Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polymer prepared from a mixture containing a polymerization material and a polycondensation product of a partially hydrolyzed chelated metal oxide precursor. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for making a polymer involving contacting a polymerization material with a metal oxide sol comprising a liquid and a polycondensation product of a partially hydrolyzed chelated metal oxide precursor to form a mixture and at least one of polymerizing and curing the mixture of the polymerization material and the polycondensation product.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic sleeve bearing for supporting the shaft of a relatively large electromechanical machine. The bearing includes a base element and a cap element matable about the shaft to produce the bearing housing. The bearing housing when assembled includes a shaft receiving portion through which the shaft extends and a sump portion for containing a lubricant fluid. The design of the present invention minimizes the axial length of the shaft receiving portion to approximately that of the bearing liner contained therein. As a result, the weight of the cap element will be significantly reduced over many prior art constructions. Respective lubricant seals are attached at opposite end faces of the shaft receiving portion. The lubricant seals and the end faces are configured to permit lubricant fluid to flow directly back into the sump. The lubricant seals may be installed in a plurality of angular orientations, which may be particularly useful if a selected sensor device is installed thereon.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flexible coupling device adapted to connect a first rotatable shaft with a second rotatable shaft. The coupling device generally includes a pair of opposing hubs, each of which is adapted to be secured to a respective shaft. A connecting sleeve made from an elastomeric material extends between and engages each of the hubs. According to the present invention, the connecting sleeve also contains a rigid member defining at least one failsafe element or rigid engaging element that prevents the hubs from disengaging the connecting sleeve should the elastomeric material begin to wear and fail.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a speed reducer, gear box, or the like. It may also be utilized as a retrofit lubrication system for speed reducers, gear boxes or the like having no filtering means previously provided for in an original design. An adapter plate is mounted to the housing of the speed reducer, gearbox or the like proximal to a shaft which is supported in the gear box. A lubricant filter is mounted to an outer surface of the adapter plate, lubricant directing bores are provided that direct flow of lubricant from a lower portion of the gear box through the adapter plate and into the filter which is pumped from the filter back into the gear box.

Abstract: A bearing assembly includes an improved clamping arrangement for securement to a shaft. The inner ring of the bearing assembly includes a tapered inner surface generally complementary to a tapered outer surface of a tapered adapter. Each of the tapered adapter and the inner ring member include an axial extension portion which are situated to be proximate one another during use. A nut is provided interconnecting the extension portions such that relative axial movement may be effected between the inner ring member and the tapered adapter. As a result, the bearing assembly may be secured to or removed from the shaft.

Abstract: A transmission system for transmitting mechanical power from a source of mechanical power to a power consuming load. The transmission system generally includes a controlled start transmission device or the like having an input shaft operatively connected to the source of mechanical power and an output shaft operatively connected to the power consuming load. Lubricant circulation apparatus are also provided to circulate and cool lubricant fluid maintained in a sump defined by the transmission device. Such lubricant circulation apparatus includes a centrifugal pump configured and mounted to remove air present in the circulating lubricant fluid. The pump is preferably mounted adjacent the transmission device upon a rigid fluid passage conduit.

Abstract: A venting system is disclosed in connection with a high speed electric motor having oil bath lubricated ball bearings. The bracket and cap which enclose the bearing define mating passageways which, in combination upon assembly, lead from inside the inboard bearing seal to the outside atmosphere. The venting passageway maintains a chamber next to the bearing seal at substantially outside atmospheric pressure, so that no lubricant will be sucked out of the bearing structure. However, because the passageway is formed automatically upon assembly of the cap and bracket, no extra steps or awkward assembly of parts is required.