Shafting Patents (Class 464/179)
  • Patent number: 11673210
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an axle housing of a vehicle axle, by means of integrally connecting an axle tube (1) to an axle shaft (2) which is positioned on the longitudinal axis (L) of the axle tube, is equipped with bearing surfaces (3) for mounting a vehicle wheel, and has a tube cross-section facing said axle tube (1) which is substantially the same as the tube cross-section of the axle tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: BPW Bergische Achsen KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Picker, Katarzyna Giantsios
  • Patent number: 10975915
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a gas turbine engine shaft, having an outer circumferential surface that circumscribes a central axis. The gas turbine engine shaft may comprise a plurality of splines extending along a portion of the outer circumferential surface, where each of the plurality of splines comprises an axial face that tapers from the outer circumferential surface to a spline top surface and includes a curved chamfered surface at a radially distal end of the axial face. The plurality of splines may further comprise a first sidewall and a second sidewall separated by a first spline width distance along the outer circumferential surface, where the first and second sidewalls taper inwardly from the outer circumferential surface to a second spline width along the spline top surface where the second spline width distance is less than the first spline width distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Mayaka, Anthony R. Bifulco
  • Patent number: 10677105
    Abstract: A camshaft for an internal combustion engine has a fundamental shaft which has a first toothing designed as external toothing and has at least one cam element which is arranged on the fundamental shaft and has a second toothing designed as internal toothing, The cam element can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the fundamental shaft and is connected to the fundamental shaft in a rotationally fixed manner via the toothings. At least one of the toothings has teeth whose respective tooth width varies in the axial direction of the fundamental shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Thomas Gramkow, Markus Wuensch
  • Patent number: 10576821
    Abstract: A drive mechanism comprises a flywheel, a flywheel damper removably connected to the flywheel, a pump drive, and an intermediate shaft. The pump drive comprises a housing, an input shaft mounted to the housing for rotation relative thereto about an axis of rotation, and a seal surrounding the input shaft to establish a sealed connection therewith. The intermediate shaft is co-axial with the input shaft relative to the axis of rotation and removably connected to the flywheel damper and the input shaft. The seal is replaceable. An associated method for replacing the seal is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Cecil H. Wise, Jr., Dwayne B. Watt, Randall L. Long, Danny G. Voth
  • Patent number: 10525769
    Abstract: An axle and wheel end assembly includes a tubular axle housing with an annular end surface. The axle and wheel end assembly also includes a spindle with an annular end surface welded to the annular end surface of the tubular axle housing at an attachment periphery. The axle and wheel end assembly further includes reinforcing structure fixed to the tubular axle housing and spindle. The reinforcing structure is located to encompass at least a portion of the attachment periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dane Gregg, R. Scott Fulton, Phillippi R. Pierce, Jay D. White, Jeffrey R. Wittlinger
  • Patent number: 10513148
    Abstract: A connecting arrangement for connecting a shaft to a component is provided. The connecting arrangement includes at least one adapter device with is connectable to the shaft at least in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner, and contact surfaces of the component and of the adapter device are configured in a manner matching each other to inhibit rotation relative to one another about a longitudinal axis of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Neumayer Tekfor Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Fuchs, Thomas Etzold, Martin Lehmann
  • Patent number: 9205735
    Abstract: A power transmission device of a hybrid vehicle comprises: an electric differential portion having a first rotating element coupled to an engine, a second rotating element coupled to a first rotator, and a third rotating element coupled to a second rotator, the second rotator being disposed in a power transmission path including the third rotating element between the engine and drive wheels, the second rotator having a rotor shaft interposed in series in the power transmission path, a rotor of the second rotator being fixed, and making up a portion of the power transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keita Imai, Koichi Okuda, Mitsuhiro Toyoda, Atsushi Tabata, Sho Mizushino
  • Patent number: 9039286
    Abstract: A bearing device for a wheel prevents backlash in a circumferential direction and has excellent workability for connecting a hub wheel and an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint. The bearing device includes a recess-projection fitting structure in which the hub wheel and a shaft section, which is fitted in a hole of the hub wheel of the outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint, are unitized together. In the recess-projection fitting structure, entire fitting regions among projections on the outer surface of the shaft section of the outer joint member and recesses, which fit on the projections, are brought into intimate contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Torii, Hiroshi Kawamura, Kiyoshige Yamauchi, Masahiro Ozawa, Tohru Nakagawa, Yuichi Asano, Mitsuru Umekida, Hisaaki Kura, Shin Tomogami
  • Patent number: 8967977
    Abstract: A shaft assembly that includes a locked spacer mounted to a shaft shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Leonard Paul Palmisano, William Bogue, Robert J. DeRosa
  • Patent number: 8911222
    Abstract: A shaft assembly includes a shaft with a first radial shoulder and a second radial shoulder. A retainer plate is located at least partially between the first radial shoulder and the second radial shoulder to avoid damage when an impact load is applied to the shaft. A spring assembly biases the shaft out of contact with the retainer plate during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy P. Walgren, Satish Shantilal Shah, Steven A. Heitz
  • Publication number: 20140260685
    Abstract: A torque sensor arrangement including a contactless torque sensor, in which the torque sensor is arranged on an electrically operating linear carriage is provided. A distance sensor is also arranged on the linear carriage such that it allows the distance to the object of which the torque is to be determined to be measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Hans-Gerd Brummel, Jurgen Gotz, Uwe Linnert, Carl Udo Maier, Jochen Ostermaier
  • Publication number: 20140256458
    Abstract: A bimetallic shaft for use in gearbox applications wherein the member of shaft that protrudes from the gearbox is designed and constructed from a corrosion-resistant metallic compound to prevent corrosion and wear to exposed shaft material. A gearbox comprising a bimetallic shaft having a corrosion-resistant material on the portion of the bimetallic shaft that protrudes from a gearbox housing, wherein a gearbox shaft seal radially surrounds the bimetallic shaft. A method of providing a bimetallic gearbox shaft comprising: a first shaft member comprising a non-corrosion-resistant material and having a first shaft axis, a second shaft member comprising a corrosion-resistant material and having a second shaft axis, and a joint that permanently affixes the first shaft member to the second shaft member such that the first shaft axis is aligned with the second shaft axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Poster, David Bockmiller, Mark Przybyla
  • Patent number: 8826542
    Abstract: In summary, the invention relates to a method for forming an end-side toothing arrangement of a roiling bearing, in particular a wheel bearing. The aim is to improve the uniformity of the end-side toothing arrangement and to allow a greater tooth depth. This is achieved by two method steps in that, in a first step before the reshaping of an end piece of a hub, a die is axially arranged on the rolling bearing in a preassembled state and, in a second step during the reshaping of the end piece and the shaping of the end-side toothing arrangement, the die radially delimits a radial recess of the rolling rivet collar as it forms. In addition, the die reduces or prevents radial widening of the inner ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Roland Langer, Peter Niebling, Sebastian Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20140238827
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a drive shaft module for a material conveyor system of a construction machine. The drive shaft module comprises a drive shaft and at least one first mounting which is designed to hold the drive shaft at at least one first bearing location. The disclosure is characterized in that the drive shaft comprises different segments which are joined by friction welding, and that the mounting is connected to the drive shaft such that the complete drive shaft module may be detachably fixed, in a preassembled state, in or at the construction machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: JOSEPH VOEGELE AG
    Inventor: Arthur BRAUN
  • Publication number: 20140230597
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an intermediate shaft for a steering column assembly of a vehicle is provided. The intermediate shaft includes a shaft element, a universal joint coupling including an inner yoke coupled to the shaft element and an outer yoke coupled to the inner yoke, and at least one of a bearing and a lock sleeve coupled to the outer yoke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Melvin L. Tinnin
  • Publication number: 20140213375
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a martensitic steel comprising a content of other metals such that it can be hardened by intermetallic compound and carbide precipitation, with an Al content of between 0.4% and 3%. The heat shaping temperature of the last heat shaping pass of said steel is lower than the solubility temperature of the aluminum nitrides in the steel, and the treatment temperature for each potential heat treatment after said last heat shaping pass is lower than the solid-state solubility temperature of the aluminum nitrides in said steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicants: Aubert & Duval, SNECMA
    Inventors: Laurent FERRER, Philippe Heritier
  • Publication number: 20140112773
    Abstract: A shaft (120) configured to be mounted within a centrifugal gas compressor (100) includes a suction end (116), a discharge end (117), and a shaft surface. The shaft surface includes a hardened surface (123) located between the suction end (116) and the discharge end (117). The hardened surface (123) is a localized portion of the shaft surface having a different surface treatment than a remainder of the shaft surface. The hardened surface (123) is harder than the remainder of the shaft surface. The hardened surface (123) is configured to axially align with a central auxiliary bearing (137).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventors: Gordon E. Brailean, William Courtney Krehbiel, Jess Lee Freeman
  • Publication number: 20140060708
    Abstract: High modulus turbine shafts and high modulus cylindrical articles are described as are the process parameters for producing these shafts and cylindrical articles. The shafts/articles have a high Young's modulus as a result of having high modulus <111> crystal texture along the longitudinal axis of the shaft/article. The shafts are produced from directionally solidified seeded <111> single crystal cylinders that are axisymmetrically hot worked before a limited recrystallization process is carried out at a temperature below the recrystallization temperature of the alloy. The disclosed process produces an intense singular <111> texture and results in shaft or cylindrical article with a Young's modulus that is at least 40% greater than that of conventional nickel or iron alloys or conventional steels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Dilip M. Shah, Herbert A. Chin, John Joseph Marcin, Paul L. Reynolds, Gabriel L. Suciu, Paul D. Genereux, Carl E. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8622620
    Abstract: An air bearing shaft has a first cylindrical portion with a relatively small outer diameter, and a ramped surface extending at an angle that is non-perpendicular and non-parallel to a central axis of a shaft body. The ramped surface leads into a second cylindrical portion of the shaft has a large outer diameter that is greater than the diameter of the first cylindrical portion. There are twelve air holes formed to extend into an interior of the second cylindrical portion. A bore diameter is defined to an inner periphery of the second cylindrical portion at the location of the air holes. A ratio of the bore diameter to a diameter of the air holes is between 6.30 and 6.54. In addition, a bearing assembly, a compressor, and a method of incorporating an air bearing shaft into a compressor are all disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Brent J. Merritt
  • Publication number: 20130344969
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure provide a gearless drive with a bearing-free rotor shaft for a driving drum of a belt conveyor plant. The gearless drive includes a support. The support is positioned such that it forms a horizontal repository for the rotor shaft in the event of separation between the rotor shaft and a drum shaft connected to the driving drum, without the rotor touching the stator, and such that said support does not touch the rotor shaft in the event of connection between the rotor shaft and drum shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Hanspeter ERB, Urs MAIER
  • Patent number: 8613609
    Abstract: A pump gear is provided. The pump gear includes a first shaft portion having a first end and a second end with an integral gear portion formed therebetween. The first shaft portion is made from a first tool steel material. A second shaft portion having a third end brazed to the first end. The second shaft portion has at least one integral drive spline formed adjacent one end. The second shaft portion is made from a second tool material. The first tool steel material has a vanadium content by weight of greater than 9% and the second tool steel material has a vanadium content by weight of less than or equal to 1%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Lyle Ward, Steven A. Heitz
  • Publication number: 20130274023
    Abstract: A shaft includes a shoulder that transitions the shaft from a first diameter to a second diameter. The shaft includes a groove that is disposed immediately adjacent to and/or is formed in an inner radial portion of the shoulder. The groove acts to produce uniform deflection of the shoulder in an axial direction with respect to a centerline axis of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jay M. Francisco, Jang Y. Jo, Matthew Gorajski
  • Publication number: 20130260152
    Abstract: Apparatus to deliver predetermined forces, containers to hold particulate material and media, media, and the associated parameters for operating such equipment along with methods and compositions provided by the apparatus and methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Scott L. Murray, Jim L. Peyton, Korey Morris
  • Patent number: 8523178
    Abstract: A discharge mechanism includes a rotating shaft that is rotatable, a plurality of roll portions provided around the rotating shaft, an opposing member provided above the roll portions so as to oppose the roll portions, the opposing member holding and conveying a material to be conveyed, in cooperation with the roll portions so that the material to be conveyed is discharged onto a discharge section, and a protrusion formed on an outer periphery of the rotating shaft, the protrusion not protruding beyond the outer diameter of the roll portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8523534
    Abstract: A high-pressure pump for supplying fuel to an internal-combustion engine has a pump body and an actuating shaft which extends along a longitudinal axis and which is supported rotatably about the longitudinal axis by the pump body. The shaft has an eccentric portion and a prismatic jacking end. A first pumping station has a gear engaged with the prismatic jacking end and a second pumping station has at least one piston. The piston is slidable relative to the pump body transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis and is actuated by the eccentric portion of the actuating shaft. The prismatic jacking end is made of a harder material than the material with which the remainder of the actuating shaft is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Vito Spinelli, Antonio Grimaldi, Nello Medoro
  • Publication number: 20130178298
    Abstract: A bearing structure comprises a shaft member, a bearing, an inner ring, a ring-shaped mount which is made of an elastic material, is fixed to a vehicle body and encloses the inner ring, and a dust cover which is fixed to the bearing member and rotates in unison with the bearing member, the bearing member being supported rotatably on the vehicle body via the bearing. The mount includes, on a front side, a rib facing inward in a radial direction and extending in a circumferential direction so as to seal off a first gap formed between the shaft member and the inner ring. A second gap is formed between an inner radial end of the rib and the shaft member. The dust cover covers the rib and the second gap on the front side of the rib. A cutout is formed in a lower vertical portion of the rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventor: SHOWA CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130149155
    Abstract: A rotor shaft includes a main body having a central portion and an extension portion. The extension portion has a plurality of extension sections radially outward extended from the central portion by different distances to together define a peripheral surface and a non-circular cross section of the main body. In a cooling fan using the rotor shaft, the main body of the rotor shaft is received in a shaft space internally defined by a bearing of the fan, and a lubricant is filled in a space left between the main body and the shaft space. With the non-circular cross section of the main body of the rotor shaft, the lubricant filled between the rotor shaft and the shaft space can have increased support pressure to thereby reduce the noise and vibration caused by frictional contact of the rotor shaft with the bearing during the operation of the cooling fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ASIA VITAL COMPONENTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bor-Haw Chang, Shu-Fan Liu
  • Patent number: 8435125
    Abstract: A power transmission shaft includes a torque-transmission teeth portion formed on an outer peripheral surface on an end portion side, and a smooth portion formed on the outer peripheral surface adjacent to the torque-transmission teeth portion so as to have a stepwise reduced diameter. A ratio of a minimum diameter of the smooth portion to a minimum diameter of the torque-transmission teeth portion is set to 0.9 or more and 1.02 or less. Further, the torque-transmission teeth portion and the smooth portion undergo heat treatment so as to form a heat-treated hardened layer. The heat-treated hardened layer is formed to increase in depth from a side of the torque transmission teeth portion to a side of the smooth portion. At least a minimum diameter portion of the smooth portion undergoes full hardening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Ooba, Kazuhiko Yoshida, Keisuke Sone
  • Patent number: 8419887
    Abstract: A composite structural member is provided. The structural member includes a tubular shaft having a mating region of stiffness, and possibly thickness, greater than another region of said shaft. The shaft defines a lumen, and a fitting is disposed in the lumen. The fitting has a coupling region that defines at least one recessed portion bounded by one or more non-recessed portions, and the mating region mates with the coupling region of said fitting. As such, the shaft and fitting are mechanically restrained from at least some relative movement due to interference of the shaft and the fitting. A sleeve may be coupled to said shaft, for example, by including a tubular inner surface that proximately surrounds at least part of said shaft and mating region, for discouraging expansion of the mating region of said shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Dennis K. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20130065697
    Abstract: A rotating shaft structure with rotational and positioning functions includes an assembly of a rotating shaft and a bridge connector. The bridge connector includes a pivotal portion formed as a type of geometry section to define a space or slotted chamber to pivot the rotating shaft. The bridge connector is defined with a flange portion connected to the pivotal portion and including a bolt hole. A fastener is assembled to the bolt hole of the flange portion of the bridge connector to allow the rotating shaft of being rotated or stopped to be positioned in the space or slotted chamber defined by the pivotal portion of the bridge connector. Conditions such as inferior rotation and positioning effects of the conventional structure applied to the high-torque rotating shaft device can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: FIRST DOME CORPORATION
    Inventors: AN SZU HSU, CHIEN NAN TSAI
  • Patent number: 8388478
    Abstract: An input shaft for a hybrid transmission that is used for the hybrid transmission equipped with a plurality of friction elements and at least two or more planetary gear sets receiving power from an engine and at least one or more motor generators, may include a first spline to which at least one of the motor generators may be connected, a second spline and a third spline to which rotary elements of the planetary gear sets may be connected, respectively, and a lubricant channel formed inside the input shaft to provide a channel for lubricant for lubricating parts of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Wansoo Kim
  • Publication number: 20130053157
    Abstract: An improved rotating shaft structure includes an assembly of a rotating shaft and a bridge connector. The bridge connector includes a first bridge connecting element and a second bridge connecting element, wherein the first and second bridge connecting elements respectively include a pivotal portion and a bolt hole, and the pivotal portions of the first and second bridge connecting elements define a space or slotted chamber to pivot to the rotating shaft. A fastener is assembled to the bolt holes of the first and second bridge connecting elements of the bridge connector to allow the rotating shaft of being rotated or stopped to be positioned in the space or slotted chamber defined by the pivotal portions of the first and second bridge connecting elements of the bridge connector. Conditions such as inferior rotation and positioning effects of the conventional structure applied to the high-torque rotating shaft device can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: FIRST DOME CORPORATION
    Inventors: AN SZU HSU, CHIEN NAN TSAI
  • Publication number: 20130052053
    Abstract: An exemplary shaft assembly of an air cycle machine includes a cylindrical body rotatably coupling a compressor rotor, a turbine rotor and a fan rotor. The cylindrical body has an axial length and a diameter. A ratio of the axial length to the diameter is from 34.82 to 35.18.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Darryl A. Colson, Craig M. Beers
  • Publication number: 20130033081
    Abstract: A connecting rod having satisfactory insertion performance for a mating member and generating neither vibrations nor noises in regard to a connecting rod cut in a predetermined length by searing work and provided with rotation transmitting portions having a non-circular cross section at least at both ends and a double reclining mechanism are provided. A small-diameter column portion 101 having a diameter smaller than a diameter of a rotation transmitting portion T, a tapered portion 103 provided continuously from the small-diameter column portion 101 and gradually increasing in diameter, and the rotation transmitting portion T provided continuously from the tapered portion 103 are provided at least at one end of a connecting rod 13 from a tip-end side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Hirohito Aoi, Tomohiro Enokijima
  • Publication number: 20130017113
    Abstract: An input shaft assembly is movable along an axis to absorb external impact loads. A biasing member exerts an axial load in a direction counter to potential impact loads. A stop is provided to control the application of biasing loads to control application of such axial load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy P. Walgren, Steven A. Heitz
  • Publication number: 20130004358
    Abstract: A rotary spring-return actuator operator is provided with a multi-slot shaft and a clock type spring retained by a retaining band which encircles the spring in such a manner as to insure that the potential energy within the spring is safely contained during all operations requiring disassembly of the actuator assembly, and wherein the retaining band facilitates the in-field reversal of the spring direction or the adjustment of the spring preload by securing the spring to one or more of the slots on the multi-slot shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Frederick Rand Underwood, JR., Frederick Rand Underwood, III, Kenneth Earl Price
  • Publication number: 20120265002
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible shaft arrangement having a flexible hollow shaft which has an end at the drive side and an end at the output side, wherein the hollow shaft is reinforced sectionally between these ends by a core extending in its interior. Stiffer and more flexible sections can hereby be selectively positioned within the shaft arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: ECP ENTWICKLUNGSGESELLSCHAFT MBH
    Inventors: Daniel Roehn, Reiner Liebing
  • Publication number: 20120238371
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating shaft (1), in particular of a suction tube arrangement, with an actuating element (8) provided for actuating the actuating shaft (1). It is herein provided that the actuating shaft (1) has a base body (2) made of a first material and an actuating shaft body (6) made of a second material and at least partially applied on the base body (2), and that the actuating element (8) is at least partially surrounded by the actuating shaft body. The invention also relates to a method for producing an actuating shaft (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventor: RENÉ DASCHNER
  • Publication number: 20120219444
    Abstract: A shaft assembly includes a gear with a gear bore having a splined bore section adjacent to an oil dam. A shaft includes a first splined end section and a second splined end section, the first splined end section engageable with the splined inner diameter, the shaft having a bore with a bore diameter greater than a diameter of the oil dam, a first set of radial apertures axially inboard of the first splined end section in communication with the shaft inner bore and a second set of radial apertures axially inboard of the second splined end section in communication with the shaft inner bore that altogether provide lubrication of the splined end sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Satish Shantilal Shah, Michael R. Blewett, Timothy P. Walgren, Michael Moorman
  • Publication number: 20120219446
    Abstract: A shaft assembly includes a shaft with a first radial shoulder and a second radial shoulder. A retainer plate is located at least partially between the first radial shoulder and the second radial shoulder to avoid damage when an impact load is applied to the shaft. A spring assembly biases the shaft out of contact with the retainer plate during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Timothy P. Walgren, Satish Shantilal Shah, Steven A. Heitz
  • Publication number: 20120219447
    Abstract: A coupling shaft assembly includes a coupling shaft with a first radial shoulder and a second radial shoulder, the first radial shoulder and the second radial shoulder each include at least one slot to provide a lubricant flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Satish Shantilal Shah, Timothy P. Walgren
  • Patent number: 8216108
    Abstract: An epicyclic gear assembly has a central toothed sun gear unit mounted on a carrier plate and plurality of planetary gear sets surrounding the central gear in torque-transmitting relationship. Each of the planetary gear sets has a toothed planet gear supported by a planet shaft, the first end of which is cantilevered from the carrier plate. A second end of the planet shaft supports the planet gear. A double-tapered concave middle portion of the planet shaft allows flexing of the shaft so as to facilitate elastic deflection of the planet shaft while distributing load between the planet gear sets. The outer circumference of the middle portion has a pair of spaced outwardly convex protrusions formed between the first end and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Friede & Goldman, Ltd.
    Inventor: Alfred Montestruc
  • Publication number: 20120132739
    Abstract: A moveable shaft assembly including a frame, a first shaft, and a first drive assembly. The frame includes a first support wall and a second support wall opposite the first support wall. The first shaft includes a drive end and a support end and defining a first axis therebetween. The first shaft extends between the first support wall and the second support wall. The first drive assembly rotates the first shaft about the first axis, and the first drive assembly is coupled to the drive end of the first shaft. The first shaft and first drive assembly are moveable relative to the frame in response to a reaction force acting on the first shaft in a direction oblique or transverse to the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Bernard Pusheck, Russell Cascio, Justin Zunker
  • Publication number: 20120115673
    Abstract: The objective of the invention is to provide a fast way to adjust endplay on output shaft without removing entire output shaft gear train assembly. One embodiment of the present invention is to place the shims in new location between the outer most ring gear hub and the ring gear stop on the output shaft. The new shims will have spines so they can be placed between the output stop and the ring rear hub. Another embodiment of the present invention, a preferred method to adjust endplay is to use a @ Torrington thrust bearing between the transmission case and output shaft. This will prevent reoccurring endplay adjustments from wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Luther Preston Deans
  • Publication number: 20120083345
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-lift system of an aircraft having at least one drive unit, having at least one load station as well as having one or more transmissions for transmitting the drive energy of the drive unit to the at least one load station, wherein one or more of the transmission are made as transmission shafts which consist of a material containing titanium or comprise a material containing titanium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhold Kleinhans, Stefan Huth, Werner Weiss, Bernd Schievelbusch
  • Publication number: 20120083346
    Abstract: A method of testing a fusion weld for a shaft includes producing two shaft subsections, wherein the shaft subsections are symmetrical and faun a cylinder coaxially along the axis of rotation. Core regions of each shaft subsection are removed in order to produce open recesses in the cylinder within remaining tubular webs. The two shaft subsections are positioned coaxially one on top of the other, wherein the two remaining webs are mutually adjacent and the two open recesses form a hollow space. A first tubular ring seam is produced by narrow-gap arc welding and in one of the two shaft subsections a passage from outside into the hollow space is produced. Further, a quality of the first tubular ring seam within the hollow space during and/or after the welding operation is evaluated by a detection device or radiation source which is introduced through the passage into the hollow space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Gunzelmann
  • Publication number: 20120010006
    Abstract: A torque transmission device includes: a first cover that has a cylindrical shape and that is attached to a shaft and covers an outer periphery of a sleeve; a second cover that has a cylindrical shape and that is attached to the sleeve and covers an outer periphery of the first cover; a seal that fills an annular space between the first cover and the sleeve; and a ring that is installed in a circumferentially continuous groove formed in one of an outer peripheral surface of the first cover and an inner peripheral surface of the second cover, and that is slidable on the other one of the outer peripheral surface of the first cover and the inner peripheral surface of the second cover. A labyrinth seal is constructed between the ring and the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasushi KAJIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20120010007
    Abstract: A drive shaft assembly for a vehicle includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member. The second tubular member is mated to the first tubular member. The first tubular member defines a plurality of protuberances and the second tubular member includes a plurality of apertures. Each of the plurality of apertures receives one of the plurality of protuberances substantially affixing the first tubular member to the second tubular member in a circumferential orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicants: VALUE EXTRACTION LLC, SZUBA CONSULTING, INC.
    Inventor: Joseph Szuba
  • Publication number: 20110239693
    Abstract: Provided is a drive shaft structure including: a drive shaft which transmits the drive force; and a seal member which is provided to come into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft. In the drive shaft structure, the drive shaft includes a second surface located closer to the inner side of the radial direction than the outer peripheral surface, and the second surface includes an index mark used to confirm information on the rotation of the drive shaft or information on the displacement thereof in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Katsuya FUJISAKU, Noriyasu SUGITANI
  • Patent number: 7972078
    Abstract: A power transmission mechanism of a shaft and a hub, wherein a shaft tooth part comprises a ridge part formed of a crowning with varied tooth thickness, and a hub tooth part comprises a ridge part having tooth thickness formed in a specified linear shape and having an inner diameter varying from the end part thereof to a shaft shank side. A first step part swelling to the hub tooth part is formed in the bottom part of the shaft tooth part, and a second step part recessed in a direction opposite to the shaft tooth part is formed in the ridge part of the hub tooth part. The start point of the first step part and the start point of the second step part are set at positions offset by a specified distance from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Igarashi, Takeshi Mochizuki, Masanori Kosugi