Abstract: It is desirable if the lengthwise center axis of a cylindrical rotating member such as a photoreceptor drum is aligned exactly with the center axes of the support shafts. However, as it is impossible to eliminate manufacturing errors in components, it is unavoidable for there to be a slight angle of intersection between the center axis of the cylindrical rotating member and the center axes of the support shaft. Consequently, the object of the present invention is to provide a support mechanism for the cylindrical rotating member whereby the cylindrical rotating member exhibits little unevenness of rotation. When lengthwise axis of the cylindrical rotating member forms angle of intersection .alpha. with lengthwise axis of shaft, this angle .alpha.

Abstract: A shaft construction transmits power from a vehicle to a driven mechanism located on an implement. The shaft construction includes a first shaft having a first end coupled to the driving shaft of the vehicle. A second end of the first shaft is coupled to a first end of a second shaft by a first universal joint. A second end of the second shaft is coupled to a driven shaft of the implement by a second universal joint. A positioning structure includes a first frame disposed adjacent the first universal joint and a second frame disposed adjacent the second universal joint. The first shaft is rotatably coupled to the positioning structure so that it is maintained substantially perpendicular to the first frame in the horizontal plane. The first and second frame members are connected by a pair of elongated links. Each of the links is pivotally secured at opposite ends to each of the frames. The links cross one another as they extend between the frames.

Abstract: A constant velocity flexible coupling for direct drive to the wheels of a low speed light duty wheeled vehicle or 4-wheel drive steer lawn tractor having discs which flexibly couple a drive shaft to a wheel flange.

Abstract: The dry coupling includes a typical shaft to shaft coupling, conformed to body the invention by inclusion of two hub parts (4) with hub flanges (5,5') bonded thereunto and also an intermediate tube (6) interconnecting the flanges with respective flanges (7), each forming a membrane. For transmitting a torque the flanges are coupled to adjacent hub flanges (5). It is important that all parts (4,5;6,7) possibly except connecting elements (8) consist of a high modulus fiber reinforced material (FVW). Preferably the hubs consist of a carbon fiber reinforced material (CFK) and the intermediate tube of a more flexible GFK.

Abstract: A torsionally stiff, flexible shaft coupling, an all-steel shaft coupling for transmitting torques between shafts. Shafts with mutually offset axes, having one or two packs of plates (5) which are places on clamping bushes (6) and are clamped on the latter, by a ring (4) in each case, against an end collar (6b) of the clamping bushes (6), the packs of plates (5) being clamped, by screws (2, 7) extending through the clamping bushes (6), alternately in the circumferential direction using the mutually opposite flanges (1a, 8a) of hubs (1, 8) to be coupled to one another, which of packs of plates, in order to achieve the object of increasing the displacement capability of the plates and thus simplifying the assembly and increasing the operational reliability, comprise a circumferential relief groove (4a) and (6a) in each of the rings (4) and/or the collars (6b) of the clamping bushes (6).

Abstract: A joint assembly for connecting two spaced drive shafts, such as in a submergible pumping system. The joint assembly comprises a connecting shaft having enlarged bodies on each end thereof, a housing surrounding each enlarged body, each housing connectable to one of the drive shafts, lock devices for preventing relative rotational movement of the connecting shaft with respect to the drive shafts, and mechanisms within each housing acting upon the enlarged bodies to bias the connecting shaft into coaxial alignment with the drive shafts. With this joint assembly lateral displacement or "wobble" of the drive shafts is permitted, yet the bias mechanisms tend to restore the drive shafts to coaxial alignment.

Abstract: A positioning device (500) for positioning workpieces along translations and through angular rotations about two or more axes of rotation. In particular, the positioning devices (500) can be employed in method for aligning an optical fiber (510) with an optical beam such that the axis of the optical fiber (510) is aligned coincident to the axis of the optical beam and the endface (508) of the optical fiber (510) is deployed at the global maximum along the axis of the optical beam. The positioning devices are for use laser-to-fiber set-ups, laser-to-spatial filter set-ups, fiber-to-fiber set-ups and the like.

Abstract: A flexible coupling comprised of one or more flex frames connected in series between end fittings has the legs of its flex frames so dimensioned as to provide the coupling with a uniform bending stiffness with respect to bending moments in planes at all angles to the rotational axis. This is achieved by having each flex frame itself be of uniform bending stiffness with the other coupling components designed so as to have substantially no influence on the coupling's bending characteristics, or by using in the coupling at least one "compensator" flex frame specifically dimensioned to have a non-uniform bending stiffness compensating the non-uniform bending stiffnesses of the other coupling components.

Abstract: An elastomeric joint that can be used, as part of an articulated coupling in a progressive cavity device, including using the articulated coupling for converting the complex motion of the rotor into simple rotation. The coupling includes two shafts coupled to one another by coupling assemblies connected to opposite ends of an intermediate shaft. The coupling assemblies include interlocked threaded and tapered portions and an elastomer filling the spaces between the threaded portions. Under loading the male and female portion move relative to one another so that the elastomer is subject to both compression and shear. Should the elastomer fail, the threaded portions simply lock together thereby allowing fail safe operation. Provisions are also made to protect the integrity of the coupling under reverse torque. The moving components within the coupling are perfectly isolated from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A universal joint (150) includes a centering device (160) for maintaining the joint at constant velocity. Each shaft (101) of the joint (150) is connected to a centering device (160). Movement of one of the shafts (101) at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device (117) is transmitted to the other shaft (101) by the centering device (160) and the centering device (160) causes the other shaft (101) to likewise move at the same angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device (117). The centering device (160) includes an epicyclic bearing (106) within an epicyclic bearing (105), which arrangement of epicyclic bearings allows a full range of movement of the shafts (101).

Abstract: A coupling spring element is provided for which assembly without access and with no play, and a torsion-proof transmission of shaft revolutions is possible and has superior spring elastic properties to which, a plate-shaped element is provided with an essentially central connection region for connection to one shaft and a connection region formed at the outer circumferential region for connection to one additional shaft, and has slot-like recesses between the two connection regions.

Abstract: A vibration reducer for a diaphragm coupling is capable of suppressing axial vibrations as well as torsional vibrations. A diaphragm pack 3 is mounted between a diaphragm mount flange 2 provided on an intermediate shaft 1 serving as a drive shaft and a shaft flange 4 of another shaft serving as a driven shaft. An elastic arm 5 extends through the diaphragm pack 3 and is mounted to the diaphragm mount flange 2. The elastic arm 5 is a cylindrical member, whose circumferential portion is severed by slits formed by wire-cutting. Free ends 5a of the elastic arm 5 are expanded in the radial directions by centrifugal forces caused by rotation of a shafts and come into pressure-contact with the liner member 8 formed integrally within a cylindrical portion 7 of the shaft flange 4. A part of a torque is thereby transmitted via the pressure-contact portion, and rigidity in the axial direction of the elastic arm 5 is added to that of the diaphragm pack 3 to suppress vibrations.

Abstract: A self-aligning rod end coupler including an outer housing having a first open end with an internally threaded portion and a second open end having a radially inwardly extending flange. A female adapter is provided having an externally threaded portion for engaging the internally threaded portion of the first open end of the outer housing and an internally threaded portion for engaging an external thread on a rod member. A slide washer is provided having a substantially flat surface disposed against the radially inwardly extending flange in the second open end of the outer housing and having a partial, substantially spherical surface.

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

Abstract: The axially stiff link provides a rigid connection linking two shaft segments (1, 2) of a shaft such that it can bend and or twist yet remain rigid with no slop for high tolerance positioning applications. The link is composed of two rolling elements (4) attached to the shaft segments (1, 2) having a rolling line contact (10) with each other. The rolling elements (4) are held together and preloaded by a ring spring (6) which encircles a portion of the rolling element extending transversely from the shaft segment and engages it by rolling line contact (8). The rolling elements may be solid plain curved portions of the shaft ends, a cylindrical bar, cylindrical bar pairs, or conical pairs to provide for torsional as well as axial bending in the link. Closely spaced perpendicularly disposed axial links provide for 2 axis bending of the shaft.

Abstract: A transfer case (10) having a drive shaft (12) on a bearing (18) to permit the drive shaft to be rotated with respect to the transfer case, the drive shaft having a free end portion (12a) which is adapted to drive an axle of a vehicle. The drive shaft passes through a sleeve (20), and bearings (22, 24) are provided to permit the sleeve to be rotated with respect to the transfer case. The sleeve has a sprocket (14) affixed to it, and the sprocket is caused to rotate by an endless chain (16). The sleeve is drivingly connected to the drive shaft by a universal joint (26), preferably a cardan joint, which is contained within an enlarged end portion (20a) of the sleeve. The sprocket is positioned between the universal joint and the free end portion of the drive shaft, to maximize the distance therebetween, and thereby minimize the included angle required of the universal joint.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flexible coupling device adapted to connect a first rotatable shaft with a second rotatable shaft. The coupling device generally includes a pair of opposing hubs, each of which is adapted to be secured to a respective shaft. A connecting sleeve made from an elastomeric material extends between and engages each of the hubs. According to the present invention, the connecting sleeve also contains a rigid member defining at least one failsafe element or rigid engaging element that prevents the hubs from disengaging the connecting sleeve should the elastomeric material begin to wear and fail.

Abstract: A flexible coupling between two rotary shafts comprises a flexible metallic member rigidly connected to each of the shafts, the flexible member comprising connection zones interconnected by deformation zones which are traversed by slots perpendicular to the axis of the shafts and dividing the deformation zones into a plurality of strips which are integrally connected with each other and with the connection zones.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint comprises two shafts with respective opposed ends carrying respective flanges whose external shape is part-spherical and in which respective part-cylindrical recesses are formed, the axes of which intersect at the geometrical centre of the joint. Two spiders are provided, each including a part-cylindrical portion slidably received in a respective part-cylindrical recess and a part-annular cylindrical portion, the axes of the part-cylindrical portion and part-annular cylindrical portion being perpendicular to one another. A central member affords two part-annular cylindrical recesses, the axes of which are coincident and constitute the axis of the central member. Each recess slidably received a respective one of the part-annular cylindrical portions. The axis of the recesses passes through the geometrical centre.

Abstract: The axially stiff link provides a rigid connection linking two shaft segments (1, 2) of a shaft such that it can bend and or twist yet remain rigid which no slop for high tolerance positioning applications. The link is composed of two rolling elements (4) attached to the shaft segments (1, 2) having a rolling line contact (10) with each other. The rolling elements (4) are held together and preloaded by a ring spring (6) which encircles a portion of the rolling element extending transversely from the shaft segment and engages it by rolling line contact (8). The rolling elements may be solid plain curved portions of the shaft ends, a cylindrical bar, cylindrical bar pairs, or conical pairs to provide for torsional as well as axial bending in the link. Closely spaced perpendicularly disposed axial links provide for two axis bending of the shaft.

Abstract: A coupling system provided with a dual torque transmitting arrangement to provide compensation for axial misalignment between a drive shaft and a driven shaft where a primary flexible coupling member transmits torque between the drive shaft and the driven shaft preferably through a sleeve also coupled with a flexible coupling member to the driven shaft; the flexible member includes a gear transmission system for transmitting torque in the event of severe torsional overload of the flexible member which causes the gear teeth of the secondary coupler to engage and transmit torque from the drive to the driven shaft.

Abstract: An elastomeric drive line coupling. The coupling includes an input drive shaft having a longitudinal axis and terminating at one end with a housing and an output drive shaft having a longitudinal axis and terminating at one end with a ball. The housing has a partially elliptical interior and the ball has a partially elliptical exterior which is disposed within the housing. A partially elliptical rigid shell is provided between the ball and the housing. Both the ball and the rigid shell are bonded with elastomeric layers forming interleaved nested ellipses within the housing. These ellipses are oriented 90.degree. out of phase from one another. Torsional loads are applied to the output drive shaft by the input drive shaft through compression deformation of the elastomeric layers as the partially elliptical rigid shell attempts to rotate relative to the housing and the ball.

Abstract: A universal joint comparable in construction to a ball and socket joint in that it comprises a ball member (14) attached to a first shaft (10) and a socket member (16) attached to a second shaft (18), wherein the ball member (14) and the socket member (16) are both equipped with slots (A.sub.b, B.sub.b ; A.sub.s B.sub.s) at their adjoining slotted surfaces and are disposed so that the slots at least partially overlap to form pin passageways. A pin (22a, 24a) is disposed in each pin passageway to transfer rotational motion without variation from one shaft to the other. In preferred embodiments, the ball member and the socket member each have three slots (A.sub.b, B.sub.b, C.sub.b ; A.sub.s, B.sub.s, C.sub.s). In some embodiments, the ball member may be hollow and the pins may be interconnected within the ball member to form a pin mechanism 42. In other embodiments, the ball member may be solid, and there may be a girdle member 26 surrounding the socket member, into which the pins extend.

Abstract: A flexible coupling having quick-disconnect coupling hubs for connecting a drive shaft to an adjacently-aligned driven shaft and transmitting torsion from the drive shaft to the driven shaft responsive to rotation of the drive shaft, while accommodating misalignment of the shafts with respect to each other. In a preferred embodiment a cylindrical hub is slidably, adjustably mounted on each shaft by a key. An annular coupling flange is removably secured on each hub by a key, ALLEN screws or a snap ring. Each coupling flange receives the corresponding end of a resilient, elastomeric flexible connector which spans the coupling flanges to transmit torsion from the drive shaft to the driven shaft while accommodating misalignment of the shafts as the drive shaft is rotated.

Abstract: A flexible composite coupling (20) wherein a wound filament or roving is wound between two attachment members (22) and (24) and is fully or partially impregnated with a resin matrix such as urethane to form a flexible element (32). The attachment members (22) and (24) include radially extending flanges (26) and (28) which have a radiused periphery (30) formed on them, over which the flexible element (32) is wound. The flexible element (32) diverges inwardly from the flanges' (26) and (28) radiused periphery (30) to form opposed diaphragm portions (34) and (35) of the flexible element (32) which smoothly meet at a minimum diameter (36). Hoop winds (38) of a material with high strain capacity wrapped about this minimum diameter (36) pretension the filaments or roving within the flexible element (32).

Abstract: An articulatable joint which is embodied within a coupling useful for transferring eccentric rotational energy and motion into concentric rotational energy and motion. The coupling is incorporated into a downhole drill string and applied to connect a motor section to a drill bit shaft within a drill string. The coupling comprises generally a housing section and two associated end sections which each feature a proximate base portion, adapted to permit the end sections to be connected within the housing, an intermediate neck, and a generally rounded head extending in a distal relation to the base and neck. Each head presents a thrust bearing face and a number of longitudinally arcuate contact faces. The housing section contains recesses adapted to receive and partially enclose the heads of the end sections in a generally complimentary manner.

Abstract: A Coupling for coupling non-aligned rotating parts is provided with driving-side and driven side coupling halves and an intermediate coupling member including separable parts. The intermediate coupling member is connected with the driving-side coupling half through a first pair of mutually centro-symmetcially arranged links and is connected with the driven side coupling half through a second pair of mutually centro-symmetrically arranged links. In order to facilitate dismantling of the coupling, the intermediate coupling member (10) is composed of two arcuate intermediate coupling member halves (20,22), each of which extends through more than 180.degree., such that each intermediate member half defines a lateral opening (32), which permits lateral removal of the intermediate member half (20,22) from a shaft passing centrally through the coupling, which are axially offset with respect to each other, and which are angularly offset by 180.degree. with respect to each other.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A device for connecting two non-coaxial rotating shafts comprises a first body connected to one shaft and a second body connected to the other shaft. A link extends between the two bodies. A first coupling mechanism connects the first body to the link and includes a first pair of conical rollers rotatably attached to either the first body or the link. The first coupling mechanism also includes first tapered aperture through the other one of the first body and the link with the first pair of rollers located in the first tapered aperture. A second coupling mechanism connects the second body to the link and includes a second pair of conical rollers rotatably attached to either the second body or the link. The other one of the second body and the link has a second tapered aperture in which the second pair of rollers is located.

Abstract: A coupling to balance radial movement and axial displacement between a first and second half-coupling, with an unsupported intermediate member which is connected via two connecting rods with the first half-coupling on one side and via another two connecting rods with the second half-coupling, the intermediate member consisting of two releasably interconnected arc-shaped half-members (11,12), the end sections of the half-members (11,12) overlap at the periphery and are held together in the two overlap regions (19) by two aligned axial drillings (15,17) to take the bolts (29,30,35,36) securing the connecting rods. In addition, each half-member (11,12) is cut from sheet-steel and at least both their two end sections are arranged in the same plane. This provides a heavily loadable coupling with extremely simply made half-members (11,12) which can easily be fitted and dismantled.

Abstract: An articulated coupling, especially for rail vehicles, for transmitting the engine power from a hollow input shaft mounted on the vehicle frame, to an output shaft of limited movement surrounded by the hollow shaft has a first flange rigidly connected to the hollow shaft and a second flange rigidly connected to the output shaft. Two pairs of links connect the flanges. An overhung intermediate member surrounds the output shaft, with the links being supported on the intermediate member. To obtain optimum central symmetry; the two flanges are aligned, all the links are of equal length and so positioned relatively to one another that the projections of the articulation points in a plane extending perpendicularly to the output shaft form the corners of a square. The two opposite links on the intermediate member are pivotally supported at their center. These two links form an obtuse angle facing in the direction of the output shaft.

Abstract: Damping and sealing of the quill shaft (30) that transmits torque from one rotating component to another as for example in a pitch change actuator system for aeronautical propellers is provided by an O-ring (40) mounted in the space between the end of ball screw (20) and the flange (41) radially extending from quill shaft (30) and the preload of the O-ring (40) provided by the shims (46) bearing against flange (41) and O-ring (40) which serves to enhance the wearability of splines (26, 28 and 50).

Abstract: A progressive cavity device including an articulate coupling for converting the complex motion of the rotor into simple rotation. The coupling includes two shafts coupled to one another by joint assemblies connected to opposite ends of an intermediate shaft. The joint assemblies include interlocked threaded portions and an elastomer filling the spaces between the threaded portions. Under loading the male and female portion move relative to one another so that the elastomer is subject to both compression and shear. Should the elastomer fail, the threaded portions simply lock together thereby allowing fail safe operation. The moving components within the coupling are perfectly isolated from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A plastic joint for articulating two components comprises two dimensionally stable fastening elements serving for connecting the plastic joint with the corresponding component and a joint element arranged between the fastening elements defining at least one joint axis for deflecting the joint out of its straight position. The joint element is formed as a flexible moulded part which is injected directly with its ends to the fastening elements.

Abstract: An elastic coupling unit is arranged on an element of a motion transmission assembly. The motion transmission assembly includes at least one cardan joint on one extremity and an input plate and an output plate between which an elastic member is located. The elastic member and the annular face portions of each of the input and output plates are concave in shape so that the elastic member works together with the annular face portion of each plate. The concavity center of these various portions matches the conical rotation center of the assembly and is located on the output plate side of the center.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a centering device for maintaining the joint at constant velocity. Each shaft of the joint is connected to a ball stud. Movement of one of the shafts at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device is transmitted to the other shaft by the centering device and the centering device causes the other shaft to likewise move at the same angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device.

Abstract: A universal joint between an upper steering shaft and a lower steering shaft in a tilt-adjustable motor vehicle steering column includes a pair of bifurcated yokes formed to near-net-shape integrally with the upper and lower shafts, a plastic jacket molded in-situ on each of the bifurcated yokes, and a plastic centering sphere. Each of the plastic jackets has a pair of exposed, frusto-conical bearing surfaces molded thereon which slidably engage corresponding frusto-conical side walls of cross grooves in the plastic centering sphere.

Abstract: A joint assembly for use in a drive train permits limited transverse component displacement along at least two axes in response to non-coaxial forces in the drive train. The joint assembly includes a first subunit and a second subunit, each subunit having a transverse C-shaped opening in a first end each thereof. A connecting body has a first transverse cylindrical member extending from a first end thereof and a second transverse cylindrical member extending from an opposite second end of the connecting body. The first transverse cylindrical member is received into the transverse C-shaped opening in the first subunit to permit limited displacement along a first axis parallel to such opening. The second transverse cylindrical member is received into the transverse C-shaped opening in the second subunit to permit limited displacement along a second axis parallel to such opening.

Abstract: A double cardan wide angle turn close coupled constant velocity universal joint has driving and driven yokes (11 and 12) radially spaced, a pair of X shaped crossheads (19) pivotally mounted to a second pair of opposing yokes (16) closely coupled, driving and driven yokes each overlapping the other in wide angle turns.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting two rotatable members in a manner to isolate the torsional vibrations in one member from the other member even where radial, angular and axial misalignment is present and is constantly varying between the two rotatable members. Torsional stiffness and damping can be readily and independently altered to accommodate any application.

Abstract: A constant velocity universals joint accepts rotary input through its axle and is also steered by a thrust bearing. A ball member having outward projections passes rotary motion to a surrounding socket member having cooperating inward projections which slidingly engage the ball projections. Both types of projections rotate about respective mountings. As the socket member turns in response to a steering input and the ball member maintains its orientation, the respective cooperating projections rotate about their mountings and slide across one another. The ball member thus continues to propel the socket member while accommodating variable angularity therebetween.

Abstract: A drive connection joint for transmitting rotary motion from a drive shaft to a movable member includes a movable link having a first end and a second end. The first end of the movable link being pivotally connected to a drive shaft. A connector affixed to a movable member. A slot is formed in the connector, the slot includes a predetermined length, width and depth. The movable link is accommodated within the slot to permit axial movement within the depth of the slot and lateral movement along the length of the slot for permitting a three-way connection between a drive shaft and a movable member, namely, pivotable movement, axial movement and lateral movement.

Abstract: A flexible disc-like coupling element is provided for use in a flexible coupling which joins a driving shaft to a driven shaft of a drive train apparatus. The disc-like coupling element includes a hub portion at least a first and a second substantially linear member which are joined at a junction and which diverge from the junction to define an aperture. Each substantially linear member is configured to carry a columnar load. The disc-like coupling element also includes a plurality of lobes spaced from the hub portion and connector portions corresponding to each lobe for connecting at equally spaced increments the corresponding lobe to the hub portion. Each lobe has a pair of substantially arcuate shaped arms joined together adjacent a corresponding connector portion. The arms extend away from one another in substantially opposite directions and terminate in free ends.

Abstract: A coupling element between tubular shaft sections comprises two mutually adjacent membrane walls, each having radially outer and inner circumferences. The membrane walls are mutually connected at their radially outer circumferences. The radially inner circumferences of the membrane walls are in axial alignment with radially inner circumferences of respective shaft sections, and the membrane walls are connected at their radially inner circumferences to the tubular shaft sections. The radially outer circumferences of the membrane walls are elastically decreasable, and the radially inner circumferences of the membrane walls are elastically expandable in response to axial forces applied to the membrane walls in axially opposite directions.

Abstract: In an elastic coupling including first fixtures, second fixtures, a reinforcing member in a loop-like shape and an elastic covering member, the reinforcing member is made by connecting one longitudinal end and the other longitudinal end of a stranded wire. The stranded wire is formed by twisting the appropriate number of metallic wires. Since the metallic wires do not shrink by heat, the metallic wires do not shrink during the vulcanization. Thus, the variety of the spring constant of the elastic coupling can be reduced. Also, since the metallic wires are very strong, the number of winding the stranded wire around the first fixtures and the second fixtures can be reduced and therefore the size of the elastic coupling can be prevented from increasing.

Abstract: A constant velocity flexible coupling for coupling two shafts has a solid unitary body with a plurality of complimentary pairs of slots positioned between a first and second end. The body also has a first and second slotted hub protruding therefrom. Single slot counterbalanced clamps are positioned over the slotted hubs so as to clamp shafts inserted into the hubs to the coupling.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in transmitting torque between a first part rotatable about a fixed axis and a second part rotatable in a circular path about the axis, and which includes a torque bar having its ends connected to ends of the parts by universal joints.

Abstract: A flexible member for coupling a driving member to a driven member is an elastomer element formed with a plurality of integrally formed segments of tapering cross sectional area and is provided at the intersections of the segments with connecting elements for connecting the flexible member to the driving and driven members; the connecting element is formed in a manner that prevents rotation of the elastomer member relative to each point of connection; the segments of the flexible member are shaped in such a manner to maximize resistance to deformation under the influence of torque loading and misalignment.

Abstract: A universal joint (310) includes a yoke (311) in which is disposed a dual trunnion (312) and which is disposed in a ring (315). Pins (321, 322) connect the ring to the dual trunnion and to the yoke. Lubricant in a non-continuous lubricant channel (319), extending less than 360.degree. around the ring, provides lubrication for the pins (321, 322), whose ends disposed in the ring (315) are surrounded by needle bearings (31). Because the channel is non-continuous, lubricant entering one lubricant port (320) must travel the length of the lubricant channel before exiting the channel via the second lubricant port (326). In this manner, the lubricant channel is purgable and lubricant is supplied to all bearings. A first shaft (340) is integrally connected to the dual trunnion (312), and a second shaft (513) is integrally connected to the yoke (311). By joining the yokes (311) of two such joints (310) with a common shaft (313), a composite joint (300) can be formed.

Abstract: A shaft coupling includes a plurality of first channels (10) which runs in a first direction formed at a flange portion (3) at the end portion of a driving shaft and a plurality of second channels (12) which run in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction formed at a flange portion (5) at the end portion of a driven shaft. A torque transmitting member (14) is interposed between the flange portion (3) and the flange portion (5). A plurality of first slide members (16) which each slidably fit with the first channels are formed on the transmitting member (14), and a plurality of second slide members (18) which each slidably fit with the second channels are formed thereon. The transmitting member (14) is made of plastic material, and the flange portions (3) and (5) are made of metal.