Abstract: A modular multi-hinge retractable rigid-flexible coupling space manipulator based on origami structure includes a plurality of folding units and a manipulator base. The modular design idea is adopted for the manipulator, which is formed by combining multiple folding units. the driving motors installed on each folding unit drive the folding units to stretch out, draw back and fold over, so that the manipulator can stretch out and draw back flexibly and bend in any direction to complete the work tasks in a variety of complex environments. For the manipulator, the flexible materials are added to the links of the folding units, and deformation can be effectively compensated, the mechanism is simplified, and impact is relieved. The torsional spring is additionally arranged in the folding units to play a supporting role, so that the manipulator can be placed in forward or in inverted direction to match with various bases.

Abstract: An embodiment joint structure for a robot includes an upper plate provided in an upper region, a link part coupled to a lower surface of the upper plate, wherein the link part includes a first link and a second link, and wherein the first link and the second link are provided close to one side of the upper plate with respect to a center of the lower surface of the upper plate, a support part coupled to the lower surface of the upper plate and configured to support the upper plate, wherein the support part is provided to be closer to the center of the lower surface of the upper plate than is the link part, and a motor part configured to provide power to the support part and the link part.

Abstract: A grease composition for a constant-velocity joint includes a mineral oil, a thickener, a molybdenum dithiocarbamate, a potassium borate hydrate, and a zinc dialkyldithiophosphate, wherein a content of the molybdenum dithiocarbamate is 1.2% by mass or more and 8% by mass or less, a content of the zinc dialkyldithiophosphate is 0.3% by mass or more and 2.0% by mass or less, and a content of the potassium borate hydrate is 0.28% by mass or more and 1.9% by mass or less, and wherein a mass ratio of the content of the molybdenum dithiocarbamate to the content of the potassium borate hydrate (molybdenum dithiocarbamate/potassium borate hydrate) is 2 or more and 13 or less, and a mass ratio of the content of the zinc dialkyldithiophosphate to the content of the potassium borate hydrate (zinc dialkyldithiophosphate/potassium borate hydrate) is 0.5 or more and 3.6 or less.

Abstract: An articulating structure that bends by relative movement of a plurality of segments connected in series, includes a first segment and a second segment arranged in contact with each other, wherein the first segment has a first front rolling contact surface, and the second segment has a second rear rolling contact surface in line contact with the first front rolling contact surface on a first direction contact line, the first segment has a projection protruding forward from the first front rolling contact surface, and the second segment has a coupling element recessed in the second rear rolling contact surface, wherein the projection is inserted into the coupling element, the first segment and the second segment make a relative rolling movement for translation of the first direction contact line while maintaining the line contact, and the projection supports the first segment and the second segment for the first direction.

Abstract: A surgical tool for use with a robotic system that includes a tool drive assembly that is operatively coupled to a control unit of the robotic system that is operable by inputs from an operator and is configured to robotically-generate output motions. A drive system is configured to interface with a corresponding portion of the tool drive assembly for receiving the robotically-generated output motions and applying the output motions to a drive shaft assembly which is configured to apply control motions to a surgical end effector operably coupled thereto. A manually-actuatable control system operably interfaces with the drive shaft assembly to facilitate the selective application of manually-generated control motions to the drive shaft assembly.

Abstract: A method of assembling an electric motor includes coupling a rotor hub to a rotor disk to form a rotor assembly and slidably coupling the rotor hub to a shaft at a first position. The method also includes coupling a stator assembly to the shaft to define a first axial gap between the stator assembly and the rotor assembly. The method further includes sliding the rotor assembly to a second position along the shaft to define a second axial gap between the stator assembly and the rotor assembly. The second position is based on a measured back EMF constant of the electric motor when the rotor assembly is in the second position.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a constant velocity joint assembly for use in transmitting torque. The constant velocity joint assembly includes members that are connected in series via tongue-and-groove connections in a swivel joint pattern that allows for transferring torque between two skew lines, and further provide freedom of movement such that rotation about one longitudinal axis can be transformed into rotation about another longitudinal axis that is not aligned with the first longitudinal axis. Thus, the members of the constant velocity joint assembly do not necessarily need to share a common longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A universal joint assembled to a drill string transfers torque and axial force between two components where the shafts of the components are not completely aligned. The universal joint includes end members connected to opposite ends of a cable for connecting to components of the drill string. As the joint rotates the cable flexes to accommodate misalignment between the connected drill string components.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column includes first and second shaft parts respectively coupled to an intermediate piece via first and second joint disks. The joint disks are configured such that when the steering column is in an uninstalled state, the first and second shafts are substantially coaxial, and when the steering column is in an installed state, the first and second shafts form a non-zero inclination angle via elastic deformation at the joint disks.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus includes a housing that defines a longitudinal axis. A power section of the apparatus includes rotor adapted to move with eccentric rotary motion with respect to the longitudinal axis in response to the passage of drilling fluids through the power section. A power transmission shaft has an upper end coupled to the rotor and movable with the eccentric motion of the rotor, and a lower end constrained to rotate in a concentric manner with respect to the longitudinal axis. A generally rigid torsion rod has upper and lower ends constrained to rotate in a concentric manner, and the upper end of the torsion rod is coupled to the lower end of the power transmission shaft. A mandrel including a connection for a drill bit is interconnected with the lower end of the torsion rod such that a torque may be transmitted from the torsion rod to the mandrel to drive a drill bit.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes a rigid hollow shank (2) and a tool (8) at the distal instrument end. The tool (8) is driven in rotation via a drive shaft (14), which is guided within the hollow shank (2). At the distal end of the hollow shank (2), the tool (8) projects out of the hollow shank (2), where it may be angled with respect to the distal end of the hollow shank (2).

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a drivelink comprising a housing including a socket, wherein the socket comprises a cross-sectional area, and a bearing cartridge disposed within the socket, wherein a cross-sectional area of the cartridge is less than the cross-sectional area of the socket. An apparatus comprising a drivelink comprising a housing having a socket, and a bearing cartridge positioned within the socket and comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is configured to undergo compression when a load is applied to the drivelink, and wherein the second portion is configured to not be in tension when the load is applied to the drivelink.

Abstract: A rotational connector device is disclosed which incorporates a housing that is attached to a first shaft and an inner member that is disposed within the housing and connected to a second shaft. The first and second shaft may be at skewed angles with respect to each other. The housing and the inner member are slidably and rotationally connected to each other by way of a washer and pin to provide one-to-one rotational motion between the first and second shafts.

Abstract: A transmission device for transmitting a force and a torque between a handling device and a tool of a medical instrument includes transmission members interconnected in a hinged manner. A convex coupling portion of a first transmission member is in each case held interlockingly in a concave coupling portion of an adjacent second transmission member in such a way that a rotation of the first transmission member about its longitudinal axis causes a rotation of the second transmission member about its longitudinal axis. A convex coupling portion of a first transmission member is in each case held interlockingly in a concave coupling portion of an adjacent second transmission member in such a way that a tensile force can be transmitted between the first transmission member and the second transmission member.

Abstract: A mud motor universal joint assembly includes a pair of cylindrical drivers and a cylindrical driven member. Each drive member is configured to attach to a drive unit at one end, and to a driven member at second ends through interlocking tangs. Each cylindrical drive member has an internal blind tapered bore within the interlocking tang portion containing a hard cylindrical load bearing member. The assembly is connected by hardened cylindrical rod members inserted into the internal blind tapered bores of each drive member and retained therein by a plurality of balls in recesses. The drive members, connecting rods, and bearing members may be surface hardened to improve wear. Tang portions may include cavities with rubber inserts therein to reduce slack and slapping during use down hole.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a rotor hub system comprising a floating plate, a plurality of drive link trunnions each comprising a pivoting arm and positioned radially about the floating plate, wherein each drive link trunnion is coupled to the floating plate via the pivoting arm, and a housing disposed about the floating plate, coupled to each of the drive link trunnions, and configured to couple to a mast. Included is an apparatus comprising a floating plate, a plurality of drive link trunnions each comprising a pivoting arm and positioned radially about the floating plate, wherein each drive link trunnion is coupled to the floating plate via the pivoting arm, and wherein the drive link trunnions are configured to move the floating plate in response to a force applied to the drive link trunnions, and a housing disposed about the floating plate and coupled to each of the drive link trunnions.

Abstract: A universal coupling is provided that aims to achieve constant velocity between the input and output shafts. The universal coupling also aims to increase the angle between input and output shafts over conventional double Cardan joints while maintaining constant velocity or near constant velocity therebetween. The universal coupling can employ a Sarrus type linkage in-between two universal joints of the Cardan type in a configuration that aims to achieve joint angles up to and including 90 degrees in the Y-Z plane, while maintaining constant velocity or near constant velocity therebetween.

Abstract: A spherical transmission joint has an input shaft connected to a driving source to rotate, an input link fixed to the input shaft to be rotated by the input shaft and having a bent shape, a coupler link rotatably mounted to a first rotary shaft mounted to the input link and having a bent shape, an output link rotatably mounted to a second rotary shaft mounted to the coupler link and having a bent shape, and an output shaft fixed to the output link. This spherical transmission joint for rotating power transmission of inclined shafts is widely used for transmission joints with certain gradients since a rotating angle between an input shaft and an output shaft is ranged wide.

Abstract: A downhole submersible pumping system includes an adapter for use in connecting a first component to a second component within the downhole pumping system. The adapter preferably includes an upstream section configured for connection to the first component and a downstream section configured for connection to the second component. The adapter further includes an articulating joint that permits the angular movement of the first component with respect to the second component.

Abstract: In a steering system that includes: an intermediate shaft on a steering wheel side; a pinion shaft on a steered wheel side; and a cross joint by which the intermediate shaft and the pinion shaft are rotatably connected to each other on a plane intersecting with each of the shafts, and that steers steered wheels by transmitting steering torque of a steering wheel from the intermediate shaft to the pinion shaft, a weakened portion is formed in a joint spider of the cross joint. The weakened portion can be identified in advance as a portion that breaks first. This makes it possible to realize a failure mode in which a vehicle is able to run by itself for a certain period of time after a failure.

Abstract: Torque shafts and other related systems and methods are described herein. In one embodiment, the torque shafts are both flexible and capable of transmitting torque. An apparatus for transmission of torque includes an elongate body, comprising a plurality of joint segments, each joint segment configured to pivot with respect to an adjacent segment and being further configured to have at least two link elements.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A torque limiting device with an override mechanism coupled to a valve assembly capable of limiting the torque applied to the valve assembly and selectively being overridden to permit the application of excessive torque to the valve assembly. Tattletale devices capable of indicating when an override mechanism has been activated can also be integrated with the torque limiting device.

Abstract: A rotary connector, comprises an annular rotary body inserted outside a steering shaft and integrally rotated with a steering wheel, a rotator of a steering angle sensor inserted outside the steering shaft; and a tubular joint inserted outside the steering shaft and connecting the rotary body to the rotator; wherein the rotary body and the joint are connected together by a first universal joint, and the joint and the rotator are connected together by a second universal joint.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint that enables a wide continuous range of shaft angles, being robust throughout this range. It reduces the inertia torque loads on the shafts. The best efficiency, and the least wear, is with the shafts at a straight line. It fits even to driveshafts of cars wherein the maximum angle is near 50 degrees.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided in one example embodiment and includes a power management module configured to receive data associated with travel being proposed by an end user of an electric vehicle. The power management module is configured to suggest a starting time for the travel based on time of use (ToU) rates for electricity consumption and a current level of power in the electric vehicle. In more specific embodiments, the data associated with the travel includes a starting location, an ending location, and a proposed drive time. In other embodiments, the power management module is further configured to interface with a mapping tool in suggesting the starting time for the end user. The power management module can be configured to obtain the ToU rates from a utility, and the ToU rates are provided as a function of time.

Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a plurality of driving members, a first transmission mechanism, a second transmission mechanism, and a third transmission mechanism. The first transmission mechanism includes a first rotating shaft, and a second rotating shaft. One end of the first rotating shaft is connected to the first driving member by the connecting member, the other end of the first rotating shaft is movably connected to the second rotating shaft, and the first driving member drives the first rotating shaft to rotate a predetermined number of degrees. The second and third transmission mechanisms include several connecting members and jointing members, transmission members and shafts, and gear wheels.

Abstract: A spherical transmission joint has an input shaft connected to a driving source to rotate, an input link fixed to the input shaft to be rotated by the input shaft and having a bent shape, a coupler link rotatably mounted to a first rotary shaft mounted to the input link and having a bent shape, an output link rotatably mounted to a second rotary shaft mounted to the coupler link and having a bent shape, and an output shaft fixed to the output link. This spherical transmission joint for rotating power transmission of inclined shafts is widely used for transmission joints with certain gradients since a rotating angle between an input shaft and an output shaft is ranged wide.

Abstract: A power transmission device for a four-wheel drive vehicle includes an input shaft adapted to be driven by a power source. A first output shaft is rotatable about a first axis and adapted to transmit torque to a first driveline. A second output shaft is adapted to transmit torque to a second driveline and is rotatable about a second axis. The first and second axes diverge from one another. A transfer unit includes a drive member rotatably supported on the first output shaft and a driven member coupled to the second output shaft. A joint is positioned within a cavity formed in the driven member and drivingly interconnects the driven member and the second output shaft. The driven member includes first and second portions separable from and re-mountable to each other to allow service to the joint.

Abstract: A torque limiting device with an override mechanism coupled to a valve assembly capable of limiting the torque applied to the valve assembly and selectively being overridden to permit the application of excessive torque to the valve assembly. Tattletale devices capable of indicating when an override mechanism has been activated can also be integrated with the torque limiting device.

Abstract: An outer race assembly for a constant velocity joint is disclosed. The outer race assembly may include an outer race defining a plurality of tracks and a piston selectively moveable along the tracks of the outer race. The outer race assembly may further include a seal disposed about the piston and abutting the outer race about substantially an entire perimeter of the piston. The seal thereby generally seals an interface between the piston and the outer race.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a constant speed universal mechanical joint mechanism with crossover angle up to 90 degrees and more. The universal mechanical joint comprises an input coupling, an output coupling, at least one input shaft, at least one output shaft, a plurality of guide arms, at least three connecting arms, a plurality of connecting means, a plurality of external retaining rings and a plurality of bearings. The input coupling is connected to the input shaft and the output coupling is connected to the output shaft in such a way that the plurality of retaining rings joins each of the input coupling and the output coupling with the plurality of guide arms and the plurality of connecting means. The plurality of retaining rings and the plurality of bearings are used to connect each of the plurality of guide arms to the at least three connecting arms.

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.

Abstract: An Oldham-style coupling assembly wherein a driving shaft (12) is rotatably coupled to a driven shaft (32) using a reduced-lash flexible coupling assembly. The coupling assembly includes an intermediate coupling plate (38) stationed between the driven (32) and driving (12) shafts. A driven lug (34) associated with the driven shaft (32) has tapered contact faces (36) and engages a driving slot (40) in the center of the coupling plate (38). Likewise, a pair of diametrically opposed half-lugs (18) associated with the driving shaft (12) engage in respective half slots (42) through a similar tapered interface. Springs (28) backing each of the half lugs (18) establish a continuous axial compression force within the coupling plate (38) to urge seating of the tapered interfaces but without frustrating transverse sliding in the respective slots (40, 42), thereby taking up lash from the system. The lugs (18, 34) are oriented perpendicular relative to each other, so as to simulate a traditional Oldham-style coupling.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine crankshaft assembly includes a crankshaft having an output device, such as a flywheel or crankshaft damper, fastened to the crankshaft. An electronic engine control device is positioned between the crankshaft and the output device. The electronic engine control device includes a generally planar base which contacts both the output device and the crankshaft. The planar base is coated with a pressure-responsive friction-promoting material which causes the output device be torsionally locked with respect to the crankshaft.

Abstract: The invention provides a compressor for use as a secondary compressor for an ethylene polymerization tubular reactor comprising a motor and at least two compressor frames, at least one of the compressor frames being coupled to the motor by means of a contoured diaphragm flexible coupling.

Abstract: A rotary-torque adjuster that adjusts rotary torque of a rotational member includes a rotary shaft, the rotational member secured to the rotary shaft and rotating integrally with the rotary shaft, a plurality of clutch disks rotatably attached to the rotary shaft, a driver that drives the clutch disks, a plurality of presser components attached to the rotary shaft and rotating integrally with the rotary shaft, the presser components sandwiching opposite surfaces of the clutch disks by a predetermined pressure, and a drive transmission unit that makes a selection from among the plurality of clutch disks so as to transmit a driving force from the driver to the selected one or more clutch disks. The drive transmission unit changes the selection of the clutch disks to which the driving force from the driver is to be transmitted so as to change the rotary torque of the rotational member.

Abstract: A shaft assembly having a first shaft and a second shaft interconnected by a bipot joint is disclosed. The first shaft and the second shaft are disposed in overlapping spaced relationship. The bipot joint includes a pivot block sandwiched between the first shaft and the second shaft. The pivot defines a mounting surface abutting one of the first and second shafts, and a semi-annular surface opposing the mounting surface and abutting the other of the first shaft and the second shaft. A fastener extends through a bore defined by the first shaft, the pivot block and the second shaft to interconnect the first shaft, the pivot block and the second shaft. The fastener includes a spring to bias the first shaft, the pivot block and the second shaft together, thereby de-lashing the bipot joint.

Abstract: A transmission pump adapter ring is provided that enables a transmission pump assembly to be operatively connected to an engine, thus enabling a common transmission pump assembly to be used in a given type or types of transmissions while enabling different engines to be used with the transmission simply by changing the adapter ring. The adapter ring allows a novel method of assembling a powertrain that permits assembly of the transmission with a generic (i.e., common) type of pump assembly prior to a determination of the engine type or types to be used with the transmission.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint for a drive system of a vehicle comprises: a spider trunnion for transmitting torque between first and second shaft of the drive system, the spider trunnion including a spherical outer surface; and a roller assembly operatively attached on the spider trunnion, the roller assembly including an inner roller, an outer roller, and a plurality of needle rollers engaged between the inner and outer rollers, wherein the inner roller includes a tapered outer surface with a taper angle (?t), and the outer roller includes a tapered inner surface with the same taper angle (?t). The taper angle (?t) is preferably in a range from about 0.23° and to about 1.

Abstract: A membrane compensating coupling comprises a first compensating element made of fibre composite material with two membranes located opposite one another, a second compensating element and an intermediate tube inserted between these. The first and second compensating element in each case have on their side pointing towards the intermediate tube a radially inwardly directed connecting flange. The intermediate tube is releasably coupled to the connecting flanges. As a result, a membrane compensating coupling comprising at least two membranes made of fibre composite material is provided, which is easy to produce and install, at the same time has low inertias and allows large angle, radial and axial compensation and also a flexible axial length. A hole anchor connection which is particularly suitable for such couplings is also described.

Abstract: A shafting, particularly a cardan shaft for rail vehicles, has two cardan joints (4,5), each of which comprises two link forks (7–10) coupled to one another by a central part (6). The central part (6) comprises at least two partial elements (38.1,38.2) that are connected to one another in the peripheral direction in a rotationally fixed manner by a shaft-hub connection, and in a displaceable manner in the axial direction. The shafting further includes a rotary actuator (17) arranged in the central part for performing a torsional movement of the corresponding end areas of one of the two partial elements of the central part relative to one another.

Abstract: A pumping device is provided which comprises a Moineau pump with a helical rotor inside a helical cavity of a stator, driver means, and a drive connecting rod coupled by a respective coupling to a driving shaft of the driver and to one end of the rotor. Each coupling comprises a spherical head secured to the connecting rod and housed in a cavity that is cylindrical of revolution with the same diameter as and secured coaxially to the end of the rotor of the driving shaft; and a ball housed partly in a cup of the spherical head with its axis perpendicular to the axis of the connecting rod and partly in a lateral recess of the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting torque from a driving unit to a driven unit, comprising the first unit, the second unit and a plurality of torque transmission units. The first unit serves as the driving unit, which is rotatable around a central axis thereof. The second unit serving as the driven unit, which is rotatable around a central axis thereof. The torque transmission units transmits torque from the first unit to the second unit. The torque transmission units enables a relative displacement between the first unit and the second unit in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the first unit in a state in which the central axes of the first and second units are kept in parallel with each other. The torque transmission units are placed at different positions from the central axis of the first unit.

Abstract: A coupling having slots for receiving drive tabs of an associated driving shaft and a driven shaft, wherein the tabs of the driving shaft and the driven shaft are tapered to militate against rotational play between the driving shaft and the driven shaft which results in undesirable wear and damage to the drive shafts and coupling.

Abstract: A driveline system for a motor vehicle includes at least two propeller shafts and a driveline angle reducer disposed therebetween for drivingly interconnecting the propeller shafts at a fixed operating angle. The driveline angle reducer includes a housing rotatably supporting therewithin a fixed-angle constant-velocity joint. The housing of the driveline angle reducer is mounted to a vehicle body and contains a supply of a lubricant for lubrication of the constant-velocity joint. The driveline angle reducer allows propeller shaft operating angles to be in a range where conventional Cardan joints can be used in the driveline systems without causing excessive cyclic vibrations.

Abstract: In order to provide a universal joint suitable as a small diameter joint capable of transmitting a large torque and having a high rotational precision and a high durability at a low cost, the universal joint is a kind of spring ring joints coupling a driven shaft with a driving shaft, for which an angle formed by their axis lines is not great, constructed so as to deal with deviations of the axis lines with respect to each other, owing to the fact that thin bending plates made of glass fiber reinforced polyimide bend. Linking boss portions supporting the bending plates and an intermediate disk are made of a high duty aluminium alloy for elongation having a high tenacity by die cast. A part of the linking boss portions and the intermediate disk is formed as protruding arbors for caulking and the bending plates are jointed directly therewith by caulking.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A univesal joint, block and pin type, in which a carefully designed and sized center section will limit angulation of the joint at any angle desired up to, but not including an angle which will cause lockup.

Abstract: A Hookes universal joint assembly which, in a preferred embodiment, comprises two series connected universal joints to produce an angle change of 60.degree. to 70.degree.. A rigid housing confines input and output rotating drive shafts. In a preferred embodiment the yokes and cross members are formed as flat steel plates with tab-into-notch engagements. A method to retain an input shank and an end linkage to a drive shaft is disclosed. End linkages have parallel extending legs where the legs have protruding bumps at a distal end to engage exterior notched slots of input and output drive shafts. The drive shafts are identical in structure. An input shank is permanently held in a recess of the input drive shaft by engagement of a rib of the housing into a groove around the input shank.