Abstract: This invention builds up on technical features and on the industry experience with the use of Merlin™ family connectors. In addition to friction, structural means utilized to transfer high torsional loads include shear pins and may also include: interlocked thread systems, dog-clutch teeth, keys and splines, all used in isolation or in arbitrary combinations. Static and fatigue bending load capacities of the connectors remain high, while the axial load capacities may or may not be high, depending on the design requirements. Connectors according to this invention can be built as new, carefully optimized designs. In some cases upgrading existing Merlin™ family connector designs to increase they torque transfer capacities may be also feasible.

Abstract: A spinning fishing reel includes a housing, a line spool reciprocatingly moveable relative to the housing, a rotor rotatable relative to the line spool, a gear disc rotatably mounted inside the housing, and a handle assembly. The gear disc includes a shaft tube, and an internal thread portion and a stop portion both provided at an inner wall of the shaft tube. The handle assembly includes a handle and a drive shaft having a first end pivotally connected with the handle. The drive shaft has an external thread portion engaged with the internal thread portion of the gear disc in a way that the drive shaft is penetrated through an opening of the housing and inserted into the shaft tube of the gear disc, and a second end of the drive shaft is abutted against the stop portion of the gear disc.

Abstract: A drop table can employ one or more shearing drive couplings to optimize lifting operations. The drop table can have a motor physically attached to a first lifting column via a first rotating input shaft and to a second lifting column via a second rotating input shaft. Each rotating input shaft is connected to the motor by a drive coupling having a shearing insert positioned between a drive shaft and a collar.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a motoring system for a gas turbine engine including the steps of: forming a mechanical shaft fuse, the mechanical shaft fuse including a plurality of through holes; forming an outer housing; installing a reduction gear train into the outer housing, the reduction gear train having an input and an output; operably connecting an electric motor to the input; operably connecting a clutch to the output using the mechanical shaft fuse, the clutch in operation engages and disengages the reduction gear train; operably connecting a starter to the clutch, the starter having an output shaft; and operably connecting an accessory gearbox to the output shaft of the starter. The mechanical shaft fuse in operation shears when torque on the mechanical is greater than or equal to a selected value.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a rotating drive component for a drive train, the rotating drive component comprising a first rotating element and a second rotating element, wherein the first rotating element and the second rotating element are arranged in a concentric arrangement such that the second rotating element is positioned within the first rotating element; and a shear element extending radially between and coupled to each of the first rotating element and the second rotating element, the shear element having a lower breaking strength than other components in the drive train, wherein if the shear element breaks, the first rotating element and the second rotating element are decoupled from each other and rotate independently of each other.

Abstract: A shaft assembly for a gas turbine engine is provided. The shaft assembly comprises: a first shaft having an outer surface; a first coupling ring disposed around the outer surface of the first shaft, an inner surface of the first coupling ring being coupled to the outer surface of the first shaft; a second shaft having an inner surface; and a second coupling ring disposed around the inner surface of the second shaft, an outer surface of the second coupling ring being coupled to the inner surface of the second shaft, wherein an outer surface of the first coupling ring is configured to mate with an inner surface of the second coupling ring, such that concentricity of the first and second shafts is maintained at the shaft assembly by virtue of the mating of the first and second coupling rings. Methods of assembling and re-assembling a shaft assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A shear section for a rotating arrangement includes an axially-extending shaft having a connection flange and a coupling flange adjacent the connection flange. The coupling flange includes an annular shoulder portion and an elongated neck portion extending axially away from the shoulder portion and disposed concentrically within the shaft. The shear section further includes a plurality of fasteners extending axially through the shoulder portion and the connection flange, and securing the shaft to the coupling flange. Each of the plurality of fasteners includes a shank region and a reduced thickness portion circumscribing the shank region.

Abstract: An aviation actuator assembly for various aviation servo and/or autopilot applications can include an actuator having an output shaft and a mechanical fuse for joining to the output shaft and another rotating body. The mechanical fuse can include a fuse body having a first connection point for joining to the output shaft, a second connection point for joining to the rotating body, and at least one channel defined in the fuse body. The first connection point and the second connection point are configured to be disposed in a line generally parallel to a common axis of rotation of the output shaft and the rotating body. The fuse body has a generally flat cross-sectional profile along its length between the first connection point and the second connection point, and the channel extends generally perpendicular to the length of the fuse body and narrows the cross-sectional profile.

Abstract: An accessory assembly of a turbine engine has a support structure and a shaft coupled to the support structure by means of a pair of main bearings and provided with an end portion, which has a shear neck designed to break when the torque transmitted to that shaft exceeds a predetermined design threshold; the accessory assembly also has a gear, which defines a motion inlet, is fixed to the end portion and, when said shear neck breaks, remains supported by a single secondary bearing; the latter is distinct from said main bearings and is arranged axially between said shear neck and the gear.

Abstract: A disconnect mechanism includes a shaft that rotationally couples a prime mover and a driven element together. The disconnect mechanism also includes a first bearing that rotationally supports the shaft and a first seize ring rigidly attached to the shaft. The first seize ring coaxially surrounds at least a portion of the shaft. The disconnect mechanism also includes a housing that retains the first bearing. The housing includes a first contact member that is fixed with relation to the shaft. The first contact member is concentrically spaced from the first seize ring during the normal operation of the shaft and selectively contacts the first seize ring when the centerline control of the shaft is not maintained. The disconnect mechanism also includes a torque activated disconnect element that rotationally decouples the prime mover and the driven element from one another when the first seize ring contacts the first contact member.

Abstract: A connector system having first and second connector segments held together by a rod threadably received in an internal axial bore through each of the first and second connector segments. Each connector segment has a breakaway portion formed from an angled face on one connector segment that cooperates with the mating angled face on the abutting connector segment to form a V-shaped breakpoint between the two connector segments. An intermediate segment can be positioned there between to provide two breakpoints, and multiple intermediate segments can be used for additional breakpoints. Upon impact, the system breaks at the breakpoint and only the rod needs to be in most cases. A longitudinal bore through the rod permits adaption of the rod to selected loads.

Abstract: A coupling key for fixedly coupling a driveshaft to a rotating component of a measurement while drilling telemetry apparatus comprises a key body and at least one zero backlash ring. The key body has dimensions selected to fit within a keyhole of a driveshaft and a receptacle of a rotating component, with a gap that is large enough that the key body can be freely inserted into the keyhole and receptacle and small enough that the coupling body can couple the driveshaft to the rotating component in a rotational direction. The least one zero backlash ring extends around the key body and protrudes from surfaces of the key body and into the gap such that an interference fit is established between the coupling key, the keyhole, and the receptacle when the coupling key is coupling the driveshaft and rotating component together.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a venting hatch having a base configured to couple to a storage container, wherein the base comprises a central opening configured to be exposed to an opening of the storage container, a cap coupled to the base, a seal disposed between the base and the cap, and an actuating mechanism configured to exert a biasing force on the seal to bias the seal against an annular lip of the base, wherein the actuating mechanism is disposed on an exterior surface of the cap.

Abstract: Described herein is a torque-limiting coupling provided for connecting coaxial, first and second rotating shafts. The coupling includes a first connecting part on an end of the first shaft and a second connecting part on an end of the second shaft. An interconnector joins to the first connecting part at a first engagement formation, and joins to the second connecting part at a second engagement formation. The first engagement formation threadingly joins the interconnector to the first connecting part. The second engagement formation can resist rotational movement of the interconnector relative to the second connecting part but allows movement of the interconnector in the axial direction of the shafts. When a torque transmitted by the shafts exceeds a predetermined value, the interconnector rotates relative to the first connecting part at the threaded engagement formation.

Abstract: A torque-limiting assembly for a surgical powertool has an input shaft and an output shaft. Two relatively rotatable parts of the assembly are configured to be locked against relative rotation by at least one shearable piece for torque transfer between the input shaft and the output shaft up to a torque limit. The assembly further comprises at least one shear off structure rotationally fixed to one of the two relatively rotatable parts for shearing off a portion of the at least one shearable piece above the torque limit so as to unlock the two relatively rotatable parts for relative rotation.

Abstract: A drive unit for driving a ring gear includes a motor, a transmission and a drive shaft, on which a pinion is arranged for driving the ring gear, wherein the drive unit includes a mechanical overload protection. In accordance with the invention the overload protection is arranged between the transmission and the pinion.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure provide a gearless drive with a bearing-free rotor shaft for a driving drum of a belt conveyor plant. The gearless drive includes a support. The support is positioned such that it forms a horizontal repository for the rotor shaft in the event of separation between the rotor shaft and a drum shaft connected to the driving drum, without the rotor touching the stator, and such that said support does not touch the rotor shaft in the event of connection between the rotor shaft and drum shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for limiting torque transferred from an engine or motor to a drive shaft or other components. In some embodiments, the torque-limiting device has a spindle disposed within both coupling flanges to increase the resistance to radial forces and to maintain coaxial alignment of the flanges and attached drive shafts. In some embodiments, the axial spacing of bearings that enable rotation of the coupling flanges is based upon the diameter of the spindle. In another embodiment, torque-limiting devices that maintain coaxial alignment may be used to modify vehicle drive shafts to enable long distance towing for long durations at high speeds.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for assembling a flange joint for use in a driveline. In an exemplary embodiment the apparatus includes a first flange with a first recess. A second flange may be configured to join with the first flange for translating rotational motion between the first flange and the second flange, the second flange having a second recess corresponding in position to the first recess in the first flange. A shear force member may have a first part configured to contact the first recess and a second part opposite the first part configured to contact the second recess, the second part may have an inclined surface. Multiple fasteners may connect the first flange to the second flange such that the inclined surface of the shear force member is held in contact with the second recess.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for limiting torque transferred from an engine or motor to a drive shaft or other components. In some embodiments, the torque-limiting device has a spindle disposed within both coupling flanges to increase the resistance to radial forces and to maintain coaxial alignment of the flanges and attached drive shafts. In some embodiments, the axial spacing of bearings that enable rotation of the coupling flanges is based upon the diameter of the spindle. In another embodiment, torque-limiting devices that maintain coaxial alignment may be used to modify vehicle drive shafts to enable long distance towing for long durations at high speeds.

Abstract: A shock protection device having opposing pluralities of frangible splines separated by an annular groove disposed in an internal splined opening in a drive hub, the splines for intermeshing engagement with a splined end of a drive shaft for transferring rotary motion to a cutter head from a driveline. Variation in the width of the annular groove enables precise adjustment of the fracture torque for the shock protection device beyond the adjustment possible through variation in the number or configuration of the individual splines.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine comprises a coupling for connecting a shaft to a driving element mounted for rotation about the shaft. The coupling provides a torque path between the shaft and the driving element which passes through both a lost motion connection and a shear bolt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling (1) for a ship propulsion system to be arranged between a first shaft section (3) and a second shaft section (5) of a propeller shaft, comprising a first radial surface (17) facing a second radial surface (19), said first and second radial surfaces (17, 19) are transversal to the axial extension of the first and second shaft section (3, 5), wherein said first and second radial surfaces (17, 19) are connectable into an axially engaged condition and disconnectable into an axially disengaged condition, wherein said first and second radial surfaces (17, 19) are rotationally secured relative to each other in said axially engaged condition by means of at least one shear-carrying element (27) seated in opposite recesses (23, 25) arranged in the first radial surface (17) and the second radial surface (19), respectively, taking up shear forces directed substantially parallel to said first and second radial surfaces (17, 19), each of said opposite recesses (23, 25) comprises

Abstract: An improved drive shaft connecting device, including a novel shear bolt (50) for connecting two ends or flanges (42, 44) of the drive shaft connecting device in a manner whereby the separate parts of the drive shaft connecting device are securely connected to each other and are yet free to disconnect from each other and rotate relative to each other in the case of an overload condition on the drive shaft or drive shaft connecting device. The shear bolt is double ended (i.e. threaded on both ends) and shouldered on both ends. The threads on each end allow the two flanges of the drive shaft coupling device to be pulled together to a pre-determined distance, which, together with a shear point (60), is set by the distance between the opposing shoulders (52) on either side of the shear bolt As well, the flanges of the drive shaft coupling device are designed to accept the shear bolts in slotted openings (46, 48).

Abstract: A rock stabilizing apparatus and method for use with adhesion materials has a tensionable reinforcing member having a threaded portion at one end and an opposite end. The member-threaded portion threadably receives a nut and a bearing plate is retained on the member-threaded portion by the nut. A shearing element is provided for temporarily fixing the nut in a first operating position. At a predetermined torque, the shearing element fails and the nut is freed to advance on the threaded member portion from the first temporary operating position to a second permanent operating position. The first fixed operating position is located at the top end of the member-threaded portion. The second operation position is located at the bottom end of the member-threaded portion so that the bearing plate is in abutting contact with the face of the rock formation. In its first operating position the nut and reinforcing member may be rotated together for mixing the adhesion materials located within the drill hole.

Abstract: A drive assembly, especially for agricultural implements with rotatingly driven masses, has a shear pin coupling (1) with a coupling hub (3) and a coupling sleeve (12) rotatable relative to the coupling hub (3). A ratchet gear (20) supported on the coupling hub (3) and rotatable relative to the coupling hub (3) and the coupling sleeve (12). All three components (3, 12, 20) are connected to one another by the head screw (26) constituting the shear pin. A ratchet (not illustrated) may engage a holding face of the ratchet gear (20). This results in the head screw (26) being sheared. As a result, the coupling sleeve (12) is disconnected from the coupling hub (3) in respect of drive.

Abstract: A device for preventing damage to a driven spindle of a rotatably driven mechanism upon the occurrence of a radially-inwardly applied force wherein the spindle is disconnected without damage. The disclosed construction is particularly useful in conjunction with spindles of relatively smaller diameter.

Abstract: A drive shaft and driven chain sprocket are interconnected by an overload clutch embodying a shear pin. The overload clutch includes a first clutch element fixed for rotation with the shaft, a second clutch element mounted on the shaft next to the first clutch element for axial and rotational movement relative to the first clutch element. The second clutch element includes a circular flange disposed against a flat circular surface of the sprocket and coupled for rotation therewith by a shear pin extending through aligned holes in the flange and sprocket. The sprocket is mounted for rotation about a cylindrical shoulder provided on one side of the circular flange of the second clutch element. The first and second clutch elements respectively have positive engaging surface elements that are normally held in locking engagement with each other by a coil compression spring acting between the shaft and the sprocket.

Abstract: A torque limiting mechanism includes an axial space formed in a cylindrical wall of a pulley, and a pin protruding and extending from a back surface of a discharge disc. The pin is inserted into the axial space, and a rubber damper is installed between the inner surface of the axial space and the pin. When torque difference between the pulley and the discharge disc exceeds a threshold, a root portion of the pin is broken to separate the discharge disc from the pulley, thereby interrupting rotation transmission from the pulley to the discharge disc.

Abstract: The medical/technical tool holder apparatus (2) with torque limitation comprises a receiver (5) for at least one shear body (7) and a shearing means (10a) which is rotatably connected to the receiver (5) and which is arranged in such a manner with respect to a shear body (7) located in the receiver (5) that the shearing means (10a) contacts the shear body (7) as soon as a torque acts on the shearing means (10a), with the shearing means (10a) and the shear body (7) being mutually matched and arranged in such a manner that the shearing means (10a) at least partly severs the shear body (7) when a specific torque is exceeded.

Abstract: A torque overload coupler for a driveline allows limited free motion. In one embodiment, torque overload protection is provided by a friction slip clutch and tangs formed at the inner perimeter of a clutch plate fit into spaces between lugs defined on a hub to provide a limited range of free motion. In another embodiment, torque overload is provided by a shear pin and free motion is provided by the shear pin fitting into angular spaces between wings of a relatively rotatable hub.

Abstract: A jam-tolerant geared rotary actuator, capable of performing in a normal operating mode and a jam-tolerant operating mode, which includes: an output spline member for releasably connecting the movable ring gear to the output ring; a decoupling member which includes an input shaft disposed within a hollow timing shaft, and a shear member for sensing excessive torque and initiating the jam-tolerant mode; a sun gear spline member for connecting the sun gear to the hollow timing shaft; an axial displacement member for engaging the output spline member with the movable ring gear and the output ring; and an input engagement member for releasably connecting the axial displacement member to the input shaft. The axial displacement member includes a decoupling bushing and a double threaded decoupling nut. The nut is disposed between the timing shaft and the decoupling bushing.

Abstract: Each knife-carrying disk of a rotary cutterbar has a hub connected to a drive shaft through means of a shear device. In a first embodiment of the invention, the shear device is in the form of either a collar or a clamping member having internal splines received on a splined upper end of the drive shaft and having shearable cylindrical drive lugs engaged with complementary shaped openings provided in an upper surface of the disk hub. In another embodiment of the invention, the shear device is in the form of a ring-like shear insert having shearable inner splines received on the splined upper end of the drive shaft and having outer splines engaged with a splined mounting hole of the disk hub.

Abstract: A device for connecting the ends of two aligned sections of a hollow drive shaft which are rotatable about a common axis has first and second coupling members for securing to the ends of the drive shaft sections. At least two shearable bolts or pins connect the coupling members for transmitting torque between the drive shaft sections during operation and are arranged for balanced rotation of the coupling members under high r.p.m. conditions. The bolts, and not the drive shaft, will shear when the coupling members are subjected to a predetermined overload condition. The coupling members also include an annular groove and a correspondingly shaped annular projection for maintaining the shaft sections in axial alignment upon shearing of the bolts, and a collar for preventing the collapse of the shaft sections by restricting axial movement of the coupling members upon shearing of the bolts.

Abstract: The present invention target practice device is fitted with a hub which, together with a malleable key, pivotally drives a holder upon which a target is mounted to at least two positions--a lay down position and a pop-up position. The malleable key has a composition that is sufficiently strong to enable the drive shaft of the motor to pivotally drive the holder, and yet be sufficiently weak to be sheared at a predetermined torque. Thus, if the target practice device enters into a "fail mode", instead of causing the drive motor to jam up and to thereby expose the target practice device to potential harm, the key is sheared off so that no damaging load is placed on the drive shaft of the drive motor.

Abstract: A vehicle with a drive train having two shock-absorbing couplings. The drive train includes an engine, a transmission, the two shock-absorbing couplings connected together, a differential, a drive assembly and a rotatable assembly, such as a cutter drum. The transmission has a transmission output shaft which is connected by a universal joint to the first shock-absorbing coupling. Similarly, the differential has a differential input shaft which is connected by another universal joint to the second shock-absorbing coupling. The increased shock-absorbing capacity provided by two couplings reduces the failure rate of the drive train. To protect the drive train, a pair of shear members joined by shear bolts are used to connect the shock-absorbing couplings together.

Abstract: A transmission shaft having a shear neck portion adapted to attract failure of the shaft in the event of an overload includes an annular retainer to retain debris resulting from a failure of the shaft.

Abstract: A shear pin coupling between two members has shear pins accommodated in a holder which is releasably mounted on a coupling member. The pins extend through holes in a supporting flange ring which is a component of the member. Resilient packing is positioned between the ring and the holder to prevent penetration of dirt to the pins. The resilience of the packing allows the holder to be tilted outwardly out of contact with an abutment surface of the member to allow removal of the holder.

Abstract: A mechanical device for limiting the maximum torque transferred from a driving shaft to a driven power transmission element including an adapter which rotates fully around a power transmission element; a sleeve firmly affixed to and rotating with the driving shaft; a high friction clutch element pressed between the sleeve and the adapter; and a shear pin connecting the sleeve and the adapter, and providing a compressive force on the clutch element.

Abstract: A torque transmitting coupler drivingly connects a rotary drive mechanism, such as a earth boring auger, and a rotary driven tool, such as a screw anchor. The coupler includes driving and driven members. The driving member has thereon a drive mechanism connector and a driving plate. The driven member has thereon a tool connector and a driven plate. The coupler also includes a swivel connecting device which interconnects the driving and driven members together in a coupled relation such that the members are rotatable relative to one another and the respective driving and driven plates are disposed in end-to-end contacting relation to one another. A pair of shearable pins interconnect the drive and driven plates together so as to cause transmitting of torque from one of the members to the other via the respective plates. The shearable pins are designed to shear at a predetermined torque load imposed thereon by one of the members via its respective plate.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for a compressor of an automotive air conditioning system which is provided with a safety mechanism for preventing damage to the engine due to compressor failure. A front end plate with a tubular extension which extends in the direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft is attached to one end of the compressor housing. A pulley is rotatably supported on said extension by means of a bearing. At its terminal end, the drive shaft is connected to a plate-like element which includes a centrally located hole through which the drive shaft extends. The plate-like element is connected by means of a bolt and a nut and rotates with the drive shaft. The pulley transmits rotational motion from the engine to the shaft through the plate-like element by means of cylindrical members which are interposed between the pulley and the plate-like element. The cylindrical members are made out of an easily destroyed material.

Abstract: A blade coupling assembly includes a spindle having a base plate and a collar which fits about the drive shaft of an engine. A pair of locking pins are removably received within pockets formed on opposite sides of a central bolt opening in the base plate. A lawn mower cutting blade is provided with three corresponding openings which are aligned with the central bolt opening and the locking pins, respectively. The cutting blade is secured between the bolt head and base plate, and a spacer ring is compressed between the base plate and the end of the drive shaft. The locking pins have reduced diameter portions which are received within the blade openings, and annular shoulder portions which engage the cutting blade. When locking pins are removed from the base plate pockets, the base plate is converted for attachment to a replacement blade having upturned side flanges instead of locking pin holes. In the converted arrangement, the upturned side flanges lock the cutting blade against the sides of the base plate.

Abstract: A shear joint for torsionally connecting a hub to a yoke for a universal joint includes a shear bolt of a certain length extending through a flange of the hub into a radially disposed T-shaped slot in a flange of the yoke. A nut is inserted into the lateral leg of the T-shaped slot and is tightened onto the bolt by turning the bolt to hold the yoke and hub together axially and torsionally. If a bolt longer than the proper length is used to repair the joint, it abuts the top of the T-shaped slot and prevents holding the yoke and hub together by tightening the bolt, thereby encouraging use of a bolt of the proper size.

Abstract: A mechanical fuse for a cable connection tail of a submarine repeater in a cable transmission link, said cable connection tail extending from a case for repeater equipment, having a "free" end for connection to the head of a line cable fixed to the repeater when the link is laid, and including a tube which encloses the transmission-providing elements. The mechanical fuse comprises a plug (40) threaded over and fixed to the end of the tube (30) at the free end of the cable connection tail, a ring (41) fitted over the plug (40) and free to escape from the plug (40) in a direction running away from the cable connection tail, and mechanically fixed to the cable head, and a set of pins (42) transversely connecting the ring (41) to the plug (40) and having a cumulative shear strength which is less than the breaking strength of the tube of the cable connection tail.

Abstract: A rotary elastic safety coupling for steel rolling mills comprises two coupling halves and an intermediate disk, elastic rubber components being provided in one of the coupling halves for absorbing shocks, while transmitting normal torques. A plurality of angularly equispaced wedge-shaped cantilever arms are attached to the intermediate disk. The cantilever arms have projecting portions which are received in respective wedge-shaped cavities on a driven coupling half. The projecting portions of the cantilever arms are flanked on both sides by the elastic shock-absorbing components, these components also being mounted in the cavities on the driven coupling half. The elastic shock-absorbing components are installed in a prestressed condition, whereby large rolling torques are transmitted without play upon reversals in the direction of force transmission. The intermediate disk, connected to the driven coupling half by the cantilever arms, is connected to a drive coupling half by fracturable safety pins.

Abstract: A device for coupling two rotary machines with provision for automatic uncoupling under certain operational conditions, comprising a first shaft and a second shaft in two parts which are connected for motion transmission in a first sense by a dog clutch connection and in a second sense by an intermediate co-axial shaft and transverse pins. In the first sense an accidental excess torque is limited by fracture of a frangible groove section disposed in the first shaft. In the second sense in which a substantially lower torque is exerted, this is limited by the fracture of a second frangible groove section disposed in the intermediate shaft. After fracture of this second groove section, the first shaft and one part of the second shaft will become spaced apart and the one shaft part is maintained in this position by a blocking mechanism comprising at one end a cylindrical bush accommodating a radial spring and balls which are displaced to an internal groove of the other shaft part.

Abstract: A metal forming machine for forming articles from metal workpieces has a plurality of driven members for performing work on the metal workpieces. A drive shaft is connected with the driven members for transferring force to the driven members. A frangible portion is connected in the drive shaft and is designed to fail upon the occurrence of a predetermined overload at the member being driven from the drive shaft. A signalling device is associated with the frangible portion to stop the machine and give an alarm when an overload occurs which breaks the frangible portion.

Abstract: A coupling between a driving shaft and a driven shaft includes a replaceable insert which shears at a predetermined torque.

Abstract: A torsionally elastic shaft coupling arrangement with shear pins, and with a common cone bearing surface being utilized to drive the units. The coupling arrangement includes first and second constructional units which are rotatable relative to each other, and wherein the cone bearing surface extends taperingly intermediate the two coupling halves. Each constructional unit has an annular frontal surface and the frontal surfaces are disposed generally in axial alignment, and a locking ring having flanged portions extending therefrom encloses the annular frontal surfaces. A plurality of resilient attachment elements are distributed about the circumference of one of the constructional units to apply a biasing force to the locking ring so as to cause the surface of the locking ring to be maintained in running engagement with the frontal surface of the other constructional unit.

Abstract: Side plate members have a connecting clevis at one end and portions which encircle and clear the hub of a flanged hub member at the other end. Shear pins mount in holes provided in the flange and side plates such that relative motion between the hub and clevis is prohibited. The side plate members are flexible along the axis of the pins to prevent galling or reseizing caused by the rough edges of fractured pins.