Intermeshing Teeth On Element And Members Patents (Class 464/154)
  • Patent number: 11920638
    Abstract: A generator shaft assembly including a primary shaft, a disconnect shaft housed within the primary shaft, where a first end of the disconnect shaft is configured to couple with the primary mover and a second end of the disconnect shaft is configured to mate with the generator. A retainer ring housed within the primary shaft having at least a landing and a groove on an inner surface thereof and a retainer member positioned between the landing of the retainer ring and an outer surface of the disconnect shaft configured to limit axial motion of the disconnect shaft relative to the primary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron Cooling, Glenn C. Lemmers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11054013
    Abstract: A gear tooth for a gear of a planetary gear device may include a profile modification that alters a profile of the gear tooth to reduce wear and noise. Aspects of the profile modification may include a planar surface that connects a tip surface of the gear tooth with a first or second side of the gear tooth. Other aspects of the profile modification may include a curved surface connecting a tip surface of the gear tooth with a first or second side of the gear tooth. The gear tooth may also include non-constant profile width as measured between the first side and the second side in a gear thickness direction extending between the top and bottom surfaces of the gear. Aspects of gear teeth with either or both the profile modification and non-constant profile width may reduce tooth wear and gear noise during operation of the planetary gear device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventors: Koki Hisai, Kazuki Yamada
  • Patent number: 10780978
    Abstract: A drive system for an aircraft landing gear is described. The drive system includes a drive pinion, a drive shaft arranged to rotate the drive pinion about a drive axis, and a casing which rotatably supports the drive shaft. The drive pinion is rotatably supported on the casing by a self-aligning bearing. The drive pinion is coupled to the drive shaft by a flexible coupling adapted to transfer torque between the drive pinion and the drive shaft and to permit tilting of the drive pinion relative to the drive axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Arnaud Didey, Fraser Wilson, Stephen Briancourt, Phillip Teague
  • Patent number: 10676178
    Abstract: A drive system for an aircraft landing gear, the drive system comprising: a pinion gear; a drive shaft arranged to rotate the pinion gear about a drive axis; a driven gear arranged to mesh with the pinion gear to be rotatable by the pinion gear, the driven gear being connectable to a wheel of the landing gear to be capable of rotating the wheel about a wheel axis; and a flexible interface comprising a crowned spline joint between the drive shaft and the pinion gear. The crowned spline joint is arranged to permit tilting of the pinion gear relative to the drive axis. In some embodiments a first spline joint between the drive shaft and the pinion gear is arranged to permit tilting of the pinion gear relative to the drive axis; and a second spline joint is arranged to permit translation of the pinion gear along the drive axis relative to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Arnaud Didey, Fraser Wilson
  • Patent number: 10609914
    Abstract: A gear mechanism for a fishing reel includes first and second gears. The first gear has first gear teeth including a first driving side face, and a first reverse side face opposite the first driving side face. The second gear has second gear teeth including a second driven side face that meshes with a respective first driving side faces, and a second reverse side face that faces a respective first reverse side face, and opposite the second driven side faces. At least one of each of the first reverse side faces and each of the second reverse side faces includes an interference prevention portion to prevent interference with the other of the opposing first reverse side faces and second reverse side faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takuji Takamatsu, Tetsuo Inoue, Kei Saito, Satoshi Ikebukuro
  • Patent number: 10272529
    Abstract: A connection system includes two connecting elements each having a respective connecting flange on which a plurality of coupling elements are arranged along a peripheral direction and which has a substantially round external profile; and a coupling belt, on which a plurality of opposing coupling elements are arranged which are configured to form a positive-locking connection with the coupling elements of the two connecting elements for the mutual rotation-proof fixing of the two connecting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Hermann Benthien, Andreas Poppe
  • Patent number: 9976602
    Abstract: A torque transmitting coupling for an electric submersible pump equipment string. A torque transmitting coupling system includes a first adapter including a first inner diameter mated to a first shaft rotatable about a first axis of rotation, and a first splined outer diameter mated to a splined coupling inner surface, a second adapter including a second inner diameter mated to a second shaft rotatable about a second axis of rotation, and a second splined outer diameter mated to the splined coupling inner surface, the first and second splined outer diameter at least partially spherical such that when the first axis of rotation moves with respect to the second axis of rotation, at least one of the splined outer diameters rock along the coupling inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Summit ESP, LLC
    Inventors: Larry James Parmeter, Jeffrey G. Frey
  • Patent number: 9951810
    Abstract: An electric submersible motor radial support bearing is described. An electric submersible motor includes a motor shaft extending longitudinally through a stator bore, the motor shaft bendable out of alignment with a longitudinal axis of the stator bore, a carrier keyed the stator bore, each rotor section of the motor separated from an adjacent rotor section by a roller bearing including a rounded roller cage between a rotatable inner race and a non-rotatable outer race, the inner race inward of the roller cage and rotatably secured to the motor shaft, the outer race having a curved inner diameter (ID) forming a roller cage socket, an outer diameter (OD) of the outer race non-rotatably secured to an ID of the carrier, the roller cage and outer race forming a spheroidal joint as the roller cage pivots off the longitudinal axis of the stator bore as the motor shaft bends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Summit ESP, LLC
    Inventors: Larry James Parmeter, Jeffrey G. Frey, Brett D. Leamy
  • Patent number: 9903418
    Abstract: An adapter for use in a power system having a first powertrain joined to a second powertrain by a coupling. The adapter may have a generally cylindrical body having a central bore formed therein that is configured to receive a shaft of the first powertrain, and splines formed at an end of the central bore. The adapter may also have a connection keyway formed within an outer annular surface of the generally cylindrical body and configured to receive a key that engages the coupling, and a balancing keyway formed within the outer annular surface of the generally cylindrical body and configured to remain empty to balance the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kurtis M. Best, Tobias James Toennies
  • Patent number: 9879733
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes coaxially a first rotary body including a first gear on a drive source side, a second rotary body including a second gear on a driven side, a third rotary body including a third gear movably held to transmit a driving force, and a guide member disposed at one of the first gear, the second gear, and the third gear to contact a first end surface of a gear tooth of another of the first gear, the second gear, and the third gear, serving as a mating gear, to guide the first end surface between teeth of the one of the first gear, the second gear, and the third gear. The guide member extends toward the mating gear and a tip of the guide member is placed at a distance from an end of the one of the gears in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Takagi, Naoyuki Suido, Keisuke Shimizu, Kimiharu Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9863483
    Abstract: A mechanical coupling group of two devices, includes coupling body having a hollow cylindrical central portion and a first flange destined to couple with a first device, and a second flange destined to couple with a second device, threaded means being provided with a broadened head for fixing each of the two flanges to the respective device, in which the second flange comprises at least three first equidistant recesses located on a circumference thereof, and having a larger diameter than a diameter of the broadened head, a cylindrical tract branching from each recess having a diameter that is identical to a diameter of the circumference on which the threaded means lie, less one half of the diameter thereof, and a second recess facing towards the first recess and having a smaller diameter than the broadened head of the threaded means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: ANNOVI REVERBERI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Pierluigi Argentino
  • Patent number: 9551413
    Abstract: A lubricated gear coupling for transmitting torque between an input shaft and an output shaft, comprising a first hub connected to the input shaft, the first hub comprising at least one gear tooth and a first raised edge, a second hub non-rotatably connected to the output shaft, the second hub comprising at least one gear tooth and a second raised edge, a sleeve gear comprising at least one gear tooth, wherein the first hub and the second hub are arranged within the sleeve gear, the gear tooth of the first hub and second hub corresponding with the gear tooth of the sleeve gear, wherein torque is transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft with axial, radial, and angular movement occurring between the first hub and the second hub and, a draining means arranged on the sleeve gear, wherein the lubricant can flow through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Renold PLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Alan Falkner
  • Patent number: 9382837
    Abstract: A supercharging system (6) for an internal combustion engine includes a turbo charging device with a turbine (7) and a compressor (8), the compressor having a compressor shaft (8a); a planetary gear (25) coupled to the compressor shaft (8a) and a drive shaft (32); a clutch unit (18); a power transmission for connecting a crank shaft (4) of the combustion engine (1) to the drive shaft (32) via the clutch unit (18); and an electric motor or electric generator (20) connected to the drive shaft (32). The compressor shaft (8a) is at least on one end movably arranged between the compressor (8) and the planetary gear (25) to allow relative movements between the compressor (8) and the planetary gear (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: KASI TECHNOLOGIES AB
    Inventor: Isak Lofgren
  • Patent number: 9200678
    Abstract: A gear coupling includes first and second inner cylinders, first and second outer cylinders, and first and second closing plates interposed between the first and second inner cylinders and closing inner end faces of the first and second outer cylinders. In the first closing plate, one or a plurality of through-holes communicating with a device outer side of the first closing plate from a first grease chamber surrounded by the first inner cylinder, the first outer cylinder, and the first closing plate are formed. In the second closing plate, one or a plurality of through-holes communicating with a device outer side of the second closing plate from a second grease chamber surrounded by the second inner cylinder, the second outer cylinder, and the second closing plate are formed. Plugging members closing the through-holes are fitted to the through-holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinsaku Maeda
  • Patent number: 9169853
    Abstract: An arrangement of a basic transmission and an add-on module having a module housing. The basic transmission has a driveshaft with a central axial bore for the supply of a lubricating oil stream and the add-on module has a connecting shaft mounted in the module housing by way of at least one roller bearing. The driveshaft and the connecting shaft are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner by a plug-in connection, and the plug-in connection and the at least one roller bearing are supplied with lubricating oil, by way of the central axial bore of the driveshaft. The lubricating oil stream can be divided into at least two flow streams in such manner that a respective flow-stream can pass to the at least one roller bearing and to the plug-in connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Rayk Gersten
  • Patent number: 8714806
    Abstract: An input shaft of a sealed kneading apparatus and an output shaft of a drive apparatus can be coupled together in a mutually eccentric state of both shafts and the apparatus life is prolonged. A coupling apparatus 6 for coupling between an input shaft 16 of a batch type kneading apparatus 1 and an output shaft 19 of a drive apparatus 2 for driving the kneading apparatus 1, the coupling apparatus 6 comprising a gear coupling section 5, the gear coupling section 5 being capable of coupling the input shaft 16 of the batch type kneading apparatus 1 and the output shaft 19 of the drive apparatus 2 with each other in a mutually eccentric state of both shafts, gears 24 meshing with other so as to slide relatively in the face width direction with rotation of the gear coupling section 5, and an oil bath type lubricating section 46 for lubricating the gears 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Naoi, Toshio Ujihara, Katsunobu Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 8523688
    Abstract: A hanger bearing coupling includes a bearing for supporting a shaft, the bearing including an inner race mounted onto the shaft, the bearing mounted between at least two hub assemblies mounted one on either side of the bearing on the shaft; and a hanger including an opening for receiving the bearing there through for operably connecting the bearing to the hanger. Each hub assembly including an inner flex hub mounted to the shaft and an outer flex hub resiliently mounted to the inner flex hub wherein the outer flex hubs are adapted to connect to tubular shafts which may be longitudinally misaligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Stewart
  • Patent number: 8312613
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a percussion drilling assembly, the method including providing a tubular case having a central axis and a lower end with an inner surface and an outer surface, providing a driver sub having a central axis, an outer surface, and an upper end, providing a annular locking member including an annular body, an inner finger extending radially inward from the body, and a first outer finger extending radially outward from the body, positioning the annular locking member about the driver sub, and threading the upper end of the driver sub to the lower end of the case. The inner surface of the lower end includes internal threads and the outer surface of the lower end includes a groove. The outer surface of the upper end includes external threads and the outer surface axially below the outer includes a groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J Marshall
  • Patent number: 7717397
    Abstract: An actuator for use in a fuel system. The actuator has a first metallic section adapted to be coupled to a motor, a second metallic section adapted to be coupled to a valve, and a nonmetallic section coupled to the first and second metallic sections for transmitting torque from the first metallic section to the second metallic section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Campany, David B. Welch, Andrew L. Vasquez
  • Patent number: 6877927
    Abstract: A shaft coupler to connect two coaxial segments of a drive shaft. Each segment includes a tongue, which tongues complement each other to transmit torque and resist axial separation. A bearing surface on each tongue lies within the locking angle of their material so as to resist lateral separation of the segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Weir Floway, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Paulin, Ross T. Gault
  • Patent number: 6702680
    Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling device having two hubs with jaws extending from each hub toward the other hub. A flexible elastomeric belt or cushions fill the gaps between adjacent pairs of jaws. A retaining ring is mounted around the belt or cushions to keep the belt or cushions securely in place. There are a plurality of locking pins adjacent to the edges of the retaining ring and preferably on the interior surface of the ring. These are received in grooves cut in the exterior surface of the belt. When the retaining ring is placed over the belt, the belt is retained between the locking pins. Raised portions or nubs are placed at the entrance and exits of the grooves so that when the ring is rotated with respect to the belt, the locking pins pass over the nubs to securely lock the retaining ring around the edges of the belt. Alternatively the edges of the belt or cushions are tapered to engage the pins in locking engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Lovejoy, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Sullivan, Daniel R. Fagan
  • Patent number: 6671475
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism for transmitting rotation of a driving source in a main body to an object mounted on the main body for receiving the rotation, the transmission mechanism comprising a plurality of couplings provided at different positions along an axial direction of a rotating axis; wherein each of the couplings comprises, a male coupling member having a plurality of protrusions provided at an identical internal on an outer circumferential surface of the rotating axis; and a female coupling member having a plurality of protrusions for engaging with the male coupling's protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunori Katada, Masami Maruko, Naoto Tokutake, Takehito Hiraga, Satoshi Hamaya, Susumu Tashiro
  • Publication number: 20030153390
    Abstract: A seal for a mass transit power transmission coupling. The seal is made at least partially of a polymeric material and configured such that the sealing surface moves radially outward under the centrifugal force created by rotation of the coupling beyond a predetermined speed. When the rotational speed of the coupling drops below the predetermined speed, the sealing surface moves radially inward and seals the coupling to prevent loss of the oil lubrication typically used on such couplings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: Akron Rubber Development Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: C. Robert Samples
  • Patent number: 6595893
    Abstract: A motorized gear reducer wherein a first external gear 41 is mounted on an input rotary shaft 11 coupled to a driving motor 3 and wherein a second external gear 43 is capable of engaging with the first external gear. The front end portion 63 of the first external gear side of the input rotary shaft is unable to make a relative rotation with respect to the input rotary shaft but made movable in the axial direction of the input rotary shaft. The front end portion thereof movably axially engages with the first external gear. The front end portion and the first external gear are allowed to select one of the conditions including making an integral rotation and freely making relative rotations in accordance with the axial movement of the front end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Teijin Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sukeo Takayama, Michiaki Yatabe, Shigeru Takai
  • Patent number: 6524191
    Abstract: An inverted coupling for transmitting power between the shafts of an electric motor and a gear box pinion includes sleeve ring gears mounted on the respective shafts for rotation therewith and each sleeve ring gear having internal gear teeth that intermesh with the outer coupling teeth of coupling members that partially underlap the sleeve ring gears and are axially aligned therewith. A center flange is circumjacently mounted on the coupling members for transmitting torque between the sleeve ring gear coupling member pair drivingly mounted on the motor shaft and the sleeve ring gear coupling member pair drivingly mounted on the gear pinion shaft. The sleeve ring gears axially move concurrent with the axial motion of the motor and gear pinion shafts and stay in intermeshing engagement with the respective coupling members for maintaining torque transmission between the electric motor and the gear pinion box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: James O. Tennies
  • Patent number: 6467565
    Abstract: A joint is sub-assembled on a front wheel propeller shaft side of a vehicle by integrally fitting one end of the joint to one end of the front wheel propeller shaft and covering the connection portion with a boot. This arrangement provides a shaft drive mechanism capable of easily assembling a propeller shaft with a pinion gear via a joint. The leading end side of the joint is fitted on a small-diameter boss of a pinion gear supported by a front wheel gear case. The joint is spline-connected so that it is integrally rotatably connected to the boss of the pinion gear. A C-shaped clip previously mounted on the small-diameter boss is engaged on the joint side in order to prevent the spline of the joint from slipping off from the spline of the pinion gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Gokyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akio Handa, Bunzo Seki
  • Patent number: 6283869
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toothed coupling, especially a double toothed coupling, for rail vehicles, essentially consisting of a coupling housing (2) and at least one coupling component (3, 4) fitted inside the coupling housing (2), the coupling component has first teeth (9, 10) in its peripheral region (7) and the coupling housing has second teeth (11, 12) in its peripheral region (8) which form engaging teeth (13, 14) with the first teeth of the coupling component (3, 4) which are movable in relation to one another, and there is at least one annular disk-shaped support cover (21, 22) protecting the engaging teeth (13, 14) at the respective faces (19, 20) between the coupling housing (2) and the coupling component (3, 4). A toothed coupling is to be provided in which an exchange of media and, with the coupling rotating, irregular running, imbalance and wear of the sealing elements is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: KWD Kupplungswerk Dresden GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Spensberger
  • Patent number: 6171197
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for coupling the torque transmission between a primary shaft and a receiving shaft to enable an angular and/or radial misalignment and/or an axial displacement between the two shafts, comprising two hubs (2) each provided with an external toothing (3) normally symmetrically convex with respect to a symmetrical plane (4) and a sleeve tube (7) having an internal toothing (8) co-operating with each external toothing (3) and capable of sliding longitudinally on them, limit stop means (9) being arranged in a ring-shaped space (10) between a wall (11) bearing the external toothing (3) and part (12) of at least of one of the hubs (2) and comprising a ring-shaped stop (15) fixed to the hub (2) in the symmetrical plane (4) and, at least on one side of the stop (15), a stop pin (16, 17) associated with the stop (15), arranged in the shape of a ring of the same diameter as that of the stop (15), perpendicular to the axis (18) of the sleeve tube (7), and fixed to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Esco Transmissions
    Inventor: Paul Egide Boucquey
  • Patent number: 6159102
    Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling device having two hubs with teeth extending from each hub toward the other hub. The teeth are in parallel alignment and spaced from each other. A flexible elastomeric belt fills the gaps between adjacent pairs of teeth. A retainer band is mounted around the belt to keep the belt securely in place. A locating pin on the interior surface of the band is received in a J-shaped groove cut in the exterior of the belt. This releasably locks the band in place around the belt. In an alternate embodiment, the J-shaped groove is replaced with a first groove extending across the belt and a pair of oppositely extending perpendicular grooves intersecting the first groove. This configuration allows the band to be slid onto the coupling from either end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Lovejoy, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Hennessey, Jose Florian B. Barin
  • Patent number: 6093106
    Abstract: The tooth shape at around the pitch circle of the outer tooth gear of the pinion to be connected to the prime mover or driven shaft has a tooth surface which is in axial direction at around the central portion of the tooth width and which contacts at around the tooth width end at the allowable displacement angle and the backlash is made small and the outer tooth gear of the pinion is crowned in to an exponential function curve. The precession vibration and the torsional vibration at a high speed rotation can be suppressed because of the small backlash. The crowning curve is exponential function which causes the contacting point to move toward the tooth width end as the displacement increases and the radius of curvature becomes larger as the point on the curve approaches to the tooth width end, so that even when the contacting gear number decreases when displaced, the increase in the contacting stress is suppressed and a larger power can be transmitted as compared to the conventional design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Junichi Shigeura
  • Patent number: 6050521
    Abstract: A releasable coupling for a power transmission line to a tail rotor of a foldable-tail-section helicopter, the coupling having a first and a second coupling assembly fitted respectively to the body and the tail of the helicopter, and which cooperate with each other when the tail is in the work position; the two coupling assemblies having respective transmission members in turn having respective radial toothings cooperating telescopically with each other, and respective conical male and female lead-in members which are brought into contact with each other prior to the respective toothings to guide connection of the transmission members; at least one of the transmission members being supported orientably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Finmeccanica S.p.A
    Inventor: Roberto Regonini
  • Patent number: 6024644
    Abstract: A flexible coupling of the type having hubs secured to aligned shafts and connected to one another through the use of a flexible belt surrounding the hubs is improved by forming axial and circumferential grooves on the exterior surface of the belt, each circumferential groove lying transverse to and opening into an axial groove. A cooperating metal retainer ring has respective pins formed on its interior surface for insertion into the axial grooves. After a test for gross misalignment has been satisfied, the respective pins are rotated into the circumferential grooves, thereby fixing the retainer ring in position with respect to the flexible belt and coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventors: Raymond Earl Hoyt, III, Jerry L. Hauck, Tom Artunian
  • Patent number: 6019684
    Abstract: A flexible coupling having hubs secured to aligned shafts and connected to one another through the use of a flexible belt surrounding the hubs is improved by forming axial and circumferential grooves on the exterior surface of the belt, each circumferential groove lying transverse to and opening into an axial groove. A cooperating metal retainer band has respective pins formed on its interior surface for insertion into the axial grooves and rotation into the circumferential grooves, thereby fixing the retainer band in position with respect to the flexible belt and coupling. Retention of the retainer band pin within the circumferential groove is insured by displacing the center line of the axial groove from a plane perpendicularly bisecting an underlying projection of the flexible belt and by lengthening the circumferential groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventors: Raymond E. Hoyt, III, Jerry L. Hauck, Tom Artunian
  • Patent number: 6009609
    Abstract: A drive line conversion process that utilizes the same drive and driven components for a full time all-wheel drive as a selectable two-wheel/four-wheel drive. A coupler or clutch ring which connects a drive member to a driven member is retained in position to maintain full time engagement with the drive and driven member. A retainer is provided to secure the clutch ring in full time engagement with both the drive and driven member. This reduces engineering and production costs by using the same drive train for both drive applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Warn Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry L. Hanno
  • Patent number: 5911630
    Abstract: The flexible gear coupling comprises a seal member 14 axially slidably disposed on the outer circumference surface of the connection portion 13b of the pinion 13, the each opposite end of the seal member 14 having a spherical seal surface 14a of the predetermined radius r having its center at the position A at which the central axis A1 of the width of the outer teeth gear 13a of the pinion 13 crosses the axis A2 and abutting with an abutting surface 15a of the end cover 15 and a spring member 17 disposed on the outer circumference side of the connection portion 13b of the pinion 13 for urging the seal member 14 against the abutting surface 15a of the end cover 15 at the predetermined force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Junichi Shigeura
  • Patent number: 5908355
    Abstract: A flexible coupling of the type having hubs secured to aligned shafts and connected to one another through the use of a flexible belt surrounding the hubs is improved by forming axial and circumferential grooves on the exterior surface of the belt, each circumferential groove lying transverse to and opening into an axial groove. A cooperating metal retainer ring has respective pins formed on its interior surface for insertion into the axial grooves. After a test for gross misalignment has been satisfied, the respective pins are rotated into the circumferential grooves, thereby fixing the retainer ring in position with respect to the flexible belt and coupling. The belt further has nine wedge-shaped projections, each conformably fitting with a receptacle in a cooperating hub, each receptacle rotatable into a position where it lies vertically above the shaft on which the hub is mounted, each receptacle further providing inside diameter support to the belt through its mating relation ship therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventors: Raymond Earl Hoyt, III, Jerry L. Hauck, Tom Artunian
  • Patent number: 5738585
    Abstract: A flexible coupling of the type having hubs secured to aligned shafts and connected to one another through the use of a flexible belt surrounding the hubs is improved by forming axial and circumferential grooves on the exterior surface of the belt, each circumferential groove lying transverse to and opening into an axial groove. A cooperating metal retainer ring has respective pins formed on its interior surface for insertion into the axial grooves. After a test for gross misalignment has been satisfied, the respective pins are rotated into the circumferential grooves, thereby fixing the retainer ring in position with respect to the flexible belt and coupling. The belt further has nine wedge-shaped projections, each conformably fitting with a receptacle in a cooperating hub, each receptacle rotatable into a position where it lies vertically above the shaft on which the hub is mounted, each receptacle further providing inside diameter support to the belt through its mating relationship therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventors: Raymond Earl Hoyt, III, Jerry L. Hauck, Tom Artunian
  • Patent number: 5679076
    Abstract: A flexible gear coupling which stirs the enclosed lubricant to extend the life of the lubricant. A stirring device is made of elastic material and has a first part which is fixed either to a sleeve or a pinion and a movable part which is moved by centrifugal force. The movable portion moves in the inner peripheral direction of the sleeve when the rotary shaft moves the gears. The movable portion is positioned within the enclosed lubricant. When the speed of the rotary shaft changes, the movable portion changes position and also moves the lubricant so as to gradually mix the lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Junichi Shigeura
  • Patent number: 5595541
    Abstract: A flexible coupling for two shafts rotatable generally about the same axis and having juxtaposed ends has respective end fittings fixed on the shaft ends and each having a radially outwardly directed outer surface, an elastically compressible sleeve having an inner surface engaging both outer surfaces and a radially outwardly directed outer surface and axially oppositely directed end surfaces, and rigid structure including at least one ring engaging the outer and end surfaces of the sleeve. A system is provided for pressing the structure against the outer and end surfaces of the sleeve for pressing the inner sleeve surface against the outer fitting surfaces with a variable force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: P.I.V. S.A.
    Inventor: Jean Ducugnon
  • Patent number: 5522714
    Abstract: A driving mechanism for driving a gear pump of a dual drive type having two shafts comprises a reversing gear having a pair of output shafts which rotate respectively in opposite directions at the same rotating speed, and a pair of gear couplings connecting the gear pump to the reversing gear. One of the pair of gear couplings comprises: a shaft, a first coupling head disposed on one end of the shaft, and a second coupling head disposed on the other end of the shaft. The number z.sub.1 of teeth of the component external spur gears and internal spur gears of the first coupling head is not equal to the number z.sub.2 of teeth of the component external spur gears and internal spur gears of the second coupling head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Taiji Orimo, Masashi Konno, Shinichi Fukumizu, Nobuki Nagami, Jun Yamanaka, Toru Yomogida
  • Patent number: 5382194
    Abstract: A yieldable coupling wherein an externally toothed hub which can transmit torque to a rotary driven unit mates with an internally toothed sleeve forming part of a flange further having a support connectable to the output element of a rotary driving unit and an elastomeric connector between the support and the sleeve. The connector can include one or more rubber rings which are vulcanized to the adjacent components of the flange. A needle bearing or a friction bearing can be interposed between the hub and the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: KTR Kupplungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Scherner, Reinhard Wibbeling, Josef Schurhorster
  • Patent number: 5360376
    Abstract: A coupling device for transmitting torque between two rotating drive shaft segments. The coupling device includes a locking mechanism for preventing axial excursions of the drive shaft segments relative to one another when the drive shaft segments are coupled and transmitting torque. The coupling device, furthermore, provides a means for quick disconnect of the drive shaft segments when the transmission of torque is no longer desired and decoupling is preferred. The coupling device, additionally, includes a guide pin and sleeve arrangement for piloting the drive shaft segments during coupling. A drive system is also provided which includes a flexible coupling for accommodating axial and angular misalignment of the drive shaft segments relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Neil F. Baldino
  • Patent number: 5295911
    Abstract: A flexible coupling for joining two shafts having teeth of a first hub overlapping with teeth of a second hub, the teeth being engaged by projections of a split flexible belt wrapped around the coupling and held in place by a retainer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventors: Raymond E. Hoyt, III, Jerry L. Hauck, Tom Artunian
  • Patent number: 5286232
    Abstract: An annular propeller shaft (10) for transmitting torque from an automotive ehicle transfer case to the rear axle of the vehicle, the propeller shaft having an internal spline (16) which receives an externally splined portion (18a) of a drive shaft (18) at its torque input end and which is adapted to receive an externally splined portion of a slip yoke of a universal joint at its torque output end. The torque input end and a major portion of the length of the propeller shaft are surrounded by an internally lubricated housing (12), and the drive shaft is rotatingly support with respect to the housing by a ball bearing (20). The propeller shaft is rotatingly sealed with respect to the housing by a seal (32) and is rotatingly supported with respect to the housing by a sealed for life, internally lubricated ball bearing (28) which is positioned outboard of the seal. The outboard ball bearing is protected from contamination from external debris by an annular sheet metal guard housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive Diversified Transmission Products Corporation
    Inventor: Jack F. Engle
  • Patent number: 5255895
    Abstract: A gear transmission for a lifting machine has at least a one step cylindrical gear transmission rotatably carried at least partly inside a rope drum. The cylindrical gear transmission and a planetary gear transmission are coupled to constitute a combined gear transmission at least partly located inside a cylindrical shell, with the combined transmission being located within the rope drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Kone Oy
    Inventor: Olavi Jussilla
  • Patent number: 5139460
    Abstract: A flexible coupling of the type having hubs secured to aligned shafts and connected to one another through the use of a belt surrounding the hubs and engaging teeth on the hubs is improved by forming projections on the interior of the belt which engage complementary receptacles on the hub teeth to prevent the hubs from moving apart in the direction transverse to their rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Inventors: Raymond E. Hoyt, III, Jerry L. Hauck, Tom Artunian
  • Patent number: 4969371
    Abstract: A hob or shaper cutter for making a hub for a misalignment gear coupling having a hub and a sleeve. The hob or shaper cutter has cutting edges. Each cutting edge being inclined at a different angle to the center line of the tooth. The cutting edges are adapted to cut tooth flank surfaces having three adjacent involute shaped areas. Each involute shaped area having a different pressure angle than the involute area adjacent it. The involute areas of each tooth result in teeth with flanks that are generally cylindrical shaped, whereby hub treeth operate with a minimum of interferfence with sleeve teeth when operating with the hub misaligned with the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Renold, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward E. Allen
  • Patent number: 4925434
    Abstract: A tensioning device is provided for selecting and imparting torsional bias to a shaft and simultaneously providing a shock absorbing mechanism, the device including a first hub member selectively connectable to the shaft, a second hub member rotatable wiht respect to the first hub member, a torsion coupling of elastomeric material connected at a first end to the first hub and at the other end to the second hub, and a locking mechanism to lock the second hub to a stationary frame member when the desired torque has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Martin Engineering Co.
    Inventors: R. Todd Swinderman, David W. Mueller
  • Patent number: 4913681
    Abstract: A gear coupling adapted to be capable of absorbing torsional shock loads between a power driven shaft 1 and a power drive shaft 2 comprises a drive member 3 and driven member 4 which extend from two sides into, and engage with, hollow intermediate member 5 so that the three members rotate in unison. The driven member 3 and preferably also the drive member 4 engage the intermediate member 5 by helical gear teeth 3B, 5A, 4B, 5B and a resilient member 6 such as a bank of disc springs is present between the drive member and the intermediate member. The coupling is arranged do that under the influence of a torsional shock load, the resultant axial separating force urges the intermediate member against the bias of the springs, to thereby reduce any damaging effects of the shock load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Inventor: Paul C. Green
  • Patent number: 4911678
    Abstract: A coupling including a seal which has an outer periphery that is adapted to be pressed into the inner periphery of a hollow cylindrical sleeve of a gear coupling. An annular flange is integrally attached to the ring and the flange extends radially inwardly and toward and is adapted to underlie the external teeth on the hub of the coupling. The flange terminates in an inwardly directed sealing surface that is adapted to sealingly engage an external cylindrical surface on the hub. The sealing surface on the flange is adapted to be disposed on a plane passing through the center of curvature of the tips of the hub teeth perpendicular to the central axis of the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Renold, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Quirk, Edward E. Allen