Abstract: A boot includes an annular body that defines a thru-bore with a thru-bore diameter, and a bore axis. The boot further defines an overall axial length, an exterior, a first axial end, a second axial end, and an aperture that radially extends from the thru-bore to the exterior.

Abstract: A clutch system is provided. The clutch system includes an outer unit having a surface defining an aperture in the outer unit; an inner unit disposed in the aperture, wherein a shape of the inner unit matches a shape of the aperture; a low melting point material disposed in the aperture between the inner unit and the surface of the outer unit; a heating element; a temperature sensor; and a processor in electronic communication with the heating element and the temperature sensor. The processor is configured to control the heating element thereby changing the low melting point material between a soft state and a rigid state.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a cylinder head with an exterior wall including a removable camshaft carrier. In one example, a cylinder head includes a camshaft carrier removably couplable to a mount surface of the cylinder head and adapted to form a portion of an exterior wall of the cylinder head while coupled to the mount surface. The camshaft carrier may include a first section removably couplable to the cylinder head and a second section removably couplable to the first section, with the first section and the second section together shaped to receive a camshaft journal.

Abstract: A flexible coupling assembly for a power transmission system includes a first circular disk defining a u-shaped radial cross-section including a first leg and a second leg connected at an inner diameter thereof circumscribing an axial bore of the flexible coupling and disconnected at an outer diameter of the first circular disk configured to connect to a first rotating member interface and a second circular disk defining a u-shaped radial cross-section including a first leg and a second leg connected at an inner diameter thereof circumscribing the axial bore of the flexible coupling and disconnected at an outer diameter of the first circular disk configured to connect to a first rotating member interface.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a drive shaft apparatus comprising a first rotary member and a second rotary member arranged coaxially with said first rotary member. The rotary members are fixedly connected at a first end so that they rotate together. Each rotary member has a set of elements spaced apart around its circumference at a second end. The elements on the first rotary member are spaced apart from the elements on the second rotary member at rest. The first rotary member undergoes torsion when a load is applied during rotation, which causes the first rotary member elements to move closer to the second rotary member elements. The first elements engage the second elements when a torque load less than a yield torque is applied to the first rotary member, which transfers at least a portion of the torque load to the second rotary member.

Abstract: A hollow shaft arrangement may include a hollow shaft, such as a rotor shaft of an electric motor, for example, through which a fluid can pass for cooling purposes. Surface-enlarging cooling structures for transferring thermal energy from the hollow shaft to the fluid may be arranged in an inner space of the hollow shaft. The surface-enlarging cooling structures may be connected to the hollow shaft, but may be part of a cooling body that is formed separately from the hollow shaft. Further, the cooling body may include a sleeve-like main body from which the surface-enlarging cooling structures project radially inwardly, and the sleeve-like main body may include an axial gap that permits a circumference of the main body to be adjustable. In some cases an outer diameter of the cooling body is larger than an inner diameter of the bearing.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a frame and a drive member configured to rotate a rotating part in relation to the frame around an axis of rotation. The rotating part includes a centrifuge rotor enclosing a separation space. The centrifuge rotor is adjoined to a hollow spindle supported by the frame by at least one bearing device. The interior of the hollow spindle is in thermal contact with the at least one bearing device and further includes a thermal transfer medium inlet for supplying a thermal transfer medium to said interior and a thermal transfer medium outlet for withdrawing the thermal transfer medium from the interior; and directing mechanism for directing thermal transfer medium from the thermal transfer medium inlet to the thermal transfer medium outlet in a first direction along the length of the spindle and in a second direction along the length of the spindle. The second direction is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A power transmission coupling that couples an output shaft of an electric motor and a worm shaft together includes a first rotation element coupled to the output shaft, a second rotation element coupled to the worm shaft, and an intermediate element formed of an elastic body and interposed between the first rotation element and the second rotation element. The intermediate element forms a unit integrally including an annular support portion, power transmission portions extending radially from the support portion and interposed between engaging protrusions of the first rotation element and the second rotation element, a spacer arranged inward of the support portion in a radial direction to apply a preload to the worm shaft in an axial direction, and a coupling portion that couples the support portion and the spacer together.

Abstract: A torsional damper with independently rotating inertia masses, wherein an inner inertia ring is located at an inner diameter portion of an outer inertia ring in an internal chamber defined by coupling of a case, so that the inner and outer inertia rings form a dual concentric circle, through which an axial hole is formed to a cover, the inner inertia ring is moved relative to rotation of the case, and then the outer inertia ring is moved relative thereto.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle comprising at least one rotor motor. The rotor motor is powered by a micro hybrid generation system. The micro hybrid generator system comprises a rechargeable battery configured to provide power to the at least one rotor motor, a small engine configured to generate mechanical power, a generator motor coupled to the small engine and configured to generate AC power using the mechanical power generated by the small engine, a bridge rectifier configured to convert the AC power generated by the generator motor to DC power and provide the DC power to either or both the rechargeable battery and the at least one rotor motor, and an electronic control unit configured to control a throttle of the small engine based, at least in part, on a power demand of at least one load, the at least one load including the at least one rotor motor.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle comprising at least one rotor motor. The rotor motor is powered by a micro hybrid generation system. The micro hybrid generator system comprises a rechargeable battery configured to provide power to the at least one rotor motor, a small engine configured to generate mechanical power, a generator motor coupled to the small engine and configured to generate AC power using the mechanical power generated by the small engine, a bridge rectifier configured to convert the AC power generated by the generator motor to DC power and provide the DC power to either or both the rechargeable battery and the at least one rotor motor, and an electronic control unit configured to control a throttle of the small engine based, at least in part, on a power demand of at least one load, the at least one load including the at least one rotor motor.

Abstract: A drive system for an apparatus separating hot particles being received by a moving surface includes a drive shaft for driving the moving surface receiving the hot particles, a drive unit for rotating the drive shaft, and a flexible coupling arranged between the drive shaft and the drive unit. The flexible coupling includes thin portions defining a portion of a heat transfer path from the drive shaft to the drive unit. The thin portions have large surface area to volume ratios for extending the heat transfer path. The thin portions dissipate heat when the flexible coupling is driven by the drive unit. A method for dissipating heat from a drive system for an apparatus for separating hot particles includes providing a flexible coupling and dissipating heat from the flexible coupling.

Abstract: A sectional driveshaft arrangement of a corn head comprises a first row unit that is driven by a first driveshaft. The first row unit in turn drives a second driveshaft that drives a second row unit.

Abstract: An intermediate shaft of a vehicle steering apparatus can prevent foreign matter, for example, moisture, dust or oil, from being introduced into the intermediate shaft even from a process of transporting the intermediate shaft to assemble it to a vehicle, and even when the intermediate shaft is assembled to the vehicle and the vehicle is driven. As a result, it is possible to prevent a component of the intermediate shaft from being deformed or damaged.

Abstract: A shaft assembly includes a first shaft. The first shaft has a first annular crest and a second annular crest. The first annular crest and the second annular crest are separated by an inclined surface. The second annular crest includes an axially extending surface attached to an end of the inclined surface. A boot is secured to the shaft. The boot includes a channel and a diaphragm portion disposed adjacent an end of the channel. The channel includes an inlet portion, a partially helical portion, and an outlet portion formed in an inner surface of the boot. The diaphragm portion is provided over the inclined surface and includes a lip which contacts the second annular crest.

Abstract: In a power transmission device, a breather chamber having an opening on its one end side and extending coaxially with the countershaft is formed in a countershaft that transmits power from an output shaft of an automatic transmission to a differential mechanism. An inner end of a vent pipe placed so as to extend through a transmission case and that includes the inner end and an outer end each having an opening is inserted in the opening of the breather chamber. A plug, which closes a gap between an inner peripheral surface of the breather chamber and an outer peripheral surface of the inner end of the vent pipe so as to allow air to flow between the inside of the transmission case and the breather chamber and so as to restrict entrance of hydraulic oil into the breather chamber, is placed in the opening of the breather chamber.

Abstract: A rotating system includes a drive member and a driven member. The rotating system includes a coupling positioned to rotatably couple the drive member to the driven member and a housing surrounding a portion of the coupling to define an inside and an outside, the housing having a plurality of apertures. A fan is coupled to the coupling and operable to produce a flow of air from the inside to the outside via at least one of the plurality of apertures, and a guide tube is positioned within one of the plurality of apertures to guide a flow of air from the outside to the inside.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint may include a joint chamber and a cover defining a bore and configured to seal the joint chamber and prevent lubricant from leaving the joint chamber. A vent valve may be disposed within the bore and define at least one opening. The opening may be a one-way valve configured to exhaust gas from the joint chamber and while maintaining lubricant within the joint chamber.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine having a coupling element for coupling a first shaft to a second shaft, the second shaft being substantially axially aligned with the first shaft, the coupling element provided with an exterior surface that engages an opposing interior surface of the first shaft and an interior surface that engages an opposing exterior surface of the second shaft to facilitate torque transfer between the first shaft and the second shaft when rotated together, wherein the coupling element and at least one of the first and second shafts cooperate to define at least one fluid passageway therebetween.

Abstract: An in-wheel assembly is provided, and the in-wheel assembly includes an in-wheel actuator and a wheel. The in-wheel actuator includes a driving motor; a decelerator which is disposed inside the driving motor and configured to reduce a rotational speed of the driving motor; and a hollow shaft which is disposed inside the driving motor and configured to transfer a rotational force of the driving motor to the decelerator, which is accommodated in a hollow of the hollow shaft, and circulates fluid inside of the driving motor with respect to a surface of the decelerator when driven to rotate by the driving motor. The wheel accommodates the in-wheel actuator and receives a rotational speed reduced by the decelerator to rotate.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint member in which at least one end portion is open, an inner joint member for transmitting torque together with the outer joint member through balls under a state in which angular displacement is allowed, and a boot for closing an opening portion of the outer joint member. The boot has a small diameter end portion fitted onto a shaft extending from the inner joint member, a lip portion abutting on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft, and a ventilation groove for establishing communication between an inside and an outside of the boot. The lip portion and the ventilation groove are formed in an inner peripheral surface of the small diameter end portion of the boot.

Abstract: A torque fluctuation absorber includes a center plate rotatably arranged, a side plate arranged coaxially with and rotatably relative to the center plate, an elastic member accommodated in a space surrounded by the side plate and absorbing torque fluctuations generated between the side plate and the center plate, a cover member separating the space and an outside space from each other by covering a clearance between the center plate and the side plate, and a vent portion arranged inwardly in a radial direction of the side plate relative to the cover member and providing a ventilation between the space and the outside space.

Abstract: An air bearing for a ram air fan includes a shaft having a first end portion that defines a cap end, a second end portion that defines a thrust shaft receiving end, and an intermediate portion extending between the first and second end portions. The cap end includes a cap pilot bore and the thrust shaft receiving end includes a thrust shaft pilot section. The thrust shaft pilot section has an outer diameter of between about 1.6032-inches (about 40.7212 mm) and about 1.6002-inches (about 40.6450 mm).

Abstract: A length-adjustable shaft comprises an outer sleeve-shaped axial part; an inner axial part which can be pushed into and deployed out of the outer axial part in a telescopic fashion and which encloses a buffer chamber; having a bearing which is arranged between the two axial parts and which can be lubricated with a lubricant; that end of the inner axial part which can be pushed into the outer axial part has an end wall; a ventilation opening is provided which connects, in a conducting fashion, the buffer chamber to the cavity which is enclosed by the outer axial part, and the ventilation opening comprises at least one bore which is offset with respect to the rotational axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A shaft assembly is provided. The shaft assembly includes a first shaft. The first shaft has a first annular crest and a second annular crest. The first annular crest and the second annular crest are separated by an inclined surface. The second annular crest includes an axially extending surface attached to an end of the inclined surface. A boot is secured to the shaft. The boot includes a channel and a diaphragm portion disposed adjacent an end of the channel. The channel includes an inlet portion, a partially helical portion, and an outlet portion formed in an inner surface of the boot. The diaphragm portion is provided over the inclined surface and includes a lip which contacts the second annular crest.

Abstract: A compressor rotor compresses air and delivers the compressed air to a downstream inlet and across a turbine rotor. A shaft rotates with the turbine rotor and the compressor rotor. The shaft is hollow with an inner bore and an outer periphery. At least one journal bearing supports a portion of the shaft, and has an inner bore spaced from the outer periphery of the shaft. A cooling air path is provided between the shaft outer periphery and the bearing inner periphery, and along a length of the bearing to at least one connection hole. The connection hole provides cooling air from an outer periphery of the shaft to the inner bore of the shaft. In a separate feature, a shaft for use in an air supply machine includes a hollow interior, with such a connection hole.

Abstract: A rotating system includes a drive member and a driven member. The rotating system includes a coupling positioned to rotatably couple the drive member to the driven member and a housing surrounding a portion of the coupling to define an inside and an outside, the housing having a plurality of apertures. A fan is coupled to the coupling and operable to produce a flow of air from the inside to the outside via at least one of the plurality of apertures, and a guide tube is positioned within one of the plurality of apertures to guide a flow of air from the outside to the inside.

Abstract: A vent valve for a constant velocity joint is disclosed. The vent valve may generally include a body disposed in a bore of the cover which is axially movable in the bore and allows fluid flow through the bore, a first umbrella portion associated with a side of the body which defines a first gap between a first surface of the cover and the first umbrella portion, and a second umbrella portion associated with an opposite side of the body which defines a second gap between a second surface of the cover and the second umbrella portion.

Abstract: A barrier membrane assembly for sealing a constant velocity joint assembly includes at least one selectively expandable and contractible barrier membrane body. The barrier membrane body has no openings therethrough and may selectively expand and contract in response to operational pressures acting against the barrier membrane body.

Abstract: A propshaft assembly that includes first and second shaft members, a joint, a center bearing assembly and a deflector. The joint couples the first and second shaft members to one another. The center bearing assembly includes a bearing that supports the joint. The deflector is coupled to the joint and shields an axial side of the bearing.

Abstract: In a rotary joint for a rotary shaft device, ring-shaped inner seals and outer seals are projectingly arranged, and concentric with faces of a front joint disk and a rear joint disk opposing with each other respectively. A ring-shaped inner space communicates with forward communication holes, and a ring-shaped outer space communicates with backward communication holes. The inner and outer space are adjacently arranged concentrically between the inner seals and the outer seals. The forward communication holes and the backward communication holes in the reciprocating flow passages and the front joint disk are arranged at an equal distance in the peripheral direction of the opposing faces.

Abstract: To provide the breather structure of a shaft-drive-type drive device which can miniaturize a gear casing as a whole and can exhibit an excellent appearance. A shaft-drive-type drive device is capable of transmitting an output of an engine mounted on a vehicle body to a wheel by way of a drive shaft by connecting one end of the drive shaft to an output shaft of the engine by way of a universal joint and by connecting the wheel to another end side of the drive shaft by way of gears or the like. A breather mechanism, which performs a breathing operation of the inside of a gear casing housing the gears or the like, is mounted on the gear casing, and an atmosphere opening portion of the breather mechanism is formed to open upwardly in the vertical direction of a vehicle and inwardly in the width direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vent valve for a constant velocity joint is disclosed. The vent valve may generally include a body disposed in a bore of the cover which is axially movable in the bore and allows fluid flow through the bore, a first umbrella portion associated with a side of the body which defines a first gap between a first surface of the cover and the first umbrella portion, and a second umbrella portion associated with an opposite side of the body which defines a second gap between a second surface of the cover and the second umbrella portion.

Abstract: A boot for a universal joint is constructed by a boot body and a boot adapter. The one end of the boot is fitted on a propeller inner shaft via its one-end fitting portion and the other end of the boot is fitted on the outer race of the universal joint via its other-end fitting portion, thereby substantially covering the universal joint. The foregoing one-end fitting portion has an annular lip portion at its end portion. Passages for flowing air between the inside of the boot and the outside of the boot are formed on the one-end fitting portion and the annular lip portion. The passages are closed by the annular lip portion being expanded in diameter outward by a centrifugal force caused by the high rotation of the propeller inner shaft, thereby preventing splashed water or muddy water from intruding into the boot when air is sucked into the boot.

Abstract: A vent valve for use in a constant velocity joint having a vent aperture in communication with a joint cavity comprises a body portion having a first end and a second end and a plurality of escape pathways extending therebetween. An umbrella shaped flexible retention cap is disposed adjacent the first end of the body portion and the plurality of escape pathways, wherein the retention cap is operative in a normally closed position to cover the plurality of escape pathways and seal the joint from external contaminants, and in response to internal pressure created in the joint cavity functions to bellow outward and expose the plurality of escape pathways to permit air to escape from the cavity.

Abstract: A pulley (1) that is decoupled from the vibrations of a crankshaft and that has an integrated viscous torsional vibration damper (2), including a flywheel (3), which is arranged in a damper housing (5) that is filled with a viscous medium (4) and which can rotate relative to the housing, as well as a bearing (6) and a coupling (7) made of rubber elastic material, for supporting the pulley (1) with respect to the damper housing (5) in a flexible manner in the circumferential direction of the pulley and so as to be capable of relative rotation, the pulley (1) being assigned to the flywheel (3) so as to be axially adjoining. The damper housing (5) has at least one first axial projection (8), which is enclosed by the belt-bearing surface (9) of the pulley (1) at a radial clearance, and the bearing (6) is arranged in the gap (10) that is formed by the clearance.

Abstract: A protection arrangement for a double universal joint (1) for drives of agricultural implements has a first protection element (11), an annular second protection element (15) and a third protection element (18). The first protection element (11) has first holding projections (14) circumferentially distributed on its outer circumference (13) close to the first front edge. The first holding projections (14) project beyond the outer circumference (13) and form at least over a circumferential edge portion, distanced to the first front edge, a groove. A support tab projects beyond the first front edge. The second protection element (15) has second holding projections (17) circumferentially distributed on its outer circumference close to the second front edge. The second holding projections (17) project beyond the outer circumference and form, at least over a first circumferential edge area close to the second front edge, a second groove.

Abstract: A uniform coupling comprises a torque transmitting unit; first and second shafts that are connected through the torque transmitting unit; a boot covering the torque transmitting unit and having a first end connected to the first shaft and a second end connected to the second shaft, the second end being formed into a cylindrical wall that is tightly disposed on a cylindrical portion of the second shaft and has an axially leading end; a boot cover disposed on the cylindrical portion of the second shaft to cover the cylindrical wall leaving an annular space therebetween, the boot cover having an inside end surface that contacts the axially leading end of the cylindrical wall; and an air bleeding passage that communicates the inside of the boot with the outside of the same. The air bleeding passage includes a groove formed in an inner surface of the cylindrical wall and a passage that is defined between the axially leading end of the cylindrical wall and the inside end surface of the boot cover.

Abstract: A lift and operating angle varying mechanism is arranged to vary an intake valve operation angle and an intake valve lift of the engine continuously by rotating a control shaft with an actuator disposed at an end of the control shaft which is rotatably supported by a plurality of bearings. A lubricating oil is supplied to the bearings so as to reduce nonuniformity in temperature distribution of the control shaft in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly has a housing and a universal joint in a chamber within the housing. A diaphragm seal in the housing forms a wall of the chamber. The chamber is substantially sealed to exclude entry of foreign elements. The diaphragm seal is flexible to allow for expansion and contraction of the chamber due to changes in temperature to prevent any substantial increase or decrease in the pressure within the chamber.

Abstract: A compression elastic coupling device has: a drive flange fixedly mounted on an end of a drive shaft, the drive flange being provided on its surface facing a driven shaft with drive protrusions arranged at equal angular intervals; a driven flange fixedly mounted on an end of a driven shaft, the driven flange being provided on its surface facing the drive shaft with driven protrusions arranged at equal angular intervals so as to be interposed between adjacent drive protrusions of the drive flange; and power transmitting elastic members radially inserted in spaces each formed between adjacent drive and driven protrusions from a side of outer circumferences of the drive and driven flanges toward a central axis of the drive and driven shaft.

Abstract: A vent valve for use in a constant velocity joint having a vent aperture in communication with a joint chamber comprises a body having a first end and a second end and at least one flat extending therebetween; and an umbrella shaped flexible retention cap disposed adjacent the first end of the body and the at least one flat. The retention cap is operative in a normally closed position to cover the at least one flat and seal the joint from external contaminants, and in response to internal pressure created in the joint cavity, functions to bellow outward and expose the at least one flat to permit air to escape from the chamber. The at least one flat includes a straight-line vent to clean the grease off and away from the vent valve. The vent valve can be made from single or multiple materials, having porous and non-porous properties.

Abstract: A protection arrangement for a joint (1), especially a double universal joint driving or in drives of agricultural devices and self-propelled implements, has a tube-like first protection element (12) with a first axial end (13) and a second axial end. At least the first axial end (13) is open. An attachment portion (16) is on the first axial end (13). The first protection element (12) is supported on a first component (4) of the joint (1). A second plastic protection element (17) is formed as a hollow body. The second protection element is open at both ends with an axially open first end portion (18) and an axially open second end portion (19). An envelope portion (20, 120, 220) is formed between the first and second open end portions (18,19). The envelope portion (20, 120, 220) has a lattice structure. The first end portion (18) is connectable to the attachment portion (16) of the first protection element (12).

Abstract: A structure is disclosed for preventing water or the like from intruding in a boot for a universal joint which includes: a communication passage for communicating inner and outer portions of the boot, the communication passage being provided in an end surface of a fitting portion of the boot sealing a connecting space of the universal joint to a member to be mounted at a time of fitting and attaching one end portion of the boot to the member to be mounted, wherein a protruding shielding portion opposing to the end surface of the fitting portion is provided in a close attached portion of the end surface of the fitting portion of the boot in the member to be mounted.

Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester has a relatively wide mowing implement attached to its forward end and including right and left hand rotary mowing and drawing in drums together with right and left hand rotary conveying drums. A drive transmission for driving these drums includes a pair of identical slip clutches having respective first sections defined in principal part by a fluid tight cylindrical container having opposite end plates and through the respective centers of which a drive element extends, with the drive element of one clutch being coupled to the drive element of the other clutch by a central drive shaft assembly. The clutches include respective second sections which are in the form of a housing which has a ring-like hub at one end adapted for being coupled to an associated right-angle transmission unit that is in turn coupled for driving the mowing and drawing in drums at that side.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint vent for use in a constant velocity joint of automotive vehicles. The constant velocity joint vent includes a flapper valve generally having a circular shape. The constant velocity joint vent also includes a first and second assembly post extending from an inside surface of the flapper valve. A circumferential compression limiter is also located on an inside surface of the flapper valve. The flapper valve also includes a sealing bead located at the outer periphery thereof. The flapper valve is connected via the first and second assembly post to a cover that includes an orifice for venting of high pressure gas to the outer atmosphere while also repelling contaminants from entering the constant velocity joint.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint for use with an automotive vehicle. The constant velocity joint includes an outer race and an inner race supported within the outer race. The constant velocity joint includes a cover, wherein that cover creates a barrier between a lubricant and the atmosphere. The constant velocity joint also includes a permeable membrane adjacent to the cover.

Abstract: A uniform coupling comprises a torque transmitting unit; first and second shafts that are connected through the torque transmitting unit; a boot covering the torque transmitting unit and having a first end connected to the first shaft and a second end connected to the second shaft, the second end being formed into a cylindrical wall that is tightly disposed on a cylindrical portion of the second shaft and has an axially leading end; a boot cover disposed on the cylindrical portion of the second shaft to cover the cylindrical wall leaving an annular space therebetween, the boot cover having an inside end surface that contacts the axially leading end of the cylindrical wall; and an air bleeding passage that communicates the inside of the boot with the outside of the same. The air bleeding passage includes a groove formed in an inner surface of the cylindrical wall and a passage that is defined between the axially leading end of the cylindrical wall and the inside end surface of the boot cover.

Abstract: Venting systems and methods are provided for a splined driveshaft to continually equalize the internal driveshaft pressure with that of the atmosphere, preventing at the same time, external elements, such as, water, dirt, or salt from getting into the driveshaft, thereby causing premature wear or corrosion. One venting system comprises a vent defined in a splined driveshaft for allowing air outside the driveshaft, containing telescopically resident first and second members, to pass into at least one of the first and second members, and a plug mounted over the vent. Another venting system comprises a weld yoke at an end of a splined driveshaft, a vent defined in the weld yoke allowing air outside the splined driveshaft to pass into the driveshaft, and a plug mounted over the vent. A venting method comprises providing a splined driveshaft, forming a vent defined in the splined driveshaft, mounting a plug over the vent, and venting the splined driveshaft through the vent.

Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester has a relatively wide mowing implement attached to its forward end and including right and left hand rotary mowing and drawing in drums together with right and left hand rotary conveying drums. A drive transmission for driving these drums includes a pair of identical slip cluthes having respective first sections defined in principal part by a fluid tight cylindrical container having opposite end plates and through the respective centers of which a drive element extends, with the drive element of one clutch being coupled to the drive element of the other clutch by a central drive shaft assembly. The clutches include respective second sections which are in the form of a housing which has a ring-like hub at one end adapted for being coupled to an associated righ-angle transmission unit that is in turn coupled for driving the mowing and drawing in drums at that side.