Abstract: A tripod constant velocity universal joint comprising a housing (5) having longitudinal grooves (4) arranged in spaced relationship on a periphery thereof, and a tripod spider (2) comprising symmetrically arranged, rotationally symmetrical ball-headed trunnions (3) on which an inner ring (6) comprised of two semi-shells or made as a split ring is retained in a form-fitted manner for angular displacement, said inner ring (6) being radially surrounded by a guide element (7) with rolling elements (10) arranged between the guide element (7) and an outer ring (11) which is guided outwardly for sliding displacement in the longitudinal grooves (4), characterized in that a length of the rolling elements (10) is larger than a width of the outer ring (11), the guide element (7) as seen in longitudinal cross-section is U-shaped and comprises end flanges (8, 9) which extend radially outwards so as to project beyond an inner diameter of the outer ring 11.

Abstract: A torque transmission system includes a torsional vibration damper with a centrifugal valve separating first chamber and second chambers filled with fluid. At low engine speeds, the centrifugal valve is spring biased in a substantially closed position so that there is minimal fluid flow between the chambers, thus resulting in high stiffness and high damping for reducing resonance vibrations. As the engine speed increases, centrifugal force eventually overcomes the spring force due to increased engine speeds. Thus, at high engine speeds the centrifugal valve is open, allowing a greater amount of fluid to flow from the first chamber to the second resulting in decreased stiffness and transmissibility for more effectively reducing vibrations.

Abstract: A half shaft assembly includes a half shaft having inboard and outboard ends with constant velocity universal joint inner races secured thereto. A universal joint cage and ball assembly encircles each inner race. An outer race encircles each cage and ball assembly. A protective elastomeric convoluted semi-hyperbolic boot is provided. The boot has divergent inboard and outboard ends and a convergent center. The convergent center has an inner diameter sized to fit snugly around the half shaft. The divergent inboard and outboard ends are secured to their respective inboard and outboard constant velocity universal joint outer races by a separate clamp.

Abstract: A liner for a flexible rotative drive shaft has a single tube with a multiplicity of spaced-apart, flared sections disposed along its elongated length. The flared sections serve many purposes, but primarily center the liner within an external aluminum tube that houses the flexible shaft and liner assembly. The flared sections also reduce non-uniform lubricant distribution along the drive shaft, longitudinal and radial vibration, and shock. Due to the use of flared sections, the overall weight of the liner is reduced, compared to conventional liners.

Abstract: A metal laminate gasket of the invention is formed of first and second metal plates and an annular plate. The first metal plate has a base portion, a curved portion extending from the base portion to define a first opening corresponding to a hole of the engine to be sealed, and a flange extending from the curved portion and situated over the base portion. The annular plate is situated between the flange and the base portion and has the width at least partly shorter than that of the flange. The second metal plate is situated over the first metal plate at a side where the flange is located. The second metal plate has a second opening at least partly smaller than an outer diameter of the flange, and an edge portion around the second opening. The edge portion of the second plate is at least partly retained between the flange and the base portion. Thus, the first and second metal plates are assembled together with the annular plate.

Abstract: A flywheel device has a drive-side centrifugal mass and a second centrifugal mass, which is rotatable relative to the first centrifugal mass and is connected to the first centrifugal mass via a torsional damping device. At least one of the centrifugal masses has a grease chamber containing a viscous medium for accommodating, at least partially, the torsional damping device. A seal is associate with the grease chamber to hold back the viscous medium in the grease chamber. The seal is accommodated on one of the centrifugal masses and engages into the radial extension region of the other centrifugal mass. The seal extends into the grease chamber, and the side of the seal accessible to the viscous medium has an axial offset relative to the side facing the grease chamber of the wall that interacts with the seal of the centrifugal mass having the grease chamber. The axial offset is limited to the gap width, at least at the sealing point.

Abstract: An elastic shaft coupling comprises a tubular housing having a first inner peripheral surface portion and a second inner peripheral surface portion, a shaft member extending into the tubular housing, an elastic member disposed between the tubular housing and the shaft member, and a displacement preventing portion for preventing excessive relative rotational displacement between the tubular housing and the shaft member. The shaft member has a terminal end disposed in the tubular housing, a first outer peripheral surface portion, and a second outer peripheral surface portion disposed at the terminal end. The elastic member is connected to the first inner peripheral surface portion of the tubular housing and the first outer peripheral surface portion of the shaft member. The displacement preventing portion is disposed between the second inner peripheral surface portion of the tubular housing and the second outer peripheral surface portion of the shaft member.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a flexible coupling assembly installed between a driving member and a driven machine or device. The flexible coupling assembly includes a one-way over-running clutch mechanism incorporated therein and transfers torque from the driving member to the driven device, while compensating for any angular and offset misalignment between two coupling members. The clutch mechanism provides driving torque in one rotational direction and over-running capability in the other, thereby accommodating large torque fluctuations from the driving member. This clutch mechanism is integrated within an intermediate housing assembly that is easily coupled between two jaw-type shaft couplings. Because the present invention eliminates the need for an intermediate shaft between the flexible coupling and a separate clutch mechanism, it further simplifies the installation of the assembly while reducing the overall space required.

Abstract: A flexible drive shaft for connection to the rotor of a progressive cavity pump or motor, in which the drive shaft 7, provided with a coating 26, is formed of titanium or similar metal. A relatively inexpensive metal flanged head portion is fastened, e.g. by adhesive, to an end portion 12, of the drive shaft, and is bolted to the rotor 10. The structure enables a relatively shorter drive shaft to be used which is capable of transmitting heavy torque.

Abstract: An assembly including mutually engaged spline teeth includes a rubber isolator, retained in position between an external splined surface, and an internal splined surface is supported against movement and is adapted to contact the lateral face of an adjacent spline tooth so that the isolator is compressed due to rotation of one of the components relative to the other over a range of movement. Then the metal surfaces of the teeth on the first and second components are in mutually contact. In one form, the isolator is retained by an interference fit on a post located within an intervening space between teeth.

Abstract: An elastic coupling with axial and angular movement for connecting two rotating machine parts (3, 4), comprises at least one elastic coupling part (2, 2') and at least one torsionally-rigid all-steel coupling part (1). Hitherto known couplings of this type, have the disadvantage that their elastic coupling elements are also expected to compensate for angular and/or radial offset, which leads to excessive loads. By contrast, the coupling according to the invention provides for the elastic coupling part (2) on the one machine part (3) being torsionable, and in relation to the latter's axis of rotation, radially rigidly-guided, while the torsionally-rigid coupling part (1) is connected to the elastic coupling part (2) and the other machine part (4) in a way that allows axial and angular movement in each case.

Abstract: A flywheel having to coaxial members, the first member designed to be rotational integral with a drive shaft such as the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, the second member designed to be connected with a driven shaft such as a gear box. The coaxial members are mounted via a bearing and coupled to each other. The second member forms a reaction plate of a friction clutch having ventilation holes proximate the bearing. The ventilation holes open into the bottom of a groove provided in the second member around the inner edge of the reaction plate radially above the bearing for collecting lubricating agent such as oil escaping from the center of the flywheel.

Abstract: An elastic universal joint is constructed to prevent an interference between a front end surface of a shaft and a front edge of a second arm of a second yoke irrespective of an intersecting angle between two first and second yokes without increasing a size of the first yoke. For this purpose, a concave portion is formed in the front end surface of the shaft, and, in a state where the intersecting angle between the first and second yokes increases and a front edge of the second arm approaches closest to the front end surface thereof, this front edge enters the concave portion. A distance between a cross shaft and the front end surface is reduced corresponding to a depth of the concave portion, and the first yoke is downsized with a smaller weight, correspondingly.

Abstract: A flywheel device has a first flywheel mass that is drivable and rotates around a rotational axis and a second flywheel mass that can be deflected relative to the first at least by a limited rotational angle. The second flywheel mass is drive-connected to the first flywheel mass by a torsional damping device. At least one flywheel mass has a grease chamber which at least partially accommodates the torsional damping device and is equipped with at least one seal against the escape of viscous medium. A first sealing part of the seal is connected to one of the flywheel masses and a second sealing part of the seal is connected to the other flywheel mass. The second sealing part is arranged in a radially offset manner relative to the first sealing part and has at least two fixed arms extending from an annual base in the direction of the first sealing part.

Abstract: A flexible coupling device is disclosed 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 continuous and flexible coupling element extends between the hubs. The coupling element is nonremovably associated with a pair of inner clamp rings, each adapted to be connected to one of the hubs. The coupling element can be molded about the inner clamp rings and can be adhesively secured to the rings.

Abstract: The flexible gear coupling comprises a seal member 14 axially slidably disposed on the outer circumference surface of the connection portion 13b of the pinion 13, the each opposite end of the seal member 14 having a spherical seal surface 14a of the predetermined radius r having its center at the position A at which the central axis A1 of the width of the outer teeth gear 13a of the pinion 13 crosses the axis A2 and abutting with an abutting surface 15a of the end cover 15 and a spring member 17 disposed on the outer circumference side of the connection portion 13b of the pinion 13 for urging the seal member 14 against the abutting surface 15a of the end cover 15 at the predetermined force.

Abstract: An elastomeric coupling system for securing axially aligned driving and driven shafts includes a pair of hubs coupled to one another by an annular flexible coupling element. The hubs are fixed to respective driving and driven shafts, and the coupling element is then secured between the hubs by anchoring assemblies. Each anchoring assembly includes anchoring members which are fixed to respective hubs by fasteners received in the hubs. The fasteners are oriented generally transverse to the aligned axes of the shafts, providing ready access for installation and servicing. As the anchoring members are secured about the hubs, axial and radial loads are exerted on peripheral beads of the coupling element to produce retaining forces sufficient to withstand considerable torsional loading during use.

Abstract: A flexible coupling of the type having hubs secured to aligned shafts and connected to one another through the use of a flexible belt surrounding the hubs is improved by forming axial and circumferential grooves on the exterior surface of the belt, each circumferential groove lying transverse to and opening into an axial groove. A cooperating metal retainer ring has respective pins formed on its interior surface for insertion into the axial grooves. After a test for gross misalignment has been satisfied, the respective pins are rotated into the circumferential grooves, thereby fixing the retainer ring in position with respect to the flexible belt and coupling. The belt further has nine wedge-shaped projections, each conformably fitting with a receptacle in a cooperating hub, each receptacle rotatable into a position where it lies vertically above the shaft on which the hub is mounted, each receptacle further providing inside diameter support to the belt through its mating relation ship therewith.

Abstract: A steering column in which a slider shaft is disposed for axial motion within a telescoping tube, a low lash slider shaft is provided including an insert molded of a synthetic material about an end of the slider shaft and at least one longitudinal cut extending substantially radially at least part way through the molded insert into the slider shaft. The cut releases a portion of the shrinkage stresses of the synthetic insert to allow a spring force induced zero clearance between the shaft and the tube.

Abstract: A noise reduction structure for a vehicle driveshaft assembly insures that each of the interior chambers of the driveshaft tube is properly vented during use. The noise reduction structure is a solid member having a predetermined length and a cross sectional shape which corresponds generally to the cross sectional shape of the driveshaft tube. Preferably, the noise reduction structure has an outer diameter which is approximately equal to, or slightly larger than, the inner diameter of the driveshaft tube. As such, the noise reduction structure engages the inner surface of the driveshaft tube in a light press fit relationship. Each noise reduction structure has a passageway, groove, or other opening formed therein which extends axially throughout its length. In a preferred embodiment, an axially-extending groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the noise reduction structure.