Torque-traction Technologies, Inc.

Mark S Williams

Douglas E Breese

Jeffrey A Dutkiewicz

Daniel W Gibson

A rolling ball spline type of slip joint includes a first tubular member having a plurality of inwardly extending regions formed therein. The first tubular member has a wall thickness that is essentially uniform throughout the circumference thereof. The slip joint also includes a second tubular member having a plurality of outwardly extending regions formed therein. The inwardly extending regions of the first tubular member are radially aligned with the outwardly extending region of the second tubular member to define a plurality of longitudinally extending raceways. The second tubular member has a wall thickness that is essentially uniform throughout the circumference thereof. A plurality of balls is disposed in each of the raceways for transmitting rotational force between the first and second tubular members, while accommodating a limited amount of relative axial movement therebetween.

Rolling ball spline slip joint formed from two tubular members

A vehicle drive train assembly includes a source of rotational power and at least one rotatably driven vehicle wheel. A male splined member and a female splined member are connected between the source of rotational power and the vehicle wheel to transmit rotational power therebetween. At least one of the splined members is a driveshaft. The splines of the male splined member have side surfaces and outer surfaces which are convex in shape. The convex splines of the male splined member cooperate with the splines of the female splined member to connect the splined members together in a manner that allows for limited angular and axial movement therebetween.

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Swanton, OH, United States of America

Mark S Williams