Abstract: A flexible coupling for coupling sections of a downhole tubing string is provided. The flexible coupling has a central section with first and second ends, each end having a contact surface and a first part of a pivoting connector, the contact surface extending radially outward relative to the first part of the pivoting connector. The flexible coupling also has first and second coupling sections pivotally coupled to the first and second ends of the central section. Each of the first and second coupling sections have a tubing string attachment at a first end, a second part of the pivoting connector at a second end, and a contact surface at the second end, the contact surface extending radially outward relative to the second part of the pivoting connector. Pivotal movement of the first and second coupling sections relative to the central section is limited by engagement between the contact surfaces.

Abstract: A universal socket includes a barrel seat, a resilient member and a rotating component. The barrel seat has an inner wall surface having four receiving surface portions, and four linking surface portions each connected between two adjacent ones of the receiving surface portions and having two flat surface segments. The rotating portion is retained in the barrel seat, and has four corner surfaces corresponding in position to the receiving surface portions, respectively, and four contacting surfaces each connected between two adjacent ones of the corner surfaces and biased by the resilient member to abut against one of the flat surface segments.

Abstract: A support rod for a hollow, flexible torque transmitting shaft for treating a bone includes support and flex portions. When the rod is received at a desired position within the shaft, the support portion extends through a first non-bendable portion of the shaft. An outer diameter of the support portion substantially corresponds to an inner diameter of the shaft to support the first portion. When the support rod is received at the desired position, the flex portion extends through a second bendable portion of the shaft. The flex portion includes a holding portion having an outer diameter substantially corresponding to an inner diameter of the second portion and a gap portion having an outer diameter reduced relative to the outer diameter of the holding portion to form an annular gap between the gap portion and an inner surface of the holding portion.

Abstract: Speed reduction gear comprising two intermediate transmission lines, in particular for a turbine engine, comprising an input line (12) and an output line that is driven by the input line via said intermediate transmission lines, said intermediate transmission lines being substantially parallel, characterized in that said reduction gear comprises means for distributing loads between said intermediate lines, said load distribution means comprising swiveling coupling means (30) for rotatably coupling one end of the input line, and oil-damping means (40, 50) for damping radial movements of an opposite end of the input line.

Abstract: A tripod-type constant velocity joint includes an intermediate member, and first and second tripod members connected to the respective ends of the intermediate member. The intermediate member includes first and second outer rings. The first tripod member is formed with three protrusions, and the second tripod member is formed with three protrusions. The first outer ring is formed in its inner periphery with three axially extending first track grooves which are open at its axial end surface. The second outer ring is formed in its inner periphery with three axially extending second track grooves which are open at its axial end surface. The protrusions of the first tripod member are axially slidably received in the respective first track grooves. The protrusions of the second tripod member are axially slidably received in the respective second track grooves.

Abstract: An Oldham coupler assembly for transferring rotary power between two shafts in an imaging device. The Oldham coupler includes an input plate and an output plate made of plastic and a star plate made of metal moveably coupled to and positioned in between the input plate and the output plate. A plastic retraction spline assembly is slidably retained in the output plate and engages with a drive member in an imaging unit. The location of the retraction spline assembly on the output plate allows for an increased diameter leading to increased torsional stiffness. The input plate includes gear teeth integrally molded into the outer circumference thereof helping to decrease the overall width of the Oldham coupler. Pairs of wheels are fastened to inner faces of the input and output plates and used to moveably couple the star plate to the input and output plates.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly including a driveshaft having a first recess proximate a first end, and a second recess proximate a second end. The assembly also includes a first key within the first recess, a second key within the second recess, a first end housing, and a second end housing. The assembly further includes a first thrust bearing seat coaxially disposed within a first receptacle of the first end housing and including a first end, a second end, and a first length L1 measured axially between the second end and the first end, and a second thrust bearing seat coaxially disposed within a second receptacle of the second end housing and including a first end, a second end, and a second length L2 measured axially between the second end and the first end. L1 and L2 are both fixed and L2 is greater than L1.

Abstract: In a universal joint, a connector member with jacket connects joint halves, each having a ball joint with first connection to the connector member; shaft with eccentric arm; and inner piece with first and second orthogonal axes. A second connection, rotary around the first axis, connects eccentric arm and inner piece. Shaft axis and first axis extend orthogonally. The ball joint has third connection to the shaft rotary around the shaft axis. Fourth connection, rotary around the second axis, connects inner piece and connector member. The first connection is rotary around an axis orthogonal to the second axis and in a common plane with the first axis. A pivot point of the ball joint is offset to the rotary axis of the first connection and the shaft axis. The inner piece extends through first or a second opening of the jacket. The fourth connection is placed within the jacket.

Abstract: A torque limiting device with an override mechanism coupled to a valve assembly capable of limiting the torque applied to the valve assembly and selectively being overridden to permit the application of excessive torque to the valve assembly. Tattletale devices capable of indicating when an override mechanism has been activated can also be integrated with the torque limiting device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a percussion drilling assembly, the method including providing a tubular case having a central axis and a lower end with an inner surface and an outer surface, providing a driver sub having a central axis, an outer surface, and an upper end, providing a annular locking member including an annular body, an inner finger extending radially inward from the body, and a first outer finger extending radially outward from the body, positioning the annular locking member about the driver sub, and threading the upper end of the driver sub to the lower end of the case. The inner surface of the lower end includes internal threads and the outer surface of the lower end includes a groove. The outer surface of the upper end includes external threads and the outer surface axially below the outer includes a groove.

Abstract: A torque limiting device with an override mechanism coupled to a valve assembly capable of limiting the torque applied to the valve assembly and selectively being overridden to permit the application of excessive torque to the valve assembly. Tattletale devices capable of indicating when an override mechanism has been activated can also be integrated with the torque limiting device.

Abstract: Provided is a shaft-and-yoke coupling structure for coupling a steering transmission shaft and a yoke of a universal joint. An end portion of the steering transmission shaft joined to the yoke has a stepped portion and an insertion convex portion protruding from the stepped portion in the axial direction of the steering transmission shaft. The yoke has an annular receiving portion facing and fixed to the stepped portion via a welded portion and an insertion recess portion surrounded by the receiving portion in which the insertion convex portion is inserted. The insertion convex portion and the insertion recess portion are arranged to be engaged with each other with a predetermined amount of play in the direction of rotation when the welded portion is broken.

Abstract: A shaft coupling mechanism 1 includes a coupling base body 3 coupled to a rotating shaft 2; a coupling base body 5 coupled to a steering shaft 4; rotation transmitting members 6 and 7 which are disposed between the rotating shaft 2 and the steering shaft 4 through the both coupling base bodies 3 and 5 and transmit the rotation of the rotating shaft 2 in an R direction to the steering shaft 4; an intermediate interposed member 8 disposed between the rotation transmitting members 6 and 7; and a coupling means 9 for coupling the rotation transmitting members 6 and 7 to each other.

Abstract: A food processor includes a drive unit, a food processing tool driven rotatably by the drive unit, a rotary support, and a transmission device. The transmission device includes a first transmission unit driven rotatably by the drive unit and defining a first drive axis, a second transmission unit driving rotation of the rotary support and defining a second drive axis, and a coupling member that couples the first transmission unit to the second transmission unit. The coupling member permits movement of the first transmission unit relative to the second transmission unit from a first position, where the first drive axis is aligned with the second drive axis, to a second position, where the first drive axis forms an angle with the second drive axis. The coupling member enables transmission of drive power from the drive unit to the rotary support when the first transmission unit is at the first position.

Abstract: A flexible drive shaft extension for hand tools comprises serially nested, socket-ended Shaft components of polygonal cross-section which have freedom of universal motion from axial alignment limited to about five degrees of arc and which are forcibly retained in coupled connection within a sleeve by spring biasing.

Abstract: A coupling between a drive and a driven shaft includes a rigid tube to which are attached in axially spaced apart relation at least two flexible rings of elastomeric material; the outer periphery of each ring is attached to a flange of a connecting hub with each hub mounted or connected to one the shafts; in one form the tube is split axially and is adjustably attachable to the periphery of the rings.

Abstract: A joint is sub-assembled on a front wheel propeller shaft side of a vehicle by integrally fitting one end of the joint to one end of the front wheel propeller shaft and covering the connection portion with a boot. This arrangement provides a shaft drive mechanism capable of easily assembling a propeller shaft with a pinion gear via a joint. The leading end side of the joint is fitted on a small-diameter boss of a pinion gear supported by a front wheel gear case. The joint is spline-connected so that it is integrally rotatably connected to the boss of the pinion gear. A C-shaped clip previously mounted on the small-diameter boss is engaged on the joint side in order to prevent the spline of the joint from slipping off from the spline of the pinion gear.

Abstract: A flexible shaft couple has two terminal components and one medial component. Each terminal component has a shaft bore open to a nether end face and a transverse extension of an opposed adjacent end face possessing an external substantially cylindrical surface spaced apart from by a reduced width foot. The medial component has two perpendicular transverse cavities each possessing an internal substantially cylindrical surface open to one of two opposed adjacent end faces. Both external and both internal cylindrical surfaces include an equivalent diameter greater than the width of the opening of each transverse cavity which exceeds the width of the reduced width foot. Two perpendicular substantially cylindrical engagements are provided which together accommodate large lateral and large angular shaft misalignments. Each terminal component has a body molded by a radially aligned two part mold leaving a part line bisecting the transverse extension and the reduced width foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothed coupling, especially a double toothed coupling, for rail vehicles, essentially consisting of a coupling housing (2) and at least one coupling component (3, 4) fitted inside the coupling housing (2), the coupling component has first teeth (9, 10) in its peripheral region (7) and the coupling housing has second teeth (11, 12) in its peripheral region (8) which form engaging teeth (13, 14) with the first teeth of the coupling component (3, 4) which are movable in relation to one another, and there is at least one annular disk-shaped support cover (21, 22) protecting the engaging teeth (13, 14) at the respective faces (19, 20) between the coupling housing (2) and the coupling component (3, 4). A toothed coupling is to be provided in which an exchange of media and, with the coupling rotating, irregular running, imbalance and wear of the sealing elements is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention provides an eccentric shaft coupling having a high durability, capable of dealing with a great torque load and transmitting correctly rotational movement. Two pairs of protrusions of cylindrical boss flanges secured to extremities of two rotating shafts are linked through an intermediate disk with phases shifted by 90° from each other. The intermediate disk is made of a material having a satisfactory strength and rigidity. Each of the two pairs of protrusions is put slidably between plane portions of two liners, each having a partial cylindrical shape, whose cross section is enclosed by an arc and a secant, inserted dismountably into a cylindrical cavity along inner walls to be guided. Only the liners, each having a partial cylindrical shape, whose cross section is enclosed by an arc and a secant, are subjected to strong wear and therefore, when they are worn, they can be easily exchanged.

Abstract: A Hookes universal joint assembly which, in a preferred embodiment, comprises two series connected universal joints to produce an angle change of 60.degree. to 70.degree.. A rigid housing confines input and output rotating drive shafts. In a preferred embodiment the yokes and cross members are formed as flat steel plates with tab-into-notch engagements. A method to retain an input shank and an end linkage to a drive shaft is disclosed. End linkages have parallel extending legs where the legs have protruding bumps at a distal end to engage exterior notched slots of input and output drive shafts. The drive shafts are identical in structure. An input shank is permanently held in a recess of the input drive shaft by engagement of a rib of the housing into a groove around the input shank.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle suspension unit assembly located near the sides of a vehicle includes a driving axle shaft, a gear box, an electric motor, and a suspension beam. The driving axle shaft, which drives a wheel hub of the vehicle, defines an axis of rotation about which the wheel hub rotates. The gear box includes a pinion shaft connected to a pinion gear which meshes with a ring gear. The pinion shaft is driven by a motor drive shaft which extends outwardly from the electric motor. The motor generates the torque necessary to drive the driving axle shaft. As known, suspension beams extend transversely to the axis of rotation of the driving axle shaft. The electric motor is pivotally attached to the gear box by means of a flexible coupling and is pivotally attached to the suspension beam by means of a movable connection.

Abstract: A compact double Cardan motion universal joint has a substantially cylindrical housing having an input end and an output end, with an input shaft and ball joint and an output shaft and interengaging ball joint, respectively; each ball joint consisting of a substantially spherical ball on the shaft member, a ball seat torsionally fixed in the housing, and pivots for providing articulation of the ball shaft about two orthogonal axes. Interengagement between the ball joints is provided by an interconnection ball joint consisting of a hollow socket on a joining end of one of the spherical ball shaft members of said universal joint, and a spherical ball on a joining end of the other spherical ball shaft member, the interconnection ball joint providing universal pivoting and translating motion at a juncture between interengaging portions of the ball shaft members.

Abstract: A dual-member pipe joint having an outer member and an inner member which is disposed coaxially within the outer member. Both the outer member and the inner member have a pin end and a box end. The pin end of the outer member is threadable to the box end of another outer member. The pin end of the inner member is geometrically shaped. The box end of the inner member forms a recess which conforms to the geometric shape of the pin end of the inner member. The box end of the inner member nonthreadably receives the pin end of another inner member in "slip-fit" connection. "Slip-fit" means the pin end of the inner member slides into the box end of a like inner member and forms a connection that is capable of transmitting torque. The advantage of this dual-member pipe joint is that both the inner and outer members of a pipe joint may be connected to a drill string in a single action with just one connection.

Abstract: An articulatable joint which is embodied within a coupling useful for transferring eccentric rotational energy and motion into concentric rotational energy and motion. The coupling is incorporated into a downhole drill string and applied to connect a motor section to a drill bit shaft within a drill string. The coupling comprises generally a housing section and two associated end sections which each feature a proximate base portion, adapted to permit the end sections to be connected within the housing, an intermediate neck, and a generally rounded head extending in a distal relation to the base and neck. Each head presents a thrust bearing face and a number of longitudinally arcuate contact faces. The housing section contains recesses adapted to receive and partially enclose the heads of the end sections in a generally complimentary manner.

Abstract: An intermediate shaft is provided which achieves a sliding connection between an outer part (17) and an inner part (18) inserted into the outer part. Two Cardan joints are formed of axial bores (22, 31). The joint heads (48, 49) are inserted into the axial bores (22, 31) and include grooves (53, 52) which are open on one side. Dog driver bolts (44, 45) engage the open grooves. A helical spring (19) tensions the intermediate shaft (15) between the joints.

Abstract: A universal joint comprises a housing receiving an input assembly and an output assembly. The assemblies include bearing shoes rotatable within the housing and a pair of wedge-like elements are engageable with the housing and the bearing shoes to accommodate wear and manufacturing tolerances for the universal joint.

Abstract: A flexible coupling is provided transmitting torque and thrust loads between parallel misaligned shafts, but does not permit any nonparallel misalignment between the shafts. The coupling comprises members that are attached to the shafts, each of which has two parallel bendable arms. The arms are nested and attached to a central rigid member located between the arms.

Abstract: A pin lock is disclosed which comprises a shaft coupling connecting a drive shaft with a driven shaft, preferably in the environment of heavy machinery. The pin lock basically consists of an elongated shaft including means at one end for coupling the shaft to drive means and including receptacle means at another end which receives the driven shaft. After the driven shaft is placed into the receptacle, a pin is inserted into holes formed in the receptacle and this pin overlies the driven shaft to prevent radial movement thereof.

Abstract: A universal joint 10 includes an input assembly (12), an output assembly (14) and a housing (16) which is rotatable with the input and output assemblies. A pilot assembly (70) is carried within the housing (16) on the input assembly (12) and output assembly (14) to control the angle formed between the input assembly (12) and the output assembly (14).

Abstract: A dual-member pipe joint having an outer member and an inner member which is disposed coaxially within the outer member. Both the outer member and the inner member have a pin end and a box end. The pin end of the outer member is threadable to the box end of another outer member. The pin end of the inner member is geometrically shaped. The box end of the inner member forms a recess which conforms to the geometric shape of the pin end of the inner member. The box end of the inner member nonthreadably receives the pin end of another inner member in “slip-fit” connection. “Slip-fit” means the pin end of the inner member slides into the box end of a like inner member and forms a connection that is capable of transmitting torque. The advantage of this dual-member pipe joint is that both the inner and outer members of a pipe joint may be connected to a drill string in a single action with just one connection.