Abstract: Process for the manufacture of a tube for an expansion shaft. A plurality of fiber strata, each consisting essentially of long continuous fibers, and at least one layer of honeycomb material, the fiber strata and the layer(s) of honeycomb material being in alternating sequence forming are a sandwich compound, are applied to a mandrel having moldings or projections thereon. The fiber strata are applied so that few if any fibers are severed by the moldings. The tube has apertures, which are formed by the moldings. In order that the necessary openings do not weaken the structure of the carbon fibers, they are placed around the moldings forming the apertures and afterwards the sandwich compound is saturated with epoxy. The remarkable feature of the tube is the extremely light weight and the resulting advantages especially with regard to its handling.

Abstract: A clamping shaft for clamping a surrounding socket component comprising: a tubular shaft characterized by a tubular body provided with radially spaced slots through which expansion wedges may be extended and retracted for engagement with and disengagement from, respectively, the socket component. A connecting rod, concentrically supported within the shaft, is provided with sloping surfaces thereon engageable with corresponding sloping surfaces on the expansion wedges for effecting movement of the expansion wedges in response to axial movement of the connecting rod. Shifting apparatus carried by the shaft effects axial movement of the connecting rod.