Abstract: An apparatus for damping torsional vibrations, particularly between coaxial primary and secondary masses of a composite flywheel in the power train between the engine and the transmission of a motor vehicle, has at least one coil spring or torsion spring which extends around the common axis of the two masses, which is stressed at least in the radial direction, and which is in a mere frictional (rather than positive) torque transmitting engagement with at least one of the masses. The spring can be installed to transmit torque from the secondary mass to the primary mass and/or vice versa, and such spring can operate in series with a damper between the primary and secondary masses.

Abstract: A rotary blower (26) including a pair of shafts (70,56) on which are mounted a pair of rotors (28,29), input to the first shaft (70) being by way of an input pulley (76;108;201). The first shaft (70) has a forward terminal portion (72) extending forwardly of a first timing gear (60) to a location disposed within the input pulley. A torsion damping means is associated with the input pulley (76;108;201) and includes a resilient means (94;124;213) which resists relative rotation between the input pulley and the terminal portion (72) of the first shaft. The torsion damper also includes means (88,90,92;118,122;207,211) for limiting the relative rotation of the input pulley and the first shaft. The disclosed arrangement provides a more compact, less expensive input portion of the blower which eliminates the need for the conventional "third shaft" and its associated bearings.

Abstract: An electric actuator reciprocates an output shaft driven by an electric motor in a linear manner. The actuator has a main body case. A rotating body supported by the case includes a pin rotating body, a gear wheel, and a coil spring. The gear wheel is meshed with a pinion that is fixed to the drive shaft of the electric motor. The rotation of the gear wheel is transmitted to the pin rotating body by the coil spring. The pin rotating body includes a rotary shaft. The rotary shaft has a pair of guide pins provided on its outer surface. A cylindrical cam is fixed to the output shaft, which is supported by the case. The cylindrical cam includes a spiral guided portion defined on its inner surface. The guided portion slides against both guide pins of the rotary shaft. The drive force of the electric motor rotates the rotary shaft by means of the gear wheel and the coil spring. As the rotary shaft is rotated, the output shaft is reciprocated along the rotary shaft with the guided portion guided by both guide pins.

Abstract: A driving force auxiliary device for combining a manpower drive force and a motor drive force comprises a manpower drive unit, an auxiliary power drive unit, and a leg power detecting means, wherein the manpower drive unit has a first one-way clutch and an elastic body 16 for transmitting a turning force disposed on a crank shaft to transmit a manpower drive force to an output, gear 17, a motor drive force of the auxiliary power drive unit is added to the manpower drive means at the outer periphery of the crank shaft via a second one-way clutch, and the leg power detecting unit includes first and second rotor members 31, 32 disposed at the front and rear of the elastic body 16, a pair of bevel gears 33, 34 which is interconnected with the first and second rotor members 31, 32 respectively, a bevel gear 35 is disposed to be engaged between the bevel gears 33, 34, an output shaft 37 which is fixed with and intersected at right angles with a supporting shaft 36 for supporting the bevel gear 35, and a sensor 38 c

Abstract: A drive apparatus includes an electric motor, a speed reducer and a coupling member located between the motor and the speed reducer. The output shaft of the motor and the input shaft of the speed reducer are provided with longitudinally extending grooves having a square or rectangular cross section in which barrel members having the mating cross section are inserted, respectively to absorb any gap therebetween. The box like barrel member has four segments which are brought into resilient contact with the groove.

Abstract: A xerographic developer apparatus wherein the idler end of a hollow and rotatably mounted developer roller is resiliently supported for radial movement by a radially compliant hub. The hub comprises a unitary series of stainless coils that are wound about an axis of rotation of the developer roller. The series of wire coils include a first multi-turn end portion to physically engage the roller's idler end, an opposite multi-turn end portion to engage a bearing that is fixed in position to generally coincide with the roller's axis of rotation, and an intermediate multi-turn portion that is free of physical engagement with either of the roller's idler end or the bearing. The intermediate multi-turn portion resiliently support the roller's idler end for needed radial movement relative to the bearing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for preventing circumferential separation between the meshing teeth of a first gear and a second gear of a gear train. Exemplary embodiments of the invention include a first torque transmitting gear coaxially fixed to the first gear, a second torque transmitting gear in meshing engagement with the first torque transmitting gear, a third torque transmitting gear in meshing engagement with the second torque transmitting gear, and being rotatable about a shaft fixedly connected to a fourth torque transmitting gear which in turn is in meshing engagement with the second gear. The third torque transmitting gear is drivingly connected to the shaft via a pre-loaded resilient element formed by a first torsion spring and a second torsion spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the torsion springs are arranged such that windings of the first torsion spring are located within spaces formed between adjacent windings of the second torsion spring.

Abstract: A torque limiter having an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder rotatably mounted around the inner cylinder, a closure member mounted between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder to close one end of the outer cylinder, a coil spring mounted between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder and having one end coupled to the outer cylinder and the other end coupled to the closure member so as to be tightened against the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder. The outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder has a roughness Ra (arithmetical mean deviation) of 0.6-1.0, and the coil spring is formed of a wire having a circular cross-section.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a torque driver including a laterally displaceable gear support member to carry an output spur gear. A biasing assembly biases the output spur gear into engagement with a pinion to which is applied an input torque greater than a desired output torque limit for a threaded fastener such as a nut or screw. A coiled output linkage connects the output spur gear with a fastener adaptor which may be a socket for a nut. A gear tooth profile provides a separation force that overcomes the bias to limit torque at the desired torque limit. Multiple fasteners may be rotated simultaneously to a desired torque limit if additional output spur gears are provided. A gauged selector mechanism is provided to laterally displace multiple driver members for fasteners arranged in differing configurations. The torque limit is selectably adjustable and may be different for fasteners within the same fastener configuration.

Abstract: A joint for connecting a first drive shaft to a second drive shaft includes a ball and socket arrangement connecting the two shafts and a spring attached at one end to one shaft and at the other end to the other shaft. The spring is made of a polymer matrix containing fibers made from poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) resin. The fibers extend through the polymer matrix along the helical axis of the spring. The spring is disposed about the ball and socket arrangement so that shock loads are absorbed by the spring.

Abstract: A universal joint device for interconnecting the handle portion and socket portion of a socket wrench is disclosed. The universal joint device is constructed with grooves for receiving the upper and lower ends of a coil spring which maintains the universal joint in alignment during both tension and compression. The universal joint device is also provided with recessed apertures for receiving washers or similar adjustment devices to allow the device to be customized for additional rigidity or flexibility.

Abstract: The flexible shaft suitable for technical and surgical endoscopes consists at least partly of circular braiding of webs interwoven with one another. A particularly stable and torsion-resistant shaft also having low wall thickness is produced in that weaving of the webs formed by the flat wires is single-braided, and in that the circular braiding is machined by hammering, particularly in the region of the crisscrosses of the flat wires.

Abstract: A fluidic apparatus includes a pulley driven by an engine, torque limiting means disposed in the pulley and adapted to shut off the transmission of driving force transmitted by the pulley when overload is applied thereto, and a driving shaft driven by the torque limiting means. The torque limiting means includes a boss formed coaxially with the pulley, a collar disposed integrally and coaxially with the driving shaft, and a coiled spring adapted to hold outer peripheral surfaces of the boss and the collar by tightening with a predetermined tightening allowance. With the torque limiting means, if abnormal loads should be applied to the driving shaft, there hardly occur internal breakages, or the like, in the fluidic apparatus. In addition, because the torque limiting means has such a simple construction, the fluidic apparatus is down-sized and reduced in manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A driving power transmission system has a rotary base supported for rotation as one with a driving shaft rotated in forward and reverse directions at controlled rotational velocities and a driving power transmitting member rotatably supported by the driving shaft. The rotary base and driving power transmitting member are interconnected by an elastic connecting member. A rotational position control member is provided for controlling the rotational position of the driving power transmitting member with respect to the rotary base. During constant speed rotation, the driving power transmission system transmits the rotational driving power of the driving shaft through the elastic connecting member to the driving power transmitting member to prevent torque ripples produced in the driving shaft from being transmitted to a driven unit.

Abstract: A torsion isolator assembly (30) for reducing driveline torsionals includes a vane damper (36) including improved valving (40d,40e) for increasing the damping factor of the damper, improved spiral springs (32,34 or 80,82) for reducing spring stress primarily due to centrifugal forces, and cam surfaces (44d,440c) for further reducing spring stress due to centrifugal forces.

Abstract: A stabilizing apparatus is provided for use with an oval gear meter. The oval gear meter for receiving material such that the quantity of material is measured by the meter. The meter having the characteristic of alternating acceleration and deceleration for a constant flow of material passing through the meter due to the eccentricity associated with the elliptic shape of the oval gear thereby causing excessive instability or oscillatory conditions with respect to the measured material. The stabilizing apparatus includes a first actuator secured to and synchronized rotationally with an oval gear. The first actuator receives rotational force from the oval gear representative of the quantity of material passing through the meter. A second actuator secured to and synchronized rotationally with a shaft. The second actuator is rotationally driven by force received from the first actuator for transferring rotational force to the shaft.

Abstract: A torsion isolator assembly (30) for reducing driveline torsionals includes a vane damper (36) including improved valving (40d,40e) for increasing the damping factor of the damper, improved spiral springs (32,34 or 80,82) for reducing spring stress primarily due to centrifugal forces, and cam surfaces (44d,44c) for further reducing spring stress due to centrifugal forces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electronic actuator for use in a vehicle transmission such as a four wheel drive transfer case. In one preferred embodiment, the transfer case includes two separate electronic actuators, a range shift actuator which is utilized to effect shifting of the transfer case between high range, neutral, and low range drive positions, and a clutch actuator which is utilized to control engagement of a clutch between two wheel drive, automatic ("on demand" four wheel drive), and "part time" four wheel drive operating modes. The range shift actuator includes a rotary electric motor coaxially mounted relative to a rear output shaft of the transfer case, and a linear screw for translating the rotational movement of the motor shaft to selective axial movement of a range shift sleeve.

Abstract: A flexible, axial compensating, rotary driver-type tool bit for adjusting fasteners or adjustment screws for use with a driver motor or other automatically driven system, the driver having flexible couplings between a base member, a driver member and a collar. The driver capable of both axial adjustment and lateral adjustment in response to the relative position of the fasteners or adjustment screws. The driver member moves axially within a collar relative to the base member within limits established by a limiting pin extending from the driver member and cooperating with an elongated slot in the collar and by the space between the base member and the driver member. The driver member and the collar also adjust laterally relative to the base as permitted by a spring connecting the collar and the base member.

Abstract: In the electric actuator of the present invention, the power converting mechanism is provided for converting the rotary power of the motor into linear power of the driven member, which needs no special component part. Therefore, in comparison with the prior art power converting mechanism, it is advantage in that the scale of speed reduction and the stroke can be freely determined, with remarkably reduced number of parts and in low cost. The electric actuator according to the present invention is also provided with the improved clutch device employing the engagement of the weight and the recessed portion for secure transmission of the rotary power of the motor, resulting in full utilization of the capacity of the motor in simplified structure.

Abstract: Procedure and device for converting the torque acting on the shaft when energy quanti are transferred from the input shaft, driven by the engine, to the output shaft, driving the load, in the form of impulses the number of which in time unit is proportional to the difference between the revolution speeds of the input shaft and the output shaft. The input shaft, driven by the engine, disengages itself repeatedly from the middle shaft, when the motional speed of the moving parts of the engine and the quantity of the motional energy based on it grows, which growth of the motional energy will be converted as impulses into potential energy, which in form of the torsional force of the spring, located between the middle shaft and the output shaft, maintains on the output shaft a torque required by the loading.

Abstract: An intake manifold (18) for an engine (10) includes a Roots-type supercharger (26) having a torsion damping mechanism (54) for reducing audible gear tooth rattle of timing gears (72,74) which prevent contact of meshed lobes (28c,29a) of the supercharger rotors (28,29). The damping mechanism includes a hard outer shell or band (102) for maintaining the shape of an annular member (100) formed of relatively soft elastomeric material which is fixed for rotation with the gear (74). The member (100) includes three arcuate slots (100c) each defining forward and reverse direction stops (100d,100e) for limiting movement of pins (96) slidably disposed at one end in the slots and fixed at the other end to the input shaft. A torsion spring (98) of low rate resiliently connects the pins to the annular member for reducing the audible gear tooth rattle. A set of three cantilever springs, molded integrally with the annular member, mitigate audible impacts of the reverse stops (100e) by the pins (96).

Abstract: A rotatable elastic coupling for connecting two relatively rotatable shaft ends comprising a coiled spring having ends that are fixed to a respective shaft end. One of the shaft ends is provided with an extension that axially extends into the interior of the spring. In the region adjacent to the spring ends, an intermediate portion of the spring is radially spaced from the extension. A gap formed by the radial spacing between the intermediate spring portion and the extension is defined between an inner abutment surface of the spring portion and an outer abutment surface on the extension. Relative rotation of the shafts reduces the gap until the abutment surfaces come into contact and a rotational limit is reached.

Abstract: An intake manifold (18) for an engine (10) includes a Roots-type supercharger (26) having a torsion damping mechanism (54) for reducing audible gear tooth rattle of timing gears (72,74) which prevent contact of meshed lobes (28c,29a) of the supercharger rotors (28,29). The damping mechanism includes a drive member (90) having an annular band portion (90d) banded about an annular member (100) formed of relatively soft elastomeric material which is fixed for rotation with the drive member via lugs (90e). The member (100) includes three arcuate slots (100d) each defining forward and reverse direction stops (100e,100f) for limiting movement of pins (94) slidably disposed at one end in the slots and fixed at the other end to the gear (74). A torsion spring (96) of low rate resiliently connects the annular member to the pins for reducing the audible gear tooth rattle.

Abstract: An intake manifold (18) for an engine (10) includes a Roots-type supercharger (26) having a torsion damping mechanism (54) for reducing audible gear tooth rattle of timing gears (72,74) which prevent contact of meshed lobes (28c,29a) of the supercharger rotors (28,29). The damping mechanism includes a drive member (90), having an annular band portion (90d) for maintaining the shape of an annular member (98) formed of relatively soft elastomeric material which is fixed for rotation with the drive member via lugs (90e). The member (98) includes three arcuate slots (98d) each defining forward and reverse direction stops (98e,98f) for limiting movement of pins (94) slidably disposed at one end in the slots and fixed at the other end to the gear (74). A torsion spring (96) of low rate resiliently connects the annular member to the pins for reducing the audible gear tooth rattle.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for the torque-transmitting connection of a plurality of machine elements generally, and in particular, to frictional torque transmission between a first machine element such as a shaft or a tool and a second machine element such as a gear wheel or a belt pulley wherein both elements are connected by a clamping element including at least elastic wrap spring which embraces one of the elements.

Abstract: An intake manifold (18) for an engine (10) includes a Roots-type supercharger (26) having a torsion damping mechanism (54) for reducing audible rattle of timing gears (72,74) which prevent contact of meshed lobes (28a,29a) of the supercharger rotors (28,29).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for the production of drilling holes from an angled position with respect to the drilling axis, wherein the system has a free-moving drilling support with a drilling machine axially movable thereon. According to this process the drilling rod is provided with a flexible configuration that is diverted by passing through a bend guide affixed to a drilling support, from the rotation axis of the drilling machine to the axis of the drill hole. According to this device, the flexible drilling rod system consists of a tubular core and of wires or rods twisted around this core.

Abstract: An intake manifold (18) for an engine (10) includes a Roots-type supercharger (26) having a torsion damping mechanism (54) for reducing audible rattle of timing gears (72,74) which prevents contact of meshed lobes (28a,29a) of the supercharger rotors (28,29). The damping mechanism includes torsion springs (98,100) preloaded against each other. Torsion spring (98) has a low spring rate for attenuating torque fluctions or spikes during non-supercharging, low engine speed modes of operation. Spring (100) has a relatively high spring rate and functions as a shock absorber during engine shut down and during rough engine operation.

Abstract: A speed indicator device for vehicles is described, of the type in which the speed indication is given over a scale by an index fitted to an oscillating element drawn for example, by a permanent magnet carried into rotation by the shaft of an electric motor. The device comprises a bush on one side fixed to the magnet and on the other fixed, by a spring, to the shaft of the electric motor.

Abstract: A device for coupling two rotary shafts, wherein a guide member is used on the coupling end of a first shaft to guide a coupling protrusion on the coupling end of a second shaft into a V-shaped coupling recess on the first shaft. The guide member can be made of a resilient plastic, to provide a flexible and detachable coupling member and reduce abnormal wear of the rotary shaft.

Abstract: An assembly (19) for damping torsionals in a vehicle driveline. Assembly (19) includes a spring assembly (20) and a vane damper assembly (22) disposed in parallel and immersed in automatic transmission fluid of a torque converter housing (24). The spring assembly (20) isolates driveline torsionals and the damper assembly dissipates the torsionals. The damper assembly (22) includes first and second relatively rotatable housing members (66,68) respectively connected to the spring assembly output (62b) and input (62a). Members (66,68) are also frictionally interconnected by surfaces (68a,74a). Housing members (66,68) define chambers (78a,78b) containing the transmission fluid and which vary inversely in volume in response to flexing of the spring assembly (20) by the driveline torsionals. As the chambers vary in volume, energy from the torsionals is converted to fluid pressure in the chambers decreasing in volume.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a flexible connecting shaft for an intramedullary reamer. In each embodiment, several short segments or links are attached together to form an elongated flexible shaft which shaft is designed, due to the specific attachment means for the links, to bend along its longitudinal axis while transmitting torque without any lag in such transmission. A link at one end of the flexible shaft as made by a plurality of the links includes means provided for attachment to a torque providing device such as an electric motor. At the opposite end of the shaft, the last link includes structure thereon enabling connection to a drill bit. The various embodiments disclose different ways of interconnecting the links.

Abstract: An assembly (19) for damping torsionals in a vehicle driveline. Assembly (19) includes a spring assembly (20) and a vane damper assembly (22) disposed in parallel and immersed in automatic transmission fluid of a torque converter housing (24). The spring assembly (20) isolates driveline torsionals and the damper assembly dissipates the torsionals. The damper assembly (22) includes first and second relatively rotatable housing members (66,68) respectively connected to the spring assembly output (62b) and input (62a). Members (66,68) are also frictionally interconnected by surfaces (68a,74a). Housing members (66,68) define chambers (78a,78b) containing the transmission fluid and which vary inversely in volume in response to flexing of the spring assembly (20) by the driveline torsionals. As the chambers vary in volume, energy from the torsionals is converted to fluid pressure in the chambers decreasing in volume.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a motor-driven chain saw wherein a sprocket for a saw chain and a drive wheel for an oil pump are rotatably journalled on the crankshaft. The oil pump pumps oil for lubricating the saw chain and guide bar. The sprocket and the drive wheel are driven via a clutch drum. In this arrangement, a detachable resilient connecting member is provided to connect the drive wheel of the oil pump to the clutch drum at the peripheral wall of the latter. The resilient connecting member protects the drive wheel and the oil pump from excessive wear.

Abstract: A separable drive assembly including first and second shafts, the shafts being normally aligned axially in an end to end relationship, a coupling portion operatively connecting adjacent ends of the first and second shafts, the coupling portion including a resilient section extending between the adjacent ends of the first and second shafts, a connector section extending from one end of the resilient section, the connector section including an axial opening, the adjacent end of the first shaft engaging and being affixed within the connector section opening, a guide section extending from the opposite end of the resilient section, the guide section including an enlarged end section, an axial bore extending through the guide section, the bore being capable of slidably engaging the adjacent end of the second shaft, the axial bore through the guide section having a cross-section substantially the same as the cross-sectional configuration of the second shaft end but slightly larger; whereby moving the adjacent first

Abstract: A torsional damper comprises two parts mounted to rotate relative to one another against circumferentially acting elastic means disposed between them. These elastic means include at least one elastically deformable arm fastened at one end to one rotating part so as to rotate therewith. Its other end is unrestricted, and is formed with a shoulder whereby it can engage with a shoulder provided for this purpose on the other rotating part. The or each elastically deformable arm and its support are integral parts of an appropriately shaped flange. An application of the torsional damper is to friction clutches for automotive vehicles, for damping torsional vibration.

Abstract: A control assembly and process for producing same wherein an operating cable having a steel wire core is connected to a drive member, especially for motor vehicle sliding tops and window raising devices, that is made of plastic and has a sleeve formed thereon in which the core is secured by ultrasonic welding. In accordance with a modified embodiment, clamping rings are pressed onto the core on both sides of the sleeve providing tension and shear resistance to the connection of the sleeve and core, torsional forces being resisted by the ultrasonic welded connection.

Abstract: An improved amusement or game device of the type which has one or more indicia-bearing rotatable reels which are rotated upon initiation of play by a player is disclosed. The game device has an improved main drive mechanism which permits the player to vary the initial rotational speed of the reels in direct proportion to the speed in which an associated operating handle is pulled. A supplemental drive mechanism is included for increasing the speed of the reels if the player fails to pull the operating handle with sufficient force to rotate the reels at a predetermined minimum speed. The device also includes an improved indexing means for stopping the reels in accordance with the operation of the game device. The game device also includes means for absorbing excessing energy that may be provided by a player pulling the operating handle with extraordinary speed or force.

Abstract: An improvement in a shaft drive apparatus which is an outer casing extending over and liquid-tightly enclosing a torque damper on a propeller shaft which interconnects the output shaft of an internal combustion engine to a bevel gear mechanism on the rear wheel of a motorized two-wheeled vehicle. The casing is attached to the propeller shaft to rotate therewith. An outer covering can cover a universal joint which interconnects the torque damper and the input shaft of the bevel gear mechanism. The outer cover extends over and liquid-tightly surrounds the universal joint and engages the outer casing and has its interior in communication with an interior of the outer casing. The interior of the bevel gear casing can also communicate with the interior of the outer casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing additional traction to the wheels of a vehicle during inclement conditions utilizes an adapter to accommodate its use with a variety of sizes of vehicle wheels and has features to permit its convenient installation and removal from the wheels of the vehicle. A vertical disc has a plurality of traction elements mounted on its periphery to engage the terrain, with the disc being cooperatively connected to the wheel adapter by means of a large coil spring. The spring permits flexure of the disc and traction elements in four dimensions, i.e. rotatively about the wheel axis, horizontally about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle axle to permit the disc to cant inwardly into contact with the top of the wheel or tire of the vehicle, vertically with respect to the terrain, and along the horizontal axis of the wheel axle toward and away from the wheel. The use of the single spring to provide the various modes of flexure facilitates simplicity in the construction of the apparatus.