Abstract: An apparatus is provided for transferring torque from one shaft to another. The shafts (11) and (12) are coupled together using a flexible member, such as an elastomeric spring or belt (23), trained around pins (21) eccentrically mounted on at least two planet gears (19). A sun gear (15) which is connected to one of the shafts (11) meshes with the planet gears. These gears (19) are also connected to the other shaft, (12), either through a ring gear (66) or pivots (27). When one of the shafts is rotated, this causes the planet gears (19) to rotate, and this rotation moves the pins (21) in an arc. This gradual controlled movement of the pins (21) causes the belt (23) to stretch in a manner so that as torque is transferred from one shaft to the other, troublesome torsional vibrations are effectively damped.This energy-absorbing, torque cushioning apparatus is particularly suited for use as a lock-up clutch in motor vehicles.

Abstract: A composite belt suitable for use as an energy absorber or improved spring in a torque converter said belt having a fixed preformed endless path and at least three sides joined by curvilinear path changing sections, the belt comprises a plurality strands, tapes or films of a copolyetherester elastomer that is oriented in the direction of their length and embedded within a matrix of a lower melting point copolyetherester elastomer that substantively surrounds the individual strands, tapes or films of the oriented copolyetherester elastomer forming a self-supporting structure that does not collapse upon itself when laid on one side of its outside perimeter, said belt when stretched from about 5-30% of the length of its perimeter returns to substantially its original size when force is removed.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing torque transmitter comprising a hub member and rim member, one of which is connected to an output shaft, the other to an input shaft, the hub member having at least two hub rollers mounted thereon, the rim member of larger diameter having a plurality of rim rollers mounted thereon, said hub and rim members being operatively connected by at least one belt of an oriented copolyetherester elastomer trained over hub and rim rollers, said belt capable of being stretched by up to about 60% of its original length upon application of force to either shaft to permit relative rotation of said hub member with respect to said rim member so that torque is transferred from one shaft to the other through said belt.

Abstract: An energy absorbing mechanism having an elongated member, one end of which is disposed to receive an impact and the opposite end is free for displacement under said impact. The elongated member is provided with two longitudinally spaced transverse pins and a pair of longitudinal slots within which the pin adjacent the outboard end of the elongated member is free to slide; the other transverse pin is fixed to the inboard end of the elongated member. An oriented elastomer, preferably a copolyetherester in the form of a belt, operably connects the pins so as to constitute an energy absorber upon displacement of the elongated member responsive to impact. The mechanism can be mounted on an automobile frame and the outboard end provided with a bumper.