Abstract: A space-saving method for early determination of wear of a universal joint with four journals projecting from a base is provided and relates to the field of drive technology. The journal cross of the universal joint is provided with a temperature sensor for the purpose of determining wear of the universal joint.

Abstract: A cross shaft joint of a vehicle includes: a cross shaft provided on a power transmission path; a first yoke rotatably supporting a pair of the four shaft portions; and a second yoke rotatably supporting a pair of the four shaft portions. The cross shaft includes a lubrication hole passing through the inside of each of the four shaft portions and which is in communication with a shaft end of the each of the four shaft portions. The lubrication hole is formed at a position more distant, than a corresponding one of the two axes, from a position in a corresponding one of the four shaft portions to which a torque from the drive power source is transmitted through a corresponding one of the first and second yokes.

Abstract: An integrated pinion/bearing/coupling (PBC) assembly for use with a hypoid gearset in power transfer assemblies of motor vehicles having mounting features and venting features. The integrated PBC assembly includes a hollow pinion unit made of steel and including a pinion shaft segment and a pinion gear segment, and a coupling unit having a hub segment made of aluminum. A brazing sleeve is used to braze the aluminum hub segment of the coupling unit to the steel pinion shaft segment of the pinion unit. The PBC assembly can further include a constant velocity joint (CVJ) unit connected to, or formed as part of, the coupling unit.

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: 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: An oil-bearing shaft (1) through which the lubrication for components of a transmission is provided, comprising at least one longitudinal bore hole (2) and at least one oil supply bore hole (2) with one longitudinal bore hole (2), each fluid-mechanically connected, whereby the oil supply bore hole (2) is oriented with a setting angle ? is proposed.

Abstract: An articulating joint apparatus includes a first rotational member having an axis, a second rotational member coupled with and positioned generally coaxial to the first rotational member, and a boot cover assembly for sealing at least part of the first rotational member to the second rotational member. The boot cover assembly is selectively coupled to both the first rotational member and the second rotational member. The joint apparatus also includes an insert positioned at least partially between the first rotational member and the second rotational member. The insert will deform in response to axial movement of the second rotational member relative to the first rotational member.

Abstract: A cross for a universal joint includes a body including an outwardly extending trunnion and a bearing cup mounted on the trunnion. A thrust washer is disposed between the trunnion and the bearing cup. The thrust washer includes an outer edge portion, a spacer portion that extends from the outer edge portion and is curved in cross sectional shape, a spring portion that extends generally radially inwardly from the spacer portion and is shaped generally in the form of a hollow cone, and an inner lip portion that extends inwardly from the spring portion. The thrust washer absorbs thrust loads that occur between an outer end surface of the trunnion and an inner surface of a closed end of the bearing cup and takes up any axial looseness therebetween.

Abstract: A cross joint comprises yokes each formed with a bearing hole and a spider shaft rotatably fitted into the bearing hole through a rolling bearing. The spider shaft is formed with a contact portion with the rolling bearing, the contact portion having its outside diameter larger than an outside diameter of the spider shaft.

Abstract: A journal cross includes a trunnion having a lubricant passageways formed therethrough. A retainer is disposed in the lubricant passageway and includes a body portion and a lip portion. The body portion of the retainer is retained within the lubricant passageway in a press fit relationship, and the lip portion of the retainer extends inwardly into the lubricant passageway. The bearing cup includes a thrust washer that is retained therein by needle bearings and a seal assembly. The thrust washer includes a projection that extends radially inwardly within the lubricant passageway and has one or more fingers provided thereon. When the bearing cup is installed on the trunnion, the fingers of the thrust washer cooperate with the lip portion of the retainer to retain the bearing cup on the trunnion, such as during shipment from one manufacturing location to another.

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 universal joint having a cross-member journal or trunnion with a lubrication chamber includes a combination of a thrust washer and lubrication baffle press fit into the lubrication chamber. The thrust washer and lubrication baffle incorporate one or more lubrication grooves, facilitating the flow of lubricant between the surfaces of the cross-member and bearing cap. Elastomeric properties of the thrust washer eliminate the need for grinding of the journal surfaces to desired tolerances, while incorporation of lubrication grooves into the thrust washer surface eliminates the need for pressing of lubrication grooves directly into the journal ends prior to hardening or heat treating.

Abstract: Across shaft has four trunnions externally provided with roller bearings in a plurality of rows. Each of the trunnions is formed with a recess at its distal end face. A bottom region of the recess is formed in a spherical shape. An inner diameter of an opening region of the recess except the bottom region in a spherical shape is set to be gradually larger toward an opening end edge of the recess. A depth of the recess from the opening end edge to the deepest point is set to be 30 to 70% of the total length of the rollers in an axial direction. By providing this recess is a shape of a punch bowl, rigidity of each of the trunnions of the cross shaft can be reduced, while securing sufficient strength of the trunnion.

Abstract: A cross for use in a universal joint includes a lubrication system for positively causing lubricant to flow into the region of the bearings contained within a bearing cup mounted on the trunnion. The lubrication system includes a pump that is disposed in the lubrication passageway formed in the trunnion of the cross. In a first embodiment, the pump is embodied as a reciprocating piston pump, including a hollow cylindrical housing having a piston slidably supported therein. When the cross is rotated during use, the piston is moved radially outwardly relative to the housing, thereby injecting a quantity of lubricant from the lubricant passageway into the region of the bearings. When the cross is ceased to be rotated, the piston is moved radially outwardly relative to the housing under the urging of a spring. In a second embodiment, the pump is embodied as a rotatable auger pump.

Abstract: A cross joint comprises yokes each formed with a bearing hole and a spider shaft rotatably fitted into the bearing hole through a rolling bearing. The spider shaft is formed with a contact portion with the rolling bearing, the contact portion having its outside diameter larger than an outside diameter of the spider shaft.

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 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 combination of a thrust washer and lubrication baffle adapted for a press fitting installation into lubrication chamber of a universal joint cross-member journal. The thrust washer and lubrication baffle incorporate one or more lubrication grooves, facilitating the flow of lubricant between the surfaces of the cross-member and bearing cap. Elastomeric properties of the thrust washer eliminate the need for grinding of the journal surfaces to desired tolerances, while incorporation of lubrication grooves into the thrust washer surface eliminates the need for pressing of lubrication grooves directly into the journal ends prior to hardening or heat treating.

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 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 centered double universal joint has a first outer joint yoke (1) with first centering means (4, 6), a first inner joint yoke (8), a first cross member (10) connecting the first outer joint yoke (1) via rolling bearings (11) to the first inner joint yoke (8), and a first lubricant channel (44) for lubricating the rolling bearing (11). Also, the joint has a second outer joint yoke (12) with second centering mechanism (15, 17), a second inner joint yoke (19), and a second cross member (21) connecting the second outer joint yoke via rolling bearings (22) to the second inner joint yoke (19). A guiding disc (25) has a first central centering projection (28) articulatably connected to the first centering means (4,6). The guiding disc has a second central centering projection (29) articulatably connected to the second centering means (15, 17). Guiding faces (32, 33) on the guiding disc (25) are radially adjustably guided in an annular recess (24) of a housing (9, 20).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the operating condition of a universal joint in a driveline assembly utilizes a pressure relief valve that is supported by a universal joint cross member. The cross member includes a central body portion with a plurality of radially extending trunnions. A first driveline component supports a first yoke member and a second driveline component supports a second yoke member. Each yoke member cooperates with two opposing trunnions to interconnect the first and second driveline components. An internal lubrication channel is formed within the cross member and is in fluid communication with each trunnion. Seal assemblies are installed within cups mounted to each trunnion member to seal the lubricating fluid within the cross member. The universal joint is operating properly when lubricating fluid that is injected through an external lubrication fitting during service operations, exits via the pressure relief valve.

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 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 centered double universal joint has a first outer joint yoke 1 with first outer yoke arms 2 connected to one another by a first bridge 3. A first cenering mechanism 4, 6 is on the first bridge 3. A first inner joint yoke 8 couples with the first inner yoke arms. A first cross member 10 connects the first outer yoke arms 2 to the first inner yoke arms. The first cross member 10 has a first lubricant supply 44, 47. A second outer joint yoke 12 with second outer yoke arms 13 are connected to one another by a second bridge 14. Second centering mechanism 15, 17 is on the second bridge 14. A second inner joint yoke 19 couples with the second inner yoke arms. A second cross member 21 connects the second outer yoke arms 13 to the second inner yoke arms. The second cross member 21 has a second lubricant supply 44′, 47′. A guiding disc 25, defining a longitudinal axis 31, has a first central centering projection 28 articulatably connected to the first centering means 4, 6.

Abstract: A spider for use in a universal joint is provided. A support surface is positioned within the lubrication recess of the trunnions on the spider. The support surface can be positioned within the recess by way of a projection, support arms, or other means. Preferably, the support surface is centrally located within the recess and extends to the same length away from the main body of the spider as the outer face of the trunnion. Alternatively, the support surface can be positioned anywhere within the recess. The support surface can be used to provide resistance to a bearing cup during a staking operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a case hardened journal cross includes an inductor having an open side to allow the journal cross to be inserted and withdrawn from the induction process with relative ease. The conductive frame of the inductor is shaped in a cross-like pattern that outlines the outer perimeter of a journal cross on each side of the journal cross. Because the induction coil passes across both sides of the journal cross, heat treating may be enhanced at specific locations of the outer surface of the journal cross by adjusting the distance of the induction coil from the journal cross. Also, a method for manufacturing such a journal cross includes determining the maximum stress distribution for the journal cross and, based thereon, determining the desired depth and location of the case hardening.

Abstract: A spider for use in a universal joint is provided. A support surface is positioned within the lubrication recess of the trunions on the spider. The support surface can be positioned within the recess by way of a projection, support arms, or other means. Preferably, the support surface is centrally located within the recess and extends to the same length away from the main body of the spider as the outer face of the trunion. Alternatively, the support surface can be positioned anywhere within the recess. The support surface can be used to provide resistance to a bearing cup during a staking operation.

Abstract: A locking cover is designed to protectively enclose a lubricant fitting mounted on a cross of a universal joint and cannot be removed after installation without damaging or destroying the locking cover. The locking cover includes a first half and a second half that are joined together by a hinge. Each half includes a generally U-shaped body portion defined by a central web and a pair of opposed leg portions. The first leg has an outwardly extending tang formed thereon having an outwardly extending barb. The second leg has an opening formed therein that terminates in a shoulder. A cover panel extends between the first and second legs defining a partial cavity therebetween. A pair of posts are provided on the cover panel and extend inwardly into the partial cavity defined by the first and second legs and the cover panel. When the locking cover is closed about the lubrication fitting, the tangs are received within the openings such that the barbs engage the associated shoulders.

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 lubrication system designed particularly for small universal joints is provided. It includes a central distribution insert with a system of vertical and transverse passage which enable all four bearing cups and bearings to be sequentially lubricated from a single source. When all four are completely lubricated, lubricant appears at the top of the central distribution insert to assure that all cups have been fully lubricated. Preferably, when the lubricant reaches the distribution insert after the last trunnion, it is directed to a fitting in the distribution insert which is connected via a hose or the like to a container for collecting any excess lubricant. As a result, the uncontrolled discharge of the lubricant into the environment is avoided. The passages in the insert are positioned such that the insert can be made from one two-part mold without any mold inserts being required.

Abstract: A lubrication system designed particularly for small universal joints is provided. It includes a central distributions insert with a system of vertical and transverse passages which enable all four bearing cups and bearings to be sequentially lubricated from a single source. When all four are completely lubricated, lubricant appears at the top of the central distribution insert to assure that all cups have been fully lubricated. The lubrication system enables lubricant fittings to be positioned in four locations around the universal joint cross and also a central lubrication fitting can be located in the central distribution insert. The passages in the insert are positioned such that the insert can be made from one two-part mold without any mold inserts being required.

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 cross member for a universal joint includes a body portion having at least one trunnion extending radially outwardly from the body portion, the trunnion including an outer bearing surface. A bearing cup having an open end and an inner bearing surface is mounted on the trunnion such that the inner bearing surface of the bearing cup is disposed co-axially about the outer bearing surface of the trunnion. A bearing is disposed between the inner bearing surface of the bearing cup and the outer bearing surface of the trunnion to enable rotation of the trunnion relative to the bearing cup. A trunnion bore is positioned within the trunnion and it communicates with the bearing to enable lubricant within the trunnion bore to reach the bearing. A lubrication conduit communicates with the trunnion bore to supply a lubricant to the trunnion bore. A retention valve is positioned within the lubrication conduit for preventing drainback of the lubricant within the lubrication conduit.

Abstract: A seal and guard assembly for a bearing cup assembly in a universal joint includes an annular seal assembly provided about the open end of a bearing cup. The seal assembly includes a metallic support ring and an elastomeric seal. The support ring is generally Z-shaped in cross section, having upper and lower radially extending flange portions which are connected together by an axially extending intermediate portion. The intermediate portion of the support ring is press fit within the inner bearing surface of the bearing cup. The upper flange portion of the support ring extends radially inwardly from the intermediate portion. The lower flange portion of the support ring extends radially outwardly from the intermediate portion adjacent the open end of the S bearing cup. The elastomeric seal is disposed within the intermediate portion of the support ring and is attached thereto. An annular seal guard is removably secured to the seal assembly.

Abstract: A universal joint has a primary seal and a secondary seal. The universal joint includes a cross and a bearing cup with the cross having a body and a trunnion and an annular shoulder with an adjacent surface of circular cross section at the juncture of the body and the trunnion. The open end of the cup has at least one leg extending outwardly therefrom. The primary seal comprises a resilient sealing member having spaced lips engaging the cup and the cross. The secondary seal is spaced outwardly from the primary seal and has a ring with a leg extending outwardly therefrom. The leg of the secondary seal is in overlapping relationship with the leg of the cup. The ring has a tight fit with the adjacent surface of the cross body, with a top of the ring engaging the shoulder of the cross. The secondary seal is spaced slightly from the cup to enable lubricant flushed past the primary seal to escape.

Abstract: A lubrication system is set forth for a universal joint. A cross of the universal joint has four trunnions extending therefrom along two mutually perpendicular lines. Bearing cups are rotatably received on the ends of the trunnions and the cups, in turn, are held by universal joint yokes. Lubrication passages extend from a central portion of the cross outwardly to cavities located at the ends of the trunnions. A passage extension extends substantially through each cavity from the lubrication passage toward the end of the trunnion. A lubricant retainer is of generally inverted U-shaped configuration and extends over the passage extension. The retainer has openings near the bottom of the cavity and is centered in the cavity by a flange on the passage extension or by an outer flange at the edge of the retainer. The retainer prevents air from being trapped in the bottom of the cavity so that the cavity will always be filled with lubricant.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically and continuously lubricating a rotary drive of an industrial drive such as a pump, roll, or other driven member is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotary drive coupling assembly that is connected between an input shaft and an output shaft which drives the driven member. There is an axial bore drilled through the center of an input shaft and a transverse bore which communicates with the axial bore and terminates at an exterior of the input shaft. The shaft coupling assembly preferably comprises a first shaft coupling and a second shaft coupling which are connected by a connecting member. A bridge conduit spans the first shaft coupling and terminates at a manifold which is carried about the connecting member. From the manifold, a plurality of injector valves distribute pressurized lubricant delivered by a timed pressure pump to the shaft couplings. Preferably the shaft couplings comprise universal type joint couplings having a plurality of bearings.

Abstract: A "standpipe" lubrication device for a universal joint assembly. In a preferred form, the lubrication device includes a plurality of annular protuberances on opposed first and second ends. The protuberances, serving as sealing and tolerance absorption media, define adjoining frustoconical and cylindrical surfaces. Each cylindrical surface terminates in a radially extending annular surface, the latter adapted to provide a self-locking feature against dislodgement of the device from a lubrication passage of the trunnion. Also in the same preferred form, the lubrication device is formed of a moldable material characterized by dimensional heat stability, for assuring proper operation at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A cross member (8) for a Hookes universal joint, comprising a body portion (20) and arms (19) extending outwardly therefrom, is made of a fibre reinforced plastics material including fibres (29) which extend between adjacent pairs of arms of the cross member. Each arm has an internal lubricant passage (11) which is of increasing cross sectional area in a portion (16) towards the free end of the arm, the lubricant passages being formed by use of a lost core during production of the cross member.

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 seal and dust guard assembly for use with a bearing cup mounted on a trunnion of a universal joint cross member is disclosed. The trunnion includes a cylindrical friction surface, an inwardly tapered surface, a cylindrical sealing surface, and a cylindrical bearing surface. A bearing cup is rotatably mounted on the bearing surface of the trunnion. The outer surface of the bearing cup has an annular groove formed circumferentially thereabout. Between the open end of the bearing cup and the groove, the outer surface of the bearing cup is reduced in diameter. An annular seal assembly is provided for sealing the bearing cup on the trunnion. The seal assembly includes an elastomeric seal having a first lip adapted to engage the sealing surface and a second lip adapted to engage the tapered surface. The seal assembly further includes a plastic dust guard having an axially extending portion which extends over the reduced diameter portion of the bearing cup.

Abstract: A seal is for a universal joint of the type comprising a cross having trunnions with annular shoulders therearound and with a bearing cup for each of the trunnions with the bearing cup having an interior shoulder adjacent the open end thereof. The seal is substantially recessed within the bearing cup at the open end. The seal comprises a sealing member having a lip which engages a portion of the trunnion at the shoulder thereof and an oppositely extending lip which engages the shoulder of the bearing cup. The sealing member has additional lips extending inwardly and outwardly for engaging the trunnion and the bearing cup. The sealing member has a deep annular groove between the lip which engages the shoulder portion of the trunnion and the outwardly-extending lips, the groove opening outwardly away from the bearing cup. The latter lips can have discontinuities in the form of slits or notches extending generally radially from outer extremities toward base portions thereof.

Abstract: A trunnion cross for connecting two yokes. The trunnion cross includes two pairs of trunnions, wherein each pair is located diametrically opposite each other and extends along an axis, wherein the two axes of the trunnion pairs extend perpendicularly to each other. Each trunnion is received in a roller bearing mounted in an eye of the yoke. The trunnion cross defines two throughbores extending perpendicularly to each other. Cylindrical throttle inserts are inserted in the throughbores for pressure redcution. A thread is formed on the outer circumference of each throttle insert defining a throttle passage. The throttle inserts ensure a uniform reduction of the lubricant pressure within the trunnion cross toward all four trunnion bearing. The danger of a clogging of a lubricant duct by dirt particles is reduced. Any plugs formed by hardening lubricant which cause clogging of a lubricant duct can be ejected.

Abstract: A Hookes joint comprising a cross member (10) and yokes (12) has respective lubricant bores (22, 24 and 26, 28) formed in journals (14, 16 and 18, 20) of the cross member. Leaf springs (48, 50) are located within the respective throughbores to project outwardly of the ends thereof into nonrotatable engagement with bearing cups (30, 32), each nonrotatably secured within ends of a yoke. Each bearing cup permits rotation of an associated cross member journal therein whereby, upon relative rotation between the cross member and a yoke, a respective leaf spring (48 or 50) rotates within the throughbore (22, 24 or 26, 28) causing a wiping or sweeping action of the spring within the lubricant in the bore thereby ensuring that the bore does not become constricted. Uniform distribution of lubricant to the bearing cups is thereby assured.

Abstract: A lubrication passageway for a universal joint which has a pair of yokes. The yokes are pivotally connected to one another and each has an axis of rotation. An annular groove is formed in an arm of one of the yokes in a plane which is spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the yoke and perpendicular to an imaginary line which is normal to the axis. A first passageway provides lubricant to the side of the groove which is distal from the centering apparatus. A second passageway provides lubricant from the side of the groove proximate to the centering apparatus to the centering apparatus. The annular groove acts as a check valve to prevent lubricant from flowing out of the centering apparatus when the joint is rotating. A sustem for lubricating a centering plate and bearings for the universal joint is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sealing device for a universal joint comprising an annular cup surrounding each branch of a spider element of the universal joint and fixed with a bearing ring capping the end of the associated branch. A flexible sealing element having lips on the periphery thereof is engaged with an inner circular flange of the annular cup. According to the invention, the annular cup comprises a cylindrical skirt mounted to bear against a flange of the corresponding branch of the spider element, the skirt extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the circular flange of the annular cup. This arrangement reduces the interference between the annular cup and the flexible sealing element, which is composed of rubber, to thereby increase the effectiveness of the seal afforded by the device.

Abstract: A Hookes universal joint wherein each journal of the cross member of the joint has a lubricant chamber adjacent its outermost end, and the lubricant channel for the journal leads into a passage extending outwardly towards the free end of the journal and then inwardly to open into the chamber at its innermost end. The passage is defined by a one piece component which includes a spigot extending into lubricant channel, an outwardly extending tube, and inwardly extending tubes which terminate at the innermost end of chamber. These parts are formed in a one piece component integral with a thrust washer. The arrangement prevents lubricant drainage from the chamber when the joint is stationary.

Abstract: A rotary shaft having a bearing surface and an oil seal surface formed close to each other at a portion of a shaft body rotatably mounted in a case of a transmission, wherein a groove is circumferentially formed on the periphery of the shaft body between the bearing surface and the oil seal surface before each of the surfaces is finished, so that the bearing surface and the oil seal surface can be finished so as to be suitable for their respective functions.

Abstract: An internal seal is provided for a universal joint, which seal is more effective in retaining lubricant and in preventing the ingress of water and contaminants. Each trunnion of the joint is received in a bearing cup having an open end with an internal annular shoulder near the open end. The seal comprises a resilient sealing member having at least two inner circular lips which engage the trunnion near a cross body and at least two outer circular lips which engage the internal surface of the bearing cup between the open end and the annular shoulder. The sealing member further includes an additional lip which engages the annular shoulder and a spaced additional lip or ridge which engages the body adjacent the trunnion. The latter two lips serve to position the sealing member with respect to the cross and bearing cup with the sealing member being substantially enclosed by the bearing cup, which minimizes the possibility of damage to the sealing member.