For Coupling Having Torque Transmitted Via Intermeshing Teeth Patents (Class 464/16)
  • Patent number: 10914338
    Abstract: A structure capable of preventing improper wheel alignment even when, for example, an accident such as a collision accident, steered wheels riding on a curb, or the like occurs is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Moriyama, Masaki Takahashi, Shoji Kido
  • Patent number: 10837478
    Abstract: A protector for a coupler for connecting a drive shaft of an implement to a tractor power take-off (PTO) comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft may include a plurality of splines formed around a circumference of the shaft which extend longitudinally along the shaft from the distal end toward the proximal end. The splines may be arranged for meshing engagement with internal splines within a bore of the coupler. A grease zerk fitting may be disposed at the proximal end of the shaft through which grease can be extruded. A channel may extend through the shaft from the proximal end toward the distal end that is in fluid communication with the grease zerk fitting. A plurality of exit ports may be disposed around the circumference of the shaft at one or more positions along the length of the shaft, which are in fluid communication with the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: CK Industries, LLC
    Inventor: J. C. Pace, III
  • Patent number: 10830282
    Abstract: In a sliding shaft, an outer circumferential surface of a male shaft is coated with a resin coating layer formed by a fluidized bed powder coating method using a powder coating material containing a base resin and at least either a carbon black or a metal oxide as an antistatic agent. A steering device includes this sliding shaft as an intermediate shaft transmitting steering force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazunori Miyake
  • Patent number: 10767705
    Abstract: In a power transmission shaft including a rear-side shaft having a male spline joint portion formed on the outer periphery of a front end of the rear-side shaft and a tubular front-side shaft having a female spline joint portion formed on the inner periphery of a rear end of the tubular front-side shaft, a seal ring is housed in a seal housing groove configured at the rear end of the tubular front-side shaft. The seal ring is interposed between an outer peripheral seal surface of the rear-side shaft and an inner peripheral surface of the seal housing groove with a compressive deformation. Additionally, the seal ring is sandwiched and retained between the inside wall surface of the seal housing groove and the inside end face of a disk-shaped retainer part of a retainer press-fitted to the rear end of the tubular front-side shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS KYUSHU, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi Akita, Hiromichi Komai
  • Patent number: 10751775
    Abstract: A device for transmitting a torque from a drive device (200) onto a roller in a roll stand. In order to make the device independent from the continuous external supply of lubricant, the lubricant spaces in the two pivot bearings are connected to one another in a fluidically conductive manner by way of a feed channel and a return channel for the lubricant in the region of the spindle such that a closed circuit for the lubricant is formed, and that the least one pump device is integrated in the circuit in order to maintain the circulation of the lubricant in the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: SMS group GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Merz, Kurt Scheffe
  • Patent number: 10655725
    Abstract: A lubricating apparatus includes a lubricating oil supplying member disposed to face a tip surface of an input shaft. An axial oil passage and a radial oil passage are formed inside the input shaft and allow an outer circumferential surface of the input shaft having outer spline teeth and the tip surface to communicate with each other. A first supplied oil passage and a second supplied oil passage are formed inside the lubricating oil supplying member, a lubricating oil supplied to the axial oil passage flowing through the first supplied oil passage and the second supplied oil passage. The first supplied oil passage is provided with an inflow port, the lubricating oil flowing into the first supplied oil passage through the inflow port. The inflow port is open to an outer circumferential surface of the lubricating oil supplying member in a radial direction of the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Osamu Kodama, Takuma Nishimura, Kyousuke Moriguchi
  • Patent number: 10451118
    Abstract: Sealing arrangement for length compensation of an articulated shaft, where the sealing arrangement has a first shaft element which has a seat section, and a sealing sleeve with a fastening section. A circumferential groove is arranged on the seat section for fixing the sealing sleeve on the first shaft element. The sealing sleeve engages into the circumferential groove. The sealing sleeve, by way of the fastening section, is axially pushed onto the seat section in the direction of a longitudinal axis. The fastening section has at least one latching projection which projects radially inward and which engages in a latching manner into the circumferential groove when the sealing sleeve is in the fully pushed-on state. The seat section has a circumferential sealing face against which the fastening section of the sealing sleeve bears in an elastically tensioned manner in the fully pushed-on state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Spicer Gelenkwellenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Mirana Krischak
  • Patent number: 9951806
    Abstract: A telescopic shaft includes a male shaft having an outer circumference formed with a plurality of protruding teeth, and a female shaft having an inner circumference formed with a plurality of tooth grooves and fitted onto the male shaft. The protruding teeth and the tooth grooves are engaged such that the male shaft and the female shaft are relatively axially slidable and a rotational torque is transmittable between the male shaft and the female shaft. At least one of the male shaft and the female shaft is configured such that the radial rigidity of a portion of the at least one of the male shaft and the female shaft in an axial range of a region where the protruding teeth and the tooth grooves are engaged is lower than the radial rigidity of another portion of the at least one of the male shaft and the female shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 9885390
    Abstract: In a sliding shaft, an outer circumferential surface of a male shaft is coated with a resin coating layer formed by a fluidized bed powder coating method by using a powder coating material containing a base resin and an aliphatic compound. A steering device includes this sliding shaft as an intermediate shaft transmitting steering force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoya Nishida
  • Patent number: 9010215
    Abstract: The invention relates to a telescopable steering spindle having an inner spindle and an outer spindle, which are arranged coaxially in relation to one another and have an out-of-round cross section for torque transmission, wherein an intermediate space is provided between the outer spindle and the inner spindle, a sliding sleeve being arranged in the said intermediate space, wherein the sliding sleeve is provided with a surface structuring on at least one surface facing the inner spindle or the outer spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta AG
    Inventor: Andreas Rietzler
  • Publication number: 20150072794
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rolling mill drive (1) having an axially displaceable toothed articulated spindle (3) extending between a toothed articulated element (50 arranged between an interlocking chamber (20) on the roller side and a toothed articulated element (52) arranged in an interlocking chamber (40) on the transmission side, wherein at least one of the interlocking chambers (20, 40) is filled with a lubricating medium, wherein the lubricating medium biases the toothed articulated spindle (3) with an axial force (Fws) directed towards the roll side (WS).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: SMS SIEMAG AG
    Inventors: Ruediger Grimmel, Klaus Lazzaro
  • Publication number: 20140274420
    Abstract: A gearbox assembly for use in a gas turbine engine includes a gearbox housing and first and second shafts. The first shaft is rotatably mounted in the gearbox housing. The first shaft has a first set of splines and defines a central cavity. The second shaft has a second set of splines engaged with the first set of splines. A scupper is positioned on an inner surface of the gearbox housing proximate the first shaft so as to direct liquid from the scupper through the central cavity of the first shaft to the first and second sets of splines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael R. Blewett, Keith E. Short
  • Patent number: 8714806
    Abstract: An input shaft of a sealed kneading apparatus and an output shaft of a drive apparatus can be coupled together in a mutually eccentric state of both shafts and the apparatus life is prolonged. A coupling apparatus 6 for coupling between an input shaft 16 of a batch type kneading apparatus 1 and an output shaft 19 of a drive apparatus 2 for driving the kneading apparatus 1, the coupling apparatus 6 comprising a gear coupling section 5, the gear coupling section 5 being capable of coupling the input shaft 16 of the batch type kneading apparatus 1 and the output shaft 19 of the drive apparatus 2 with each other in a mutually eccentric state of both shafts, gears 24 meshing with other so as to slide relatively in the face width direction with rotation of the gear coupling section 5, and an oil bath type lubricating section 46 for lubricating the gears 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Naoi, Toshio Ujihara, Katsunobu Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 8678937
    Abstract: A shaft coupling is disclosed herein. The shaft coupling includes a tubular portion extending along a central axis. The tubular portion has a maximum inner diameter. The shaft coupling also includes a first set of internal splines positioned in the tubular portion. The shaft coupling also includes a dam rising above the maximum inner diameter in the tubular portion. The dam is spaced from the first set of internal splines along the central axis. The shaft coupling also includes at least one aperture for receiving lubricant for the first set of internal splines. The at least one aperture extends through the tubular portion along an aperture axis transverse to the central axis. A cross-sectional area of the at least one aperture decreases along at least part of the aperture axis. In another feature, the shaft coupling can include a passageway extending through the dam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: Ryan Charles Humes
  • Patent number: 8409019
    Abstract: A propeller shaft includes a first shaft having a yoke at one end, a second shaft slidably connected to the other end of the first shaft, and a surface treated member which is arranged at a connecting portion, at which the first shaft and the second shaft are connected to each other, and to which surface treatment for improving slidability of the second shaft with respect to the first shaft is applied. The surface treated member is formed by a substrate which is separate from the first shaft and the second shaft and to which the surface treatment has been applied. The surface treated member is arranged at the connecting portion, at which the first shaft and the second shaft are connected to each other, after the surface treatment is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoki Ogawa, Satoshi Araki, Yukinobu Nishiyama, Yoshinori Satou, Kazunori Aoki
  • Patent number: 8388455
    Abstract: An antifriction bushing is provided for the bearing of a telescopable steering spindle having an inner spindle and an outer spindle which are disposed coaxially with respect to one another and displaceably with respect to one another and for the torque transmission have a cross section differing from circular. Between the outer spindle and the inner spindle, an interspace is provided for receiving the antifriction bushing consisting of a thermoplastic synthetic material or comprising such material. The bushing includes an inner surface and an outer surface, and consists of a mixture comprising the material PEEK and additionally at least one of the materials PTFE at a volume fraction of up to maximally 15% and/or graphite at a volume fraction of up to maximally 15% and/or carbon fibers at a volume fraction of up to maximally 40%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Frank Eltner
  • Patent number: 8337315
    Abstract: A propeller shaft includes a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft has a torque transmission face in which a plurality of fine grooves extending in a first direction (face width direction) is formed. The second spline shaft is coupled to the first spline shaft so as to be movable relative to the first spline shaft in the axial direction of the first spline shaft, and has a torque transmission face in which a plurality of second fine grooves extending in a second direction that crosses the first direction is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Junji Ando, Tomoo Suzuki, Tomoki Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8262484
    Abstract: A telescopic shaft for vehicle steering installed in a vehicle steering shaft. A male shaft and a female shaft are non-rotatably and slidably fitted to each other and an outer peripheral portion of the male shaft and an inner peripheral portion of the female shaft come in contact with each other to transmit a torque during rotation. A grease composition which has an apparent viscosity of 400 to 750 Pa·s (25° C.) at a shear rate of 10 sec?1 as defined in JIS K2220 is enclosed in a gap between the outer peripheral portion of the male shaft and the inner peripheral portion of the female shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Nakatani, Atsushi Yokouchi, Hiroshi Sato, Kazunori Takahashi, Yoshinori Takahashi, legal representative, Seiichi Moriyama
  • Patent number: 8232697
    Abstract: An output shaft and an input shaft are connected with a connection member interposed therebetween, and a motor rotor is provided outside the connection member. Part of oil flowing down from an oil supply opening 11a of a motor housing MH is supplied to a first spline joint section of the input shaft and the connection member through a space and an opening of a bearing flange fixed to the motor housing MH. The oil lubricating the first spline joint section moves along an inner circumferential surface of a hole by a centrifugal force generated by rotation of the connection member, the oil moves in a radial direction along an end face on one end section side of the connection member 40 in one end section of the connection member, and the oil is supplied to a second spline joint section of the output shaft and the connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Teiichirou Chiba, Yukihiko Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 8167727
    Abstract: The coupling apparatus includes a gear shaft, including a sun gear at one shaft end for connecting to a reduction gear box. The sun gear drives a planetary gear train inside the gearbox. The coupling apparatus has outer splines on the gear shaft other end that mesh with inner splines of a ring gear connected to a coupling flange member by bolts and nuts. The flange member transmits high torque from a high speed turbine shaft to the gear shaft through the intermeshed splines. The teeth of the inner and outer splines are kept lubricated from a stationary spray source on the turbine side via an oil catcher mounted on the flange member opposed to the ring gear. The flow of lubricating oil during operation is from the oil catcher, through holes in the flange member, and to the intermeshed splines. Both oil catcher and ring gear are centered by a rim positioned on the flange member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Opra Technologies
    Inventor: Atte Anema
  • Publication number: 20120080258
    Abstract: A spline telescopic shaft includes an inner shaft and a tubular outer shaft fitted slidably in an axial direction, outer splines provided on an outer periphery of the inner shaft, inner splines provided on an inner periphery of the outer shaft, a resin coating provided on at least one of the outer splines and the inner splines, and a lubricant retaining groove formed on the resin coating by using any of a laser, water jet, and compressed air, and extending in a direction crossing the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicants: KOYO MACHINE INDUSTRIES CO., LTD., JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryoichi Tokioka
  • Patent number: 8092314
    Abstract: An open end of a sleeve (spline-fitted to a male yoke) remote from a connecting portion of the male yoke is closed by a first lid member. A through hole is formed axially through the male yoke, and includes a cylindrical first passage portion, and a cylindrical second passage portion which is disposed at that side of the first passage portion close to the first lid member and is smaller in inner diameter than the first passage portion. A second lid member is disposed to close that open end of the through hole remote from the first lid member. Air vent holes are formed through the second lid member to extend in an axial direction, and are disposed so as to partially overlap with a portion of an inner peripheral surface of the first passage portion in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Jtekt Corporation
    Inventor: Koichiro Mizuno
  • Patent number: 8066573
    Abstract: A driveshaft assembly includes a tubular slip member having a first spline member having a plurality of splines formed thereon having a first tolerance and a second spline member having a plurality of spline sections. The plurality of spline sections includes a plurality of splines formed thereon having a second tolerance. The second spline member cooperates with the first spline member. A zone is disposed on the second spline member and has a first profile. The zone is disposed adjacent to at least one of the plurality of spline sections of the second spline member, and the first profile defines a clearance relative to the first spline member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Nelson Wagner, Bradley S. Jones, Eric M. Fischer, Samuel K. Simons
  • Patent number: 7963852
    Abstract: A spline shaft that can suppress occurrence of stick slip by measures other than just simply making the surface roughness smaller. The spline shaft includes a first shaft with an outer-peripheral spline formed, and a second shaft with an inner-peripheral spline, which engages with the outer-peripheral spline peripherally and that is made slidable axially, formed. And, at least either one of the outer-peripheral spline and the inner-peripheral spline includes a substrate whose surface is formed to a predetermined surface roughness, and an amorphous carbon-system hard thin film, which coats and forms the surface of substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Junji Ando, Yoshiaki Senga, Tomoo Suzuki, Kazunori Aoki, Toshiyuki Saito, Hirofumi Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 7954309
    Abstract: An improved modular disc cutterhead connecting drive shaft configuration having a means for laterally centering the shaft between adjacent cutterhead modules thereby equalizing engagement on each end of the shaft with the module connectors. Further durability improvement is realized by a structure to radially center the shaft in the shaft receptacles of each module to maintain uniform loading on the shaft/receptacle interface which improves the durability of the connecting drive shaft end connections. Additional connecting shaft durability is provided by a means to lubricate the drive shaft connector connecting interfaces using lubricant reservoirs disposed within the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Philip J. Ehrhart, Donald L. Osborne
  • Publication number: 20110081975
    Abstract: The coupling apparatus includes a gear shaft, including a sun gear at one shaft end for connecting to a reduction gear box. The sun gear drives a planetary gear train inside the gearbox. The coupling apparatus has outer splines on the gear shaft other end that mesh with inner splines of a ring gear connected to a coupling flange member by bolts and nuts. The flange member transmits high torque from a high speed turbine shaft to the gear shaft through the intermeshed splines. The teeth of the inner and outer splines are kept lubricated from a stationary spray source on the turbine side via an oil catcher mounted on the flange member opposed to the ring gear. The flow of lubricating oil during operation is from the oil catcher, through holes in the flange member, and to the intermeshed splines. Both oil catcher and ring gear are centered by a rim positioned on the flange member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Atte Anema
  • Patent number: 7832189
    Abstract: An improved modular disc cutterhead connecting drive shaft configuration having a means for laterally centering the shaft between adjacent cutterhead modules thereby equalizing engagement on each end of the shaft with the module connectors. Further durability improvement is realized by a structure to radially center the shaft in the shaft receptacles of each module to maintain uniform loading on the shaft/receptacle interface which improves the durability of the connecting drive shaft end connections. Additional connecting shaft durability is provided by a means to lubricate the drive shaft connector connecting interfaces using lubricant reservoirs disposed within the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Philip J. Ehrhart, Donald L. Osborne
  • Patent number: 7801657
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having first and second wheels is provided that includes a differential apparatus adapted to distribute torque between the first and second wheels and a traction controller for controlling operation of the differential apparatus from vehicle launch up to a predetermined vehicle speed. The traction controller is configured to engage the differential apparatus in a first operating state according to at least one vehicle operating parameter indicative of a low traction operating condition and to further control engagement of the differential apparatus in a second vehicle operating state during the low traction operating condition according to a difference between an actual vehicle yaw rate and a predetermined target vehicle yaw rate. The control system also includes a stability controller for controlling engagement of the differential apparatus at or above the predetermined vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Damrongrit Piyabongkarn, Jae Y. Lew, John A. Grogg, Robert J. Kyle
  • Patent number: 7771281
    Abstract: In a conventional gear coupling, since an end cover is attached to a sleeve, lubricant has sometimes leaked out through the joint between the sleeve and the end cover. A gear coupling includes: a pinion having external teeth, and fixed to a first rotary shaft; a sleeve having an opening at each end thereof through at least either one of which the pinion is introduced into the inside thereof and internal teeth meshed with the external teeth of the pinion, and fixed to a second rotary shaft; a first end member having a rotary shaft space through which the first rotary shaft passes, for closing over the sleeve opening through which the first rotary shaft passes; and a second end member for closing off the other opening, wherein the sleeve, the first end member, and the second end member are configured to form a space for retaining the lubricant, the gear coupling has the sleeve and the first end member, or the sleeve and the second end member that are integrally formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Terasawa, Hidenari Akagi, Junichi Shigeura
  • Publication number: 20090312109
    Abstract: Groups of camshafts (6) are connected to camshaft adjusters (1) via adapters. According to prior art, adaptations to the camshaft adjuster (1) are necessary for different mounting conditions and/or different geometries of camshafts (6). Here, an adapter (32) is provided between camshaft (6) and camshaft adjuster (1), which adapter can then be adapted to different geometries of the camshaft (6) and/or mounting positions. By this, the multiplicity of parts can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Jens Schafer, Mike Kohrs
  • Publication number: 20090238029
    Abstract: An input shaft of a sealed kneading apparatus and an output shaft of a drive apparatus can be coupled together in a mutually eccentric state of both shafts and the apparatus life is prolonged. A coupling apparatus 6 for coupling between an input shaft 16 of a batch type kneading apparatus 1 and an output shaft 19 of a drive apparatus 2 for driving the kneading apparatus 1, the coupling apparatus 6 comprising a gear coupling section 5, the gear coupling section 5 being capable of coupling the input shaft 16 of the batch type kneading apparatus 1 and the output shaft 19 of the drive apparatus 2 with each other in a mutually eccentric state of both shafts, gears 24 meshing with other so as to slide relatively in the face width direction with rotation of the gear coupling section 5, and an oil bath type lubricating section 46 for lubricating the gears 24.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Masaki Naoi, Toshio Ujihara, Katsunobu Hagiwara
  • Publication number: 20090159370
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lubricating system for a dual splined hollow shaft. A fluid dam is formed circumferentially within the hollow shaft to control the lubrication of the dual splines. The fluid dam includes a pair of sidewalls extending radially inward from the inner wall of the hollow shaft to a height defined by a top wall. A channel formed through the pair of sidewalls permits the movement of lubricant between splines of the hollow shaft. An egress port extends from the top wall of the dam through the outer wall of the hollow shaft to permit lubricant to exit the hollow shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Brian Scott Maners, David Russell Bockmiller
  • Patent number: 7491127
    Abstract: A torque limiter for use on an aircraft comprises a drive shaft having a toothed outer portion, an output shaft, and a spline having an aperture therethrough for receiving the toothed portion. The spline is configured to rotationally couple the drive shaft to the output shaft and to rotationally disengage from the output shaft when the torque at the drive shaft exceeds a predetermined torque threshold. The spline comprises an outer annular portion and an inner annular portion configured to receive a lubricant. The inner annular portion comprises a plurality of circumferentially-spaced tooth structures and root structures. At least one of the root structures has at least one slot therein for receiving and retaining the lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Brent L. Bristol, Remo N. Neri, Kevin K. Chakkera, David M. Mathis
  • Patent number: 7485044
    Abstract: A shaft assembly comprises an annular hub with a shaft extending therefrom. The hub and the shaft are integrally formed from a single forging, thereby reducing stress concentration locations within the assembly. The hub includes a circumferential wall having a wall thickness. A plurality of teeth protrude from the circumferential wall. Each of the plurality of teeth has a tooth thickness, with the tooth thickness being greater than the wall thickness. Splines are formed on an outer surface of the shaft. Preferably, the splines are induction hardened. A method of manufacturing the shaft assembly includes forging a base member and flow forming the base member into the hub and the shaft to create the shaft assembly. Next, the plurality of teeth are formed within the hub. Finally, the splines are formed on the shaft, and preferably induction hardened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Roger L. Briggs
  • Patent number: 7261636
    Abstract: A drive in an agricultural machinery driveline has a drive housing (1), which forms an interior (18), and is at least partially filled with lubricant. A first shaft (4) is rotatably supported in the drive housing (1) around a longitudinal axis (13) and is guided out of the interior (18). First longitudinal teeth (8) connect, in a rotationally fast way, to a second shaft (9) via a second longitudinal teeth (10) formed to complement the first longitudinal teeth (8). One of the two shafts (4) has a receiving bore (5) arranged coaxially relative to the longitudinal axis (13). The bore (5) has longitudinal teeth (8) which enable insertion of the other shaft (9) by its longitudinal teeth (10). A lubricant guiding mechanism (19, 22, 29) is in the first shaft (4) or in the drive housing (1). In the connected condition of the two shafts (4, 9), the guiding mechanism connects the interior (18) to the receiving bore (5), as well as a valve (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: GKN Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Rauschenbach, Johannes Jacob, Hans-Georg Pötschke
  • Patent number: 7052398
    Abstract: A slip joint includes a structure that prevents a negative pressure situation from occurring within a sealed lubricant chamber during operation thereof. The slip joint includes a male splined member having a plurality of external splines formed thereon that cooperate with a plurality of internal splines formed on a female splined member. The cooperating splines are disposed within a lubricant chamber defined at one end by a seal assembly and at the other end by a pressure regulator assembly. The pressure regulator assembly includes a housing having an open end that faces toward the lubricant chamber. A pressure plate is disposed within the housing of the pressure regulator assembly and is supported for sliding movement relative thereto. A spring urges the pressure plate toward the open end of the housing and the lubricant chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott B. Robb
  • Patent number: 6863613
    Abstract: A slip joint includes first and second shafts that are connected for concurrent rotational movement and for relative axial movement, such as by respective pluralities of axially extending spline. A seal can is secured to the first shaft and extends about a portion of the second shaft. A seal assembly is secured to the second shaft and engages a portion of the seal can. The seal assembly includes first and second seals that are each generally concave in shape. Each of the first and second seals is generally V-shaped in cross section, having a radially innermost end, an intermediate portion, and a radially outermost end, wherein the radially innermost and outermost ends are located closer to one another than the radially intermediate portions. the first and second seals are axially spaced apart from one another so as to define an annular space therebetween that can be filled with a sealing material, such as a waterproof grease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Torque Traction Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert N. Jackson, Jr., Philip A. Eversole
  • Patent number: 6722990
    Abstract: A slip joint includes a structure that prevents a negative pressure situation from occurring within a sealed lubricant chamber during operation thereof. The slip joint includes a male splined member having a plurality of external splines formed thereon that cooperate with a plurality of internal splines formed on a female splined member. The cooperating splines are disposed within a lubricant chamber defined at one end by a seal assembly and at the other end by a pressure regulator assembly that maintains a positive pressure situation within the lubricant chamber during operation thereof (i.e., a situation where the fluid pressure within the lubricant chamber is greater than or equal to than the fluid pressure outside of the lubricant chamber). To accomplish this, the pressure regulator assembly includes a housing having an open end that faces toward the lubricant chamber. A spring urges the pressure compensator assembly toward the lubricant chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Duggan
  • Publication number: 20030045361
    Abstract: A slip joint includes a structure that prevents a negative pressure situation from occurring within a sealed lubricant chamber during operation thereof. The slip joint includes a male splined member having a plurality of external splines formed thereon that cooperate with a plurality of internal splines formed on a female splined member. The cooperating splines are disposed within a lubricant chamber defined at one end by a seal assembly and at the other end by a pressure regulator assembly. The pressure regulator assembly includes a housing having an open end that faces toward the lubricant chamber. A pressure plate is disposed within the housing of the pressure regulator assembly and is supported for sliding movement relative thereto. A spring urges the pressure plate toward the open end of the housing and the lubricant chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Scott B. Robb
  • Patent number: 6196922
    Abstract: The universal joint coupling comprises a housing (20) in which a torque transmitting pair of coupling members is arranged between two axial force transmitting pairs of coupling members (22, 24), each of which includes a spherical cup (22) and a ball segment (24) supported therein. The torque transmitting pair of coupling members (26, 28) has grooves which are arranged in two concentric rows and are defined by gaps in an internal gear ring (26) fitted into the housing (20), or an external toothing (28). They cooperate for torque transmission with counter-acting bodies, the profile of which matches the groove profile. Both the external toothing (28) and the ball segments (24) form part of a hub (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Netzsch Mohnopumpen GmbH
    Inventors: Günther Hantschk, Günter Franz, Bernd Maier
  • Patent number: 6161954
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing powdered or premixed drywall joint compound and water to form a joint compound mixture or slurry includes a portable container rig with a container, pumping components, and mixing components on a dolly. A mixing element rests within the container upon the container bottom, while a mixing element driver assembly that is adapted to rest upon the upper lip portion of the container engages the mixing element and rotates it for mixing purposes while at the same time raising it slightly. The pumping components may include various commercially available valves and pump outlets that facilitate the filling of various tape application tools, and one preferred embodiment includes remote control components featuring automatic pump turnoff. One embodiment includes a multifunction coupling assembly having an upper coupling component and two different lower components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Harold O. DeWall
  • Patent number: 5979207
    Abstract: A rolling mill drive with gear-type joint spindles arranged between driveable rolls and the gear units of the driveable rolls and equipped with a device for circulatory or pressure lubrication of the gear units. Each spindle has a grooved oil supply ring connectable to an oil supply, wherein oil can be supplied through a central duct of the spindle shaft to the gear-type joints, and with a stationary housing surrounding the spindle shaft at a distance and serving for the oil discharge, and with an oil delivery pump connectable on the pressure side to the oil supply rings and interacting with an oil cooler. Each gear-type joint spindle is surrounded by a pipe at a radial distance so as to form an annular oil return duct. The pipe is open at the end facing the gear unit and protrudes into the oil collection housing provided at this location for effecting oil discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: SMS Schloemann-Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Seidl, Helmut Kuhn
  • Patent number: 5960757
    Abstract: A shoe housing 3 is connected to and rotatable together with an input shaft. A vane rotor 9 is connected to an output shaft and accommodated in shoe housing 3 so as to cause a rotation within a predetermined angle with respect to shoe housing 3. Vane rotor 9 and shoe housing 3 cooperatively define hydraulic chambers 10, 11, 12 and 13 whose volumes are variable in accordance with a rotational position of vane rotor 9 with respect to shoe housing 3. A locking member 7 is accommodated in vane rotor 9 and shiftable in a direction parallel to a rotational axis common to shoe housing 3 and vane rotor 9. And, an engaging bore 20, formed on a front plate 4 secured to shoe housing 3, receives locking member 7 through a tapered surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayasu Ushida
  • Patent number: 5716276
    Abstract: A vehicular driveshaft assembly includes a first universal joint connected to an aluminum yoke shaft having an externally splined hollow body. A first open end of an aluminum sleeve receives the splined body of the yoke shaft. Internal splines of the sleeve cooperate with the external splines of the yoke shaft body to permit axial slip between the sleeve and the yoke shaft. A second end of the sleeve is secured to a first end of a driveshaft tube. A second end of the driveshaft tube is secured to a tube yoke. The tube yoke is connected to a second universal joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Matt J. Mangas, Eric M. Fischer
  • Patent number: 5687612
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus for use in a transportation vehicle includes a motor shaft of a vehicle-driving motor, an input shaft operatively connecting with the motor shaft, output shafts provided in parallel with the input shaft to be connected with driven wheels of the vehicle, and a transmitting mechanism for transmitting driving power from the input shaft to the output shafts. The opposite end portions of the motor shaft are supported by a pair of motor shaft bearings, and one of the motor shaft end portions supports one of the opposite end portions of the input shaft in such a manner that the motor shaft can transmit driving power from the vehicle-driving motor to the input shaft. The other end portion of the input shaft is supported by another bearing, and the transmitting gearing is disposed adjacent to the other end portion of the input shaft remotely from the section where the one end portion of the input shaft is supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiro Imamura
  • Patent number: 5679076
    Abstract: A flexible gear coupling which stirs the enclosed lubricant to extend the life of the lubricant. A stirring device is made of elastic material and has a first part which is fixed either to a sleeve or a pinion and a movable part which is moved by centrifugal force. The movable portion moves in the inner peripheral direction of the sleeve when the rotary shaft moves the gears. The movable portion is positioned within the enclosed lubricant. When the speed of the rotary shaft changes, the movable portion changes position and also moves the lubricant so as to gradually mix the lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Junichi Shigeura
  • Patent number: 5655968
    Abstract: A slip joint for a driveshaft having first and second universal joint yokes includes a first shaft extending rearwardly of the first yoke and rotatable therewith and a second shaft extending rearwardly of the second universal joint yoke and rotatable therewith. The shafts have external and internal splines to enable slidable but nonrotatable movement between the shafts. A sleeve extends rearwardly from the first yoke around the first shaft and a portion of the second shaft. The second shaft has two seals extending therearound and engagable with the interior surface of the sleeve. The first shaft has a bore extending completely therethrough and communicating with passages at both ends of the shaft. A lubricant is applied to the splines prior to assembly and a vent opening is plugged with the yokes in the middle position after assembly. The slip joint is completely maintenance free, never needing lubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Robert A. Burton
  • Patent number: 5647597
    Abstract: A rotating machine has a splined primary shaft rotatably mounted in an opening of an oil-filled housing and a primary seal carried by the housing for sealing with a mating secondary splined shaft upon insertion of the secondary shaft into the housing opening for mating with the primary shaft. A retractable member is carried by the primary shaft for sealing with the primary seal to maintain the oil within the housing prior to the insertion of the secondary shaft and prevent the flow of oil to the spline. Upon insertion of the secondary shaft through the housing opening, the secondary shaft seals with the primary seal to prevent leakage from the housing. Furthermore, the secondary shaft forcibly retracts the retractable member away from the primary seal and establishes a flow path around the retractable member to the secondary shaft so that oil flows to the mating splines of the shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Edwin Thomas Grochowski
  • Patent number: 5605337
    Abstract: A rotating machine has a splined primary shaft rotatably mounted in an opening of an oil-filled housing and a primary seal carried by the housing for sealingly engaging with a mating splined secondary shaft upon insertion of the secondary shaft into the housing opening for engagement with the splined primary shaft. An annular seal is also carried by the housing and has a flexible sealing lip for sealing engagement with the primary shaft to maintain oil within the housing. The annular seal has an abutment lever which extends toward the opening to be engaged by the splined secondary shaft upon insertion of the secondary shaft through the housing opening to forcibly pivot the flexible sealing lip of the annular seal away from sealing engagement with the primary shaft and thereby permit oil to flow to lubricate the splines between the primary and secondary shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Bhapinder Puri
  • Patent number: 5366399
    Abstract: A marine stern drive has an engine output coupler driven to rotate about an axis with a hub that has an axial opening. The forward end of the axial opening is splined and the rearward end is non-splined. The axial opening receives an output driveshaft. The forward end of the driveshaft is splined and engages the splined section of the axial opening so that the engine coupler can rotatably drive the driveshaft. An O-ring seal is provided between the driveshaft and the axial opening in the non-splined section of the axial opening towards the rearward end of the axial opening. An end plug is provided in the forward end of the axial opening for plugging the forward end of the axial opening. A grease passage is provided through the engine coupler to allow grease to be introduced between the seal and the end plug and lubricate the splines. The space between the end plug and the drive plug acts as a grease reservoir. A hole is provided through the end plug to relieve grease pressure and reduce hydraulic lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Reid, Edward C. Eick