Abstract: An adapter system to connect a main shaft (9) of an electric motor to a device to be driven, in particular to a pinion of a gearing, is disclosed. The system comprises an adapter shaft (10) with a pinion attachment (11) on a first end, for rotationally stable connection to the pinion. A housing (20) is provided with devices (21, 22) to serve as bearings for the adapter shaft (10) and with a first flange (23) for attaching the housing to the gearing and with a second flange (24) for attaching it to the motor, such that the motor is substantially firmly connected to the gearing by way of the housing (20). A coupling element (40) can be connected to the motor shaft (9) in a rotationally stable manner.

Abstract: An adjustable rotating shaft guard includes a base, a first guard half, and a second guard half. A bottom of the first and second guard halves are retained by the base such that they contact each other to fully cover a rotating shaft or coupler. A half sleeve preferably extends outward from at least one end of the first and second guard halves. Preferably, the top of each guard half is fastened to each other. The first and second guard halves are preferably fabricated from a high impact plastic. The bottom area of the first and second guard halves preferably have a plurality of cutting lines which provide a reference for sawing to a specific height. The half sleeves also have a plurality of cutting lines which provide a reference for sawing to a specific length. In a second embodiment, an adjustable rotating shaft guard includes a first sleeve guard half, a second sleeve guard half and two sets of two end cap halves.

Abstract: A drive line protection system to shield the drive train of agricultural irrigation systems. The system is comprised of an endcap that attaches to the external face of a gearbox which itself engages the rotating elements of the drive train of an irrigation system. An elongated sleeve or endbell attaches to the endcap and is characterized by a first diameter at its proximal end and a second smaller diameter at its distal end. The proximal end of the endbell is attached to the endcap and extends outwardly along a drive shaft of the drive train. The larger first diameter permits the endbell to encase the coupler or linkage joining the gearbox and the drive shaft. The second diameter of the endbell permits the endbell to be necked down to the approximate diameter of a drive shaft protection tube. The adjustable drive shaft protection tube seats in the distal end of the endbell and extends substantially along the length of the drive shaft.

Abstract: An outer joint part of a constant velocity universal joint comprises an externally cylindrical casing part. An inside is provided with tracks to allow the engagement of torque transmitting elements, and which further comprises a substantially annular flange part which is provided with a central inner recess and which is slid on to the casing part and connected thereto, as well as circumferentially distributed fixing holes for threading on a counter flange. The flange part comprises circumferentially distributed, individual, separate fixing portions which receive the fixing holes, and connecting portions which connect the fixing portions and have a greater flexibility than said fixing portions.

Abstract: A shaft guard is provided comprising a first guard portion, a second guard portion, and a pair of support legs. The first guard portion defines a first guard body, a first pair of guard portions, and a first pair of flange portions. The first guard body is arranged about a longitudinal shaft guard axis. The first pair of guard portion openings are positioned at opposite ends of the longitudinal shaft guard axis. The first pair of flange portions are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal shaft guard axis. Similarly, the second guard portion defines a second guard body, a second pair of guard portions, and a second pair of flange portions. The second guard body is arranged about the longitudinal shaft guard axis. The second pair of guard portion openings are positioned at opposite ends of the longitudinal shaft guard axis. The second pair of flange portions are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal shaft guard axis.

Abstract: A protective device for a drive assembly with a double universal joint (1) has a protective cone (10) with folds (15). At the cone's first axial end (11), it is secured to a bearing assembly (12). At its second axial end, the cone (10) includes a fixing portion (14) which is connected to a guiding ring (18). The guiding ring (18), via its inner end (21) projects into the part of the protective cone (10) which is provided with the folds. The guiding ring (18) itself is supported on a bearing ring (23). The bearing ring (23), in turn, is supported on an inner double yoke (5). An axial relative movement is permitted between the guiding ring (18) and the bearing ring (23). The guiding ring (18) ensures that the protective cone (10), with the folds (15), is well supported under articulation conditions. Furthermore, the protective cone (10) with its folds (15) has a relatively long length without losing any of its stability.

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

Abstract: A chlorosulfonated ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer composition comprising a chlorosulfonated ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer, a thiuram compound, a bismaleimide compound, a nickel dialkyldithiocarbamate, and a diarylmonoamine compound, and a motorcar joint boot obtained by molding and vulcanizing the chlorosulfonated ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer composition. The copolymer composition is excellent in the tensile characteristics at room temperature and low temperature, in the compression set under a low-temperature atmosphere, and in the fatigue resistance.

Abstract: A carrier made up of two housings includes a plurality of drive members that facilitate transferring a driving force between the two housings. When the carrier is used in a vehicle transmission, for example, the two housings preferably include generally cylindrical wall portions. A plurality of lanced drive members are formed on each of the housings. The two housings are interconnected so that the drive members on the first housing engage the drive members on the second housing and a rotary force imposed on one of the housings is transferred to the other.

Abstract: An interbowl coupler provides for field coupling an upper pump bowl assembly to a lower pump bowl assembly, each bowl assembly having impellers, a rotatable shaft, and a case, to provide a multistage vertical turbine pump for deep well applications. The coupler includes a split adaptor housing with two hollow mating semi-cylindrical halves, each half having provision for attachment to the other half to provide a liquid-tight assembly with circumferential flanges at its axial ends. A member is provided for drivably coupling the rotatable shaft of the lower pump bowl assembly to the rotatable shaft of the upper pump bowl assembly, and fasteners are provided for attaching the circumferential flanges to mating flanges on the cases of upper and lower pump bowl assemblies. This coupler permits vertical assembly of multiple bowl assemblies over a deep well.

Abstract: A drive shaft containment bracket adapted for attachment to a stationary vehicle support surface, the bracket including an elongated body having a mounting flange at one end and a drive shaft containment device at an opposite end. The elongated body has a length dimension sufficient to extend from a vehicle cross frame member supporting the transmission of the vehicle where said mounting flange is utilized to secure said bracket to the cross frame member and transmission casing, rearwardly beyond a universal joint connecting the drive shaft to the transmission to a location along the drive shaft where said containment device at least partially encloses said drive shaft.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint race includes a shaft and a plurality of track segments having a ball race surface formed thereon. Each of the segments is arranged circumferentially in an abutting manner with an adjacent track segment on either side. The segments are secured to the shaft and one another.

Abstract: A protective cover assembly for universal joints which is particularly suited for commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses, as well as off-road vehicles, comprises forward, intermediate and rearward shields that overlie but do not touch respective universal joints. In one embodiment, the shields have outside brackets that attach to either the cover of a transmission or the cover of a differential gear mechanism and are adjustable inward and outward relative to the covers. In another embodiment, the shields have brackets that respectively have straps for connecting to the body underside frame rails of the vehicle and are adjustable forward and rearward to cover the universal joints the shields overlie.

Abstract: A shaft deflection controller includes an input driveshaft adapted for inputting power from an engine. The input driveshaft includes an axis of rotation and a spur pinion at an end of the input driveshaft. The axis of rotation of the input driveshaft changes, relative to a frame, with deflections of the input driveshaft. Two face gears are adapted for meshing with the spur pinion of the input driveshaft. A flexible shaft stabilizing mount includes an inner sleeve portion and a mounting flange. The inner sleeve portion includes a base portion connecting the inner sleeve portion to the mounting flange and a plurality of cage spring members. The mounting flange is connected to and concentric with the inner sleeve portion. The flexible shaft stabilizing mount controls the deflection of the input driveshaft by applying forces onto the input driveshaft, which tend to resist changes in the alignment of the axis of rotation of the input driveshaft. The flexible shaft stabilizing mount is connected to a rigid frame.

Abstract: A universal joint comprises a driving gear and a driven gear each provided with a respective crown gear cluster, and a slotted casing confining the driving gear and the driven gear in meshing engagement. The casing comprises a slot through which the driven gear projects and along which the driven gear may be moved angularly from a first position in which the driving gear and driven gear are in-line, and a second position in which the driving gear and driven gear are substantially at right angles to one another. A guide element is captive on the driven gear and disposed within the casing, and rides along a channel formed in the casing. The guide element guides the driven gear in movement from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective device which is supported on the two universal joints (2, 2') by connecting caps (8) and sliding ring. Furthermore, each connecting cap (8) is formed to allow a protective cone (12) to be connected thereto. Protective devices of said type provide protection against contact and are stationary, while the driveshaft (1) rotates. Each connecting cap (8) is attached by spokes (19) to a supporting ring (13) which supports the protective cone (12) from the inside. When the protective cone (12) is subjected to radial loads, for example if the driveshaft is stepped on unintentionally, the purpose of the above measure is to prevent the protective cone (12) from contacting the components of the universal joints (2, 2') which it covers.

Abstract: A shaft coupling including a first gear on an end of a first shaft, a second gear on an end of a second shaft meshing with the first gear, a tubular sleeve around the meshing first and second gears, a universal thrust bearing between the tubular sleeve and the first shaft, and a self-locking linear retainer between the tubular sleeve and the second shaft. The self-locking linear retainer includes a cylindrical bushing attached to the second shaft, a plurality of windows in the tubular sleeve, and a plurality of resilient barbs on the cylindrical bushing which are flexed inward when the end of the second shaft having the second gear thereon is plugged into the tubular sleeve and which resiliently expand into the windows to prevent dislodgment of the second shaft from the tubular sleeve.

Abstract: A guard for shielding a rotating coupling interconnecting two rotating driveshafts. The coupling guard includes an arched cover sleeve formed from a flexible, planar sheet of material, preferably plastic, secured with a pair of brackets to a frame structure adjacent the rotating shaft coupling. The cover sleeve defines two opposed end openings, through which the rotating shafts extend, on opposite sides of the rotating shaft coupling. Preferably, the sheet of material forming the sleeve is scored with longitudinally running grooves, which enhance the flexibility of the sheet. Also, the coupling guard preferably includes a pair of arcuate end caps that cover the end openings and have central voids to permit the driveshafts to extend therethrough.

Abstract: A magnetic shaft guard for use with a rotating shaft has a permanent magnet to hold the guard in place on the rotating shaft. Sufficient clearance is present between the shaft and an inner diameter of the guard so that the guard will cease rotation freely relative to the shaft should external contact with the guard occur. The magnet is loosely mounted within a cavity near the tip of the shaft guard so that the magnet is able to cant and thereby adhere better to shafts with tips which are not squarely cut. A spiral or other design may be placed on the guard to visually alert persons in the vicinity that the shaft is rotating.

Abstract: An outer joint part for a tripod joint has a track portion with three circumferentially distributed, longitudinally extending, axis-parallel inner recesses with approximately parallel walls. A flange is secured to the track portion to connect shaft or gearbox parts. The portion of the outer joint part is produced by cold-forming with an approximately constant wall thickness. The flange includes a central inner recess whose inner contour mates with the outer contour of the track portion. The flange is slid on and connected to the track portion.

Abstract: An outer joint part consists of a casing in which the axially extending guiding tracks are fitted in the form of inserts. The casing is provided with axially extending continuous recesses which are open towards the inserts. The unique process for manufacturing the outer joint part consists of positioning the inserts within the recesses and holding them in position by welding or by utilizing a pressing operation on the exterior of the casing while simultaneously positioning the inserts using a supporting core.

Abstract: A universal joint comprises a driving gear and a driven gear each provided with a respective crown gear cluster, and a slotted casing confining the driving gear and driven gear in meshing engagement. The casing comprises a slot through which the driven gear projects and along which the driven gear may be moved angularly from a first position in which the driving gear and driven gear are in-line, and a second position in which the driving gear and driven gear are substantially at right angles to one another. According to the invention, the gear teeth on one of the drive and driven gears are taller than the teeth on the other of the drive and driven gears, which allows the gears to intermesh more deeply in the right angle position, and permits advantageous dimensioning of the interior bearing surfaces of the casing.

Abstract: A coupling for splining together first and second shafts which may be inner and outer, co-axial annular members, abutting co-axial annular members, or intermeshing gears on parallel shafts. One embodiment is a coupling for splining together inner and outer annular members having corresponding inner and outer cylindrical surfaces concentrically disposed about an axis and having splines which are generally circumferentially disposed on the cylindrical surfaces along an axial length of at least one of the members such that the splines having a varying pitch so as to be curved with respect to the axis. The pitch is defined by a function which varies parabolically with respect to a shaft axis and, in a more particular embodiment, the function has a non-zero fixed pitch component and a parabolic component so that the shape of the splines are both helical and parabolic.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch assembly comprises a housing and a tubular shaft rotatably coupled together with a roller or sprag clutch positioned therebetween to permit the housing to freely rotate about the shaft in one direction, or to establish torque communication between the shaft and the housing when rotated in the opposite direction. To minimize the weight of the assembly while also containing the radial forces and stresses generated by the roller clutch when transmitting torque, the housing and the shaft are reinforced with high-strength, high-modulus materials having high strength-to-weight ratios.

Abstract: An elastic coupling includes a flange with wings extending radially outwardly from the center of a main body. Bushes arranged between the wings have outer surfaces radially outwardly of the outer ends of the wings. Elastic rubbers connect the wings and the bushes. A round housing having a bottom compresses the bushes. The inner radius of the housing is larger than the radius of the wings, but smaller than the radii of the bushes. The elastic rubbers are compressed by compressively inserting the main body into the housing.

Abstract: An outer ring for a vibration proof homokinetic joint has inner and outer casings. Vibration proof members made of an elastic material are disposed between the inner and outer casings. The outer casing is formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof with protrusions angularly spaced therebetween. The inner casing is formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof with grooves angularly spaced therebetween to receive the protrusions therein with predetermined gaps formed therebetween and extending in the direction of rotation of the joint. The vibration proof members are mounted between the adjacent protrusions and between the inner peripheral surface of the outer casing and the outer peripheral surface of the inner casing.

Abstract: A magnetic shaft guard for use with a rotating shaft has a permanent magnet to hold the guard in place on the rotating shaft. Sufficient clearance is present between the shaft and an inner diameter of the guard so that the guard will cease rotation freely relative to the shaft should external contact with the guard occur. A spiral or other design may be placed on the guard to visually alert persons in the vicinity that the shaft is rotating.

Abstract: An attachment connector for powered equipment such as a tractor or implement comprises a bearing (11) adapted to be locatable about a PTO output/input stub. The attachment connector may have a base plate portion (10) with a bearing (11) located therein which has a central aperture sized to be closely locatable about a PTO output/input stub of a tractor or implement, the base plate (10) also carrying a tubular portion (12) extending from one face thereof and formed to provide one part of a connector mateable (13) with a further part carried on an attachment, structure being (14) provided to prevent rotation of the base plate (10) and tubular portion (12) with rotation of the PTO output/input stub.

Abstract: A precision linear actuator (10, 120, 140) is provided particularly adapted for accurately controlling the positioning of a lens element in the optical system of a guided vehicle such as a missile. The actuator includes a frame (12, 130, 142) rigidly affixed to the missile structure which includes a pair of bearing supports (30, 32) and a pair of separated guide pockets (24, 26). A lever (14, 122, 150) is installed within the frame (12, 130, 142) and is fixed to the frame by bearings (44, 46) which enable the lever to undergo slight rotation with respect to the frame. An actuator mechanism in the form of a voice coil (56), drive motor or other device is employed to drive the lever (14, 122, 150) to undergo its rotational motion. A lens holder (16) is installed within an open area inside the lever (14, 122, 150) and defines separated guide rails (76, 78, 80, 82) which enable it to be moved linearly with respect to the frame (12, 130, 142).

Abstract: This invention relates to a housing for a rotatable shaft, particularly one used in the drive mechanism of a windscreen wiper assembly. The housing comprises a body portion having first and second ends disposed oppositely to and axially remote from each other, the body portion being provided with an integrally formed retaining member adapted to maintain the axial positioning of the rotatable shaft. Another embodiment of the invention provides on the second end of housing means for biasingthe body portion in the axial direction.

Abstract: A transmission joint body has an envelope inside which are provided bearing paths for articulation elements of a transmission joint (10). A connection system for the joint body includes a radial flange connected to the envelope. The flange is made at least partially from a material comprising a thermosetting or thermoplastic matrix reinforced with short fibers or with particles. According to a preferred embodiment, the inner space defined radially by the inner peripheral surface of the envelope of the joint body is partially filled with a material comprising a thermosetting or thermoplastic matrix reinforced with short fibers or with particles, and which is extended outside the envelope through one axial end of the latter in order to form the flange.

Abstract: The joint boot having excellent cold resistance is obtained by compounding the cross-linking components (a), (b) and (c) with chlorinated polyethylene having a chlorine content of 31 to 34% by weight and molding the resulting compound under thermal conditions.(a) A mercaptotriazine compound,(b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of amines having a boiling point of not lower than 110.degree. C., organic acid salts of the amines or addition products thereof, diarylguanidine, condensation products of aniline and aldehydes, and 2-benzothiazylsulfenamides of primary or secondary amines, and(c) a metal compound as an acid acceptor.

Abstract: A transmission joint has a first element connected to a first shaft and mounted in an articulated manner in a second element to form a housing fastened to a transmission member. The housing includes a radial fastening flange mounted axially slidably relative to the outer casing of the housing and an apparatus for immobilizing the fastening flange axially relative to the outer casing of the housing when the second element is in the fixed position on the transmission member. The process employed to assemble the transmission joint temporarily secures the housing relative to the first member until the housing is secured to the fastening flange.

Abstract: A telescopic cover element is made from a sheet material blank and has one U-shaped material deformation formed from multiple bends for receiving a rear portion wall/or providing an extension stop. A second U-shaped material deformation formed from multiple bends opens towards the exterior of the cover element to form a discharge channel.

Abstract: A structure interlinking the axle (2) with the hubs (3) of steering drive wheels, particularly for use on such agricultural machines as tractors and the like, comprising two cup-shaped bodies (4,5) respectively unitary with the axle and the wheel hub. The cup-shaped bodies are face coupled together in a relationship of relative rotation about the steering axis of the wheel by respective helical threadways (19, 20) having a coincident axis (X--X) with the steering axis.

Abstract: A link chain coupler including a pair of sprockets coupled by a double row chain, and a steel ring axially positionable over the chain to hold the chain in the sprocket teeth while torque is transmitted through the connection. A two-piece coupler shield is assembled over the steel ring to hold the ring in position, to act as a shield and to protect the coupler from the environment.

Abstract: A worm shaft machine comprises having a longitudinal direction and composed of a plurality of housing portions located near one another in the longitudinal direction, the housing portions having a substantially rectangular outer contour and being provided with longitudinal openings for receiving a worm, the housing portions being assembled with one another so that they abut against one another in the longitudinal diection, a plurality of tensioning rods which tension the housing portions with one another, a closed frame provided at each end of each of the housing portions and forming a pressing piece, the frames having small sides on which they are horizontally exactly slidingly supported.

Abstract: A sealless pump including a casing carrying an inner rotor that carries magnets mounted on a shaft connected to the pump impeller. A thin can-shaped shell is mounted over the inner rotor and an outer frame is mounted over the shell. The outer frame includes an outer rotor carrying magnets adapted to couple magnetically with the inner rotor to drive the pump through the shell. A pair of guide posts are anchored to the casing and extend through holes in the outer frame for guiding the outer frame into and from an assembled position. Bolts are threaded into the guide posts and have suitable abutments for engaging and moving the outer frame between assembled and disassembled positions.

Abstract: A sealing boot for sealing a power transmitting mechanical joint, especially a mechanical joint which is subject to angular articulation between its input shaft and output shaft. The mechanical joint has an outer race which is a part of its output shaft, and the outer race has an external spherical surface. The sealing boot has a segment which is made up of concentric inner and outer non-flexible components which surrounds a portion of the outer race, and the inner component of the two-component segment sealingly engages the external spherical sealing surface of the outer race. The two-component non-flexible segment of the boot and the outer race of the joint can be articulated relative to one another without breaking the seal therebetween.

Abstract: The difficulty of venting oil from a transmission with the venting of gas therefrom is avoided in a vented transmission construction including a housing (10), a rotary input (12) to the housing (10), a rotary output (46) from the housing (10), and a transmission (24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 44, 48) interconnecting the input (12) and the output (46) and including a hollow rotary shaft (34) journaled within the housing (10). A vent tube (64) has one end (66) extending into one end (54) of the hollow shaft (34) and another end (68) in fluid communication with the exterior of the housing (10). A shoulder (56) within the hollow shaft defines a relatively small diameter section (58) and a relatively large diameter section (60) and at least one aperture (62) extends through the hollow shaft (34) from the larger diameter section (60) immediately adjacent the shoulder (56).

Abstract: An encoder is rigidly mounted to a component shaft and allowed to float with it, saving the expense of a flexible coupling and improving accuracy. An easily assembled detent prevents rotation of the encoder housing with the shaft.

Abstract: A shaker having a hollow housing in the form generally of two hollow cylinders with the central axes disposed from one another and integrally connected together with a closed end and an end shield covering the second end. A first shaft is supported on bearings in the first cylinder concentric to it, with an eccentric weight attached to the first shaft. A second shaft concentric to the second cylinder is supported on bearings concentric to the second cylinder. Only one end of the housing, the other end is closed, has an end cap and the shafts are connected by helical pinions so that the helical pinions urge the weights and shafts in opposite directions from one another.

Abstract: An improved coupling guard for enclosing rotating couplings, shafts and other devices with the improvement comprising an interlocking closure consisting of a retainer element, a retained element and a resilient gasket substantially between the retainer and the retained elements. The improved coupling guard provides a substantially leakproof enclosure that is easily assembled and disassembled. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the guard comprises two or more semi-cylindrical shell portions that cooperate to form a substantially cylindrical enclosure and that are joined by use of the interlocking closures. In the closures, the gasket is adapted to both seal the closure against leakage and to resiliently bias the retained element into retaining engagement with the retainer element.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the adjustment and alignment of shafts in high power devices. A plurality of adjacent rotatable angled cylinders are positioned between a base and the shaft to be aligned which when rotated introduce an axial offset. The apparatus is electrically conductive and constructed of a structurally rigid material. The angled cylinders allow the shaft such as the center conductor in a pulse line machine to be offset in any desired alignment position within the range of the apparatus.

Abstract: A seal assembly is provided for preventing excessive movement between two housings. Whenever two rotating shafts are coupled together, one shaft driving the other, there is generally some movement of the shafts and their respective machines relative to each other. It is preferable to cover the rotating shafts for safety and to provide lubrication. A flexible membrane is attached between a coupling guard adapter which is rigidly mounted to the housing of one piece of equipment, and a back-up ring. This assembly is then attached to a coupling guard which is itself rigidly mounted to a housing on the other piece of equipment. Finally, a membrane guard is attached to the coupling guard.

Abstract: A universal joint comprises a driving shaft and an angularly movable driven shaft. Each shaft comprises a cluster of axially interengaging gear teeth. Each gear tooth is semi-spherical, and each adjacent pair of gear teeth define a semi-spherical socket between them. A bearing ball is fixed to one or the other of the gear clusters, and comprises a circumferential array of part-spherical recesses adapted to receive the ends of the semi-spherical gear teeth on the shaft that does not support the bearing ball. The specially formed bearing ball and its associated gear cluster thus define a support and bearing structure that permits the gear teeth of each cluster to mesh smoothly and evenly over a range of angular movement of the movable gear of 0.degree.-90.degree.. The universal joint is provided with a slotted casing that permits the movable gear to assume this range of angular movement.

Abstract: A discharge ring supporting structure of an adjustable-blade axial-flow turbine comprises upper and lower halves separated along a horizontal plane passing through the central axis of the discharge ring. The lower half of the discharge ring is supported by a plurality of supporting columns, each having upper and lower supporting members. The upper supporting members are detachably connected between the lower half of the discharge ring and the lower supporting member. When it is desired to remove the runner, the discharge ring is separated into the upper and lower halves, and the upper supporting members of the supporting columns are removed so that the discharge ring can be lowered. Lowering of the discharge ring allows the runner to be lowered and then removed axially without the runner blades contacting the discharge ring. The upper supporting members of the discharge ring supporting columns are provided with a vibration damper for damping vibration in the discharge ring.

Abstract: A protector for use around the universal joint in the power take-off of a motor vehicle has a rigid tubular section which is made of a synthetic plastic material and surrounds one of the shafts in the joint, a rigid frustoconical section which is made of a synthetic plastic material and spacedly surrounds the fork that is rigid with the one shaft and the smaller-diameter end portion of which is bonded to the respective end of the rigid tubular section, and a deformable tubular section which is made of a synthetic plastic material and spacedly surrounds the other fork of the joint and is permanently connected to the larger-diameter end portion of the frustoconical section. The protector further employs a split ring which is made of a synthetic plastic material and has an internal tongue receivable in the external circumferential groove of the fork as well as a set of deformable plastic lugs, or metallic lugs secured thereto by screws or rivets, which are anchored in the frustoconical section.

Abstract: A shield assembly for the front drive line of a mechanical front-wheel drive tractor includes a one-piece, non-telescoping shield which covers the full length of the drive line and its U-joints. The shield receives and is supported by a quill at its rear end and is supported and received by a ring at its front end. The ring has brackets for bolting to the tractor front axle housing. Covers prevent debris from entering the front end of the shield.

Abstract: A coupling detachably connecting a subdivided drive shaft of a transaxle system includes at least one ring that holds together two coupling halves. Clearance is provided between each ring and one of the coupling halves to permit release of the coupling and the subdivided shaft portions. The coupling assumes a corresponding position during the assembly.