Abstract: A flywheel coupling assembly for transmitting torque between a shaft and a flywheel includes a clamp ring assembly and a flywheel attachment flange assembly. The clamp ring assembly includes a first clamp ring adapted to be coupled to the shaft, a second clamp ring coupled to a coupling hub of the flywheel attachment flange assembly, and an elastomeric center element coupling the first and second clamp rings. A planer plate element of the flywheel attachment flange assembly is adapted to be coupled with the flywheel. Also disclosed are a method of forming a flywheel coupling assembly and a method of coupling a flywheel to a shaft.

Abstract: A flywheel coupling assembly for transmitting torque between a shaft and a flywheel includes a clamp ring assembly and a flywheel attachment flange assembly. The clamp ring assembly includes a first clamp ring adapted to be coupled to the shaft, a second clamp ring coupled to a coupling hub of the flywheel attachment flange assembly, and an elastomeric center element coupling the first and second clamp rings. A planer plate element of the flywheel attachment flange assembly is adapted to be coupled with the flywheel. Also disclosed are a method of forming a flywheel coupling assembly and a method of coupling a flywheel to a shaft.

Abstract: A synchronous drive sprocket includes a generally annular body and a central axis extending through the generally annular body. The central axis defines circumferential, axial, and radial directions. The generally annular body has a peripheral edge and a plurality of recesses extending radially inward from the peripheral edge. The plurality of recesses define a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth configured to receive mating teeth of a synchronous drive belt. Each tooth has an upper bearing surface and a notch extending radially inward from the peripheral edge of the tooth. Each notch is axially positioned such that the plurality of notches align with each other to collectively define a groove within the plurality of teeth. The groove extends circumferentially around at least a majority of the generally annular body and having a substantially continuous profile.

Abstract: A synchronous drive sprocket includes a generally annular body and a central axis extending through the generally annular body. The central axis defines circumferential, axial, and radial directions. The generally annular body has a peripheral edge and a plurality of recesses extending radially inward from the peripheral edge. The plurality of recesses define a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth configured to receive mating teeth of a synchronous drive belt. Each tooth has an upper bearing surface and a notch extending radially inward from the peripheral edge of the tooth. Each notch is axially positioned such that the plurality of notches align with each other to collectively define a groove within the plurality of teeth. The groove extends circumferentially around at least a majority of the generally annular body and having a substantially continuous profile.

Abstract: A method comprises providing a line-start synchronous motor. The motor has a stator, a rotor core disposed within the stator, and a motor shaft. In accordance with a step of the method, a coupling for coupling a load to the motor is provided. The coupling has a motor shaft attachment portion configured to provide substantially concentric contact around the shaft at the end of the motor shaft. The coupling has a load attachment portion configured to operatively connect to a load. In accordance with a step of the method, a load is coupled to the motor with the coupling, and driven from start to at least near synchronous speed during steady state operation of the motor with a load coupled thereto. The motor shaft attachment portion may comprise a bushing assembly with matching and opposed tapered surfaces that cooperate to secure the motor shaft attachment portion around the motor shaft.

Abstract: A method comprises providing a line-start synchronous motor. The motor has a stator, a rotor core disposed within the stator, and a motor shaft. In accordance with a step of the method, a coupling for coupling a load to the motor is provided. The coupling has a motor shaft attachment portion configured to provide substantially concentric contact around the shaft at the end of the motor shaft. The coupling has a load attachment portion configured to operatively connect to a load. In accordance with a step of the method, a load is coupled to the motor with the coupling, and driven from start to at least near synchronous speed during steady state operation of the motor with a load coupled thereto. The motor shaft attachment portion may comprise a bushing assembly with matching and opposed tapered surfaces that cooperate to secure the motor shaft attachment portion around the motor shaft.

Abstract: A coupling system is disclosed for coupling rotating elements such as a flywheel and a shaft, pairs of shafts, and so forth. A flexible element is captured by a hub. The flexible element may be coupled to a first rotating member, such as a flywheel. The flexible element may be generally disk-like or tire-like. The hub presents an intermeshing interface, such as a series or recesses in a face thereof. A coupling member on the second rotating member has protruding extensions generally parallel to an axis thereof. The extensions intermesh with or engage the recesses of the hub to enable the assembly to be finally installed by stabbing motion of the extensions into the recesses.