Abstract: Disclosed herein is an elastomeric coupling for transmitting torque between two shafts approximately aligned on a shaft axis, the coupling comprising a composite arcuately extending member including a shoe having a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion and adapted to be connected to one of the shafts, and an elastomeric center element having, in a radial plane extending from and along the shaft axis, an inwardly opening generally U-shaped cross-section defined by two axially spaced radially extending leg portions respectively including an inner part bonded to the first portion of the shoe, and an outer part, and an axially extending bridge portion connected to the outer parts and including a weakened area which is located remotely from the shaft axis and which facilitates tearing of the bridge portion at the area in response to excessive transmission of force as compared to tearing of the bridge portion at other areas.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for connecting a driving shaft and a driven shaft, the coupling including a first hub connected to the driving shaft, a second hub connected to the driven shaft, a set of flex elements located between the first hub and the second hub, a plurality of fasteners, and a series of bolt holes and clearance holes in the first and second hubs affording the alternative connection of the first and second hubs, the flex elements and the fasteners in a first arrangement wherein the coupling has a biased torque transmission capacity in a first direction of rotation and in a second arrangement wherein the coupling has a biased torque transmission capacity in a second direction of rotation.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a rotary power source to a driven device and accommodating misalignment between the source and device. The coupling has at least two identical modular center members having a plurality of alternative circumferential positions relative to each other and which also may be positioned with either axial end toward each other. The coupling includes hub members which may also be identical to the center members.

Abstract: A flexible coupling in which one or more flex elements are positioned in a spaced apart relationship between two torsional force transfer members. Each of the flex elements are connected to another flex element or a transfer member and maintained at a spaced distance by spacer links positioned along the periphery of the flex elements. Areas of potentially high stress in the flex elements are distributed within the elements by varying the thickness of the flex elements in peripheral directions along the peripheral length of the flex elements and in radial directions relative to the axis of the flex elements.