Patent ID: 8246473
Filing Date: 2012-08-21
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. In a universal joint, having: a first yoke with a first axis of rotation; a second yoke with a second axis of rotation; a housing pivotally connecting the yokes with a pair of cross members, one for each yoke; a centering plate orbitally mounted in the housing between the yokes and slideably connected to an end of each yoke; a lubrication passageway comprising: wherein the centrifugal force gradient increases from any point in the groove where the second passageway is in communication with the groove to any point in the groove where the groove is farthest from the first axis of rotation; and wherein lubricant is admitted to the universal joint through the groove from the entry portion to the exit portion and then to the second passageway such that backflow through the second passageway due to centrifugal force is impeded by the groove; wherein the improvement comprises: