Abstract: A power tool includes an elongated shaft forming a handle constructed of a non-conductive material and a tool head located at one end of the handle. The tool head includes a working element and a driven shaft configured to drive the working element. A powerhead located at an opposite end of the handle and includes an input shaft. A driveshaft extends between the tool head and the powerhead. The driveshaft is rotatably coupled to the input shaft and the driven shaft to transfer torque from the powerhead to the working element of the tool head. At least a portion of the driveshaft extending between the powerhead and the working element is constructed of a non-conductive material to inhibit transmission of electricity from the working element to the powerhead.

Abstract: A sealing device includes a mounted part to be mounted to the inner peripheral surface of the shaft hole, a cylindrical part disposed radially inside the mounted part, a seal lip portion extending from the cylindrical part and in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rotational shaft, a bellows part connecting the mounted part and the cylindrical part, and an annular sliding member made of a resin and disposed radially inside the cylindrical part, the outer peripheral surface of the rotational shaft being slidable on the annular sliding member.

Abstract: A window treatment retention system may include a roller shade assembly and one or more retention brackets that at least partially enclose the roller shade assembly and do not interfere with operation of the roller shade assembly. The retention brackets may be configured to absorb an impact force associated with detachment of the roller shade assembly from a mounted position. The retention brackets may deflect upon absorbing the impact force, and may limit displacement of the detached roller shade assembly from the mounted position. The retention brackets may deflect such that the roller shade assembly does not pass through openings defined by the retention brackets. The retention brackets may deflect such that the width of at least one of the openings defined by the retention brackets does not expand beyond a distance that is equivalent to the diameter of a roller tube of the roller shade assembly.

Abstract: A rotor shaft cap for a gas turbine has a disk-shaped body defining a first axial face, a second axial face, and an outer radial face. The disk-shaped body has a first annular jaw provided on the first axial face. The first annular jaw includes a plurality of teeth projecting from the first axial face. A plurality of apertures are defined by the disk-shaped body, each aperture of the plurality of apertures extends through the disk-shaped body along an axial direction.

Abstract: A fluid injection system includes a valve device and a valve actuation device. The valve device has a valve member and a valve member coupling. The valve member has an open position that permits fluid to pass through and a closed position that prevents fluid from passing through. The valve member coupling is configured, when actuated, to transition the valve member between the open and closed positions. The valve actuation device having a valve actuation coupling and a drive mechanism. The valve actuation coupling is coupled to the valve member coupling and drive mechanism. The valve actuation coupling is movable independent of the drive mechanism to couple the valve actuation coupling to the valve member coupling. And, the valve actuation coupling is movable with the drive mechanism to actuate the valve member coupling to transition the valve member between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A system for fastening two components is disclosed having a mechanical connection device including two tenons that each extend from an opposite face of an interposed plate, each of the tenons having two appendages forming coupling arms, each appendage being positioned on either side of the tenon. The appendages of one tenon being positioned in a different longitudinal direction than the appendages of the other tenon, each appendage having a coupling component to connect to a device for locking the tenons and two end fittings that each have a slot in which each of the tenons of the connection device is able to be fitted, each appendage protruding out of the slot on either side thereof.

Abstract: A power tool includes an elongated shaft forming a handle and a tool head located at one end of the handle. The tool head includes a working element and a driven shaft configured to drive the working element. A powerhead located at an opposite end of the handle and includes an input shaft. A driveshaft extends between the tool head and the powerhead. The driveshaft is rotatably coupled to the input shaft and the driven shaft to transfer torque from the powerhead to the working element of the tool head. At least a portion of the driveshaft extending between the powerhead and the working element is constructed of a non-conductive material to inhibit transmission of electricity from the working element to the powerhead.

Abstract: A system for and method of separating oil from crankcase air is provided. The system includes replacing a standard shaft, such as a water pump shaft, with a breather shaft of the present invention and venting crankcase air through the breather shaft to an outside volume of air, such as in an air box. The breather shaft includes a centrifuge positioned within an interior volume of the crankcase and a first portion extending from the centrifuge through a wall of the crankcase. The centrifuge defines a plurality of inlet passageways extending from an outer surface of the centrifuge towards an interior area of the centrifuge. The first portion of the breather shaft defines a venting passageway extending from the interior area of the centrifuge to a vent opening at a distal end of the breather shaft.

Abstract: Rotating equipment includes driver equipment, driven equipment and a rotating shaft coupling. The driver equipment includes a driver support connected to a stationary driver shaft, and also includes a driver arranged on the driver support with a driving shaft to rotate and provide a rotational torque. The driven equipment includes a driven unit support connected to a stationary driven unit shaft, and also includes a driven unit arranged on the driven unit support with a driven shaft to respond to the rotational torque and rotate. The rotating shaft coupling couples the driving shaft to the driven shaft and applies the rotational torque from the driving shaft to the driven shaft. The stationary driver shaft couples to the stationary driven unit shaft to provide a static torque load to counteract the rotational torque applied from the driving shaft to the driven shaft during operation.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine in which a long length-to-diameter (L/D) flexible shaft is used to connect two high speed shafts in order to tolerate misalignment. In order to reduce the overall system length, a smaller diameter flexible shaft is contained within but not in contact with a larger diameter primary turbomachinery shaft such that the smaller flexible shaft adjoins to the primary shaft aft of the primary shaft bearing. This design reduces a length of the overall system and reduces additional cost associated with a flex bellows or spline.

Abstract: A vehicular breather device through which an inside space of a casing accommodating a power transmitting system of a vehicle is open to an outside atmosphere outside the casing, the vehicular breather device including: a second shaft rotated with a rotary motion of a first shaft of the power transmitting system transmitted thereto through a power transmitting member, the second shaft being accommodated within the casing, having a breather chamber formed therethrough, and being disposed so as not to contribute to transmission of a vehicle drive force through the power transmitting system; and a breather disposed so as to extend through a communication hole formed through the casing, for communication between the breather chamber and the outside atmosphere outside the casing.

Abstract: A system for hydraulically fracturing an underground formation in an oil or gas well, including a pump for pumping hydraulic fracturing fluid into the wellbore, the pump having a pump shaft, and an electric motor with a motor shaft mechanically attached to the pump to drive the pump. The system further includes a torsional coupling connecting the motor shaft to the pump shaft. The torsional coupling includes a motor component fixedly attached to the motor shaft and having motor coupling claws extending outwardly away from the motor shaft, and a pump component fixedly attached to the pump shaft of the pump and having pump coupling claws extending outwardly away from the pump shaft. The motor coupling claws engage with the pump coupling claws so that when the motor shaft and motor component rotate, such rotation causes the pump component and the pump shaft to rotate, thereby driving the pump.

Abstract: An articulating grease shield has a plurality of ring members, wherein each ring member has a central opening through which an axle is positioned through, the central opening allowing for each of the ring members to move freely with articulation of the axle and to form a barrier to keep a lubricant within a constant velocity joint.

Abstract: A driveshaft containment system and a method of its use. In preferred embodiments, the invention takes the form of a two component system including a first component mounted to a device such as a differential housing, coupled to driveshaft, and a second component comprising a tubular driveshaft containment housing. A driveshaft containment ring is preferably mounted to the forward end of the tubular housing which in turn is provided with a mechanism at its rearward end for rotationally engaging and disengaging the first component. The first and second components are also provided with a mechanism for preventing relative rotational movement of the first and second components while engaged with one another.

Abstract: A flexible shaft assembly that transfers torque from a driver to a driven member includes a stub shaft that includes an elongated shaft axis, where the stub shaft couples to the driver, and a flexible coupling that includes a first hub that is adjustably connected to a second hub, where the second hub is coupled to the driven member and includes an external cylindrical interface. The flexible shaft assembly further includes a spacer that includes a spacer body, a shaft clearance hole that passes through the spacer body having a central axis extending therethrough, and a cylindrical guide surface concentric with the shaft clearance hole, where the external cylindrical interface of the flexible coupling is located inside the cylindrical guide surface, and the first hub adjusts relative to the second hub when the elongated shaft axis is out of alignment with the central axis of the shaft clearance hole.

Abstract: A powered hand tool is adapted to use a variety of interchangeable rotary tools to assist in outdoor activities. Either of two basic tool designs can be utilized for activities including garden tilling, brushing and cleaning, auguring or post hole digging, and auto finishing and polishing. In one embodiment, an adjustable shroud is utilized along with a tiller construction to change the viewing angle of the working tiller tines to facilitate use by operators of different heights, including a kneeling position. The ability to utilize tow torque and low speed assists in avoiding accidental damage to underground wires and, if encountered, the reversibility of the drive assists in untangling the wires.

Abstract: Provided is a rotation drive device including a shaft member extending in a first direction, and a rotating object configured to allow the shaft member to be inserted in the rotating object, and configured to rotate around an axis of rotation extending in the first direction relative to the shaft member. Opposite ends of the shaft member are fixedly joined to respective inner surfaces of a first partition wall and a second partition wall located on the opposite sides in the first direction of the rotating object.

Abstract: A shaft coupling guard is used to cover a shaft coupling that couples a main shaft of a prime mover and a main shaft of a driven apparatus as a rotatable apparatus driven by the prime mover. The shaft coupling guard includes a guard main body formed so as to extend in a direction along an axis and having a tubular shape for circumferentially covering the shaft coupling. The guard main body includes a guard main body upper portion, and a guard main body lower portion configured to be detachable from the guard main body upper portion. The shaft coupling guard further includes a leg portion formed integrally with the guard main body and configured to support the guard main body.

Abstract: A driveline shield system having a cap disposed to releasably engage a bearing mounted adjacent a drive shaft. The cap supports a tubular guard or shield in a coaxial position relative to the drive shaft. One or more lugs on the bearing are disposed to seat in corresponding slots formed in the cap. When the lugs are seated in the slots, rotation of the cap relative to the bearing causes the bearing and the cap to engage one another. A U-shaped clip is pivotally mounted to the cap and rotatable between a first position in which the clip extends into the slot and secures the lugs in engagement with the cap and a second release position in which the clip is retracted from the slot, thereby permitting relative rotation between the cap and bearing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cap that will act as a grease retention feature and venting system, while allowing crash optimization of a propeller shaft with a plunging constant velocity joint. The cap is located between a constant velocity joint and a tube of the propeller shaft system. The cap includes: a rim sealed against the inner diameter of the constant velocity joint, an interior vent chamber, a vent hole facing the interior components of the constant velocity joint and leading to the vent chamber, and an annular radial groove along the entire circumference connected to the vent chamber. The outer race has a hole perpendicular to the joint axis to complete venting to the atmosphere. In the event of a vehicle crash, the constant velocity internal joint components contact the device, causing the device to dislodge from its fixed position, contact the friction weld curls and fracture at a determined load.

Abstract: A motor adapter includes a frame having a first end adapted for mounting to a motor and a second end adapted for mounting to a rotatably driven machine. The frame includes an adjustable reaction point.

Abstract: Embodiments of a safety guard, fit concentrically over a rotating member, such as a rod assembly, which extends outwardly from apparatus, such as a drive head. The guard may be restrained during normal operation for preventing entanglement of personnel or other apparatus with the rod assembly which continues to rotate within the tubular guard, or may be unrestrained during normal operation. When unrestrained, the guard is free to co-rotate with the rod assembly, but has a low moment of inertia such that the guard decelerates rapidly when restrained so as to prevent entanglement. An anti-friction interface between the guard and the rod assembly is formed by the material of manufacture of the guard itself or by bearings or bushings supported in an annulus between the guard and the rod assembly.

Abstract: A cardan joint assembly and a cardan joint protector device are provided. The device includes a U-shaped bracket having an arcuate-shaped portion and first and second end portions extending from opposite ends of the arcuate-shaped portion. The first and second end portions have first and second apertures, respectively, extending therethrough. The device further includes a first elongated plate portion extending from the first end portion of the U-shaped bracket and further extending generally outwardly relative to a longitudinal axis. The first elongated plate portion at least partially covers a needle bearing of a cardan joint. The device further includes an attachment portion attached to a top edge of the first elongated plate portion that has a distal end that is disposed in a groove of a gear clamp yoke of the cardan joint.

Abstract: A driveshaft containment system and a method of its use. In preferred embodiments, the invention takes the form of a two component system including a first component mounted to a device such as a differential housing, coupled to driveshaft, and a second component comprising a tubular driveshaft containment housing. A driveshaft containment ring is preferably mounted to the forward end of the tubular housing which in turn is provided with a mechanism at its rearward end for rotationally engaging and disengaging the first component. The first and second components are also provided with a mechanism for preventing relative rotational movement of the first and second components while engaged with one another.

Abstract: An example shaft support includes a cylindrical body establishing a bore extending along an axis. The bore is configured to receive a shaft. Openings are provided in the cylindrical body and distributed circumferentially about the axis. The openings are positioned radially outward of the bore. Each of the openings has a cross-sectional area. The ratio of a total cross sectional area of the openings to a diameter of the cylindrical body is between 0.0963 and 0.0964.

Abstract: A cardan joint assembly and a cardan joint protector device are provided. The device includes a U-shaped bracket having an arcuate-shaped portion and first and second end portions extending from opposite ends of the arcuate-shaped portion. The first and second end portions have first and second apertures, respectively, extending therethrough. The device further includes a first elongated plate portion extending from the first end portion of the U-shaped bracket and further extending generally outwardly relative to a longitudinal axis. The first elongated plate portion at least partially covers a needle bearing of a cardan joint. The device further includes an attachment portion attached to a top edge of the first elongated plate portion that has a distal end that is disposed in a groove of a gear clamp yoke of the cardan joint.

Abstract: An embodiment of a constant velocity joint includes a first rotational member having a generally cylindrical surface. The generally cylindrical surface is defined, at least in part, by a groove portion. The constant velocity joint further includes a grease cover selectively positioned adjacent the first rotational member. An edge portion of the grease cover is positioned within the groove to at least partially retain the grease cover in a desired position.

Abstract: A transmission assembly for a string trimmer is disclosed. The transmission assembly comprises a liner that includes a sleeve. The sleeve includes an inner surface that defines a passageway for a rotatable core, and the sleeve further includes an outer surface. The liner further includes a plurality of legs that project from the outer surface, and a retainer projection disposed at a position axially adjacent to the plurality of legs. The transmission assembly further comprises a retainer that is held to the liner by the retainer projection. The retainer is configured to axially and radially restrain the liner relative to an outer down-tube.

Abstract: A drive shaft is provided with a sleeve enclosing at least sections thereof. The sleeve is fixed to the drive shaft in order that it may rotate with the drive shaft. The sleeve forms a heat shield with heat-reflecting and/or heat-insulating properties. This serves to effectively reduce the heat input into the drive shaft. In contrast to conventional heat shield plates, the problem of fixing is eliminated. Moreover, a heat shield sleeve according to the invention can also still be fitted in situations wherein the space is too restricted for a heat shield plate. In addition a savings in weight and material also results.

Abstract: To improve performance without increasing size, a sealing device comprises a seal body (6) sealing a clearance (5) between the periphery of the shaft hole (3) of a housing (2) and a shaft (4) inserted into the shaft hole (3) and the sound insulating seal (7) insulating sound transmitted through the clearance (5), the seal body (6) comprises a bellows part (10) between a mounting part (8) fitted to the housing (2) and a seal lip part (9) contacting with the shaft (4), the sound insulating seal (7) comprises a sound insulating member (20) disposed at the inner peripheral side of the mounting part (8), and the sound insulating member (20) is held to the seal body (6) in the state of contacting with the mounting part (8) at its outer peripheral part (20a) and with the seal lip part (9) at its inner peripheral part (20b).

Abstract: A method of covering and protecting a universal joint of a drive train including providing a flexible, removable universal joint cover including a removable, reusable outer flexible shell and a removable, flexible liner; applying the flexible, removable universal joint cover over the universal joint for rotation with the universal joint; collecting oil and grease distributed from the universal joint with the removable, flexible liner of the flexible, removable universal joint cover rotating with the universal joint; and protecting the universal joint from external elements with the removable, flexible liner of the flexible, universal joint cover. The flexible, removable universal joint cover catches the grease/oil that normally flies off of the universal joint and protects the universal joint from the external environment.

Abstract: At the time of assembling an electric motor, plain bearings are installed over a worm shaft to form a shaft assembly. Then, the worm shaft together with the plain bearings is inserted into a gear housing in an inserting direction, which is generally parallel to an axial direction of the worm shaft, such that each of the plain bearings is press fitted into a corresponding installation part of the housing.

Abstract: A mounting structure for mounting a device to an electric motor having an output shaft, the mounting structure comprising: a body including an opening for receiving the output shaft through the body, a plurality of connector elements supported by the body; and a plurality of threaded inserts, each of said inserts being inserted in one of said plurality of connector elements for receiving a fastener to connect the body to the motor; wherein each connector element is sized and shaped for alternatively receiving an insert in at least two, non-coincident locations within the connector element.

Abstract: A self-retained constant velocity joint has a ring-shaped cage disposed substantially concentrically to and spaced radially from a race of the joint. A plurality of grooves in and distributed circumferentially about the race preferably includes longitudinal, clockwise and counter-clockwise grooves that extend substantially axially and communicate radially through the arcuate surface. A ball is located in each groove and extends through respective windows in the cage. Preferably, the windows associated with the clockwise and counter-clockwise grooves extend circumferentially further than the windows associated with the longitudinal grooves. The cage carries an arcuate face that is one of a convex and concave profile and radially opposes the arcuate surface that is the other of the convex and concave profiles. The radial distance between the face and surface is such that axial movement between the race and cage is limited by intermittent contact of the face with the surface.

Abstract: A support device of a propeller shaft comprises an annular bracket fixed to a floor member of a vehicle body; an annular elastic member disposed in the annular bracket; an annular supporting structure disposed in the annular elastic member and rotatably supporting a cylindrical given portion of the propeller shaft through a ball bearing unit; and an annular seal member intimately disposed in an annular space defined between the annular supporting structure and the cylindrical given portion of the propeller shaft. One of outer and inner cylindrical surfaces of the annular seal member is in slidable contact with either one of an inner cylindrical surface of the annular supporting structure and an outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical given portion of the propeller shaft.

Abstract: A torque sensing assembly (10) includes a first sensor assembly (50) configured for sensing at least a portion of a magnetic field of a first portion (22) of a rotating shaft assembly (12) and generating a first signal (52). A second sensor assembly (56) is configured for sensing at least a portion of a magnetic field of a second portion (26) of the rotating shaft assembly (12) and generating a second signal (58). A common mode detection circuit (54) is configured for combining the first and second signals to form a combined signal and processing the combined signal to at least partially remove a common mode signal from the combined signal and generate an output signal.

Abstract: An embodiment of a constant velocity joint includes a first rotational member having a generally cylindrical surface. The generally cylindrical surface is defined, at least in part, by a groove portion. The constant velocity joint further includes a grease cover selectively positioned adjacent the first rotational member. An edge portion of the grease cover is positioned within the groove to at least partially retain the grease cover in a desired position.

Abstract: A saddle ride type all-terrain vehicle includes left and right front wheels supported independently of each other on a vehicle body such that driving power is transmitted to said front wheels by way of a pair of left and right drive shafts extending from a driving source side. The vehicle also includes universal couplings provided at opposite end portions of each of the drive shafts, covered by rubber boots. The vehicle further includes a protector for covering the rubber boots.

Abstract: A disk drive comprises a cover plate with preload tension formed across the cover plate for increasing the stiffness of the cover plate. The preload tension is formed across the cover plate after the cover plate that was warped is secured to a base member of the disk drive to become un-warped. Such a cover plate with increased stiffness is not easily deformed and effectively minimizes propagation of noise generated from operation of the disk drive.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint for use in a prop shaft of an automotive vehicle includes an outer race. The constant velocity joint also includes an inner race arranged within the outer race and a rolling element arranged between the outer race and inner race. A cage is arranged between the outer race and inner race such that the cage positions the rolling element therebetween. The constant velocity joint also includes a flange contacting the outer race. Torque is transmitted through the use of a face spline. A collar contacts the flange and outer race and secures the flange and outer race to one another in an axial direction.

Abstract: A joint sealing boot comprises a first end affixable to a shaft, and a second end affixable to a boot cover, the second end having a sealing area including at least one sealing bead for sealing the joint and preventing grease egress and contamination ingress.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed herein provides an anti-flail cup (18) having a flange (20) attachable to an end of a shaft (10). The flange (20) has a perimeter and a face. A shoulder (22) extends from the perimeter of the flange (20) and generally perpendicularly to the face of the flange (20). The shoulder (22) of the anti-flail cup (18) surrounds a coupling (12) between two shafts (10) and retains the shaft (10) ends if the coupling (12) fails.

Abstract: An improved protective shield for attachment to the A-arms of an ATV for preventing the intrusion of debris that may damage the suspension or CV joint. The improvements enhance the shield's ability to reduce debris build up and to be more easily cleaned by suspending the shield below the suspension members and providing washout and drainage holes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-flail cup(18) having a flange(20) attachable to an end of a shaft(10). The flange(20) has a perimeter and a face. A shoulder(22) extends from the perimeter of the flange(20) and generally perpendicularly to the face of the flange(20). The shoulder(22) of the anti-flail cup(18) surrounds a coupling(12) between two shafts(10) and retains the shaft(10) ends if the coupling(12) fails.

Abstract: An improved constant velocity joint grease cover and flange assembly and method of making the same. The constant joint has a mating surface with a first anti-slip portion. The flange has a mating surface with a second anti-slip portion, the grease cover has a first mating surface with a third anti-slip portion adapted to receive and mate with the first anti-slip portion of the constant velocity joint, and a second mating surface with a fourth anti-slip portion adapted to receive and mate with the second anti-slip portion of the flange. The respective anti-slip portions functions to reduce shearing forces on connecting bolts of the assembly caused by applied torque.

Abstract: An improved constant velocity joint grease cover and flange assembly and method of making the same. The constant joint has a mating surface with a first anti-slip portion. The flange has a mating surface with a second anti-slip portion. the grease cover has a first mating surface with a third anti-slip portion adapted to receive and mate with the first anti-slip portion of the constant velocity joint, and a second mating surface with a fourth anti-slip portion adapted to receive and mate with the second anti-slip portion of the flange. The respective anti-slip portions functions to reduce shearing forces on connecting bolts of the assembly caused by applied torque.

Abstract: A drive shaft to be inserted into a pipe-shaped operating pole for use in a portable working machine is provided. The drive shaft has at least one resin bush integrally formed on its outer peripheral surface. Thus integrally forming the bush on the drive shaft allows agreement between the axis center of the operating pole, the axis center of the bush and the axis center of the drive shaft, preventing the change of position of the bush during the use of the working machine, and resulting in the reduction of vibration of the drive shaft with the simple configuration.

Abstract: A barrier for use in a constant velocity joint wherein the constant velocity joint has a lubricant within an outer race and a boot secured to a boot cover. The barrier includes a shield wherein that shield is in contact with the outer race and the boot cover. The shield generally has a body with a cup shaped cross section and a circumferential flange extending therefrom. The shield provides a barrier between the boot and the heat and grease lubricant of the constant velocity joint.

Abstract: A constant velocity type of universal joint includes a sealing structure that avoids the use of a flexible boot. The constant velocity joint includes a hollow outer joint member, an inner joint member disposed within the outer joint member, and a plurality of ball bearings extending into associated grooves formed in the inner and outer joint members to provide a rotational driving connection therebetween. A sealing assembly is provided for protectively enclosing the components of the joint. The sealing assembly includes an outer sealing member that is sealingly connected to the outer joint member. An outer surface of an inner sealing member is slidably and sealingly engaged with an inner surface of the outer sealing member. An annular flange provided on the inner sealing member slidably and sealingly engages an outer surface of an annular element. An inner surface of the annular element slidably and sealingly engages a shaft connected to the inner joint member.

Abstract: A bearing ring (10) for supporting a protective device of a rotating driveshaft is adapted to engage an annular groove of a component of the driveshaft, for example a joint yoke. The bearing ring (10) has a basic ring portion (13) which connects to a component of the protective device. The bearing ring also includes a bearing ring portion (14) which engages the annular groove. The bearing ring (10) is a composite component. The basic ring portion is produced from a different type of plastics than the bearing portion. The bearing portion (14) is produced by being injection molded around the basic ring portion (13). The bearing portion (14) is a PEEK material. Thus, the bearing portion (14) achieves a long service life while the costs of the bearing remain acceptable.