Including A Means, E.g., Spring Biased Portion, For Misalignment Correction Patents (Class 403/359.4)
  • Patent number: 11767875
    Abstract: A torque transmitting shaft includes a first member and a second member. The first member extends along an axis and has an inner surface extending between a first end and a second end. The inner surface defines a plurality of first engagement elements disposed proximate the first end. The second member extends along the second axis and has a first end portion and an intermediate portion extending from the first end portion. An end of the intermediate portion is fixedly attached to the second end. The first end portion has a first spline portion and each member of the first spline portion is received within corresponding engagement elements of the plurality of first engagement elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Jon N. Miller, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Brian J. Kleinfeld
  • Patent number: 10625769
    Abstract: A motor vehicle steering system is disclosed. The system includes a steering spindle consisting of spindle members which are non-rotatably connected to one another. One end of a spindle member has a spline shaft profile and is introduced into a sleeve-like intermediate piece which is arranged on the other spindle member and, on the inner periphery, has a negative-shaped spline shaft profile with respect to the spline shaft profile such that the spindle member is plug-connected to the intermediate piece. In order for the spindle members to be able to be connected to each other with minimal effort even in the event of visual inaccessibility, a circumferential guide contour pointing toward the intermediate piece is formed on the spindle member. The guide contour is upstream of the spline shaft profile toward the intermediate piece and is perforated by grooves of the spline shaft profile to form convex guide segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Axel Hebenstreit, Hans-Dieter Loeffler, Thorsten Meyer, Marco Schwieger
  • Patent number: 10408272
    Abstract: By combining shaping and milling actions, or smilling, the cutting tool can move through the entire usable portion of the spline and machine a tool relief into the face of the adjacent feature such as a shoulder before retracting, reversing direction, and repeating the cycle. The smilling apparatus and manufacturing method eliminates the need for an annular spline relief and the full length of spline engagement can be utilized for strength. The effective width of the spline connection apparatus manufactured by the smilling process conserves space and increases the load carrying capability of the spline connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Fairfield Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan E Phebus, William H. Hayward
  • Patent number: 10302140
    Abstract: A gas turbine shaft assembly comprises first and second axially mating shafts. The first shaft has a circumferential array of splines configured to mesh with a corresponding circumferential array of splines on the second shaft. The first shaft defines at least one axially extending slot aligned with one of the splines on the first shaft. The second shaft has at least one radial projection aligned with one of the splines on the second shaft. The engagement of the radial projection with the slot provides angular correspondence between the splines of the first and the second shafts prior to axial engagement of the splines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Johnny Vinski, Eric Durocher
  • Patent number: 10077798
    Abstract: A torque transmitting shaft includes a first member and a second member. The first member has an inner surface that defines a plurality of engagement elements. The second member has a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. The first end portion of the second member defines a splined portion. Each member of the splined portion is received within corresponding engagement elements of the plurality of engagement elements. Each member of the splined portion includes a first protrusion that engages the inner surface of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Jon N. Miller, Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Brian J. Kleinfeld
  • Patent number: 9989099
    Abstract: A splined coupling comprises a radially inner shaft and a radially outer shaft having a cavity for receiving the inner shaft. First splines are provided on a radially outwardly facing surface of the inner shaft. Second splines are provided on a radially inwardly facing surface of the cavity of the outer shaft. The first splines are slidably engaged with the second splines. At least one biasing element, for example a diaphragm is arranged to act between the radially inner and radially outer shafts for locating the first splines in a desired axial position relative to the second splines and to provide a biasing force resisting the axial movement of the first splines relative to the second splines upon relative axial movement of the inner and outer shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Stephen Davies, Mark Hubberstey, David Holman
  • Patent number: 8992193
    Abstract: An input shaft assembly is movable along an axis to absorb external impact loads. A biasing member exerts an axial load in a direction counter to potential impact loads. A stop is provided to control the application of biasing loads to control application of such axial load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy P. Walgren, Steven A. Heitz
  • Patent number: 8986144
    Abstract: A power transmission device is used to distribute torque from a power source to an external device and an auxiliary device. The power transmission device is comprised of a first bearing and a second bearing both secured to a stationary member, a first sprocket rotatably supported by the first bearing, a second sprocket capable of being drivingly coupled with the auxiliary device, a chain coupling the first sprocket with the second sprocket, a rotary shaft rotatably supported by the second bearing, which is drivingly coupled with the power source and drivingly engageable with the external device to transmit a first part of the torque to the external device, and a joint drivingly linking the rotary shaft with the first sprocket to transmit a second part of the torque to the first sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiro Takemoto, Yasuo Takagi, Terumasa Hidaka
  • Patent number: 8974140
    Abstract: A rotational assembly comprises a first shaft having a plurality of circumferentially arranged axially extending outer splines on an outer surface thereof and a second shaft having a plurality of circumferentially arranged axially extending inner splines on an inner surface of an axially extending shaft recess. The first shaft is located with the shaft recess such that the outer splines are engaged with the inner splines. At least one biasing element is also provided which is arranged to rotationally bias the first and second shafts towards one another such that the driving faces of the inner and outer splines are forced together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. Durling
  • Patent number: 8597129
    Abstract: A device for drivingly connecting a drive component and a driven component by a spline includes an inner tooth pattern disposed on one of the components and a mating outer tooth pattern disposed on the other component, wherein one of the components is constructed in two parts and comprises two tooth sections configured for rotation relative to one another, at least one preload spring for tensioning the two tooth sections with respect to each other in the circumferential direction, and means which for assembling the plug-in connection maintain the two tooth sections in mutual alignment, wherein the means are constructed such that the at least one preload spring becomes automatically effective when the drive component and the driven component are connected with an axial assembly motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Herbert Meyer
  • Patent number: 8582798
    Abstract: A speaker mounting system comprising a speaker housing configured to house a speaker, a wall mount configured to be mechanically fastened to a wall, and one or more adjustment pieces actuatably connecting the speaker housing to the wall mount. The adjustment pieces may comprise a first adjustment piece fixed to the wall mount and a second adjustment piece slidably and rotatably attached to the first adjustment piece and pivotally attached to the speaker housing. The second adjustment piece may be configured to laterally slide toward and away from the wall mount and to rotate about a first axis and the speaker housing may be configured to rotate or pivot relative to the second adjustment piece about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The speaker mounting system may also comprise a biasing member and locking mechanism for selectively allowing and preventing rotation about the first and second axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: MS Electronics
    Inventors: David Staley, Jonathan Neil Hart, Devon Ross Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8408373
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch unit, which has two subunits. One subunit is connected to the output shaft of an engine, and the other subunit is pre-mounted on the side of the transmission. Both subunits are coupled to one another via an axial plug-type connection, which includes meshing first profiles and second profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Philippe Mih, Bin Zhou, Matthias Zink
  • Patent number: 8376649
    Abstract: A coupling device is provided for transmitting a torque between a drive element and a clutch, for example of a motor vehicle. The coupling device includes a first shaft and a second shaft being coupled together in a positive fit. The device is equipped with an elastic element which in the positive-fit connection generates a pre-tension to suppress rattling noises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes Heinrich, Michael Schäfer, Jochen Bölling, Dietmar Strauss, Till Ebner
  • Patent number: 8206055
    Abstract: A coupling mechanism secures a shaft-to-collar connection for two shafts, such as an extension shaft stub and a tractor PTO shaft. An annular locking element on the first shaft prevents an axial disconnection of an established connection. One of the shafts has a collar with a positive engagement element for a locking engagement with the other shaft. The other shaft includes a positive engagement for a locking engagement with the collar. To enable an easier handling of the axial locking of the shaft to collar connection, the locking element includes a first set of teeth which are complementarily to a second set of teeth on the second shaft. The locking element is rotatably arranged on the first shaft and can be rotated from a locked position to an unlocked position. In the locked position the teeth overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Helmut Schäfer, Holger Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8096885
    Abstract: A vibration damper including a first spline having a plurality of first teeth, a second spline having a plurality of second teeth, a third spline having a plurality of third teeth and at least one spring interconnected between the first and second splines, wherein the plurality of third teeth are intermediate the plurality of first teeth and the plurality of second teeth, and the at least one spring biases the plurality of first teeth and the plurality of second teeth against the plurality of third teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Fraser MacDonald, Jens Schroeter, Steven Olsen, Craig Kneidel
  • Patent number: 7713131
    Abstract: A sleeve assembly includes a sleeve having an inner surface with a first splined portion, and a biasing system biasing a rolling member through the first splined portion. A drive assembly includes the sleeve assembly and a shaft with a second splined portion engageable with the first splined portion of the shaft. When the sleeve assembly is coupled with the shaft to form the drive assembly, the biasing system biases the rolling member into engagement with the second splined portion of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven C. Hahn
  • Patent number: 7607523
    Abstract: The invention provides a lock mechanism and method for selectively coupling two concentric shafts rotatable about a common axis. The lock mechanism includes a locking ring assembly movable along an axis of rotation of two rotatable shafts between a locked position to transmit rotation between the two shafts and an unlocked position. The lock mechanism also includes a first locking portion extending radially from the locking ring assembly and circumferentially about the axis of rotation for engaging a first of the two shafts. The lock mechanism also includes a second locking portion extending radially from the locking ring assembly opposite the first locking portion and circumferentially about the axis of rotation for engaging a second of the two shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Stanford Clemens, Kelby Hassenzahl
  • Patent number: 7604543
    Abstract: An assembly for improving a connection between splined assemblies generally includes first and second assemblies each having at least one spline thereon, an integral fastening assembly for axially fastening the first assembly with respect to the second assembly, and a biasing assembly for asserting a force to oppositely rotationally dispose the first and second assemblies with respect to one another. In an embodiment, the first and second assemblies are annular plates. A method for improving a connection between splined assemblies generally includes asserting a bias upon first and second assemblies such that are oppositely rotationally disposed with respect to one another. In the above method, the first assembly and the second assembly each have at least one spline, an integral fastening assembly for axially securing the first and second assemblies, and a biasing assembly. In an embodiment of the above method, the first and second assemblies are annular plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Joachim Hoffman, Todd Sturgin, Jean-Francois Heller
  • Patent number: 7588385
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a driving source, a rotary element and a coupling device. The coupling device includes an inner coupling having a cylindrical shape with a first rotation axis and a first group of claws arranged to be evenly spaced in a circumferential direction, and an outer coupling having a cylindrical shape with a second rotation axis and a second group of claws arranged to be evenly spaced in a circumference direction to alternately mesh with the first group of claws. At least one of the first and second groups of claws includes claws with pointed tips so as to effectively connect the inner coupling with the outer coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Sugata
  • Patent number: 7585126
    Abstract: A screwless fixing assembly disposed on a frame is provided, which includes a fixed member, a movable member, an elastic member, and a positioning device. The fixed member is fixed on the frame and has an opening form thereon. The movable member is movably disposed to the fixed member and has a pin to pass through a through hole of the frame. The elastic member is provided for pushing the movable member to move away from the frame. The positioning device is disposed on the movable member and protrudes on the fixed member through the opening, for being selectively engaged with the fixed member at a first position and a second position, so as to move the pin to leave or inserted into the through hole. An electronic device is fixed on the other side of the frame by the pin passing through the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Cooler Master Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Miao Hung Ling, Han Ying Zheng
  • Patent number: 6558261
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for rotatably coupling two coaxial shafts while allowing relative movement of the shafts in the X, Y and Z directions. The mechanism includes a female socket and a male fitting. The female socket is attached to one shaft and contains channels. The male fitting is attached to the other shaft and has arms that fit into the channels of the female socket. The mechanism also drives an external visual indicator. The present invention allows an operator to separate the external visual indicator from the mechanism and then reassemble it without losing rotational position readout of the indicator through the action of two axially aligned cams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Marvin D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6551009
    Abstract: A spline connection is provided between a first part and a second part wherein a first set of internal splines is formed on an inner cylindrical surface of the first part and a second set of internal splines is formed on an inner cylindrical surface of the second part. Also included is a connector sleeve having first and second sets of external splines formed thereon. The connector sleeve is slideable between a pre-assembly position located fully within the second part and a fully assembled position in which a section of the connector sleeve is located in the first part and another section is located in the second part so that the first set of external splines engage the first set of internal splines and the second set of external spines engage the second set of internal splines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: David Todd Bentley
  • Patent number: 6482094
    Abstract: A splined shaft head for engaging a splined hub includes first, second and third stages. The first stage has a conical taper on one side, and a cylindrical setback on the other side, which transitions through a tapered shoulder to the cylindrical body of the shaft head. The second stage includes lead spline teeth extending along the cylindrical body to the conical taper. The third stage includes torque-transmitting main spline teeth regularly arranged around the circumference. The shaft head is rotated while being inserted axially into the hub. The first stage allows radial free play and de-centering of the hub so the lead spline teeth find a proper rotational alignment with spline grooves of the hub. Then, the tapered shoulder at the end of the first stage positively centers the hub on the shaft axis, and finally the main spline teeth of the third stage provide full form-locking engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Schenck RoTec GmbH
    Inventor: Burkhard Kefes
  • Patent number: 6247867
    Abstract: A coupling for engaging and disengaging a drive means (12) from a driven member (10), the coupling comprising a stress absorbent coupling member (20), a shaft (22), operably connected to a drive (12), and an actuating member (28), the coupling member being slidably mounted on the shaft (22) such that on operation of the actuating member (28), the coupling member is caused to slide along the shaft (22) between a first position at which the drive is disengaged from the driven member and a second position at which the drive engages the drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Norncott Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian McKenzie Speer