Dana Corporation

The Zeller Corporation

Driveline Technologies, Inc.

Eugene E Sowers

Philip J Mazziotti

A lubrication system designed particularly for small universal joints is provided. It includes a central distribution insert with a system of vertical and transverse passage which enable all four bearing cups and bearings to be sequentially lubricated from a single source. When all four are completely lubricated, lubricant appears at the top of the central distribution insert to assure that all cups have been fully lubricated. Preferably, when the lubricant reaches the distribution insert after the last trunnion, it is directed to a fitting in the distribution insert which is connected via a hose or the like to a container for collecting any excess lubricant. As a result, the uncontrolled discharge of the lubricant into the environment is avoided. The passages in the insert are positioned such that the insert can be made from one two-part mold without any mold inserts being required.

Universal joint lubrication system

A lubrication system designed particularly for small universal joints is provided. It includes a central distributions insert with a system of vertical and transverse passages which enable all four bearing cups and bearings to be sequentially lubricated from a single source. When all four are completely lubricated, lubricant appears at the top of the central distribution insert to assure that all cups have been fully lubricated. The lubrication system enables lubricant fittings to be positioned in four locations around the universal joint cross and also a central lubrication fitting can be located in the central distribution insert. The passages in the insert are positioned such that the insert can be made from one two-part mold without any mold inserts being required.

A housing assembly is disclosed having coacting first and second cover members enclosing a universal joint which drivingly connects drive and driven shafts of a steering drive axle. Each cover member has an inner spherical portion and an outer end portion. The spherical portions overlie and fit within each other while the end portion of one cover member is fixed to a wheel spindle and the end portion of the other cover member is resiliently connected to an axle housing. The resilient connection permits the cover member to float relative to the axle housing during steering to accomodate for runout between the wheel spindle and axle housing axes thus overcoming any tendency for the cover members to bind or become wedged with respect to each other.

Growing community of inventors

Toledo, OH, United States of America

Eugene E Sowers