Abstract: The invention concerns a rotation apparatus for use with a rotating machine having a drive shaft. The rotation apparatus comprises an auxiliary shaft positioned in spaced relation relative to the drive shaft. Radial and axial bearings rotatably support the auxiliary shaft. Step-down gearing interconnects the auxiliary shaft and the drive shaft so that rotation of the former drives the latter. A rotational start-up mechanism comprising a hydrostatic motor and overriding clutch is drivingly connected to the auxiliary shaft to drive the latter. The hydrostatic motor and overriding clutch are mounted within a bearing housing of the turbine. The turbine drives a pump for supplying lubricating oil to the turbine bearings. A conduit also connects the pump with the hydrostatic motor so that the motor is continuously rotated once the turbine has been started.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting together the end of one shaft to that of another, particularly for use in turbogenerators, includes a large coupling flange fixedly secured to the end of the one shaft and including a countersunk bore portion, a small coupling flange fixedly secured to the end of the other shaft and inserted within the countersunk bore portion of the first shaft, and fastening devices for compressing together the end faces of the shafts and for exerting pressure upon the coupling flanges. A plurality of shear pins are also interposed between the flanges so as to facilitate the transmission of torque from the one shaft to the other during operation, the shafts thereby being rotatably locked together relative to one another.