Abstract: A coupling spring element is provided for which assembly without access and with no play, and a torsion-proof transmission of shaft revolutions is possible and has superior spring elastic properties to which, a plate-shaped element is provided with an essentially central connection region for connection to one shaft and a connection region formed at the outer circumferential region for connection to one additional shaft, and has slot-like recesses between the two connection regions.

Abstract: An energy absorbing type intermediate shaft structure to be incorporated into a steering device of an automobile for transmitting a steering force of a steering wheel to a steering gear, has a shaft inserted in a tube. The shaft has a small cross-sectional area portion and a pressing portion. A cover tube is present around the small cross-sectional area portion. The location at which the pressing portion is formed is regulated so that with the pressing portion bearing against the cover tube, one end edge of the cover tube may lie around the small cross-sectional area portion. A distance .alpha. between the pressing portion and the cover tube, a distance .beta. between the cover tube and the tube, and a distance .gamma. between the shaft and a member associated with a yoke in the steering device are set to satisfy the condition .alpha.+.beta.<.gamma..

Abstract: A vented slip joint assembly includes a first shaft with a first end having an externally splined portion. A second internally splined shaft is drivably connected at a first end to the first shaft. A seal sealingly engages the first shaft and the first end of the second shaft. A vent is provided in the first shaft to provide fluid communication to the second end of the first shaft.

Abstract: A shaft coupling including a socket in an end of a first shaft element and a plunger on an end of a second shaft element. The plunger is divided by a longitudinal slot in the second shaft element into a pair of laterally flexible cantilever springs each having a pair of converging planar sides. Each of the converging planar sides of the cantilever springs has a transverse convex lobe at a distal end thereof and a concave recess inboard of the transverse convex lobe. The socket has a plurality of planar sides which define wedge-shaped corners facing the cantilever springs when the plunger is in the socket. The cantilever springs bias the transverse convex lobes thereon toward the wedge-shaped corners of the socket to rotatably couple the first and second shaft elements with zero dimensional tolerance therebetween. A flat shim in the longitudinal slot in the second shaft element limits additional flexure of the cantilever springs during torque transfer.

Abstract: A lubrication structure for a transfer mechanism distributing a driving force received from a transmission gear to two output shafts and outputting the driving force therefrom, wherein the lubrication structure comprises a slide tube section for a sliding yoke provided in a propeller shaft, the slide tube section externally mounted on a shaft section of the output shaft in a state where it can move in the axial direction but cannot relatively rotate; a lubricating oil hole provided in an extended section of a transfer case covering the slide shaft section; a lubricating oil groove provided in an internal surface of the extended section and communicating with the lubricating oil hole, the lubricating oil groove oriented in the axial direction of the extended section; a seal mechanism sealing between the slide tube section on the internal surface of the extended section at the outer end thereof; and a bushing provided between the extended section and the slide tube section so that the bushing covers the lubrica

Abstract: A sealing device for a driveline slip yoke includes a flexible diaphragm and a generally rigid cap that cooperate to provide a fluid-tight seal across one end of the slip yoke. The diaphragm and the cap have outer peripheral edges that are preferably received within a groove on the slip yoke such that the cap maintains the diaphragm in proper sealing engagement with the slip yoke. The flexible diaphragm flexes and extends inwardly and outwardly of the slip yoke in response to varying pressures within the slip yoke caused by the relative axial movement of a splined shaft within the yoke. The cap not only maintains the diaphragm in proper sealing engagement with the slip yoke, but also limits the outward flexing of the diaphragm responsive to the pressure within the slip yoke. A slip yoke sealing device designed according to this invention is especially useful in applications that require that lubricant be maintained within the slip yoke over extensive periods during extensive use.

Abstract: A flexible plate assembly which transmits torque from a crankshaft in an engine to a flywheel while absorbing bending vibration, and includes a first flexible plate, a second flexible plate, and a friction plate. An inner portion of the first flexible plate is fixed to a distal end of the crankshaft, and an outer portion of the first flexible plate is connected to a flywheel. The friction plate is disposed between the first and second flexible plates. The friction plate and the second flexible plate are connected to a mid-portion of the first flexible plate between the crankshaft and the flywheel.

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.

Abstract: The invention concerns a shaft-hub joint between two equiaxial machine parts for transmission of high torques in a power train--a first machine part on the power input end and a second machine part of the power output end. The machine parts are joined to each other in a fashion movable relative to each other but rotationally fixed, and a positive-locking overload relief mechanism is provided between the machine parts, the individual locking elements of which are prestressed in the sense of locking. The overload relief mechanism locks the two machine parts against axial thrust up to a specific adjustable limit value whereby the positive locking will be eliminated when the limit value is exceeded. The interlocking elements comprise bolts with a head surface beveled in wedge fashion.

Abstract: A shaft coupling between telescopically overlapped ends of a first shaft and a second shaft including a plurality of inside linear grooves in the first shaft, a plurality of outside linear grooves in the second shaft cooperating with the inside linear grooves in defining a plurality of linear cylindrical passages between the first and the second shafts, and an elastomeric bearing in each of the linear cylindrical passages consisting of a pair of barrel-shaped lugs at opposite ends of an integral beam spring. The barrel-shaped lugs couple together the first and the second shafts for unitary rotation about and for relative linear translation in the direction of a longitudinal centerline of the shaft coupling. The inside and outside grooves bear tangentially against the barrel-shaped lugs. The beam springs maintain substantially zero angular lash between the first and the second shafts by resiliently tipping the barrel-shaped lugs endwise in the linear cylindrical passages.

Abstract: A driving shaft having splined male and female shafts. The spline tooth pattern of the male shaft seen in a cross-section comprises an inclined portion substantially similar to those of a symmetrical spline tooth pattern of a conventional male shaft, and an outwardly convex and gently curved portion starting from the outer end of the inclined portion and terminating in a smaller diameter portion at the bottom of the tooth pattern. The radius of the smaller diameter portion and the tooth width at the bottom of the tooth pattern are larger than those in the symmetrical spline tooth pattern of the conventional male shaft, thereby obtaining an improved driving shaft to transmit greater rotating torque. The spline sliding portion of the female shaft is formed from a hollow tube by press-forming in a manner that the outer diameter of the press-formed portion is larger than that of a hollow blank tube, thereby increasing the torque transmission diameter to reduce surface pressure resulting in prolonged service life.

Abstract: A flywheel assembly comprises a first flywheel connectable to an engine, a second flywheel, and an inter-flywheel viscous damping mechanism, providing viscous damping through a fluid of flywheel torsional vibrations. The second flywheel is rotatably supported on the first flywheel and has a friction facing on which a friction material presses. The second flywheel includes an annular capturing channel provided radially inward of the friction facing for capturing fluid from leakage driven on the friction facing side by centrifugal force, and a plurality of through-holes, extending from the capturing channel to a space between the flywheels, for guiding fluid captured by the capturing channel to the space.

Abstract: The invention concerns a shaft-hub joint between two equiaxial machine parts for transmission of high torques in a power train--a first machine part on the power input end and a second machine part of the power output end. The machine parts are joined to each other in a fashion movable relative to each other but rotationally fixed, and a positive-locking overload relief mechanism is provided between the machine parts, the individual locking elements of which are prestressed in the sense of locking. The overload relief mechanism locks the two machine parts against axial thrust up to a specific adjustable limit value whereby the positive locking will be eliminated when the limit value is exceeded. The interlocking elements comprise bolts with a head surface beveled in wedge fashion.

Abstract: To locate a bearing axially and concentrically on a shaft, a resiliently compressible assembly is slid along the shaft until its leading edge is restrained (e.g. by contacting a yoke at the end of the shaft), the bearing is slid along the shaft until it abuts the assembly, and a sleeve is slid along the shaft to abut the bearing. Further movement of the sleeve compresses assembly, whereupon three internally sprung fingers of the sleeve snap into corresponding detents in the shaft. Releasing the sleeve permits the assembly to exert a contrary force whereupon the finger ends engage the ends of the detents and provide axial location of the bearing. Internal cone surfaces of the bearing contact a split cone of assembly and an external cone surface of sleeve. The shaft may be part of a vehicle steering column with reach and rake adjustment.

Abstract: A slip yoke assembly for a vehicle drive train assembly includes a yoke shaft having a shaft portion with a plurality of external splines formed thereon. A hollow transition member having a plurality of internal splines is connected to the yoke shaft for rotational driving movement, yet is permitted to move axially relative thereto. A hollow weld ring is secured to the yoke shaft for rotational movement therewith. The weld ring extends co-axially about the splined connection between the transition member and the shaft portion of the yoke shaft and provides an exterior surface to which one or more balance weights may be secured. The weld ting also provides an annular space to retain a quantity of lubricant for the splined connection. A flexible convoluted boot is provided to seal the splined connection between the transition member and the shaft portion of the yoke shaft. A first end of the boot is secured to the weld ring, while a second end of the boot is secured to the transition member.

Abstract: A slip yoke assembly for a vehicle drive train assembly includes a yoke shaft having a shaft portion with a plurality of external splines formed thereon. A hollow transition member having a plurality of internal splines is connected to the yoke shaft for rotational driving movement, yet is permitted to move axially relative thereto. A hollow weld ring is secured to the yoke shaft for rotational movement therewith. The weld ring extends co-axially about the splined connection between the transition member and the shaft portion of the yoke shaft and provides an exterior surface to which one or more balance weights may be secured. The weld ring also provides an annular space to retain a quantity of lubricant for the splined connection. A flexible convoluted boot is provided to seal the splined connection between the transition member and the shaft portion of the yoke shaft. A first end of the boot is secured to the weld ring, while a second end of the boot is secured to the transition member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable length rotary drive coupling comprising a first rotary shaft provided with at least one tooth and a second rotary shaft provided with a plurality of abutment surfaces spaced apart along the length thereof associated with each the tooth. One of the rotary shafts is a drive shaft, with the other shaft being a driven shaft. Each tooth is selectively engageable with any of its associated abutment surfaces, to enable the length of the rotary drive coupling to be adjusted.

Abstract: In order to obtain sufficient energy absorbing capacity and, at the same time, to reduce the number of components and simplify assembly, synthetic resin is disposed between a shaft and a tube. The synthetic resin is torn and broken when strong compressive force in the axial direction is given at the time of a car crash, allowing the shaft to be pushed deeply into the tube until it contacts a pin. In this state, the contact position between one end of the tube and a cover tube substantially coincides with a small-cross-section portion formed in an intermediate part of the shaft. As a result, the shaft can bend at the small-cross-section portion.

Abstract: A rotor assembly in which the front and back ends of the rotor are coupled by a shaft assembly extending therethrough. Preferably, the shaft assembly includes a slip joint, such that the shaft is able to accommodate for thermal expansion of the assembly, while maintaining a torsional and bending moment coupling between the front and back ends of the rotor. The rotor assembly is particularly advantageous for use in superchargers having large acceleration and pressure increase requirements, such as superchargers utilized in drag racing. However, the rotor assembly may also be utilized in other devices such as blowers, compressors, or vacuum pumps which may have large acceleration requirements.

Abstract: A plug closes the end bore of a slip yoke. A plurality of teeth are cast into a counterbore formed at an end of the slip yoke. The rigid plug snaps behind the teeth to be retained within the counterbore. The teeth are circumferentially spaced and may be formed when the slip yoke is cast. The rigid plug has an edge that extends radially outwardly to engage an inner peripheral surface of the counterbore and retain the plug. The teeth prevent movement of the plug outwardly of the bore.

Abstract: An intermediate steering shaft for a motor vehicle steering system including a tabular outer shaft, a tubular center shaft slidably telescoped in the outer shaft, and a solid inner shaft slidably telescoped in the center shaft and all coupled for unitary rotation by respective pairs of flat sides on each. Each of the flat sides of the tubular center shaft is interrupted by a pair of outward facing shallow grooves always concealed in the overlap between the tubular outer and center shafts. One of the flat sides in the tubular center shaft is further interrupted by an exposed shallow groove located near a distal end of the outer shaft in an extended or normal position of the tubular center shaft.

Abstract: A length adjusting mechanism for a driveshaft has two tubular profiles, an outer profile (6) and an inner profile (7). The outer profile (6) includes two circumferentially offset drawn in wedges (8) which project inwardly beyond the inner face of the otherwise circular cross-section of the outer profile (6). The wedges (8) engage grooves (11) of an inner profile (7). The grooves (11) are also drawn in. In this way it is possible to produce a pair of profiles which are suitable to transmit high torques and which, furthermore, do not include any parts which project in a radially outward direction.

Abstract: A combined seal and boot assembly for protectively covering a telescoping connection between two shaft members in a steering shaft assembly includes a cylindrical body portion, a flexible boot portion, and a pair of sealing lips. The body portion is frictionally mounted on the end of the female splined steering shaft member. The flexible boot portion is formed from a plurality of alternating inwardly and outwardly extending corrugations. The sealing lips extend inwardly into resilient engagement with the splines formed on male splined steering shaft member. The metallic band is provided to maintain the resilient engagement with the splines formed on male splined steering shaft member. The sealing lips are urged into engagement with a higher friction portion of the male splined steering shaft member during normal use, wherein only a small amount of relative axial movement occurs between the male and female splined steering shaft members.

Abstract: A flywheel assembly comprises a first flywheel connectable to an engine, a second flywheel, and an inter-flywheel viscous damping mechanism, providing viscous damping through a fluid of flywheel torsional vibrations. The second flywheel is rotatably supported on the first flywheel and has a friction facing on which a friction material presses. The second flywheel includes an annular capturing channel provided radially inward of the friction facing for capturing fluid from leakage driven on the friction facing side by centrifugal force, and a plurality of through-holes, extending from the capturing channel to a space between the flywheels, for guiding fluid captured by the capturing channel to the space.

Abstract: A steering shaft coupling comprising: an outer tubular shaft member, a coaxial inner shaft member slidably inserted within the outer tubular shaft member, the outer tubular shaft member having an inner peripheral wall and the inner shaft member having an outer peripheral wall, the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral wall having complementary shapes, the complementary shapes transmitting torque between the shaft members, and a biasing member between the inner shaft member and the outer tubular shaft member, the biasing member causing a force opposing the transmitted torque.

Abstract: A shaft assembly (10) has a first shaft (14) which extends along an axis (20) and a second shaft (16) which extends along the axis (20). The second shaft (16) extends into a hollow interior of the first shaft (14). The first and second shafts (14, 16) are axially movable relative to each other. A bushing (12) is located between the first and second shafts (14, 16) for allowing generally free axial movement between said first and second shafts (14, 16), and transmitting torque between the first and second shafts (14, 16). The bushing has flange segments (64) and tangs (66) for preventing axial movement of the bushing (12) relative to the first shaft (14). The bushing (12) also has wedge-shaped side portions (40) located in wedge-shaped gaps (138) defined by the first and second shafts (14, 16). The wedge-shaped side portions (40) are slidable under the influence of springs (38) radially along the gaps (138) to take up wear and to prevent lash between the first and second shafts (14, 16).

Abstract: A drive unit with an electric motor (2) for operating a plurality of adjusting devices and axially displaceable coupling elements, in particular for two adjusting devices for a vehicle seat. An electric motor (2) has a motor shaft (20) consisting of a hollow shaft (21) and an axially displaceable interior shaft (22) received therein in a manner fixed against relative rotation which can be connected on both sides, which can be selectively connected in a manner fixed against relative rotation with associated coupling elements (41, 42) of the adjusting devices by coupling elements (23', 24') on the motor side.

Abstract: A variable length shaft assembly suitable for motor vehicle steering systems including a tubular outer shaft of non-circular cross section and a solid inner shaft of corresponding non-circular cross section telescoped inside of the outer shaft. A U-shaped metal spring is disposed over the solid shaft adjacent an outboard end of the tubular shaft with opposite legs of the spring in sliding engagement on corresponding flat sides of the solid shaft. A monolithic plastic sleeve is in situ molded on the tubular shaft and includes an integral lip closely surrounding the solid shaft. The integral lip captures the relative angular positions of the shafts about a longitudinal centerline of the assembly, i.e. delashes the shafts, defines a slide bearing between the shafts, and rigidly encases the spring. The surfaces of the legs of the spring which bear against the solid shaft are exposed after the sleeve is in situ molded and define wear plates on the integral plastic lip which protect the lip against abrasion.

Abstract: A steering shaft wherein energy absorbers are formed by filling a synthetic resin between the shaft and an outer sleeve. This steering shaft comprises a plastic metal pipe including, in a region remote from the steering wheel, a flat portion for connection to the outer sleeve, and a plurality of annular grooves to be filled with the synthetic resin. In a region adjacent the steering wheel, the plastic metal pipe includes an upper bearing mount, a screw for engaging a bearing retaining nut, a serrated shaft for engaging the steering wheel, and a screw for engaging a retainer nut, all defined as integral parts of the plastic metal pipe and arranged in the stated order toward an extreme end of the pipe. This steering shaft is lightweight, and may be manufactured in a reduced shaping time and at low cost.

Abstract: A bearing liner comprises an elongated resilient non-metallic unitary structure having a plurality of generally planar sides for placement between a steering sleeve and correspondingly planar-sided steering shaft. The liner is adapted to receive the steering shaft, and in a preferred form comprises four sides having a square cross-section. Each juxtaposed side is joined together by a flexible web which has a cross-section substantially thinner than the average cross-sections of the sides. Each of the sides includes two arcuate, axially extending integral spring channels which define its edges and which are designed to accommodate torsional lost motion between the steering shaft and sleeve members. In a preferred form, the liner is formed of an injection molded composition of nylon having carbon fibers and polytetraflouroethylene, the carbon fiber imparting strength to the composition, the polytetrafluoroethylene supplying lubricity.

Abstract: A rotary bearing downhole sub has an outer housing adapted to be connected to an upper drill string and to receive therein an inner mandril adapted to be connected to a lower drill string. Both the outer housing and the inner mandril are provided with radially directed splines which, when brought into meshed engagement, allow transmission of rotary motion between the upper and lower drill strings and through the sub.

Abstract: As a torque transmitting member, an annular resilient disc interconnects a crankshaft and an annular flywheel. The crankshaft has an axially extending cylindrical wall in opposed and spaced relationship to an inner peripheral wall of the annular flywheel. For reducing vibrations of annular resilient disc, an elastic annular body has an inner peripheral wall fixed to the crankshaft and an outer peripheral wall opposed to the inner peripheral wall of the flywheel. A heat insulating ring or heat insulating pieces are provided to reduce transmission heat from the flywheel to the elastic annular body. Alternatively, a heat insulating space or spaces may be provided.

Abstract: A lubricating device for a propeller shaft with two tubular plunging profiles (2, 4) inserted into one another. The lubricating device has two formed parts (16, 21) and a connecting hose between the two. The first formed part (16) is arranged towards the inner end (12) of the inner plunging profile (4). The first formed part has a through-bore (17) which ends in apertures (14, 15) opening towards the region of transition between the plunging profiles (2, 4). The first formed part further includes a connecting sleeve (18) with a lubricating channel (19). The second formed part (21) is arranged in the region of the other end of the inner plunging profile (4). It is secured inside the inner plunging profile (4). The second part has a continuous lubricating channel (23) extending through a connecting sleeve (22). A lubricating nipple (24) is threaded into the other end of the lubricating channel (23). The two formed parts are connected by the hose (27) slid over the connecting sleeves (18, 22).

Abstract: An extra short transmission shaft has two telescopically fitted tubular shaft sections (6,7) having diameters (D',D) substantially greater than the basic diameters of coupling forks (8,9) associated with respective ends of the shaft sections. The increased diameters of the shaft sections ensure a greater torque transmitting contact area between meshed teeth formed on such sections, this strengthening the coupling formed thereby and/or permitting the length of the meshed teeth, and thus of the shaft itself, to be reduced to a minimum without unduly affecting the coupling strength. Preferably, each of the coupling forks is integral with the free end of its respective shaft section.

Abstract: A mechanism for the convenient and quick engagement of a power take-off of a farm tractor with a driven implement without the need for the operator to leave the tractor. The device is usable with a three point hitch for an implement and includes a spring loaded engagement shaft so that the power take off engagement is delayed until the implement is securely hitched.

Abstract: A slip joint seal for a driveshaft is between two universal joint yokes. A male splined shaft rotates with a first yoke and a female splined shaft rotates with a second yoke, with the two being mechanically engaged for slidable but nonrotational movement during operation of the driveshaft. A sealing sleeve extends from the first yoke around the male splined shaft and is of a larger diameter than the female splined shaft. The female splined shaft has a single, outwardly-facing, annular seal at its outer end, away from the second yoke, which seal engages the inner surface of the sealing sleeve. The female splined shaft also has a grease fitting for supplying grease to the shafts, with excess grease being capable of passing by the seal, which also acts as a wiper to remove contaminants within the sealing sleeve.

Abstract: An annular propeller shaft (10) for transmitting torque from an automotive ehicle transfer case to the rear axle of the vehicle, the propeller shaft having an internal spline (16) which receives an externally splined portion (18a) of a drive shaft (18) at its torque input end and which is adapted to receive an externally splined portion of a slip yoke of a universal joint at its torque output end. The torque input end and a major portion of the length of the propeller shaft are surrounded by an internally lubricated housing (12), and the drive shaft is rotatingly support with respect to the housing by a ball bearing (20). The propeller shaft is rotatingly sealed with respect to the housing by a seal (32) and is rotatingly supported with respect to the housing by a sealed for life, internally lubricated ball bearing (28) which is positioned outboard of the seal. The outboard ball bearing is protected from contamination from external debris by an annular sheet metal guard housing.

Abstract: A telescoping steering column has a tube and a shaft. The shaft has a slide portion at one end and a midregion adjacent the slide portion. The slide portion and at least a portion of the midregion are received in sliding engagement in the tube. The tube has a crimp which is formed about a portion of the midregion and slidably engages the midregion. Rotational torque is transmitted between the shaft and the tube through the midregion and crimp. Further, the slide portion of the shaft abuts the crimp and is blocked from passing through the crimp. Finally, a slide lock is provided to fix the position of the shaft relative to the tube in a locked position and whereby the shaft slides relative to the tube in an unlocked position.

Abstract: An intermediate shaft comprising a shaft body including an axle portion and a portion having an approximately elliptic shape of cross section, both major and minor axes of the elliptical cross-section portion being longer than a diameter of the axle portion, and a ring-shaped member with a cross-sectional shape analogous to the elliptic cross-section portion. A method for assembling this shaft provides for a vibration damping member intervened between the housing member and elliptic cross-section portion for damping vibrations transmitted from the steering gear box. This method also ensures that the housing and the vibration damping members and the elliptic cross-section portion are fitted into an outer tubular envelope, and the ring-shaped member normally has a gap against the outer tubular envelope and transmits rotational torque from the outer tubular envelope to the elliptic cross-section portion when the ring-shaped member is contacted with the outer tubular envelope.

Abstract: As a torque transmitting member, an annular resilient disc interconnects a crankshaft and an annular flywheel. The crankshaft has an axially extending cylindrical wall in opposed and spaced relationship to an inner peripheral wall of the annular flywheel. For reducing vibrations of annular resilient disc, an elastic annular body has an inner peripheral wall fixed to the crankshaft and an outer peripheral wall opposed to the inner peripheral wall of the flywheel. A heat insulating ring or heat insulating pieces are provided to reduce transmission heat from the flywheel to the elastic annular body. Alternatively, a heat insulating space or spaces may be provided.

Abstract: A resilient coupling with relative rotation limitation. The coupling comprises an annular hub that fits into a concentric annular flywheel while separated from it at least to some extent by a radial interval such that the flywheel can rotate relative to the hub. A spring element of elastomeric material is accommodated between the hub and the flywheel. The hub has a first flange that extends radially outward and the flywheel has a second flange that extends radially inward such that the hub and flywheel respectively reinforce each other while permitting relative rotation. The first flange on the hub has recesses that open toward the flywheel and the second flange on the flywheel has recesses that open toward the hub. The first and second flanges overlap in the region of the recesses with the edges of the recesses forming opposing contact surfaces. The opposing contact surfaces are so delimited in the circumferential direction as to provide separation in at least one direction of the rotation.

Abstract: A slip joint seal for a driveshaft is between two universal joint yokes. A male splined shaft rotates with a first yoke and a female splined shaft rotates with a second yoke, with the two being mechanically engaged for slidable but nonrotational movement during operation of the driveshaft. A sealing sleeve extends from the first yoke around the male splined shaft and is of a larger diameter than the female splined shaft. The female splined shaft has a first outwardly-facing, annular seal at its outer end, away from the second yoke, which seal engages the inner surface of the sealing sleeve. A propeller shaft is affixed to the end of the female splined shaft toward the second yoke and to the second yoke, preferably being of the same diameter as the sleeve. A second annular seal which is the same size and the first one is carried by an end of the male splined shaft beyond the female shaft. The second seal engages the inner surface of the propeller shaft.

Abstract: A telescopic coupling for use in applications such as the steering systems of heavy trucks. The coupling has modes and includes a female member, a male member, and an interposed member which are connected together in a main sliding system operable in a first operating mode in which the male and female members are axially slidable relative to one another and the coupling is rotatable substantially without circumferential play. The female member, the male member, and the interposed member are joined together in a second sliding system operable in a second operating mode in which the male and female members are axially slidable relative to one another and the coupling is rotatable with a limited amount of circumferential play. The secondary sliding system ensures the safety of the main sliding system in the event of wear of the latter by the appearance of circumferential play in the coupling.

Abstract: A resilient connector for a steering shaft connecting a wheel steering system and a steering handle, comprises a flange member connected to a first shaft member extending from the wheel steering system, particularly in such a manner that it can be shifted axially but not rotated with respect to the first shaft member; a yoke member connected through a universal joint to a second shaft member extending from the steering handle; a resilient member arranged between the flange member and the yoke member; a first connecting member for connecting the flange member to the resilient member; and a second connecting member for connecting the yoke member to the resilient member. Vibration from the wheel steering system is prevented from being transmitted to the steering handle by the resilient member, and the resilient member permits an axial movement of the first shaft member during a collision.

Abstract: This steering-wheel shaft, having a cylindrical tubular body (1) with a circular cross-section, has a profiled part (8) forming a lock element. In this part (8), longitudinal grooves (10), having a width which corresponds to that of a locking catch, have a depth at least equal to the thickness of the wall of the initial tube and are separated by solid ribs (12). On the inner face of the element (8), projections define between them V-shaped grooves whose peaks correspond substantially to the mid part of the ribs. Each rib (12) thus has a sufficient resistance to counteract the torque exerted when a theft is attempted. Each groove can receive the catch in a locking position. The shaft has at least two grooves (10).

Abstract: A vehicle steering column which has an adjustable reach coupling in the form of a torsion bushing. The steering column has a first and second part which are slidably mounted one within the other and interconnected by the torsion bushing so as to absorb rotational backlash between the two parts of the steering column while transmitting torque through the two parts. The torsion bushing has first, second, and third zones continuous with one another and arranged so that the first and second zones are connected by the third zone and wherein the first and second zones are twisted relative to each other.

Abstract: A coupler interconnecting a wheel speed transducer with a rotating wheel of an aircraft. A cylindrical housing has a pair of orthogonal passages extending therethrough. One of such passages communicates with a slot within one end of the housing, the slot being adapted to slidingly receive a blade from a drive cap of the wheel. The other of the passages slidingly receives a member having a hub extending therefrom for engagement with the rotatable shaft of the wheel speed transducer. Various types of possible misalignment are accommodated and corrected by the capability of the blade to slide within the slot and of the member to slide within its passage. The coupler substantially eliminates backlash and accommodates high temperature operation.

Abstract: A control device having a push to turn selector arrangement and method of making the same are provided, the control device comprising a support unit, a first selector member threadedly carried by the support unit so as to be rotatable and axially movable relative thereto, a second selector member rotatably carried by the support unit and being axially movable relative thereto, a coupling structure coupling the selector members together to cause the first selector member to rotate in unison with the second selector member when the second selector member is axially pushed inwardly and then rotated, and a spring unit disposed between the selector members to tend to maintain the second selector member axially away from the first selector member, the coupling unit comprising a drive plate rotatably carried by the support unit intermediate the selector members and having parts thereof respectively splined to the selector members to transmit rotatable movement of the second selector member to the first selector memb

Abstract: A longitudinally collapsible shaft assembly particularly for application as a steering shaft in energy absorbing steering columns. The shaft assembly includes a first shaft element having a tube end, a second shaft element having a bar end in the tube end, and a coupling which connects the bar and tube ends for unitary rotation without restraining the shaft elements longitudinally relative to each other. The coupling includes diametrically opposite longitudinal slots in the tube end and two longitudinally spaced pairs of diametrically opposite rollers on the bar end which roll along the side edges of the slots to minimize friction during longitudinal collapse. for transferring torque between the tube and bar ends in one direction, one pair of diametrically opposite rollers engages one pair of diagonally opposite side edges of the longitudinal slots.

Abstract: A method of attaching a stepper motor to a throttle shaft provides constant torque transmission by connecting the shafts coaxially with a coupling that accommodates limited shaft misalignment and movement. In the preferred embodiment, the coupling comprises a fork, parallel to, and attached to, one shaft that receives a pin, perpendicular to, and attached to, the second shaft. The coupling permits the coaxial attachment of the shaft without the necessity of maintaining precise mounting tolerances.