Ball Mounted In Groove For Relative Axial Movement With Respect To Coupled Member Patents (Class 464/141)
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Patent number: 11944890Abstract: Coupling device (20) for a vertical pole (8) for gym exercises comprising a hemispherical element (3) positioned inside a seat (22), a base (1), a shaft (5) inserted inside the hemispherical element (3) to which the vertical pole (8) for gym exercises is connected, said device (20) being characterized in that the hemispherical element (3) comprises a plurality of blocking elements (10, 33, 45) configured to be coupled to a plurality of corresponding elements (26, 34, 44), made on the inner surface of the seat (22) of the hemispherical element (3) to prevent the rotation of the pole (8) around an axis (X) passing through the centre of the coupling device (20) while leaving free the oscillatory movement of the pole (8) with respect to said axis (X).Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: LA.ME Di Mattellini Angelo e Danillo & C SASInventor: Angelo Mattellini
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Patent number: 11424661Abstract: A shaft coupling includes a first shaft supported by a bearing at a first end, and a second shaft supported by a bearing at a second end. The first shaft and second shaft are coaxially arranged so that the second end of the first shaft is against the first end of the second shaft. On an end surface of the second end of the first shaft, there is a recess, and a protrusion protrudes from the end surface of the first end of the second shaft, and the recess receives the protrusion. The shaft coupling includes only one third bearing, as well as a coupler which receives the second end of the first shaft and the first end of the second shaft. With such a solution, a greater radial error may be allowed between the shafts without the structures of the coupling point being overloaded.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2019Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: KONECRANES GLOBAL CORPORATIONInventors: Teppo Lindberg, Jussi Puhakka, Pekka Laakkonen
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Patent number: 11394270Abstract: A gear assembly is provided that simplifies the integration of a differential assembly into the hollow rotor of an electric motor. The gear assembly utilizes a hollow cross member that includes a central portion and a plurality of hollow extension members onto which the gears are mounted. Within each of the hollow extension members is a pin. When the pins are withdrawn, the assembly fits unimpeded within the hollow rotor. When the pins are partially extended out of the corresponding extension members, the ends of the pins fit within apertures in the rotor. A plug fits within a centrally located thru-hole in the central portion of the hollow cross member, thereby locking the pins in the extended position and locking the gear assembly in place.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2021Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Atieva, Inc.Inventors: Shun-Cheng Hung, Jeremy Mayer, Balazs Palfai, Michael David Kennedy
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Patent number: 11261909Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a swing bearing and a wearable device. The swing bearing includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of rolling elements, a plurality of first grooves arranged at intervals along a circumferential direction being formed on an outer circumferential surface of the inner ring, a plurality of second grooves arranged at intervals along a circumferential direction being formed on an inner circumferential surface of the outer ring, each rolling element being disposed between the corresponding first groove and the second groove, and the rolling element, the first groove, and the second groove being configured to restrict relative rotational movement between the inner ring and the outer ring and allow the inner ring and the outer ring to produce shaft axis deflection movement.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2018Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Rongjie Wei, Yun Jiang, Haijian Tang, Conghua Jiang, Jianfeng Yang
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Patent number: 10514069Abstract: A drive shaft assembly includes a first shaft member, a second shaft member, and a ball member. The first shaft member has a base that radially extends from a first shaft that extends along a first axis, and a finger that extends from the base and defines a first ball track. The second shaft member has a second shaft extending along a second axis defining a second ball track. The ball member is received within the first ball track and the second ball track.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2017Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventor: Matthew A. Berube
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Patent number: 10018124Abstract: A ball bearing including a ball head arranged at a support rod and supported in a ball head receiver, characterized in that the ball head is secured at an outer surface of the ball head in the ball head receiver by a retaining ring against sliding out of the ball head receiver. The invention also relates to a piston rod with the ball bearing.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: ECO Holding 1 GmbHInventor: Dietmar Kaufmann
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Patent number: 9989100Abstract: A coupling joint having a hollow cylindrically-shaped housing with a closed end and a housing opening is described. The housing has a ring groove adjacent the opening and a splined housing shaft which extends from the closed end. A spherical bearing is partially located within the housing. The spherical bearing has a splined bearing shaft that extends from the housing. A first socket half and a second socket half are located within the housing. The first and second socket halves capture the spherical bearing in a socket formed by the first socket half and by the second socket half. A housing snap ring located in a ring groove retains the first socket half; the spherical bearing and the second socket half within the housing. A first socket half and second socket half receive couplers that mate the spherical bearing to the first socket half and second socket half.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Inventor: Alasdair W. M. MacDonald
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Patent number: 9776310Abstract: A driving tool is provided, including a tool set and a driving head. The tool set includes a connecting sleeve, an outer sleeve and at least one limitation member. The connecting sleeve has a receiving slot and a driving end. A plurality of protruding ribs extending axially and a plurality of recesses disposed between the protruding ribs are disposed on an inner wall of the receiving slot. The recesses are provided for a polygonal ball head to insert therein. A recessed portion and a protruding portion are disposed on the inner wall. The outer sleeve is slidable between a first position and a second position. When the outer sleeve is at the first position, the limitation member can restrict the polygonal ball head. When the outer sleeve is at the second position, the polygonal ball head is withdrawable from the receiving slot.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Yuan Li Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chia-Yi Chen, Hui-Chien Chen
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Patent number: 9701396Abstract: A joint arrangement includes an outer joint component, an inner joint component, a cage and at least two balls located between the outer and inner joint component and in openings of the cage. The balls run in ball recesses, while at least two are in a mechanical contact with pressing devices, which are adapted for holding the respective balls in a radially flexible position relative to one of the inner joint component, the outer joint component and the cage and for pressing the respective balls into the corresponding recesses.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventor: Tanno Zantz
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Patent number: 9506501Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting joint for transmitting a rotation movement from a first to a second rotating shaft, having a joint outer part, a joint central part, and a joint inner part, wherein for transmitting the rotation movement, the joint outer part is connected to the first rotating shaft and the joint inner part is connected to the second rotating shaft. A plurality of balls are provided in ball tracks, which balls in the ball tracks may change their position in relation to the joint outer part, joint central part, and joint inner part. Rotational movement of the connecting joint, by way of the balls in the ball tracks, is transmittable from the joint outer part via the joint central part to the joint inner part and vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP STEEL EUROPE AGInventor: Michael Gövert
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Publication number: 20150094157Abstract: A rotational connector device is disclosed which incorporates a housing that is attached to a first shaft and an inner member that is disposed within the housing and connected to a second shaft. The first and second shaft may be at skewed angles with respect to each other. The housing and the inner member are slidably and rotationally connected to each other by way of a washer and pin to provide one-to-one rotational motion between the first and second shafts.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventor: KENNETH A. LOCK
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Patent number: 8925204Abstract: A method of making a CV joint is disclosed. The method includes forming a first rotatable shaft having a first longitudinal axis, the first shaft comprising an axle portion having on one end thereof an enlarged pocket end. The method also includes forming a plurality of inwardly extending bores into the enlarged pocket end along peripherally spaced, radially extending pocket axes to a bore depth. The method further includes forming a plurality of inwardly extending ball pockets that are disposed about the pocket axes to a pocket depth, wherein the bore depth is greater than the pocket depth, thereby forming a recessed lubricant reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventor: Keith A. Kozlowski
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Patent number: 8915788Abstract: A universal joint carried by an elongate body having an axis. The universal joint has an inner race that pivots omni-directionally within an outer race and a series of first and second opposed cavities formed in the inner race and the outer race. There are a plurality of torque transfer elements, each torque transfer element having a first portion that engages a first cavity and a second portion that engages a corresponding second cavity. The first cavity is a socket that permits rotation of the first portion within the first cavity as the inner race pivots omni-directionally within the outer race and the second cavity is a track oriented in the direction of the axis of the elongate body. The second portion moves along the track as the inner race pivots omni-directionally within the outer race of the second portion along the track. The second portion has at least one drive surface that engages an inner surface of the track at more than one point along the direction of the track.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2013Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Cathedral Energy Services Ltd.Inventors: Dean Norman Foote, Jason Williams
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Publication number: 20140206463Abstract: A counter track joint includes an outer joint part with first and second outer ball tracks, an inner joint part with first and second inner ball tracks. The first outer and inner ball tracks, together, form first pairs of tracks, which, when the joint is in an aligned position, widen towards the aperture end of the outer joint part and each accommodate first torque transmitting balls. The second outer and inner ball tracks, together, form second pairs of tracks which, when the joint is in the aligned position, widen towards the attaching end of the outer joint part and which each accommodate second torque transmitting balls. The centres of the balls of the first pairs of tracks each define a first track centre line. The first track centre line, in the direction from the central joint plane towards the attaching end extends radially inside a first reference arc.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2011Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: GKN DRIVELINE INTERNATIONAL GMBHInventors: Anna Gremmelmaier, Ida Hassenrik, Hans-Jürgen Post, Thomas Weckerling
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Publication number: 20130252746Abstract: A propeller shaft is proposed which comprises an outer cylindrical member formed with a sleeve portion that has a splined cylindrical inner wall with which a splined cylindrical outer wall of a shaft is engaged; an inner cylindrical member installed in the outer cylindrical member; a torque transmitting unit through which a torque is transmitted from the outer cylindrical member to the inner cylindrical member; and a connecting mechanism that, upon engagement of the splined cylindrical outer wall with the splined cylindrical inner wall, effects an axial and relative positioning between the shaft and the outer cylindrical member while establishing a detachable connection therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS KYUSHU, LTD.Inventors: Kenichi SUGIYAMA, Takahiro KUROHA, Yasutomo MABE
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Patent number: 8348773Abstract: A constant velocity joint is disclosed that includes a first rotatable shaft, the first shaft comprising an axle portion having on one end an enlarged pocket end, the pocket end having a plurality of circumferentially and radially spaced ball pockets and a distal end; a corresponding plurality of spherical balls disposed in the pockets; and a second rotatable shaft comprising a joint housing, the joint housing having a central bore with a corresponding plurality of axially extending, circumferentially and radially spaced ball grooves disposed about the second longitudinal axis and a base, the joint housing disposed over the pocket end with the corresponding plurality of balls disposed in the grooves, the joint providing a range of angular and axial movement of the first shaft relative to the second shaft, each of the plurality of ball pockets having a recessed lubricant reservoir, the lubricant reservoir having a lubricant disposed therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventor: Keith A. Kozlowski
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Patent number: 8323116Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes an outer member defining an interior opening and a plurality comprising at least four grooves disposed within the interior opening and extending along a first longitudinal axis with each of the grooves being parallel to the other grooves and the first longitudinal axis, and an inner member disposed within the interior opening having a second longitudinal axis and defining a plurality of pockets corresponding to the grooves disposed radially about the second longitudinal axis with each of the plurality of pockets opposing one of the plurality of grooves. The joint further includes a plurality of drive balls corresponding to the grooves, each drive ball having a spherical shape and rotatably disposed within one of the plurality of pockets and moveably disposed within one of the plurality of grooves, wherein the outer member, inner member and plurality of drive balls comprise a constant velocity joint.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Jorge Flores-Garay, Keith A. Kozlowski, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra
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Publication number: 20120297911Abstract: A forged composite powder metal part, such as a CVJ inner race or bevel gear, and method of making the same are disclosed. The forged composite powder metal part includes a outer section concentrated with a first powder metal material, a inner section concentrated with a second powder metal material and a variable boundary profile between the materials of the two sections. For example, in a forged CVJ inner race, the different materials can provide improved wear resistance in the ball tracks and improved spline performance. As another example, in a forged bevel gear, the different materials can be used to create a continuous variable boundary profile that defines the depth of a harder layer over the teeth.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: GKN SINTER METALS, LLCInventor: Timothy E. Geiman
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Patent number: 8251828Abstract: A constant velocity joint is disclosed that includes a first rotatable shaft comprising an axle portion having on one end an enlarged pocket end, the pocket end having a plurality of circumferentially and radially spaced ball pockets; a corresponding plurality of spherical balls disposed in the pockets; and a second rotatable shaft comprising a joint housing, the joint housing having a central bore with a corresponding plurality of axially extending, circumferentially and radially spaced ball grooves disposed about the second longitudinal axis and a base, the joint housing disposed over the pocket end with the corresponding plurality of balls disposed in the grooves, the joint providing a range of angular and axial movement of the first shaft relative to the second shaft, each of the plurality of ball pockets comprising a portion of the pocket having a conformity ratio C greater than about 1.04.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2010Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventor: Keith A. Kozlowski
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Patent number: 8246476Abstract: A universal joint composed of a swivel member, a driven socket, and at least one mediator. The swivel member includes a swivel body and a first driving portion. The driven socket includes a concavity, a second driving portion, and an annular recess formed at the concavity. A retaining ring is mounted in the annular recess. The swivel body is received in the concavity. The swivel body includes at least one cavity formed on a surface thereof. The driven socket includes at least one recession, which can correspond to the at least one cavity when the swivel body is located in the concavity. The at least one mediator interacts with the recession and the cavity and is located between the swivel body and the driven socket. Therefore, the operation of the universal joint can be smooth.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Yuan Li Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chia-Yi Chen
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Patent number: 8246475Abstract: A boot assembly and constant velocity joint utilizing the boot assembly is provided. The constant velocity joint and boot assembly includes a first shaft, the first shaft having an axle portion extending between a first end and a second end, at least one of the first end and the second end having an enlarged joint portion. It also includes a hollow boot disposed on the first shaft having a joint end and a shaft end, the joint end disposed proximate the enlarged joint portion and the shaft end disposed proximate the axle portion. The constant velocity joint also includes a spacer, the spacer having an inner surface disposed on the axle portion and an outer surface having the shaft end of the boot disposed thereon.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Keith A. Kozlowski, Brian J. Kleinfeld, Matthew A. Berube
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Patent number: 8235829Abstract: A constant velocity joint is disclosed that includes a first rotatable shaft, the first shaft comprising an axle portion having on one end an enlarged pocket portion, the pocket portion having a plurality of circumferentially and radially spaced ball pockets and a distal end; a corresponding plurality of spherical balls disposed in the pockets; and a second rotatable shaft comprising a joint housing, the joint housing having a central bore with a corresponding plurality of axially extending, circumferentially and radially spaced ball grooves disposed about the second longitudinal axis and a base, the joint housing disposed over the pocket portion with the corresponding plurality of balls disposed in the grooves, the joint providing a range of angular and axial movement of the first shaft relative to the second shaft, the distal end of the pocket portion having a convex surface configured to provide a predetermined a range of angular movement.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventor: Keith A. Kozlowski
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Patent number: 8186641Abstract: A shaft retaining bracket assembly (100) and a method (400) of assembling the same is disclosed. A bracket assembly (100) may include an isolator (104) that receives a shaft and absorbs vibrations transmitted therethrough, and an integrally formed bracket (102). The bracket (102) may include a base portion (108) having at least one attachment hole (110) for securing the bracket (102) to a structural member, and a hoop (112) integrally formed with the base portion (108). The hoop (112) receives the isolator (104) such that the isolator (104) and the shaft are generally concentric about an axis (A) of the hoop (112). The bracket (102) further includes at least one retention flange (120) formed in the hoop, the retention flange (120) being configured to retain the isolator (104) within the hoop (112).Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.Inventors: Brian Michael Valovick, Steven L. Leffingwell, Crittenden A. Bittick, Ashfaq Saeed
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Patent number: 8100773Abstract: A joint whose number of parts is reduced and whose production process is simplified. The joint has spherical bodies (29a-29d), a circular cylindrical inner hub (20) in which hemispherical receiving sections (22a-22d) for receiving the spherical bodies (29a-29d) are formed in curved surfaces, and an outer hub (10) that has a receiving section (17) for receiving the inner hub (20) and also has longitudinal grooves (12a-12d) integrally formed with the receiving section (17) and in which the spherical bodies (29a-29d) received in the receiving sections (22a-22d) are received.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2006Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: ASA Electronics Industry Co., LtdInventor: Yukihiro Asa
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Publication number: 20120004044Abstract: A shaft assembly that includes a propshaft member and a constant velocity joint. The constant velocity joint has an outer race, which is coupled for rotation with the propshaft member, an inner race, a plurality of bearing balls disposed between the outer and inner races to transmit rotary power therebetween, a shaft member coupled for rotation with the inner race, and a boot assembly that is sealingly engaged to the outer race and the shaft member. The shaft member defines a coupling portion that extends from the boot assembly. A method for coupling a shaft member to a driveline component is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventors: Jonathan D. Conger, Arvind Srinivasan, Richard L. Seidel
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Publication number: 20110269556Abstract: Provided is an outer joint member for a fixed type constant velocity universal joint, the outer joint member contributing to reduction of the number of man-hours through reduction of the number of post processes after a forging process, and to an increase in yield, and reduction of manufacturing cost. The outer joint member for a fixed type constant velocity universal joint includes a cup section (16) and a shaft section (18) extending in an axial direction from a bottom portion of the cup section (16). The outer joint member is made of machine-structural carbon steel. The following portions of the outer joint member are finished by cold forging: track grooves (12); radially inner spherical-surface portions (14a); a cup-inlet chamfer (12b); track chamfers (12c); track-inlet chamfers (12a); a part except for a boot fixing portion (19) on a radially outer surface of the cup section (16); and a center hole (13) at an end surface (18a) of the shaft section (18).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventors: Masazumi Kobayashi, Kisao Yamazaki, Minoru Ishijima
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Publication number: 20110256938Abstract: A universal joint composed of a swivel member, a driven socket, and at least one mediator. The swivel member includes a swivel body and a first driving portion. The driven socket includes a concavity, a second driving portion, and an annular recess formed at the concavity. A retaining ring is mounted in the annular recess. The swivel body is received in the concavity. The swivel body includes at least one cavity formed on a surface thereof. The driven socket includes at least one recession, which can correspond to the at least one cavity when the swivel body is located in the concavity. The at least one mediator interacts with the recession and the cavity and is located between the swivel body and the driven socket. Therefore, the operation of the universal joint can be smooth.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2010Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: YUAN LI HSING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventor: Chia-Yi Chen
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Patent number: 8033920Abstract: A flexible, dual ball joint assembly used for increasing the wear life of a mud motor. The ball joint assembly includes an drive shaft with a drive shaft hollow ball joint. An outer circumference of the hollow ball joint includes a plurality of equally spaced apart drive shaft ball bearings. An inner circumference, inside the hollow ball joint, includes a plurality of equally spaced apart drive shaft grooves. Also, the ball joint assembly includes an annular shaped torque coupler with a torque coupler ball joint. An outer circumference of the torque coupler ball joint includes a plurality of equally spaced apart torque coupler ball bearings. The torque coupler ball bearings are received in the drive shaft grooves for providing lateral movement between the drive shaft and the torque coupler. An outer circumference of the torque coupler next to the torque coupler ball joint includes a plurality of torque coupler lobes equally spaced apart therearound.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Inventor: Todd Benson
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Publication number: 20110118036Abstract: Provided is an inner joint member for a constant velocity universal joint, which is capable of extending a life of a cutting tool and achieving reduction in manufacturing cost. The inner joint member for a constant velocity universal joint is incorporated in an outer joint member (3) and has multiple ball track grooves (5) which are formed in an outer diameter surface (4) thereof. A spherical surface roughness in a range extending from an axial center (15) of the outer diameter surface (4) to an end (A) side of the outer diameter surface (4) which corresponds to an opening side of the outer joint member (3) is larger than a spherical surface roughness in a range extending from the axial center (15) of the outer diameter surface (4) to an end (B) side of the outer diameter surface (4) which corresponds to an inner side of the outer joint member (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventors: Hiromitsu Hamaguchi, Yasunori Hamaguchi, Yumiko Yokoyama
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Publication number: 20110077090Abstract: A constant velocity joint is disclosed that includes a first rotatable shaft comprising an axle portion having on one end an enlarged pocket end, the pocket end having a plurality of circumferentially and radially spaced ball pockets; a corresponding plurality of spherical balls disposed in the pockets; and a second rotatable shaft comprising a joint housing, the joint housing having a central bore with a corresponding plurality of axially extending, circumferentially and radially spaced ball grooves disposed about the second longitudinal axis and a base, the joint housing disposed over the pocket end with the corresponding plurality of balls disposed in the grooves, the joint providing a range of angular and axial movement of the first shaft relative to the second shaft, each of the plurality of ball pockets comprising a portion of the pocket having a conformity ratio C greater than about 1.04.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Keith A. Kozlowski
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Publication number: 20110059803Abstract: A boot assembly and constant velocity joint utilizing the boot assembly is provided. The constant velocity joint and boot assembly includes a first shaft, the first shaft having an axle portion extending between a first end and a second end, at least one of the first end and the second end having an enlarged joint portion. It also includes a hollow boot disposed on the first shaft having a joint end and a shaft end, the joint end disposed proximate the enlarged joint portion and the shaft end disposed proximate the axle portion. The constant velocity joint also includes a spacer, the spacer having an inner surface disposed on the axle portion and an outer surface having the shaft end of the boot disposed thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Keith A. Kozlowski, Brian J. Kleinfeld, Matthew A. Berube
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Publication number: 20110059802Abstract: A constant velocity joint is disclosed that includes a first rotatable shaft, the first shaft comprising an axle portion having on one end an enlarged pocket portion, the pocket portion having a plurality of circumferentially and radially spaced ball pockets and a distal end; a corresponding plurality of spherical balls disposed in the pockets; and a second rotatable shaft comprising a joint housing, the joint housing having a central bore with a corresponding plurality of axially extending, circumferentially and radially spaced ball grooves disposed about the second longitudinal axis and a base, the joint housing disposed over the pocket portion with the corresponding plurality of balls disposed in the grooves, the joint providing a range of angular and axial movement of the first shaft relative to the second shaft, the distal end of the pocket portion having a convex surface configured to provide a predetermined a range of angular movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Keith A. Kozlowski
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Patent number: 7887423Abstract: A universal joint includes an outer member defining an interior opening and a plurality of grooves within the opening extending along a longitudinal axis. An inner member is disposed within the opening and includes a plurality of pockets opposing the grooves. A drive ball is disposed within each pocket and engages the opposing groove. Each of the pockets and each of the grooves opposing the pockets include a central axis passing through a ball center of the drive balls. The drive balls are supported by the pockets and define a pocket contact angle. The drive balls are also supported by the grooves and define a groove contact angle. The pocket contact angle is less than the groove contact angle to urge the drive balls upward against the grooves.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Inventors: Eduardo Mondragon, Keith A. Kozlowski
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Publication number: 20100227695Abstract: An inner ring of a constant velocity universal joint includes ball grooves formed in an outer surface at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction. Portions of side walls of each of the ball grooves that form edge lines with the outer surface are formed with a chamfer along the entire length of the axial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2007Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: NTN CORPORATIONInventor: Nobuo Suzuki
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Publication number: 20100167827Abstract: An outer joint member (10) and an inner joint member (40) each have a shaft portion (18 and 46) having a male spline formed thereon, and shaft clamps (60) are press-fitted onto the respective shaft portions (18 and 46). Each of the shaft clamps (60) includes: a connection hole (66) that has a female spline formed therein, extends from a first axial end partway toward a second axial end, and has no quench-hardened layer; and a cylindrical portion (64) that has no female spline formed therein and extends from the second axial end partway toward the first axial end. The shaft portions (18 and 46) each have a quench-hardened layer on the outer circumference thereof. The inner diameter of the connection hole (64) at a portion having no female spline formed therein is less than the outer diameters of the shaft portions (18 and 46).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2008Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: Kenta Yamazaki, Minoru Ishijima
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Patent number: 7582021Abstract: 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 1 in operation, 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Shaft-Form-Engineering GmbHInventor: Werner Jacob
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Publication number: 20090156319Abstract: A universal joint includes an outer member defining an interior opening and a plurality of grooves within the opening extending along a longitudinal axis. An inner member is disposed within the opening and includes a plurality of pockets opposing the grooves. A drive ball is disposed within each pocket and engages the opposing groove. Each of the pockets and each of the grooves opposing the pockets include a central axis passing through a ball center of the drive balls. The drive balls are supported by the pockets and define a pocket contact angle. The drive balls are also supported by the grooves and define a groove contact angle. The pocket contact angle is less than the groove contact angle to urge the drive balls upward against the grooves.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Eduardo Mondragon, Keith A. Kozlowski
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Publication number: 20090054164Abstract: A disclosed constant velocity joint includes an outer ring including an annular space with an open end, plural outer grooves axially extending in an outer wall of the annular space and being equally spaced from each other in a circumferential direction, and plural inner grooves axially extending in an inner wall of the annular space and facing the respective outer grooves; and a cage configured to hold balls that slide along the inner walls and the outer walls. The outer ring and/or the cage is made of a synthetic resin. A drive force of one of the cage and the outer ring is transmitted to the other one of the cage and the outer ring when part of the cage is inserted in the annular space and the balls held by the cage are engaged in the inner grooves and the outer grooves.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: Junya Takigawa, Yoshimi Asayama
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Publication number: 20080248884Abstract: The pocket 4a of the retainer 4 comprises a pair of axial walls 4a1 opposed in the axial direction of the retainer 4, a pair of circumferential walls 4a2 opposed in the circumferential direction, and corner round sections 4a3 connecting the axial wall 4a1 and the circumferential wall 4a2. The ratio (R/d) of the radius of curvature R of the corner round section 4a3 to the diameter d of the torque transmission ball 3 is set in a range of 0.45?R/d?0.62. Also, the circumferential wall 4a2 and the corner round sections 4a3 are drawn in a single arc with the radius of curvature R. Furthermore, as to the axial walls 4a1, grinding, cutting by quenched steel, or the like is carried out after the heat treatment (carburizing and quenching) of the retainer 4 in order to reduce variations in a processing margin.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2004Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: Minoru Ishijima, Kenta Yamazaki
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Patent number: 6685571Abstract: My universal joint will use the outer and inner members to hold the balls in alignment. The male or female part would hold the ball in a half spherical recess and the other component would have a race groove to allow movement. It will also have means of attachment on each end with both ends being integral components of the final product. The male and female components could be made out of a pipe, tube, bar or cylinder of any length desired. The male component could consist of the unit holding 3 balls. This method would turn the friction wear of a rubbing surface into a rolling movement that would allow more speed of motion and less vibration. If necessary, in order to provide more bearing surface, increase torque, speed and reduce vibrations, it would be possible to use several paired ball tracks and ball seats. The center ball would impart rolling movement to all balls in contact with the ball race.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Inventor: Fred Edmund Smith
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Publication number: 20030171153Abstract: An assembly 10 for supporting a wheel of a motor vehicle and for drivingly connecting the wheel to a driveshaft, comprising a wheel carrier 11 which is attachable to the motor vehicle and is provided with an annular part 15 and a plurality of steering arms 16; a wheel hub 41 which is rotatably supported in the annular part 15 of the wheel carrier 11 and is provided with a flange 46 for bolting on the wheel; a rolling contact bearing 51 with two rows of rolling contact members for supporting the wheel hub 41 in the wheel carrier 11, which rolling contact bearing 51 is insertable into the annular part 15 of the wheel carrier 11; and a constant velocity joint 71 which comprises an outer joint part 72 removably connectable to the wheel hub 41, and an inner joint part connectable to the driveshaft, wherein the connection between the wheel hub 41 and the outer joint part 72 is provided by inter-engaging toothings, wherein at the wheel carrier 111, in the annular part 151, there is provided a broken-out portion 271,Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventors: Werner Krude, Heinzwilli Fuchs
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Patent number: 6306044Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint of the fixed joint type, having an outer joint part with curved outer ball tracks extending longitudinally inside, having an inner joint part with curved inner ball tracks extending longitudinally outside, having a plurality of torque transmitting balls which are each guided in outer and inner ball tracks associated with one another, having a ball cage with a plurality of cage windows respectively receiving the balls, wherein the tangential planes at the points of contact of the balls with the outer and inner ball tracks—which points of contact are required for torque transmitting purposes—define a spatial control angle 2K and wherein the superposition of the momentary local relative speeds between the balls and the outer and the inner ball tracks in the points of contact defines the rolling error &Dgr;v, with the tracks being designed in such a way that when the joint is articulated, mininum control angles K coincide with regions of minimum rolling errorsType: GrantFiled: June 17, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: GKN Lobro GmbHInventor: Peter Schwärzler
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Patent number: 6267683Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly having a constant velocity joint (1) and a receiving part (16). The constant velocity joint (1) comprises an outer part (2), an inner part (7), a cage (12) and balls (13). The outer part (2), on its outer face, is provided with a centering face (14) by means of which the outer part (2) is centrically received in a centering bore (17) of a receiving part (16). The flange (5) is tensioned against a contact face of the receiving part (16) by fixing bolts (20). The outer part (2) is produced from plate metal by a non-chip producing forming operation. Because of the type of arrangement, it can be correspondingly lighter in weight than a solid part incorporated for the transmission of the same amount of torque.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: GKN Lobro GmbHInventor: Werner Jacob
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Patent number: 6224490Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes an outer race (1) having a spherical inner surface (2) with track grooves (3) each extending in an axial direction thereof, an inner race having a spherical outer surface (5) formed with track grooves (6) equal in number to the number of the track grooves (3) in the outer race (1), a plurality of torque transmitting balls (7) sandwiched between the inner race (4) and the outer race (1) and accommodated in part in the track grooves (6) in the inner race (4) and in part in the track grooves (3) in the outer race (1), and a cage (8) for retaining the torque transmitting balls (7) while being guided by and between the spherical inner surface (2) of the outer race (1) and the spherical outer surface (5) of the inner race (4). This constant velocity joint of the structure described above is featured in that at least the track grooves (3) in the outer race (1) and an entry chamfer (11) of the outer race (1) are formed by a plastic working process.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Michio Iihara, Yasushi Takahara, Masami Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 6206785Abstract: A non-stroking constant velocity universal joint including an inner joint member, an outer joint member, and a plurality of torque transferring bearing spheres in facing pairs of ball grooves in the inner and outer joint members. The bearing spheres are maintained in a common plane bisecting the angle of articulation between the inner and outer joint members by a cage consisting of a pair of hollow hemispherical segments (“hemi-segments”) clamped radially against each other by the outer joint member. Interlocking lugs and notches on the hemi-segments prevent relative linear translation therebetween. The hemi-segments are made from flat blanks which are perforated for the cage windows and then plastically deformed to the shape of the hemi-segments. The cage is assembled around the inner joint member and may, therefore, have dimensions which reduce unit stresses in the cage and preclude assembly of the inner joint member into the cage through a circular open end of the cage.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Steven Mark Thomas
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Patent number: 6089984Abstract: The invention relates to a constant velocity fixed joint having an outer part 1 carrying a supporting element 9. An inner part 11 has a hollow spherical control face 17. A cage 18 is guided on the inner part 11 and holds balls 21 which, transmit torque between the inner part 11 and the outer part 1 by engaging outer running grooves 5 in the outer part 1 and inner running grooves 14 in the inner part 11. A control element 22 has a spherical contact face 23 which supports the inner part 11 in that the latter is supported on the contact face 23 by means of the control face 17. Furthermore, the control element 22 is supported by a holding face 25 against a supporting face 10 of the supporting element 9 for the purpose of centering the inner part 11 along the longitudinal axis 2 of the outer part on the joint articulation center 0.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1998Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: GKN Lobro GmbHInventor: Werner Jacob
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Patent number: 5713797Abstract: The Universal Joint includes a tripod that is to be fixed to the first shaft and a female element that is to be fixed to a second shaft. The tripod has a plurality of arms to engage with the plurality of the tracks of the female element. Two of the tracks are disposed on respective sides of each of the arms of the tripod. Intermediate members are interposed between each one of the arms and the two of the plurality of tracks corresponding thereto. For each one of the arms, the two tracks corresponding thereto include a first track formed of a first slot and a second track. Each one of the arms has a second slot that forms an angle with the first slot of the first track and a first spherical surface. The intermediate members include a first intermediate member that is a ball interacting with the first slot and the second slot, and a second intermediate member interacting with the second track and having a second spherical surface that interacts with the first spherical surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: GKN Automotive AGInventor: Pierre Louis Guimbretiere
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Patent number: 5704840Abstract: A universal joint for small articulation angles has parallel, longitudinally extending tracks in the inner joint part and in the outer joint part and axially freely movable torque transmitting balls held in an uncontrolled way in the tracks. The tracks in the two joint parts include a constant cross-section adapted substantially, without a clearance, to the balls. The rolling movement of the balls is limited by axial stops in one of the joint members. The inner joint part includes outer spherical surface parts which are interrupted by the tracks. The spherical surface parts act as sliding faces. The outer joint part includes inner surface parts which are interrupted by the tracks and which act as guiding faces. When the joint is articulated, the surface parts which act as guiding faces, supportingly act on the surface parts acting as sliding faces around at least one fulcrum positioned on the longitudinal axis of the outer joint part.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1995Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbHInventors: Markus Eschbach, Peter Schwarzler, Hans-Heinrich Welschof
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Patent number: 5582546Abstract: A propeller shaft for motor vehicles, having an intermediate joint provided in the form of an axially movable universal ball joint and consisting of at least an outer joint part with longitudinally extending first ball tracks, an inner joint part with longitudinally extending second ball tracks and torque transmitting balls guided in radially opposed first and second ball tracks, with the outer joint part being firmly connected to a tubular shaft and with the inner joint part being connected to a shaft journal, and with the inner diameter of the outer joint part or of the adjoining tubular shaft in the region adjoining the free space assumed by the inner joint part in operation during plunging movements in the direction of the tubular shaft being smaller than the outer diameter of the inner joint part.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1994Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbHInventor: Hans-Heinrich Welschof
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Patent number: 5267905Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1990Date of Patent: December 7, 1993Inventors: Douglas Wenzel, Robert Wenzel, William Wenzel