Abstract: A presently-preferred embodiment of a quick-release coupler comprises a housing having a first interior surface defining a center cavity and a second interior surface defining a through hole intersecting the center cavity. The coupler also comprises a locking member at least partially disposed in the center cavity and having a first and an opposing second inwardly facing surface partially defining a central passage in the locking member, and a projection extending partially along a length of the first surface. The locking member is movable between a first position wherein the central passage is adapted to removably receive an end portion of a torque-transmitting shaft, and a second position wherein the projection is adapted to engage a recessed portion of the torque-transmitting shaft and thereby inhibit removal of the end portion from the central passage.

Abstract: A shaft assembly capable of length variation is disclosed including a shaft and telescoping tube. A coupling is provided between the shaft and tube including torsion means on the shaft for providing minimal rotational backlash and roller bearings for providing minimal sliding resistance between the tube and shaft. The torsion means may take various forms such as a torsion spring or a torsion bar.

Abstract: A variable length double telescoping drive shaft assembly particularly suited for higher RPM applications (2,500 to 3,000 RPM). The assembly includes splined sliding members, namely a drive shaft and two elongated tubular members allowing for maximum telescoping with shorter minimum conditions. The assembly also includes a positive phasing and a non-pull apart features.

Abstract: A one-piece sealing system for a universal joint assembly. A lubricant seal adapted to prevent the leakage of lubricant between the trunnion and bearing cup of a universal joint wherein the trunnion has a cylindrical portion merging into an outwardly flaring arcuate portion, the seal including an elastomer body bonded to the interior of a stiffening ring.

Abstract: A two piece sealing system for a universal joint assembly. A lubricant seal adapted to prevent the leakage of lubricant between the trunnion and bearing cup of a universal joint wherein the trunnion has a cylindrical portion merging into an outwardly flaring arcuate base portion, the seal including an elastomer body bonded to the interior of a stiffening ring.

Abstract: An adjustable length telescoping radial free motion driveline including a shaft slidable within a sleeve to slide axially with respect to each other which allows the driveline to elongate and shorten while still maintaining a fixed radial alignment. The shaft and mating sleeve are configured to allow for a fixed amount of radial motion between the shaft and sleeve that can be used by the installer to compensate for any misalignment between the two fixtures that the driveline is connected between. In one embodiment the shafting is square and the other the shafting is splined.

Abstract: An adjustable length telescoping radial free motion driveline including a shaft slidable within a sleeve to slide axially with respect to each other which allows the driveline to elongate and shorten while still maintaining a fixed radial alignment. The shaft and mating sleeve are configured to allow for a fixed amount of radial motion between the shaft and sleeve that can be used by the installer to compensate for any misalignment between the two fixtures that the driveline is connected between. In one embodiment the shafting is square and the other the shafting is splined.

Abstract: An adjustable free motion friction clutch assembly having an input end and an output end. The input end includes a splined drive hub for receiving therein a splined power shaft and the drive hub is freely rotatable through a predetermined angle relative to the output end for alignment with the splined power shaft.

Abstract: A coupling device for connecting an externally splined shaft having a circumferential groove therein to an internally splined member. The internally splined member has a plurality of radial openings in the sides thereof which receive a corresponding plurality of balls for protrusion between the splines in the groove in the externally splined shaft. A twist collar is positioned on the internally splined member and is rotatable through a predetermined angle. The twist collar has cam structure extending around the interior periphery with a plurality of dwells at spaced locations corresponding to the plurality of radial openings in the sides of the internally splined member. An inclined cam surface interconnects two adjacent dwells and is positioned to engage one of the balls during rotation of the twist collar to force the one ball into the groove in the externally splined shaft.

Abstract: A coupling device suitable for connecting an externally splined power take-off stub shaft to a corresponding internally splined yoke with a universal joint. The coupling mechanism includes an automatic release to the locked position and locks axially onto the shaft by way of locking balls. A collar with flexible tabs is manually rotatable to the unlocked position and is triggered to rotate to the locked position by the locking balls. When the externally splined shaft is inserted into the internally splined yoke, the end of the shaft trips the balls causing the flexible tabs in the collar to move radially outward, releasing the collar which rotates to the locked position. The collar rotates camming the balls on a formed metal ring inside the plastic collar to the locked position. Rotation is produced by a fully enclosed torsional spring connected to the collar and the yoke and prevents over-rotation in either direction.

Abstract: An annular shaft seal to be moved over a first, larger diameter portion of a shaft and to seal against a second, smaller, diameter portion of the shaft. The shaft seal comprises a mounting portion, a sealing lip portion and a flexible channel-shaped portion interconnecting the mounting portion and the sealing lip portion. The sealing lip portion has a primary sealing lip and a secondary sealing lip disposed adjacent to and spaced axially from the primary sealing lip in a direction away from the mounting portion.

Abstract: An improved telescoping torque transmitting connection and a method for making tubes used in the formation of this connection are disclosed. The tubes are formed with inwardly extending lobes and the lobes are formed so that the wall thickness of the tube in their vicinity is at least as great as it is in the remainder of the tube, whereby the strength of the tube is not reduced by formation of the lobes. The lobes are formed with substantially flat flanks for interaction with the lobes of the mating tube, whereby the contact between the two tubes is made at a plurality of planar surfaces rather than along a plurality of lines so that the end loading developed when the tubes are telescoped with respect to one another under load is not excessive.

Abstract: An improved telescoping torque transmitting connection and a method for making tubes used in the formation of this connection are disclosed. The tubes are formed with inwardly extending lobes and the lobes are formed so that the wall thickness of the tube in their vicinity is at least as great as it is in the remainder of the tube, whereby the strength of the tube is not reduced by formation of the lobes. The lobes are formed with substantially flat flanks for interaction with the lobes of the mating tube, whereby the contact between the two tubes is made at a plurality of planar surfaces rather than along a plurality of lines so that the end loading developed when the tubes are telescoped with respect to one another under load is not excessive.

Abstract: An improved guard for an articulated torque transmitting shaft such as the power transmission shaft connecting a tractor with an agricultural implement is disclosed. The guard according to the invention comprises bellows members for fitting over U-joints at either end and telescoping tubes connecting the bellows. The telescoping tubes are locked to the respective bellows by L-shaped keys which extend through slots formed through the tube and through the bellows and which have circumferentially extending tabs which ride in grooves formed in the universal joints, to locate the juncture of the tube and bellows with respect to the joint. In the preferred embodiment, the entire assembly is constructed of plastic.

Abstract: A universal joint pivot assembly exhibiting extended life and capable of being inexpensively manufactured. Bushings for receiving trunnion journals are provided with a plurality of upstanding bosses formed by a cold forging process. The boss surfaces are inclined to generate a conical surface, and the ends of the journals are formed at a matching angle. In a preferred embodiment the bosses are comprised by ridges which terminate short of the center of the bushing to form a cavity for receiving an unmachined protrusion at the journal center.