Abstract: A drive shaft assembly for a downhole drilling motor includes a drive shaft having a first end portion engaging a first housing and a second end portion engaging a second housing. The first end portion and the first housing form the first constant velocity joint and the second end portion and the second housing form the second constant velocity joint of the drive shaft assembly. Each end portion including a base surface having a pair of prongs extending away from the base surface and a cylindrical side wall having a plurality of ball bearings held in a plurality of circumferentially spaced pockets. Each housing includes a cavity to retain respective end portions of the drive shaft. An inner side wall of each housing includes a plurality of cylindrical grooves to receive the plurality of ball bearings to transfer torque.

Abstract: The application relates to a medical instrument with a hollow shaft, with a handle at the proximal end and a tool with two jaw parts at the distal end, of which at least one jaw part is pivotable, wherein a distal end region of the shaft is configured as a deflectable, rotatable tool tip, and wherein the jaw parts are adjustable between closed and open positions, wherein rotation of the tool tip and actuation of the jaw parts take place via actuation elements coupled at the proximal end to the handle. The distal end of the shaft and the proximal end of the tool tip are arc-shaped, and roll on each other for the deflection of the tool tip, and are conveyed from the shaft into the deflectable tool tip via at least two identical joints, which are connected in series and which can transmit rotation and translatory movements.

Abstract: A dual plunging constant velocity (CV) drive shaft is provided for communicating rotational forces from a transaxle to a drive wheel of a vehicle. The dual plunging CV drive shaft comprises a drive shaft that transfers torque from the transaxle to the drive wheel. An inboard plunging CV joint is coupled between the transaxle and the drive shaft, and an outboard plunging CV joint is coupled between the drive shaft and the drive wheel. The inboard and outboard plunging CV joints each comprises an elongate housing that receives a CV joint coupled with the drive shaft. The inboard and outboard plunging CV joints communicate rotational forces from the transaxle to the drive wheel during vertical pivoting of a trailing arm coupled with the outboard plunging CV joint. The elongate housings allow the drive shaft to “float” longitudinally, as needed, during extreme pivoting motion of the suspension.

Abstract: The outer peripheral surface (32) and the inner spherical peripheral surface (34) of a cage (30) of a double-offset constant velocity universal joint are cut after being quenched. More specifically, to finish the outer peripheral surface (32) of the cage (30) made up of a spherical portion (32a) and tapered portions (32b, 32c), the spherical portion (32a) and the tapered portions (32b, 32c) are cut after being quenched. Then, the spherical portion (32a) is cut at a cutting speed lower than that for the tapered portions (32b, 32c), thereby providing a better roughness to the cut surface of the spherical portion (32a) than to the cut surface of the tapered portions (32b, 32c).

Abstract: A drive wheel bearing device is provided with an outer member, an inner member, double-row rolling elements and a constant velocity joint. The inner member includes double-row inner races opposite outer races of the outer member, a first inner member, and a second inner member formed with at least one of the double-row inner races, the first inner member and the second inner member being inseparably coupled together at a flange-like swaged portion. The constant velocity joint includes an outer joint member press-fitted to an inner periphery of the first inner member with torque transmission means formed therebetween that transmits torque by engagement of a plurality of axially extending teeth, wherein the torque transmitting teeth of the first inner member have a tooth profile that is controlled within a specified range over the entire axial length of the teeth.

Abstract: A longitudinal shaft, for use in particular in four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive motor vehicles includes a gearbox-side articulation, a differential-side articulation, as well as a central articulation through which a gearbox-side section is integrally linked in rotation to a differential-side section of the longitudinal shaft. To reduce the centrifugal forces occurring at the longitudinal shaft in operation. Therefore, the gearbox-side articulation and the differential-side articulation have each an inner hub, designed to connect the longitudinal shaft integrally in rotation respectively to a gearbox output shaft and to a differential input shaft, the longitudinal shaft being centered on the gearbox output shaft and the differential input shaft by interlocking through the inner hubs.

Abstract: A speed reduction device of a vehicle for reducing the rotation of drive wheels includes a casing mounted on a vehicle frame, first and second drive axles rotatably mounted on the casing and connected to first and second drive shafts, respectively, and a driven sprocket wheel and a brake disc for braking the first and second drive axles are mounted on the first drive axle. The second drive axle is detachably joined to the first drive axle.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint 11 having first and second outer ball tracks 16, 18, and first and second inner ball tracks 17, 19, forming first pairs of tracks 16, 17 which widen in a first axial direction. Ri1 (?), and forming second pairs of tracks 18, 19 which widen in a second axial direction Ri2 (?). Balls 20 are guided in the pairs of tracks and have centers Z positioned on a pitch circle radius PCR around a joint centre M. A ball cage 21 holds the balls 20 in a common central plane E on to the angle-bisecting plane when the joint is articulated. There is provided an axial clearance permitting a relative axial displacement S wherein, when in the aligned condition, the ratio between the axial clearance S and the pitch circle radius PCR ranges between 0.01 and 0.09 (0.01<S/PCR<0.09).

Abstract: A dual type constant velocity universal joint solves the problems of greasing work efficiency and lubricating ability of a double Cardan Joint. The dual type constant velocity universal joint includes two constant velocity universal joints. Each constant velocity universal joint includes: a cylindrical outer ring in which a plurality of guiding grooves that extend in an axial direction are formed on a spherical inner circumferential surface; an inner ring in which a plurality of guiding grooves that extend in an axial direction are formed on a spherical outer circumferential surface; balls for torque transmission each of which is disposed in each of a plurality of ball tracks which are through coordination between the guiding grooves of the outer ring and the guiding grooves of the inner ring; and a cage 5 for holding the balls.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint comprising an inner hub (1) and an outer hub (6) inside which tracks are disposed that are associated with each other in pairs. At least one ball is arranged in each track in order to transmit torque between the inner hub and the outer hub. The ball-and-socket joint further includes at least one diaphragm which seals the outer hub with respect to a joining element that can be connected in a torsion-proof manner to the inner hub. The outer hub is provided with a metallic interior element encompassing the tracks, a dampening element which embraces the interior element in at least some areas, and a cap that embraces the damping element in at least some areas in order to connect the outer hub to a driving part or a part to be driven. The damping element is made of a material having a modulus of elasticity lower than the modulus of elasticity of the metallic material of the interior element and/or the cap of the outer hub while being greater than the modulus of elasticity of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having first and second wheels is provided that includes a differential apparatus adapted to distribute torque between the first and second wheels and a traction controller for controlling operation of the differential apparatus from vehicle launch up to a predetermined vehicle speed. The traction controller is configured to engage the differential apparatus in a first operating state according to at least one vehicle operating parameter indicative of a low traction operating condition and to further control engagement of the differential apparatus in a second vehicle operating state during the low traction operating condition according to a difference between an actual vehicle yaw rate and a predetermined target vehicle yaw rate. The control system also includes a stability controller for controlling engagement of the differential apparatus at or above the predetermined vehicle speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wheel bearing device, a method of assembling the wheel bearing device, an assembly configured by the wheel bearing device and a drive shaft, and a method of assembling the assembly, in which the wheel bearing device eliminates a nut tightening operation, is capable of reducing costs, and has a projection and recess mating structure that can firmly connect an outer joint member and a hub. Axial direction load is applied to a stepped surface 56 provided on an outer diameter surface of an outer joint member. A projection that extends in the axial direction and is provided on one of a stem shaft 9b of the outer joint member and an inner diameter surface of a hole section 29 of a hub 4 is press-fitted into a partner member along the axial direction, As a result, a recess that is in close contact with the projection over an overall mating contact area 45 is formed in the partner member, thereby configuring a projection and recess mating structure M.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint comprising an inner hub (1) and an outer hub (6) inside which tracks are disposed that are associated with each other in pairs. At least one ball is arranged in each track in order to transmit torque between the inner hub and the outer hub. The ball-and-socket joint further includes at least one diaphragm which seals the outer hub with respect to a joining element that can be connected in a torsion-proof manner to the inner hub. The outer hub is provided with a metallic interior element encompassing the tracks, a dampening element which embraces the interior element in at least some areas, and a cap that embraces the damping element in at least some areas in order to connect the outer hub to a driving part or a part to be driven. The damping element is made of a material having a modulus of elasticity lower than the modulus of elasticity of the metallic material of the interior element and/or the cap of the outer hub while being greater than the modulus of elasticity of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A shaft drive type motorcycle includes a drive shaft, a constant-velocity universal joint interposed in the drive shaft, and the pinion gear provided at one end of the drive shaft and meshed with a final gear. A shaft part may be extended from a cup of the constant-velocity universal joint, the shaft part is provided with male splines, and a tubular part extends from the pinion gear. The tubular part is provided with female splines in which to fit the male splines, and the male splines and the female splines are coupled with each other.

Abstract: A longitudinal shaft assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising at least a first shaft and a second shaft, a ball-type constant velocity joint for connecting the first shaft to the second shaft and at least one central bearing for supporting the longitudinal shaft assembly with respect to a body of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment includes a propshaft system including a first constant velocity joint generally defining a first axis and having an inner first race, an outer first race, and a first grease cover mated to the outer first race. The propshaft system also includes a first flange having a first flange mating surface and a first flange contour surface. The propshaft system also includes a second constant velocity joint generally defining a second axis and having an inner second race, an outer second race, and a second grease cover mated to the outer second race. The second grease cover is defined, at least in part, by a second grease cover flange surface and a second grease cover contour surface. The propshaft system additionally includes a propshaft portion extending at least partially between the first connection apparatus and the second connection apparatus.

Abstract: A power transmission section particularly adapted for use in a downhole drilling system. A drive shaft is pivotally connected to input and output end connection members with pivot balls therebetween to allow pivoting of the shaft ends relative to the input and output end connection members. A plurality of ball segments having one spherically-curved surface are provided at each end of the drive shaft to engage with the input and output connection members and to transmit torque between the shaft ends and the input and output end connection members, regardless of the angular variation between the drive shaft longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axes of the input and output end connection members.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly includes an assembly housing, an assembly cap coupled to the assembly housing, a rotatable mandrel, a plurality of substantially spherical drive balls, and a floating washer. The assembly housing has a plurality of pockets formed in an interior surface of the assembly housing. The rotatable mandrel is fitted within a cavity defined by the assembly housing and the assembly cap and has a plurality of pockets configured to partially receive the drive balls. The substantially spherical drive balls are rotatable within the cavity about a central axis of the mandrel. A substantially circular groove formed in the cavity is defined by a proximal end of the assembly cap and an interior wall and a shoulder of the assembly housing. The floating washer is disposed within the substantially circular groove and configured to radially displace within the groove.

Abstract: A double constant velocity universal joint includes two constant velocity universal joints, each having a cylindrical outer joint member with a plurality of axially extending guide grooves in a spherical inner circumferential surface thereof, an inner joint member with a plurality of axially extending guide grooves formed in a spherical outer circumferential surface, torque transmitting balls each arranged in the ball tracks formed by both guide grooves of the outer joint member and the inner joint member, and a retainer for retaining the balls. The outer joint members are coaxially united back to back, and a cover member having an inner spherical surface that makes sliding contact with the outer circumferential surface of the outer joint member is attached to a shaft that is connected to the inner joint member.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to reduce cost of a hub wheel in a bearing device for wheel for a drive wheel or a driven wheel. A cylindrical pilot portion P to be fitted to an inner periphery of a wheel 80 is formed at an inner diameter part of a brake rotor 70. A shape of the hub wheel, in particular, the shape thereof on an outboard side is thereby simplified, and thus the hub wheel can be fabricated at low cost by cold forging or the like. An outer joint member 31 of an outboard side constant velocity universal joint 30 and a hub wheel 10 are connected with each other by way of a nut member 90.

Abstract: A joint arrangement including a constant velocity ball joint (1) which is constructed as a counter track joint, with an inner hub (4) having first inner track grooves (16) and second inner track grooves (17), and an outer hub (7) in which first outer track grooves (20) and second outer track grooves (21) are arranged on an inner surface in an alternating matter distributed around the axis of the outer hub. The joint arrangement also includes a displacement unit (12), which transmits torque and permits axial displacements along a longitudinal axis (9), and which is constructed as a roller guide unit with inner tracks 28 and outer tracks (29) extending parallel to each other.

Abstract: A universal joint (4; 6) comprises an outer ring (28) held in a fitting hole (25) of a yoke (20; 21) and supporting a trunnion (24) so as to be rotatable with a needle roller (27) sandwiched therebetween. The outer ring (28) comprises a main body (281) fitted in the fitting hole (25) and a closed end (282) provided at one end in the main body (281). The trunnion (24) comprises an end surface (24a) having a ball holding hole (29; 29A) formed thereon. A ball receiving section (31; 31A) for elastically receiving a ball (30) held in the ball holding hole (29; 29A) is provided at the closed end (282) of the outer ring (28). The ball receiving section (31; 31A) comprises either one of a conical tapered surface (31) and a concavely-curved surface (31A). The radius of curvature (Rb) of the concavely-curved surface (31A) is larger than the radius (Ra) of the ball (30).

Abstract: The contact angle of the ball 15 with each first guide track 21 of an inner joint member 12 is made to become smaller gradually from an opening portion side toward a bottom portion side, and the curvature radius for the first guide track 21 is made to become larger gradually from the opening portion side toward the bottom portion side. If the contact angle only were made to become smaller gradually from the opening portion side toward the bottom portion side, the contact angle would become too small thereby to cause chattering in rotation to be generated. If the curvature radius only were made to become larger gradually from the opening portion side toward the bottom portion side, a contact ellipse M2 defined by the ball 15 and the first guide track 21 would become tool small, which would cause the ball 15 to make dents on the surface of the first guide track 21.

Abstract: A compound driveshaft assembly includes a first driveshaft section that is connected through a front stub shaft to an inner race of a constant velocity universal joint. The constant velocity universal joint includes a unitary outer race and splined member having an outer race portion that is disposed about the inner race and a splined portion that extends axially rearwardly from the outer race portion. The unitary outer race and splined member is formed from a single piece of material, not from an assembly of two or more separate components. A plurality of balls provide a driving connection between the outer race portion of the unitary outer race and splined member and the inner race. The splined portion of the unitary outer race and splined member is connected for rotation with a rear stub shaft. To accomplish this, the rear stub shaft includes a splined portion that cooperates with the splined portion of the unitary outer race and splined member.

Abstract: A pumping device is provided which comprises a Moineau pump with a helical rotor inside a helical cavity of a stator, driver means, and a drive connecting rod coupled by a respective coupling to a driving shaft of the driver and to one end of the rotor. Each coupling comprises a spherical head secured to the connecting rod and housed in a cavity that is cylindrical of revolution with the same diameter as and secured coaxially to the end of the rotor of the driving shaft; and a ball housed partly in a cup of the spherical head with its axis perpendicular to the axis of the connecting rod and partly in a lateral recess of the cavity.

Abstract: A driveline system for a motor vehicle includes at least two propeller shafts and a driveline angle reducer disposed therebetween for drivingly interconnecting the propeller shafts at a fixed operating angle. The driveline angle reducer includes a housing rotatably supporting therewithin a fixed-angle constant-velocity joint. The housing of the driveline angle reducer is mounted to a vehicle body and contains a supply of a lubricant for lubrication of the constant-velocity joint. The driveline angle reducer allows propeller shaft operating angles to be in a range where conventional Cardan joints can be used in the driveline systems without causing excessive cyclic vibrations.

Abstract: A driveshaft (11) having two ball type constant velocity fixed joints (12, 13), a shaft part (14) connecting said two joints, and an axial plunging part (15) arranged in said shaft part (14). The ball type constant velocity fixed joints (12, 13) each comprise: a bell-shaped outer joint part (16, 26) provided with internally positioned first ball tracks (18, 28); a hub-shaped inner joint part (19, 29) provided with externally positioned second ball tracks (21, 31) and arranged inside said outer joint part (16, 26); balls (24, 34) engaging pairs of first ball tracks (18, 28) and second ball tracks (21, 31); and an annular ball cage (22, 32) with circumferentially distributed cage windows in which the balls are held in a common plane. The pairs of first ball tracks (18, 28) and second ball tracks (21, 31), when viewed in a longitudinal section, form opening angles (&agr;12, &agr;13) relative to one another for controlling the balls (24, 34) in the ball tracks.

Abstract: An impact-absorbable power transmission device is constituted by establishing a frictional spline connection between a shaft and a pipe to allow an axial slide therebetween and to forbid a relative rotation therebetween. An inner race of a universal joint is fixed to another end portion of the shaft by press-fitting. A flange for receiving a press-fitting force of the inner race is formed at an intermediate portion of the shaft. Therefore, the power transmission device ensures an impact absorbing performance while avoiding a lowering of a mechanical strength caused by the inner race installing operation.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint assembly for a vehicle, having a fixed-type constant velocity joint linked at one end of a shaft portion of a vehicle and a plunging type constant velocity joint linked to the other end of the shaft portion. The fixed type constant velocity joint includes an outer joint member having eight curved guide grooves axially formed in the spherical inner surface and an inner joint member having eight curved guide grooves axially formed in the spherical outer surface. Serrations (or splines) are formed on the inner surface for connection to a shaft portion. Eight torque transmitting balls are disposed in ball tracks defined between the guide grooves of the outer and inner joint members. A cage retains the torque transmitting balls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a CV-jointed shaft with a first and a second constant velocity fixed joint 1, 1′ and an intermediate shaft 14. The intermediate shaft 14 comprises a plunging sleeve 22 in which there is received a plunging journal 15 by means of balls. The plunging journal 15 and the intermediate shaft 14 are each provided with a plug-in portion 16, 25 which are identical in shape and are received in receiving bores 7 of the inner parts 5 of the two constant velocity fixed joints 1, 1′. By using this design it is possible to provide a CV-jointed shaft wherein, to a considerable extent, the constant velocity fixed joints 1, 1′ can be assembled of identical components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive assembly comprising a constant velocity fixed joint A and rolling contact member guide B. The constant velocity fixed joint A is designed in such a way that its outer part 1 and its inner part 3, for the purpose of guiding the balls 5, are provided with two outer running grooves 14, 15 alternately extending from two opposed open ends 10, 11 in distributed planes in an undercut-free way and, opposite thereto, two inner running grooves 17, 18. The cage arranged between the inner part 3 and the outer part 1 for the purpose of guiding the balls 5 is guided by a hollow-spherical portion of its inner face 21 on the spherical outer face 19 of the inner part 3. The rolling contact member guide B connected to the inner part 3 comprises a plunging journal 33 which enters a bore 39 in the plunging sleeve 38.

Abstract: A pre-assembled structural unit for driven axles of automotive vehicles, comprising a wheel flange (1), a brake disc (2), a wheel bearing (3), and a synchronizing joint including an inner part (5), an outer part (6), and an anti-friction bearing (7), can be mounted in a carrier unit (4) provided on the vehicle side.The structural unit provides that the inner part (5) of the synchronizing joint is integrally formed with a shaft journal (5a) which can be connected to the end of a driving shaft (8) in a non-rotating way.Hence, the pre-assembly interface hitherto located in the synchronizing joint is shifted toward the driving shaft so that the synchronizing joint with the sealing sleeve (10) completely mounted results in the pre-assembled unit, thereby substantially simplifying the final assembly.

Abstract: A two-part hollow drive shaft for motor vehicles in a light-weight construction, having two shaft sections and a total of three cardan joints, with a pivot bearing being arranged close to the center cardan joint. For compensating load-change-caused distance changes of the rearward cardan joint from the pivot bearing, a length compensation is provided in the second shaft section. The first shaft section is axially divided in the proximity of the pivot bearing in order to be able to mount the bearing element. For designing the drive shaft to be as light as possible and for being able to produce it at reasonable cost, the center cardan joint is constructed as a disk joint with a flexible ring disk arranged perpendicularly to the axis of rotation. Furthermore, the rearward cardan joint is constructed as a homokinetic cardan joint in a construction which permits an axial length compensation so that a separate length compensation in the rearward shaft section is not necessary.

Abstract: A retaining ring and method of installation are provided to maintain the relative position of an inner joint to an outer joint in a constant velocity joint. The outer joint has an open end, a generally spherical internal surface with a plurality of ball grooves, and an annular groove formed in the internal surface near the open end of the outer joint. An annular ring with a radially extending tab is aligned within one of the ball grooves to axially align the tab with the annular groove. The annular ring is then rotatable within the annular groove to align the tab between two of the ball grooves. The annular ring is rotationally retained within the annular groove.

Abstract: An adjustable length telescoping radial free motion driveline including a shaft slidable within a sleeve to slide axially with respect to each other which allows the driveline to elongate and shorten while still maintaining a fixed radial alignment. The shaft and mating sleeve are configured to allow for a fixed amount of radial motion between the shaft and sleeve that can be used by the installer to compensate for any misalignment between the two fixtures that the driveline is connected between. In one embodiment the shafting is square and the other the shafting is splined.

Abstract: A half shaft assembly includes a half shaft having inboard and outboard ends with constant velocity universal joint inner races secured thereto. A universal joint cage and ball assembly encircles each inner race. An outer race encircles each cage and ball assembly. A protective elastomeric convoluted semi-hyperbolic boot is provided. The boot has divergent inboard and outboard ends and a convergent center. The convergent center has an inner diameter sized to fit snugly around the half shaft. The divergent inboard and outboard ends are secured to their respective inboard and outboard constant velocity universal joint outer races by a separate clamp.

Abstract: A automotive vehicle drive train is provided including a first rotative member, a first plunging constant velocity joint with a front end connected with the first rotative member, the first plunging constant velocity joint having a rear end torsionally connected with the front end, a drive shaft with a front end and a rear end, the drive shaft front end being connected with the rear end of the first plunging constant velocity joint, a second plunging constant velocity joint with a front end and a rear end, the front end of the second plunging constant velocity joint being connected with the rear end of the drive shaft, the rear end of the second constant velocity joint being connected with a second drive member, a spring connected with the second plunging constant velocity joint biasing the front and rear ends of the second plunging constant velocity joint to a predetermine relative axial position with respect to one another, and a damper connected with the second plunging constant velocity joint to dampen an

Abstract: An adjustable length telescoping radial free motion driveline including a shaft slidable within a sleeve to slide axially with respect to each other which allows the driveline to elongate and shorten while still maintaining a fixed radial alignment. The shaft and mating sleeve are configured to allow for a fixed amount of radial motion between the shaft and sleeve that can be used by the installer to compensate for any misalignment between the two fixtures that the driveline is connected between. In one embodiment the shafting is square and the other the shafting is splined.

Abstract: A shaft assembly in which a cross-groove universal joint is mounted on each of the two end portions of a shaft. In this cross-groove universal joint, an inner race formed in the outer circumference with ball grooves inclined alternately in opposite directions with respect to the axial direction and an outer race formed in the inner circumference with ball grooves oriented to intersect the former ball grooves are concentrically fitted. Balls are arranged at the intersections between the ball grooves of the inner race and the ball grooves of the outer race, as confronting each other. The balls are retained by a cage arranged between the inner race and the outer race.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism (12) connects a tubular shaft (4) to a journal (11). In its bore, the tubular shaft (4) has a profile which is engaged by the journal (11) by a corresponding counter-profile on its outer face along a length of overlap. The profile and counter-profile are tensioned relative to one another by the clamping mechanism (12). The clamping effect is achieved by taking advantage of the possibility of deforming the cross-section of the tube.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint (2) with a connecting shaft (4). The inner part (12) of the constant velocity joint (2) includes a through-bore (28) with a first portion in the form of inner teeth (29) and a second bore portion in the form of a circular-cylindrical bore portion (32). A coupling sleeve is inserted into the inner part (12). The coupling sleeve (33) includes outer teeth (34) which engage the inner teeth (29). These are followed by a circular-cylindrical portion (35) centered in the bore portion (32). The coupling sleeve (33), on its inner face, has first longitudinal grooves (37) arranged opposite second longitudinal grooves (39) of the connecting shaft (4). Rolling-contact members (40) are received between the first and second longitudinal grooves and are held so as to be guided in a cage. Members (40) serve to transmit torque between the coupling sleeve (33) and the connecting shaft (4) and enable a linear adjustment between the coupling sleeve (33) and the connecting shaft (4).

Abstract: A driveshaft (1) for driving the wheels of a motor vehicle has two constant velocity joints (2, 3) and a connecting shaft (4). The two constant velocity joints (2, 3) are provided in the form of constant velocity fixed joints. The plunging assembly required to change the longitudinal distance (L) includes a plunging journal (21), formed onto the second joint part (20) of the second constant velocity joint (3), and a plunging portion (26) of the connecting shaft (4). The shaft (4) surrounds the plunging journal (21) and is provided in the form of a tubular shaft. The cross-section of the plunging portion (26) has the shape of a corrugated shaft. Each outer corrugation peak, in the bore of the plunging portion (26), includes a second running groove (29) positioned opposite a running groove (22) in the plunging journal (21). Balls (23) are rollingly arranged between the two running grooves (29, 22) and held by a cage (24).

Abstract: A driving force transmission device for a vehicle has a homokinetic joint having an outer ring and a clutch device having an outer ring coupled to the outer ring of the homokinetic joint. An input shaft is rotatably inserted in the outer rings. A cage is rotatably mounted between opposed surfaces of the outer rings and the input shaft. The cage has pockets. Engaging elements are mounted in the pockets. They are adapted to engage the opposed surfaces when the input shaft and the cage rotate relative to each other either clockwise or counterclockwise. Elastic members are mounted in the pockets to keep the engaging elements in a not-engaged position. The cage and the input shaft are coupled together with a gap extending in the direction of rotation formed therebetween so as to be rotatable together. A differential member are mounted on the cage or the input shaft to produce a difference in rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A Sealed Downhole Motor Drive Shaft Universal Joint Assembly consisting of a housing with an interior and an exterior surface. The interior has an end wall and side walls. The end wall has an elongate projection with a concave terminus. The side walls have a plurality of slots. A shaft is provided having an exterior surface and opposed ends. Each of the ends has a central cavity with a substantially concave end wall. The exterior surface of the drive shaft has a plurality of annularly spaced pockets adjacent each end. The pockets are in substantial alignment with the end wall of the central cavity. Each end of the drive shaft is telescopically received within one of the housings. A thrust ball is positioned between the concave terminus of the elongate projection of the housing and the concave end wall of the central cavity of the shaft thereby transmitting thrust loads between the housing and the shaft while permitting omni-directional relative movement of the housing and the shaft.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a drive system and a coupling system for each roller in a roller hearth kiln. The drive system is modular and encased and includes a plurality of aligned drive worms that engage driven gears that in turn rotate a drive shaft. The casing defines an oil sump which lubricates and cools the worm and gear and permits higher precision elements to be used. A cup-like ball-bearing style coupling system is used to drivingly couple the drive shaft to the roller.

Abstract: A wheel drive shaft assembly for a motor vehicle including two universal joints, at least one of which is a plunging joint to enable axial movement of the shaft assembly, with one of the universal joints further including a splined journal engaging into a wheel hub, wherein the axial length of the splined journal is smaller than the amount of axial shortening available in the shaft assembly by virtue of the plunging movement of the at least one plunging universal joint when the shaft assembly is built into the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A rotor adapter for connection between a drive shaft having eccentric motion and a driven shaft having circular motion within a downhole mud motor. The rotor adapter has two symmetrical ends on either end of a rotor adapter shaft. Each end includes a coupler defining a socket for receiving one end of the rotor adapter shaft. A thrust ball is located between the rotor adapter shaft and the coupler and seated in pockets that have radii larger than the thrust ball and depths shallower than the radius of the thrust ball. Circumferentially spaced pockets around the rotor adapter shaft near the end of the shaft fit steel balls which protrude into complementary pockets on the coupler. The coupler pockets are cylindrical and plugged from the outside with plugs. The plugs are secured in place with the steel balls in the complementary pockets. The pockets on the rotor adapter shaft are elongated in the axial direction of the rotor adapter shaft to allow tilting of the rotor adapter shaft.

Abstract: A constant velocity ratio universal joint comprising an outer joint member (1), an inner joint member (2), a cage (8), and a plurality of torque-transmitting balls (7) engaged in grooves (4, 6) of the outer and inner joint members for transmitting torque therebetween. The grooves in the outer joint member are of non-undercut configuration considered from an end (13) of the outer joint member, as also is the internal surface of the outer joint member between the grooves thereof. Adjacent the end (13) of the outer joint member the inner surface of the cage is also of non-undercut configuration. The joint members and cage have engaging part-spherical surface portions which are held in engagement by a support surface (14) provided in association with a closure member (15) closing the outer joint member at its end (13), the support surface (14) engaging a part-spherical surface (5) at the end of the inner joint member.

Abstract: A shaft coupling which can prevent trransmission of side loads in the event of angular or parallel misalignment of end-to-end shafts and which can also provide non-destructible overload protection. A pair of independent translatable devices spaced apart along the axis of the coupling, and set in planes at right angles to the axis and to each other can translate independently to permit free nutating motion of an intermediate torque-transmitting coupling member. Spring loaded balls on the ends of the independent devices decouple the shafts from each other in the event of overload. Embodiments can achieve all of the above with virtually zero back lash.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint for transmitting driving torque between rotative members, such universal joint including a pintle-type inner joint member fixed to one of the rotative members and an outer member fixed to the other of the rotative members, with a plurality of roller balls received in apertures in the inner joint member, and having the roller balls engaged in grooves in the outer joint member, with a spherical portion of at least one of each of the roller balls being in contact with a spherical portion of at least one of the other roller balls in a manner whereby the roller balls provide mutual support for each other inwardly of the inner joint member towards the center of the joint. A quick disconnect version of the invention is also shown.