Abstract: A transmission assembly includes a cavity in a female U-joint having a groove that extends radially outward from an inner diameter thereof and bounded by three planar drive surfaces. A male U-joint member includes a drive end includes a longitudinal rectangular extension protruding radially outward from a periphery and positioned within the groove of the cavity. The drive end includes a longitudinal rectangular insert has a portion forming the extension positioned within the groove and retained within the drive end. The extension includes (1) opposing longitudinal sides, each forming a side crest disposed between a pair of angular side surfaces that extend axially from the side crest inward toward a center of the extension, and (2) a top side forming a top crest disposed between a pair of angular top surfaces that extend axially from the top crest downward toward the center of the extension.

Abstract: A universal joint, having a first joint member with longitudinally extending arms, each arm having one or more contact surfaces and a second joint member with longitudinally extending arms, where each arm includes one or more contact surfaces. The universal joint also includes one or more independent contact objects disposed between a contact surface of the first joint member and a contact surface of the second joint member. The universal joint also includes a load rod disposed in an axial channel between the first joint member and the second joint member.

Abstract: A drive shaft assembly for use with downhole mud motors is capable of handling greater torque and thrust forces. The drive shaft assembly has an elongated central drive shaft, and at least one end housing optionally disposed at one or both ends of the central drive shaft. At least one end of the central drive shaft defines a rounded or partially-spherical outer end surface and a plurality of elongate protrusions or “keys” that extend radially outward from the exterior surface of the shaft. Each end housing has a concave interior surface defining a seat for receiving a rounded end surface of the central drive shaft, as well as a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial keyways adapted to receive and engage with the keys in mating relationship. The shaft and end assemblies cooperate to facilitate omnidirectional pivotal movement and the transfer of torque forces between the shaft and each of said end housings.

Abstract: A joint assembly for use in transmitting torque comprises a ball and socket arrangement. The socket is comprised in a housing, and further comprises a key chamber with a substantially regular polygonal profile defining interior faces. The ball is provided on a ball stud component, and has a plurality of convexly curved facets. The ball is inserted in the socket with a plurality of keys, such that the keys are disposed between the ball facets and a corresponding interior face. Each key provides a bearing surface that mates with a corresponding facet, and a surface opposite the bearing surface to mate with the interior face. The sides of the key define a biconvex profile.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly includes a driveshaft including a longitudinal shaft axis, a first end, a second end, and a radially outer surface. The first end includes a plurality of recesses extending radially inward from the radially outer surface. The recesses each include a convex engagement surface. The driveshaft assembly also includes a first end housing including a longitudinal housing axis and an axially extending receptacle. The receptacle includes a plurality of planar receptacle surfaces. In addition, the driveshaft assembly includes a plurality of torque transfer keys configured to transfer torque between the driveshaft and first end housing. Each of the torque transfer keys includes a planar key surface and a concave key surface. The convex engagement surface of each recess engages the concave key surface of one of the torque transfer keys. The planar key surface of each torque transfer key engages one of the planar receptacle surfaces.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint for downhole power transmission has a first insert mounted in a radially extending drive shaft arm. The first insert engages a second insert mounted along a slot formed in a tubular housing disposed to receive the arm. The material for the two inserts may be different, having different galling properties. An insert may be shaped to have at least a flat surface, a cylindrical surface intersecting the flat surface, and a conical surface intersecting the cylindrical surface. The inserts may extend beyond the cavities in which they are mounted. Opposing cavity walls adjacent the cavity opening may be angled away from one another to permit the insert to flex under a load. The back wall of a cavity and back surface of an insert may be arcuate to permit rotational movement of the insert under a load.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for rotatably coupling two shafts comprises a first shaft extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and having a radially extending flange at said second end; a second shaft extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and having a radially extending hollow receiving member at said first end, the flange being positioned within the hollow receiving member, The hollow receiving member comprises an inner cylindrical surface comprising at least one longitudinally extending member groove and the flange comprises an outer cylindrical surface comprising at least one longitudinally extending flange groove, The coupling assembly also includes a barrel-shaped roller bearing provided to extend longitudinally within and in contact with both said flange groove and said receiving member groove and the flange groove and/or said member groove has a longitudinal concave barrel shape for receiving and contacting said barrel shaped roller bearing.

Abstract: A rotary steerable drilling tool and a method according to which a universal joint is sealed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing the collar, the shaft, the universal joint, and first and second shoulders between which the universal joint is positioned; providing first and second self-energizing seals between the collar and the shaft on opposite sides of the universal joint; rotating the collar and the shaft; seating the first self-energizing seal against the first shoulder; and seating a second self-energizing seal against the second shoulder. In one embodiment, the universal joint includes a convex surface formed on the shaft; a first concave surface extending circumferentially about the shaft and adapted to mate with the convex surface to carry a first axial load; and a spacer ring defining a second concave surface adapted to mate with the convex surface to carry a second axial load.

Abstract: A downhole motor drive shaft assembly includes a drive shaft having a longitudinal rotational axis, a plurality of drive key sockets, an end housing having a longitudinal rotational axis, a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial keyways, and a concave spherical thrust bearing surface, and a drive key operatively connecting each drive key socket with a respective axial keyway for transferring torque from the drive shaft to the end housing. The drive key includes a substantially planar drive face slidably engaging the axial keyway, and a radiused, cylindrical back portion rotatably engaging the drive key socket, the substantially planar drive face and radiused, cylindrical back portion forming a nominal half-circle.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator comprising a body and an electric motor driving at least one motion transmission element connected to the body via a brake device, a mechanical torque limiter with rollers, and a unidirectional transmission member, the brake device including an electrical activator member so that when the activator member is powered, the unidirectional transmission member is released relative to the body, and when the activator member is not powered, the unidirectional transmission member is secured to the body and opposes pivoting of the transmission element in one direction of rotation up to a maximum transmissible torque defined by the torque limiter.

Abstract: An example downhole apparatus includes a drive shaft with a longitudinal axis, a spherical portion that extends radially from the longitudinal axis, and first and second interfacial surfaces proximate the spherical portion. An outer housing is positioned at least partially around the spherical portion. A radial bearing may be between the spherical portion and the outer housing and coupled to the outer housing. The radial bearing may comprise first and second interfacial surfaces in contact with the respective first and second interfacial surfaces of the drive shaft to transmit or receive torque in corresponding first and second rotational directions. A first axial bearing is coupled to the outer housing and in contact with a first end of the spherical portion to axially secure the drive shaft with respect to the outer housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting torque to a down hole motor in a down hole drilling assembly. The apparatus includes a center rod having a distal protuberance and a proximal protuberance, a transmission adapter having a first end connected to the down hole motor, and a transmission socket formed within a second end of the transmission adapter and configured to receive the proximal protuberance. A material bridge may be provided for the protuberances. The apparatus may also include a bearing adapter operatively connected to the center rod, with the bearing adapter having a bearing socket therein, and wherein the transmission adapter is configured to connect to an output of the down hole motor and the bearing adapter is configured to connect to an input of a bearing assembly in the down hole assembly for drilling the well. The adapters may contain external threads and the caps may contain cooperating internal threads. A method of drilling a well is also disclosed.

Abstract: This application is directed to a pressure balanced mud motor and a method of using the mud motor. The mud motor includes a power section to rotate a passageway housing and propel fluid through a passageway disposed in the passageway housing. The mud motor also includes a drive shaft assembly that allows for easy replacement of parts.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a drive to a load has an input connector that defines with a plurality of radially spaced input attachment points all lying on a common radial plane of a rotation axis and a similar output connector with a plurality of output attachment points. Connecting elements each have one end connected to a respective input attachment point and an opposite end connected to a respective output attachment point by a link joint. The radial spacing of the input attachment points from the input rotation axis and the radial spacing of the output attachment points from the output rotation axis are the same. The input attachment points and the output attachment points coupled to these input attachment points by a connecting element are angularly spaced relative to each other about the input rotation axis by 80° to 100°.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint apparatus for a vehicle may include an outer race, an inner race disposed inside the outer race, and a cage that may be disposed between the inner race and the outer race and has a plurality of ball tracks that may be formed on an spherical inner side of the outer race and an spherical outer side of the inner race to retain balls disposed between the outer race and the inner race, wherein a first ball track-pressing angle applied to the balls from the ball tracks of the outer race and a second ball track-pressing angle applied to the balls from the ball tracks of the inner race may be set different.

Abstract: A constant-velocity drive system for a rotary-wing aircraft rotor comprising a differential torque-splitting mechanism and a gimbal mechanism is disclosed. A rotary-wing aircraft having a rotary-wing aircraft rotor comprising a differential torque-splitting mechanism and a gimbal mechanism is disclosed.

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 drive shaft assembly for a downhole motor includes a drive shaft formed with convexly spherical bearing surfaces on each end, and end housings with concavely spherical bearing surfaces for mating contact with the spherical bearing surfaces of the drive shaft, thereby facilitating omni-directional articulation between the drive shaft and the end housings while transferring axial thrust loads between the drive shaft and end housings across the interface of the mating spherical bearing surfaces. Torque is transferred between the drive shaft and end housings through two or alternatively four swivelling drive keys mounted to each end of the drive shaft and engageable with complementary drive key slots in the end housings. Full and constant torque-transferring contact is thus provided between the swivelling drive keys and the end housings irrespective of any angular offset between the drive shaft and the end housings, resulting from omni-directional articulation of the drive shaft relative to the end housing.

Abstract: A drive shaft assembly for a downhole motor includes a drive shaft formed with convexly spherical bearing surfaces on each end, and end housings with concavely spherical bearing surfaces for mating contact with the spherical bearing surfaces of the drive shaft, thereby facilitating omni-directional articulation between the drive shaft and the end housings while transferring axial thrust loads between the drive shaft and end housings across the interface of the mating spherical bearing surfaces. Torque is transferred between the drive shaft and end housings through two or alternatively four swivelling drive keys mounted to each end of the drive shaft and engageable with complementary drive key slots in the end housings. Full and constant torque-transferring contact is thus provided between the swivelling drive keys and the end housings irrespective of any angular offset between the drive shaft and the end housings, resulting from omni-directional articulation of the drive shaft relative to the end housing.

Abstract: An accommodation housing for homokinetic joints, which are configured as fixed joints or displacement joints, for use in motor vehicles, to transfer torque. The tied-in homokinetic joints are connected with the accommodation housing by way of their outer rings. The accommodation housing consists of an accommodation housing part having a closure lid disposed in the accommodation housing part. A homokinetic joint is disposed in the accommodation housing part with force fit and shape fit, by way of the outer ring, relative to the inside wall of the accommodation housing part, and both the accommodation housing part and the closure lid are configured with connection elements having different structures.

Abstract: A cross shaft member has four shaft portions arranged in a generally cross-shape around an outer periphery of a body portion thereof, and a recessed portion is formed in the body portion, and has a depth in a direction perpendicular to a plane in which axes of the four shaft portions lie. Four ridge-like thickened portions are formed in the recessed portion, and are equally spaced from one another, and extend diagonally with respect to the axes of the shaft portions in the plane.

Abstract: A coupling device includes a transmission member and a work shaft. The transmission member includes a cylindrical rod to be coupled to a rotary drive unit, and a curved coupling flange projecting axially relative to one end of the cylindrical rod and formed with a plurality of engaging protrusions. The work shaft has a coupling end portion provided with a tubular sleeve that is formed with engaging grooves. The coupling end portion is disposed on the coupling flange to enable engagement between the engaging grooves and the engaging protrusions in order to permit transmission of rotation of the transmission member to the work shaft.

Abstract: A coupler for coupling shafts has an inside coupling having an outer periphery and a center opening with a longitudinal axis which is adapted to receive the end of a driving shaft. An outside coupling has a center opening with an inner periphery, and is rotatably fitted over the outer periphery of the inside coupling. A plurality of arcuate notches are located in the outer periphery of the inner coupling and the inner periphery of the outer coupling and are adapted to register with each other in mating relationship wherein the mating notches present collectively a circular roller surface. A plurality of cylindrical rollers are rotatably mounted in the notches of the inside and outside coupling and serve to operatively join the inside and outside coupling for rotation together. The notches in the inside coupling have an arcuate portion capable of receiving the rollers in a nesting position without the rollers penetrating the notches in the outside coupling.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling subterranean formations includes a device to provide a "universal" effect between the shank and crown for self alignment of the crown with the bore hole in the formation. The bit is suitable for downhole assemblies configured for straight drilling, directional drilling and navigational drilling. The device can be incorporated into both drag bits and roller-type "rock" bits. Preferred embodiments include a flexible sub connecting the crown to the shank portion and having reduced stiffness relative to the drill string. Alternatively, a spherical universal joint or trunnion type universal is used. Replaceable lugs increase durability and reliability of the universal. The device equalizes the loads on cutters while reducing wear, average loads, and impact loads on cutters. Bore hole diameter and chatter of the bit in the bore hole are reduced, promoting maximum efficiency and rate of penetration as wobble and precession are minimized.

Abstract: To facilitate assembly of a shaft coupling, a sleeve is provided with a polygon configuration either on the hub or in the polygonal opening of the drive side flange and is axially slidable in the matching polygon. Where the sleeve surrounds the hub, it is braced inwardly by the elastically compressible bodies between the sleeve the outer polygon. Where the sleeve fits against the outer polygon, it forms a cage retaining the elastically compressible bodies against a hub on the shaft for insertion into the opening in the flange.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling subterranean formations includes a device to provide a "universal" effect between the shank and crown for self alignment of the crown with the bore hole in the formation. The bit is suitable for downhole assemblies configured for straight drilling, directional drilling and navigational drilling. The device can be incorporated into both drag bits and roller-type "rock" bits. Preferred embodiments include a flexible sub connecting the crown to the shank portion and having reduced stiffness relative to the drill string. Alternatively a spherical universal joint or trunnion type universal is used. Replaceable lugs increase durability and reliability of the universal. The device equalizes the loads on cutters while reducing wear, average loads, and impact loads on cutters. Bore hole diameter and chatter of the bit in the bore hole are reduced, promoting maximum efficiency and rate of penetration as wobble and precession are minimized.

Abstract: A drive system for impeller shafts includes a coupling that has a universal joint that is lubricated under all operating conditions. A housing is connected to the universal joint, which housing includes a hollow end portion adapted to receive the non-threaded end of an impeller shaft. A threaded stud projects from the end of the shaft and into the housing where the stud is secured by means of a nut. The nut is readily accessible to the user so that the axial position of the shaft can be adjusted without difficulty. The nut is releasably held within the housing so that the shaft and stud, with nut attached, can be quickly disconnected from the coupling. The invention also includes a modified "square drive" configuration for the ends of the shaft that is extremely strong and enables the shaft to be connected to the impeller and the coupling very easily.

Abstract: An improved universal ball joint especially adapted to be used in the transmission of high torque, as in oil field use, includes a driving and driven shaft. One of the shafts, which may be the driving shaft includes a spherical ball received in a housing provided in the other shaft, which may be the driven shaft. The opposed surfaces of the ball and housing include axially extending grooves of essentially the same depth and length forming therebetween a plurality of chambers. Each chamber receives a pin which is tapered at each end and which forms the driving connection between the shafts. The shafts and the ball may include a bore for flow of fluid through the assembly, the ball being sealed in the ball chamber by seals to provide a sealed ball chamber which may be filled with lubricant, the ball being seated on a bearing and retained in the chamber by a retainer member which prevents relative axial movement between the shafts.

Abstract: A universal joint including a ball joint member of synthetic resin having four ridges formed on the outer surface of a ball portion and four guide furrows formed between the ridges when the joint member is in an assembled state, and two metal yokes each having two bifurcated arms at one end, the two arms of one of the yokes being fitted in two symmetrically positioned guide furrows of the ball joint member, the two arms of the other yoke being fitted in the other two symmetrically positioned guide furrows of the ball joint member. The ball joint member is divided into a half segment toward one of the yokes and a half segment toward the other yoke, a spring member being provided in a cavity formed in the opposed faces of the half segments for biasing the half segments away from each other, an electrically conductive member being held between the two half segments and projecting into the guide furrows in pressing contact with the arms of the two yokes.

Abstract: A high torque cushion drive coupling has two half sections, each of which includes first and second jaw portions which are respectively bonded to a body of resilient material which fills the space between them.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly comprises a first rotary member having a first longitudinal axis and an outer tubular portion at one end thereof concentrically disposed about the axis, a second rotary member having a second longitudinal axis and an inner tubular portion at one end thereof concentrically disposed about the axis, the second member being adapted to be telescopically received within the outer tubular end portion of the first member, a ball bearing for transmitting axial loads between the first and second members, the bearing pivotally connecting the first and second members whereby to provide limited omni-directional pivotal movement of one of the first and second members with respect to the other of the first and second members about a point of intersection of the longitudinal axes of the first and second members, and a slot and key engagement disposed between the outer and inner tubular end portions for transferring torque between the first and second members, the longitudinal slots formed in one of

Abstract: A device for elastic interconnection of two rotatable shafts consisting of a first sleeve intended to be connected to a first shaft end. The sleeve has a radial flange and a cylindrical, annular portion connected to the periphery of the flange. A second sleeve is intended to be connected to a second shaft end and to be surrounded by said cylindrical portion. A number of elastically deformable spherical elements are arranged in opposing recesses in said second sleeve and cylindrical portion and distributed around a shaft end. The recesses in the cylindrical portion are arranged in the end surfaces of plugs and provided with external threads. The plugs by being turned are displaceable in threaded bores provided radially in the wall of the cylindrical part. The outer end surfaces of the plugs are provided with diametrical grooves and the cylindrical portion is provided with a diametrical groove. The diametrical grooves and the peripheral grooves define an annular groove.

Abstract: An overload release clutch to be mounted between rotary drive and driven members includes a recess formed on one member and a hole formed on the other member at a position axially corresponding to the recess, the recess being arcuate in the circumferential direction and extending in the axial direction. A transmission roller having a crowned peripheral surface, extending in the axial direction and having a tapered surface at least one end, is fitted in the hole so as to be rotatable on its axis and movable along the radial direction. The roller is normally urged by pressure means radially inward and engages with the recess for transmitting the rotational movement of the drive member to the driven member. When an overload torque is applied, the pressure means permits the roller to move radially outward to disengage from the recess.

Abstract: A universal joint for drivably and flexibly coupling two shafts together. The universal includes a pair of body members for being removably connected to the shafts, a pair of arm members connected to and extending from each body member and connected to each other to form an interlocking relationship with the pair of arms extending from the other body member, an inner bearing seat member enclosed by the arm members and a plurality of spherical bearings operatively mounted in the seats formed by concavities in the inner seat member and concavities in the arm members. The individual elements of the joint may be disassembled, repaired or replaced without disconnecting the joint from the shafts and using only simple tools.

Abstract: The universal joint (10) comprises a first shaft (12) with an annular head (14) having a cavity (16) therein and oppositely disposed seats (17, 19) about the perimeter of the cavity (16). The seats (17, 19) have inclined bottom surfaces (21) which displace radially inwardly a pair of seats (30) each having a cylindrical seat extension (34) terminating in a curved seat surface (38). The second shaft (22) has a head (24) with diametrically opposed recesses (26) each having a curved surface (28) therein. The head (24) of the second shaft (22) is captured between the seats (30) to provide a lash-free universal joint (10).

Abstract: A Universal joint comprising two joint coupling parts (1, 2) adapted to transmit rotary torque at a universal angle position of the two joint coupling parts (1, 2) thereby each of the two joint coupling parts are formed with a torque like claw the arms (5) of which are axially rotated in relation to each other so as to engage each other over an intermediate coupling means comprising four coupling parts (9-12), which cooperate with the claw arms, and which by a predetermined force (17-20) are constantly pressed towards for from each other and to the sides of the claw arms (5) whereby any play depending on where is automatically eliminated.

Abstract: An improved coupling comprises a driving member rotatable about a first axis, a driven member rotatable about a second axis and a plurality of intermediate floating members disposed between and coupling the driving and driven members so that the rotation axes of the driving and driven members intersect at a common point when the members are angularly misaligned. The floating members are each elongated in one direction. Each floating member has (1) its elongated central axis extending radially with respect to the rotation axes through the common point and lying in a common plane with the elongated central axes of the other floating members, (2), an outer radial end defined by a convex spherical end surface having a center of curvature coincident with the common point, and (3) an inner radial end defined by a concave spherical end surface having a center of curvature coincident with the common point.

Abstract: A homokinetic coupling with an inner ring contained within a groove-like ball race within the outer ring, and with a series of flattened balls therebetween for imparting rotation and transmitting forces, the balls being at least partially enclosed by a flexible annular ball cage.