Universal joint and progressive cavity transducer using the same

Claim 1

A progressive cavity in-hole adapted for connection to a bit and a drill string, said in-hole motor including, a housing, a stator in said housing, a helicoidal rotor positioned in said stator, a shaft adapted for connection to a drill bit, and a universal joint connected between the rotor and shaft, said universal joint comprising: a driving member having a substantially cylindical portion providing a first circular crossectional surface having integrally formed therein, a "V" shaped entry way leading to first and second rectangular channels, said first and second channels being defined by respective, opposing first rectangular projections such that the width of said first channel is greater than the width of said second channel. a driven member having a substantially cylindrical portion providing a second circular crossectional surface having integrally formed therein, a "V" shaped entry way leading to third and fourth rectangular channels, said third and fourth channels being defined by respective, opposing second rectangular projections such that the width of said third channel is greater than the width of said fourth channel. an idler member comprising a substantially cylindrical member having first and second tenons formed integrally on opposite circular crossectional end surfaces thereof, said tenons, respectively, comprising first and second bars, said first and second bars being disposed perpendicularly to one another, each said bar having oppositely disposed U-shaped channel means therein each disposed for surrounding one of said first and second rectangular projections in a complimentary, spaced apart relation, and wherein the top surface of each said first and second bar has first and second beveled surfaces thereon.