Abstract: A shaft alignment apparatus includes a first bearing block having a first opening for receiving a first associated shaft, a first housing member having a first slot for receiving the first bearing block, a second housing member and fastening means for fastening the first housing member to the second housing member. The first housing member has a junction surface lying on a junction plane and an internal base surface lying on a base plane. The first associated shaft is positioned between the base plane and junction plane of the first housing member. To align a first associated shaft, its first end is mounted into an opening in a first bearing block. The second end of the first associated shaft is then mounted into an opening in a second bearing block. Both the first and second bearing blocks are then slid simultaneously into first and second slots, respectively, in the first housing member. Finally, a second housing member is fastened to the first housing member.

Abstract: A connecting mechanism for selectively connecting transmission components has a gear with teeth and a clutch collar mechanism. The clutch collar mechanism has a clutch collar, pins, springs used to bias the pins, and spring plates. To connect the clutch collar to the gear, the clutch collar is sliden along its shaft until its pins contact the teeth of the gear. The pins are then pushed back against the springs located within the clutch collar. The clutch collar is then rotated until the pins line up with gaps between the teeth of the gear. The pins are then automatically inserted into the gaps by the springs.