Abstract: A flexible coupling assembly for a power transmission system including a first shaft defining an axis, configured for connecting to a first rotating member, the first shaft adjoining and passing through a first flexible diaphragm coupling and lockably connecting to a quill shaft by a locking flange and the quill shaft being configured for connecting to a second rotating member, including a first mating portion for receiving the locking flange of the first shaft within a circumferential opening, wherein the quill shaft is disposed within a primary diaphragm coupling shaft.

Abstract: A flexible coupling includes a first disc and a second disc arranged along a rotation axis. The first disc and the second disc each include a radially inner hub portion, a radially outer rim portion, and a diaphragm portion extending between the hub portion and the rim portion. The first disc rim portion is connected to the second disc rim portion and the first disc has a diametral response mode that is different than a diametral response mode of the second disc to limit deformation in the flexible coupling when communicating rotation between a drive member and a driven member connected to one another by the flexible coupling. Drive trains and methods of making flexible couplings are also described.

Abstract: A coupling includes a diaphragm assembly, a sleeve, a stud, and a ball bearing system. The diaphragm assembly includes a first end, a second end, and an opening extending axially through the diaphragm assembly with the diaphragm assembly also including a first annular diaphragm pair. The sleeve extends into the opening and has a bore. The stud extends at least partially within the bore of the sleeve and within the opening. The ball bearing system is concentric with and radially between the sleeve and the stud with the ball bearing having an outer race adjacent to the sleeve, an inner race adjacent to the stud, and at least two rows of ball therebetween with the outer race having an arced shape when viewed in a circumferential direction to allow for axial movement of the at least two rows of ball bearings relative to the outer race.

Abstract: A system and method including a non-metallic shell to prevent debris from contacting a component of an exhaust system is disclosed. The shell may be formed from silicone. The shell may also form part of an assembly including a metallic corrugated body, which may be positioned between two pipe sections of the exhaust system. The shell may be separate from an exhaust coupler and be secured separately to the two pipe sections connected to the exhaust coupler.

Abstract: A drive unit is provided for a motor vehicle, including an internal combustion engine with an output shaft, a starting element that can be driven by the output shaft, a transmission that can be driven by the output shaft via the starting element, and a bellows mechanism via which the starting element can be driven by the output shaft. The bellows is configured as a folding bellows with a plurality of walls overlapping each other in the axial direction, such that the bellows can be pulled apart and compressed again without the bellows being damaged or deformed plastically as a result. The bellows is utilized as a balancing clutch, via which the starting element is coupled to the output shaft, such that torques are transmitted via the bellows between the starting element and the output shaft.

Abstract: A flexible coupling arrangement includes an outer first member, an outer second member, and an outer flexible coupling. The outer flexible coupling is arranged to transmit torque between the outer first member and the outer second member while allowing at least one of angular misalignment and axial misalignment between the outer first member and the outer second member. The flexible coupling also includes an inner first member, an inner second member, and inner flexible coupling. The inner flexible coupling arranged to transmit torque between the inner first member and the inner second member while allowing at least one of angular misalignment and axial misalignment between the inner first member and the inner second member. The inner flexible coupling is positioned radially inward of the outer flexible coupling.

Abstract: A flexible shaft includes first and second shaft portions, first and second angular displacement couplings, and an axial displacement coupling generally extending and centered to a rotational axis. The first shaft portion extends between the first angular displacement coupling and the axial displacement coupling. The second shaft portion extends between the axial displacement coupling and the second angular displacement coupling. The axial displacement coupling includes an outer periphery, first wall attached to and extending radially between the first shaft portion and the periphery, and a second wall attached to and extending radially between the second shaft portion and the periphery. The first and second walls are resiliently flexible to facilitate axial displacement between the first and second shaft portions.

Abstract: A flexible coupling includes a flexible diaphragm body having a first end and a second end. A member is fixed to the first end of the flexible diaphragm body. A splined member is fixed to the second end of the flexible diaphragm body. The splined member is configured to shift relative to a rotatable member rotatably fixed thereto in response to axial displacement of rotatable members interconnected by the flexible coupling. The ratio of inner diameter to the outer diameter is selected to allow for packaging the flexible coupling in a confined space.

Abstract: A flexible coupling includes a flexure, a first drive member defining an axis and connected to the flexure, and a second drive member. The second drive member defines an axis and is connected to the flexure on a side of the flexure opposite the first drive member. An angular stop is fixed within the first drive member, extends through a portion of the second drive member, and is arranged to limit angular misalignment of the first drive member axis relative to the second drive member axis while transmitting torque between the first and second drive members.

Abstract: An improved strain wave drive system employs an outer circular spline part and an outer dynamic spline part spaced apart by a gap from each other in a widthwise (axial) direction and each having a array of internally facing gear teeth, a two-part inner flexible spline (flexspline) having two different sets of externally facing toothed projections offset by a gap from each other across a width extending in a widthwise (axial) direction, a wave generator coupled to the central rotor or shaft for generating a wave impulse that displaces the inner flexspline toothed projections into mesh with those of the outer circular spline part and an array of roller bearings supporting an inner surface across the width of the flexspline in rolling line bearing contact.

Abstract: A flexible coupling assembly includes a power transmitting body to carry a torsional load between opposed rotating members and a quill shaft for carrying an axial load extending through the cavity of the torsional body. The power transmitting body defines an axis, a longitudinally extending cavity, and a first and second flanged portions for coupling opposed rotating members. The quill shaft extends through the cavity of the power transmitting body, spanning the power transmitting body, and fixed to the first and second flanged portions for carrying the axial load across the power transmitting body.

Abstract: A method of mounting a gear train to a torque frame includes providing a unitary carrier having a central axis that includes spaced apart walls and circumferentially spaced connecting structure defining mounts for interconnecting the walls. Spaced apart apertures are provided between the mounts at an outer circumference of the carrier. Gear pockets are provided between the walls and mounts extending to the apertures, and a central opening in at least one of the walls. A plurality of intermediate gears and a sun gear are inserted in the carrier. A first ring gear half is placed about the outer periphery of the intermediate gears, and attach a torque frame to the carrier.

Abstract: A method of assembling an epicyclic gear train includes the steps of providing a unitary carrier having a central axis that includes spaced apart walls and circumferentially spaced apart apertures provided at an outer circumference of the carrier. Gear pockets are provided between the walls and extend to the apertures, and a central opening in at least one of the walls. A plurality of intermediate gears is inserted through the central opening and move the intermediate gears radially outwardly into the gear pockets to extend through the apertures. A sun gear is inserted through the central opening. The plurality of intermediate gears is moved radially inwardly to engage the sun gear. A gear reduction is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coupling means (10) extending along a longitudinal axis of symmetry (100) from a first plate (11) towards a second plate (12), which plates are connected together by a link member (20). Said link member (20) is provided with a first hub (21) secured to said first plate (11) and with a second hub (22) secured to said second plate (12), a first end section (21?) of the first hub (21) being connected to a second end section (22?) of the second hub (22) by link means (30), said link means (30) comprising a first web (31) connecting said first end section (21?) to a maximum section (33) of said link means (30), said link means (30) having a second web (32) connecting a second end section (22?) of said second hub (22) to said maximum section (33).

Abstract: A flexible diaphragm coupling is disclosed which includes a radially inner hub portion, a radially outer rim portion, and a flexible diaphragm portion extending between the radially outer rim portion and the radially inner hub portion. The flexible diaphragm portion includes a radially inner diaphragm section having a maximum axial thickness adjacent the radially inner hub portion and a radially outwardly tapering axial thickness extending to a point of minimum axial thickness of the diaphragm portion, and a radially outer diaphragm section having a maximum axial thickness adjacent the radially outer rim portion and a radially inwardly tapering axial thickness extending to the point of minimum axial thickness of the diaphragm portion. By design, the point of minimum axial thickness of the diaphragm portion is closer to the radially outer rim portion than to the radially inner hub portion.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of assembling an epicyclic gear train comprising providing a carrier that includes spaced apart walls and circumferentially spaced mounts interconnecting the walls in a one-piece unitary structure. Spaced apart apertures are provided between the mounts at an outer circumference of the carrier. Gear pockets are provided between the walls and mounts extending to the apertures, and a central opening is provided in at least one of the walls. An intermediate gear is inserted through the central opening. The intermediate gear moves radially into the gear pocket to extend through the aperture. A baffle is inserted into the carrier in a space between the walls. A sun gear is inserted through the central opening to intermesh with the intermediate gear.

Abstract: A diaphragm coupling having first and second diaphragm plates that are joined together around their outer edges. Each diaphragm plate has a central, axially-extending hub. The hub of the first plate supports within it a pin member having an outwardly projecting shoulder at each end adapted to engage an internal shoulder on the hub of the first plate at one end and an internal shoulder on the hub of the second plate at the other end so as to limit axial separation of the two hubs—from one another.

Abstract: A coupling means (10) extending along a longitudinal axis of symmetry (100) from a first plate (11) towards a second plate (12), which plates are connected together by a link member (20). Said link member (20) is provided with a first hub (21) secured to said first plate (11) and with a second hub (22) secured to said second plate (12), a first end section (21?) of the first hub (21) being connected to a second end section (22?) of the second hub (22) by link means (30), said link means (30) comprising a first web (31) connecting said first end section (21?) to a maximum section (33) of said link means (30), said link means (30) having a second web (32) connecting a second end section (22?) of said second hub (22) to said maximum section (33).

Abstract: A flexible coupler includes an active element, a passive element and a flexible metal tube extending between the active and passive elements. The active element includes an internal side. The passive element includes an internal side. The flexible metal tube includes first and second annular end faces. Adhesive is provided between the internal side of the active element and the first annular face of the flexible metal tube. More adhesive is provided between the internal side of the passive element and the second annular face of the flexible metal tube.

Abstract: A method of constructing an integral coupling system containing a sun gear is disclosed. An integral sun gear is provided that has a sun gear component and a connection shaft. A first straight flat inner edge is machined on a first diaphragm to use as a datum point, and then the straight flat edge is fixtured. A tapered outer edge is machined on the first diaphragm, and the first diaphragm is welded to the integral sun gear. The flat inner edge is generally perpendicular to a central axis of the connection shaft.

Abstract: A single piece unitary metal coupling includes a first end, a second end, and a convolution between the first and second ends. The convolution includes at least one cylindrically-shaped tip end.

Abstract: A coupling system for connecting a sun gear to a shaft within a planetary gear train, includes a sun gear coupling connecting the sun gear to the shaft. The sun gear coupling has at least one undulant flexible section joined to an inflexible spindle for accommodating misalignment between the sun gear and the shaft. The flexible section comprises a cylindrical ring having a diameter greater than the diameter of the spindle, and joined to the spindle by two longitudinally spaced apart diaphragms. The juncture between the diaphragms, the ring, and the spindle is curved in cross section on an outer side to improve flexibility and minimize stress concentrations, and the inner sides of the diaphragms are straight edges which result in a non-symmetric contour of the diaphragm walls.

Abstract: The application relates to a sealed device for transmitting a rotational movement inside a chamber from a drive shaft to a driven shaft, said drive shaft including at least one input section extending through a wall of the chamber and supported by two bearings, one of which is located inside the sealed casing very close to the output section, and intended to co-operate with a rotational drive means, and an output section engaged with the driven shaft and inclined by an angle a in relation to the input section. The device includes a sealed casing surrounding the portion of drive shaft located in the chamber. The sealed casing includes at least: a bellows portion conferring flexibility on the casing at the intersection between the axis of the input section and the axis of the output section of the drive shaft; and a rigid sleeve extending alongside the bellows portion in the direction of the end of the output section of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A membrane-type coupling includes an input flange and an output flange which are interconnected via membrane packs in order to transmit torque in such a way that an input membrane pack is braced to the input flange, two output membrane packs that are connected in parallel are braced to the output flange, and the membrane packs are braced to one another with the aid of a clamping set composed of clamping rings. In order to reduce the volume and weight of such a membrane-type coupling, the input membrane pack is disposed between the two output membrane packs.

Abstract: A coupling system for connecting a sun gear to a shaft within a planetary gear train, includes a sun gear coupling connecting the sun gear to the shaft. The sun gear coupling has at least one undulant flexible section joined to an inflexible spindle for accommodating misalignment between the sun gear and the shaft. The flexible section comprises a cylindrical ring having a diameter greater than the diameter of the spindle, and joined to the spindle by two longitudinally spaced apart diaphragms. The juncture between the diaphragms, the ring, and the spindle is curved in cross section on an outer side to improve flexibility and minimize stress concentrations, and the inner sides of the diaphragms are straight edges which result in a non-symmetric contour of the diaphragm walls.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting two components, in particular a clamping collar with a centering hub, whereby, between both components an axially deformable and radially centering element is arranged.

Abstract: A welding bellows capable of absorbing torsion is equipped with a bellows core made from thin metal plates wherein the centers of the inner diameter and the outer diameter are made eccentric to each other. The metal plates are combined so as to make it possible to absorb torsion with respect to the center axis.

Abstract: A welding bellows capable of absorbing torsion is equipped with a plurality of bellows cores made from thin metal plates wherein the centers of the inner diameter and the outer diameter are made eccentric to each other, and the metal cores are combined so as to make it possible to absorb torsion with respect to the center axis.

Abstract: Drive shaft coupling having in-series bellows segments of different flexural resistance. The bellows segment nearest a tube section presents less flexural resistance than the immediate following bellows segment. Each individual bellows segment may be dimensioned in such a way that stress is distributed evenly over all bellows segments so that the component may be optimized; for example, with respect to installation and strength.

Abstract: A powder coating system comprising at least one throttle unit (10) which is adjusted by an electric motor, preferably a stepping motor (6) through a bellows connector (12).

Abstract: Two opposed bosses each possessing an outwardly open bore for engagement to a shaft end are bonded to either end of a single layer annularly convoluted, bellows style, hollow cylinder shielded by an exteriorly disposed cylindrical rubber sleeve. Torsional rigidity and longitudinal flexibility in torque transfer is provided by the bellows style medial member. The rubber sleeve provides vibration dampening which increases operational velocity and, more significantly, operational life by reducing vibration duration of resonant frequency by an average of fivefold with a cold fitted rubber sleeve, and tenfold with a hot fitting, about the bellows. Hot fitting melts the rubber sleeve and fills the exterior annular grooves of the bellows without the expense of molding under pressure and results in an increase of the resonant frequency and corresponding rotational speed of nearly threefold. Brass is suggested for the opposed bosses and phosphorus bronze for the bellows. Chloroprene rubber is suggested for the sleeve.

Abstract: Drive shaft coupling having in-series bellows segments of different flexural resistance. The bellows segment nearest a tube section presents less flexural resistance than the immediate following bellows segment. Each individual bellows segment may be dimensioned in such a way that stress is distributed evenly over all bellows segments so that the component may be optimized; for example, with respect to installation and strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a torsionally rigid, play-free, metal bellows-type, flexible shaft coupling for the torque-transmissive interconnection of two shafts. A metal bellows (1) has its generally axially flanged-out ends (1′) clamped on the ends of shafts (4) for frictional engagement. For the provision of a torsionally rigid, torsionally play-free and flexible coupling which can be manufactured inexpensively, which is readily available due to a modular design and which does not affect the drive train dynamics, the ends (1′) of metal bellows (1) have clamping rings (2, 2a) placed thereon which have slots (2′) therein and are adapted to be compressed by the width of slot (2′) to preferably directly clamp the ends (1′) of metal bellows (2) down on shafts (4).

Abstract: A vehicular propeller shaft having a hollow shaft, a bellows section integrally connected with said hollow pipe and a universal joint, the bellows section comprises a small diameter section, a large diameter section whose diameter is larger than the small diameter section, a plurality of swelling sections partially, outwardly swelled, having an enlarged diameter and a trapezoid cross section, annularly shaped around the hollow pipe, and consecutively disposed between said small diameter section and said large diameter section and a valley section having a reduced diameter, annularly shaped and disposed between two adjacent swelling sections.

Abstract: A planetary gear is described, with a compensating coupling (9), a housing (1) enclosing the gear (2) and the compensating coupling and a planet wheel carrier (3), which has a shaft journal (4) rotatably mounted in the housing. The compensating coupling is provided on the input side of the gear (2) and its gear-side coupling part (10) at the same time forms a component of the gear and is rotatably mounted in the housing. A second compensating coupling (14) is provided on the output side of the gear (2), its gear-side coupling part (15) having a projection (17) which engages in frictional and/or interlocking manner in a recess (13) in the shaftjournal (4). The housing (1) has a housing section (1c) on the output side of the gear (2) which is an integral component of the housing (1) and encloses the second compensating coupling (14). (FIG.

Abstract: An improved connection coupling for providing rotary motion from an electric motor rotor to a load wherein a mechanical coupling element is attached to an end of the rotor and to the shaft of the load. The free end of the rotor includes a cavity which extends axially from the end surface of the rotor inward to allow for insertion of a portion of the mechanical coupling element in the cavity. The walls of the cavity do not contact the portion of the mechanical coupling element to allow this mechanical coupling element to move freely in the rotation direction.

Abstract: A coupling system provided with a dual torque transmitting arrangement to provide compensation for axial misalignment between a drive shaft and a driven shaft where a primary flexible coupling member transmits torque between the drive shaft and the driven shaft preferably through a sleeve also coupled with a flexible coupling member to the driven shaft; the flexible member includes a gear transmission system for transmitting torque in the event of severe torsional overload of the flexible member which causes the gear teeth of the secondary coupler to engage and transmit torque from the drive to the driven shaft.

Abstract: Sensitive rotating viscometers which include a head, rotor and stator, for example, a Brookfield viscometer, and have their head supported by a hollow housing and their stator held in place by the same hollow housing are improved by an internally threaded wall in a lower portion of the hollow support member, having means to exert guiding pressure on a means to accept pressure of a correspondingly, externally threaded nut, the correspondingly, externally threaded nut for attachment within the internally threaded wall, which threaded nut has an extension which is perforately slotted, the nut extension having the means to accept pressure, so as to cause the nut extension to be directed inwardly by tightening of the nut within the internally threaded wall, so as to cause snug contact between the lower interior surface of the hollow support member and the exterior cylindrical surface of the stator. The device may be embodied as a separable collar housing and stator/tube collar with such an aforesaid nut.

Abstract: A method and device for precisely driving a rotary object includes a motor ounted in a housing and a reduction device comprising first and second harmonic drives, which connect the motor to the object to be driven via an output shaft. The output shaft is connected to the object to be driven via an adapter cup and a bellows which is stiff in torsion but which tolerates misalignments between the drive device and the object. All elements are designed to maximize stiffness and precision and to minimize backlash while maintaining maximum concentricity between the elements.

Abstract: An encoder is connected to an elevator traction machine shaft for sensing rotation of the machine shaft. The connector assembly includes a flexible torque-transmitting rod to minimize lateral deflection forces imparted to the encoder shaft by reason of misalignment between the machine and encoder shafts. A flexible collar is used to interconnect the flexible torque-transmitting rod with the encoder shaft.

Abstract: In semiconductor vacuum processing, it is desirable to minimize the material handling mechanisms that must be located in the evacuated process chamber. To accomplish this, a mechanism has been designed that locates the necessary power elements such as motors (12-16) outside the chamber (32). Power is transmitted to the mechanism via commercially available rotary vacuum feed-through devices (30) mounted in the chamber walls (28) and the separable, zero backlash couplings (44) located within the chamber. These couplings (44) allow easy removal and replacement of the handling mechanism without the need for physical access and tools.

Abstract: A coupling member comprises peripheral flanges and a body, with the peripheral flanges having the same axis of rotation. The body of the coupling member has a smoothly curving hub portion extending to two axially separated disk portions and is defined by three relationships. A thickness relationship describes the thickness of the body throughout the hub and disk portions. A spacing relationship describes how much of the body is to be occupied by the hub portion. A continuity relationship describes the thickness of the body within the hub portion.

Abstract: In semiconductor vacuum processing, it is desirable to minimize the material handling mechanisms that must be located in the evacuated process chamber. To accomplish this, a mechanism has been designed that locates the necessary power elements such as motors (12-16) outside the chamber (32). Power is transmitted to the mechanism via commercially available rotary vacuum feed-through devices (30) mounted in the chamber walls (28) and the separable, zero backlash couplings (44) located within the chamber. These couplings (44) allow easy removal and replacement of the handling mechanism without the need for physical access and tools.

Abstract: The linear drive device has two motors (M.sub.1,M.sub.2) firmly arranged relative to each other, one driving the nut (10), the other driving the screw spindle (20), whereby the nut (10) driven by motor (M.sub.1) is mounted axially firmly relative to the motor (M.sub.1), whereas the screw spindle (20) is driven by motor (M.sub.2) through the intermediate of a non-rotating, but axially shiftable coupling element (21).

Abstract: The shaft coupling has two elastic threaded cylindrical parts on both sides. The threaded cylindrical parts have tapered screws on their outer surface. Tightening nuts are fitted to the tapered screws. Inserting shafts into the threaded cylindrical parts, an operator rotates the nuts to tighten the shafts. The threaded cylindrical parts are elastically bent inward and pressed on the shafts by rotationally-symmetric forces. The tapered screws with wide screw edge angle or with saw-shaped section are preferable to heighten the transmission performance of torques.

Abstract: A flexible coupling (11) is formed with a toroidal diaphragm (21-22) as its flexible member. A pair of half-toroids (21-22) are fixed to inner rings (25, 26) and outer rings (27, 28) in order to effect connections. The inner rings (25, 26) are connected, respectively, to drive shaft sections (13, 14). The outer rings (27, 28) are used to connect the half-toroids (21-22) to each other. Torque from one of the drive shaft sections (13) is passed through one of the inner rings (23), through one of the diaphragms (21) through the outer rings (27 and 28) to the other diaphragms (22), the other inner ring (26) and to the other drive shaft section (14). Advantages include increased flexibility of a flexible coupling of a type which uses no bearing parts.

Abstract: The stirrer vessel and stirrer shaft of a stirring apparatus are heated and carry an enamel coating on the surfaces coming into contact with the product. In order to prevent destruction of this enamel coating when the stirrer shaft is severely stressed, elastic intermediate members are arranged between a rigid support shaft and a shaft casing. The stuffing box is also held on the stirrer vessel by a further elastic intermediate member. An elastic packing between the fixed part of the stirrer vessel and the vessel cover fixed to the drive casing balances forces which are transferred from the vessel wall to the drive casing.