Abstract: Large parallel and angular misalignment capabilities between coupled rotary shafts are provided in a torsionally rigid coupling by slidable and rotatable medial mounting of each of two radial, axially spaced, perpendicularly disposed torque pins through axially spaced radially perpendicular apertures through an axial connector and slidably trapping each end of each radial torque pin in an arcuate path between two apposed arms of one of two radially opposed forks projecting inwardly about either end of the axial connector from one of two yoked hubs. The perpendicular relation of the torque pins and slidable and rotatable medial mounting through the axial connector with ends trapped in opposed arcuate paths between radially opposed forks of each yoked hub allows displacement of the torque pins, with respect to the axial connector or the yoked hubs, about three mutually perpendicular axes thereby accommodating parallel and angular misalignment between coupled rotary shafts.

Abstract: Compression exerted by a clamp collar integral to a molded plastic flexible shaft coupling accommodating angular shaft misalignment upon the circumferential outward surface of a radially compressible molded sleeve insert located in a shaft bore of the flexible coupling facilitates engagement of a reduced diameter shaft located within the sleeve insert. Use of a sleeve insert having a different internal diameter similarly accommodates flexible coupling to another diameter shaft. Utilization of sleeve inserts selected from a plurality of different reduced internal diameters and exterior diameters sized to fit either shaft bore enables flexible coupling of both multiple matched shaft diameters and an exponential number of differing opposed shaft diameter combinations within a range limited by the flexible coupling shaft bores. Radial compressibility of the sleeve insert is facilitated by the utilization of resilient material, interruption of the circumferential extension by a longitudinal slot, or both.

Abstract: Two opposed bosses each possessing an outwardly open bore for engagement to a shaft end are bonded to either end of a single layer annularly convoluted, bellows style, hollow cylinder shielded by an exteriorly disposed cylindrical rubber sleeve. Torsional rigidity and longitudinal flexibility in torque transfer is provided by the bellows style medial member. The rubber sleeve provides vibration dampening which increases operational velocity and, more significantly, operational life by reducing vibration duration of resonant frequency by an average of fivefold with a cold fitted rubber sleeve, and tenfold with a hot fitting, about the bellows. Hot fitting melts the rubber sleeve and fills the exterior annular grooves of the bellows without the expense of molding under pressure and results in an increase of the resonant frequency and corresponding rotational speed of nearly threefold. Brass is suggested for the opposed bosses and phosphorus bronze for the bellows. Chloroprene rubber is suggested for the sleeve.

Abstract: A flexible shaft couple has two terminal components and one medial component. Each terminal component has a shaft bore open to a nether end face and a transverse extension of an opposed adjacent end face possessing an external substantially cylindrical surface spaced apart from by a reduced width foot. The medial component has two perpendicular transverse cavities each possessing an internal substantially cylindrical surface open to one of two opposed adjacent end faces. Both external and both internal cylindrical surfaces include an equivalent diameter greater than the width of the opening of each transverse cavity which exceeds the width of the reduced width foot. Two perpendicular substantially cylindrical engagements are provided which together accommodate large lateral and large angular shaft misalignments. Each terminal component has a body molded by a radially aligned two part mold leaving a part line bisecting the transverse extension and the reduced width foot.