Abstract: A roller furling element for installation on a head stay of a sail boat, the element including two longitudinally extending hollow outer extrusions in an end-to-end abutting relationship. A two piece splice assembly joins the extrusions together and provides the torsional strength needed for a furling element. The two piece splice assembly includes a central axis and a longitudinally extending forward or nose portion having a curved outer surface and rearwardly extending projections each including a longitudinally extending groove. A tail piece includes a pair of longitudinally extending outwardly extending projections which are adapted to fit into the parallel notches in the forward portion. A transverse passageway extends into the nose and tail portions when the two portions are aligned so that a rod or button can be inserted.

Abstract: A splice sleeve device provides for adjustable housing, gripping, and connecting of sequential guide rails. The device includes an elongated central member, a first and second tension bar located on opposite ends of the central member, and a first and second retention device to detachably secure the first and second tension bars to the central member, respectively. The dual retention device, accomplished by the first and second tension bars, allows a guide rail to be adjusted while the abutting sequential guide rail remains secure. In an additional embodiment, the sleeve is designed for use with a conveyor line having a radius turn. The sleeve has a shim that allows a guide rail to slide along a guide rail housing area when the guide rail housing area is tightened so as to adjust for gaps created in the arcuate conveyor line.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting the lower riser assembly of a jet pump in a reactor pressure vessel (RPV) of a nuclear reactor. In one embodiment of the apparatus, the clamp assembly provides structural rigidity to the lower rise assembly. The clamp assembly includes a lower thermal sleeve clamp and a riser clamp. The lower thermal sleeve clamp is positioned adjacent an interface between the elbow and the thermal sleeve of the jet pump riser pipe assembly. The riser clamp is secured to the riser pipe of the jet pump riser pipe assembly at a location adjacent an interface between the riser pipe and the elbow. The lower thermal sleeve clamp and the riser clamp also are coupled to each other so that as the respective clamps are secured to the lower riser assembly.

Abstract: A suspension system (10) for mid-span connection of a paravane (P) or other article to a cable (C1) of a towed cable array (A) includes first and second hanger assemblies (20a,20b) connected to the cable (C1) in an axially spaced relationship. In particular, the hanger assemblies (20a,20b) are connected respectively to first and second bulbous cable regions. The bulbous cable regions are formed on the cable using inner insert elements (40), a first set of preformed helical rods (22), outer insert elements (42) positioned over the first set of helical rods (22) in the region of the inner insert elements (40), and an outer set of preformed helical rods (24). Each hanger assembly (20a,20b) includes a housing (30a,30b) and a rotatable collar (52a,52b) connected to the housing. An attachment member (80a,80b) is pivotally connected to the collar and rotates therewith.

Abstract: A sampling arm coupler device comprises a coupler comprising a rectangular tructure or bar, having a cylindrically hollow bore therethrough. The bar has internal threading along the hollowv bore, and internally threaded holes through opposite sides of the bar perpendicular to the hollow bore. The holes are aligned along the bar so as to permit passage of a bolt therethrough. Additionally, the sampling arm coupler device has a lever arm structure having one insert end comprising a half cylinder portion with external threading and a flat longitudinal sure opposite the external threading. The external threading of the half cylinder is capable of mating with the internal threading of the bore whereby the half cylinder portion and the flat longitudinal surface portion inserts and screws into one end of the bar, wherein the flat longitudinal surface portion is positioned as to allow at least one bolt to be inserted through the bar holes perpendicular to the bore along the flat longitudinal surface portion.

Abstract: A collapsible snow probe includes a tip and a plurality of elongate tubular members each of which has an interior bore. A cable is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is secured to the tip. The cable extends through the interior bore of each of the tubular members with the second end protruding. A cable engaging member secured to the cable. A clamping member that clamps onto the cable engaging member and bears against a remote end of the plurality of tubular members when positioned in end to end relation, such that the cable is maintained in tension and the interior bores of the tubular members are maintained in axial alignment.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improved closing wheel attachment mechanism which has longer wear life than that of the typical attachment mechanism. The closing wheel arm on an agricultural planter has installed thereon an improved grease bushing assembly which has increased wear surface and the capability to utilize a grease on the surface. The combination of increased wear surface and greasing will greatly increase the operational life of the planter. Also included in the invention is the process and fixturing to incorporate the improved configuration on to an existing planter closing wheel structure. Included in this attachment mechanism is a welding jig which assures proper alignment of the improved bushing assembly.

Abstract: A pole top extension assembly (10) for mounting a wooden extension bayonet (37) having a rectangular cross section to the flattened top of a cylindrical wooden utility pole (21). The pole top extension assembly (10) comprising a pair of bracket members (25 and 27) each having leg portions (30) extending downwardly from the top of he wooden utility pole (21), and each bracket member further having a matingly interengageable portion (29 and 31) which couples the said bracket members together over the top of pole (21). At least one of said bracket members including a rectangular collar (35) opening upwardly to receive a bayonet member therein, with said rectangular collar having two pairs of opposite side walls (41and 43) oriented, respectively, substantially parallel and perpendicular to said leg portions (30).

Abstract: A quick-connect coupling facilitates the connection of an auger of a dispensing mechanism to the drive shaft of the dispensing mechanism so as to firmly lock the auger from radial, axial, or rotational movement with respect to the drive shaft while inhibiting contamination and facilitating cleaning. The coupling includes a male portion provided on the auger shaft and including one or more pins, a female portion formed in the adapter shaft and including one or more axial and peripheral slots, and a key which firmly locks the pin in the peripheral slot. The key includes a retainer which is affixed to a sleeve or other device serving as a guide and support for the retainer. Upon downward movement of the sleeve along the drive shaft, the retainer acts as a cam to lock the pins in position. If the dispensing mechanism employs an adapter shaft as the drive shaft, an improved quick-connect coupling may also be provided to attach the adapter shaft to the drive mechanism output shaft.

Abstract: A staging system has a hand rail coupler system with an inner coupling tube which interconnects two coaxially aligned hand rail sections. A pair of opposed coupler clamps are aligned over the interconnected hand rail sections. A studded knob extends through the opposing coupler clamps and the inner coupling tube and is connected to a nut. Rotation of the studded knob acts to tighten the coupler clamps to hold the hand rail sections in place.

Abstract: An attachment for mounting on a rod or shaft when an end of the rod is not free, in the form of a split collar, pulley or gear, is in two parts having half-cylinder inner portions. The parts may be mounted on diametrally opposed sides of a rod or shaft when axially displaced from one another. Each part has a pair of interlocking elements. Each of the pair of interlocking elements of the first part interdigitates and thereby interlocks with one of the interlocking elements of the other part when the two parts are moved together axially to form a completely encircling attachment on the rod which resists radial dismemberment. A threaded passage extends radially through at least one of the parts to receive a long threaded fastener such as a thumbscrew to fixedly engage the rod. The attachment may be readily and rapidly mounted, locked and removed by an unskilled user without the use of any tools.

Abstract: In a marine vessel having a drive shaft that extend rearwardly from its hull, wherein the drive shaft has a coupling and a bearing assembly along its length that are supported by struts, which struts are also secured to the hull of the vessel. A coupling cover encompasses the coupling and is mounted adjacent to a bearing assembly. A fairwater encompasses the coupling cover and is attached to the bearing assembly or the strut associated therewith to define a chamber and a clearance space between the fairwater and the coupling cover for directing fluids therethrough and through the bearing assembly to lubricate such bearing assembly. Vanes are located on the coupling cover or on a separate support located within such chamber to enhance the fluid flow through the bearing assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a cylindrical shaped slitter including first and second semicircular halves which may be connected together in only one possible way and having precision dynamic balancing. Each half has first and second mating ends. A land projects from the first mating surface of each half and a recess is received in the second mating end of each half. The recess in the first half receives the land from the second half, and the recess in the second half receives the land from the first half, thereby preventing axial and radial movement of the first and second halves relative to one another after they are connected together.

Abstract: Synthetic resin structural members are inserted into a hollow joint member to abut each other in the joint member. A bearing-pressure damping member is fitted into each of bolt holes on the members, axes of bolts extend alternately in two mutually perpendicular directions. The structural members and the hollow joint member are secured with bolts and nuts. Due to damping action resulting from elastic deformations of the damping members, a load is substantially evenly distributed over the whole bolts to prevent concentration of the load to some of the bolts. The arrangement of the bolts with their axes extending alternately in two mutually perpendicular directions will shorten the length of the joint member.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a cable comprises two jaws each having a clamping face in which it is formed with two recesses. When the jaws are placed with their clamping faces in confronting relationship, the recesses form two cavities for receiving two lengths of cable separated by a bight. A pair of screws and nuts clamp the jaws together and releasably retain the lengths of cable in the respective cavities.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a cable or rope restraining device which comprises a U-shaped member or U-bolt to engage two saddle clamps. The first saddle clamp is a friction clamp for securing a dead end section of the rope. The second saddle clamp provides a channel for loosely containing a live section of the rope.

Abstract: A modular unit for a shelving system includes a pair of tube connectors each made up of half-sections together having an outer transverse dimension slightly less than the inner transverse dimension of a tube to be connected thereto, a threaded fastener threaded through an opening in one half-section and abutting the other half-section to force apart the two half-sections and thereby to firmly clamp them to a tube, and a tie rod joining a half-section of one of the tube connectors to a half-section of the other tube connector.

Abstract: An electrically-powered appliance, such as a line-type grass trimmer, lawn edger, snowthrower, or the like, includes a housing, an elongated hollow tubular handle, an elongated electrical cable extending through and within the tubular handle, and an attachment arrangement for attaching the tubular handle to the housing. The housing includes an attachment portion and a removable portion, preferably of a common "clamshell" configuration, with fasteners extending through openings in these housing portions for fastening them to one another with the tubular handle securely clamped therebetween. Such tubular handle has openings extending laterally therethrough which correspond to the openings through the attachment and removable housing portions. The housing openings and the handle openings are laterally aligned with one another during assembly in order to ensure proper alignment and positioning of the handle when the housing portions are fastened to one another with the handle clamped therebetween.

Abstract: An improved stacker apparatus for the formation of aligned stacks of signatures from one or more incoming streams of partially overlapping signatures in shingled form. The stacker has an outer framework having an input end and an output end. A stream of partially overlapping signatures in shingled form is accepted at the input end and is passed to a compression conveyor. The compression conveyor has two conveyor belts in compressed opposition to one other which follow an upward arcuate path along a series of idler rollers. The series of idler rollers is mounted to the outer framework by a quick release inner framework. The conveyor transfers the signatures to a receiving station which guides successive signatures into aligned stacking registry with one another. When a conveyor belt breaks, the inner frame is quick released from the outer frame, a new belt is wound around the inner frame, and the inner frame re-mounted.

Abstract: A rotary assembly for attachment to a rotary shaft includes a rotary body; and a bore hole extending in the rotary body from one end thereof for coaxially receiving a rotary shaft. The bore hole has a longitudinal axis coinciding with a rotary axis of the shaft when received in the bore hole. A parting split defining a clearance extends in the rotary body from one end thereof. The parting split extends in a plane which contains the longitudinal axis. A slot extends in the rotary body from the parting split on either side of the bore hole. The slot defines a dividing plane which traverses the longitudinal axis and which divides the rotary body into first and second axially adjoining body parts. The bore hole extends consecutively in the first and second body parts, and the bore hole which extends in the first body part is circumferentially closed. Two clamping wings are defined in the second body part by the parting split, the slot and the bore hole extending in the second body part.

Abstract: An advertisement display device for use on the handle of a shopping cart is provided. The device has a versatile display area on which a set of inner advertisement frames and one larger, outer advertisement frame are located. Advertisement sheets may be removably mounted in the frames. Fastening members are provided for clamping the multipiece device onto the handle of an existing shopping cart without disturbing the handle.

Abstract: In a marine vessel having a drive shaft that extend rearwardly from its hull, wherein the drive shaft has a coupling and a bearing assembly along its length that are supported by struts, which struts are also secured to the hull of the vessel. A coupling cover encompasses the coupling and is mounted adjacent to a bearing assembly. A fairwater encompasses the coupling cover and is attached to the bearing assembly or the strut associated therewith to define a chamber and a clearance space between the fairwater and the coupling cover for directing fluids therethrough and through the bearing assembly to lubricate such bearing assembly. Vanes are located on the coupling cover or on a separate support located within such chamber to enhance the fluid flow through the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A splice assembly joins two short or broken sickle bars with their attached cutter sections. The sickle bars and cutter sections have a series of aligned holes. Top and bottom splice plates sandwich the bars and cutter sections, and have a series of openings that register with the holes in the bars and cutter sections. The outer surface of each plate is countersunk at the openings, and a plurality of bolts with conical heads are received in the countersunk openings in one plate and a plurality of nuts with conical ends are threaded onto the bolts and received in the countersunk openings of the other plate.

Abstract: A coupling is provided for releasably joining two abutting sections of a drive shaft such as used to drive an inboard power boat. An inner sleeve within the coupling is replaceable and permits one shaft to rotate relative to the other within the coupling if a predetermined torque setting is exceeded without damaging the coupling. The torque "breakaway" point for the coupling can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the bolts connecting the two halves of the coupling around the shafts.

Abstract: A clamp mechanism for an adjustable torsion bar of a boat lift. The torsion bar includes square tubes which fit together telescopically to allow the torsion bar length to be adjusted. Each clamp mechanism includes a pair of opposing angle members lined on the inside faces of their flanges with plates which extend along a part of the length of each flange. The angle members are applied in opposition to one another with the inside faces of the flanges directly against the larger tube and the plates against the smaller tube. The angle members are clamped to the tubes by nuts and bolts applied to lugs which project from the angle members.

Abstract: Device for the releasable connection of two sections including an upper and lower profile strip, with corresponding grooves, which are connected to one another by use of screw bolts or the like.

Abstract: A handlebar structure of a cycle including a stem having a shank extended forward, a notch formed in the front end of the shank, a coupler coupling a handlebar to the shank and including two members each including two elements formed integral with each other, the elements of the members forming two cylindrical spaces for receiving the shank and a middle portion of the handlebar when the members are fixed together, and a tongue formed in one of the members and engageable with the notch of the shank so that the coupler can be prevented from rotating relative to the shank.

Abstract: A clamping collar includes a clamping collar body extending along a longitudinal axis and having at least two clamping collar shells with side walls. At least one clamping receiving space is defined by the side walls of the collar shells for receiving and retaining a pipe in the space along the longitudinal axis. At least one recess in the side walls opens radially inwardly into the receiving space and extends axially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The recess is open to an atmosphere exteriorly of the collar body at at least one axial end of the recess.

Abstract: A releasable connection for tubular metal sliding rods with ends in a textile machine includes at least one pressureproof insert filling the rod ends. A metal clamping socket fits flush over the rod ends for transmitting force. The metal clamping socket has releasable clamping screws holding the rod ends in slide-free contact with the at least one insert and the clamping socket under changing loads.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump mounted in a pipeline with its driven shaft extending vertically and a driving motor spaced above the pump on a support frame attached to the pump body and supporting the motor. The shafts of the motor and pump are vertically aligned and interconnected by a coupling that enables the end portion of one shaft to be swiveled in the coupling to adjust the alignment of the shaft axis with the axis of the other shaft and threaded screws for forcing the shaft end to an adjusted position and locking it in the adjusted position during use of the pump.

Abstract: A stacked array comprising at least one or more similar or dissimilar metals or composites and having either a tapered bore or a tapered sleeve. A tapered bolt adapted to be inserted into the tapered bore and having a taper that is different from the tapered bore. A method for selecting a greater or lesser taper on the bolt than the taper on the bore depending on the relative strength of the materials forming the stacked array as a means of reducing the installation force of the tapered bolt within the tapered bore.

Abstract: To permit radial removal of a cylinder, roller or similar element in a printing machine from between the side walls (1) thereof, the cylinder or roller (9) is formed with two stub shafts (8) coupled by separable half-shells (5, 6) to the ends of shaft elements (3) passing through the side wall (1) of the printing machine. One of said shaft elements can be coupled to a drive gear (4). In accordance with the invention, and to permit rolling off of the stub shaft (8) of the cylinder over the half-shell, the separating surfaces (10, 11, 12, 13) between the half-shells are formed to extend essentially tangentially with respect to the part-circular clamping surfaces (14, 15) which clamp the stub shaft to the shafts (3) passing through the side wall, one of the half-shells being secured to the shaft elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a linking device for connecting the front end of a pipe to a structural component, particularly to a sphere to form a junction point with a plurality of pipe connections. The subject of the invention is distinguished in that the pipe (2) has an axially extending longitudinal channel (7) into which is inserted from the front a securing element (4) which is connected via a clamping device (6), abutting with its ends on the pipe (2) and on a structural component (3) and consisting of two opposed clamping jaws (19, 20) held together by a screw connection (39), with a connecting element (5) fixed opposite from the securing element (4) on the structural component (3).

Abstract: A structural framework assembly (150) is made up of framework subassemblies (102, 104, 104', etc.) interconnected by elongated horizontal structural members (122, 124, 126, 128, etc.). The subassemblies are made up of elongated structural members (114, 116, 118, 120) interconnected by clamping assemblies (106, 108, 110, 112). The clamping assemblies are made up of clamp elements (20a, 20b) with recesses (28, 30) which extend part way around the structural members and third portions (26) with cylindrical recesses (36) in which the ends of other elongated structural members are locked.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a rigid joint between two tubular frame members positioned end to end but not necessarily in abutment, each said member having a tubular wall defined by an outer surface and an inner surface defining an interior passageway, each member being congruent with the other said member in the region of the ends to be joined, each said member having a substantially square cross section with at least one pair of diagonally opposing corners. The method comprises the step of securing one of said members to the other by passing at least a pair of elongated fastening means, one through each member, diagonally through the wall of each member at diagonally opposing corners of said member adjacent the ends to be joined.

Abstract: A self-coupling split-shaft drive assembly for a tool provides for assembly by a user and start-up without concern over the proper or improper orientation of the two shafts. The drive assembly includes components to secure the two shafts for start-up and use independently of whether an orientation condition exists for their rotational coupling to one another. A shaft coupling mechanism then accomplishes the coupling where an improper condition exists after the securing, in response to the initiation of the rotation of the driver shaft by the motor. The coupling mechanism employs a driver shaft which, with a shaft socket, for receiving the driven shaft, slides back and forth, against a spring and then under the recoil force of the spring, in providing for the securing under an improper orientation condition and the subsequent coupling upon start-up.

Abstract: A stacked array comprising at least one or more similar or dissimilar metals or composites and having either a tapered bore or a tapered sleeve. A tapered bolt adapted to be inserted into the tapered bore and having a taper that is different from the tapered bore. A method for selecting a greater or lesser taper on the bolt than the taper on the bore depending on the relative strength of the materials forming the stacked array as a means of reducing the installation force of the tapered bolt within the tapered bore.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler blower rotor-shaft securing hub adapted to re-secure a failed blower rotor bushing attaching to the blower rotor central shaft comprising a pair of steel straps having a half circle formed in each, said steel straps adapted to encircle and hold the central shaft in fixed relationship, and a pair of concentric half circle flanges with attached right angle brackets, said right angle brackets adapted to be attached to said central shaft securing steel straps, and said concentric half circle flanges adapted to be secured to said blower rotor bushing whereby the concentric half circle flanges secure the blower rotor bushing to the steel straps encircling the central shaft, and the steel straps secure against the central shaft whereupon the blower rotor bushing is re-secured to the central shaft.

Abstract: An aeroplane propeller assembly comprising a pair of hub members made of nylon with glass fibers interspersed therein forming an undulant gripping surface for clamping the root ends of wooden propeller blades and embedding the raised areas of the hub surfaces into the wood to obtain a firm and shakeproof purchase thereon as the hub members are bolted to each other and to the blades. The hub members are in the form of discs and have root-end-confining pockets formed to clamp the end portions and hold them under compression tightly within the pockets, each pocket having sharp pins molded therein and strategically located not only to pierce into the wood but also to swell the wood and contour it against the enclosing surfaces of the pocket. The propeller blade root ends are adapted to be cut at different angles to obtain different pitch upon being fitted into the same pockets.

Abstract: Tube clamps for use in fastening tubes to stationery support structures and particularly adapted for use in nuclear power plants and in other installations wherein a relatively large number of tube runs are involved requiring a relatively large number of tube clamps. The main embodiment of the invention provides a tube clamp assembly which is adapted to alternatively receive tubes of different sizes so that, for example, one tube clamp may be employed for two or more tube sizes thus reducing the number of units to be held in inventory. Another form of the invention permits the tube clamp assembly to be employed in a two-directional or three-directional manner as these terms are used in the industry.

Abstract: A portable pair of skis may be packed in a small case for convenient storage and carrying. In one embodiment each ski is readily disassembled into two pieces, each ski piece having an end plate which mates with the end plate of the other ski piece. An assembled ski, which will function as originally designed and intended, comprises a bottom joining plate, which spans the two pieces, having four posts which are fixed to the bottom joining plate and which protrude through holes in the ski pieces and a top plate securing nuts, nut bearing plates and a removable over-center cam-action fastener which joins and applies tension to the two adjacent posts at the end plates. In another embodiment, the bottom plate is hinged and permanently fastened to the two ski pieces and two posts, which are fixed to the hinge, protrude through holes in the ski and the top plate. A removable over-center cam-action fastener is removably connected to the two posts via the grooved securing nuts.

Abstract: The sucker rod system in a deep well sucker rod pump consists of a plurality of unidirectionally reinforced composite fiber rods extending substantially parallel but not in contact with each other, the cross-sectional area of which rods is less than 1 cm.sup.2. This enables the advantageous material properties to be utilized to a high degree. The sucker rod system can be assembled on site. The individual composite fiber rods can be monitored when they are in the working position.

Abstract: A joint for joining composite material such as segments of the skin 12 and 13 of an aircraft. Tapered splice plates 30 and 31 overlap the ends 14 and 15 of the skin. The thickest portion 34 of the splice plates overlap the ends 14 and 15. The splice plates are clamped together on the skin segments 12 and 13 by fasteners 50, 52, 54 and 56. The tapered splice plates are designed to minimize load transfer at the outermost bolt row 56 coincident with maximum bypass stress in the skin segments while simultaneously maximizing load transfer in both the skin segments and splice plates at the innermost bolt row 50.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension system for an overhead contact wire for electric traction vehicles. The system comprises, in combination, a carrier cable (15) having its mid point connected to a support and having each of its ends connected to respective conductor wire clamps. Each wire clamp comprises a jaw assembly (30) suitable for clamping to a contact wire (10) and including a generally cylindrical housing (41) fitted with inwardly directed teeth (45) on its inside surface. The housing receives an angularly adjustable link member (60) which includes an angle-determining portion (61) provided with complementary teeth and interfitting with the teeth of the housing (41). The link member (60) may be moved axially into and out from the toothed housing (41) so that it may be set in any one of a plurality of angular positions therein, thereby changing the location of a point (70) fastened to the end of the carrier cable (15) relative to the contact wire (10).

Abstract: A coupling detachably connecting a subdivided drive shaft of a transaxle system includes at least one ring that holds together two coupling halves. Clearance is provided between each ring and one of the coupling halves to permit release of the coupling and the subdivided shaft portions. The coupling assumes a corresponding position during the assembly.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a fastener for securely joining two or more abutting flat panels together along their edges without the necessity of piercing any of the panels or disassembling the connection assembly. The fastener comprises first and second directionally oriented compressible parts of resilient material which are pressed against opposing sides of the panels and means for applying a mechanical force to produce said pressing action causing a partial shape change of the opposing frustoconical compressible parts. The force applying means comprises an elongated threaded member and a body portion extending through an aperture in each compressible part with a wing nut mounted on the extending ends thereof to anchor the parts together.

Abstract: A conveyor web, that in cross-section is shown in FIG. 1 is by means of an edge (2) supported on a longitudinal support member (3). A metal profile (20) with a profiled guide (22) is clamped to the longitudinal support member (3) by means of a mounting pin (7), a mounting pin (7) protruding through an eyelet (9) which is screwed in a threaded turn knob, which fulfills the task of counter thread member.

Abstract: A rebar coupler for connecting reinforcing rods in end-to-end relation including a pair of hollow steel split pipe members having nuts welded thereto. The split pipe members are mounted on the ends of the reinforcing rods and bolted together. The split pipe members are annealed such that when bolted together the deformations on the outer surfaces of the rods embed themselves within the split pipe members to provide a very strong connection.

Abstract: A drive coupler uses a first and a second U-shaped coupler half of similar configuration with each coupler half having cutouts in the ends of the legs of the "U" forming half of a pair of holes for accepting peripheral grooves adjacent to the ends of a pair of shafts to be connected by the coupler. The two halves of the coupler are retained in a mating orientation with the ends of the legs of the "U" in an abutting relationship to capture the grooves at the ends of the shafts in the holes formed therebetween by a transverse clamp bolt passing through the coupler. In one embodiment, the ends of the coupler formed by the mated halves of the coupler are provided with grooves to cooperate with ribs in a frame encompassing the coupler whereby the coupler grooves are arranged to slide on the ribs in the frame to prevent rotation of the coupler while permitting a translational or push-pull motion.

Abstract: The assembly comprises a shaft or any other torque transmitting means, and a coupling element which is of sheet metal and has a hub including a portion provided with an axially extending slot whose width is sufficient to allow an assembly by a relative radial displacement of the shaft and hub. The sides of the hub portion defining the slot are extended at least locally and substantially perpendicularly to the axial plane of symmetry by ears which extend outwardly. The ears cooperate with an attached member which is disposed transversely of the slot so as to interconnect the hub and shaft owing to the action of clamping means. Each of the ears is folded horizontally onto itself so as to form a double thickness of the ear.