US6139435A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Universal joint having centering device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1998-10-16
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Granted: 2000-10-31
•
Expires: 2018-10-16
Abstract
Abstract A universal joint (150) includes a centering device (160) for maintaining the joint at constant velocity. Each shaft (101) of the joint (150) is connected to a centering device (160). Movement of one of the shafts (101) at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device (117) is transmitted to the other shaft (101) by the centering device (160) and the centering device (160) causes the other shaft (101) to likewise move at the same angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device (117). The centering device (160) includes an epicyclic bearing (106) within an epicyclic bearing (105), which arrangement of epicyclic bearings allows a full range of movement of the shafts (101).
Inventors
- 👤 Paul Joseph Cornay
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 03:12
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D3/00; F16D3/16; F16D3/26; F16D3/30; F16D3/32; F16D3/33
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
150 words
A universal joint comprising: (a) first and second rings; (b) first and second yokes disposed within the first and second rings, respectively; (c) first and second shafts; (d) first pin means pivotally interconnecting the first yoke and the first ring; (e) second pin means pivotally interconnecting the first shaft and the first ring; (f) third pin means pivotally interconnecting the second yoke and the second ring; (g) fourth pin means interconnecting the second shaft and the second ring; (h) a coupling means interconnecting the first yoke and the second yoke; and (i) a plurality of spherical bearing means received in spherical races in each ring, the bearing means in the first ring receiving the first and second pin means, and the bearing means in the second ring receiving the third and fourth pin means, wherein the spherical bearing means are shaped such that their geometry retains them in the rings.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
150 words
A universal joint comprising: (a) first and second rings; (b) first and second yokes disposed within the first and second rings, respectively; (c) first and second shafts; (d) first pin means pivotally interconnecting the first yoke and the first ring; (e) second pin means pivotally interconnecting the first shaft and the first ring; (f) third pin means pivotally interconnecting the second yoke and the second ring; (g) fourth pin means interconnecting the second shaft and the second ring; (h) a coupling means interconnecting the first yoke and the second yoke; and (i) a plurality of spherical bearing means received in spherical races in each ring, the bearing means in the first ring receiving the first and second pin means, and the bearing means in the second ring receiving the third and fourth pin means, wherein the spherical bearing means are shaped such that their geometry retains them in the rings.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
158 words
A universal joint comprising: (a) first and second rings, each ring having a spherical outer surface; (b) first and second yokes disposed within the first and second rings, respectively; (c) first and second shafts; (d) first pin means pivotally interconnecting the first yoke and the first ring; (e) second pin means pivotally interconnecting the first shaft and the first ring; (f) third pin means pivotally interconnecting the second yoke and the second ring; (g) fourth pin means interconnecting the second shaft and the second ring; (h) a coupling means interconnecting the first yoke and the second yoke; (i) a plurality of bearing means in each ring, the bearing means in the first ring receiving the first and second pin means, and the bearing means in the second ring receiving the third and fourth pin means; and (j) first and second bands, each band having a spherical inner surface for fitting over the spherical outer surface of the rings.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
158 words
A universal joint comprising: (a) first and second rings, each ring having a spherical outer surface; (b) first and second yokes disposed within the first and second rings, respectively; (c) first and second shafts; (d) first pin means pivotally interconnecting the first yoke and the first ring; (e) second pin means pivotally interconnecting the first shaft and the first ring; (f) third pin means pivotally interconnecting the second yoke and the second ring; (g) fourth pin means interconnecting the second shaft and the second ring; (h) a coupling means interconnecting the first yoke and the second yoke; (i) a plurality of bearing means in each ring, the bearing means in the first ring receiving the first and second pin means, and the bearing means in the second ring receiving the third and fourth pin means; and (j) first and second bands, each band having a spherical inner surface for fitting over the spherical outer surface of the rings.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-10-31 | 2004-05-01 | 2004-10-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-10-31 | 2008-05-01 | 2008-10-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-10-31 | 2012-05-01 | 2012-10-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |