Abstract: The hub of a wheel of a motor vehicle, defined by a flanged ring of a rolling element bearing, is joined to a corresponding constant velocity universal joint by a coupling capable of transmitting torque even in the most extreme operating conditions; an intermediate ring is interposed between the hub and the joint, mounted with slight interference or with some play on a suitable smooth cylindrical centring seat of the hub and then locked axially to the hub by means of the plastic deformation of an edge at the end of the hub; the intermediate ring is provided with two opposite splined couplings defined, for example, by sets of axial teeth, one internal and the other external, disposed at one end of the ring itself, and capable of interlocking respectively with corresponding teeth for a splined coupling of the joint and the hub; alternatively, the two teeth are both formed within the intermediate ring and the teeth coupled with the hub are disposed between the races of the rolling element bearing; the intermedia

Abstract: A rotational coupling of a wheel flange (14) to an output member (12) of a transmission joint for use in coupling a motor vehicle wheel flange to the outward bell housing of a constant-velocity joint in the vehicle-transmission. The wheel flange (14) is mounted so that it can rotate freely through a wheel support (16) by a rolling-contact bearing (18). The wheel flange (14) and the joint output member (12) includes a complementary coupling (19) including a ring (40) attached to the end of the flange facing the output member (12). The ring includes driving profiles (44) designed to interact with complementary profiles (54) associated with the output member. The force-transmission interface of the driving profiles (44) is distributed essentially outwardly of the extension of the end of the wheel flange (14) bearing the ring (40).

Abstract: A blood processing centrifuge includes a disposable fluid processing assembly having a fluid processing chamber. Fluid is communicated to and from the fluid processing chamber through a flexible umbilicus. The fluid processing chamber spins while the centrifuge pulls the umbilicus around an axis of centrifugation. The centrifuge engages the umbilicus through a thrust bearing received in a gimbal assembly carried on a rotating wing plate. The gimbal assembly allows the umbilicus to pivot relative to the wing plate under the forces developed during centrifugation. The gimbal assembly includes a bearing retainer adapted to securely retain umbilicus thrust bearings of differing sizes a gimbal that loosely but securely retains the bearing retainer. Clearance between the gimbal and the bearing retainer enable the bearing retainer to accommodate thrust bearings of differing sizes without causing gimbal binding.

Abstract: An assembly for driving and supporting a wheel has a wheel hub 20 and an outer joint member 31. The wheel hub 20 includes a flange 21 which connects the wheel 5 and the wheel hub 20 together. A constant velocity joint is rotatably supported on a wheel carrier 8 by a supporting means. The constant velocity joint is fixed for torque transmitting purposes and is rotatably supported about an axis by a rolling contact bearing 14 having two rows of rolling contact members 17, 18. Two inter-engaging sets of teeth 29, 29' secure the constant velocity joint to the wheel hub 20. The first set of teeth 29 moves axially in relation to the outer joint member 31 causing the second set of teeth 29' to be formed in a bore 33 within the outer joint member 31 during assembly.

Abstract: A protection device for a wide-angle transmission joint includes a first casing with a proximal end fixed to a ring sliding into a groove in a disc and a distal end bearing an extension inwardly folded. The casing has a first part covering the intermediate means as well as the zone which connects the latter with the yoke and a second part covering the yoke as well as the end of the transmission shaft. The connection between the two parts is realized by a section which is deformable under the action of the transmission shaft inclining when the joint is bent up to 80.degree..

Abstract: A wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit having a double-row bearing assembly 18 arranged on the wheel hub 11 and comprising at least one separate inner bearing ring 42 pointing towards the constant velocity joint. The outer joint part 25 of the constant velocity joint comprises a central inner aperture 26 which points towards the wheel hub 11 and includes inner teeth 30. An annular member 36 with outer teeth 37 is non-rotatingly inserted into the inner aperture 26. Removable axial connections are provided between the outer joint part 25 and the annular member 36. The annular member 36 is non-removably connected to the wheel hub 11.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bearing arrangement for a drive shaft connecting a work tool to a drive unit. A protective tube has an inner wall surface and is part of this bearing arrangement. A bearing structure is mounted in the protective tube and has a bearing sleeve for accommodating the drive shaft therein. A plurality of longitudinally running supporting ribs extend from the bearing sleeve to act on the inner wall surface to hold the bearing sleeve approximately centered in the protective tube. Each of the supporting ribs includes a radial leg extending approximately radially from the bearing sleeve and a peripheral leg extending axially of the radial leg and approximately in the peripheral direction of the inner wall surface. The radial leg has an outer radial end portion facing toward the inner wall surface so as to leave a gap therebetween. The peripheral leg extends from the radial leg at the outer radial end portion and is supported on the inner wall surface.

Abstract: A wheel bearing unit (9) rotatably supports a drivable wheel on a wheel carrier (10) around a rotational axis (15) and has a double-row tapered seat ball bearing with an outer bearing ring (20) attached to the wheel carrier (10) and a central bearing plane (24). The inner tracks (16, 17) are worked into the outer face (19) of an outer joint member (11) which carries a flange (12). The outer ball running grooves (30), formed into the outer joint member (11), are arranged opposite inner running grooves (35) of an inner joint member (34). The grooves, together with a cage (36) and guide balls (37), transmit torque. The inner joint member (34) is pivotable around the joint center (42) relative to the outer joint member (11). The central bearing plane (24) is offset from the joint center (42) by a distance sufficient to achieve the smallest possible rolling circle diameter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed which reduces or removes axial loads on the drive string of a rotary downhole pump, i.e. tensile loads due to the hydrostatic load of the pumped liquid on the pump rotor, and/or at least part of the weight of the drive string, or thrust loads caused during pressurized fluid injection operations by backpressure of injected fluid on the pump rotor. This substantially prevents drive string/production tubing friction, wear and/or buckle in downhole rotary pumping arrangements operated in straight or curved well bores. When used in connection with fluid production pumping arrangements, the apparatus reduces the friction between the drive string and the production tubing of a downhole rotary pump for the pumping of well fluids which pump has a pump rotor connected to the drive string and is operated in a well bore. When used in connection with fluid injection pumping arrangements, the apparatus prevents drive string buckle, especially in curved well bore situations.

Abstract: A compressor running gear and method for assembling the running gear. The running gear includes a split housing having a first housing portion having a first wall and a second wall. Each wall includes at least one shoulder and a shroud. The split housing also includes a second housing portion adapted to be mated with the first housing portion, the first and second housing portions together define a housing chamber. The running gear also includes a crank assembly located in the housing chamber. The crank assembly includes first and second bearing carriers which are mounted on a crankshaft. Each of the bearing carriers has at least one arm adapted to be seated on the at least one shoulder.

Abstract: To permit a reliable, compact, low vibration, lightweight wheel bearing unit having a small number of components and useful for the driven wheels of a motor vehicle, there is a connecting part fastened between the bearing arrangement on the wheel flange and a joint bell at the wheel hub and the connecting part extending between them providing elastic damping by the construction thereof.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a wheel hub/constant velocity universal joint unit which includes a double-row bearing which has a one-piece outer bearing ring to be connected to a wheel carrier. The bearing inner bearing rings are directly formed by the wheel hub, on the one hand, and by the outer part of the constant velocity universal joint, on the other hand. The parts non-rotatingly engage one another in a form-fitting way and are axially tensioned relative to one another, with the wheel hub, on the one hand, and the outer part of the constant velocity universal joint, on the other hand, including form-fitting engaging mechanism, which are adapted to one another and which enable the two parts to be connected in only one single angular position relative to one another.

Abstract: A mechanical transmission mechanism with rolling unit includes an input member, an output member and a transmission medium for transmitting a mechanical input. The input member includes a driving gear which is enveloped in a casing with a peripheral channel that is confined between a partial circumference of the driving gear and an inner face of the casing. The casing has two openings formed on both ends of the peripheral channel and connected respectively and tangentially to a pair of guide channels so as to form a guide path that extends between the input and output members. The transmission medium is a plurality of rolling bodies which are packed in the guide path and which are disposed alternatingly in juxtaposed lines along the guide path. Each of the rolling bodies is in rolling contact with adjacent rolling bodies.

Abstract: A bearing unit for a vehicle wheel comprises a three-point or four-point bearing with an inner and an outer race, each with a bearing groove containing a series of rolling elements, which inner race has means for fixing to the suspension construction for the wheel. At least the outer race has a radially inward pointing bearing flange, which outer race bearing flange is provided with means for fixing a wheel thereto. The bearing unit can also be used for a driven front wheel comprising a constant-velocity joint, in which the outer ring of the joint has an external diameter which is at most equal to the internal diameter of the outer race, and is smaller than the internal diameter of the inner race. Because the joint is situated in the bearing, the bearing unit is compact.

Abstract: A wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit has a two-row wheel bearing with a common outer bearing race (16). A joint member (4) with an end sleeve (5) is slid on to the wheel hub (1) and connected thereto while the wheel bearing is in a pretensioned condition. The connection of the hub (1) and joint member (4) is effected by a weld (23, 24, 29) located in the region of a plug-in connection between the externally positioned end sleeve (5) of the joint member (4) and the internally positioned wheel hub (1).

Abstract: A sealing and bearing arrangement in electric toothbrushes is characterized by a sealing ring (9) for preventing foreign material from penetrating into a bearing space, the ring being arranged around a nose pin (1) in the open end (7) of a casing (5), which coaxially surrounds the nose pin (1), and being immobile when the nose pin (1) rotates; an annular supporting plate (10) which is provided close to and inwardly of the sealing ring (9) and which is immobile when the nose pin (1) rotates; and bearing balls (11) provided in two races, one on each side of a thickened portion (4) of the central member of the nose pin (1), for taking up forces in all directions.

Abstract: A hub unit bearing apparatus for a vehicle, adapted to rotatably support a constant velocity joint and a wheel on a vehicle body and to connect them to each other, comprises an outer race attached to a vehicle body, a shaft extending from a constant velocity joint and having a first reduced diameter portion at its free end, a cylindrical hub fitted on the first reduced diameter portion and having one end which is near the constant velocity joint and on which a second reduced diameter portion is formed, an inner race fitted on the second reduced diameter portion and cooperating with the outer race via rolling members to construct a bearing, a first nut threaded on the second reduced diameter portion so as to protrude from an end face of the second reduced diameter portion axially and urging the inner race against a body portion of the hub, and a second nut threaded on the second reduced diameter portion and urging the hub, inner race and first nut against the constant velocity joint.

Abstract: A serpentine tube inspection positioning spine formed from a plurality of identical links. Each link has a convex first end and concave second end spaced along the longitudinal axis of the link whereby adjacent links may be mated together. An axially extending bore in each link receives a continuous cable maintained under tension by a spring attached to one end of the cable. This places pressure on the links that serves to maintain the mated links in a rigid straight configuration while under compressive forces during insertion into a tube to be inspected. The resilience of the spring also allows pivoting of adjacent links for travelling through a bend in the tube.

Abstract: An extensible power shaft assembly used, for example, with a portable tree pruner includes a telescoping axial drive shaft assembly and a telescoping housing coaxially surrounding the drive shaft assembly. Overlapping ends of the telescoping drive shaft components are slidably mounted to one another and supported by an intermediate bearing assembly located at one end of one of the drive shaft sections. Provision is made at the opposite ends of the drive shaft sections for accommodating radial misalignment between interconnected driving and driven components. Provision is also made for preventing whipping of the unsupported sections of the elongated drive shaft sections.

Abstract: A wheel bearing unit for motor vehicles, and the like, having an outer ring and two rows of anti-friction rolling elements in the outer ring. An axially inward hub has one race for one row of rolling elements. An axially outer part of the of the bearing unit has another row of rolling elements on its periphery. One of the hub or the outer part has an axially projecting pin projecting toward the other. The other of the outer part and the hub has a sleeve with an internal bore into which the pin projects. The periphery of the pin and the interior of the bore are stepped complementary to one another such that when the hub and outer part are brought together, they are stabilized thereby. An axially directed projection projects from the axially forward end of the pin into engagement with the bottom of the bore. When the outer part and hub are relatively rotated, the contact is sufficiently heated to friction weld the end of the axially directed projection to the bottom of the bore.

Abstract: A serpentine tube inspection positioning spine formed from a plurality of identical links mated together. Each link has first and second bifurcated ends with the first end sized to fit within the second end of an adjacent link. Links are mated together by a pivot pin or axle which is accepted in a bore through the bifurcated ends. The second bifurcated end is provided with a substantially oval-shaped bore to allow sliding of the adjacent links relative to each other. Flat alignment faces on each end, with the first end having rounded corners, prevent buckling due to compressive forces during insertion while still allowing pivoting of the links for traveling through tubing bends.

Abstract: A wheel mount for a motor vehicle including a hub which is welded to another part, such as a swivel joint or a holding part. The hub carries on it the inner ring of the anti-friction bearing for the hub. Projecting axially from the hub and from the other part are correspondingly radially spaced projections which, prior to welding and deformation of the projections, are of lengths great enough to hold the hub and the other part axially apart. Upon welding temperature being achieved at the projections, e.g. by friction, the hub and the other part are pressed together which deforms the projections, forming beads of deformation, and the hub and other part are welded at the beads of deformation. The hub and other part are pressed together until the axial ends of the hub and other part contact.

Abstract: A wheel bearing assembly comprises an outer bearing member which is secured to a steering knuckle, and a hollow spindle which is rotatably supported in a fixed longitudinal relationship in the outer bearing member by two rows of bearing balls. The hollow spindle has a splined bore which receives a splined stub shaft of a drive bell which is pulled through the splined bore by way of a pull groove in the free end of the stub shaft. A snap ring is assembled to the stub shaft to secure the hollow spindle on the stub shaft against the resistance of a deformed crush ring which is disposed between an inboard end of the hollow spindle and a shoulder of the drive bell. In an alternate embodiment the snap ring secures the hollow spindle on the stub shaft against the resistance of interengaging straight and helical spines of the hollow spindle and the stub shaft.

Abstract: A wheel supporting assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising a wheel carrier member (1) with means for attachment to at least one suspension component, and a unit of hub member (16), universal joint member (21), and bearing with outer race (15) integral with or received in a bearing housing (3), secured to the wheel carrier member. The wheel carrier member affords a formation (2) open and undercut-free in a direction transversely of the rotational axis of the hub member, so that the hub member-bearing unit can be fitted radially to the wheel carrier member. The bearing housing of the unit is then held to the wheel carrier member by at least two fixing elements, particularly bolts, spaced from one another by a distance greater than an outer diameter of the bearing, which distance is preferably less than the size of a flange on the hub member to which a wheel is to be attached.

Abstract: A hub assembly comprising a hub member (10), a flange (4) for wheel attachment, a double row bearing (2), and a constant velocity ratio universal joint (3), wherein the bearing has at least one inner bearing ring (13, 14) which is a separate component received on the hub member, and a connection between the hub member and a further part of the assembly is established by a welding and upsetting operation, and the inner bearing ring is engaged to hold it in position and to set the bearing as a result of such welding and upsetting operation. The welded and upset connection may be provided between the hub member and an outer member (15) of the constant velocity ratio universal joint, or between the hub member and flange. A weld bead formed by the welding and upsetting operation may engage the inner bearing ring either directly or indirectly, or a projection extending from the part welded to the hub member may engage the inner bearing ring.

Abstract: A phase adjusting mechanism in which input and output shafts, rotatable at like speeds and directions, are positively intercoupled by helical spline members constructed and arranged so that a female spline member is shiftable axially relative to a male spline member to counter rotate the shafts through a limited range of relative adjustability and in which support of adjacent opposed ends of the shafts is effected by an internal backbone support extending coaxially between the shafts to provide thrust and radial bearing support therefor. Adjustment members for shifting the spline members are provided along with an indicator mechanism for indicating the degree of shaft phase adjustment. A locking mechanism is provided for securing the adjustment mechanism in selected positions.

Abstract: A phase adjusting mechanism in which input and output shafts, rotatable at like speeds and directions, are positively intercoupled by helical spline members constructed and arranged so that a female spline member is shiftable axially relative to a male spline member to counter rotate the shafts through a limited range of relative adjustability and in which support of adjacent opposed ends of the shafts is effected by an internal backbone support extending coaxially between the shafts to provide thrust and radial bearing support therefor. Adjustment members for shifting the spline members is provided along with an indicator mechanism for indicating the degree of shaft phase adjustment. A locking mechanism is provided for securing the adjustment mechanism in selected positions.

Abstract: A wheel bearing assembly comprises a wheel hub, a bearing assembly and a retainer for retaining the inner ring of the bearing assembly on the wheel hub. The retainer includes a retaining ring and a load ring which is plastically deformed radially inwardly so that the inner ring of the bearing assembly is biased against an annular shoulder of the wheel hub under a substantial axial preload.

Abstract: In a wheel assembly for a vehicle wheel, a supportive sleeve is provided mounted in rotatably fixed engagement with a hub of the wheel assembly with one side of a protective boot for the universal joint being attached thereto. The supportive sleeve is constructed as a shaped sheet metal part shaped which, during installation, is permanently plastically deformed in press-fitted engagement with a groove in the hub of the wheel assembly and is formed with a radially extending annular region which is pressed into abutting engagement with an inner bearing ring of the wheel bearing assembly.

Abstract: An unlimited sliding ball spline therefore includes a spline bearing consisting of an outer cylinder, a ball retainer provided on the inner side of the outer cylinder, and a plurality of balls held by the ball retainer in a plurality of unlimited passages formed on the inner side of the outer cylinder, in such a manner that the balls can be rolled in the unlimited passages; and a spline shaft supported on the plural balls in the spline bearing. The ball spline is capable of making linear, axial reciprocating movements and torque-transmitting rotational movements separately or simultaneously. A circumferential support bearing is disposed coaxially around the outer cylinder and is rotatable with respect thereto and further has a pair of angular contact bearings located on an inner surface thereof. The angular contact bearings are separated by a pre-pressure regulating spacer.

Abstract: A wheel bearing assembly, wherein a wheel bearing including an inner bearing ring and an outer bearing ring is arranged in driving connection with a universal joint, is formed with the inner bearing ring consisting of a piece which has been initially formed as a unitary member with dimensions so as to be ready for installation in the bearing assembly, with the unitary member being subsequently ruptured to form a split therein by application of pressure, thereby to form the inner bearing ring in two parts. The wheel bearing consists of a dual-row ball bearing and the inner bearing ring is formed with two races, with the split extending between the two races. A recess is formed between the two parts of the inner bearing within which there engages part of the universal joint to effect torque transmitting engagement between the joint and the wheel assembly, with the two parts of the inner bearing ring being clamped together within an assembled state, with the split therebetween extending through the recess.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle is provided in its drive mechanism with an adapter case assembly interposed between a transmission and a transfer case. The adapter case assembly consists of a cylindrical and hollow outer wall member securely interposed between the housing of the transmission and the housing of the transfer case. The outer wall member is integrally formed with a generally frustoconical partition wall member disposed inside the outer wall member and located around a power output shaft drivingly connecting the transfer case with the transmission. The partition wall member defines thereinside an inner chamber of a smaller volume, communicated with the inside of the transmission housing so that oil within the transmission can flow into the inner chamber, thereby preventing much oil from flowing out from the transmission into the adapter case assembly.

Abstract: A coupling device comprising two bosses for respectively inserting therein each end of two shafts to be connected, a coupling member which is made of a resilient material and covers the bosses and a casing to fit the coupling member therein. The bosses have a plurality of toothed portions formed on outer periphery thereof and the coupling member has toothed portions identical in number and shape to the toothed portions of the bosses at inner periphery thereof so that the two bosses and coupling member are engaged with each other.

Abstract: A precision centerable, rotatable shaft assembly (60) has a shaft (62) and a housing (64) extending generally axially along the shaft (62). The shaft (62) is journalled to the housing (64) by a first roller bearing assembly (66) and a second roller bearing assembly (68). The first roller bearing assembly (66) is connected to the shaft (62) near end (80) and a second roller bearing assembly (68) is connected to the shaft (62) near end (83). The first roller bearing assembly has a first inner race (70) fixedly attached to the shaft (62) and a first outer race (74) fixedly attached to the housing (64). The outer race has an inner surface (78) tapering toward the shaft (62) approaching the end of the shaft (62). The second roller bearing assembly has a second inner race (82) fixedly attached to the shaft (62) and a second outer race (86) axially movable within the housing (64) toward the first roller bearing (66).

Abstract: A drive shaft assembly which consists essentially of two shaft parts both made of fiber reinforced plastic material at least one having a circumferential radially outwardly extending fold formation provided for enabling articulation of the shaft assembly with an intermediate support bearing being located between the two shaft parts, the support bearing having an inner race positioned by steps at the region of connection between the two shaft parts in such a way that the intermediate bearing forms an integral part of the shaft and is assembled so as to form a permanent connection.

Abstract: A wheel hub assembly for a motor vehicle wherein the inner race of the wheel bearing mechanism is formed on a hub member of the assembly with a spigot axially extending from one end of the hub member having mounted thereon the inner joint member of a universal joint. The inner joint member is attached to the spigot by a retaining ring and a collar is provided on the hub member having an open end facing toward the universal joint and arranged to provide a space between the outer joint member of the universal joint and the collar to permit access to the retaining ring for facilitating assembly and disassembly between the universal joint and the wheel hub assembly.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a wheel on a vehicle including a bearing assembly and a universal joint wherein the outer bearing ring of the bearing assembly is affixed to the wheel carrier and wherein the hub of the wheel, the inner bearing ring of the bearing assembly and the outer joint member of the universal joint are formed as a single unitary part. Grooves formed in the inner and outer joint members have torque transmitting balls engaged therebetween and the grooves extend so as to be undercut-free beginning at one end thereof facing the wheel hub. In accordance with the invention, the grooves of the inner joint member and of the outer joint member are arranged in such a way that the connecting line extends between the center of the radius of curvature and that of the balls with the connecting line together with the axis of rotation of the inner joint member enclosing an angle .omega.

Abstract: A bearing device for supporting an axle of an automobile comprises an outer member(B) having two races formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof and also having a radial flange integrally formed thereon for connection to a vehicle, an inner shaft member(A) having one end integrally formed with a radial flange for attachment of a wheel and the other end provided with the inner joint member(28, 280) of a constant velocity universal joint and also having two races formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and two rows of rolling elements(C) interposed between the races of the outer member and inner shaft member. The device is designed for simple construction and easy machining and assembly.

Abstract: A bearing assembly of a wheel hub for a motor vehicle wheel having an outer bearing ring adapted to be affixed with a vehicle chassis and an inner bearing ring having the wheel mounted thereon. A constant velocity joint is connected to the inner bearing ring for driving the wheel hub, the rotary joint including first and second joint members. The first joint member has three radially extending pins which are arranged uniformly spaced in the circumferential direction in a star-like configuration and are secured to the inner bearing ring. The second joint member is connected to a drive shaft and has three rolling tracks formed therein. The assembly further includes three annular rolling bodies having spherically shaped outer surfaces, each rolling body being separately supported on one of the pins and being received in the rolling tracks of the second joint member for the transmission of torque, the first bearing ring defining a bore for receiving the inner joint member.

Abstract: A torque transmitting assembly consisting of a shaft mounted in the housing and a plurality of rolling elements arranged in rows in the annular space between the shaft and the housing. The shaft has a series of axially extending grooves defining elongated inner raceways for the rolling elements. The assembly further includes a bearing race plate for each of the rows of rolling elements having an elongated raceway groove formed therein defining the outer raceway for the rolling elements. Each of the race plates has a layer of a plastically deformable material on the outer surface opposite the raceway and a series of screws mounted in the housing having a cupped point engageable with the deformable material to fix each of the bearing race plates in an axial and peripheral direction to thereby facilitate torque transmission from the shaft to the housing in either direction of rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A flexible and deformable transmission device for use in transmitting torsion. The device includes two sets of elements, each including a cardan joint. Each of the element sets is held within a bearing.

Abstract: A torque limiting clutch having a torque limit which is easily calibrated and relatively constant throughout the service life of the clutch. The clutch includes a pair of rotatable members which are rotatably coupled by resilient friction members yieldably engaging one of the pair of members and securing to the other of the pair of members. The friction elements are configured to achieve substantially uniform friction force and wear along their friction surfaces. According to one embodiment of the invention standard commercial snap rings may be employed as the friction elements.

Abstract: A drive shaft assembly for connecting a drive unit to a rotary tool is disclosed. The drive shaft assembly is especially well suited for use in combination with a rotary tool having an axis of rotation at an angle with respect to the axis of the drive unit. The rotary tool and drive unit are supported on an elongated tubular support housing having substantially straight end sections inclined with respect to each other and an intermediate section forming a curved transition from one straight end to the other. A continuous length of tubular liner received within the housing produces a cylindrical bearing surface through at least the curved transition section. The liner provides a yieldable bearing surface having a coefficient of friction substantially less than that of the housing surface. A flexible drive shaft extends through the liner and support housing and is received in rotary sockets coupled to the rotary tool and drive unit, respectively.

Abstract: The pressure containment device for containing pressurized gas within a Stirling engine is characterized by enclosing a drive mechanism housing with a cylindrical pressure hull having first and second ends whereby a portion of the drive mechanism housing extends through the first end of the pressure hull and the second end thereof, is rigidly connected to the drive mechanism housing. An o-ring is used to seal the connection where the drive mechanism housing extends through the first end of the pressure hull to allow small axial and radial relative motions therebetween. An output shaft extends along the axis of revolution of the pressure hull and is supported by front and rear main bearings and a thrust bearing, all rigidly connected to the drive mechanism housing. A rotating shaft seal, also connected to the drive mechanism housing, prevents pressurized gas from escaping along the output shaft.

Abstract: Adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle of the type comprising two shaft sections connected by an articulated coupling and wherein the improvement consists in providing two casings for respective sections, assembled by flanges, at least one of which is inclined with respect to the normal to the longitudinal axis of the casing.

Abstract: The unit comprises a connection element for connecting one end of a shaft to a coupling element, and provided with a set of active surfaces which comprise a portion of the lateral surface of a pyramid and are arranged to engage with corresponding active surfaces provided in said coupling element or on said second end, said connection element being provided with at least one rolling track for a row of rolling bodies; the unit also comprises a row of rolling bodies disposed between said connection element and a ring which is also provided with a rolling track, said rolling bodies being arranged to roll on said tracks of the connection element and ring, said ring being resiliently supported from a frame.

Abstract: A wheel hub assembly for a motor vehicle wheel having: a bearing including an outer bearing ring adapted to be affixed with the vehicle chassis and an inner bearing ring having the vehicle wheel mounted thereon; a rotary joint including an inner joint member and an outer joint member rotatively fixed with the inner bearing ring; and a stepped bore provided in the inner bearing ring opening toward the rotary joint and receiving the outer joint member therein. The outer joint member has on its side facing the bearing a centering surface engaging within the stepped bore to provide a centering effect between the outer joint member and the inner bearing ring. The centering surface simultaneously serves as a welding face for a welded joint formed by a low heat welding process between the inner bearing ring and the outer joint member. The outer joint member is also formed with a surface cooperating with the stepped bore of the inner bearing ring and spaced a distance from the inner bearing ring.

Abstract: A log-feed apparatus used in a log-feed assembly, where the assembly functions to advance a log along a transport axis in a log-debarking system. An elongated arm in the apparatus is mounted at an inner end for swinging of its outer end toward and away from the transport axis. A spiked feed roll, journaled on the outer arm end for powered rotation about the arm's long axis, is carried on the outer end of a shaft which is journaled on the arm by a pair of axially spaced bearings. A gear reducer mounted on the arm, intermediate the arm ends, is driven by an arm-mounted motor through a flexible belt drive. The output of the gear reducer is drivingly connected to the inner end of the shaft by a torsionally flexible rotary coupling. The shaft and bearings journaling the feed roll on the arm act to isolate all components of the drive train which extend between the shaft and motor from substantially all but torsional load transmitted by the feed roll during operation of the log-feed assembly.

Abstract: A roller feed device in a log-feed assembly. The device includes an elongated arm having an inner mounting end and an outer roll-carrying end. Formed in the outer end region of the arm is an elongated cavity which receives a bearing cartridge by axial movement of the cartridge toward the arm's inner end. The cartridge includes a bearing-journaled shaft which is detachably coupled, at its inner end, to a drive train in the arm, with axial insertion of the cartridge into the cavity. A feed roll in the device is detachably mounted on the outer end of the cartridge shaft for rotation thereon. Removal of the feed roll from the cartridge shaft provides access required for detachment of the cartridge from the arm.

Abstract: A wheel bearing assembly for use in an automotive vehicle includes a wheel hub. A rotary constant velocity joint drives the wheel hub and the outer member of the constant velocity joint is an integral part of the wheel hub. A bearing is mounted on a tubular part of the wheel hub and includes an outer bearing ring and a two-part inner bearing ring. A retaining ring secures the two-part inner bearing ring on the tubular part of the wheel hub. The retaining ring is secured in a groove in the tubular part and in the secured position it is plastically deformed and pretensions the inner bearing ring.