Abstract: A break monitoring device for use with a disc coupling having an outermost disc disposed on a disc pack. There is an RFID tag mounted on the outermost disc which transmits a signal to a receiver or monitor. The RFID may be an active or passive tag. When the RFID tag is broken due to the outermost disc failing, the signal sent to the receiver is different than the signal sent during normal operation. This triggers an alert that the outermost disc has failed and the machine can be shut down in an orderly manner.

Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling device having two hubs with jaws extending from each hub toward the other hub. A flexible elastomeric belt or cushions fill the gaps between adjacent pairs of jaws. A retaining ring is mounted around the belt or cushions to keep the belt or cushions securely in place. There are a plurality of locking pins adjacent to the edges of the retaining ring and preferably on the interior surface of the ring. These are received in grooves cut in the exterior surface of the belt. When the retaining ring is placed over the belt, the belt is retained between the locking pins. Raised portions or nubs are placed at the entrance and exits of the grooves so that when the ring is rotated with respect to the belt, the locking pins pass over the nubs to securely lock the retaining ring around the edges of the belt. Alternatively the edges of the belt or cushions are tapered to engage the pins in locking engagement.

Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling device having two hubs with teeth extending from each hub toward the other hub. The teeth are in parallel alignment and spaced from each other. A flexible elastomeric belt fills the gaps between adjacent pairs of teeth. A retainer band is mounted around the belt to keep the belt securely in place. A locating pin on the interior surface of the band is received in a J-shaped groove cut in the exterior of the belt. This releasably locks the band in place around the belt. In an alternate embodiment, the J-shaped groove is replaced with a first groove extending across the belt and a pair of oppositely extending perpendicular grooves intersecting the first groove. This configuration allows the band to be slid onto the coupling from either end.

Abstract: A broaching machine for cutting keyways in a bore of a piece part. There is a stationary bed plate on which is slidably mounted a moveable vise which slides along the bed plate. The jaws of the moveable vise clamp the piece part which is to be machined. A broach holder lowers the broach through an upper fixed support which has upper broach guide means disposed therein. The broach then passes through the piece part and through a lower broach guide means positioned in the bed plate. A broach pulling unit receives the bottom of the broach and reciprocates the broach in an up and down vertical cutting operation. The broach is maintained in position and alignment by means of the upper and lower broach guide means which are disposed above and below the piece part. The upper and lower broach guide means are removable and replaceable after a predetermined amount of wear has occurred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the life of universal joints of the pin and block type by reducing the running temperature of the pins and bearings to inhibit oxidation and vaporization of the lubricant film between those parts. The method and apparatus relate to conducting heat from the interior of the pin and bearing zone through heat transfer means and discharging that heat to the surrounding medium through heat dissipating means.

Abstract: A universal joint formed of plastic parts and including two yokes and a block pivotally connected to the yokes. Each of the yokes has a cylindrical portion with a shaft receiving bore at one end thereof and a pair of arms integrally formed at the other end thereof. The outer surfaces of the arms are spaced apart a distance which is greater than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the yoke. Aligned pin receiving bores are formed in the arms near the free ends thereof to receive pins to pivotally connect the block to the arms. A diametrically extending rib is positioned at the base of the arms of each yoke and is located to clear the block and permit pivotal movement thereof. Transversely extending strengthening ribs are formed on the exterior surfaces of the yoke arms. These ribs are positioned diametrically outwardly of the rib at the base of the arms and extend at right angles to the axis of that rib.

Abstract: A pulley drive system utilizes a driven pulley and a driving pulley and a belt connecting the pulleys. The driving pulley has spaced discs and there are means for varying the spacing between the discs to vary the speed of the belt driving the driven pulley. Speed sensing means are positioned adjacent the driven pulley to provide a signal representative of the speed of the driven pulley. The speed sensing signal is utilized in a regulating circuit to control the means for varying the spacing between the discs to thus control the speed of the belt.