Abstract: A compensating coupler uses spring coupling legs and tabs to connect a rotary (reciprocating) input drive to a rotary (reciprocating) output drive. The coupler exhibits very low backlash and compensates for misalignment between the input and output drives.

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 substantially arcuate shaped hub portion at least partially defining and at least partially surrounding a central aperture. The hub portion has a radial dimension as defined from the central aperture of the disc-like coupling element. The hub portion includes a structure for flexing across the radial dimension within the plane of the disc-like coupling element. 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 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 self-balanced drive shaft assembly comprises a cylindrical shaft having an axially extending cylindrical bore formed therein; a small amount of liquid contained in the bore of the cylindrical shaft, the liquid being movable in the bore in response to movement of the shaft; and two joints operatively connected to axially opposed ends of the shaft respectively. At least one of the joints permits a pivotal movement of the shaft about a pivot point defined by the other joint.

Abstract: An Oldham coupling for connecting two parallel structural parts such as shafts is disclosed wherein an intermediate ring is freely movable between the hubs of the two structural parts intended for connection. The ring carries on its flat sides two lands located at 90.degree. relative to each other and the lands engage corresponding grooves in the hubs. The lands are convex at their friction surfaces and the load bearing walls of the grooves are correspondingly concave to receive the lands. An Oldham coupling of this type is particularly suitable as both a guiding and a rotation inhibiting mechanism for the revolving displacement body of a rotating piston machine of the displacer type.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a rotary power source to a driven device and accommodating misalignment between the source and device. The coupling has at least two identical modular center members having a plurality of alternative circumferential positions relative to each other and which also may be positioned with either axial end toward each other. The coupling includes hub members which may also be identical to the center members.

Abstract: A flexible coupling has at least one and more commonly a plurality of diaphragms having a particular profile. The profile has first and second contoured sections. The first contoured section has a radially-inwardly decreasing thickness and extends to near the center of the diaphragm and the second section extends therefrom and has a radially-inwardly increasing thickness such that the bending moment developed by axial deflections is small near the thinnest section or the center of the diaphragm, and the stress levels are minimized throughout the diaphragm. The diaphragm profile as described is analytically optimized to tolerate greater axial deflection and bending before the fatigue and endurance limits of the diaphragm material are reached than has heretofore been the case.

Abstract: A universal joint (310) includes a substantially hemispherical cup-shaped yoke (311) in which is disposed a cross trunnion (312) and which is disposed in a ring (315). Pins (321, 322) connect the ring to the cross trunnion and to the yoke. Lubricant in an annular channel (319) in the ring provides lubrication for the pins (321, 322), whose ends disposed in the ring (315) are surrounded by needle bearings (31). A first shaft (340) is integrally connected to the cross trunnion (312), and a second shaft (513) is integrally connected to the yoke (311). By joining the yokes (311) of two such joints (310) which a common shaft (313), a composite joint (300) can be formed.

Abstract: The universal joint arrangement includes a first adapter having two projecting support formations; a drive plate having a first pair of matching depressions or pockets is seated with these depressions on the projecting support formations of the first adapter and the drive plate has a second pair of pockets for the projecting support formations of a respective second adapter.

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

Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling including coupling flanges and a stack of sprinlastic membranes mounted at an axial distance from the two coupling flanges. The stack of membranes is mounted on sleeves which are arranged on tightening bolts mounted alternatingly on a circle on one or the other of the coupling flanges. Spacer washers are arranged next to the stack of membranes. Each sleeve is a hardened cutting sleeve provided with a cutting edge. The cutting sleeve is forced into the respective bore of the stack of membranes and at least a portion of the cutting sleeve is forced into the corresponding bore of the coupling flange. The cutting sleeve has an outer diameter which is greater than the maximum diameter of the respective bore of the stack of membranes and of the corresponding bore in the coupling flange.

Abstract: A downhole drilling apparatus which includes a progressive cavity drive train having a progressive cavity device and a coupling for converting the complex motion of the rotor into simple rotation. The coupling is constructed along the lines of a double Hooke's joint. Each joint includes two transversely arranged pins which pivot within a torsion member. The pins are supported for rotation with a bore formed in the torsion member on a plurality of rollers. An elastomer encases the rollers and fills the remaining spaces between the pin and torsion members such that all sliding surfaces within the coupling are perfectly isolated from the surrounding environment and thereby hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A flexible drive coupling for transmitting rotational forces between respective flanges of a driving shaft and a driven shaft. The flexible drive coupling has, in a substantially planar circular configuration, a number of wedges. The wedges have respective end faces facing the adjacent wedges and connected thereto by flexible elements. Alternate wedges attach respectively to the flanges of the driving and driven shafts. The flexible elements consist of a link between two end plates. The mating faces of the link and the end plates are curved so that they co-operate one with the other. An elastomeric filler occupies the space between the curved surfaces of the end plates and the links permitting each end plate to pivot with respect to the link by deforming the elastomeric filler. The end faces of the wedges and, the corresponding faces of the end plates of the flexible elements which face them, have co-operating tabs and recesses to prevent relative radial and axial movement.

Abstract: An interlocking shaft coupling including a disk-shaped body having two end faces and an interlocking element disposed on each of these faces. Each interlocking element has a substantially circular cross section and a longitudinal axis parallel to a diameter of the disk-shaped body. The coupling can be attached to opposing rotary shafts by hubs which fit over the shafts and have receiving elements which engage with the interlocking elements of the shaft coupling.

Abstract: A universal joint including an intermediate joint member having a spherical portion as assembled and four ridges formed on the outer surface of the spherical portion and defining four guide furrows therebetween, and two shaft each having one end bifurcating into two arms. The two arms of one of the shafts are fitted in two of the guide furrows positioned symmetrically, and the two arms of the other shaft are fitted in the other two guide furrows positioned symmetrically. The entire joint member comprises two divided half segments arranged in combination axially of the member.

Abstract: The invention is a universal joint for transferring rotary motion between o shafts whose axes are movable relative to one another. The universal joint includes a generally Y-shaped terminus on either shaft, and a pair of arms on each terminus diverging obliquely away from the axes of the respective shafts. A frame member connected between the termini has a plurality of rods radiating therefrom to engage the arms of the termini. A bearing swivellingly mounted in each arm of the termini defines a through bore for accommodating translational movement of the rods through the bearings.

Abstract: A shaft coupling is disclosed which permits an angle between two coupled rotating elements. A coupling half is adapted to be connected to each of the elements. Intermediate coupling members are arranged between the coupling halves. These intermediate coupling members are connected through resilient joints to a first coupling half and, also to the second coupling half. Each of the intermediate coupling members directly connected to the first coupling half through a first pair of diametrically opposite resilient joints are also connected in an angularly offset manner to the second coupling half through a second pair of diametrically opposite resilient joints.

Abstract: A power transmission device including a power input member supported by a frame and the like, a rotating shaft to which power is finally transmitted, and a cylindrical power relay member arranged between the power input member and the rotating shaft with a certain clearance interposed between them, wherein said power relay member is engaged with the power input member at one end thereof while with the rotating shaft at the other end thereof.

Abstract: A joint for transmitting torque is made up of an outer generally tulip-shaped coupling member, an inner coupling member and an intermediate member received within the outer coupling member and, in turn, receiving a joint pin of the inner coupling member. The intermediate member is formed by two generally symmetrical shell halves, each having a surface contacting the other with the contacting surfaces forming a separation plane. The axis of the joint pin is located in, or closely adjacent to, the separation plane. A shaped spring fits through the two shell halves and into recesses in the opposite ends of the joint pins. Axially aligned pivot pins interconnect the outer coupling member and intermediate member and are located on opposite sides of the joint pin axis. The axes of the pivot pins intersect the joint pin axis at right angles.

Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling of the type which uses a serpentine metal grid to connect teeth on hubs attached to driving and driven shafts has the sides of the grid rung which contact the metal teeth provided with a layer of deformable material. The layer of deformable material will deform under torque load relative to the metal teeth and metal grid and absorb differences in tooth or rung spacing or parallelism to thereby insure a more even load distribution between the rungs and teeth. A preferred deformable material is a urethane having excellent tensile strength and hardness as well as good elongation, wear resistance and flexural modulus properties.

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

Abstract: A flexible coupling in which two collars are connected with each other through two pairs of coupling rods which are offset from each other angularly by 90.degree., the two pairs lying in parallel planes. The coupling rods are connected through torsion layers to coupling arms which are articulated to each other. One of the coupling rods or coupling arms are connected to their respective collars while the other of the coupling rods or coupling arms are connected to an intermediate member located between the two collars.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for coupling a drive member with a driven member has a supporting plate to which a first pair of flexible plates and a second pair of flexible plates are fixed in such a way that the former extends in parallel in one direction and the latter extends in parallel in a direction opposite the one direction. To free end portions of the flexible plates, a first and second joint members for connecting the drive and driven members to the flexible coupling, respectively, are connected. When there is a dis-alignment between the axes of the drive and driven members, a bending force is applied to the flexible plates to flex the same, thus absorbing the axial offset therebetween. In this case, since the rotational force to be transmitted is applied in the width direction of the respective plate members, they can be rigid against the rotational force to be transmitted and are hardly distorted thereby.

Abstract: An elastic coupling for a torque transmitting joint formed of a pair of diaphragm disks which have a pair of opposed radial contact faces extending essentially at right angles to the axis of the disk and a pair of essentially cylindrical centering faces at the radially innermost terminations of the contact faces is formed with an annular disk-shaped electron beam welding zone which welds the contact faces together and which extends radially from the outermost peripheries of the diaphragm disks inwardly to a point proximate the centering faces.

Abstract: A shaft coupling which can prevent trransmission of side loads in the event of angular or parallel misalignment of end-to-end shafts and which can also provide non-destructible overload protection. A pair of independent translatable devices spaced apart along the axis of the coupling, and set in planes at right angles to the axis and to each other can translate independently to permit free nutating motion of an intermediate torque-transmitting coupling member. Spring loaded balls on the ends of the independent devices decouple the shafts from each other in the event of overload. Embodiments can achieve all of the above with virtually zero back lash.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for connecting a driving shaft and a driven shaft together in an end-to-end relationship for transmitting power from the driving shaft to the driven shaft. Flexible coupling sub-assemblies which are balanced and aligned are provided between a center spacer member and coupling hubs attached to the driving shaft and to the driven shaft. The flexible coupling sub-assemblies each include a pair of annular adaptor rings having therebetween a flexible element member which preferably includes a plurality of side-by-side flexible members. The adaptor rings include an annular flange having on one side thereof a substantially radially extending countersunk face and on the other side thereof a substantially radially extending, generally planar face. The countersunk guide face guides the adaptor rings onto annular flanges of the coupling hubs and center spacer member to ensure proper alignment and balancing of the flexible coupling upon provision thereof with flexible elements.

Abstract: A flexible all-steel shaft coupling has two coupling halves each comprising a connecting flange and which are axially and angularly movable but antitorsionally connected to each other through a yieldable stapled lamella crown connected to the connecting flanges. Each connection of the stapled lamella crown with one of flanges consists of a bolt on which rests, in clamped position between spacer rings, the stapled lamella crown on a spring collet provided with a conical press seat. Due to its conical support on the bolt, the conical spring collet is radially expanded and transmits radial pretension into bores of the stapled lamella crown. Due to the tolerance-free support of the stapled lamella crown on the bolt, and due to radial pretension in the bores of the stapled lamella crown, the shaft coupling may be easily mounted without precision machning and without tolerance on the support seats, while expansions and ovalizations of the bores, which lead to ruptures due to notch corrosion are prevented.

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

Abstract: A substantially frictionless connecting means providing universal swivel movement which can be used to mount an actuation means such as a hydraulic cylinder, including first and second flexible planar blades interconnected substantially perpendicular to each other so that movement imparted to either or both of the connected members bends the flexible blades.

Abstract: A coupling is adapted to transmit a movement of rotation and torque between two shafts which make therebetween an angle of between 0.degree. and 90.degree. which is fixed or variable. The coupling includes a flexible or elastic wall having, when it is mounted in the coupling, an active part constituted by two spherical segments one of which segments is outside the other, and which are interconnected by a movable trough or bend. The spherical segments are extended by end parts which are provided with heel portions for fixing the wall to cups rigid with the shafts. This coupling permits the transmission through the flexible wall of moderate torque at large angles between the shafts and with practically no resistance to the positioning of the shafts at an angle to each other.

Abstract: A flexible coupling includes a quadrilateral, flex member, which coupling rotatably couples a driving shaft to a driven shaft and accommodates endwise, parallel or angular misalignment between the shafts. The flex member includes corner portions each having one substantially aligned face and a raised face created by thickening of each corner portion. The substantially aligned faces of two diagonally opposed corner portions face in one generally axial direction and the substantially aligned faces of the other corner portions face in a direction generally opposite to that of the substantially aligned faces of the two diagonally opposed corner portions to minimize the endwise spacing required between the driving shaft and the driven shaft needed to insert the coupling. The decreased endwise spacing minimizes the bending moment on the flex member and facilitates the identification of the proper assembly orientation of the flex member within the flexible coupling.

Abstract: A coupling for simultaneously transmitting identical rotation and motor torque between two shafts which are inclinable to 90.degree..It includes a transfer ball (3) constituted by three coaxial meridian disks which oscillate relative to one another, and two tulips (1) and (2) respectively fitted with three drive members (15 to 20) equidistant in threes at the ends of three arms at 120.degree. on each tulip. The drive members engage in pairs on either side of a polar axis in circular toroidal grooves (53) in each of the three meridian disks.The transfer ball and the tulips are then interdependent and the polar axis is automatically maintained in the plane of the bend between the two shafts and perpendicular to the bisector of the angle closed by their respective half-axes.

Abstract: In a compensating coupling having flanges (1, 1', 3) connected with each other by a plurality of bolts (2), one of the flanges is connected with a rotating drive member and the other with a rotating driven member. The bolts (2) consist of a journal (8') fastened to one of the two flanges (1, 1', 3) and a sleeve (15) fastened to the other flange (1, 1', 3). The sleeve is supported on the journal by an axially vaulted surface formed on a spherical ring (20) displaceably located on the journal. A high torque may be transmitted by the coupling even when the drive shaft is tilted with respect to the driven shaft by virtue of the fact that the spherical ring is supported in an axially displaceable manner with respect to the sleeve and that at least one compression spring (13) biases the spherical ring back into its initial position.

Abstract: A flexible coupling (11) is formed with a toroidal diaphragm (21-22) as its flexible member. A pair of half-toroids (21-22) are fixed to inner rings (25, 26) and outer rings (27, 28) in order to effect connections. The inner rings (25, 26) are connected, respectively, to drive shaft sections (13, 14). The outer rings (27, 28) are used to connect the half-toroids (21-22) to each other. Torque from one of the drive shaft sections (13) is passed through one of the inner rings (23), through one of the diaphragms (21) through the outer rings (27 and 28) to the other diaphragms (22), the other inner ring (26) and to the other drive shaft section (14). Advantages include increased flexibility of a flexible coupling of a type which uses no bearing parts.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for disposition between two rotating shafts to reduce transmission of vibration or to increase the torque and speed range of the coupling for a given level of vibration transmission comprises input and output members connectible to driving and driven shafts and interconnected by a spacer via coupling elements which are flexible in the plane of rotation by centrifugal force and by torque transmitted through the coupling, such that, over a range of speeds and torques the spacer is relatively rotatable to at least one member.A secondary coupling is also disclosed to render radially rigid a primary coupling comprising input and output members and coupling elements. The secondary coupling may comprise a bearing or a plain bearing, a multiple bearing or a cross links flexural pivot.

Abstract: The universal joint (10) comprises a first shaft (12) having a head (14) with an annular cavity (16) therein in communication with an opening (18) in face (20) of head (14). A second shaft (30) has a pair of spaced arms (32) each terminating in an ear (34). The ears (34) are captured within the recesses (44) of a plastic cage member (40) mounted within cavity (16) by a pin (26). Resilient inserts (50) exert biasing force against the ears (34) to preload the universal joint (10) and eliminate free lash.

Abstract: A coupling shaft couples driving and driven shafts which are subject to relative misalignment. The coupling shaft has crowned male polygonal profiles on both of its ends, and which ends mate directly with corresponding female polygonal profiles carried by the driving and driven shafts. The crowned male profiles permit the coupling arrangement to act in a hinge like manner to accommodate the misalignment. Non-metallic bushings and adapters may be interposed between the coupling shaft and the driving and driven shafts to eliminate metal to metal contact and to thereby eliminate fretting and metal wear which would otherwise occur.

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

Abstract: A flexible coupling for connecting two rotatable components, for example driving and driven shafts, to transmit torque from one of the components to the other and also to accommodate relative axial movement between the components comprises at least one torque transmitting element having a pair of integral limbs each connected to a respective one of the components via a bearing. The limbs extend in a generally radial direction relative to the axis of rotation of the coupling so as to be fixed relative to one another in a circumferential direction for transmitting torque but allow rotation of each limb about the axis of the other limb to accommodate axial movement between the components.

Abstract: A membrane type coupling has concentric input and output members, intermediate member and pair of spacers, the input and output members being connected to one each of the spacers, and the intermediate member being connected at either end to both spacers, by membrane packs. The connection between each spacer and at least one member comprising a pair of axially spaced packs. The coupling thus has lateral rigidity but angular and substantial axial flexibility.

Abstract: The device is intended for use in coupling together the ends of two spaced apart shafts. The device consists principally of two opposing coupling hubs interconnected by a flexible coupling member. The coupling hubs are identical. The outer surface of each hub is flat. The interior of each coupling hub shows an internal hub having an opening therethrough to receive the end of one shaft. A set screw is provided in the inner hub to further secure the coupling hub to the shaft. The outer wall of the coupling hub presents a scalloped appearance with the points of the scallops directed inwardly. The outer wall is spaced from the inner hub which has an outer vertical surface of saw-toothed configuration. There is an opening through the outer wall of the coupling hub so that an Allen wrench or like device may be inserted therethrough to turn the set screw. The flexible coupling member interconnecting the two coupling hubs has a smooth cylindrical central section with a flange on each end.

Abstract: A pair of rotatable members, one having a greater inside diameter than the outside diameter of the other are interconnected by flexible members extending tangentially to the first rotatable member from one location on the second rotatable member to a second location on the second rotatable member circumferentially spaced from the first location.The first rotatable member has a plurality of grooves for changing the axial location of each flexible member.

Abstract: The invention concerns a shaft coupling between a section rotating about an input axis and a section rotating about an output axis which permits an angle of flexure between input axis and output axis, incorporating: a first coupling half which is fastenable to the section rotating about the input axis, a second coupling half fastenable to the section rotating about the output axis and a number of flexible connecting elements which are arranged in a fashion so as to permit transmission of torsional moment between the first coupling half and the second coupling half.

Abstract: An anti-backlash double universal flexible coupling for providing positive and accurate angular positioning, constant rotational velocity and constant torque between an input driving shaft and an output driven shaft. The coupling includes universal pins supported by the driving and driven shafts and an intermediate coupling link comprising two coupling plates having bearing surfaces urged against the pins by a resilient element. The pins are maintained coplanar and parallel between the coupling plates.

Abstract: A hybrid straight and curved guide phase change coupling device in which end members rotatable on spaced parallel axes in opposed spaced relation are connected by an intermediate member having guide means constraining lateral motion of the intermediate member to a straight diametrical path with respect to one of the end members and to a curved path with respect to the other of the end members whereby a cyclic phase change or velocity ratio variation is provided during rotation of the two end members at identical overall cyclic speeds.

Abstract: An articulated coupling has two cylindrical half-couplings facing each other at their end faces. Recesses are formed in the end faces which recesses in which a cage is installed in the recesses with a clearance. Radial coaxial openings are formed in the cage and the half-couplings and rollers are installed in the coaxial openings with clearances. The half-couplings are provided with a device for holding the rollers in the openings.

Abstract: A flexible coupling comprising first and second hubs and a center member aligned on a longitudinal axis. At least one spool is also aligned on said axis. There is a plurality of discs forming at least three flexible joints between the hubs, center member and spool, wherein no more than two of the flexible joints permit both axial and angular misalignment, the remainder of the flexible joints including piloting means for eliminating angular misalignment while permitting axial misalignment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rotary power coupling comprising rotatable spaced-apart driving and driven members and a torque-transmitting coupling plate interposed therebetween. The coupling of the invention is of particular use in those applications wherein it is of value to isolate power train components and/or assemblies from certain operational strains imposed upon the power user. In a planetary gear winch assembly the coupling of the invention is located in the power train between the output of the final planetary gear speed reduction stage and the winch drum.

Abstract: A coupling for use in a transmission system and between rotary members which are arranged for driving engagement through axially engaging teeth thereon, the teeth being shaped to tend to disengage when normally driving in one direction, one of said members having two components connected by helical splines, the components being prevented from moving axially to disengage the teeth by a fusible element which will melt when temperature rises above a predetermined value, melting of said element permitting movement of the components axially to disengage the teeth and the helical splines permitting axial relative movement between the two components, when reverse rotation is taking place, to permit ratcheting of the teeth.

Abstract: A two-dimensional flexure gimbal-type coupling in which rectangular flexure members allow limited rotation about two mutually perpendicular intersecting axes. The coupling utilizes two pairs of flexure members arranged in two mutually perpendicular planes when unflexed, the planes intersecting along an axis lying between the flexure members of both pairs. Each pair of flexures are attached to respective spaced frame members along one edge. A coupling member is attached to the opposite edges of all the flexure members in such a manner that the edges of one pair of flexure members where attached to a frame member lie in a common plane with the edges of the other pair of flexure members where attached to the coupling member.

Abstract: A drive coupling is described which comprises a rubber article having a solid body section and a plurality of longitudinal ribs.