Abstract: A joint shaft, in particular a universal joint shaft, has first and second axial connection ends and a central part that connects the two connection ends to one another in a torsionally rigid and pivotable manner. At least one intermediate sleeve is provided between a first and a second shaft element with internal gearing having inner teeth, which are distributed over the circumference and extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and external gearing with outer teeth, which are distributed over the circumference and extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The sleeve is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first shaft element and to the second shaft element and is attached directly or indirectly in a torsionally rigid manner to the first shaft element by way of the intermediate sleeve external gearing and to the second shaft element by way of the intermediate sleeve internal gearing.

Abstract: A joint shaft, in particular a universal joint shaft, has first and second axial connection ends and a central part that connects the two connection ends to one another in a torsionally rigid and pivotable manner. At least one intermediate sleeve is provided between a first and a second shaft element with internal gearing having inner teeth, which are distributed over the circumference and extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and external gearing with outer teeth, which are distributed over the circumference and extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The sleeve is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first shaft element and to the second shaft element and is attached directly or indirectly in a torsionally rigid manner to the first shaft element by way of the intermediate sleeve external gearing and to the second shaft element by way of the intermediate sleeve internal gearing.

Abstract: An apparatus for elevating a fluid includes: a pumping member rotatable about a vertical axis, the pumping member having at least one ramped path, the ramped path having a lowermost portion insertable below the surface of a fluid to be elevated, and an uppermost portion that is more distant from the vertical axis than the lowermost portion thereof; a catch chamber surrounding a circular trajectory of the uppermost portion as it rotates about the vertical axis and positioned to receive fluid expelled from the uppermost portion; and a motor coupled to the pumping member for imparting rotational motion to the pumping member about the vertical axis, the motor having sufficient power to generate a centrifugal force that will drive the fluid from the lowermost portion of the ramped path to the uppermost portion and into the catch chamber.

Abstract: A multi-piece safety wheel includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, interlocking bosses and tabs on the inner rim portion and outer rim portion. In the event of improper disassembly of the wheel with an inflated tire mounted thereon, any failure of the wheel assembly fasteners will result in the outer rim portion separating from the inner rim portion a sufficient distance to vent air pressure from within the tire, at which point the interlocking bosses and tabs resist further movement of the outer rim portion. The outer rim portion is thereby resisted from becoming a potentially dangerous projectile. A method of safely deflating the tire upon improper disassembly of the multi-piece safety wheel is also provided.

Abstract: Physical properties of polymer resins, particularly amorphous resins such as ABS or SAN copolymers, are markedly improved by dispersing therein a filler-reinforced engineering thermoplastic polyurethane.