Abstract: A propeller shaft includes a first shaft having a yoke at one end, a second shaft slidably connected to the other end of the first shaft, and a surface treated member which is arranged at a connecting portion, at which the first shaft and the second shaft are connected to each other, and to which surface treatment for improving slidability of the second shaft with respect to the first shaft is applied. The surface treated member is formed by a substrate which is separate from the first shaft and the second shaft and to which the surface treatment has been applied. The surface treated member is arranged at the connecting portion, at which the first shaft and the second shaft are connected to each other, after the surface treatment is applied.

Abstract: Provided is a power transmission shaft to achieve enhancement of a static torsional strength of a smooth portion. The power transmission shaft according to the present invention includes a torque-transmission teeth portion (2) formed on an outer peripheral surface on an end portion side, and a smooth portion (3) formed on the outer peripheral surface adjacent to the torque-transmission teeth portion (2) so as to have a stepwise reduced diameter. A ratio of a minimum diameter (D3min) of the smooth portion (3) to a minimum diameter (D2min) of the torque-transmission teeth portion (2) is set to 0.9 or more and 1.02 or less. Further, the torque-transmission teeth portion (2) and the smooth portion (3) undergo heat treatment so as to from a heat-treated hardened layer (4). The heat-treated hardened layer (4) is formed to increase in depth from a side of the torque transmission teeth portion (2) to a side of the smooth portion (3).

Abstract: There is provided a slide part used in an environment where there is a lubricant containing a molybdenum compound including a hard protective layer formed on an outermost surface of a substrate of the slide part; in which: the hard protective layer includes mainly carbon, nitrogen, and a metal element; the hard protective layer is composed of a complex of an amorphous carbon body containing nitrogen and a compound crystal of the metal element; the compound crystal is composed of at least one of a metal carbide, a metal nitride, and a metal carbonitride; and a surface hardness of the hard protective layer is 1800 or larger in Vickers hardness.

Abstract: A longitudinal drive shaft for motor vehicles, for transferring a torque, consists of two or more shaft sections which are connected with one another by way of an intermediate shaft or a journal. The intermediate shaft or the journal is the carrier of a center bearing and is connected to the shaft section by a homokinetic displacement joint rigidly disposed in a pipe. The parts of the center bearing and shaft sections that are displaced in a crash are configured to be smaller than the inside diameter of the pipe. The inside diameter of the outer joint ring is greater than the outside diameters of the roller bearing of the center bearing and of the pipe. The homokinetic displacement joint is sealed off with a sealing cap and a sealing bellows in the direction of the shaft section, and has a closure lid assigned to it.

Abstract: A gear-rolling apparatus includes two gear units and a base. Each gear unit has a rolling portion, a rolling shaft extends from the rolling portion, a clicking column and two location columns extend from edges of a free end of the rolling shaft along an axle direction of the rolling shaft. The clicking column and the two location columns are spaced out from each other to form three grooves therebetween, a clicking clasp extends inward from the top of the clicking column. The clicking clasp has an inclined inner surface which inclines inward from top to bottom. The two rolling shafts are inserted into the hole of the base, the clicking column of one of the rolling shafts mates the groove opened between the location columns of the other rolling shaft, the location columns of one of the rolling shafts mate the grooves opened between the clicking column and the location columns of the other rolling shaft respectively, bottom surfaces of the two clicking clasps are against each other.

Abstract: A locknut which defines a multiple of inner apertures about an inner diameter and a multiple of outer apertures about an outer diameter.

Abstract: A wheel bearing device of the invention includes a flanged shaft member that includes a shaft portion to which a rolling bearing is assembled, a fitting shaft portion that is formed on one end side of the shaft portion and that is fitted to a center hole of a wheel, and a plurality of flange portions that extend radially outward on an outer peripheral surface located between the shaft portion and the fitting shaft portion and each of which has a bolt hole in which a hub bolt for fastening the wheel is arranged. Each flange portion is formed by side extrusion when a forged recess is formed at a center of an end surface of the fitting shaft portion by cold forging.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractable wheel system for snowmobile skis. The retractable wheel system of the present invention may be installed on a snowmobile ski without affecting its structural integrity by installing the system on the reinforced portion of the snowmobile ski. When a user circulates in a path with little or no snow, the retractable wheel system is positioned in the extended configuration by the user and the system will automatically return to the retracted configuration when the user returns in a snowy zone. This is realized by using a pre-tensioned spring that will reposition the wheel in the retracted configuration. The spring transmits a rotational movement to the member on which the wheel is fixed.

Abstract: A component of a disc drive has a coating of a predetermined length on its surface, the coating having at least two separate tapered regions applied in independent steps, the at least two separate tapered regions each having a length that is less than the predetermined length of the component surface. When the component is a shaft of a spindle motor, the ends of the shaft are masked before the tapered regions of coating are applied, and the thickness of the masks covering the shaft ends is varied to control a taper of tapered regions.

Abstract: A handle shaft assembly includes a tube spacer, a handle shaft, a stuff box, and an operational handle. The stuff box may be configured for insertion into a through-hole within a bottom loading coupler body and include first and second stuff box ends defining a cylindrical cavity. A first sealing member may be positioned on the first stuff box end, and a second sealing member positioned on the second stuff box end. The tube spacer may be configured to be positioned within a blind counterbore of the bottom loading coupler body. The handle shaft may include a first end positioned within the tube spacer configured to be positioned with a blind bore of the bottom loading coupler body, a linkage section configured to be coupled to a drive linkage of a poppet valve assembly, and a second end extending through the cylindrical cavity of the stuff box. The operational handle is mechanically coupled to the second end of the handle shaft.

Abstract: A pump, in particular a sliding-vane pump, a roller cell pump, or a gear pump includes a rotating assembly, with, amongst other things, a rotor with radially-sliding vanes, rollers or gears and a drive shaft is provided. The rotor or a gearwheel is connected to the drive shaft by a toothing on the drive shaft and on the rotor or gearwheel for rotational drive.

Abstract: A displacement unit and a jointed shaft which includes such a displacement unit. The displacement unit is formed of an external part and of an internal part which can be displaced in an axial direction in the external part, in which the external and internal parts have guide paths provided with balls arranged in the guide paths for the transmission of torque.

Abstract: A crankshaft and an mounting hole have two main circular arc parts on the same circle; and two connecting parts for connecting the adjacent main circular arc parts, and have a cross-sectional shape in which the connecting parts facing each other are substantially parallel. The connecting parts of the mounting hole are formed in the shape of a large circular arc which projects inward. The torque of the crankshaft is transmitted to the mounting hole in a state where the connecting parts of the crankshaft and the connecting parts of the mounting hole which are formed in the shape of a large circular arc come into line contact with each other; therefore, the value of any local stress generated in the mounting hole can be reduced.

Abstract: A torque tube apparatus includes a tube member that connects a transaxle and a clutch unit to each other, a transaxle-side shaft, a clutch shaft, and a sleeve that has a first end and a second end. The first end is slidable with respect to the transaxle-side shaft. The second end is removeable from the clutch shaft. The tube member has a removable intermediate case. The intermediate case can be removed by separating the second end from the clutch shaft and sliding the first end with respect to the transaxle-side shaft.

Abstract: A bushing assembly is disclosed and includes a bushing that can have an outer surface and an inner surface that can define an opening. The bushing can be configured to fit into a bore and receive a shaft through the opening. An engagement torque, T, between bushing and the shaft does not increase more than twenty-five percent as an interference fit between the bushing and the bore increases. The interference fit can be quantified by a reduction in outer radius, I, by at least 0.025 mm.

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: In a device for receiving a multi-part constructional unit of a double coupling in a balancing machine there is provided a receiving mandrel which can be driven in rotation about its longitudinal axis and has a bearing face for centering a first coupling part and a centering pin arranged at the free end thereof. The device also comprises a clamping sleeve which can be moved by spring force into a clamping position and has a clamping face coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the receiving mandrel and a centering ring which is arranged on the centering pin, is held releasably thereon, has a centering face for centering further coupling parts and can be coupled in a torque-proof manner with the receiving mandrel in at least one angle position.

Abstract: For motors having a journal with one or more groove regions and a shaft for relative rotation in the journal, aspects include providing a dual tapered shaft. The shaft may be tapered by the application of a wear resistant coating at least opposite the groove regions. The coating introduces a shaft taper from near a top end and from near a bottom end towards the shaft middle. The shaft taper may provide for improved pumping efficiency. The coating may be applied in various processes such as chemical vapor deposition or physical vapor deposition to establish a thickness gradient of coating material from near the top end and near the bottom end towards the shaft middle. In one example, the coating includes a DLC coating. Additionally, shaft portions may be shielded to prevent coatings thereon.

Abstract: A molten metal pump includes an impeller, a pump base housing at least partially enclosing the impeller, a shaft connected to the impeller, a motor connected to the shaft, a motor mount plate for supporting the motor; and a post for connecting the motor mount plate to the pump base housing. The molten metal pump can include a connector that connects the post to the motor mount plate. The molten metal pump can include a socket for connecting the shaft to the motor. The shaft can comprise an assembly including an elongated metal rod having a first end and a second end and a metal non-circular drive member attached at the second end of the elongated metal rod.

Abstract: A drive shaft is configured from a shaft body, a shaft portion provided with extensions and boot mounting parts coaxially and integrally formed on ends thereof, and constant velocity joints attached to ends of the extensions via interior members. The outer diameter of intermediate portions of the extensions is smaller than that of the ends and the boot mounting parts. Formed on the opening-sides of the inner surfaces of the exterior members of the constant velocity joints are flanks that face outward and leave a slight clearance with the intermediate portions. Edges forming the boot mounting part sides of the intermediate portions are set to positions corresponding to outer edges of the flanks, and tapered portions connect the edges and the boot mounting parts.

Abstract: A rotor shaft (200) for a magnetic bearing device (1) is disclosed. The shaft comprises an inner portion on whose periphery a plurality of targets (240, 260, 280) separated by spacers (250, 270) are mounted. This is achieved exerting an axial pressing force (F, F?) to the peripheral parts, rather than applying a radial press fit. In this manner, a simplified construction, a higher stiffness and a higher stability at high rotational speed are achieved. Further disclosed is a rotor having a thrust disk (220) whose diameter decreases towards the periphery. This allows to use a larger thrust disk at a given rotational speed.

Abstract: This image generating apparatus includes a side plate, mounted on a first side surface of a chassis provided with a print portion, integrally including a bearing, a bracket member mounted on the side plate and a support shaft arranged between the side plate and the bracket member for rotatably supporting a gear member, while a first end of the support shaft is fixedly mounted on the bracket member, and a second end of the support shaft includes a side end surface brought into line contact with the bearing of the side plate.

Abstract: This invention relates to individual wheel drives for individually suspended, spring-mounted wheels of a vehicle comprising one universal joint shaft (2) connecting the output shaft socket (10) of a drive device with the input shaft socket of a wheel, having one main section (4) and at least one end section (8) situated on one end thereof, via a universal joint (6), rotatingly coupled with the associated shaft socket (10), the universal joint shaft (2) having a permanent inclination which compensates an offset between drive device and wheel, and means being provided for reducing a permanent deviation defined by the inclination. The end section (8) associated with the universal joint (6) and the shaft socket (10) coupled therewith are coupled with each other via a bevel wheel pair (16, 18), the deflection angle ? of which corresponding at least partly with the corresponding permanent deflection angle between universal joint shaft (2) and shaft socket (10).

Abstract: A power transmission shaft such as a spline shaft and a serration shaft is provided which has improved static strength and fatigue strength. In a power transmission shaft, a diameter expansion surface is formed in a valley section of a tooth on the opposite side of a shaft end. First blunt sections in the shape of a curved surface are formed in corners between the diameter expansion surface and a tooth surface adjacent to the diameter expansion surface, in order to blunt edges.

Abstract: A bearing assembly is provided including at least one needle roller that is resiliently compressible in response to a load applied to an exterior surface thereof. In addition, a method is provided for taking up a clearance between one or more first rollers and a bearing race in which the rollers are positioned. At least one resiliently compressible second roller is provided rollably secured within the bearing. The compressible second roller has an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of any of the first rollers, such that the compressible second roller resiliently compresses when the bearing is positioned in the bearing race. Forces generated by compression of the resiliently compressible second roller urge the first rollers against a surface of the bearing race, thereby taking up the clearance between the first rollers and the race.

Abstract: An output shaft of a power unit having a driven gear for supplying a power of an internal combustion engine via a transmission mechanism and for outputting the power to an outside of a unit case. Borne members are connected respectively at each end of a cylindrical member of the output shaft. The borne members are rotatably supported by the unit case via a pair of bearings. The driven gear is fitted to one of the borne members in a position adjacent to one of the bearings. As a result, the output shaft of the power unit can be manufactured by a compact manufacturing apparatus, and the output shaft can be reduced in weight while maintaining the strength.

Abstract: A propshaft assembly includes a shaft structure having a hollow cavity and an insert member being positioned within the hollow cavity and engaging the shaft structure. The shaft structure vibrates in response to receipt of an input of a predetermined frequency such that a shell mode anti-node is generated. The insert member is located at a position that approximately corresponds to the anti-node and has a compressive strength that is tailored to an anticipated displacement of the anti-node to thereby attenuate vibration of the shaft structure.

Abstract: A flexible shaft having ends of square cross-section for coupling a mating female driving member such as a square recess in a motor assembly, with a mating female driven member such as a square recess in a gearbox assembly, for positioning a seat in a motor vehicle. To decrease vibration and noise due to friction and relative movement between the shaft ends and the mating recesses, the sides of the shaft end portions are covered with a deformable polytetrafluoroethylene sheath applied by positioning a length of heat shrinkable tubing over each end portion and heating the tubing to shrink it onto the corresponding end portion so that it assumes the square cross-sectional shape of the end portion.

Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly includes an inner member having an outer surface with a plurality of splines defining a splined portion, and an outer member having an inner surface with a plurality of splines defining a splined portion. The splined portion of the inner member is capable of being slidably engaged with the splined portion of the outer member to form a splined connection therebetween. One of the inner and outer members includes a tunable energy absorption feature that controls an amount of interference between the inner and outer members. For example, the tunable energy absorption feature can be in the form of a friction ramp on one member that frictionally engages an angled leading ramp on the other member, a raised portion on one or more splines, or splines having different length that can progressively absorb energy during axial deformation of the propeller shaft assembly.

Abstract: The power transmission apparatus for a vehicle has a main shaft having drive gears mounted thereto and a countershaft having driven gears mounted thereto, and the respective shafts are attached to a case. A reverse shaft attached to the case has an idler gear for reverse operation or a reverse idler gear rotatably attached thereto which is engaged with a drive gear for reverse operation and a driven gear for reverse operation. The reverse shaft has a projection which is integrally formed thereon and is in contact with one side surface of the reverse idler gear, and has a washer mounted thereto which is in contact with the other side surface of the reverse idler gear.

Abstract: A vehicle shaft has a rigid intermediate portion with a shaft journal welded to each of the two ends of the shaft portion. The shaft journal and/or the intermediate portion are/is provided with a material thickness reduction within a distance a from the contact surfaces which is less than substantially half the material thickness at the contact surfaces, in order to guide the force flow thorough the weld seam. During manufacture of such vehicle shafts, the mutually abutting contact surfaces are laser-welded to form a weld seam which can fully penetrate the material of the shaft journals and the intermediate portion respectively, whereby the concentricity and parallelism of the two journals will be within predetermined dimensional tolerances after the welding and cooling of the material. The arrangement has an induction heater which surrounds the shaft journal and is movable axially so that, after completion of heating, it moves to free the shaft journals welded to the shaft portion.

Abstract: An adapter device is disclosed for adapting a drive of a worm gear to rotate an output shaft. The adapter device includes a sleeve having an inside diameter which is slightly greater than an outside diameter of the output shaft. The sleeve has an outer diameter which is slightly less than an inner diameter of the drive of the worm gear. An elongate key cooperates with a longitudinal slot defined by the output shaft and an aligned channel defined by the sleeve and an aligned groove defined by the drive of the worm gear. The sleeve is disposed between the output shaft and the drive of the worm gear, the sleeve, the output shaft and the drive of the worm gear being coaxial relative to each other. The arrangement is such that when the drive of the worm gear rotates, the key interacts with the aligned groove of the drive of the worm gear, the channel of the sleeve and the longitudinal slot of the output shaft for rotating the output shaft.

Abstract: A shaft for use on in a mud pump having a shaft portion and a hub portion integrally formed with the shaft portion. The hub portion extends radially outwardly of the shaft portion. The shaft portion and the hub portion are machined from a single steel black. The hub portion has an end face with a plurality of bolt holes formed therein. The hub portion is attached to a sheave so as to receive the drive belt of a motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotor shaft, comprising: a rod member (26); and a plurality of separately formed component parts (such as a compressor wheel 10, a turbine wheel 11 and a rotor 14 of an electric generator) through which the rod member extends so that the plurality of component parts are joined together on an axis of the rod member, wherein mutually facing axial end surfaces of adjoining ones of the plurality of component parts are formed with annular projections (22, 23) having a substantially same radial dimension (or thickness) such that an outer circumferential surface of the annular projection of one component part can tightly contact an inner circumferential surface of the annular projection of an adjoining component part.

Abstract: A crash optimized propeller shaft includes a swaged tube to connect ends having disparate diameters. The variable diameter tube creates a stress concentration zone which allows the shaft to collapse or buckle in a controlled and predictable manner in response to predetermined loads.

Abstract: An axially collapsible propeller shaft assembly, wherein the axial collapse feature resides in an axially collapsible drive connection between a stud shaft and a hollow propeller shaft, wherein under everyday drivingly conditions the drive connection provides torque transfer between the stud shaft and the propeller shaft, but under crash conditions the axial force telescopically receives the stud shaft into the hollow space of the propeller shaft. In a first embodiment, an end of the stud shaft is splinably engaged with an end cap affixed to the propeller shaft. In a second embodiment, a stud shaft is affixed to an end cap, which is, in turn, affixed to a propeller shaft. An annular score of the end cap has a bottom which is broken in a crash, which allows a central portion of the end cap to move with the stud shaft into the propeller shaft.

Abstract: An output shaft structure enabling easy and secure positioning of an output shaft for a shaft driven vehicle having an internal combustion engine. The output shaft structure provides first and second cases which mutually connect on a face perpendicular to a crankshaft and form a crankcase, a case cover attached to the outside of the first case and the output shaft arranged in the crankcases and supported by a first bearing provided to the case cover and a second bearing provided to the first case. Also provided is an input gear for the output shaft arranged so that it touches the outside face of the second bearing. Further, the output shaft is provided with a first large diameter part positioned by touching the inside face of the first bearing, and a second large diameter part positioned by touching the outside face of the input gear.

Abstract: A coupling having slots for receiving drive tabs of an associated driving shaft and a driven shaft, wherein the tabs of the driving shaft and the driven shaft are tapered to militate against rotational play between the driving shaft and the driven shaft which results in undesirable wear and damage to the drive shafts and coupling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a bending-resistant, elongated body, preferably a shaft or beam. The invention is characterized in that an elongated blank is produced having at least one cavity extending essentially along the entire length of the blank, the inner surface of which cavity is at a distance from the mass center of the blank seen in a section at right angles to its longitudinal axis and that affixed in the cavity is a fiber composite body with an outer surface essentially congruent with the inner surface of the cavity and that majority of the fibers in the fiber composite body both extend essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated blank and are elongated along the whole of its length. The invention also relates to an arrangement produced according to the method.

Abstract: A dual shaft and rotating machine coupling has a first rotatable shaft, a second rotatable shaft and a rotating machine rotor coupling. The first rotatable shaft has a first shaft connecting flange radially extending outwardly therefrom. The second rotatable shaft is axially aligned with the first rotatable shaft and has a second shaft connecting flange radially extending outwardly therefrom. The second shaft connecting flange is spaced from the first shaft connecting flange. The rotating machine rotor coupling has a rotor spider and a rotor connecting flange radially extending inwardly from the spider securely sandwiched between and in abutting relation with the first and second shaft connecting flanges.

Abstract: A pivot shaft includes a shaft member having a male screw portion to be thread-connected to a vehicle body frame, and a nut member having a female screw portion to be thread-connected to part of a male screw portion of the shaft member corresponding to a projecting thread portion projecting from the vehicle body frame. The nut member as a locknut is attached so as to prevent the rotation of the adjusted shaft member. The locknut is a nut member formed into a cap-shape or a ball-head locknut shape. A tool engaging portion to which a multi-purpose tightening tool can be engaged is formed on the nut member. Since the multi-purpose tool can be engaged with the tool engaging portion on the nut member accurately, control of a tightening torque is facilitated, and the number of steps for controlling the tightening torque can be reduced.

Abstract: An integral hollow type power transmission shaft is proposed which is superior in the balance between the static strength and the fatigue strength. The integral hollow type shaft is induction-hardened from the outer periphery to form a hardened layer, leaving unhardened layer at spline portions, so that at the spline portions, the hardness on the inner surface will be lower than at other portions. This increases the toughness and compressive residual stress of the shaft at the spline portions, which tend to be starting points of fatigue cracks, thus improving the balance between the static strength and the fatigue strength.

Abstract: There is provided a torsion shaft for a vehicle. This torsion shaft includes an elongated inner shaft, and an outer sleeve attached to the inner shaft which fits over the inner shaft. A torsion cap is further attached to the inner shaft and outer sleeve. Another embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated inner shaft and an outer casing attached to the inner shaft which fits over the inner shaft. A torsion cap is further attached to the inner shaft and outer sleeve. A method for making a torsion shaft is also provided. An inner shaft and a magnetized outer sleeve are provided. The inner shaft is inserted into the outer sleeve, and the two are joined together.

Abstract: A vehicle shaft has a rigid intermediate portion with a shaft journal welded to each of the two ends of the shaft portion. The shaft journal and/or the intermediate portion are/is provided with a material thickness reduction within a distance a from the contact surfaces which is less than substantially half the material thickness at the contact surfaces, in order to guide the force flow thorough the weld seam. During manufacture of such vehicle shafts, the mutually abutting contact surfaces are laser-welded to form a weld seam which can fully penetrate the material of the shaft journals and the intermediate portion respectively, whereby the concentricity and parallelism of the two journals will be within predetermined dimensional tolerances after the welding and cooling of the material. The arrangement has an induction heater which surrounds the shaft journal and is movable axially so that, after completion of heating, it moves to free the shaft journals welded to the shaft portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a driveshaft, and the driveshaft itself. The driveshaft (1) includes a first attachable part (2) with a first longitudinal axis (A1), a second attachable part (3) with a second longitudinal axis (A2) as well as a tube element (4) with a curvature which is production-caused. For joining purposes, the tube element (4) is held so as to intersect a reference axis (R) in two points of its center line (M). The first attachable part (2) with its first longitudinal axis (A1) and the second attachable part (3) with its second longitudinal axis (A2) are aligned on the reference axis (R). Thereafter, the attachable parts (2, 3) are welded to the tube ends of the tube element (4), with the radial gaps between the tube element (4) and the attachable parts (2, 3) being closed.

Abstract: To provide an output shaft structure of a personal watercraft, which is capable of enhancing the durability of the engine. An engine is mounted on a watercraft body with a crankshaft extending in the longitudinal direction of the watercraft body. A shaft of a propulsion device is coupled to a rear end of the crankshaft in such a manner as to be disposed on an extension of the crankshaft. The crankshaft is supported by an engine case via plain metal. An output shaft is provided separately from the crankshaft and is coupled to the rear end of the crankshaft. The shaft of the propulsion device is coupled to the rear end of the output shaft. The output shaft is supported by the engine case via rolling bearings immovable in a thrust direction. A spline is formed on or in each of the rear end of the crankshaft and the front end of the output shaft, and a spline to be engaged with these splines is formed in or on an inner surface of a connection pipe.

Abstract: An improved clutch drum and input shaft assembly or intermediate shaft for the transfer of torsional force in a vehicle transmission having a fillet or concave groove structure and a hardened steel shaft. The improved clutch drum and input shaft has additional material in the spline portion of the shaft as well as improved fillet and transition surfaces between the spline and the first bearing element as compared to existing transmission shafts. The strength and durability of the improved transmission shaft is also modified with materials and hardening beyond the existing transmission shaft steel and hardening grades. Additional welds to attach a clutch drum to the shaft are employed instead of a single laser electron beam weld.

Abstract: A shaft adapted for connection to another shaft in a manner that transfers rotational movement is provided. The shaft bears a spline comprising a plurality of teeth. Each tooth has a profile that enhances surface contact between the shaft and a second shaft, thereby leading to enhanced fit between the shafts. Each tooth includes a top surface and first and second sides. Each of the first and second sides has a straight portion disposed between top and bottom transition regions. In a preferred embodiment, the length of each straight portion is between approximately 0.6 and 0.9 times the overall length of the appropriate side. Also, the pitch diameter of the shaft is preferably between 0.8 and 0.97 times the outer diameter of the shaft. The width of each tooth is preferably between approximately 2 and 5 times the wall thickness of the shaft.

Abstract: An improved propeller shaft includes first and second ends affixable to a Mono-Block High Speed Fixed Joint and a Plunging Type VL Constant Velocity Joint, respectively. The first and second ends are separated by a connecting tube. The Plunging Joint functions to allow the engine and the power take-off unit to move without causing the connecting tube to move and to further allow the engine to move backwards in the first moments of impact.

Abstract: A supporting device for a plurality of adapter chucks for the precision grinding or polishing of optical components comprises a spindle shaft having a central bore for supplying one of a gas and a vacuum, at least one arm adjustably supported by a head of the spindle shaft and having a seating for an adapter chuck, and a flexible vacuum/gas line provided between the seating and the spindle shaft. The arm is adjustable as to its angle of inclination relative to an axis of the spindle shaft.