Patents by Inventor Burkhard Kefes

Burkhard Kefes has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Self-aligning splined male shaft head and engagement method
    Patent number: 6482094
    Abstract: A splined shaft head for engaging a splined hub includes first, second and third stages. The first stage has a conical taper on one side, and a cylindrical setback on the other side, which transitions through a tapered shoulder to the cylindrical body of the shaft head. The second stage includes lead spline teeth extending along the cylindrical body to the conical taper. The third stage includes torque-transmitting main spline teeth regularly arranged around the circumference. The shaft head is rotated while being inserted axially into the hub. The first stage allows radial free play and de-centering of the hub so the lead spline teeth find a proper rotational alignment with spline grooves of the hub. Then, the tapered shoulder at the end of the first stage positively centers the hub on the shaft axis, and finally the main spline teeth of the third stage provide full form-locking engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Schenck RoTec GmbH
    Inventor: Burkhard Kefes
  • Self-aligning splined male shaft head and engagement method
    Publication number: 20020131844
    Abstract: A splined shaft head for engaging a splined hub includes first, second and third stages. The first stage has a conical taper on one side, and a cylindrical setback on the other side, which transitions through a tapered shoulder to the cylindrical body of the shaft head. The second stage includes lead spline teeth extending along the cylindrical body to the conical taper. The third stage includes torque-transmitting main spline teeth regularly arranged around the circumference. The shaft head is rotated while being inserted axially into the hub. The first stage allows radial free play and de-centering of the hub so the lead spline teeth find a proper rotational alignment with spline grooves of the hub. Then, the tapered shoulder at the end of the first stage positively centers the hub on the shaft axis, and finally the main spline teeth of the third stage provide full form-locking engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Burkhard Kefes