Abstract: A non-plunging constant velocity ratio universal joint comprising outer and inner joint members (1, 2) with groove pairs (7, 8) in meridian planes and a cage (13) having apertures wherein torque-transmitting balls (9) are received on in each facing pair of grooves, has groove center lines which comprise portions with centers of curvature (M.sub.ag, M.sub.ak, M.sub.ig, M.sub.ik) which, with the joint in the aligned position, are disposed symmetrically relative to each other on opposite sides of the joint center plane (E.sub.K), and in the case of which the center lines of the grooves each comprise a portion with a narrower curvature on that side of the ball center plane (E.sub.K) to which the respective offset line (O.sub.A, O.sub.B) of the joint member points, as well as a portion with a wider curvature on the side of the ball center plane (E.sub.K) positioned opposite the respective offset line of the joint member.

Abstract: A constant velocity ratio plunging universal joint, comprising an outer joint member (101, 201, 301), an inner joint member (102, 202, 302), torque-transmitting balls (103, 203, 303) engaging in straight axis-parallel tracks in the joint members, and a cage (104, 204, 304) holding the balls with their centers in a common plane. There are further provided control members either in the form of radially disposed pins (105, 106, 305, 306) or smaller balls (221, 225) engaging further tracks in the joint members to control the axial position of the cage relative thereto. The further tracks engaged by the control members are not parallel to the axes of the joint members, either crossing one another in developed view of the joint or diverging from one another in longitudinal section of the joint.

Abstract: A homokinetic coupling for coupling two components in such a manner as to accomodate swiveling motion therebetween. One component includes a housing and the other component is a shaft with a spherical end portion received in the housing. The end portion includes grooves which open radially inwardly to a central hollow. The housing includes a corresponding number of grooves. Balls are disposed in the corresponding grooves of the end portion and housing. A helical coil tension spring is disposed concentrically within the hollow to provide a radially outward spring force on the balls.

Abstract: A constant velocity ratio universal joint of plunging type, comprising an outer joint member (1), an inner joint member (2), facing pairs of tracks (3, 4) in the joint members receiving balls (5) for torque transmission, and a cage (6) constraining the balls and having first and second control surfaces (7, 9) with centers of curvature unequally off-set from the ball center plane I, in order to guide the balls to the bisect or plane, wherein the first control surface of the cage comprises two portions (7.sub.1, 7.sub.2). The first portion (7.sub.1) is part-spherical, and the second portion (7.sub.2) is a surface of revolution about the axis of the cage of an arc of radius of curvature less than the radius of curvature of the part-spherical portion (7.sub.1).

Abstract: A constant velocity ratio universal joint comprises a hollow outer joint member (1), an inner joint member (2), a plurality of balls engaging grooves (5, 14) in meridian planes in the outer and inner joint members, and a cage (17) with windoes (21) wherein the balls are guided. The grooves in the joint members ae of non-undercut configuration considered from one end (6) of the outer joint member, and between its grooves the inner joint member has a spherical surface (13) which engages a complementary surface (8) on a member (9) connected to he outer joint member at its end (6) to center the joint members relative to one another. The cage has an internal part-spherical surface (18) which engages the surface (13) of the inner joint member, the surface (18) extending from the cage end oppsite the end (6) of the outer joint member, and ending before a plane containing the centers of the balls, while the outer surface of the cage has a clearance from the internal surface of the outer joint member.

Abstract: A universal joint includes an inside part provided integrally with a first shaft and having three first holding portions disposed spacedly apart circumferentially at equal intervals, an outside part provided integrally with a second shaft and having three second holding portions, each second holding portion having a recess extending axially to receive the first holding portion and a rolling body disposed in each recess so as to be in contact with the first and second holding portions. One of the first and second holding portions in contact with the rolling body has a concave surface while the other of the first and second holding portions in contact with the rolling body has a plane.

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

Abstract: An angularly movable rolling boot, for sealing a universal joint, sealingly encloses a shaft journal with a sleeve which is integrally formed with a wall of the boot. The sleeve is fitted onto the shaft journal under radial pretensioning which increases axially towards a free end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A quick disconnect constant velocity universal joint for transmitting driving torque between rotative members, such quick disconnect univeral joint including a pintle-type inner joint member fixed to one of the rotative members and an outer member fixed to the other of the rotative members, with a plurality of roller balls received in apertures in the inner joint member, and having the roller balls engaged in grooves in the outer joint member, with a spherical portion of at least one of each of the roller balls being in contact with a spherical portion of at least one of the other roller balls in a manner whereby the roller balls provide mutual support for each other inwardly of the inner joint member towards the center of the joint. An externally actuated plunger allows the roller balls to be displaced which permits the inner joint member to be separated from the outer joint member.

Abstract: A constant velocity fixed joint having two transmitting parts and a cage, the transmitting parts include a hollow outer part having races on its internal surface and an inner part having corresponding races on its external surface, with balls disposed therein; the cage is located between the two transmitting parts and centers the balls in a ball plane, the contact points between the balls and the races lying on one side of the ball plane in one direction of rotation and when in the straight position of the joint; the main parts have angular travel about a joint center via an external centering surface angularly displaceable with the inner part coacting with an internal centering surface angularly displaceable with the cage and an external centering surface angularly displaceable with the cage coacting with an internal centering surface angularly displaceable with the outer part, one the centering surfaces is associated with a supporting disk angularly displaceable with one the main parts on which that one mai

Abstract: A device for the adjustment of universal joint shafts, especially universal joint shafts for automotive vehicles. One of the shaft ends is coupled to a differential in a torque-transmitting fashion by a synchronizing slide joint and the other shaft end is coupled a universal joint hub which in turn is coupled to the wheel. A frictional coupling element with a defined retaining force is arranged between the shaft and the universal joint hub and couples the hub to the shaft in axially displaceable fashion.

Abstract: A cross groove type of constant velocity ratio universal joint, comprising an outer joint member (1), an inner joint member (2), and a cage (3) constraining torque transmitting balls (4) received one in each pair of facing grooves (8, 14) in the outer and inner joint members, the grooves being inclined to the axes of the joint members so as to cross one another, wherein the cage is of asymmetrical configuration, comprising at one end an opening of a diameter greater than an outside diameter of the inner joint member, and at its other end and opening of a diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the inner joint member. The external surface of the cage comprises a number of surface portions (S1 to S5) of different configuration from one another. The configuration of the cage facilitates assembly of the joint and also permits an extended range of plunging movement in one direction, while limiting plunging movement in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Power transmission apparatus especially suited for wheels of a vehicle, having an outer joint section coupled to a driving shaft and an inner joint section coupled to a driven shaft, with the driven shaft being rotatably mounted in a frame. An inner end of the frame is at least partially situated within a movement range of the outer joint section when the driving shaft and driven shaft are turned at an angle with respect to one another. At least one notch is also provided in the frame, into which the outer joint section at least partially penetrates when the turning angle between the driven shaft and driving shaft is sufficiently large.

Abstract: A ball-type constant velocity universal joint has a plurality of axially extending circumferentially spaced tracks in its inner and outer joint members. Balls in a ball cage engaged between the tracks of the inner and outer members. Runouts or extensions of the ball tracks are under load in a deflected position of the joint, and deviate in an asymmetrical manner from each other in cross-section, in an undeflected position of the joint, with reference to the center point of a ball in that track. This makes it possible in a preferred manner to fabricate the ball tracks of the one joint member which is free of undercuts, by means of a non-cutting shaping process, and to fabricate the ball tracks in the other joint member which is uniformly curved by a cutting machining process, particularly by grinding with swivelling motion of the joint member.

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 method for making constant velocity joint cages involving a minimalization of offal, scrap, rework, production time and production costs. A sheet of flat metal stock is die-cut stamped or cut by laser into a circularly shaped multi-limbed member having a central circular aperture therein and truncated limb radials extending therefrom that end in a predetermined angle. The multi-limbed member is then pressed into a spherical shape, forming a half-cage member. This process is repeated to make a second half-cage member. The two half-cage members are then placed together with their radials aligned. The aligned radials form legs which thereby define windows on the cage. The half-cage members are then rotated relative to each other with the angle on each radial acting as a ramp that causes the window width to lengthen or shorten in response to rotation in a particular direction. In this way, the window width may be precisely set to specification.

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 constant velocity universal joint for transmitting driving torque between rotative members, including an outer race member with an axial annular recess therethrough, the annular recess in the outer race member being enlarged at one end to accommodate an inner race member that has a bulbous end with a plurality of radially aligned circumferentially spaced bores positioned in the bulbous end. The inner race member also has an axially positioned bore in the bulbous end. A pin is positioned in the bore within the bulbous end and a plurality of spherical balls are positioned in the bores so that each spherical ball rests against the outer surface of the pin. The inner race member and the spherical balls telescope into the outer race member and are restrained from axial separation by a restraining ring seated in the outer race member.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint is provided with an outer part, in the inner surface of which tracks are provided, an inner part, on the outer surface of which corresponding tracks are provided, and with balls in a pivotable cage located in the space between the outer part and the inner part. Taking as a basis the particular axial displacement, caused by the torque, of the outer part and the inner part in relation to the cage, this displacement depending mainly on the amount of the respective axial clearances of the pairs of centering surfaces and/or on the brinelling of the window support surfaces by the balls in the running-in phase and also on the elastic flexibility of the parts, the running-in wear and the thermal expansion.

Abstract: A universal joint provided with a joint body having an inner ring disposed at one end of a first shaft and an outer ring disposed at one end of a second shaft, and a flexible boot fitted at its opposite ends to said outer ring and the first shaft. Inside the flexible boot is formed a sealed space in which grease for lubricating the joint body is enclosed and which is charged with nitrogen gas.

Abstract: A method of retaining a splined male member and a splined female member against relative axial motion therebetween when the splines of the members are in engagement with one another and a unitary axial retaining member for use in the practice of the method. The method includes the steps of mounting a hollow, thermoplastic axial retaining member to the interior surface of the female member and positively interconnecting the other end of the axial retaining member with the male member. The axial retaining member has an inwardly oriented flange for interconnecting one end of the retaining member to the male member and an outwardly oriented radial flange for interconnecting the opposite end of the retaining member to the female member. A plurality of longitudinal slots are optionally formed in one end of the retaining member to separate it into a plurality of flexible fingers to facilitate interconnection of that end of the retaining member with its associated male or female member.

Abstract: In order to keep at least part of the axial and tilting forces that act on a bearing away from the stub shaft (99) supporting the bearing rollers (3) (5), the inner ring of the bearing is constructed of a removable section (4) that supports a first set of ball bearings (5). A second set of ball bearings (3) is supported directly on the stub shaft. The removable section (14) extends from the free end of the stub shaft (99) to a point located between a first plane containing the ball centers of the second set (3) and a second plane contacted by the outer surfaces of the balls in the second set. The second plane being between the ball centers of the first and second sets.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a wheel bearing unit incorporating outer race ring (20), inner race ring (21) and rolling bodies (24) arranged therebetween. The wheel bearing unit according to the invention is intended to carry the driven wheels of a light vehicle. The characterizing for the wheel bearing unit according to the invention is that the inner race ring (21) is provided with an axially projecting portion (28), which is intended for mounting the unit to a drive shaft (30).

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: A hub assembly for a wheel of a motor vehicle drivable by way of a constant velocity universal joint 3, the assembly comprising an outer joint member 5 integral with a flange 2 for wheel and brake disc fitting, and a rolling element bearing assembly 1 having an inner race 6 disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the joint member, wherein the joint member and flange are integrally formed by chipless deformation fo sheet metal, the flange having circumferentially spaced reinforcing formations 8 which on one side afford abutment surfaces for the bearing inner race and, on the other side of the flange, afford abutment surfaces for the wheel and/or brake disc.

Abstract: A nonmetallic boot restraint for restraining and shrouding the flexible boot of an automotive propshaft constant velocity universal joint of the plunging type. The boot restraint is preferably formed from a puncture-resistant, semi-rigid organic material, such as Nylon (polyamide), and it can be repeatedly assembled to and disassembled from the drive joint without damage to either the boot restraint or the associated boot. An end of the boot restraint traps an end of the boot in sealing engagement with the outside surface of the outer joint member of the drive joint, and a removable clamp maintains this relationship between the outer joint member, the boot, and the boot restraint.

Abstract: In order to keep at least part of the axial and tilting forces that act on a bearing away from the stub shaft supporting the bearing rollers, the inner ring of the bearing is constructed of two sections (2) (3) that support individual sets of ball bearings. The inner ring sections abut one another in a plane perpendicular to the bearing rotational axis. One of these inner ring sections (3) is force fitted on the stub shaft at the free end thereof and has a larger cross section than the other inner ring section (2). A necked-down bolt and mating closure nut, the latter being adjacent inner ring section (3), cooperate to maintain the other bearing elements assembled in operative relationship.

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

Abstract: A protective boot for sealing the free space between the driving and driven parts of a constant velocity universal joint formed of a material which is suitable for injection molding, wherein the boot is formed with a larger outer diameter part mounted on an outer joint member of the joint and attached thereto by a relative thin-walled metal cap which, due to its resilience, is capable of sealingly pressing radial and axial sealing faces provided at the outer diameter part of the boot against an outer circumference and an end face of the outer joint member while securingly embracing them. The boot is formed with a smaller diameter part which is provided with an inwardly directed end facing the outer joint member and resting in sealing engagement against a driving shaft connected to an inner joint member of a universal joint over a defined distance.

Abstract: In a universal joint having inner and outer joint members with grooves formed therein and torque-transmitting balls interposed within the grooves, the grooves of at least one of the joint members is formed to extend in a curved configuration wherein lines extending tangentially to the curved configuration will intersect the central axis of the joint at angles which increase, taken from one point on the curved configuration to another.

Abstract: In a universal joint assembly having an outer joint member with grooves in its internal wall, an inner joint member with opposed grooves, balls disposed one in each pair of the grooves, and a cage supporting the balls, there are included pairs of grooves formed of adjacent grooves one in each joint member with the pairs including pairs having grooves extending parallel to a center axis of the joint and pairs having grooves which are inclined or oblique relative to the center axis of the joint with adjacent oblique grooves in each of the joint members being inclined relative to the center axis at equal angles but in intersecting directions. Each joint member may have at least nine, and preferably twelve, grooves. The balls may be considered as divided into groups which provide the joint with improved ball control and torque transmitting ability.

Abstract: In a constant velocity joint having an inner and an outer part with opposite grooves in which are arranged rolling bodies guided by a retainer, the grooves and/or the rolling bodies are provided with a friction coefficient increasing surface layer in order to give reduced contact stresses between rolling bodies and retainer.

Abstract: A roller bearing unit comprising an inner race element having a homokinetic coupling at one end and a coaxial extension forming a gudgeon at the other end whereby two rotating tracks for two rows of rolling elements are provided on the outer surface of the inner race, an outer race having a conical shape surrounding the rolling elements and being integral with an attachment flange, whereby the rotating tracks for the rolling elements have different diameters, the larger diameter track being at the homokinetic coupling end and being closest to the attachment flange, the larger diameter track being formed directly on the inner race.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for resurfacing valve seats in a cylinder head are based upon utilizing a modified constant velocity universal joint of the type used in front wheel drive automobiles. A valve seat resurfacing cutting tool is driven at a constant velocity by the universal joint. Use of such joint allows the series of valve seats having parallel valve stem guide holes to be resurfaced after bringing the axis of one of the corresponding valve stem guide holes into a precise vertical position.

Abstract: Wheel bearing with a built-in homokinetic coupling. The wheel bearing comprises a generally annular inner part, an outer race and two rows of rolling elements located between the outside running surfaces formed on the outer race and the inside running surfaces applied to the inner part. The outer race is equipped with a radially extending flange for the attachment of the bearing. The annular inner part is equipped with a radially extending flange to which the hub of a wheel can be attached. The inner part forms at the same time one unit with the outer ring of the homokinetic coupling. The flange of the inner part is extended with a brake element which forms the part to be braked of a braking mechanism so that the inner part of the bearing, the carrier flange for the wheel, the brake element and the outer ring of the homokinetic coupling form one homogeneous unit.

Abstract: A method for forming a precision ball groove track in a part, especially in an outer race member of a universal joint. The method includes the steps of forming a recess groove in the ball race groove track and ball finish machining the race groove track to a predetermined precision shape, the recess reducing groove the wear on the finish machining tool used during the finish machining step.

Abstract: A universal joint wherein torque-transmitting balls are engaged between complementary grooves formed in an inner and outer joint member, with the balls being supported by a supporting element which is arranged in a jaw-like opening formed on one side of the universal joint through which the balls may be inserted in operative engagement within the joint. The invention is directed toward the curvature of the grooves which are arranged in such a way that a connecting line extending between the center of the radius of curvature of the grooves and the center of the torque-transmitting balls forms an angle relative to the central axis of rotation of the joint which is smaller than or equal to 85.degree., the angle being taken in accordance with the arcsine of the projection of the center of the radius of curvature of the grooves and the ball center onto a vertical plane extending perpendicularly relative to the axis of rotation of the joint, divided by the length of the radius of curvature.

Abstract: In a universal joint, a spacing is provided between the inner face of the cage and the outer face of the inner joint member and within the outer joint member there is provided a stop face which cooperates with a supporting face on the inner joint member in order to accommodate axial forces. As a result, a fixed joint is provided wherein it is not necessary to machine the inner face of the cage and the outer face of the inner joint member with axial forces being nevertheless accommodated.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint comprises an outer member having an inner partial concave spherical surface with a plurality of lengthwise grooves therein, an inner member inserted in the outer member and having an outer partial convex spherical surface with a plurality of lengthwise grooves therein, a plurality of balls retained in corresponding opposed pairs of the grooves of the two members and serving to transmit a torque between the two members, and a cage disposed between the two members for receiving the balls. The bottoms of the grooves of the two members are arcuate, the grooves of each member having a respective arc center. The arc centers are offset by substantially equal amounts to opposite sides of the central plane of the joint, and the spherical centers of the inner and outer spherical surfaces are also offset by substantially equal amounts to opposite sides of the central plane.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint is provided with an outer part, in the inner surface of which tracks are provided, an inner part, on the outer surface of which corresponding tracks are provided, and with balls in a pivotable cage located in the space between the outer part and the inner part. Taking as a basis the particular axial displacement, caused by the torque, of the outer part and the inner part in relation to the cage, this displacement depending mainly on the amount of the respective axial clearances of the pairs of centering surfaces and/or on the brinelling of the window support surfaces by the balls in the running-in phase and also on the elastic flexibility of the parts, the running-in wear and the thermal expansion, the tracks of the outer part run in a mirror image with the corresponding tracks of the inner part in relation to the ball plane.

Abstract: A constant velocity torque transmitting universal joint, utilizing spherical ball members arranged in a longitudinal groove of an inner joint member, is adapted to connect to a shaft and a longitudinal groove of an outer joint member. The outer joint member is connected to a second shaft so that the outer joint member may be displaced in an axial direction relative to the inner joint member. Therefore, the inner joint member may be displaced in an axial direction relative to the cage restraining member holding the spherical ball members in their mutually opposed grooves of their respective joint members. The cage restraining member permits the spherical ball members to roll in their respective grooves for a short distance prior to skidding to reduce the overall resistance to axial movement effort prior to skidding as a result of the friction torque relationship of the joint.

Abstract: A homokinetic coupling which has a housing or outer ring with a cavity limited by a spherical surface and open toward the outside at least one edge. An inner ring, having an outer spherical surface with axially extending grooves is placed within this cavity. A set of balls flattened at one edge is accommodated at that edge in the grooves. The bottoms of the grooves form a rolling surface along which the balls are capable of moving by the flattened edge. At the other edge the balls are accommodated, rotating by the spherical edge in a recess forming a part of the housing. The housing has a plurality of rotating ball-shaped elements with a recess in each element, in which recess the spherical edge of the respective ball is partially accommodated.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint is provided which employs bearing rollers with central cylindrical portions and groove-matching ends in place of balls. The universal joint has an inner race or member with outwardly-facing grooves spaced therearound, an outer race or member with inwardly-facing grooves therearound, and a cage between with openings. The rollers are retained in the openings with the cylindrical portions located at the openings and with the ends engaged in the grooves of the inner and outer races. The central cylindrical portions engage the cage at the openings in line contact rather than point contact, as with balls, resulting in less wear, longer life, and smooth operation. The ends engage the grooves in a manner somewhat similar to balls.

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: A constant velocity joint has a hollow outer component with longitudinal tracks or ball races in its inner surface, an inner component inside the outer component, the inner component having tracks corresponding to those in the outer component, balls in the tracks of the outer and inner components for transmission of torque between the two and an apertured cage retaining the balls in a ball plane in its apertures. The cage has a convex control surface facing the outer component and a concave control surface facing the inner component. The planes of the mid points of the control surfaces are equally spaced on either side of the ball plane. The control surfaces have single radial centers and lie to the outside of the radial planes thereof running through their mid points, away from the ball plane.

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 universal or Cardan joint having a pair of joint members formed as hollow cylinders one smaller than the other, with the smaller cylinder being arranged inside of the larger cylinder and with a centering ball and with a plurality of supporting balls located in engagement between the joint members to provide a joint which will transmit torque but which will be capable of a relatively large angle of articulation.

Abstract: A constant velocity torque transmitting universal joint, utilizing spherical ball members arranged in a longitudinal groove of an inner joint member, is adapted to connect to a shaft and a longitudinal groove of an outer joint member. The outer joint member is connected to a second shaft so that the outer joint member may be displaced in an axial direction relative to the inner joint member. Therefore, the inner joint member may be displaced in an axial direction relative to the cage restraining member holding the spherical ball members in their mutually opposed grooves of their respective joint members. The cage restraining member permits the spherical ball members to roll in their respective grooves for a short distance prior to skidding to reduce the overall resistance to axial movement effort prior to skidding as a result of the friction torque relationship of the joint.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint comprising an outer member having an inner spherical surface and an inner member fitted in the outer member and having an outer spherical surface facing the inner spherical surface of the outer member. The inner and outer members are adapted for relative angular travel about the center of the joint. A cage member is interposed between the inner and outer members and has an outer spherical surface facing the inner spherical surface of the outer member and an inner spherical surface facing the outer spherical surface of the inner member. The cage member carries balls in windows which project outwardly for engagement in respective opposed ball grooves in the inner and outer members.

Abstract: A method for forming a precision ball groove track in a part, especially in an outer race member of a universal joint. The method includes the steps of forming a recess groove in the ball race groove track and .[.ball.]. finish machining the .Iadd.ball .Iaddend.race groove track to a predetermined precision shape, the recess .[.reducing groove.]. .Iadd.groove reducing .Iaddend.the wear on the finish machining tool used during the finish machining step.