The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 15, 2005
Filed:
Jan. 24, 2003
Douglas E. Breese, Walbridge, OH (US);
Matheno B. Bey, Toledo, OH (US);
Douglas E. Breese, Walbridge, OH (US);
Matheno B. Bey, Toledo, OH (US);
Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc., Holland, OH (US);
Abstract
A universal joint assembly includes a cross and an end fitting having respective rotational centers that are precisely co-axially aligned with one another to minimize rotational imbalance. The cross has a pair of outwardly extending trunnions, upon which respective bearing cups are rotatably supported. A span control sleeve is press fit about each of the bearing cups. Each of the span control sleeves includes an outwardly extending flange portion that is precisely located relative to the rotational center of the cross. The end fitting is formed having a pair of inwardly facing surfaces that are precisely located relative to the rotational center of the end fitting. When the cross is assembled with the end fitting, the outwardly extending flange portions of the span control sleeves abut the inwardly facing surfaces of the end fitting. As a result, the rotational center of the cross is precisely aligned with the rotational center of the end fitting. An installation fixture is provided for installing the span control sleeves on the bearing cups in the desired positions.