Coupling Transmits Torque Via Axially Directed Pin Radially Spaced From Rotational Axis Patents (Class 464/137)
  • Patent number: 11022184
    Abstract: A flexible coupling between two shafts. The flexible coupling includes a spacer element inserted between an actuating shaft or a drive shaft and an actuated shaft or a load shaft. The flexible coupling includes an assembly of articulated connecting rods at both points of connection. The articulated connecting rods respectively linking the two elements to be connected. All of the connecting rods on both ends being articulated in ball joints used to facilitate the rotation of the connecting rods in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: IDOM, S.A.U.
    Inventors: Alberto Vizcargüenaga Vizcarguenaga, Iñigo Eletxiger Ra Aja, Osear Vega Beascoa, Javier Ariño Viar, Armando Bilbao Arechabala, Miguel Martin Abad, Rubén Sanquirce Garcia, Alex Aviles Ajuria
  • Patent number: 10612643
    Abstract: A modular pinion shaft that includes a tubular member having a first end and a second end, a first pinion gear member secured to the first end by a plurality of fasteners, and a second pinion gear member secured to the first end by a plurality of fasteners. Gear teeth of each of the pinion gear members are aligned by one or more indexing members disposed between the tubular member and each pinion gear member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: FORUM US, INC.
    Inventors: Austin Chunn, Wesley Freed, Mark C. Dille
  • Patent number: 10399282
    Abstract: Method to make an arm in a composite material for articulated or telescopic modular structures for the distribution of concrete, which comprises a first step in which one or more layers of fiber (16, 25) are distributed on the external surface (17) of a male-type mold (11) having a cross section defined by at least a substantially flat wall. The section of the male mold (11) reduces, in at least one of its sizes, passing from one of its ends to the other. The fibers (16) may or may not be pre-impregnated with a resinous matrix. The method also comprises a second step in which the male mold (11) is ejected from the product thus obtained, a possible heat treatment being provided, for example in autoclave, before the extraction of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: CIFA SPA
    Inventors: Nicola Pirri, Paolo Dario Maini
  • Patent number: 10363104
    Abstract: An interface for a surgical system includes an instrument drive unit and a surgical instrument. The instrument drive unit includes a connection hub and at least one drive shaft rotatably supported in the connection hub. The at least one drive shaft extends between a first end and a second end having an oblique end surface. The surgical instrument is releasably connectable to the instrument drive unit and includes a connecting member and at least one driven shaft rotatably supported in the connecting member. The at least one driven shaft extends between a first end and a second end. The second end has an oblique end surface corresponding to the oblique end surface of the at least one drive shaft. The oblique end surfaces are configured such that the connecting member is connectible with the connection hub via a first connection pathway and a second connection pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Jaimeen Kapadia
  • Patent number: 10295419
    Abstract: An actuator according to an embodiment includes a first rotating body that is rotatable around an input axis and includes a first groove part extending in a first direction, a second rotating body that is rotatable around an output axis and includes a second protruding part extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, a strain body that includes a first protruding part capable of being engaged with a first groove part through a gap whose direction is vertical to that of the input axis and a second groove part capable of being engaged with a second protruding part through a gap whose direction is vertical to that of the output axis and transmits a rotational torque of the input axis to the output axis, and a detection element that is attached to the strain body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yusuke Kosaka, Yoshihiro Kuroki
  • Patent number: 10205362
    Abstract: A double-insulated motor and pinion device including a motor, motor-fixing seat, pinion, pinion sleeve and double insulation sleeve. The motor and motor-fixing seat are connected together to form a motor assembly. The pinion is mounted on a motor shaft. The pinion sleeve is mounted under the pinion, and the double insulation sleeve is connected under the pinion sleeve. The pinion, pinion sleeve, and double insulation sleeve are mounted together to form a pinion assembly. The pinion assembly is mounted on the motor assembly. It can solve the requirement of basic insulation and reinforced insulation of a series of high voltage direct current products by adding two insulation parts, while reducing space and lowering cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: CHANGZHOU GLOBE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jianbo Li
  • Patent number: 9587682
    Abstract: A clutch includes a clutch housing configured to hold a clutch plate, and a clutch gear configured to transmit rotary drive power to the clutch housing via a damper. The clutch housing has a rib that regulates a position, of the damper, in an axial direction. The dampers are accommodated in accommodation holes that are spaced from each other in a circumferential direction of the clutch gear. The rib is formed in an annular shape so as to be aligned with the accommodation holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Inagaki, Yasushi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9388697
    Abstract: A first stage compressor disk of a gas turbine engine includes a body. The body includes a forward end, an aft end, and an outer surface. The body also includes a plurality of forward balancing holes through the outer surface. The forward balancing holes align circumferentially about the body. The body further includes a plurality of aft balancing holes through the outer surface. The aft balancing holes align circumferentially about the body and are located aft of the forward balancing holes. The first stage compressor disk also includes a radial flange at the aft end of the body. The radial flange extends radially outward from the body. The radial flange includes slots for mounting airfoils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventors: Dover M. Fernandez, Cory Patrick Muscat, Gary Paul Vavrek, James Eric Miller
  • Publication number: 20150090519
    Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle is disclosed. The steering system may have a steering linkage and a controller. When operation of the steering system is within a predefined relative rotational range, the controller may be programmed to translate steering motion to a steering gear box through a motor. Operation of the steering system outside the predefined rotational limit actuates the steering linkage. Once the steering linkage is actuated, steering motion is translated to the steering gear box directly through the steering linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Anthony Mario D'Amato
  • Publication number: 20150014059
    Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting torque to a down hole motor in a down hole drilling assembly. The apparatus includes a center rod having a distal protuberance and a proximal protuberance, a transmission adapter having a first end connected to the down hole motor, and a transmission socket formed within a second end of the transmission adapter and configured to receive the proximal protuberance. A material bridge may be provided for the protuberances. The apparatus may also include a bearing adapter operatively connected to the center rod, with the bearing adapter having a bearing socket therein, and wherein the transmission adapter is configured to connect to an output of the down hole motor and the bearing adapter is configured to connect to an input of a bearing assembly in the down hole assembly for drilling the well. The adapters may contain external threads and the caps may contain cooperating internal threads. A method of drilling a well is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Innovative Drilling Motors, LLC
    Inventor: Kenny Perry
  • Publication number: 20140299382
    Abstract: A driveshaft assembly for a downhole motor including a driveshaft having a longitudinal axis, first and second ends, and a convex spherical bearing surface disposed at the first end configured to transfer axial loads. The assembly also includes a connection lug disposed at the driveshaft first end, extending circumferentially between first and second ends, and including a recess in the first end of the lug, the recess comprising a concave cylindrical surface concentrically disposed about a pivot axis oriented orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The assembly also includes a torque transfer key disposed within the recess and having a central axis radially spaced from the pivot axis, a convex cylindrical surface concentrically disposed about the pivot axis, and a planar surface. The convex cylindrical surface of the key slidingly engages the concave cylindrical surface of the recess; and the pivot axis intersects the key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Ryan Marchand, Frederick William Pheasey
  • Publication number: 20140206462
    Abstract: A coupler 001 has a central section 006 with a rotation axis 007 and arms 003 which extend away from said central section 006. The arms 003 are in an offset location relative to a diametrical line 060. A portion 004 of the arms 003 meets or passes through or extends along a plane formed through the diametrical line 060 and the rotation axis 007. Also included is an appliance using such couplers and a drive mechanism using such couplers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Electrolux Home Products Pty Limited
    Inventors: Vijay PALIWAL, Colin GRANT
  • Patent number: 8696476
    Abstract: A steering coupling support device for use in combination with a standard elastic steering coupling in a vehicle. The device features a generally flat disc having a top surface and a bottom surface. A center aperture is disposed in a center of the disc, and four outer apertures are disposed in the disk outside the center aperture in a symmetrical manner. A coupling is placed between the discs. The coupling is a one-piece coupling having four spread loops and a center loop. The section of each of the four bolts between a first steering coupling support device and a second steering coupling support device resides within each of the said spread loops of the said plastic coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Johnson Dial, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8684848
    Abstract: A shaft coupling apparatus includes a cylindrically-shaped hole provided on a leading end surface of a shaft, the hole having a central axis that is different from a rotational central axis of the shaft, and a cylindrically-shaped hole is provided on a leading end surface of a shaft, the hole having a central axis that is different from a rotational central axis of the shaft. The shafts are coupled by pressure fitting a cross-sectionally circular pin in the hole and by loosely fitting the pin in the hole, the pin corresponding to an inner diameter of the hole and the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignees: Advics Co., Ltd, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki Nakamura, Kunihito Ando, Nobuhiko Yoshioka, Takahiro Naganuma, Tomoaki Kawabata
  • Patent number: 8651967
    Abstract: A torque transmission device connects two rotary shafts having shaft ends opposing each other, such that torque is transmitted through a torque transmission mechanism provided to a shaft end surface of each of the two rotary shafts. A first rotary shaft of the two rotary shafts has a double-supported structure where both end portions of the first rotary shaft are supported by bearings, respectively. A second rotary shaft of the two rotary shafts has a cantilever structure where only one end portion of the second rotary shaft opposite to the torque transmission mechanism is supported by a bearing, and the second rotary shaft is spaced from one bearing of the bearings supporting the first rotary shaft, the one bearing being provided at a side of the torque transmission mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignees: Advics Co., Ltd., Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kunihito Ando, Daishi Kato, Yuki Nakamura, Takahiro Naganuma, Tomoaki Kawabata
  • Publication number: 20140023396
    Abstract: A drive transmission device includes a first coupling member to be coupled to a drive shaft and including a first contact surface, a second coupling member to be coupled to a driven shaft and including a second contact surface, and an intermediate coupler disposed between the first and second coupling members. The intermediate coupler includes: a first intermediate contact surface opposed to the first contact surface and contacting the first contact surface with a first rolling member interposed in between; and a second intermediate contact surface opposed to the second contact surface and contacting the second contact surface with a second rolling member interposed in between. One of the contact surfaces and a corresponding one of the intermediate contact surfaces are formed point-symmetrically with respect to the center of a corresponding one of the rolling members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Toshimasa SHIOBARA
  • Patent number: 8529359
    Abstract: A shaft coupling system that does not require lubrication and that can accommodate shaft misalignment and end play. The shaft coupling system includes first and second plates that are connected to each other by a series of links. Each link is made from a substantially rigid material and extends angularly across portions of end surfaces of the first and second plate. Each link includes a curved segment that extends in a direction that is generally parallel to central axes of the first and second plates and that can bend and restore dynamically to accommodate the relative shaft movement while transferring torque between the first and second plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Frank Vresk
  • Patent number: 8357053
    Abstract: A steering coupling support device for use in combination with a standard elastic steering coupling in a vehicle. The device features a generally flat disc having a top surface and a bottom surface. A center aperture is disposed in a center of the disc, and four outer apertures are disposed in the disk outside the center aperture in a symmetrical manner. The steering coupling support device is constructed from a metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Johnson Dial, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8145097
    Abstract: A constant-velocity joint includes an outer ring having an annular space therein and an opening at one axial end thereof. The annular space is defined by a radially outer wall and a radially inner wall of the outer ring. At least one of the radially outer wall and the radially inner wall has three axially extending track grooves circumferentially spaced apart from each other by 120 degrees. A cage is inserted in the annular space. The cage has pockets at positions corresponding to the track grooves, respectively. A ball is received in each of the pockets so as to roll along one of the track grooves. A pair of diametrically opposed protrusions is formed at radially inner and outer open ends of the pockets of the cage to prevent the balls from coming out of the pockets of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Yamazaki, Satoru Fukuzawa, Masaaki Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20120025054
    Abstract: A holding apparatus, a conveying apparatus, and a rotation-transmitting apparatus are provided that are capable of holding an object in a tiltable manner. A conveying apparatus according to one form of the present invention includes a pad supported by a supporting member on a hand. A concave portion is formed on the pad, and by the concave portion engaging with the supporting member fixed to the hand, a pad is supported in a tiltable manner. A conveying object is held by an adhesive layer of the pad adhering thereto. By tilting with respect to the hand , the pad follows the shape or vibration of the conveying object, with the result that the conveying object can be conveyed stably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Musha, Hirofumi Minami, Hidenobu Anzai, Koji Sakurai, Tojiro Aoyama, Yasuhiro Kakinuma
  • Patent number: 7905716
    Abstract: A scroll compressor includes an orbiting scroll engaged with a front case by pins and rings or ring holes to prevent rotation of the orbiting scroll. The rings or the ring holes have such an inside diameter that an orbiting radius defined by the pins and the rings or the ring holes is larger than a theoretical orbiting radius defined by engagement between gear surfaces of a fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll. The pins, the rings, or the ring holes are shifted in such a direction as to relieve twisting of the orbiting scroll relative to the fixed scroll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Takeuchi, Takahide Ito, Hiroshi Yamazaki, Tetsuzou Ukai, Kazuhide Watanabe, Katsuhiro Fujita, Tomohisa Moro, Takayuki Kuwahara
  • Publication number: 20110028226
    Abstract: A universal joint or a pivot pin cross with a universal joint pivot pin. The universal joint pivot pin is fastened a bearing bush seal and absorbs an axially directed force. A universal joint is to be provided which is simple and can be manufactured inexpensively, which makes no compromises with respect to the sealing effect. For this purpose, a bearing bush seal is provided which deflects an axially directed force into a radial direction. This makes an axial stop at the universal joint pivot pin unnecessary. Moreover, pivot pin are accomplished in a single manufacturing step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Martin KRUPPA
  • Patent number: 7877043
    Abstract: A constant-velocity joint includes an outer ring having an annular space therein and an opening at one axial end thereof. The annular space is defined by a radially outer wall and a radially inner wall of the outer ring. At least one of the radially outer wall and the radially inner wall has three axially extending track grooves circumferentially spaced apart from each other by 120 degrees. A cage is inserted in the annular space. The cage has pockets at positions corresponding to the track grooves, respectively. A ball is received in each of the pockets so as to roll along one of the track grooves. A pair of diametrically opposed protrusions is formed at radially inner and outer open ends of the pockets of the cage to prevent the balls from coming out of the pockets of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Yamazaki, Satoru Fukuzawa, Masaaki Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20100285890
    Abstract: A compact wheel end (A) serves to couple a road wheel (B) to a suspension system component (C) on an automotive vehicle and to transmit torque from a CV joint (D) to the road wheel. The wheel end includes a housing (2) that is attached to the suspension system component and a hub (4) provided with a drive flange (18) on which the road wheel is mounted and a spindle (20) that extends through the housing. The hub rotates relative to the housing on a double row tapered roller bearing (6), the raceways (40, 42, 44, 46) of which are surfaces on the housing and hub spindle. The wheel end also has a coupler (8) that is engaged with the hub spindle and the CV joint through mating splines (32, 72, 76, 94) and further provides a rib face (52) that backs the rollers (62) of the inboard row. The CV joint has a small diameter stub shaft (92) that extends through the hub to secure the CV joint to the hub, but does not transmit torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: THE TIMKEN COMPANY
    Inventors: John D. Dougherty, Richard H. Miller, Thomas J. Rybkoski, Justin P. Bill, Praveen M. Pauskar
  • Patent number: 7801657
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Damrongrit Piyabongkarn, Jae Y. Lew, John A. Grogg, Robert J. Kyle
  • Patent number: 7497781
    Abstract: A structure that positions rotating shafts and allows continuing transmission of rotary motion between shafts or shaft segments that are not aligned with one another or that may from time to time become misaligned. The invention reduces the undesirable effect of torque or torsional transients on rotary positioning and continued transmission of rotary motion, as well as reducing vibration resulting from linear or other angular displacement on either side of the joint. The structure comprises opposing outer and inner plates, each engaging a corresponding shaft or shaft segment. The plates define a plurality of holes that support flexible members. The flexible members extend through the plates on adjacent shafts or shaft segments around the shaft ends. Torque may be transmitted from one shaft to another by the flexible members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Seicon, Ltd.
    Inventors: John Cunningham, Robert E. Roemer, Robert C. Banasik
  • Patent number: 7462105
    Abstract: A coupling including a first plate having an aperture therethrough and a resilient bushing at least partially disposed within the aperture. An inner liner has a cylindrical bore therethrough. The inner liner is positioned at least partially within the resilient bushing. A second plate includes a drive pin. The drive pin is at least partially disposed within the cylindrical bore to couple the first plate and the second plate for rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Lattin
  • Patent number: 7166031
    Abstract: A torque transmission device, for driving or in drives of agricultural implements or self-propelled working machines, has a coupling (6) with a coupling housing (7) including a connection plate (10) and a coupling hub (8). Torque transmission elements (9) are positioned between the two in at least one rotational direction for transmitting a torque between the two. A driving member (20) defines a longitudinal axis (14). The driving member (20) is provided with distributedly arranged second driving elements (22) around the circumference of and radially projecting from a driving member portion (21). Gaps (23) are formed in a circumferential direction between the second driving elements (22). A support plate (12) is present on which the driving member (20) is rotationally supported around the longitudinal axis (14). First driving elements (15), as distance holders, retain the support plate (12) at an axial distance to the connection plate (10) on the coupling housing (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: GKN Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Schott, John Zubik, Nolan House, Dan Pedersen
  • Patent number: 7104339
    Abstract: An agricultural seeding machine, includes a seed hopper, a first frame member carrying a drive shaft, a second frame member carrying a driven shaft, a coupler, and a flexible shaft. The first frame member and the second frame member are foldable relative to each other between a folded position and an unfolded operational position. The coupler includes a first coupler half associated with the drive shaft, and a second coupler half associated with the driven shaft. The second coupler half and the first coupler half are configured for automatic engagement and disengagement upon movement between the folded position and the unfolded position respectively. The flexible shaft interconnects the first coupler half with the drive shaft or the second coupler half with the driven shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Elijah Beckham Garner
  • Patent number: 6663493
    Abstract: A coupling device includes a transmission member and a work shaft. The transmission member includes a cylindrical rod to be coupled to a rotary drive unit, and a curved coupling flange projecting axially relative to one end of the cylindrical rod and formed with a plurality of engaging protrusions. The work shaft has a coupling end portion provided with a tubular sleeve that is formed with engaging grooves. The coupling end portion is disposed on the coupling flange to enable engagement between the engaging grooves and the engaging protrusions in order to permit transmission of rotation of the transmission member to the work shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Hsi-Tsai Chen
  • Patent number: 6620050
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal joint which includes a slip joint in which a shaft is inserted into an interior of a hollow pipe for thereby implementing a rotation force transferring and slipping operation, a hollow yoke joint installed at both sides of the slip joint and having one side which surrounds the pipe and shaft, and an elastic means inserted between the pipe and shaft and both ends of the slip joint and the yoke joint for generating an elastic force in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Jung-Sik Park
  • Patent number: 6561911
    Abstract: A centering flange for use in mating shafts. The centering flange including a body. The body having a pole extending from one end thereof. The centering flange also including a plurality of lobes extending from the body equidistantly arrange around a perimeter of the body. The centering flange also including a circumferential recess on the side of the body opposite the pole. The integrated centering flange is used for mating a propshaft of an automotive vehicle to a driveline module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Ramon C. Kuczera
  • Patent number: 6546816
    Abstract: An eccentricity compensator for preventing wear induced rotational displacement. The eccentricity compensator is mounted between two rotating shafts joined by a torsion bar that have non-coaxial axes of rotation. The compensator includes a first ring attached to a first shaft and a second ring located adjacent the first ring. A third ring is attached to a second shaft and the third ring is located adjacent the second ring. One or more pin-slot pairs are located between any two of the first, second or third rings. A spring is mounted adjacent each pin-slot pair. The spring biases the pin-slot pair such that hysteresis is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventor: Roderic A. Schlabach
  • Patent number: 6514147
    Abstract: A shaft coupling includes an annular plate having a proper axial flexibility. The annular plate is formed with mounting holes. A first group of coupled portions are fixedly connected to an input shaft, whereas a second group of coupled portions are fixedly connected to an output shaft. The first and second groups of coupled portions are coupled with each other through the annular plate placed therebetween, so that the first and second groups of coupled portions circumferentially alternate with each other. The annular plate has coupling arm portions each extending between two adjacent mounting holes to absorb axial vibrations. A radial width of the coupling arm portion is dimensioned to be narrower than a radial width of a peripheral region of each of the mounting holes. A length of the coupling arm portion is dimensioned to be longer than a distance between the two adjacent mounting holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventors: Hidekazu Aoki, Takayuki Yokota
  • Patent number: 6500071
    Abstract: A flexible annular coupling made of composite material and an even number of relatively thicker fixing portions (10) spaced apart circumferentially around the coupling for connection to two rotary members to be coupled by the coupling and a flexible leaf (11) extending lengthwise between each two adjacent fixing portions. Each leaf includes a relatively thinner central part (11a) and a transition portion (13) of gradually increasing thickness between the ends of the central part and the thicker fixing portions. The coupling is constructed such that the central part (11a) of at least each circumferentially alternate leaf will always be displaced axially in the same predetermined direction (A) transverse to its length when the leaf is caused to buckle by compressive force(s) acting between the fixing portions at the ends of the leaf. The displacement may be obtained by curving the central part, by suitably shaping the transitional portions or by making the central part of two layers of different stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: GKN Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Andrew Pollard
  • Patent number: 6491587
    Abstract: A device for preventing damage to a driven spindle of a rotatably driven mechanism upon the occurrence of a radially-inwardly applied force wherein the spindle is disconnected without damage. The disclosed construction is particularly useful in conjunction with spindles of relatively smaller diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Donald S. Rich
  • Patent number: 6464590
    Abstract: A hydraulic aggregate has at least one displacing machine having a driving mechanism, a driving/driven shaft, and a compensating coupling connecting the driving/driven shaft with the driving mechanism, and at least one machine unit connected with the driving/driven shaft of the displacement machine through a component, the compensating coupling between the driving mechanism and the driving/driven shaft of the displacement machine compensating a radial and an axial offset between the displacing machine and the machine unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Volkmar Leutner, Dieter Bertsch
  • Patent number: 6416415
    Abstract: A symmetrical joint structure for integrally joining a first joint element and a second joint element together, wherein the first joint element has a first joint portion and the second joint element has a second joint portion for intercrossedly joined with the first joint portion. Each of the first and second joint portion has two semi-conical engagement tongues fittingly engaged in two semi-conical engagement grooves of the other joint portion respectively, so as to integrally united the first joint portion and the second joint portion together to form the symmetrical joint structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Qi Yu
  • Patent number: 6405424
    Abstract: An apparatus for precisely aligning bolt holes in first and second adjacent drive shaft couplings, including a cam pin for being positioned in the generally aligned bolt holes in the shaft couplings and rotated to bring the bolt holes in to more precise alignment. The cam pin includes a first, relatively large diameter segment having a cylindrical wall defining a first longitudinal axis for being positioned in a precisely fitting condition in the bolt hole of the first coupling, and a second, relatively small diameter segment having a cylindrical wall defining a second longitudinal axis offset from and eccentric to the longitudinal axis of the first segment for being relatively loosely positioned in the generally aligned bolt hole of the second coupling. A cam sleeve is provided for being positioned in axial and rotational sliding relation over the small diameter segment of the cam pin and within the bolt hole of the second coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Leslie W. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20020052243
    Abstract: The present invention provides an eccentric shaft coupling capable of facilitating desirable power transmitting between drive and driven shafts disposed in one direction and in series with each other, with a sufficient durability and without any scooping even if the amount of eccentricity between respective axes of the shafts is changed or distributed. As shown in FIG. 1, an intermediate disc 5 is provided between a drive disc 3 and a driven disc 4 which are fixed to the opposed ends of a drive shaft 1 and a driven shaft 2 disposed in one direction in series with each other, respectively. A coupling mechanism is provided respectively between the drive and intermediate discs 3, 5 and between the driven and intermediate discs 4, 5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventor: Enji Doisaki
  • Patent number: 6371858
    Abstract: A cardan-type joint has flanges which are arranged on mutually facing shaft ends and preferably have three axially projecting driving pins, respectively, which are mutually staggered and uniformly arranged on the circumference of a common graduated circle. The driving pins are connected with one another in a torsion-proof manner by a flexible joint ring which is provided in corner points with sockets for the driving pins. The multi-part joint ring is formed by a collar of several oval driving loops. Each of the driving loops winds around two adjacent sockets. In order to easily permit relatively large bending angles during rotation, even in the event of a high mechanical and thermal loading of the cardan-type joint, the oval driving loops are indirectly or directly swivellably disposed on the driving pins by a pair of contact surfaces which are round in a meridian section in an axially slidable manner on the socket or on the driving loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Hartmut Albers
  • Patent number: 6325722
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling for attaching a pair of longitudinally aligned, rotatable shafts. In one embodiment, the coupling has a pair of circular hubs having a bore through a central axis thereof. Suitable means fix a shaft within each bore. Several circular apertures are spaced around and through each hub and a hollow bushing is positioned in each circular aperture. A circular power ring is positioned between the hubs, the ring has several rounded coupling pins extending outwardly from its front and rear surfaces. Each pin is mounted within a corresponding one of the hollow bushings. In another embodiment, the coupling has the pins extend inwardly from each hub and the corresponding apertures are through the power ring. The hub pins are mounted within a corresponding one of the hollow bushings through the power rings. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a coupling as described above, and a shaft fixed within the bore of each hub of the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Alfredo A. Ciotola
  • Patent number: 6238293
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper has a drive-side damper element and a driven-side damper element which is rotatable relative to the drive-side element against the action of a damping device, wherein the damping device serves to transmit torque between the two damper elements and has a plurality of coupling bodies, each of which is received in at least one guide path of each damper element, and, during a relative movement of the damper elements with respect to one another, undergoes a deflection in at least one of its guide paths. Guide paths which extend farther in the circumferential direction than in the radial direction and guide paths which extend farther in the radial direction than in the circumferential direction are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Bernd Peinemann
  • Patent number: 6217452
    Abstract: A direction-dependent driving coupling between the rotor of a permanent-magnet synchronous motor and a working part. The coupling comprises at least one first eccentric driving tooth and at least one cantilevered elastomeric element which are rigidly coupled to a first one of the two components between which motion is to be transmitted; the cantilevered element is arranged peripherally close to a cylindrical wall, of which it partially follows the shape, and the wall is formed by a housing, in which the rotor is arranged, and is motionless, at start-up, with respect to the motorized component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Askoll Holding S.r.l.
    Inventor: Elio Marioni
  • Patent number: 6199449
    Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly includes a spindle connection arrangement for connecting a first and second crank arm to a bicycle frame. The first crank arm includes a first portion of the spindle and the second crank arm includes a second portion of the spindle. The first and second spindle portions are connected to one another using two spaced apart bearing surfaces that provide a durable yet easily disassemblable spindle. The crank assembly also includes a removable chain ring and a chain ring adjuster for adjusting the position of the chain ring along the rotational axis of the spindle in order to allow the chain ring to be properly aligned with other components of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the assembly includes variable length crank arms that increase the ground clearance of the crank assembly and improve the leverage provided by the crank assembly during the downward stroke of the crank assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Jeffery M. Harrington
  • Patent number: 6176784
    Abstract: A cardan-type joint has flanges which are arranged on mutually facing shaft ends and preferably have three axially projecting driving pins, respectively, which are mutually staggered and uniformly arranged on the circumference of a common graduated circle. The driving pins are connected with one another in a torsion-proof manner by a flexible joint ring which is provided in corner points with sockets for the driving pins. The multi-part joint ring is formed by a collar of several oval driving loops. Each of the driving loops winds around two adjacent sockets. In order to easily permit relatively large bending angles during rotation, even in the event of a high mechanical and thermal loading of the cardan-type joint, the oval driving loops are indirectly or directly swivellably disposed on the driving pins by a pair of contact surfaces which are round in a meridian section in an axially slidable manner on the socket or on the driving loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Hartmut Albers
  • Patent number: 6171195
    Abstract: An apparatus for precisely aligning bolt holes in first and second adjacent drive shaft couplings, including a cam pin for being positioned in the generally aligned bolt holes in the shaft couplings and rotated to bring the bolt holes in to more precise alignment. The cam pin includes a first, relatively large diameter segment having a cylindrical wall defining a first longitudinal axis for being positioned in a precisely fitting condition in the bolt hole of the first coupling, and a second, relatively small diameter segment having a cylindrical wall defining a second longitudinal axis offset from and eccentric to the longitudinal axis of the first segment for being relatively loosely positioned in the generally aligned bolt hole of the second coupling. A cam sleeve is provided for being positioned in axial and rotational sliding relation over the small diameter segment of the cam pin and within the bolt hole of the second coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Leslie W. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6155742
    Abstract: A coupling mechanism interconnects a rotatable connecting end of a support on a broaching machine and a bit holder which includes a rotary hollow shaft and a mandrel received in the hollow shaft. The coupling mechanism includes a first coupling member that has a first disk part and a first neck part, and a second coupling member that has a second disk part and a second neck part. The first neck part is connected to the connecting end of the support. The first disk part has a plurality of posts projecting axially from the first disk part opposite to the first neck part. The second neck part extends into the hollow shaft for connection with the mandrel. The second disk part has slide holes which extend axially in the second disk part at locations radially outward of the second neck part so as to receive the posts. The second coupling member is guided by the posts and the slide holes for sliding axially relative to the first coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Precision Mechinery Research & Development Center
    Inventors: Ching-Yi Yang, Wen-Chou Chang, Te-Ming Kuo, Ping-Shun Chang, Chia-Ping Ho, Ming-Yueh Ding
  • Patent number: 6102807
    Abstract: An automotive prop shaft assembly particularly suited for coupling a transfer case to the front axle drive components comprises a tubular drive shaft having an initial uniform inner diameter relatively smaller than the outer diameter of a pair of forged insert yokes to be attached to the ends of the shaft. A section of each end of the tube is enlarged so that its inner diameter is sized to receive the yokes into the ends of the tube with an interference fit. The shaft and yokes are then welded together and weights fixed to the end sections to correct for imbalance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing
    Inventors: Mark S. Barrett, Thomas J. Oldenburg
  • Patent number: 6053295
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper having an input part, an output part, and a plurality of coupling members coupling the input part with the output part. The input part and the output part are tiltable relative to one another so that when a wobbling movement of at least one of the parts occurs, this wobbling movement is not compulsorily or positively transmitted to the other part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Andreas Orlamunder, Reinhard Feldhaus