US4070872A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Universal joint
Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
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Filing: 1976-09-23
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Granted: 1978-01-31
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Expires: 1996-09-23
Abstract
Abstract A universal joint has an outer joint member with circular grooves in the inner surface of a spherical cavity therein and an inner joint member is positioned within the cavity. The outer surface of the inner joint member is also provided with grooves and torque transmitting balls are received in corresponding grooves of the outer and inner joint members. The centerlines of the two outer joint member circular grooves are located in planes which are parallel with each other and parallel to the axis of the outer joint member and these planes are positioned equidistantly on opposite sides of the rotary axis. The inner joint member has partially circular or arcuate grooves arranged in pairs such that their centerlines extend in planes perpendicular to the planes of the outer joint member grooves.
Inventors
- 👤 Werner Krude
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 10:14
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D3/00; F16D3/16; F16D3/20; F16D3/22; F16D3/223; F16D3/229; F16D3/24; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S464/00; Y10S464/904; Y10S464/906
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A universal joint comprising a hollow joint member having a spherical inner surface therein and there being two circular grooves in said inner surface, an inner joint member within said outer joint member and having an outer surface with recesses therein, balls jointly received in said outer joint member grooves and said inner member recesses to transmit torque therebetween, the centerlines of said outer member grooves defining first planes which are parallel to each other and parallel with the rotary axis of the outer joint member, said first planes being positioned on opposite sides of said rotary axis and spaced equidistantly therefrom, said inner member recess having means for guiding movements of the balls therein along centerlines in second planes perpendicular to said first planes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A universal joint comprising a hollow joint member having a spherical inner surface therein and there being two circular grooves in said inner surface, an inner joint member within said outer joint member and having an outer surface with recesses therein, balls jointly received in said outer joint member grooves and said inner member recesses to transmit torque therebetween, the centerlines of said outer member grooves defining first planes which are parallel to each other and parallel with the rotary axis of the outer joint member, said first planes being positioned on opposite sides of said rotary axis and spaced equidistantly therefrom, said inner member recess having means for guiding movements of the balls therein along centerlines in second planes perpendicular to said first planes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
A universal joint as claimed in claim 1 wherein said inner joint member recess means comprises two oppositely disposed arcuate recesses, there being four balls arranged in each of said arcuate recesses, each pair of balls being positioned axially in an outer member groove.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
A universal joint as claimed in claim 1 wherein said inner joint member recess means comprises two pairs of grooves, each pair of grooves having centerlines defining a second plane perpendicular to said first plane.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A universal joint as claimed in claim 1 wherein a said recess means comprises an annular groove having a generatrix extending between the balls.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
A universal joint as claimed in claim 4 wherein said generatrix passes perpendicularly through the rotary axis of the outer joint member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-01-30 | 1981-08-01 | 1982-01-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-01-30 | 1985-08-01 | 1986-01-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-01-30 | 1989-08-01 | 1990-01-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |