior or cavity (3) is filled with a second lubricant.

Abstract: An outside member connected to a first shaft is provided on the inner peripheral surface with three grooves extending in the axial direction of the first shaft at circumferentially equal intervals. An inside member connected to a second shaft has roller shafts extending outward in the radial direction of the second shaft so as to respectively enter into the grooves of the outside member, each roller shaft being provided on the outer periphery with a convex spherical surface. A cage provided on the inner periphery with a concave spherical surface is mounted on each roller shaft by fitting the concave spherical surface to the covex spherical surface of the roller shaft. A ring-like roller is rotatably supported by the cage to contact with the outside member. When the first shaft and the second shaft are rotated with a joint angle made between the first and second shafts, the position of the roller relative to the axis of the first shaft is maintained constant.

Abstract: A coupling for coupling two shafts. The coupling is well suited for use as the inboard plunging coupling for a front wheel drive vehicle. The coupling includes a drive canister, a trunnion received within the drive canister and bearing assemblies which mount the trunnion for plunging and pivoting motion within the drive canister. The bearing assembly can include a series of radially spaced bearing surfaces so as to distribute load about a greater area thereby increasing the torque carrying capacity of the assembly.

Abstract: A constant velocity ratio universal joint of the tripod type, comprising an outer joint member (10) with three guide grooves (20), and an inner joint member with arms (13) each carrying a roller (21) which is able to rotate about, move lengthwise of, and tilt relative to the arm, wherein both the external surface (22) of the roller and each side portion of a guide groove (20) engaged thereby is of a gothic arch cross sectional shape to provide for angular contact between roller and guide groove and improve the guidance of the roller so that it remains aligned in the groove for rolling therealong and with the gothic arch section of the roller and/or guide groove side comprising arcuate portions with different centers of curvature, or having part-elliptical or part-involute portions.

Abstract: A restriction flange formed integrally on one end of each cylindrical holder in a sliding universal joint abuts the bottom surface of the respective transmitting groove to prevent inclination of the holder relative to a center axis of the outer member of the joint.

Abstract: A tripot type constant velocity universal joint comprises a first rotary member provided with three sets of track surfaces each consisting of two parallel planar surfaces, a second rotary member provided with three trunnions corresponding to the track surfaces, and cylindrical roller assemblies loosely fitted to the trunnions and fitted on the track surfaces. The cylindrical roller assemblies are pivoted around corresponding points on the axes of the trunnions. The roller assemblies have a pivot controlling member for controlling pivot of the roller assemblies.

Abstract: A tundish (11) has located alongside it an upright support member (20). A cross arm (22) is pivotally mounted on the member (20) with one end of the cross arm (22) overlying the tundish (11). A hydraulic or pneumatic ram (25) is mounted in the member (20) for applying a downward force on the overlying end of the cross arm (24) which mounts a drive means (27) connected to the stem (14) of a rotary valve (12) for controlling the exit of hot or corrosive liquid from the tundish (11).

Abstract: A restriction flange is independently formed and then fitted on one end of each cylindrical holder in a sliding universal joint and abuts a rail portion surface of the transmitting groove to prevent inclination of the holder. The rail portion can also be formed independently of the outer member and then fixed thereto by bolting, welding or caulking.

Abstract: A restriction flange is provided on the inner end of each cylindrical holder in a sliding universal joint to keep the pair of cutouts which are provided for installation of the inner roller aligned with the longitudinal direction of the transmitting groove. The flange can be rectangular having appropriate side lengths to restrict any rotational motion of the cylindrical about it's center axis.

Abstract: A stopper is slidably mounted on a bearing surface on the end wall of the inner member accommodating chamber of the outer member of a sliding-type universal joint. The bearing surface can be provided on a raised portion of the end wall larger in diameter than the diameter of a flange provided on the base of the stopper. The bearing surface is perpendicular to the axis of the outer member. A retainer in the form of a cylindrical member can be fitted to the outer periphery of the raised portion and can have an engagement portion to engage the flange of the stopper while allowing radial play of the stopper.

Abstract: In a slide type universal joint mounted between two transmission shafts between which power is transmitted, to connect both the shafts in a pivotable manner, a plurality of axially extending transmission grooves are provided in an inner peripheral surface of a hollow cylindrical outer member connected to one of the transmission shafts, while radial trunnions are mounted on an inner member connected to the other transmission shaft to project into the corresponding transmission grooves of the outer member. An inner roller is slidably fitted on the outer periphery of the trunnion and in turn, a holder is fitted on the outer periphery of the inner roller for rotatable support of an outer roller which is rollable within the transmission grooves. A regulating mechanism is provided between the holder and the outer member for preventing inclination of the holder with respect to the transmission groove while permitting smooth rolling movement of the outer roller within the transmission groove.

Abstract: A telescopic tripot universal joint comprises an outer drive member having three radial drive channels which include two flat longitudinal drive tracks, an inner drive member having three radial trunnions having cylindrical bearing surfaces, and three intermediate drive rollers disposed in the respective radial drive channels and rotatably and slideably mounted on the respective radial trunnions. Each intermediate drive roller has a radial bore which is convexly shaped so as to permit a slight universally pivoting or wobbling movement of the intermediate drive roller on the radial trunnions and the radial trunnions have stops for limiting outward movement of the drive rollers during operation of the telescopic tripot universal joint. A full complement of cylindrical needle rollers is disposed between the convexly shaped radial bore of each intermediate drive roller and the cylindrical bearing surface of the respective trunnion.

Abstract: A tripod type constant velocity joint which comprises: a housing including three grooves each of which has curved surfaces opposing each other in a circumferential direction; a shaft inserted into the housing; three trunnions mounted on the shaft and outwardly extending right-angled relative to an axis of the shaft; three rollers movably mounted on the three trunnions; and aligning member disposed between each of the three rollers and the curved surfaces of each of the three grooves; the aligning member being movable along the curved surfaces of the groove.

Abstract: A tripot universal joint of the end motion type is provided. The joint includes a first shaft with a cup-shaped member at one end having three axially-extending, parallel grooves in its inner periphery. Another shaft has a spider at one end with three trunnions extending radially outwardly. A roller is mounted on each trunnion for slidable, rotatable, and pivotal movements with respect to the trunnion. The roller is maintained with its axis perpendicular to the associated groove, even when the spider shaft is positioned at a substantial angle to the axis of the first shaft and the cup-shaped member. The roller mounting includes a guide ring slidably mounted on the trunnion for axial movement with respect thereto, the guide ring having an outer segmental spherical surface.

Abstract: A tripot universal joint of the end motion type is provided. The joint includes a first shaft with a cup-shaped member at one end having three axially-extending, parallel grooves in its inner periphery. Another shaft has a spider at one end with three trunnions extending radially outwardly. A roller is mounted on each trunnion for slidable, rotatable, and pivotal movements with respect to the trunnion. The roller is maintained with its axis perpendicular to the associated groove, even when the spider shaft is positioned at a substantial angle to the axis of the first shaft and the cup-shaped member. The roller mounting includes a guide ring slidably mounted on the trunnion for axial movement with respect thereto, the guide ring having an outer segmental spherical surface.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint comprises in combination a rotatable shaft having three outwardly projecting trunions, each of which carries a roller; a case rotating about and with the shaft and having three inner equally spaced longitudinal grooves aligned with the rollers and allowing longitudinal motion between the rollers and the casing; and an elongate guide interposed between each roller and its corresponding groove, with the guide being affixed to the shaft against relative longitudinal motion between the two, while permitting some tilting of the elongate guide relative to the shaft, and with the guide being free to move longitudinally in the groove of the casing.

Abstract: A heavy duty rotary drive coupling is suitable for use in drilling holes in subterranean formations. The coupling includes passages for delivering drilling fluids to and from the bottom of the drill hole, and yet is designed to accommodate axial misalignment and can be rapidly connected and disconnected. The drive coupling is particularly suitable for use in floating drilling platforms.

Abstract: Stroking type universal joint in which the spider assembly is trapped on the axle shaft by a two-part cylindrical connector sleeve of a bumper assembly which includes a resilient elastomer bumper secured on the end of the axle shaft by the sleeve that in turn is radially retained by a counterbore in the hub of the spider assembly.

Abstract: An improved coupling comprises a driving member rotatable about a first axis, a driven member rotatable about a second axis and a plurality of intermediate floating members disposed between and coupling the driving and driven members so that the rotation axes of the driving and driven members intersect at a common point when the members are angularly misaligned. The floating members are each elongated in one direction. Each floating member has (1) its elongated central axis extending radially with respect to the rotation axes through the common point and lying in a common plane with the elongated central axes of the other floating members, (2), an outer radial end defined by a convex spherical end surface having a center of curvature coincident with the common point, and (3) an inner radial end defined by a concave spherical end surface having a center of curvature coincident with the common point.

Abstract: A tripot type universal joint having a spider assembly retained therein by an annular resilient spring wire retainer having small diameter segments mounted in an internal retention groove in the housing, the spider assembly has offset large diameter access segments disposed externally of the housing and adjacent to one end thereof and ramp portions interconnecting the large and small diameter segments which block internal drive channels in the housing in which drive rollers of the spider assembly are mounted to prevent the inadvertent removal of the spider assembly from the housing.

Abstract: One half of a Pot-type universal joint consists of four spherical rollers rotatably mounted, but axially fixed on four mutually perpendicular radial trunnions. Each roller rolls in a grooved member connected to the other joint half. The four grooved members are free to move relative to each other and to their supporting joint half, but only in a way that satifies the kinematic requirements set forth in the specification, while providing a torsionally rigid connection between the two joint halves. The transmission of torque is homokinetic. The joint is adaptable for either axially fixed or axially displaceable requirements.

Abstract: A tripod type constant velocity universal joint comprises a driven part having an axis of rotation; a driving part having an axis of rotation; a spider member, integral with one of the parts, having three roller supporting rods extended radially from the concentrated portion thereof with an angle of 120 degrees formed therebetween; three roller elements respectively rotatably supported on the roller supporting rods and slidable along the axial directions of the roller supporting rods; and a pot member, integral with the other of the parts, defining three pairs of roller raceways. The longitudinal axis of each pair of roller raceways symmetrically approaches along straight lines a rotational axis of the pot member on both sides of the roller raceways in their longitudinal direction.