Including A Lock Or Retainer Patents (Class 403/359.5)
  • Patent number: 12104613
    Abstract: An electrical submersible pump assembly comprising a first section and a second section with an outer housing and a drive shaft. A coupling assembly comprising a coupling, a first and a second locking keys, and a plunger assembly mechanically couples the first drive shaft to the second drive shaft. The coupling is cylindrical in shape with splines configured to transfer torque from the first drive shaft to the second drive shaft. The plunger assembly extends the first and second set of locking keys from a key port in the first shaft and second shaft into a groove within the coupling. The coupling assembly is configured to transfer tensile stress from the first drive shaft to the second drive shaft in response to extending the first locking key in the first groove and the second locking key in the second groove of the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David McManus, Steven Andrew Lovell, Casey Laine Newport, Andre Joseph Bernier
  • Patent number: 12097897
    Abstract: A steering shaft assembly includes a male shaft having a plurality of splines formed thereon, each of the splines terminating at a spline end, wherein each of the spline ends form an angle of about 90 degrees relative to a longitudinal direction of the splines. The steering shaft assembly also includes a female shaft including a plurality of stakes located proximate an end of the female shaft, the stakes retaining the male shaft at an interface between the stakes and the spline ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Partyka, Daniel P. Cook, David G. Matousek
  • Patent number: 11975825
    Abstract: A spline assembly, including a spline shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is splined to engage a spline receiver of a primary drive system and includes a substantially spherical alignment head, wherein the spherical alignment head comprises an expendable hydrocarbon material that is caused to melt by operation of the primary drive system over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Nathaniel Ross Bernklau
  • Patent number: 11913501
    Abstract: An apparatus for power transmission of a vehicle, including a motor having a motor spline unit extending therefrom, and configured to generate power, a rotating body configured to receive the power and rotate, and a coupler having a toothed structure including grooves and having an exterior to be coupled to the motor spline unit and an interior to be coupled to the rotating body, wherein a width of the grooves formed at one end of the interior is larger than a width of the grooves formed at an opposite end of the interior, a width of the grooves formed at one end of the exterior is smaller than a width of the grooves formed at an opposite end of the exterior, and the coupler is coupled in a tension coupling with the rotating body and the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ji Ho Yoo, Sang Mok Lee, Byeung Jin Choi
  • Patent number: 11821468
    Abstract: A shaft assembly for an aircraft engine includes a first shaft coupled to a second shaft with a splined coupling made of an electrically-insulating material. The first and second shafts and the splined coupling are rotatable about an axis. A positioning device is mounted to the splined coupling and to the first shaft about the axis. The positioning device is displaceable along the axis relative to the first shaft to vary an axial position of the splined coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Marcin Rejman
  • Patent number: 11661970
    Abstract: A shaft assembly (22, 32) for an aircraft turbine engine (1), comprising a first outer shaft (32) and a second inner shaft (22), the first outer shaft being intended to be engaged axially on the second shaft and comprising inner longitudinal splines (34) for coupling with outer longitudinal splines (24) of the second shaft, characterised in that, when the first and second shafts are in the coupling position, the inner and outer splines are engaged in one another and cooperate with each other in an axial coupling area (Z), the inner and outer teeth being situated outside this coupling area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Arnaud Nicolas Negri, Julien Fabien Patrick Becoulet, Michel Gilbert Roland Brault, Guillaume Patrice Kubiak
  • Patent number: 11598380
    Abstract: A torque transmitting assembly including a first drum having a plurality of teeth formed at an end thereof and a sensor component annularly extending on an inner surface of the first drum. A gear assembly axially aligns with the first drum and has a plurality of teeth intermeshing with the plurality of teeth of the drum. The gear assembly includes an annular gear and a plate axially aligning with the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: METAL FORMING & COINING, LLC
    Inventors: Erik Piper, Timothy J. Cripsey
  • Patent number: 11592098
    Abstract: A gear assembly including a first gear including a rim and a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth is configured to contact one or more of another plurality of teeth. A non-axisymmetric structure is defined at the rim. The non-axisymmetric structure is a non-contacting structure of the gear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: GE AVIO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Luca Ronchiato
  • Patent number: 11506236
    Abstract: A collar and shaft assembly utilizing a ring and a multi-stepped groove. The multi-stepped groove permits the ring to be compressed into one groove while the collar is being assembled and then to expand into a different groove that permits the ring to contact surfaces on both the collar and the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: STANDARD LIFTERS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott M. Breen, Joel T. Pyper
  • Patent number: 11480208
    Abstract: A collar and shaft assembly utilizing a ring and a multi-stepped groove. The multi-stepped groove permits the ring to be compressed into one groove while the collar is being assembled and then to expand into a different groove that permits the ring to contact surfaces on both the collar and the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: STANDARD LIFTERS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott M. Breen, Joel T. Pyper
  • Patent number: 11339831
    Abstract: A power transmission shaft has a shaft member having, on an outer peripheral surface thereof, a male spline; a cylindrical member having, on an inner peripheral surface thereof, a female spline; and a seal member provided in a pressed state between an outer peripheral seal surface formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member and an inner peripheral seal surface formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member is spline-engaged with the shaft member by one end side of the shaft member being inserted into the cylindrical member from an other end side of the cylindrical member. Axial direction shock is absorbed by sliding of the splines. The outer peripheral seal surface is positioned at the other end side with respect to the male spline, and the inner peripheral seal surface is positioned at the other side with respect to the female spline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi Akita, Hiromichi Komai, Masashi Kubo
  • Patent number: 11306785
    Abstract: A power transmission shaft has a shaft member having, on an outer peripheral surface thereof, a male spline; a cylindrical member having, on an inner peripheral surface thereof, a female spline; and a seal member provided in a pressed state between an outer peripheral seal surface formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member and an inner peripheral seal surface formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member is spline-engaged with the shaft member by one end side of the shaft member being inserted into the cylindrical member from an other end side of the cylindrical member. Axial direction shock is absorbed by sliding of the splines. The outer peripheral seal surface is positioned at the other end side with respect to the male spline, and the inner peripheral seal surface is positioned at the other side with respect to the female spline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi Akita, Hiromichi Komai, Masashi Kubo
  • Patent number: 11299381
    Abstract: Novel closures for bottles comprising a bottle closure having a socket shaped and sized to receive the drive head of a convention winch handle and a closure means for securing the closure to the neck of the bottle to seal the bottle. Two such closures are described, one of for use with beer style bottle and another for rum or whiskey style bottles. The closures are particularly useful for bottled beverages brought aboard sailboats that use manual winches. The closures can be removed from the bottles using winch handles that are already aboard the sailboat, allowing the beverages to be consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventor: Yang Suh
  • Patent number: 10415645
    Abstract: A torque transmission shaft between end joints and a cylindrical member. Circlips are fitted in annular grooves formed in the end joints. The circlips abut and lock the outer collars. The outer collars each include a smaller diameter portion, and an end surface of the smaller diameter portion includes a plurality of hollow portions. The hollow portions allow a clearance between a serrated portion and the smaller diameter portion to communicate with the exterior of the outer collar. Air bubbles contained in an adhesive are allowed to escape out of the clearance through the hollow portions, and thus the clearance, is filled with the adhesive densely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Katayama, Michihiro Komatsu
  • Patent number: 10240641
    Abstract: A power transmission shaft has a shaft member having, on an outer peripheral surface thereof, a male spline; a cylindrical member having, on an inner peripheral surface thereof, a female spline; and a seal member provided in a pressed state between an outer peripheral seal surface formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member and an inner peripheral seal surface formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member is spline-engaged with the shaft member by one end side of the shaft member being inserted into the cylindrical member from an other end side of the cylindrical member. Axial direction shock is absorbed by sliding of the splines. The outer peripheral seal surface is positioned at the other end side with respect to the male spline, and the inner peripheral seal surface is positioned at the other side with respect to the female spline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS KYUSHU, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi Akita, Hiromichi Komai, Masashi Kubo
  • Patent number: 10059186
    Abstract: A decoupling clutch for a hybrid module of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The decoupling clutch includes an intermediate shaft which is drivable by a crankshaft. A clutch disk is connected non-rotatingly to the intermediate shaft. A counter-pressure plate is connected to a transmission input shaft. The counter-pressure plate is connected non-rotatingly to the clutch disk at least when the decoupling clutch is in the engaged position. A first roller bearing radially supports the intermediate shaft. A carrier element radially supports a rotor of an electric motor. The first roller bearing is nested radially between a supporting section of the carrier element and an external circumferential surface of the intermediate shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Willi Ruder, Denys Oparin
  • Patent number: 10030711
    Abstract: A mechanical connection includes first and second components supported for rotation, the first component formed with first spline teeth, the second component formed with second spline teeth meshing with the first spline teeth, and a damper fitted in a groove formed in one of the first and second components, including an extension secured to the damper, contacting and extending between at least some of the first and second spline teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Craig M. Mathie, Shailesh S. Kozarekar, James G. Buvalic, Norman J. Bird
  • Patent number: 9937970
    Abstract: A telescopic shaft includes a hollow outer shaft, an inner shaft spline-fitted to the outer shaft, a resin coating provided on splines on at least one of the outer and inner shafts, and can be extended and contracted in an axial direction. A method for manufacturing the telescopic shaft includes press-fitting the inner shaft into the outer shaft and sliding one of the outer and inner shafts relative to the other of the outer and inner shafts by reciprocating the one shaft in the axial direction. In the sliding, a frequency according to a sliding speed at which the one shaft is slid relative to the other shaft is set to be lower than a predetermined value at the start of sliding, and the frequency is increased in a continuous or stepwise manner when a sliding load of the one shaft to the other shaft is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji Higashi, Naoto Miyawaki
  • Patent number: 9897134
    Abstract: A length adjustment for a drive shaft, wherein the length adjustment has the following: a first rotary element with a first longitudinal toothing and a second rotary element with a second longitudinal toothing. The first longitudinal toothing and the second longitudinal toothing mesh with each other and are axially displaceable to each other. In an end portion of the first rotary element a tooth gap between two longitudinal teeth of the first longitudinal toothing is obstructed. The radial height of a longitudinal tooth of the second longitudinal toothing is reduced relative to the residual longitudinal teeth such that only the longitudinal tooth reduced in radial height can be axially inserted into the obstructed tooth gap. The tooth gap is obstructed by a locking portion of the first rotary element, produced by forming or a material connection a pin resting in a bore of the first rotary element. The locking portion or the pin is arranged in the tooth gap or in axial extension to the tooth gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Spicer Gelenkwellenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Stein, Manfred Meineke, Hamed Sarzaiem
  • Patent number: 9802352
    Abstract: An extruder screw includes an extruder shaft and at least one extruder segment. The extruder shaft has a prismatic mandrel having external teeth and a longitudinal mandrel axis. The extruder segment has internal teeth and a longitudinal internal-teeth axis and can be slid onto the mandrel, such that the extruder segment can be connected to the mandrel for rotation therewith. The internal teeth have a profile having a meshing profile and, in an inner area between the first and second end faces of the extruder segment, include a prismatic main profile that has a main cross-section. Furthermore, the internal teeth of the extruder segment have an edge profile adjacent to at least one end face of the extruder segment, which edge profile has a smaller edge cross-section than the main profile at least in the area of the meshing profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: KraussMaffei Berstorff GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Behling
  • Patent number: 9618050
    Abstract: A drive pinion fastening assembly including a drive pinion, a pinion sleeve, an external spline, and a pinion fastener. The pinion sleeve is disposed on and engaged with the drive pinion. The external spline is formed on one of the drive pinion and the pinion sleeve for engaging the power transmission component. The pinion fastener is disposed on and engaged with the drive pinion. The pinion fastener militates against axial movement of the pinion sleeve with respect to the drive pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Jens Schnebele
  • Patent number: 9482285
    Abstract: A hybrid torque transmission mechanism (10) comprises a torque receiving component (30) and a torque output component (50) connected to each other, so that they are able to rotate synchronously. The torque receiving component (30) is configured to receive power from an electric motor or gearbox (70), which is then transferred to the torque output component (50), which may contain an output gear (58) to transfer power to an application. The torque receiving component (30) is fabricated using powder metallurgy to achieve sufficient tolerance. The torque output component (50) is fabricated using metal injection molding for high toughness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: JOHNSON ELECTRIC S.A.
    Inventors: Mohanlal Allan Ramadoss, Waito Li, Yuefu Zhu
  • Patent number: 9206852
    Abstract: A shaft coupling assembly retains a shaft end in a coupling element channel using a fastener inserted through a coupling element bore and a recess in an engagement segment of the shaft end to engage the coupling element to exert a clamping force on a shaft interface of the engagement segment. A projection having a smaller cross section than that of the shaft interface extends axially from the engagement segment and has sufficient length to protrude into the bore to interfere with fastener engagement prior to engagement of the shaft interface in the channel. A projection upper surface further interferes with the fastener bore to prevent engagement of the fastener when the shaft end has been engaged to the channel but not inserted to an installed position. The upper surface may be defined by an arcuate portion of the projection which may have a teardrop shaped cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Kaphengst, Richard A. Knoth
  • Patent number: 9022684
    Abstract: A turbine engine shaft includes a first sub-shaft, a second sub-shaft and a tie shaft. A first bearing surface of the first sub-shaft axially engages a second bearing surface of the second sub-shaft. The tie shaft includes an intermediate tie shaft segment connected axially between a first tie shaft segment and a second tie shaft segment. The first tie shaft segment includes a first threaded tie shaft surface that is mated with a first threaded shaft surface of the first sub-shaft. The second tie shaft segment includes a second threaded tie shaft surface that is mated with a second threaded shaft surface of the second sub-shaft. The tie shaft also includes a sub-shaft bumper stop extending radially from the intermediate tie shaft segment to a bumper stop distal end, which has a radius that is greater than a radius the first and/or second threaded shaft surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: James B. Coffin
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140334873
    Abstract: A propeller shaft is proposed which comprises an outer cylindrical member formed with a sleeve portion that has a splined cylindrical inner wall with which a splined cylindrical outer wall of a shaft is engaged; an inner cylindrical member installed in the outer cylindrical member; a torque transmitting unit through which a torque is transmitted from the outer cylindrical member to the inner cylindrical member; and a connecting mechanism that, upon engagement of the splined cylindrical outer wall with the splined cylindrical inner wall, effects an axial and relative positioning between the shaft and the outer cylindrical member while establishing a detachable connection therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Kenichi SUGIYAMA, Takahiro KUROHA, Yasutomo MABE
  • Patent number: 8870489
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1, 1?) for the rotationally fixed connection of a drive-effective pin (3) of a gearbox to an articulated body (2) of a drive coupling of a drive shaft. In order to allow cost-effective and compact production and in order to simplify assembly and disassembly, the invention provides for the pin (3) and the articulated body (2) of the drive coupling to have respective mutually corresponding external axial toothings (11) and internal axial toothings (8) which are able to mesh with one another, and for an axial securing of the articulated body (2) and the pin (3) to be made possible by an axially displaceable bushing (12) arranged on the pin (3), which bushing (12) can be attached to a connecting portion (4) of the articulated body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: IFA-Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Langer, John Sherlock
  • Patent number: 8864591
    Abstract: A propeller shaft is proposed which comprises an inner cylindrical member that has a center through bore into which a shaft is inserted; an outer cylindrical member disposed around the inner cylindrical member; a torque transmitting unit operatively disposed between the inner and outer cylindrical members; a sleeve member coaxially connected to the center through bore of the inner cylindrical member; a boot unit arranged to hermetically close one open side of an interior of the outer cylindrical member; and a positioning mechanism that effects a relative axial positioning between the shaft and the inner cylindrical member when a splined cylindrical outer wall of the shaft is inserted through the sleeve member into a given position of a splined cylindrical inner wall of the center through bore of the inner cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems Kyushu, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Sugiyama, Takahiro Kuroha, Hiromichi Komai, Yasutomo Mabe, Yasushi Akita
  • Patent number: 8864590
    Abstract: A propeller shaft is proposed which comprises an outer cylindrical member formed with a sleeve portion that has a splined cylindrical inner wall with which a splined cylindrical outer wall of a shaft is engaged; an inner cylindrical member installed in the outer cylindrical member; a torque transmitting unit through which a torque is transmitted from the outer cylindrical member to the inner cylindrical member; and a connecting mechanism that, upon engagement of the splined cylindrical outer wall with the splined cylindrical inner wall, effects an axial and relative positioning between the shaft and the outer cylindrical member while establishing a detachable connection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems Kyushu, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Sugiyama, Takahiro Kuroha, Yasutomo Mabe
  • Patent number: 8813612
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for use with a tool has a tool having a first working end, an opposite second end, a central axis therebetween, and a least one axial recess formed on an outer surface of the tool. A cap is rotatably received on the tool opposite second end, the cap comprising at least one recess formed on an outer surface thereon. The cap is rotatable between a first position in which the cap at least one recess aligns with the tool at least one recess, and a second position in which the cap at least one recess is out of alignment with the tool at least one recess. The locking mechanism further comprises a detent operatively positioned between the tool and the cap. The detent may be a pin and a spring, where the spring biases the cap into the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Apex Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Steinweg, Hsien-Chung Tuan-Mu
  • Patent number: 8734045
    Abstract: An inner race and boot sleeve combination is provided. The inner race has an inner surface with a groove formed therein. The boot sleeve has a groove in an outer surface. A ring is located in both grooves to axially secure the inner race and boot sleeve together. Devices to prevent relatively rotation between the inner race and the boot sleeve are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Donald W. Dine, Dee E. Bear
  • Publication number: 20140140761
    Abstract: A yoke for receiving a shaft includes a collar. The collar defines a shaft slot, into which the shaft may be inserted. A first pinch tab extends from the collar and has a first folded end, which is folded toward the shaft slot. A second pinch tab extends from the collar and has a second folded end, which is folded away from the shaft slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Mielke, Miroslaw Zaloga, Peter J. Judis, Monica M. Ligerakis
  • Publication number: 20140105680
    Abstract: A drive pinion fastening assembly is provided. The drive pinion fastening assembly includes a drive pinion, a pinion sleeve, an external spline, and a pinion fastener. The pinion sleeve is disposed on and engaged with the drive pinion. The external spline is formed on one of the drive pinion and the pinion sleeve for engaging a power transmission component. The pinion fastener is disposed on and engaged with the drive pinion. The pinion fastener militates against axial movement of the pinion sleeve with respect to the drive pinion. The drive pinion fastening assembly is compact, able to handle increased torque loads, and is easy to manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Jens Schnebele
  • Patent number: 8695455
    Abstract: A transmission system includes a crankshaft having an outer surface with a plurality of splines and a hub having an inner surface with a plurality of splines. The hub is mounted on the crankshaft such that the plurality of splines on the inner surface of the hub meshes with the plurality of splines on the outer surface of the crankshaft. The transmission system further includes a flywheel mounted to the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Travis T. Petry-Johnson, Franklin J. Struwe, Michael P. Harmon
  • Publication number: 20140093313
    Abstract: A connection for transmitting rotating torque has a first component having a shaft with male spline teeth on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft. The male spline teeth extend to an inner end, and there is a blocking portion of the shaft extending in an inner direction from the inner end of the male spline teeth. A second component has a hollow portion with female spline teeth on an inner periphery of a bore. The female spline teeth extend to an outer end. Bolt holes are formed in both the hollow portion and the shaft. The bolt hole in the shaft is formed in a portion of the shaft receiving the male spline teeth. A bolt extends through the bolt holes, and the shaft is secured within the hollow portion. A distance from an inner end of the blocking portion to the inner end of the male spline teeth is greater than a distance between an outer surface on the bolt to the outer end of the female spline teeth on the hollow portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael Carbone
  • Patent number: 8608579
    Abstract: An assembly for transferring torque including a first component having first wall portions, a second component having second wall portions, wherein the first wall portions extend radially from the first component toward the second component, the second wall portions extend radially from the second component toward the first component, the first wall portions are axially aligned with the second wall portions, and a clearance is formed between the first and second wall portions, and a ring rivet having a connecting portion inserted into the clearance and deformed for creating at least one head for axially locking the first component and the second component together, and wherein deforming the connecting portion fills the clearance for rotationally locking the first component and second component together for enabling a transfer of torque between the first component and the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Steinberger, Kunding Wang
  • Patent number: 8579538
    Abstract: An example coupling stack includes a first rotating member and a second rotating member. A plurality of aligned slots is defined in the first rotating member and the second rotating member. A tab lock is provided having an annular body with an axial front side, an axial back side, and a radial inner periphery. Tabs are formed on the axial back side and inserted into the plurality of aligned slots. The annular body of the tab lock also includes a plurality of openings extending into the radial inner periphery. A plurality of flanges is provided on the axial back side of the annular body adjacent to the plurality of openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. Juh, Pedro Laureano
  • 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: 8517422
    Abstract: A steering wheel alignment system for a vehicle having a steering wheel and steering unit that includes a first shaft operatively connected to the steering unit, a second shaft operatively connected to the steering wheel, and a coupling disposed between the first and second shafts to couple the shafts so that rotation of the steering wheel operates the steering unit to steer the vehicle. The coupling includes: a bolt, one of the shafts is hollow to telescope over the other shaft, and each shaft has a radial extending hole therethrough for receiving the bolt to attach the first and second shafts together. The radial extending hole through one of the shafts is elongated in the radial direction so that when the bolt extends through the holes of the first and second shafts the elongation of the hole defines a range of radial adjusting movement of the shafts relative one another until tightening of the bolt clamps the first and second shafts together against further relative rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Miroslaw Zaloga, George E. Doerr, Christopher J. Mielke
  • Publication number: 20130202352
    Abstract: A fastening structure is provided for fastening a thermal module to a mainboard, and includes a main body having at least one elastic press portion, a fastening portion, and an insertion unit. The fastening portion is provided on an end of the main body and the insertion unit is outward extended from another opposite end of the main body. The elastic press portion is provided on the main body and located between the insertion unit and the fastening portion, and a flexible space is defined between the elastic press portion and the main body. With these arrangements, the fastening structure can be quickly assembled to the thermal module without the need of welding and can therefore be conveniently separated therefrom whenever reworking is necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: ASIA VITAL COMPONENTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sheng-Huang Lin
  • Publication number: 20130174407
    Abstract: A clocked retaining assembly for use in an automotive powertrain is provided. The clocked retaining assembly includes an inner component and an outer component. The inner component has an outer side having a plurality of inner spline teeth separated by a plurality of inner grooves formed in the outer side. The outer component has an inner side having a plurality of outer spline teeth separated by a plurality of outer grooves formed in the inner side. The outer component forms a continuous inner circumferential slot through the outer spline teeth around the inner circumference of the inner side. The inner spline teeth are disposed in the inner circumferential slot. A pin extension is disposed in an inner groove an outer groove. The pin extension prevents the inner component from rotating with respect to the outer component. A method for retaining the inner and outer components is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
  • Patent number: 8434582
    Abstract: A drive system and an interconnection unit are provided for an all wheel drive vehicle. The drive system includes, but is not limited to a power take-off unit, a propshaft and a rear drive module. The power take-off unit being adapted to be attached to a vehicle's powertrain, and the propshaft being adapted to transmit drive to the rear drive module. The propshaft and the power take-off unit are connected by a joint for transmitting drive force from the power take-off unit to the propshaft, and the joint between the power take-off unit and the propshaft includes, but is not limited to a female-male engagement. The female and male engagement portions are non-rotatable in relation to each other when the joint is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Per-Gunnar Björck, Michael Larsson, Björn Scherdin
  • Patent number: 8425142
    Abstract: A connecting arrangement for a rotationally fixed connection of components in the drive train of a motor vehicle, comprising a shaft journal and a hub of an articulation, which has a central opening for receiving the shaft journal, wherein the shaft journal can be axially fixed in the hub, for example by a retaining ring. The invention further relates to an articulated shaft comprising such a connecting arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: BF New Technologies GmbH
    Inventor: Claus Disser
  • Patent number: 8425141
    Abstract: A connecting arrangement for connecting, for example, two components of a jointed shaft via a securing ring, and a jointed shaft including a connecting arrangement of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignees: Shaft-Form-Engineering GmbH, BF New Technologies GmbH
    Inventor: Claus Disser
  • Patent number: 8371767
    Abstract: A threaded device is embodied in the form of an anti-twisting stop which is rotatably connected to a traction-pressure rod. Two oppositely located ratchet devices are connected by a body to stop the traction-pressure rod in several rotational positions with a predetermined locking force and, afterwards, to release it each time. The threaded device facilitates the mounting of the traction-pressure rod by the fact that the twisting should not be locked by additional handling, thereby making it possible to carry out a fine adjustment without additional measures. The ratchet device comprises, for example, two ratchet elements provided with one or several catch lugs or a metal or plastic ring part on one side and a gear rim on the other side. In addition, the threaded device can be provided with a spring element and a second anti-noise threaded device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignees: GMT Gummi-Metall-Technik GmbH, Trigum Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Albert Uhl, Francisco Gomez, Soeren Koch
  • Publication number: 20120325959
    Abstract: Adjustable servomechanism assemblies and associated systems and methods. An unmanned aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a movable mechanism and a servomechanism assembly operably coupled to the movable mechanism. The system also includes an interface assembly operably coupled to an output shaft of the servo and the movable mechanism. The interface assembly includes an adapter portion carried by the output shaft and an output arm releasably engaged with the adapter portion. The adapter portion includes a first aperture having a non-round surface mated with a non-round surface of the output shaft, and a non-splined, engagement surface. The output arm includes a second aperture sized to receive at least a portion of the outer surface of the adapter portion. The second aperture includes a generally smooth inner surface in contact with and rotatable through 360 degrees relative to the engagement surface of the adapter portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Insitu, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford Jackson
  • Patent number: 8322941
    Abstract: A connecting assembly for transmitting torque comprising a shaft journal with an outer annular groove and a hollow shaft with an inner annular groove, wherein, for torque transmitting purposes, the hollow shaft is rotationally fixed to the shaft journal and comprises at least one recess towards the outer circumferential face of the hollow shaft in a partial circumferential region of the inner annular groove. The connecting assembly also includes a radially elastically widenable axial securing ring which is positioned in the outer annular groove of the shaft journal and in the inner annular groove of the hollow shaft, wherein the axial securing ring comprises at least one outwardly projecting projection which is arranged in the at least one recess of the hollow shaft, and securing means which cover the at least one recess and prevent the axial securing ring from being radially widened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 8303208
    Abstract: An exemplary lock out assembly includes a lock nut defined about an axis. The lock nut defines inner apertures along an inner diameter and outer apertures along an outer diameter. The inner apertures are at least partially threaded. The outer apertures are at least partially threaded. The inner apertures are radially spaced from the outer apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas L. Tully, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120263523
    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: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. DURLING
  • Publication number: 20120251234
    Abstract: A drive assembly includes first and second shafts. The second shaft has a bore with internal splines. An input shaft has first and second ends. The first end is coupled to the first shaft in a slip-fit relationship. The second end includes first splines engaging the internal splines. A locking member is supported by the second end. The locking member is moveable between insertion and secured positions. In one example, tightening a fastener misaligns splines on the locking member relative to the first splines. The secured position axially retains the input shaft to the second shaft. The insertion position is configured to permit installation of the second shaft into the bore, for example, with the splines aligned with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Glenn C. LEMMERS, JR.