Abstract: A retractable shaft structure for interconnecting a unit, such as a constant speed drive, to a power source, such as an engine gear box, wherein the unit has an input drive axis and the gear box has an output drive axis and the unit is moved transversely to said axes to bring the axes into alignment. A drive shaft defining the input drive axis and carried by the unit has a drive input end extending beyond said unit for connection into driving relation with an output shaft of the gear box. The drive shaft is mounted for adjusting movement along the input drive axis to have the drive shaft retracted during said transverse movement, followed by extension thereof. Rotatable mounting structure, independent of the unit, mounts the drive input end of the input shaft and is held in fixed relation therewith to move with the drive shaft during said adjusting movement and said rotatable mounting structure is releasably connectable to the gear box to be held in fixed relation thereto.

Abstract: In a dynamoelectric machine having an exciter assembly mounted on a rotating shaft including: rectifiers for rectifying AC exciter current into a DC field current; a hub secured to the shaft; and a number of rectifier mounting plates attached to the hub, each plate having apertures through which individual rectifiers are mounted, the cooling of the exciter assembly and the rectifier diodes is facilitated by an oil spray impinging directly on the rectifier diodes and mounting plates wherein the cooling is enhanced and sludge build-up on the inner surface of the hub is reduced by providing coolant passageways in the rectifier mounting plates that allow the oil to pass through the plates.

Abstract: An improved rotor assembly for a dynamoelectric machine having poles which are provided with slots that form channels to receive a retaining cover or wedge to retain field windings located in a recess between adjacent poles. The slots cooperate with lips on each end of the retaining wedge to prevent the wedge from deforming and separating from the rotor as a result of centrifugal forces developed during high speed rotation.

Abstract: In constant speed drive mechanisms, a low speed disconnect between the input and driven elements is provided. The low speed disconnect is effected by a worm (and plunger-engaged) gear arrangement that axially moves the driven element through a spring differential to a disconnected position and then a one-way ratchet is engaged to prevent the disconnected driven element from returning to partial or full reengagement with the input element.