Abstract: The invention relates to a yoke (4) which is used in universal-joint propeller shafts, having at least one leg member (7) which is connected to an input or output part of a machine element comprising at least one bearing part (8) surrounding a bore (9). Said bore (9) forms a supporting surface (10) at least one partial zone of a roller-bearing arrangement (11) for the positioning of a journal (6) of a differential-pinion shaft (3). The invention is characterized in that the supporting surface has at least one local recess (20) in the region of the rolling elements (14)) of the roller-bearing arrangement (11) which is subjected to maximum tensile stress during the transmission of the torque.

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 tripod type constant velocity universal joint which includes an outer member having three axially extending track grooves formed in an inner circumferential surface thereof, each of the track grooves having roller guide surfaces on a pair of opposing side walls thereof, a tripod member having three radially projecting trunnions, and rollers rotatably carried on the trunnions, respectively, through a series of cylindrical rolling elements, the rollers being accommodated in the track grooves, respectively, so that the rollers are movable axially of the outer member with each said roller rolling along one of the opposing roller guide surfaces. The cylindrical rolling elements roll directly on an outer circumferential surface of the trunnion. Each said roller has an annular radial projection at each axial end thereof.

Abstract: A universal joint hub comprising a generally spherical body having two flat areas on opposing exterior sides and at least one opening into an open body interior. The hub has two flat areas on opposing interior surfaces of the body orthogonal to the exterior flat areas and an exterior circumferential groove extending between the exterior flat areas on a given plane. Four apertures extend into the body and are positioned orthogonal to each other on the given plane with each aperture disposed in one of the flat areas. A bushing is disposed in each aperture having a face exposed to the exterior surface. A circumferential band is disposed in the circumferential groove coupling each of the bushings.

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 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 universal joint includes a pair of bifurcated yokes interconnected by a cruciform. The cruciform includes four orthogonal trunnions each including a flared end section. A bearing is retained on the trunnion by the flared end section.

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 cross-shaped joint is provided with a pair of yokes each of which is integrally provided with forked arms on which opposed circular holes are formed, a spider having four end shaft portions, and four bearings for rotatably supporting the end shaft portions of the spider respectively in the circular holes of the yokes. Each of the bearings includes a cup having a cylindrical portion fitted in the circular hole of the yoke and a plurality of rolling elements provided between the inner circumferential surface of the cup and the end shaft portion of the spider. The end shaft portions of the spider are interference fitted in the bearings via the rolling elements.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint including an outer joint member formed with three track grooves having roller guide surfaces arranged in circumferentially opposed relation to each other; a tripod member having three radially projecting leg shafts; a plurality of rollers inserted in the track grooves; and a ring fitted directly on each of the leg shafts to support the rollers for rotation, the rollers being movable along the roller guide surfaces axially of the outer joint member, wherein each roller includes a set of annular roller portions and a plurality of balls interposed between outer raceway surfaces formed in rows in an inner periphery of the annular roller portions and two rows of inner raceway surfaces formed in an outer periphery of the ring, and wherein the inner peripheral surface of the ring is cylindrical and the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft is spherical.

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: 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 comprises a first attachment element having first and second engagement regions, a second attachment element having third and fourth engagement regions and a cruciform element. The cruciform element engages with the first to fourth engagement regions and has a bearing material is fixed thereon such that relative movement occurs at the interface between the radially outermost surface of the bearing material and the co-pending parts of the engagement regions.

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 constant velocity universal joint comprises an outer joint member 10 formed with three track grooves 12 having roller guide surfaces 14 arranged in circumferentially opposed relation to each other, a tripod member 20 having three radially projecting trunnions 22, rollers 34 inserted in the track grooves 12, and rings 32 fitted on the trunnions 22 to support the rollers 34 for rotation, the rollers 34 being movable along the roller guide surfaces 14 axially of the outer joint member 10, wherein the roller 34 is composed of a set of annular roller portions 34a and 34b and a plurality of balls 36 are interposed between outer raceway surfaces formed in rows each in the inner periphery of the annular roller portion 34 and two rows of inner raceway surfaces formed in the outer periphery of the ring 32.

Abstract: A tripot joint includes a tripot housing having a plurality of longitudinally extending ball channels for receiving a corresponding plurality of trunnions projecting from a shaft. Each trunnion is fitted with a ball module formed as a separate sub-assembly from the trunnions. Each ball module includes a roller ball having a bore in which a plurality of needle bearings is disposed. A bearing cage is received with a snap-fit connection within the bore to retain the needle bearing within the roller ball independently of the trunnions.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a cross member having a plurality of trunnions extending outwardly therefrom. A hollow bearing cup is disposed about the end of each of the trunnions. Each of the bearing cups has an open end, a closed end, and an inner surface that is disposed about a bearing surface formed on the trunnion. An insert is disposed between the bearing surface of the trunnion and the inner surface of the bearing cup provided thereon. In a first embodiment, an annular groove is formed in the inner surface of the bearing cup that receives the insert therein. In a second embodiment, the insert is disposed between the cylindrical bearing surface of the trunnion and the cylindrical inner surface of the bearing cup. The insert is formed from either a ceramic material or a composite material. The bearing cup may be formed from a metallic material that is molded about the insert.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a cross member having a plurality of trunnions extending outwardly therefrom. A hollow bearing cup is disposed about the end of each of the trunnions. Each of the bearing cups has an open end, a closed end, and an inner surface that is disposed about a bearing surface formed on the trunnion. An insert is disposed between the bearing surface of the trunnion and the inner surface of the bearing cup provided thereon. In a first embodiment, an annular groove is formed in the inner surface of the bearing cup that receives the insert therein. In a second embodiment, the insert is disposed between the cylindrical bearing surface of the trunnion and the cylindrical inner surface of the bearing cup. The insert is formed from either a ceramic material or a composite material. The bearing cup may be formed from a metallic material that is molded about the insert.

Abstract: A cross member unit (9) has a cross member (10) with four arms (11). Two each are centered on axes (y, z) extending perpendicular relative to one another. The two arms (11) of one axis (y, z) are received in one yoke arm (19) of a joint yoke. Each arm (11) is associated with a bearing bush (13) rotatably supported by rolling contact members (14). A centering element (23), with a pressure element (29) and a spring element (28), are positioned in each arm. The spring element (28) is supported against the arm (11) and loads the bearing bush (13) via the pressure element (29). The bearing bushes (13) associated with one axis (y, z) are received in the two yoke arms (19) of a joint yoke. If the yoke arms (19) are deformed due to rotational-speed-related centrifugal forces, the pressure elements (29) remain in contact with the bearing bushes (13). In this way, the cross member unit (9) is held in a centered way relative to the joint yoke.

Abstract: A perpendicular distance (PCR1) between a centerline (L1) including the center (O3) of the outer circumference surface (4b) of an outer roller (4), orthogonal to axis Z of a trunnion (2a) and a joint center O is shifted by &Dgr;h (=PCR1−PCR2) from a perpendicular distance (PCR2) between a centerline (L2) including the center (O1) of the outer circumference surface (3b) of an inner roller (3), orthogonal to axis Z of a trunnion (2a) and a joint center O. Under the most favorable conditions, PCR2 is shifted by an optimal amount of &Dgr;H from PCR1 toward the proximal end of the trunnion, and the position of contact (S) between the inner circumference surface (4a) of the outer roller 4 and the outer circumference surface (3b) of the inner roller (3) is located on the centerline (L1) (on PCR1) of the outer circumference surface (4b) of the outer roller (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a joint arrangement for cardan waves adapted for the transmission of torque; with at least one joint fork; with journals borne in the fork eyes of the joint forks; the bearing arrangement of each journal comprises at least one radial bearing; to each bearing arrangement there is allocated a cover-form element subdividable into at least two partial zones of different dimensions, which cover-form element forms in the zone of at least one partial zone an axial stop for the seat of the inner ring of the radial bearing. The invention is characterized by the following feature: Means are provided which brace the cover-form element with respect to the journal, at least over a partial range of the other, second zone.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly includes a cross having a plurality of trunnions extending outwardly therefrom. A bearing cup is disposed about each of the trunnions, and a plurality of needle bearings is disposed between each of the bearing cups and its associated trunnion to facilitate relative rotational movement. A thrust washer is disposed between the outer end surface of each of the trunnions and its associated bearing cup. Each of the thrust washers is generally annular in shape, including a first inner annular region surrounded by a second outer annular region. The inner region is sized to extend between the outer end surface of the trunnion and the associated inner surface of the end portion of the bearing cup. The outer region is sized to extend between the outer ends of the needle bearings and the associated inner A surfaces of the end portions of the bearing cup. The outer region is connected to and supported on the inner region by a plurality of radially extending legs.

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 tripod type constant velocity joint is disclosed. A tripod housing defines an opening, and is formed with three track grooves which are communicated with the opening and are uniformly spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction. Each track groove has a contact groove formed in a side wall section thereof, and the contact groove has a bottom wall part which defines a guide surface. A spider is disposed in the opening of the tripod housing. The spider has three trunnions which project from an outer surface thereof to be inserted into the three track grooves, respectively. Three pairs of a needle roller, a spherical roller and a cylindrical roller are sequentially and diametrically fitted around the three trunnions of the spider, respectively.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly includes a cross having a plurality of trunnions extending outwardly therefrom. An internal passageway is formed in each of the trunnions that extends through to the outer end thereof. A bearing cup is disposed about each of the trunnions, and a plurality of needle bearings is disposed between each of the bearing cups and its associated trunnion to facilitate relative rotational movement. A thrust washer is disposed between the outer end surface of each of the trunnions and its associated bearing cup. Each of the trust washers is generally annular in shape, including an outer flat portion and an inner frusto-conical portion having a central opening formed therethrough. One or more grooves may be formed in one or both sides of the thrust washer.

Abstract: A tripod universal joint including a cup-shaped outer joint member having three inward facing longitudinal roller channels with opposite planar side walls, an inner joint member inside of the outer joint member having three radial trunnions in the three roller channels, three spherical inner rollers supported on the radial trunnions for rotation and for radial linear translation, and three outer rollers between the planar side walls of the roller channels supported on corresponding ones of the inner rollers for relative rotation and for relative universal articulation. The outer rollers are prevented from tipping in the roller channels by a cylindrical cage between the inner and outer joint members. The cylindrical cage consists of three arc-shaped cage segments supported on the outer joint member for independent linear translation each having a window therein for a corresponding one of the outer rollers.

Abstract: A link chain comprising a first left side link including an end having therein an aperture, a first right side link laterally spaced from the first left link and including an end having therein an aperture in alignment with the aperture of the first left link, a bushing fixed in the apertures in the first left and right side links and including a bore having an axis, and an annular inwardly facing bearing surface, a second left side link located adjacent and axially outwardly of the end of the first left side link and including an end having therein an aperture located in axial alignment with the bore of the bushing, a second right side link laterally spaced from the second left side link, located adjacent and axially outwardly of the end of the first right side link, and including an end having therein an aperture located in axial alignment with the bore of the bushing, and a hinge pin fixed in the apertures of the second left and right side links, extending through the bore of the bushing, and including a c

Abstract: A tripod type constant velocity universal joint comprises a tripod member (4) having three radially protruding trunnions (5), each of which rotatably carries a roller (7) with cylindrical rolling elements (6) therebetween. The outer circumferential surface of the trunnion (5) assumes a true spherical surface (m) having its center on the axis of the trunnion (5) or is defined with a combination of true spherical surfaces (m.sub.1) lying at both axial end portions of the trunnion (5) and having its center on the axis of the trunnion and an intermediate curved surface (m.sub.2, m.sub.3) standing between the true spherical surfaces (m.sub.1) and having a radius of curvature larger than those of the true spherical surfaces.

Abstract: A linear ball screw actuator assembly and a method of constructing it. The actuator assembly has a housing for a ball screw and ball nut which together define a raceway between them for a recirculating ball bearing train of balls, one of the screw and nut being reciprocable along a z axis responsive to rotation of the other and being adapted to be coupled to a member to be actuated. The housing has gearing for transmitting rotation to the other of the ball and screw nut in a direction lateral to the z axis. A base for the housing is spaced from the housing and has a base journal journaling the first pin extending along a first pin axis laterally perpendicular to the z axis. The housing has a housing journal journaling a second pin extending crosswisely perpendicular to the first pin. The second pin axis intersects the z axis and x axis. The pins are coupled in a manner to permit relative rotation of the base and housing about either pin axis, or both, to obviate misalignment problems.

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 constant velocity universal joint having a guide groove with a plane section and a rolling surface, an outer roller having an outer circumferential surface formed to have a linear cross section corresponding to the rolling surface and being displaceable along the rolling surface, a holder having an upper end formed to be capable of abutting against or being separated from the plane section, an expanded section having a curved and/or flat configuration and protruding toward a trunnion, and a curved section for making point-to-point contact with the expanded section.

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 tripod type constant velocity universal joint comprising an outer joint member having longitudinal recesses arranged in spaced relationship on a periphery thereof, and trunnions symmetrically arranged on a tripod spider, said trunnions located in said recesses of the outer joint member by tripod rollers mounted on rolling elements, characterized in that an inner ring formed without chip removal from sheet metal is arranged between each trunnion and respective rolling elements, the inner ring, the tripod roller and the rolling elements form a roller assembly, and the inner ring comprises at least first and second radially stepped end flanges which form radially inner stops for the rolling elements and radially outer stops for the tripod roller.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint includes a plurality of trunnions formed to have a spherical configuration and expanding toward guide grooves, cylindrical holders for surrounding the trunnions, to which roller members displaceable along said guide grooves are externally fitted, and cutouts formed on surfaces of the trunnions.

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 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 tripode joint with an outer joint part which comprises three circumferentially distributed axis-parallel recesses forming circumferentially opposed tracks, and an inner joint part whose cross-section is star-shaped and which is provided with three circumferentially distributed arms which engage the recesses of the outer joint part, with the arms supporting roller assemblies each comprising a roller carrier and a roller, which by way of a needle bearing, is rotatably supported on the roller carrier, with the rollers being arranged relative to the respective arms so as to be axially movable relative to the arm axis and angularly movable relative to the arm axis; and with reference to the roller axis (B), there is provided only one mutually effective axial securing element between each roller carrier and the respective roller in the form of only one single securing ring which may be subjected to loads in both directions and which engages radially opposed first and second annular grooves in the inner face in th

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint of the tripod type has an outer joint part with three axially extending, circumferentially distributed longitudinal recesses with circumferentially distributed opposed tracks. The tracks have surfaces which are grooved so as to have the shape of a circular cylindrical portion. An inner joint part includes three radial circumferentially distributed arms each engaging one of the longitudinal recesses and carrying roller assemblies having roller carriers and roller elements. The roller elements have running faces in the shape of a spherical portion and are axially guided so as to roll on the tracks in the longitudinal recesses of the outer joint part. The roller carriers are guided on the arms so as to be pivotable and longitudinally movable relative to the respective arm axis.

Abstract: A constant-velocity joint has an outer member formed centered on an axis with three radially inwardly open and axially extending channels each having a pair of angularly confronting and axially extending inner running surfaces that are each concave toward the other inner running surface of the respective pair, an inner member formed centered on a respective axis with three radially outwardly projecting trunnions each engaged in a respective one of the channels and each defining respective radially extending trunnion axes, and respective annular rollers rotatable on the trunnions about the respective trunnion axes and having outer running surfaces riding on the inner running surfaces of the respective channels and each radially outwardly convex relative to the respective trunnion axis.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint of the tripod type having an outer joint part provided with three circumferentially distributed, axially extending longitudinal recesses with circumferentially distributed opposed running faces, an inner joint part provided with three circumferentially distributed radial journals engaging the longitudinal recesses, with the journals being provided with roller members which are held substantially isogonally in the longitudinal recesses and which are held relative to the journals so as to be radially displaceable and angularly movable, with each roller member being rotatably supported on a roller carrier and with the journals, at their ends, each having pivot heads which are firmly connected thereto and which engage a radial cylindrical inner recess of a roller carrier so as to be radially movable and angularly movable at right angles thereto around two axes.

Abstract: A constant-velocity joint has an outer member formed centered on an axis with three radially inwardly open and axially extending channels each having a pair of angularly confronting and axially extending inner running surfaces that are each concave toward the other inner running surface of the respective pair, an inner member formed centered on a respective axis with three radially outwardly projecting trunnions each engaged in a respective one of the channels and each defining respective radially extending trunnion axes, and respective annular rollers rotatable on the trunnions about the respective trunnion axes and having outer running surfaces riding on the inner running surfaces of the respective channels and each radially outwardly convex relative to the respective trunnion axis.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint including a housing having a plurality of longitudinally extending channels has an inner rotatable member having a plurality of radially disposed trunnions, each of which extends into a respective one of the channels. A ball and socket joint, including a ball member and a socket member, is disposed intermediate each trunnion and the housing. A bearing is located between each trunnion and the respective ball member to permit relatively frictionless axial movement between the trunnion and the respective ball member. The bearing includes a generally rectangularly shaped cage retaining a plurality of needle rollers on at least two of the sides of the cage. The central longitudinal axes of the needle rollers are disposed normally to the direction of axial movement of the trunnion with respect to the respective ball member.

Abstract: A scroll machine has a drive that incorporates radial compliance. The radial compliance is achieved by having the crank pin drive a drive bushing via a flat surface on the crank pin which slidably engages a flat bearing insert disposed in the wall of a bore located in the drive bushing. The bore in the drive bushing is slightly oval in cross-sectional shape to permit relative sliding movement between the crank pin and the drive bushing.

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 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 joint is provided between a transmission operating member of a transmission and a control rod of a transmission gear control mechanism. The joint includes rigid stopper rings for rigidly stopping deformations of resilient deformable members in predetermined directions and thereby rigidly stopping movement of outer sleeves of an outer sleeve unit in the directions crossing joint pins at right angles. The stopper rings are fittingly interposed between the outer sleeves and channel-like end portions of the transmission operating member such that the transmission operating member and control rod are relatively less movable in the direction crossing their axial directions at right angles.

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 tripod joint separates the internal components of the joint responsible for angular and plunging movement of the joint. The tripod joint comprises an outer race, a spider having three radially extending trunnions, three rollers and a plurality of barrel shaped rollers. The barrel shaped rollers are disposed between the outer rollers and a respective trunnion located on the spider. Plunging movement of the joint either at 0.degree. joint angle or when the joint is at an angle is accommodated by a rolling action of the rollers against the outer race. Angular movement is accommodated by sliding movement of the barrel shaped rollers against an adjacent component or by the outer rollers against the outer race.