Abstract: A joint assembly having a first joint member drivingly connected to a second joint member by a third joint member. The first joint member of the joint assembly has a first yoke arm with a first yoke arm aperture defined by a first yoke arm aperture surface and a second yoke arm with a second yoke arm aperture defined by a second yoke arm aperture surface. The joint assembly M further includes one or more bearing cup assemblies having a bearing cup with a base portion and a tubular portion. At least a portion of the bearing cup assemblies are received and/or retained within at least a portion of the first yoke arm aperture and the second yoke arm aperture of the first joint member. One or more attachment portions extend outboard from at least a portion of an outer surface of the base portion of the bearing cup.

Abstract: A wheel bearing assembly for a vehicle includes at least one rolling-element bearing having a first bearing ring and a second bearing ring defining therebetween a bearing interior, rolling elements disposed in the interior, and a seal assembly for sealing the bearing assembly. The seal assembly includes a sleeve-shaped element connected to the second bearing ring such that the sleeve-shaped element rotates with the second bearing, and the sleeve-shaped element includes a flange that forms an axial stop for the rolling elements. A carrier element is connected to the first bearing ring such the carrier element rotates with the first bearing ring, and the carrier element includes a radially extending annular flange. The radially extending annular flange supports a radially encircling seal having at least one seal lip, and the seal lip extends toward the second bearing ring and sealingly abuts on the sleeve shaped element.

Abstract: A joint device (1) having an axially extending pivot pin (3), in particular a so-termed claw, and an elastically deformable layer (5) that wholly or partially surrounds the pivot pin radially. The deformable layer is at least partially in contact on its radially outer side (6) with a housing (2) and is connected, such as by vulcanization at least at one axial end, with an annular body (7). The pivot pin (3) with the elastically deformable layer (5) and the at least one annular body (7) form a joint body (8) which can move relative to the housing (2) and is designed, in such a manner, that the ability of the joint body (8) to rotate about its longitudinal axis (9) is inhibited by a rotation-impeding device (10) and by the contact of the outside (6) of the elastically deformable layer (5) against the housing.

Abstract: A cross shaft joint includes a bearing cup, a cross shaft, and a joint yoke. The bearing cup includes a cylindrical portion in which an opening portion for receiving a shaft portion is formed in one end of the cylindrical portion in an axis direction, and a bottom portion that closes the other end of the cylindrical portion in the axis direction. The bearing cup is press-fitted into the fitting hole and supports the shaft portion through a rolling element so that the shaft portion is able to rotate. The bearing cup is fitted onto the shaft portion inside the fitting hole and holds the rolling element with the shaft portion. A diameter of an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is smaller on the opening portion side than the bottom portion side in a free state of the bearing cup before being press-fitted into the fitting hole.

Abstract: In a universal joint, a cross shaft member includes four shaft parts forming a cross-shape. Each of four bearing cups corresponding respectively to the shaft parts has a hollow-cylindrical shape having a bottom and is rotatably mounted to the corresponding shaft part through a roller disposed between an inner peripheral surface of the each bearing cup and an outer peripheral surface of the corresponding shaft part. Each bearing cup includes an inner bottom surface in sliding contact with a distal end surface of the corresponding shaft part, wherein the sliding contact is in an annular region encompassing a central axis of the corresponding shaft part. The distal end surface of each shaft part is formed with an annular groove encompassing the central axis of the first shaft part for storing oil.

Abstract: A universal joint having a hub formed by molding a material around four stub axles which are arranged so that a first and second stub axle are axially aligned and a third and fourth stub axle are axially aligned. Furthermore, the axes of the first and second stub axles are perpendicular to and coplanar with the axes of the third and fourth stub axles. A bearing is positioned around each stub axle. A first yoke is then molded around two aligned stub axle bearings and an end of a first axle while, similarly, a second axle is molded around the bearings on the other pair of stub axles and an end of a second axle.

Abstract: Construction is achieved of a cross-type universal joint and a shell-type needle bearing that is used therein for which cost can be lowered and durability can be maintained by suitably maintaining the seal performance even when used in severe operating conditions. The portions on the outer surface of the shell-type outer ring 9a for which there is a possible of coming in sliding contact with the tip end edges of at least two seal lips 17, 18 of a plurality of seal lips of a seal ring 14 are selectively covered with a corrosion resistant coating. Preferably, the entire outer surface of the shell-type outer ring is covered by a chemically treated film having anti-corrosion properties.

Abstract: A universal joint arrangement with a journal cross, supported by bearings in two joint yokes offset to one another by 90°. Each joint yoke comprises a flange and two bearings. Each bearing has an axial bearing pressure disk that is supported by a first connection element on the joint yoke and a second connection element on the journal cross to form a first and second friction pairing. One of the connection elements has at least one elevated support region facing the axial bearing pressure disk. The support region is arranged in the region of low relative movement of the joint yoke with the journal cross, while the regions other than the support region lie in the region of greatest relative motion.

Abstract: A bearing assembly includes a rotatable hub defining a load transfer surface. A porous bearing surrounds and is movable relative to the hub. The bearing includes bearing surfaces extending radially toward the hub. A grease is disposed between the porous bearing and the hub. The grease includes a grease base oil and functions as a lubricant between the hub and the bearing. The grease generally maintains separation between the transfer surface and the bearing surfaces while simultaneously removing debris from an area defined between one of the bearing surfaces and the transfer surface. A bearing base oil is impregnated in the porous bearing and is substantially similar to the grease base oil for replenishing the grease base oil as the grease base oil is depleted.

Abstract: A plurality of first oil passageways are recessed in an annular projected portion of a bearing cup of a cross shaft joint, each first oil passageway communicating with inner and outer periphery sides, and being increasing in groove width gradually from the outer periphery side toward the inner periphery side. A plurality of second oil passageways are recessed in the annular projected portion, and each second oil passageway is disposed between the first oil passageways, and communicates with the inner and outer periphery sides, and is decreasing in groove width gradually from the outer periphery side toward the inner periphery side. When the bearing cup is angularly moved relative to a cross shaft, grease in the first oil passageways is flowed from the outer periphery side of the annular projected portion to the inner periphery side thereof, while grease in the second oil passageways is flowed from the inner periphery side of the annular projected portion toward the inner periphery side.

Abstract: A propshaft having first and second universal joints. The first universal joint has a first joint member, which is fixedly coupled to a first end of the shaft member, and a second joint member that is pivotally coupled to the first joint member. The second universal joint has a third joint member, which is fixedly coupled to a second end of the shaft member opposite the first end, and a fourth joint member that pivotally coupled to the third joint member. At least one of the second joint member and the fourth joint member is electrically insulated from the shaft member.

Abstract: There is provided a universal joint which is a universal joint of a block type in which a bearing cup for supporting a trunnion of a joint cross is integrally formed with a key portion, and the bearing cup is joined to be fixed to a yoke by a bolt in a state of fitting the key portion to a key way of the yoke, in which by forming WC—Ni—Cr thermally-sprayed coatings at both side surfaces of the key portion, corrosion resistance of the key portion is promoted, even when used over a long period of time in a drive system of a rolling mill or the like, a clearance between the key portion and the key way caused by corrosion of the key portion is prevented from being brought about, and a stable performance can be maintained over a long period of time by promoting service life of the bearing and preventing an excessively large bending load from being operated to the bolt.

Abstract: A cross joint is provided which is adapted to prevent a shaft portion and rollers from being damaged when a bearing cup having the rollers on an inner periphery thereof is assembled to a cross shaft. The cross joint includes: a cross shaft 1 including four shaft portions 3; a closed-end cylindrical bearing cup 5; and plural needle rollers 6 having the first end portions thereof located on an opening side of the bearing cup 5 and arranged along the raceway surface of the bearing cup 5. An inner periphery of the bearing cup 5 includes a tapered surface portion. 11 increased in diameter toward the opening side. When the plural needle rollers 6 arranged along the inner periphery of the bearing cup 5 are fitted about the shaft portion 3, the tapered surface portion 11 allows the needle rollers 6 to incline as shifting the first end portions radially outwardly.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a spider, first and second yokes drivingly interconnected by the spider, a plurality of bearing cups and a plurality of retaining members. The first yoke includes spaced apart arms with apertures extending through each arm. The apertures are coaxially aligned with one another and include a circumferential groove spaced apart from an edge of the arm. Each bearing cup is positioned within one of the apertures and in receipt of one of the trunnions. A portion of each bearing cup is positioned in communication with a corresponding groove. Each retaining member is operable to complement the size and shape of the corresponding groove, bearing cup and aperture such that each retaining member couples one of the bearing cups to its associated arm.

Abstract: A lip portion consists of two cylindrical axial lips 421, 422 extended in parallel to an axial direction of a seal 4 and in different lengths (a radial lip is obviated). A neck 22 of a cross shaft 2 is formed with a neck slant portion 221 defined by a conical surface inclined at 45° relative to an axis thereof. The two axial lips 421, 422 are pressed against the neck slant portion in the axial direction.

Abstract: An outer race for a rocker bearing includes an internal sliding layer and an external support layer, wherein the sliding layer and the bearing layer are formed from a wound composite fiber material. The outer race is identified by exactly one parting line. A rocker bearing with such an outer race and a method for its production is also provided, in which a sliding layer and a support layer of synthetic resin impregnated fibers are wound in succession onto a winding mandrel, and outer races are formed after setting on the winding body thus produced. The sliding layer and the support layer are wound onto a cylindrical winding mandrel, and the outer race is provided with exactly one parting line opening it, and sliding layer material on its inside is removed to such an extent that a partially spherical contour is obtained for receiving a complementary inner race.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a spider, first and second yokes drivingly interconnected by the spider, a plurality of bearing cups and a plurality of retaining members. The first yoke includes spaced apart arms with apertures extending through each arm. The apertures are coaxially aligned with one another and include a circumferential groove spaced apart from an edge of the arm. Each bearing cup is positioned within one of the apertures and in receipt of one of the trunnions. A portion of each bearing cup is positioned in communication with a corresponding groove. Each retaining member is operable to complement the size and shape of the corresponding groove, bearing cup and aperture such that each retaining member couples one of the bearing cups to its associated arm.

Abstract: A cross joint is provided which is adapted to prevent a shaft portion and rollers from being damaged when a bearing cup having the rollers on an inner periphery thereof is assembled to a cross shaft. The cross joint includes: a cross shaft 1 including four shaft portions 3; a closed-end cylindrical bearing cup 5; and plural needle rollers 6 having the first end portions thereof located on an opening side of the bearing cup 5 and arranged along the raceway surface of the bearing cup 5. An inner periphery of the bearing cup 5 includes a tapered surface portion. 11 increased in diameter toward the opening side. When the plural needle rollers 6 arranged along the inner periphery of the bearing cup 5 are fitted about the shaft portion 3, the tapered surface portion 11 allows the needle rollers 6 to incline as shifting the first end portions radially outwardly.

Abstract: A universal joint for interconnecting a pair of rotating shafts includes a pair of bifurcated yokes interconnected by a cruciform. The cruciform includes four orthogonal trunnions each including a lubricant passage. A thrust washer engages an inner surface of the lubricant passage to retain a bearing assembly on each trunnion.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a bearing journal (13), especially of a cross member of a universal joint, has a bearing journal (13) with a cylindrical outer face (14), an end face (16) and a journal axis (15). A bearing element (8) has a cylindrical bearing bore (9) with a bottom face (11) and a running face (10) which is arranged at a radial distance from the outer face (14) of the bearing journal (13). Rolling-contact members (17), at their respective ends, include at least partially planar first end face (18) and second end face (19). The faces (18) and (19) are arranged between the running face (10) and the outer face (14). A stop face (20) includes an annular contact face (21) for the first end face (18) of the rolling-contact members (17). A pressure disk (22) is included with a disk portion (23) arranged between the end face (16) of the bearing journal (13) and the bottom face (11). A supporting portion (24) radially follows the disk portion (23) with reference to the journal axis (15).

Abstract: A cross for a universal joint in a vehicle driveshaft assembly is comprised of a hollowed block of material having four openings. The hollowed block holds an inner cross that has a first cross member and a second cross member. Each cross member has an end portion that extends through a thrust bearing, and each thrust bearing is engaged with an opening in the hollowed block. The resulting thrust bearing joint can operate at higher loads than conventional cross designs.

Abstract: Universal cardan joint with elastomeric bearings in which the elastomeric bearings are preloaded in compress and comprise laminated segments with reduced resistance to shear deformation or comprise rubber cords providing for reduced torsional stiffness.

Abstract: A universal joint (100) comprising a spider (102) having a trunnion (104) projecting outward from the spider is provided. A bearing (108) is disposed over a distal end of the trunnion with a lubricant passageway (110) disposed within the trunnion and in fluid communication with the bearing. A lubricant pressurizing system (112) is incorporated within the spider to bias or urge the lubricant through the lubricant passageway and toward the bearing. The trunnion may be tapered along its length and an outer edge (366) of the end of the trunnion may be radiused. The trunnion and/or bearing may further include a load carrying surface (114 and 158) comprised of a wear resistant material. The load carrying surface may be smooth or textured to retain a lubricant thereupon. The spider may include a plurality of cross grooves (126) and/or clearance radii (128) to aid in installation into the yoke.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a pair of bifurcated yokes interconnected by a cruciform. The cruciform includes four orthogonal trunnions each including a lubricant passage. A thrust washer engages a portion of the trunnion to retain a bearing assembly on each trunnion.

Abstract: A thrust ring, in particular an axial bearing thrust ring, for forming a running surface for rolling elements, for use in bearing systems for universal joints of cardan shafts. The ring has a first planar end side and a second end side, having two surface regions on the second end side which have been machined symmetrically with respect to a first axis of symmetry SD of the thrust ring, and also in terms of its profile in the circumferential direction as seen starting from the first axis of symmetry, in the circumferential direction, to a further, second axis of symmetry SSD which runs at right angles to the first axis of symmetry SD.

Abstract: An universal joint dissipates shock and reduces torsional vibration to the elements of the universal joint. An elastomeric material, such as a polyurethane, is introduced between the bores of the yokes of the joint and the respective adjacent bearing cups that are mounted on the shafts of the cross bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to mechanical engineering, more particularly, cardan shaft joints and can be used in transmissions of various vehicles.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint vent for use in a constant velocity joint of an automotive vehicle. The constant velocity joint vent including a circumferential base and a cylindrical projection extending from one end of the base. The constant velocity joint vent further including a circumferential flange extending from the surface of the projection and a valve arranged on an end of the cylindrical projection opposite that of the base.

Abstract: A constant velocity tripode joint is disclosed as having an outer joint part with an inner aperture and with uniformly circumferentially distributed recesses which widen the inner aperture and each of which include two opposed tracks. An inner joint part includes a center piece and three uniformly distributed tripode arms arranged radially relative to the center piece and each of which extends into one of the recesses. A roller assembly is mounted on each arm and in rolling contact with the tracks of the respective recess. Each roller assembly comprises at least two rollers that are independently rotatable relative to their respective tripode arm and that are at least indirectly supported on the tripode arm in the radial direction relative to the arm axis. A first roller rolls on the first of the two tracks and is spaced from the other track. A second roller rolls on the other one of the two tracks and is spaced from the first track.

Abstract: A seal assembly and seal guard are provided for a bearing cup positioned on a trunnion of a universal joint. The seal assembly includes a support ring and an elastomeric seal. The support ring is generally L-shaped in cross section, having a lower radial flange that is connected to an axial portion. The axial portion of the support ring is press fit within an inner bearing surface of the bearing cup. The support ring flange extends radially outwardly adjacent the open end of the bearing cup. The elastomeric seal is disposed within the support ring axial portion. An annular elastomeric seal guard is removably secured to the seal assembly. The seal guard is generally funnel shaped. The seal guard has an upper body with an annular interior groove. The interior groove has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the support ring flange. Thus, the seal guard can be secured to the support ring flange. The seal guard has a lower body inclined radially inwardly from the upper body.

Abstract: A two piece sealing system for a universal joint assembly. A lubricant seal adapted to prevent the leakage of lubricant between the trunnion and bearing cup of a universal joint wherein the trunnion has a cylindrical portion merging into an outwardly flaring arcuate base portion, the seal including an elastomer body bonded to the interior of a stiffening ring.

Abstract: An annular two-piece thrust washer for use between the end wall of a bearing cup and the axially outer ends of the bearings and trunnion of a universal joint assembly includes a first piece and a second piece. The first piece is sized to be disposed between the axially outer ends of the bearings and the end wall of the bearing cup. In a preferred embodiment, a circumferential recess is formed at the junction between the radially inner surface and the axially outer surface of the first piece. The second piece of the thrust washer is sized to be disposed between the trunnion and the end wall of the bearing cup. When assembled, the second piece of the thrust washer is disposed within the first piece. The outer circumferential portion of the second piece extends into the circumferential recess of the first piece. A predetermined small clearance is provided between the first piece and the second piece which allows a limited amount of relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: A universal joint bearing assembly incorporates a thrust washer molded from plastic. The plastic thrust washer eliminates the metal galling and metal debris that have been found in prior art universal joint bearings. A support notch is formed at radially outer surfaces to support an inner end of needle bearings. Resilient members bias the notch against the needle bearings such that the needle bearings are supported on the notch and against a seal at the outer end of the bearing cup. The resilient members are compressed when the universal joint is assembled such that the needle bearings operate properly. A central dome extension on the thrust washer insures that the thrust washer is not improperly mounted within the bearing cup. An outer face of the thrust washer is formed at an angle such that central portion extend further towards the trunnion than radially outer portions.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly includes a cross having a body and at least a pair of outwardly extending opposed trunnions. The trunnions define a trunnion axis. A bearing cup is rotatably mounted on each of the trunnions. A yoke includes a pair of opposed arms wherein each arm has an opening formed therethrough and aligned with the other arm opening to receive one of the bearing cups. Each of the openings defines a cylindrical surface having a cylindrical groove of a predetermined width formed therein. The yoke defines a yoke axis. A snap ring of a predetermined thickness is inserted into each of the grooves to retain the bearing cups on said trunnions. The width of each of the grooves is greater than the thickness of the snap rings to permit the cross to be selectively positioned with respect to the yoke. A staking operation fixes the position of the cross with respect to the yoke so that the cross center of gravity is aligned with the yoke axis.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly includes a yoke having a recess formed in an arm. A bearing cap is rotatably mounted on a trunnion of a cross and received in the recess of the yoke arm. The bearing cap includes an outer circumferential surface engaging the recess, an end surface and at least one axially extending protrusion formed in the end surface. A retainer strap is secured to the yoke arm to retain the bearing cap in the recess. A slot is formed in the retainer strap which receives the protrusion of the bearing cap to prevent rotation of the bearing cap relative to the yoke.

Abstract: A thrust washer for use in a universal joint having a preloading thrust surface includes a center aperture, an outer surface and an inner surface. A portion of the inner surface defines a thrust surface which contacts the outer end of the trunnion in only a limited contact area. The thrust surface may be located adjacent the outer circumference of the center aperture in the thrust washer. The thrust surface contacts only that portion of the outer end of the trunnion which is adjacent the outer circumference of the lubricant passageway extending through each trunnion. In one embodiment, the inner surface is tapered outwardly such that the thrust surface is defined by the thickest portion of the tapered surface. In another embodiment, the inner surface includes a plurality of protuberances located around the circumference of the center aperture such that these protuberances define the thrust surface.

Abstract: A tool for installing and aligning a bearing cap in a universal joint so as to position an end surface of the bearing cap a predetermined distance above the outer surface of the arm of the end yoke is generally cup-shaped, including a generally flat, circular end portion having a hollow cylindrical skirt portion. The skirt portion defines an inner diameter which is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the bearing cap. The skirt portion also defines an axial length which is equal to the desired predetermined distance. A cut-out may be formed in a portion of the tool to receive a spring tab or other axial retaining structure for the bearing cap. Also, one or more apertures may be formed in the end portion of the tool to receive anti-rotation protrusions formed on the end surface of the bearing cap. The universal joint is assembled by initially disposing the tool over the end surface of the bearing cap such that the inner surface of the end portion abuts the outer end surface of the bearing cap.

Abstract: The annular contact surface (1b1) of the bottom portion of an outer ring is formed with an uneven pattern comprising a number of projections (A) (regions A1, A2, A3) and recesses (regions B1, B2). Each projection (A) is a substantially Y-shaped region having a given level above the bottom surface of the regions (B1, B2). The regions (A1) and (A2), forming the Y's heads of the projection (A), lead to the outer diameter of the annular contact surface (1b1), while the region (A3) forming the Y's leg leads to the inner diameter of the annular contact surface (1b1).

Abstract: A structure restrains a bearing cap mounted on a universal joint cross from rotating relative to an end yoke connected thereto during use. The bearing cap has a plurality of axially extending protrusions provided on its end surface. In a first embodiment of the invention, the bearing cap is connected to a half round end yoke, and means are provided for engaging the protrusions to prevent rotation of the bearing cap relative to the half round end yoke. A preferred structure for this is a nib formed integrally with the half round end yoke arm, wherein the nib extends over the end of the recess and engages the protrusions to prevent rotation. A second embodiment includes a half round end yoke and a retainer strap for retaining the bearing cap within the recess of the yoke arm. The retainer strap includes a flange portion extending partially across the end surface of the bearing cap. The flange portion includes a slot positioned to engage the protrusions to prevent rotation.

Abstract: A structure for retaining a plurality of roller bearings within a bearing cup prior to being assembled on a trunnion of a universal joint assembly is disclosed. The bearing cup is generally hollow and cylindrical in shape, including a side wall defining an inner circumferential surface and a closed end defining an inner end surface. A plurality of roller bearings is disposed within the bearing cup adjacent to the inner cylindrical surface thereof. A first roller bearing retainer is disposed adjacent to the open end of the bearing cup, while a second roller bearing retainer is disposed adjacent to the closed end of the bearing cup. Each of the roller bearing retainers includes a generally flat annular plate having a plurality of relatively short projections extending therefrom. Preferably, the projections are formed integrally with the annular plate and extend from the inner peripheral edge generally perpendicular to the plane defined by the upper surface thereof.

Abstract: A structure of a universal joint is disclosed in which an end surface of a spider is coated with a solid lubricant and a projection having an arc cross section formed on a center of a bearing cup into which the spider is fitted is brought into point contact with the solid lubricant coated end surface of the spider. When the spider is axially rotated, the friction generated on the bearing cup can be remarkably reduced.

Abstract: A bearing assembly used on cardan universal joint shafts includes a bearing retainer that maintains a plurality of needle bearings at a desired location during shipment. The bearing retainer maintains the bearing assembly on the shaft prior to assembly. The bearing retainer preferably has an inner periphery diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the shaft, and an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the bearing housing. In a method of assembly, the shaft is inserted into the bearing retainer, which locks on the shaft outer periphery at its inner peripheral surface. Clearance is provided at the retainer outer periphery such that it rotates with the shaft within the housing.

Abstract: In a bearing bushing for universal joint pins, a thrust washer on the bottom of the bearing bushing has a contact surface for a plurality of cylindrical rollers and for a universal joint pin. The thrust washer has a number of recesses on the side facing away from the cylindrical rollers which are distributed around the periphery and which extend from the lateral surface in a radial direction approximately over the length of the contact surface for the cylindrical rollers. Two adjacent recesses form a projection between them in each case.

Abstract: A drawn cup needle bearing with an open end and a covered end contains multiple roller elements in a retainer or cage. The bearing is installed on a trunnion of a universal joint and has a protuberance projecting inwardly from the covered end so as to provide a bearing surface between the protuberance and the end of the trunnion. The protuberance is surrounded by an annular region which has been spring-tempered to allow the covered end to flex without cracking during installation of the bearing onto the trunnion and during normal operation.

Abstract: A power transmission device which includes trunnion and bearing sets for transferring power from a power generating unit to an operating unit. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a cross is provided with a plurality of trunnions which define transfer surfaces. A bearing member in the form of a cup is provided for each of the transfer surfaces. The bearing cup is defined by a plurality of internal bearing surfaces which are integral with the bearing cup sidewall and which contact the transfer surfaces of the cross. The bearing surfaces, in the preferred embodiment, are semi-circular in cross-section and make bearing contact with the essentially cylindrical transfer surface of the cross. The bearing cup is preferably fabricated using powder metallurgy techniques which advantageously form the integral bearing surfaces within the cup, thereby eliminating the necessity for the use of balls or needles in the cup.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a unique method and apparatus for machining a bearing cap assembly of the type typically utilized in a universal joint mechanism. The bearing cap assembly includes an open-ended bearing cap having a closed end wall with an outer surface secured to a mounting plate located generally parallel to the end wall and having spaced apart opposite end portions extending outwardly past the bearing cap. The present invention is specifically concerned with machining the end portions of the mounting plate extending outwardly from the bearing cap to produce spaced apart machined surfaces which can be utilized to attach the bearing cap assembly to an associated yoke arm. The present invention also concerns a unique bearing cap assembly which is produced by the disclosed method and apparatus.

Abstract: A universal joint seal is provided for a universal joint, which seal is more effective in retaining lubricant and in preventing the ingress of water and contaminants, particularly when engaging surfaces which tend to be rough. In a specific form, the universal joint includes a cross having a body and trunnions extending therefrom with an annular shoulder and an adjacent surface of circular cross section at the juncture of said body and each of the trunnions. The bearing cup has an open end which receives the trunnion and can have an annular groove adjacent the open end. The universal joint seal comprises a resilient sealing member having at least two circular lips which engage the annular shoulder of the cross and at least one additional lip which engages the adjacent surface of the cross. The sealing member also has at least one lip which engages the open end of the cup and additional lips which engage the groove portion of the cup.

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

Abstract: A universal joint having a first and a second yoke connected with a trunnion cross including bearing pins supported in bores of the yokes joining the yokes together includes a bearing bush, roller bearings and a bearing ring between the bearing pin and the inner wall of the bore in the yoke. The universal joint is provided with radial play between the yoke and the bearing pin of the trunnion cross over a limited portion of the length of the bearing pin, with the radial play increasing in a direction radially outwardly of the trunnion cross. The radial play is provided by structuring at least one of the bearing pins, the bearing ring and the bearing bush with a conical configuration. Alternatively, the bearing bush and the bearing ring may be formed as one part with play relative to each other in order to provide the radial play of the joint.

Abstract: A method for making by a deep drawing process a thin-walled bearing bushing comprising a cylindrical sleeve section and a bottom section closing one end of the sleeve section having an outer peripheral rim at the juncture of the sleeve and bottom sections of small cross sectional radius including the step of forming an annular groove which is deep relative to the normal thickness of the bottom section and has a sharp profile in one face of the bottom section adjacent the juncture of the sleeve and bottom section, the groove being impressed axially to effect radial displacement of the material outward into the area of the peripheral rim.