Abstract: A torque coupler includes a first torque plate having a first slot extending in a radial direction, and a second torque plate having a second slot extending in the radial direction. The second slot has a side formed of a flexible beam. A cam plate is pivotable about an axis, and has a cam slot having a first portion at a first radial distance from the axis and a second portion at a second radial distance, where the second distance is greater than the first distance. A torque transfer member is slidably received within the first slot, the second slot, and the cam slot. The transfer member transferring torque between the first and second torque plates. A drive device rotates the cam plate about the axis, which causes the first cam slot to radially slide the transfer member along the flexible beam.

Abstract: A fail safe module for an active grille having two or more vanes movable between an open position and a closed position. In the event of failure of an electrically driven actuator, a fail safe module connected between a driven vane of the two or more vanes and the electrically driven actuator moves the vanes to a fail-safe position. The fail safe module has a locked and unlocked position. When the fail safe module is in the locked position the fail safe module, the electrically driven actuator and the two or more vanes move together in response to the power provided by the electrically driven actuator. When the fail safe module is in the unlocked position, the fail safe module disengages the two or more vanes from the electrically driven actuator and moves the two or more vanes to the fail-safe position.

Abstract: An articulating portion for an elongate medical device is disclosed. The articulating portion may include a plurality of segments movable relative to one another, and a plurality of hinges disposed between adjacent segments. The segments can be configured to bend at the hinges upon manipulation of a control member of the device. The segments and the hinges can also be a single continuous piece of material.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper or rotationally elastic coupling comprises: an outer housing including a flange; an inner part arranged within and rotatable relative to the outer housing; a plurality of intermediate pieces arranged around the inner part and spaced apart from each other in circumferential direction so as to form a plurality of chambers filled with a damping medium; a plurality of leaf spring assemblies having one or more leaf springs, said leaf spring assemblies being arranged in said chambers and having outer end portions engaging with receptacles formed between neighboring intermediate pieces and inner end portions engaging with the inner part; and a clamping ring extending around the intermediate pieces and the leaf spring assemblies for securing the leaf spring assemblies between the intermediate pieces.

Abstract: This rotary flexure bearing consists of concentric inner and outer hubs connected by compound flexure stages. These compound flexure stages provide the angular compliance required for bearing rotation as well as compliance for flexure foreshortening while holding a constant axis of rotation over the entire range of motion. This design offers large angular displacement, low operating stress, low operating torque, and high stiffness in the five noncompliant degrees of freedom. The rotary flexure bearing described herein has applications in precision mechanics, particularly opto-mechanics. Specific applications include but are not limited to wafer and reticle alignment stages used in microlithography systems, mirror pointing and scanning mechanisms used in tactical and spaceborne systems, as well as flip-in mechanisms used in multiple field of view optical systems.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper or rotationally elastic coupling comprises: an outer housing including a flange; an inner part arranged within and rotatable relative to the outer housing; a plurality of intermediate pieces arranged around the inner part and spaced apart from each other in circumferential direction so as to form a plurality of chambers filled with a damping medium; a plurality of leaf spring assemblies having one or more leaf springs, said leaf spring assemblies being arranged in said chambers and having outer end portions engaging with receptacles formed between neighbouring intermediate pieces and inner end portions engaging with the inner part; and a clamping ring extending around the intermediate pieces and the leaf spring assemblies for securing the leaf spring assemblies between the intermediate pieces.

Abstract: A clamping device for a shaft-hub connection in a torque-transferring device in a drive train of a vehicle. The connection is an axial spline connection between an externally toothed shaft and an internally toothed hub. An externally toothed ring is provided for clamping the shaft and hub, wherein the externally toothed ring includes an annular body having external teeth. Fastening tongues of leaf-spring-type design are provided on and extend from the radially inner side of the annular body. Outer ends of the leaf-spring-type fastening tongues are attached to the shaft, and the teeth of the toothed ring mesh with teeth of the hub. By rotating the toothed ring against a force provided by the fastening tongues, a clamping force is produced on the shaft-hub connection in the assembled state and is introduced into the shaft-hub connection through the teeth and fastening tongues.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper or a torsionally flexible coupling comprises an inner part and an outer part that is arranged in ring shape around this inner part, which are joined to one another in a torsionally flexible manner by spring elements, wherein the spring elements subdivide a space formed between the inner part and the outer part into a plurality of successive chambers in the circumferential direction of the damper or the coupling, with these chambers being filled with a viscous medium and connected to one another. There are at least two groups of spring elements which have deflection lines that differ in the circumferential direction. In case of a relative rotation between the inner part and the outer part, owing to differences in deflection lines, there is a strong spatial displacement of the damping medium, so that such a damper or coupling has a high damping potential.

Abstract: A connection for a torque converter including a cover, a piston plate, and at least one leaf spring having a first portion with a resilient segment and a second portion rotationally connected to one of the cover or the piston plate. The other of the cover or the piston plate comprises a first protrusion and the resilient segment grips the first protrusion. In an example embodiment, the second portion is riveted to the one of the cover or the piston plate. In an example embodiment, the one of the cover or the piston plate includes a second protrusion and the second portion includes a resilient segment that grips the second protrusion.

Abstract: A buckling prevention device including a first rotational element, a second rotational element, a leaf spring arranged for transferring torque between the first and second rotational elements while enabling relative axial movement between the first rotational element and the second rotational element, a connection member fixedly connecting the leaf spring to the second rotational element, wherein the connection member extends axially through a hole in the first rotational element, wherein a gap is formed between the connection member and an edge of the hole when the leaf spring is not experiencing an overly high compression force, and wherein the connection member is operatively arranged to close the gap and engage with the first member when the spring is experiencing an overly high compression force for preventing the leaf spring from buckling and at least partially transferring the torque directly between the first and second rotational elements.

Abstract: A connection for a torque converter including a cover, a piston plate, and at least one leaf spring having a first portion with a resilient segment and a second portion rotationally connected to one of the cover or the piston plate. The other of the cover or the piston plate comprises a first protrusion and the resilient segment grips the first protrusion. In an example embodiment, the second portion is riveted to the one of the cover or the piston plate. In an example embodiment, the one of the cover or the piston plate includes a second protrusion and the second portion includes a resilient segment that grips the second protrusion.

Abstract: A tool-holding device for an insert tool (14) equipped with an at least essentially disk-shaped hub (42), in particular for a hand-guided angle grinder (32) or a hand-guided circular saw, having a drive device (12) that includes a leaf spring unit (58) and is able to clamp the insert tool (14) in the axial direction (64). The leaf spring unit (58) has at least one freely extending spring piece (110) that extends at least partially in the circumference direction (50, 52).

Abstract: A drive train with a torsional vibration damper and a torsionally flexible coupling is described, with the torsional vibration damper comprising a damping mass on the driven side which is resiliently supported with respect to a part (1) on the drive side and the torsionally flexible coupling comprising a damping mass on the drive side which is resiliently supported with respect to a part (11) on the driven side. In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the torsionally flexible coupling and the torsional vibration damper are assembled into a modular unit with a common damping mass for the torsional vibration damper and the torsionally flexible coupling.

Abstract: A vacuum pump, in particular for brake booster systems in motor vehicles, with a drivable rotor via which a blade in a housing can be set in rotation is proposed. The vacuum pump is distinguished by the fact that the rotor consists of plastic and is formed as one piece.

Abstract: There is provided a planetary reduction gear 10 between a gas turbine 1 and a generator 5. The planetary reduction gear includes elastic deformation unit 12 on an output side, and for the elastic deformation unit, a strain energy within an elastic limit is set to be larger than a fluctuation torque energy of the generator of a momentary voltage drop time. The elastic deformation unit 12 includes an elastic member which elastically connects an output shaft 10a of the planetary reduction gear to an outer ring 10b. Thereby, when an excessive torque is generated in the generator by a momentary voltage drop, service interruption, and the like for a short time, it is possible to maintain the operation of a power generation facility, and secure a power supply of an important load, and an installation length is shortened and the facility can be downsized.

Abstract: Bearing for damping or decoupling vibrations between adjacent components. The bearing includes a spring body having face ends, a connection part coupled to at least one of the face ends, and a frictional damper coupled in a parallel manner with the spring body. The frictional damper is at least one of electrically and electronically regulatable.

Abstract: There is provided a planetary reduction gear 10 between a gas turbine 1 and a generator 5. The planetary reduction gear includes elastic deformation means 12 on an output side, and for the elastic deformation means, a strain energy within an elastic limit is set to be larger than a fluctuation torque energy of the generator of a momentary voltage drop time. The elastic deformation means 12 includes an elastic member which elastically connects an output shaft 10a of the planetary reduction gear to an outer ring 10b. Thereby, when an excessive torque is generated in the generator by a momentary voltage drop, service interruption, and the like for a short time, it is possible to maintain the operation of a power generation facility, and secure a power supply of an important load, and an installation length is shortened and the facility can be downsized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leaf spring type coupling provided with the first leaf spring 9 and the second leaf spring 10 that absorb a deviation in the axial center of the first rotating axis and the second rotating axis via the intermediate member 8 provided between the first shaft connection member 6 and the second shaft connection member 7, wherein the second shaft coupling shaft 7 is inserted and provided between the second leaf spring 10 and the intermediate member 8 so that the protrusion 7B of the second shaft connection member 7 passes through the through-hole 10B of the second leaf spring 10, and the first leaf spring 10 is inserted and provided between the intermediate member 8 and the first shaft connection member 6.

Abstract: A thrust plate assembly for a friction clutch, including a housing having an axis of rotation and a pressure plate arrangement which is held so as to be movable axially with respect to the housing by means of at least one leaf spring arrangement. The leaf spring arrangement has a first coupling area secured to a first mounting area of the pressure plate, a first longitudinal area adjoining the first coupling area, and a second longitudinal area adjoining the second coupling area. A leaf spring arrangement support is arranged in such a way that when the first coupling area and the second coupling area approach one another in a circumferential direction with respect to the axis of rotation, at least one of the first longitudinal area and second longitudinal area contacts the leaf spring arrangement support.

Abstract: An installation structure of a rotation detector for detecting a rotation amount of a rotational shaft such as a kingpin. The installation structure prevents wear and damage to an input shaft of the rotation detector caused by a radial force applied to the input shaft and has high detection accuracy by eliminating slack between the rotational shaft and the input shaft. The rotation detector is fixed to a support member rotatably supporting the rotational shaft such that the input shaft is substantially coaxial with the rotational shaft. The input shaft is coupled to the rotational shaft through a rotation transmitting means. The rotation transmitting means permits the axis of the input shaft to be offset from the axis of the rotational shaft and limits relative rotation between the input shaft and the rotational shaft.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper or torsionally elastic coupling comprises an inner portion, an outer portion, and radial leaf spring assemblies extending between the inner and outer portions. Each leaf spring assembly is clamped in a clamping area between adapters at one end of the leaf spring assembly and includes two leaf springs fixed to the outer portion at the one end and having their opposite ends engage in axial grooves of the inner portion. The two leaf springs protrude radially inwards from the clamping area up to the opposite ends engaged in the axial grooves and, to reduce wear phenomena and to improve the load-bearing capacity of the leaf springs for torque transmission, they define a free clearance of movement from the clamping area to the axial grooves.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper or a torsionally elastic and vibration damping coupling (1) has radial spring elements (4) inserted between an inner portion (3) and an outer portion (2) for torque transmission and liquid-filled chambers (8, 9) communicating with each other via throttle gaps for damping purposes, where at the one end the spring elements (4) are clamped between adapters (5) in the outer portion (2) and at the other end engage in axial grooves (6) of the inner portion (3), and the chambers (8, 9) are separated from each other by the spring elements (4) on the one hand, and on the other hand by additional radial divisions (7) between adjacent spring elements (4), which divisions spare the throttle gaps (10).

Abstract: A multi-function apparatus for controlling various functions of a liftgate of an automotive vehicle. The apparatus includes an elastomeric member which is operably disposed in connection with a gear which imparts a driving force to a drive shaft of a window wiper member. The elastomeric member, in one embodiment, is a coiled spring which allows movement between the drive shaft and the gear driving the drive shaft in the event the wiper becomes frozen to the window of the vehicle or otherwise immovable. In this manner various other functions can be carried out by the apparatus regardless if the wiper becomes temporarily immobilized.

Abstract: A device for damping rotational variation and torsional vibrations of the rotating shaft of an engine or a transmission having gears subjected to such vibrations, thereby reducing noise, includes a rotating shaft (2), supported by a bearing; a gear (3), attached to the rotating shaft; a damper against rotational variations and torsional vibrations of the gear; a damper case (11), having a ring-like inertia governor chamber (12), attached to the gear (3); an inertia governor (13), housed in the chamber; a plurality of leaf springs (14), inserted into a groove (11a) of the damper case (11) at one end and a groove (13a) of the inertia governor (13) at the other end in such a manner as to become parallel with an axis of the rotating shaft (2); and a plurality of pads (15), inserted between the inertia governor (13) and the damper case (11).

Abstract: Leaf spring members (12a through 12d, 14a through 14d, 16a through 16d, 18a through 18d) are disposed on the rear surfaces of a driving side flange portion (2) and a driven side flange portion (4). One end of each leaf spring member taken in a circumferential direction is mounted to the flange portions (2, 4), and the other end is interconnected to the other end of the adjacent leaf spring member. At positions of the flange portions (2, 4) which correspond to a portion for interconnecting these leaf springs, hole portions (7a through 7d, 9a through 9d) are provided, the hole portions (7a through 7d) and the hole portions (9a through 9d) being each disposed at the corresponding position. Torque transmitting rods (10a through 10d) are disposed passing with an allowance through the corresponding hole portions, and to both ends of the torque transmitting rods, interconnecting portions of the leaf spring members of the driving and driven side are each mounted.

Abstract: A rotatable apparatus includes a pair of rotatable members joined by a stress dissipating structure. The stress dissipating structure can be employed in a gear, sprocket, clutch or the like. In one aspect of the present invention, the stress dissipating structure includes an elastomeric material and a web which radially extend outward from the hub. In another aspect of the present invention, the stress dissipating structure includes a plurality of rotationally flexible spoke-like structures radially extending between the rim and the hub. In a further aspect of the present invention, corrugated spokes are used. An additional aspect of the present invention provides a stress dissipating structure employing various anti-buckling plate configurations. In still another preferred aspect of the present invention, the stress dissipating structure includes a plurality of rotatably deformable formations. Furthermore, the present invention provides a compressible washer stress reduction structure.

Abstract: A torque converter for translating torque from a prime mover to an input shaft of a transmission including a torque input member, an impeller assembly, a turbine assembly and a lock-up clutch assembly interposed between the turbine assembly and a torque input member. The torque converter further includes a torsional damper operatively interconnecting the turbine assembly and the lock-up clutch assembly. The torsional damper includes a plurality of reaction members integrally formed with a plurality of turbine blades and extending from the turbine shell and operatively coupled with the lock-up clutch assembly. The plurality of integrally formed reaction members define a predetermined spring rate such that torsional forces generated between the turbine assembly and the lock-up clutch assembly are damped through the flexing of the reaction members.

Abstract: A relatively inexpensive coupling for preventing the transmission of thread drunkenness to a carriage or other element being driven by a lead screw. The coupling is formed with an input plate and an output plate both connected to an intermediate member. The connections via flexure members permit movement of the intermediate member relative to the coupling and the output plate to provide uniform motion to a carriage along the lead screw axis.

Abstract: A coupling between a direct drive valve and a rotary valve for providing a rotary-to-rotary coupling therebetween. A shaft carried by the rotor of the motor defines a re-entrant bore having a plurality of flat surfaces. A rod having a plurality of flat faces on the exterior surface thereof and which is connected to the rotary valve is received in mating engagement with the bore. The shaft is slotted to provide a plurality of flexible fingers for receiving the rod.

Abstract: An all-steel clutch having at least one eccentric pack of spring plates which holds the clutch halves axially at a distance in the unloaded condition and is so inclined by an acute angle to the axial normal plane that a slight axial displacement of the clutch halves in relation to one another produces a comparatively large angular offsetting, thereby enabling angular displacements caused by loading to be compensated.

Abstract: An armature assembly for an electromagnetic coupling includes an armature plate made of a material having low magnetic reluctance and also includes an output hub having angularly spaced and radially extending mounting arms for supporting the armature plate. The armature plate is connected to the mounting arms by angularly spaced leaf springs which couple the armature plate and the output hub for rotation in unison while allowing the armature plate to move axially relative to the mounting arms when the coupling is engaged and disengaged. The leaf springs are made of a material having high magnetic reluctance and are formed with tabs or fingers which are sandwiched between the armature plate and the mounting arms to create a flux barrier for magnetically isolating the armature plate from the mounting arms and the output hub.

Abstract: A structural pivot 10 includes a first sleeve 18 and a second sleeve 20 which are connected by a pair of parallelogram shaped flexible elements 22 and 24. The flexible elements include tapered ends 40, 42 and 44, 46, respectively. The tapered ends of the flexible elements are connected to sleeves 18, 20 so that the flexible elements 22, 24 are assembled in a crisscross fashion while the flexible elements remain spaced from each other. During angular rotaton of the sleeves, the flexible elements undergo both flexural and torsional action.

Abstract: A one piece, mechanical, flexible coupling for interconnecting driving and driven shafts, which is capable of accommodating separate or combined angular, skewed or parallel shaft misalignments and axial shaft movements while permitting limited torsional or radial deflection thereof. The coupling is fashioned from a single piece of metal or other rigid material and includes a plurality of parallel, axially spaced, annular discs lying normal to the coupling's longitudinal axis and integrally interjoined with one another and with two shaft connector hubs by intervening spacers. The discs and hubs operate as flexible, zero back lash coupling portions at opposite ends of an integrally intervening midsection which operatively permits limited radial or torsional shaft deflection and is made up of a selected number of elongated flexible vane elements lying parallel to and radially displaced from the central longitudinal axis of the coupling.

Abstract: An intake manifold (18) for an engine (10) includes a Roots-type supercharger (26) having a torsion damping mechanism (54) for reducing audible gear tooth rattle of timing gears (72,74) which prevent contact of meshed lobes (28c,29a) of the supercharger rotors (28,29). The damping mechanism includes a hard outer shell or band (102) for maintaining the shape of an annular member (100) formed of relatively soft elastomeric material which is fixed for rotation with the gear (74). The member (100) includes three arcuate slots (100c) each defining forward and reverse direction stops (100d,100e) for limiting movement of pins (96) slidably disposed at one end in the slots and fixed at the other end to the input shaft. A torsion spring (98) of low rate resiliently connects the pins to the annular member for reducing the audible gear tooth rattle. A set of three cantilever springs, molded integrally with the annular member, mitigate audible impacts of the reverse stops (100e) by the pins (96).

Abstract: An intake manifold (18) for an engine (10) includes a Roots-type supercharger (26) having a torsion damping mechanism (54) for reducing audible gear tooth rattle of timing gears (72,74) which prevent contact of meshed lobes (28c,29a) of the supercharger rotors (28,29). The damping mechanism includes a drive member (90) having an annular band portion (90d) banded about an annular member (100) formed of relatively soft elastomeric material which is fixed for rotation with the drive member via lugs (90e). The member (100) includes three arcuate slots (100d) each defining forward and reverse direction stops (100e,100f) for limiting movement of pins (94) slidably disposed at one end in the slots and fixed at the other end to the gear (74). A torsion spring (96) of low rate resiliently connects the annular member to the pins for reducing the audible gear tooth rattle.

Abstract: A flexure coupling includes a backing plate and an adjacent hub, the backing plate being adapted to be mounted to a first machine member and the hub being adapted to be mounted to a second machine member. The hub is supported on the backing plate by a plurality of equiangularly positioned radial springs that permit compliant torsional movement of the hub relative to the backing plate. The springs prevent relative axial or longitudinal translational movement between the hub and backing plate, as well as relative radial movement. Substitution of the flexure coupling for conventional bearings eliminates the problem of false brinelling that results from vibration of stationary bearings.

Abstract: A flexible coupling of the light weight, low inertia spring plate type having a central disk which through flex provides for angular misalignment and four supporting side leaf springs which provide for parallel misalignment. Bolted on exterior drive lugs transmit the torque to the central disk. Bronze guides provide for attachment of the leaf springs to the center disk. The drive and driven plates are connected to hubs which are split so they can be clamped onto the input and output shafts which are subject to alternating torque loads.

Abstract: A structural pivot 10 includes a first end cap 18 and a second end cap 20 which are connected together by an elastic member 22 in the form of a cruciform. The structural pivot 10 does not exhibit a geometric center shift when one of the end caps is angularly deflected.

Abstract: A composite structure comprises at least one ply comprising approximately parallel unidirected twines comprising helically-configured matrix-impregnated continuous strands of filament reinforcements to provide a flanged composite cantilever spring which serves as the principal constituent of a coupling structure. An interior ply of a coupling structure body member comprises unidirected longitudinal twines configured at a body member extremity to provide a flange member connected to a cantilever spring. An exterior ply is disposed transversely of and superimposed upon the interior ply to provide the cantilever spring hinge line. The composite cantilever spring can be constructed to deflect about either a straight or curved hinge line. A preferred tubular form of the coupling structure comprises at least one end configured as a polygonal array of flanged cantilever springs which serve as the socket end of a spring-lock coupling used to connect mating flanged spigot-end structures.

Abstract: A composite structure comprises at least one ply comprising approximately parallel unidirected twines comprising helically-configured matrix-impregnated continuous strands of filament reinforcements to provide a flanged composite cantilever spring which serves as the principal constituent of a coupling structure. An interior ply of a coupling structure body member comprises unidirected longitudinal twines configured at a body member extremity to provide a flange member connected to a cantilever spring. An exterior ply is disposed transversely of and superimposed upon the interior ply to provide the cantilever spring hinge line. The composite cantilever spring can be constructed to deflect about either a straight or curved hinge line. A preferred tubular form of the coupling structure comprises at least one end configured as a polygonal array of flanged cantilever springs which serve as the socket end of a spring-lock coupling used to connect mating flanged spigot-end structures.

Abstract: A reel of a slot machine is rotatably fitted on a shaft of a motor and coupled to the shaft by an elastic member. When the motor is started, energy is stored in the elastic member, and the reel is suddenly caused to start rotation at a high speed by the energy stored in the elastic member. A projection on the reel engages a drive lever to fix the relative position of the parts after the initial period of relative movement of the shaft and reel. The elastic member can be a coil tension spring or a leaf spring sandwiching the drive lever, a portion of the leaf spring on the rear side of the lever being secured to the reel.

Abstract: A drive strap utilized for a torque converter of an automotive vehicle accommodating minor misalignment but providing effective transmission of torque. The strap assembly includes thin, flexible straps and very stiff back-stops adjacent one end of each strap to provide a characteristic of increasing axial stiffness as strap deflection increases.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for joining two rotating shafts, the coupling having opposed hubs one attached to each shaft, the hubs each having an annular array of radical grooves on opposing faces thereof and a plurality of generally rectangular shaped laminated graphite epoxy plates with radially extended projections which are provided with an integral laminated elastomer/metal shear sandwich structure and are held in the radial grooves by restraint fittings attached to the hubs.

Abstract: A shaft coupling which is torsionally stiff yet capable of being elastically bent having guides arranged between two coupling halves at right angles to the axis of rotation in the form of thin-walled plates. Their overlapping end sections assigned to one another being alternately fixed to the coupling halves between tightening washers. So as to reduce its stiffness under flexure, the front side nearest the plate of one tightening washer supported against the corresponding coupling half has a middle section running radially and intersecting the extended axis of rotation at least more or less obliquely, which passes over on both sides into flat zones extending at right angles to the axis of rotation, so that the middle planes of the plates running on both sides of the tightening washer lie in a common plane.

Abstract: A flexure mount assembly particularly adapted for use in a dynamically tuned two-degree-of-freedom gyroscope to provide a universal coupling between a rotor element and a drive shaft. The mount features a substantially planar "spider" member normally oriented transversely to the spin axis of the rotor. The spider has four webs, each web extending radially from an inner central area associated with an inner gimbal ring to an outer annular area. The outer annular area is associated with an outer ring which is divided into four independent sectors.Each web has two sections and each section has the shape of two parabolas which intersect at their vertices. A central aperture roughly elliptical in shape is thus formed in each web. At both ends of each aperture, narrow radial slots are formed. Two mutually perpendicular "vertical" or cross flexure members each have key portions that extend in planes parallel to the spin axis through the radial slots.

Abstract: An overload safety for clutches of the type having driven and drive elements arranged concentrically to each other and having a driver body which cooperates with a spring and is provided in the space between the elements. In order to obtain a small structural form which is simple to manufacture while of dependable operation, the disengaged position is obtained by the bending out of a resiliency section which crosses the space between the elements.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism with converter has the input side flywheel and output side torque converter disposed concentrically, with the front cover of the torque converter being coupled with the flywheel, wherein a leaf spring being approximately parallel to the center line in the widthwise direction is radially placed between the front cover and flywheel in order to couple the front cover and flywheel elastically in the circumferential direction, and the leaf spring and at least one of the front cover and flywheel possess a play which may allow the front cover and flywheel to move relatively in the radial direction and in the direction of center line.

Abstract: A flexible coupling is provided transmitting torque and thrust loads between parallel misaligned shafts, but does not permit any nonparallel misalignment between the shafts. The coupling comprises members that are attached to the shafts, each of which has two parallel bendable arms. The arms are nested and attached to a central rigid member located between the arms.

Abstract: A flexure mount particularly adapted for use in a dynamically tuned gyroscope provides a universal coupling between a rotor element and a drive shaft. The mount features a substantially planar "spider" member oriented transversely to the spin axis of the rotor. The spider has four webs that each extend radially from an inner gimbal ring to a segmented outer ring having four independent sectors each associated with and centered on one of the webs. Two mutually perpendicular "vertical" or cross flexure members each have key portions that extend through radial slots in the webs of the spider. The inner gimbal ring and the spider have central apertures coaxial with the spin axis. An alignment member is seated in the aligned apertures. The vertical flexure members are seated in a set of mutually perpendicular and axially extending slots formed in the alignment member. The spider and the cross members are preferably etched or stamped from precision rolled sheet material.

Abstract: A clutch driven plate assembly providing a variable torsional spring rate and variable friction damping torque. The assembly utilizes a splined hub with an outer flange notched at spaced locations around the circumference to receive a series of flat springs actuated by caged needle rollers mounted between a pair of side plates sandwiching the flange therebetween; one of the plates carrying the friction facings. The flat springs and rollers can be used alone or in combination with helical compression springs, and variable damping friction is accomplished either through the rollers alone or in conjunction with centrifugally actuated balls positioned in an annular tapered groove between the hub flange and one of the side plates.