With Additional Axially Spaced Torque-transmitting Coupling Which Facilitates Relative Movement Between Members Patents (Class 464/113)
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Patent number: 10151351Abstract: A weld includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a fay surface with one or more grooves. The second component includes a surface that is configured to mate with the fay surface of the first component. The fay surface of the first component and the surface of the second component form a friction weld when the two surfaces are mated together and relative motion between the first component and the second component generates heat through mechanical friction between the two components.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2016Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, LLCInventors: Huaxin Li, Scott William Heitzenrater
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Patent number: 9534638Abstract: A driveshaft assembly for a downhole motor comprises a housing and a driveshaft rotatably disposed within the housing. The driveshaft has a central axis and a first end. Further, the driveshaft assembly comprises a driveshaft adapter having a first end coupled to the first end of the driveshaft with a universal joint. The first end of the driveshaft adapter includes a counterbore. The first end of the driveshaft and the universal joint are disposed in the counterbore. Still further, the driveshaft assembly comprises an end cap disposed about the driveshaft and coaxially coupled to the adapter. Moreover, the driveshaft assembly comprises a seal boot disposed about the driveshaft and adapted to restrict fluid flow through a annular gap positioned between the driveshaft and the end cap. The driveshaft assembly also comprises a locking assembly adapted to restrict the end cap from moving axially relative to the adapter.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2010Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.Inventors: Nicholas Ryan Marchand, Jeremy Scott Clements, Steven Edward Hackman, Tyler Jarret Dyck
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Patent number: 9381557Abstract: A method of forming a shaft for transferring force from a driving element to a driven element makes use of a tube. The tube is deformed to define distal ends of said shaft. At least one of the distal ends of the tube is trimmed to define a yoke for engaging one of the driving element or the driven element, with the yoke being integrally formed with the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignees: SZUBA CONSULTING, INC., VALUE EXTRACTION LLCInventors: Joseph Szuba, Henry E. Fradkin
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Patent number: 8910906Abstract: An airfoil surface control system includes a movable surface. An actuator is coupled to the surface. The airfoil surface control system includes a motor. A torque tube assembly operatively couples the motor and actuator and includes first and second shafts coupled by a universal joint. The universal joint is configured to provide a first maximum angle between the first and second shafts. A stop is configured to provide a second maximum angle between the first and second shafts that is less than the first maximum angle.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: David G. Hill
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Patent number: 7801657Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having first and second wheels is provided that includes a differential apparatus adapted to distribute torque between the first and second wheels and a traction controller for controlling operation of the differential apparatus from vehicle launch up to a predetermined vehicle speed. The traction controller is configured to engage the differential apparatus in a first operating state according to at least one vehicle operating parameter indicative of a low traction operating condition and to further control engagement of the differential apparatus in a second vehicle operating state during the low traction operating condition according to a difference between an actual vehicle yaw rate and a predetermined target vehicle yaw rate. The control system also includes a stability controller for controlling engagement of the differential apparatus at or above the predetermined vehicle speed.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Damrongrit Piyabongkarn, Jae Y. Lew, John A. Grogg, Robert J. Kyle
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Patent number: 6709234Abstract: An impeller shaft assembly, coupler and molten metal pump are described, in which a coupling member is configured to be secured to a pump drive shaft and includes a socket part that is defined by a socket wall formed about and extending along an axis. The socket wall includes a plurality of coupling shaft engaging surfaces and a plurality of socket corner surfaces joining the shaft engaging surfaces. The socket corner surfaces are disposed radially outward from adjacent shaft engaging surfaces with respect to the axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Pyrotek, Inc.Inventors: Ronald E. Gilbert, Robert D. Dion, Mark A. Palmer, Kristopher M. Ratzlaff, Roger Kauffman, Charles Seale
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Patent number: 6557659Abstract: A driveline assembly for interconnecting one driveline component to another driveline component includes a vibration dampening mechanism. The vibration dampening mechanism is installed between a universal joint member and a companion flange. The universal joint member is coupled to a driveshaft and the companion flange is coupled to a drive axle member. A resilient member is secured between the universal joint and the companion flange for absorbing vibrations transmitted between the axle member and the driveshaft. Together the universal joint and companion flange define a central axis. The resilient member is compressible in a linear direction along the central axis to absorb vibrations.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLCInventors: Patrick Kurzeja, Jim Hawkins, Christos Kyrtsos, Ronald N. Brissette, Christopher S. Keeney, Jack Darrin Oates, Tom Sanko
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Patent number: 6543955Abstract: An elastomeric joint (100) that comprises a wing plate (102) including a base plate (104) generally extending along a first axis and generally perpendicular to a second axis is provided. The wing plate further includes a mutually opposite first and second bushing-receiving bores (120) co-axially aligned relative to a third axis perpendicular to said first and second axes. A plurality of elastomeric shear pads (106) is affixed on mutually opposite sides of the base plate. The plurality of shear pads is stacked generally perpendicular to the second axis. Top and bottom elastomeric bushings (122) are received by said respective bushing-receiving bores. Each elastomeric bushing comprises a plurality of torsion pads (124) and includes a respective pin-receiving bore(128).Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jerry Lee Conaway, William Anthony Kurtzhals
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Patent number: 6368222Abstract: A universal joint having two or three degrees of freedom in rotation is disclosed which exhibits a small size, great rigidity and satisfactory accuracy. An end of a first node is connected to a base through a rolling bearing. A plurality of circular-arc guide bearings are disposed at positions opposite to the center line of the first node opposite to the base. A circular-arc rail formed around a cylindrical base is engaged to the circular-arc guide bearings. A shaft is disposed in a direction of the diameter which passes through the center of the circular arc of the circular-arc rail of the cylindrical base. A second node is, through a rolling bearing, joined to the shaft such that the center of rotation is positioned on the axis of rotation of the base.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1999Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Okuma CorporationInventors: Nashiki Masayuki, Matsushita Tetsuya, Nakagawa Masao, Watanabe Shigeharu
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Patent number: 6217455Abstract: A driving shaft (3) includes an inner tube (1) and an outer tube (2) having a modified cross-section. These tubes (1, 2) are axially movable but not rotatable relative to each other for transmitting torque therebetween. The driving shaft (3) comprises a partition unit having a pair of partition walls (8a, 8b; 16) hermetically sealing at least part of the inside of the inner tube to define a grease reserving space (8A) in the inner tube on the side of its distal end. The partition wall (8a, 16) on the side of its proximal end is provided with a hose mounting portion (8c; 23) having an oil hole (9). The driving shaft (3) further comprises an oiling port unit (10; 20) provided on a fitting yoke (7) on the side of the proximal end of the inner tube and an oiling conduit unit (11; 24, 25) for connecting the oiling port unit (10; 20) and the hose mounting portion (8c; 23) of the partition unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Matsui-Walterscheid Ltd.Inventor: Ryoji Yanata
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Patent number: 6105456Abstract: A steering intermediate shaft has an inner shaft member and an outer tube member so engaged with each other as to be capable of transmitting rotation and to be slidable in an axial direction. The outer tube member includes slits so formed at one end as to extend in the axial direction. An annular fastening member is provided at a portion of the outer tube member formed with the slits to exert a fastening action inwards in a radial direction. The fastening member includes a disengagement preventing member for preventing the outer tube member from disengaging from the inner shaft member against an axial force within a predetermined value by engaging with the inner shaft member.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoharu Higashino, Sakae Matsumoto, Shinichi Fuchigami, Shoji Oka
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Patent number: 6083108Abstract: A drive shaft assembly for a portable lathe includes a first hollow shaft and a second shaft axially aligned with and telescopingly received in the first shaft, for permitting an effective length of the drive shaft to be altered within a limited range. The first and second shafts are also rotatable relative to each other. Opposite ends of the first and second shafts have uncovered joints including mounting flanges attached thereto, and a locking device is provided to lock both first and second shafts relative to each other after they have been adjusted to a desired axial and rotational orientation.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: General Electric Co.Inventor: David John Grubish
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Patent number: 6062982Abstract: An apparatus (10) for turning steerable vehicle wheels (12 and 14) includes a plurality of longitudinally extending force transmitting members (24, 40, 42, 46 and 48) which are connected with coupling assemblies (30, 34 and 36). At least some of the coupling assemblies (30, 34 and 36) include an improved coupling component (52) having a base (56) with a first circular, radially outwardly facing mounting surface (64) for engaging an inner side surface (84) on a tubular force transmitting member (40). In addition, the base (56) of the coupling component (52) includes a second circular mounting surface (66) having a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the first circular mounting surface (64) and which is engageable with an inner side surface (94) of a tubular force transmitting member (48) having a smaller diameter than the first tubular force transmitting member (40).Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Mark A. Cartwright
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Patent number: 5951401Abstract: Tripod joints, each of which includes revolvable rollers to be directly fitted to outer circumferential surfaces of spider shafts, are provided respectively at both ends of an input-side shaft to which slave driving force is transmitted. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a slave driving system from transmission of unnecessary torque, and obtain a slave driving force-transmitting mechanism which is compact and light in weight, having a structure simplified as compared with those of the conventional technique.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1996Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kanji Kita, Shigeo Kurita, Yasuhiro Kawashima, Tohru Mabuchi, Takeji Shino
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Patent number: 5853177Abstract: A sealing device for a drive line slip yoke includes a generally resilient seal and a substantially rigid cover that cooperate to provide a fluid-tight seal at the interface between a slip yoke and an axially moving splined shaft. The seal has a mounting portion that includes a shoulder received within a groove defined on an outer surface of the slip yoke. The cover is snapped over the seal and maintained in position by cooperating tabs on the cover and a groove defined on an outer surface of the seal. The seal includes a sealing portion having three axially spaced and radially inwardly extending lips. A middle lip acts as an O-ring that serves as a back-up in the event that one of the other two lips becomes damaged or deteriorates with use. The substantially rigid cover serves to maintain the seal in proper engagement with the end of the slip yoke and protects the seal from damage potentially caused by debris encountered during operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1996Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLCInventors: Ronald N. Brissette, Kevin Baldwin
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Patent number: 5498208Abstract: A universal joint for the transfer of power between an input shaft and an output shaft. The joint comprises a modified Cardan or Hooke's joint that is driven by four bevel gears. A first bevel gear is mounted to the end of a fixed housing through which the input shaft passes. A drive bevel gear is mounted to the distal end of the input shaft. Two opposing planetary gears are driven by the drive gear and rotate about the fixed gear. The planetary gear axle is connected to an output yoke which is connected to the output shaft. If the drive, fixed and planetary bevel gears are of the same size, a 2:1 speed reduction joint is provided. Variations of the bevel gears sizes may provide input:output ratios ranging from about 2:1 up to about 10:1.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1993Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Assignee: Oshkosh Truck CorporationInventor: Eric E. Braun
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Patent number: 5195930Abstract: A self-balanced drive shaft assembly comprises a cylindrical shaft having an axially extending cylindrical bore formed therein; a small amount of liquid contained in the bore of the cylindrical shaft, the liquid being movable in the bore in response to movement of the shaft; and two joints operatively connected to axially opposed ends of the shaft respectively. At least one of the joints permits a pivotal movement of the shaft about a pivot point defined by the other joint.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1990Date of Patent: March 23, 1993Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinori Hirano, Hiroshi Okuzumi
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Patent number: 4887680Abstract: A device for automatically connecting a work machine to a tractor includes a connector for interconnecting the rear ends of top link and lower links of a three-point link assembly pivoted to the body of the tractor. The connector has an upper engaging portion and lower engaging portions automatically engageable with an upper connecting portion and lower connecting portions of the work machine, respectively. The connector is further provided with an assembly for automatically coupling the input shaft of the work machine to a transmission shaft connected to the PTO shaft of the tractor. The coupling assembly includes a coiled spring supporting the rear end of the transmission shaft freely movably and axially movably for accommodating misalignment of the input shaft relative to the transmission shaft when the two shafts are to be coupled together.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1988Date of Patent: December 19, 1989Assignee: Kubota Ltd.Inventors: Kenkichi Nozaka, Yoshihiro Kawahara, Takashi Fukutaka, Fumiharu Horie
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Patent number: 4540385Abstract: A drive shaft assembly particularly for use in driving the wheels of a motor vehicle having a first universal joint and a second universal joint with an intermediate shaft interconnecting the two joints, the intermediate shaft being made of fiber reinforced plastic material and being formed integrally with a component of at least one of the universal joints.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1983Date of Patent: September 10, 1985Assignee: Uni-Cardan AktiengesellschaftInventor: Werner Krude
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Patent number: 4518370Abstract: A unit comprising a transmission shaft and elements of constant-speed joints connected to such shaft has a moment of inertia I.sub.G about an axis perpendicular to the transmission shaft and passing through the center of gravity of the unit which is defined by the relation I.sub.G =m.multidot.h.multidot.l, in which m is the mass of the unit and h and l are the distances between the articulation centers of the two joints and the center of gravity. This arrangement prevents radial vibrations of a driving shaft in the region of the joint to be connected to a wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1983Date of Patent: May 21, 1985Assignee: Glaenzer SpicerInventor: Michel A. Orain
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Patent number: 4472157Abstract: A Pot-type universal joint transmits torque from one shaft to another using four rollers mounted on four trunnions. The trunnions maintain their mutual perpendicularity under all operating conditions. They are free to move relatively to each other and to the shaft to which they are joined but in a way that satisfies the kinematic requirements set forth in the specification, while providing a torsionally rigid connection between the shafts. The transmission of torque is homokinetic. The joint is adaptable for either axially fixed or axially displaceable requirements.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1983Date of Patent: September 18, 1984Inventor: William F. Sindelar
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Patent number: 4422334Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrostatic bearing type coupling for a vibrating machine. The coupling is interposed between a vibration table upon which a test specimen or the like is mounted and a vibrator in such a way that even when the vibration table is caused to vibrate three-dimensionally, there are free movements in the two directions.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1981Date of Patent: December 27, 1983Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Osamu Yasuda