Abstract: An element formed of plastic matter, intended to be used in a system of elements for composing, by frictional insertion, static or dynamic constructions having a game or didactic purpose, this element forming a cardan joint which comprises a first fork, a second fork and an intermediate member connected (in the operative conditions) to the first fork by pivots perpendicular to the axis of the first fork and connected (in the operative conditions) to the second fork by pivots perpendicular to the axis of the second fork, the pivots for connection to the second fork being perpendicular to the pivots for connection to the first fork, and each fork being provided, at its end opposite the region for connection to the intermediate member, with coupling members acting by frictional insertion; conforming a specific system for the composition of constructions. Preferably the coupling member of at least one of the forks conforms the system of composable elements described in the U.S. patent application Ser. No.

Abstract: A half round end yoke includes a pair of opposed arms, each terminating in an end surface having a recess and a pair of threaded bores. A cross includes a central body portion having four trunnions extending outwardly therefrom. A bearing cup is rotatably mounted on the end of each of the trunnions. The cross is initially positioned adjacent to the half round end yoke such that a pair of the bearing cups is received in the recesses formed in the arms. Then, a retainer strap is positioned adjacent to the cross and the half round end yoke. The retainer strap includes an elongated central body portion having a pair of transversely extending retainer portions. Each of the retainer portions includes a curved region having a pair of end regions extending outwardly therefrom. Each of the curved regions has an inner surface formed therein. The inner surfaces of the curved regions of the retainer strap receive portions of the bearing cups therein.

Abstract: The splined shaft is locked in the splined seat of the fork by means of a push-button immobilizing element (31) designed to engage tangentially in the said annular recess; the immobilizing element (31) is accommodated in a housing (29) formed in the base (23) of the fork and is stressed elastically by a spring (33) in the immobilizing position, in which it projects, so that it can be pressed manually in order to unlock it; around the said housing (29), the base (23) of the fork has an enlarged portion (27) in which a cavity (37) is formed, within which the push-button (31A) of the immobilizing element projects when it is in the immobilizing position, while still remaining enclosed within the said cavity (37).

Abstract: Utilizing the quick disconnect driveshaft transmission yoke of the present invention, just a ½ turn of 4 lock nuts on a pair of split lock collars frees a splined slider from its fixed engagement with an external (male) splined output transmission shaft and allows the splined slider to slide rearward within yoke. The splined slider slides rearward within the yoke until the splined slider slides free of the external (male) splined output transmission shaft. The yoke, which has also been freed from the locking engagement of the split lock collars, then drops free and clear of the external (male) splined output transmission shaft. The transmission can then be slid back and the transmission bell housing removed to service the clutch, all without unbolting the driveshaft from either the differential or the yoke. The freeing of a transmission from a driveshaft transmission yoke utilizing the quick disconnect driveshaft transmission yoke of the present invention takes mere seconds.

Abstract: A dust cover assembly for a slip spline assembly acts as a mechanical fuse in response to fluid pressure and includes a cup shaped dust cover and two snap rings for securing the dust cover in the yoke bore end of the slip spline assembly. The larger snap ring is fitted in an annular groove in the yoke while the smaller snap ring is fitted in an annular groove in cylindrical side wall of the dust cover. The groove in the side wall of the dust cover divides the side wall up into exposed and unexposed segments. By selecting the radial thicknesses of the groove in the side wall or the axial length of unexposed segment, the failure limit at which the dust cover pops out from the yoke due to pressures or forces in the yoke bore can be readily predicted. The dust cover assembly provides increased reliability of the slip spline assembly by providing a consistent pressure or load in the yoke bore which will cause the dust cover to release from the yoke and relieve the yoke bore pressure.

Abstract: A universal joint for interconnecting a pair of rotating shafts and a method of assembling the universal joint. The universal joint includes a pair of yokes secured to the shafts and a cruciform for interconnecting the yokes. Both yokes are bifurcated to define a pair of laterally-spaced legs. Each leg has an aperture which includes a first bore adapted to receive a bearing cup therein and a second bore into which an end portion of the bearing cup extends. Each bearing cup rotatably supports one of four orthogonal trunions extending from the cruciform. With respect to each of the yokes, a pair of axially-aligned trunions, with bearing cups mounted thereon, are installed into the apertures so as to support the cruciform between the legs of the yoke. Thereafter, a retention member is inserted in the second bore of each aperture such that one surface of the retention member rests on the bearing cup.

Abstract: A temporary connecting device for connecting a steering shaft of a vehicle to a universal joint of a steering mechanism. The device comprises a yoke of a universal joint, a shaft to be connected to the yoke, a bolt and a nut for fixing the shaft to the yoke and a clip for temporarily retaining the shaft in the yoke.

Abstract: A joint for transmitting shifting forces from a gear-shifting system of a transmission to a transmission drive member includes a pair of joint parts (1, 2) frictionally locked to the transmission drive member and to the gear-shifting system, a coupling (3) mounted between the joint parts (1, 2) and an elastically deforming device. The elastic deforming device is a damper (4) substantially enclosing omnidirectionally the coupling (3) in such manner that when the joint is not transmitting shifting forces, the damper (4) keeps the coupling (3) spaced from the joint parts (1, 2).

Abstract: A drive aft has two universal joints. The universal joint (1) is connected to a sliding sleeve (9). The other universal joint carries a sliding journal (8). The sliding journal (8) and the sliding sleeve (9) engage one another in a rotationally fast way via teeth (11, 22). The teeth (11, 22) are longitudinally displaceable relative to one another in the direction of a longitudinal axis (10). In order to prevent the driveshaft, in the fitted condition, from falling apart after having suffered a fracture, an anti-disengagement member is provided. The member includes an annular stop (13) arranged at the end of the sliding journal (8). The stop (13) may be fitted through an aperture (15) in the joint yoke (4) of the first universal joint (1). The stop (13) stops against a suitable face of the inner longitudinal teeth (22) when the sliding sleeve (9) and the sliding journal (8) are moved apart by a change in length distance (16).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for turning steerable vehicle wheels (12 and 14) includes a plurality of longitudinally extending force transmitting members (24, 40, 42, 46 and 48) which are connected with coupling assemblies (30, 34 and 36). At least some of the coupling assemblies (30, 34 and 36) include an improved coupling component (52) having a base (56) with a first circular, radially outwardly facing mounting surface (64) for engaging an inner side surface (84) on a tubular force transmitting member (40). In addition, the base (56) of the coupling component (52) includes a second circular mounting surface (66) having a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the first circular mounting surface (64) and which is engageable with an inner side surface (94) of a tubular force transmitting member (48) having a smaller diameter than the first tubular force transmitting member (40).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a drive line assembly includes the initial step of providing a driveshaft tube formed from a metallic material and having a substantially uniform wall thickness. The driveshaft tube terminates in an axially extending cylindrical end portion. Then, a diameter reducing portion is provided that is formed from a metallic material and has a substantially uniform wall thickness. The diameter reducing portion includes an axially extending cylindrical first end which is co-axial with and permanently fixed to the axially extending cylindrical end portion of the driveshaft tube. The diameter reducing portion further includes an axially extending cylindrical second end. The axially extending cylindrical first end of the diameter reducing portion defines a first diameter, and the axially extending cylindrical second end of the diameter reducing portion defines a second diameter. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter.

Abstract: A universal joint comprises a pair of yokes each formed by bending a metal plate, a single piece of cross shaft for connecting the pair of yokes to each other so as to be capable of oscillating and displacing, and a bolt for fixing each of the yokes to an end portion of a shaft. The yoke includes a joint cylindrical portion provided at a proximal end portion thereof and having a discontinuous portion at one place in a circumferential direction, first and second flange portions provided in parallel to each other at a part of the joint cylindrical portion with the discontinuous portion sandwiched in therebetween, a through-hole formed in the first flange portion thereof in such a direction as to bear a torsion positional relationship with the joint cylindrical portion, a screw hole formed in a fixing portion of the second flange portion and disposed concentrically to the through-hole.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column includes a bellows tube with a corrugated portion in which the radius varies regularly along the length of the tube. A connective portion is located at both ends of the bellows tube, and transfer portions are located between each of the connective portions and the corrugated portion. By inserting a reinforcement into the end portion of the bellows tube, the strength and rigidity of the connective portion increases. Press forming, stamp forming, rivet forming, and/or adhesive methods are applied to connect the end portion of the bellows tube and the reinforcement.

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: An elastic plate member is clamped between an input-side stopper plate and an output-side stopper plate, and the input-side stopper plate is secured to an input-side member, and the output-side stopper plate to an output-side member at appropriate intervals therebetween, respectively, in a state in which tubular members and collar members into which the tubular members are respectively inserted are interposed therebetween. The input-side member and the output-side member are elastically coupled in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction of the input- and output-side members. A tilting-restriction shaft is formed on either the input-side or output-side stopper plate.

Abstract: An improved yoke for use in a universal joint is described having a plurality of axially-extending grooves formed therein. The grooves are formed in the outer cylindrical surface of the sleeve portion of a yoke connected to an end of a vehicle driveshaft so as to permit access of a nut runner or other suitable tool for tightening the fasteners used for securing the retaining device to the other yoke used in the universal joint. The number of grooves provided is dependent on the number of fasteners used to secure the retaining device to the other yoke used in the universal joint. The length, width, and depth of the grooves may vary depending on a number of factors including the clearances between the yokes and other adjacent vehicle components and the type of tool required to secure the retaining device to the yoke. The axially-extending grooves are formed in the yoke such that a fastening tool will be aligned with the retaining device fasteners when the tool is positioned in a groove.

Abstract: A slip yoke includes a generally cylindrical body rotatable about an axis. The slip yoke further includes an axially extending spline for engagement with a mating spline of an associated apparatus. Two generally axially extending arms are symmetrically positioned about the axis. Each of the arms has a generally cylindrical opening formed therethrough transversely to the axis. The openings are aligned with one another. Each of the arms includes an outer surface having recessed areas formed therein. The recessed areas define webs extending between the cylindrical body and the opening.

Abstract: A coupling for a vehicle steering unit includes a first linking section including two leg portions extending from a hub portion and a second linking section including two wings extending from and integrated to the hub portion and protrusions on the wings pierced with holes for the passage of a tightening bolt for tightening the wings to bear radially on a shaft. The wings are terminated at a longitudinal slot extending substantially in parallel to an axis of rotation of the coupling. This longitudinal slot is wide enough to allow the passage of the shaft.

Abstract: A device for coupling two shafts adapted to turn about a common axis includes a rotational coupling system associated with an axial retaining system. The rotational coupling system includes conjugate profiles at the ends of the shafts. The axial retaining system comprises a two-part sleeve coupled axially to the shaft and cooperating with a spring disposed inside the sleeve. The end of each shaft is surrounded by the sleeve. The spring operates after releasing an arming system including studs on the sleeve cooperating with cams at the end of one of the shafts.

Abstract: A universal joint which has pivotal movement of each member less than 45.degree.. The sides of the ears of each member are tapered to a predetermined angle, the radial distance between the center of the opening in each ear and the respective apex of each ear is a predetermined distance and the space between the first pin and the second pin in the connecting block is a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A vehicular driveshaft assembly includes a first universal joint connected to an aluminum yoke shaft having an externally splined hollow body. A first open end of an aluminum sleeve receives the splined body of the yoke shaft. Internal splines of the sleeve cooperate with the external splines of the yoke shaft body to permit axial slip between the sleeve and the yoke shaft. A second end of the sleeve is secured to a first end of a driveshaft tube. A second end of the driveshaft tube is secured to a tube yoke. The tube yoke is connected to a second universal joint.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly includes a cylindrically shaped driveshaft tube and a tube yoke. The tube yoke is attached to the driveshaft tube and transfers torque between the driveshaft tube and a universal joint. The tube yoke has a first end having a tube seat for connecting the driveshaft tube to the tube yoke and a second end having lugs for connecting the tube yoke to the universal joint. The tube seat has an outer surface which is fixed to the driveshaft tube to prevent relative movement between the driveshaft tube and the tube yoke. A diamond-shaped relief formed in an end surface of the tube seat has two pairs of opposed points, with each point positioned 90 degrees from another point. Flats are formed between each adjacent points. The diamond-shaped relief is oriented to provide tube seat walls which are thickest at the locations which receive the greatest stress during rotation of the driveshaft assembly.

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

Abstract: A steerable drive axle includes an axle tube and tube yoke connected to one another as part of the drive assembly. The axle tube is secured at a first end to an axle gear carrier housing, with the second end connected to the tube yoke. The tube yoke includes a bore having an internal diameter flow with the plurality of first toothed splines. The axle tube has a plurality of corresponding toothed splines formed on the exterior surface thereof, with at least one of the first or second splines formed to extend along a helical path. The first and second splines are matingly engaged such that helix angle of the helical path creates an interference fit between the splines to retain the axle tube in a fixed position relative to the yoke.

Abstract: A driveshaft includes a center portion having a larger diameter, an end portion having a reduced diameter, and a diameter reducing portion positioned between the center and end portions. The reduced diameter end portion of the driveshaft is secured to a reduced diameter tube yoke. This facilitates the introduction of tooling during assembly of a universal joint. The driveshaft is formed by a method which involves first heat treating the driveshaft to a relatively soft temper, then swaging the end portion of the driveshaft, and then heat treating the driveshaft again to a relatively hard temper. In more detail, a driveshaft is provided having a predetermined first diameter, the driveshaft being heat treated to achieve a relatively soft temper so as to possess a desired elongation factor. This allows the end portion of the driveshaft to be swaged to reduce the diameter thereof to a second predetermined diameter.

Abstract: A drive line assembly includes a cylindrically shaped driveshaft tube and a tube yoke, one end of the driveshaft tube fitting over the tube yoke in an interference fit sufficient to transfer torque between the driveshaft tube and the tube yoke, the tube yoke comprising a tube seat at one end for mating in a torque transferring relationship with the end of the driveshaft. The other end of the driveshaft tube yoke has a lug structure for transferring torque to other rotatable elements through a universal joint. The tube yoke has a diameter reducing portion intermediate the tube seat and the lug structure so that the lug structure is smaller in diameter than the drive shaft tube and the tube seat to facilitate the introduction of tooling to the lug structure during assembly operations of the universal joint.

Abstract: A method of making a tube yoke for a drive line assembly is provided. The tube yoke is a unitary element and has a tube seat at one end for mating with a driveshaft tube, and lug ears at the other end for connecting with a universal joint assembly. The method includes forging a body of metal into a net shape body of the tube yoke with a single die-punching stroke, and subjecting the tube seat of the net shape body to a draw and iron operation to form the tube seat into its final pre-assembly form and shape, having a tube seat at one end and lug ears at the other end without machining of the tube seat. The lug ears are machined to enable connection with the universal joint assembly.

Abstract: A clamp yoke formed from a flat piece of metal. The flat piece being approximately T-shaped which is bent into the clamp yoke. The top portion of the T forming the yoke ears and the vertical portion forming two approximately parallel shaft portions. The yoke ears each having a bearing bore and the shaft portions each having a shaft receiving bore. The clamp yoke can be provided with a bolt having a reduced diameter middle which allows a shaft to be inserted into the shaft receiving bores without removing the bolt. The bolt is then tightened, drawing the larger diameter portion into the center of the clamp yoke where the bolt engages a transversely relieved portion on the shaft to axially retain the shaft.

Abstract: A clamp yoke formed from a flat piece of metal. The flat piece being approximately T-shaped which is bent into the clamp yoke. The top portion of the T forming the yoke ears and the vertical portion forming two approximately parallel shaft portions. The yoke ears each having a bearing bore and the shaft portions each having a shaft receiving bore. The clamp yoke can be provided with a bolt having a reduced diameter middle which allows a shaft to be inserted into the shaft receiving bores without removing the bolt. The bolt is then tightened, drawing the larger diameter portion into the center of the clamp yoke where the bolt engages a transversely relieved portion on the shaft to axially retain the shaft.

Abstract: A structure for retaining a bearing cup mounted on a universal joint cross within an opening formed through an arm of an end yoke during use. An external circumferential groove is formed about the outer surface of the bearing cup. An internal circumferential groove is formed about the inner surface of the opening formed through the arm of the end yoke. A recessed area is formed on a surface of the arm of the end yoke adjacent to the opening. The recesses area is of sufficient depth that it extends below the internal groove formed within the opening. Thus, a portion of the internal groove is exposed to the arm surface. To retain the bearing cup within the opening, a snap ring having a ventral portion and a pair of leg portions is installed such that the leg portions extend into the internal groove formed in the opening. The bearing cup is inserted within the opening until the external groove on the bearing cup is aligned with the internal groove formed in the opening.

Abstract: A yoke clamp for use with a pinion shaft. The pinion shaft has a pie shaped profile. The clamping bolt of the yoke clamp clamps across the small end of the pie shaped profile of the pinion shaft.

Abstract: A monobloc coupling is formed from a sheet and is adapted to be connected, on the one hand, to a torque transmitting device, and on the other hand, to a receiving device. This coupling includes three sections along an axis. A linking section for lining the coupling with the torque transmitting device is provided and includes a hub which is axially split and which is connected to the torque transmitting device by a fastening unit. An intermediate section is provided and is formed with two claws having longitudinal rims. The rims have complementary profiles which fit together and absorb the stresses on the coupling unit. An angle is formed between two claws 6 and 7 so that the rims fit one another. A linking section 3 for linking the coupling with the receiving device is provided and includes linking or fastening legs. The coupling is useful in the steering units of automotive vehicles.

Abstract: A universal joint yoke having a tubular body and a pair of ears projecting generally axially therefrom is provided. The ears-have an inner surface, an outer surface and an ear connecting surface. The ear connecting surface has a pair of lower portions, a pair of transition portions and an upper portion. The lower portions are oriented such that a generally straight line drawn in the tubular body connecting surface plane goes through (i) a point at the junction of the ear outer surface and the ear connecting surface; (ii) a point at the junction of the ear inner surface and the ear connecting surface; and (iii) a point on the axis of the tubular body. The upper portion is oriented such that a generally straight line drawn between (i) a point on the junction of the ear outer surface and the ear connecting surface and (ii) a point at the junction of the ear inner surface and the ear connecting surface is generally parallel to the common axis. The universal joint yoke includes a generally concave endcap.

Abstract: A universal joint yoke comprises: (a) a generally cylindrical connecting part made by press-forming a metal plate and having internal peripheral serrations, a first end portion at which edges of the metal plate are brought into abutment to form a tubular abutting part, a second end portion with a pair of flanges disposed at opposite sides of an axial gap and facing one another substantially in parallel, and a pair of reentrant cut-outs with a respective one of the cut-outs being disposed between each flange and the abutting part, and (b) a pair of diametrically opposed connecting arms integrally formed with the first end portion of the connecting part and extending axially outwardly from the first end portion of the connecting part. One of the flanges is provided with a tapped hole and the other of the flanges is provided with a through-hole coaxial with the tapered hole for passing a bolt to be screwed inito the tapped hole.

Abstract: A yoke for universal joint is composed of a cylindrical coupling tube formed by pressing a metal plate and having a slit in a radial direction and serrate grooves on the internal periphery; a pair of flanges integrally formed at an end of the coupling tube and positioned on both sides of the slit; and a coupling arm formed by pressing a metal plate. One of the flanges has a screw hole, while the other flange has a hole, coaxial with the screw hole, for passing a bolt to be screwed into the screw hole. The coupling arm has a penetrating hole in the base portion, and mutually coaxial circular holes at its opposite ends. The yoke is assembled by fitting the other end of the coupling tube into the penetrating hole in the base portion, and connecting the other end of the coupling tube with the base portion of the coupling arm.

Abstract: A fork for cardan joints consists of a single-piece body produced by stamping from metal sheet. The fork has on its side arms (4, 4') individual longitudinal reinforcing ribs (8, 8') produced during the stamping process itself and individual collars or flanges (6, 6') around the aligned apertures (5, 5') thereof into which fit the bearings that support the pivots of the corresponding cross member. The dome portion (3) connects the arms to collar portion (1) which has a splined hole (2) for connecting the fork to a shaft.

Abstract: A ferrous metal yoke for a universal joint, the yoke having a central axis, an annular hub and spaced-apart arms extending from an end of the hub on opposite sides of the central axis. The arms have coaxial openings extending therethrough for pivotably receiving the opposed arms of a first pair of arms of a cruciform-shaped journal cross, and each of the arms of the yoke is provided with a shear center which is positioned between such arm and the central axis of the yoke to provide corresponding or closely corresponding free deflection characteristics under torsional load around the central axis between the arms of the yoke and the arms of the journal cross which are received therein.

Abstract: A Cardan type universal joint is provided with cross-sectional recesses at specific points either in a joint cross or at the joint yokes in order to improve the load distribution. Because of the arrangement of the recesses, it is possible to achieve an improved and approximately symmetrical load distribution toward the direction of circumferential force to be applied to the joint. This permits an increase in the useful life or alternately an optimization of the construction size of the joint.

Abstract: A joint assembly interconnecting first and second rotatable shafts includes an engaging member mounted on a shaft portion of the first rotatable shaft, a tubular assembly including a first tubular member in which the shaft portion is coaxially inserted and which has an engaged member for engaging the engaging member, and a second tubular member coupled to the second rotatable shaft, and an urging assembly disposed in the first tubular member for normally urging the first tubular member and the first rotatable shaft axially away from each other to keep the engaging member and the engaged member in engagement with each other. The engaged member has a central through hole through which the first rotatable shaft is inserted, and holes extending radially from the central through holes for allowing the engaging member to be axially inserted therethrough, for thereby permitting the first rotatable shaft to be connected to and disconnected from the joint assembly.

Abstract: A universal joint having first and second shaft members respectively including a pair of yoke portions and a ball member disposed between the first and second shaft members for movably interconnecting the same. The respective first and second shaft members are constituted by two separate half-elements together with forming the respective pair of yoke portions. Base seats respectively having a truncated cone shape are provided in mutually opposing faces of the yoke portions such that each virtual cone has a virtual vertex having an angle of substantially 90 degrees and at the same time the virtual vertexes of the cones are substantially in contact with each other, the base seats respectively defining arc faces in mutually opposing surfaces thereof. And, the arc faces respectively have a central axis in a direction transverse to the shaft members and are formed by a part of a peripheral face of a virtual cylinder having the same diameter as the ball member which is rotatably supported between these arc faces.

Abstract: A universal joint yoke is obtained from a flat blank of sheet metal whose general shape is that of a cruciate form having a circular base and two diametrically opposing small semielliptical extensions. The blank of sheet metal is pressed in a forming apparatus so that the two extensions are bent perpendicularly to the circular base in the same direction with a given angle with respect to the circular base and two ribs or contiguous rib are formed along axes of bending to prevent a springback action of the two extensions which constitute two ear portions of the finished yoke. In addition, recesses are extended along a rear surface(s) of the rib(s) so that fasteners such as bolts and nuts for fastening a rubber coupling constituting a lower joint to a lower shaft of a steering system is nestled into the respective recesses. Both ends of the circular base have holes through which the fasteners for fastening the universal joint yoke to the rubber coupling is inserted.

Abstract: An assembly of a drive shaft of composite, fibre reinforced resin, material and a yoke member of a Hookes universal joint, the latter comprising a sheet metal element with a spigot portion (10) and two transverse tubular portions (11) which form or receive bearing elements for the universal joint. The fibres of the shaft are wound helically on the spigot portion and circumferentially around the tubular portions of the metal element, and reinforce the latter so that it need only be of thin sheet material.

Abstract: A heavy duty cast iron yoke (110) has two lugs (116) for receiving a journal cross and a spline body or barrel (112) defining an internal spline (114). A lug tie-in body (124) includes shoulders (128) which join the lugs (116) to the spline body (112). The internal radius (136) of the shoulders is at least 20% of the distance (134) between the internal surfaces of the lugs. An annular 15.degree. ramp (150) is provided intermediate the outer spline body surface and the lugs.

Abstract: A trunnion assembly to interconnect the shank of a hook to a block, like a pulley block, includes trunnion pins that are assembled through the inner bore of a trunnion body and moved outward to extend from the bore into depending side plates of the block assembly and thus rotatably support the trunnion body and lock the pins in place.

Abstract: A universal joint for rotatory drives such as are for example used in motor vehicle construction. To improve the life of the bearings, asymmetrical indentations are provided on the yoke arms, or the yoke arms have tangentially directed sections in which the bearing bores are disposed. As a result, the universal joint is subjected to load, and there is no deformation of the bearing bore or unacceptable cramping of the bearings.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a universal joint shaft having two coupling forks joined at a journal cross. Various embodiments of aligning apparatus selectively restrict the journal forks to adjust the angle of bend with respect to each other. In one embodiment, a tube radially outside the coupling forks and journal cross is supported on one fork and is driven by a pressure cylinder against the other fork to restrict the bending of the forks with respect to each other at the journal cross. In other embodiments, one or more piston/cylinder units are provided on one of the forks, with the piston being movable against a bearing point on the other fork for restricting the extent to which the other forks may bend. Pressure medium is delivered to the pistons through a pressure medium line controlled by a pressure maintaining valve which is shiftable for permitting pressure medium to pass to the piston/cylinder unit or to stop passing thereto.

Abstract: A heavy duty cast iron flange yoke (110) has two lugs (116) for receiving a journal cross and a flange (112) having front (111) and back (113) faces. The back face (113) includes balance pads (141) in which may be drilled balance holes (140). The balance pads are generally underneath the lugs (116) and the holes (140) are radially inside the radially outer surface (131) of the lugs.

Abstract: A constant speed joint differs from the prior art in particular by the fact that it does not include rolling members. The joint includes a bell element, a spider element and three yokes which are mounted, on one hand, at the ends thereof on the bell element to pivot about first axes and, on the other hand, in the central part thereof, on the spider element by means of double pivotal mountings allowing pivotal motion about second and third axes, the pivotal mounting having the third axis also allowing a sliding motion.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a first member and a second member joined via a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly includes a pair of washer-like seats engageable with ball studs carried by the pair of members and a nut and bolt assembly. The nut and bolt assembly cooperates with one of the washer-like elements to define a stop and the one washer-like elements defines a stop with at least one of the ball studs and/or one of the members to permit easy assembly of the universal joint and smaller members.

Abstract: A heavy duty cast iron yoke (110) has two lugs (116) for receiving a journal cross and a spline body or barrel (112) defining an internal spline (114). A lug tie-in body (124) includes shoulders (128) which join the lugs (116) to the spline body (112). The internal radius (136) of the shoulders is at least 20% of the distance (134) between the internal surfaces of the lugs. An annular 15.degree. ramp (150) is provided intermediate the outer spline body surface and the lugs.