Patent attributes
Universal joint (100) includes a centering mechanism (100A) for supporting the universal and forcing the two joint halves to operate at the same angle thereby causing the joint to operate at constant velocity at all angles. Each shaft (134, 135) of the joint (100) is rotatably connected to the centering mechanism (100A). Movement of one of the shafts (134, 135) at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling yoke (136) is transmitted to the other shaft (135, 134) by the centering mechanism (100A) and the centering mechanism (100A) causes the other shaft (135, 134) to likewise move at the same angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling yoke (136). The centering mechanism (100A) includes cam rods (102, 103) supported within a cam tube (101), which arrangement allows a full range of movement of the shafts (134, 135) at angles of 90°.