Abstract: To easily perform a change between a four-wheel drive operation of a vehicle to a two-wheel drive operation of the vehicle. In a four-wheel buggy having the four-wheel drive specification in which a longitudinally mounted engine with a crank shaft is directed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicular body, an output shaft is divided into a main body portion and a front wheel connection portion. In the case of applying the output shaft structure to the four-wheel drive specification, a male spline formed on a front end portion of the main body portion is fitted in a female spline formed in a rear end portion of the front wheel connection portion. A front end portion of the front wheel connection portion projects forwardly from an outlet portion of a front case cover, and is connected to a front wheel propeller shaft.

Abstract: The 2004R Input Shaft is one of the parts in a 2004R Automatic Transmission, which was designed by General Motors. Under normal driving conditions the stock/factory input shaft does not usually break. But under severe duty and high performance driving these stock/factory input shafts are unable to handle the increased torque and power associated with this type of driving. The 2004R Billet Input Shaft is made from a hardened and heat-treated 300 M steel. This steel makes the Billet input shaft much more durable and considerably stronger than the stock/factory input shaft. Some of the “grooves” cut into the 2004R Billet Input Shaft have had the diameters changed (from the stock/factory blue print specifications) to accommodate teflon sealing rings, instead of using the factory metal rings. Teflon rings provide better sealing qualities. One end of the 2004R Billet Input Shaft has an oil feed hole which is smaller in diameter than the stock/factory hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal joint shaft which includes a driving shaft and driven shaft engaged to a driving yoke and driven yoke which are arranged in an installation position and have opposite both front ends which are distanced and a rectangular cross section in a radius direction, and a three-divided joint formed of connection shafts and having a cross section in a radius direction to correspond to the driving shaft and driven shaft for implementing a radius direction slip and rotational force transfer between the driving shaft and the driven shaft, wherein the universal joint shaft includes a driving yoke and a driven yoke for transferring a rotational force in an inclined state at a certain angle.

Abstract: A driveline assembly includes a shaft that is rotatably supported on a bearing assembly within a drive axle. The shaft has a first mount portion with a threaded exterior surface and a second mount portion with a splined exterior surface. A retaining ring is threaded onto the first mount portion to engage and retain the bearing assembly at a proper location. A yoke member with a splined inner bored is mounted on the shaft in engagement with the splined exterior surface. The yoke member can easily be connected and disconnected from the shaft without having to remove the retaining ring. The yoke member also includes a quick disconnect device that simplifies removal and re-assembly of the yoke member from the shaft.

Abstract: In order to facilitate angular phase-alignment during assembly of a telescopic cardan shaft, comprising an outer splined shaft (1)—equipped with longitudinal inner splines (11)—and an inner splined shaft (3)—equipped with longitudinal outer projections (13, 13A)—the inner splines (11) of the outer shaft (1) have a width greater than the width of the outer projections (13,13A) of the inner splined shaft (3), in order to obtain a mutual angular play of at least 60°.

Abstract: A shaft assembly including an elongated member having at least a portion which is hollow having an inside surface defining a shaft core is provided. The shaft assembly includes a rotatable, torque transmitting elongated member defining a portion thereof which is hollow having an inside surface and defining a shaft core. The shaft has an outside surface including a torque transmitting portion and a functional feature portion. The elongated member defines an aperture gate extending from the inside surface to the outside surface. The elongated member also defines a hardened, moldable material. The material extends from the inside surface through the aperture gate. The material is secured to at least a portion of the outside surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal joint shaft which includes a driving shaft and driven shaft engaged to a driving yoke and driven yoke which are arranged in an installation position and have opposite both front ends which are distanced and a rectangular cross section in a radius direction, and a three-divided joint formed of connection shafts and having a cross section in a radius direction to correspond to the driving shaft and driven shaft for implementing a radius direction slip and rotational force transfer between the driving shaft and the driven shaft, wherein the universal joint shaft includes a driving yoke and a driven yoke for transferring a rotational force in an inclined state at a certain angle.

Abstract: A shaft assembly including an elongated member having at least a portion which is hollow having an inside surface defining a shaft core is provided. The shaft assembly includes a rotatable, torque transmitting elongated member defining a portion thereof which is hollow having an inside surface and defining a shaft core. The shaft has an outside surface including a torque transmitting portion and a functional feature portion. The elongated member defines an aperture gate extending from the inside surface to the outside surface. The elongated member also defines a hardened, moldable material. The material extends from the inside surface through the aperture gate. The material is secured to at least a portion of the outside surface.

Abstract: A rotor shaft comprises an end fixed to a base of a rotor. The rotor shaft further includes a distal end having a dome and an engaging groove. The engaging groove is annular and defined by a lower wall and an upper wall. At least one of the lower wall and the upper wall is connected with the outer periphery of the rotor shaft by an inclined section or a round. The inclined section is at an obtuse angle with the outer periphery of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A process for producing a hollow monoblock shaft from a pipe, the pipe initially having a constant diameter and a constant wall thickness, and the monoblock component including at least one area of its length being of a smaller outside diameter and a greater wall thickness than the constant diameter and constant wall thickness of the pipe.

Abstract: A flexible shaft having at least one end formed to have a helical square shape, wherein successive cross-sections have square shapes progressively rotated with respect to each other. The overall rotation from where the square cross-section begins to the adjacent end of the shaft is preferably in the range of 10 to 20 degrees. The helical square end is preferably shaped by swaging utilizing helical square dies preferably made by electron discharge machining. When the helical square end of the flexible shaft is forced into a mating square opening of an end fitting, the helical square configuration of the shaft end causes it to be deformed and bind tightly in the fitting with an interference fit, thus reducing vibration and noise when the shaft is rotated. Instead of a helical square shape, the end of the flexible shaft may alternatively have another helical polygonal shape.

Abstract: A driveshaft for a snowmobile has an elongated hollow tube having a longitudinal extent. The tube has a series of circumferentially spaced longitudinally extending splines. Both ends of the tube each have an insert for journal mounting the tube. At least two sprockets are mounted on the tube in a spaced relation. Each of the sprockets has an inner hub which has an inner circumferential surface contoured to complementarily engage with the tube in a frictional fit.

Abstract: A composite shaft comprising at least two axial segments of dissimilar materials, the segments being held together by a central tie-bar, wherein a segment of material least subject to radial expansion is provided with a coaxial male member extending axially from its end, and the cooperating segment subject to greater radial expansion is provided with a female skirt shrunk onto the male member in the assembly of the shaft and also being provided with an annular upstand, at or towards its peripheral edge and directed towards the cooperating segment, the upstand being held by the compressive force of the tie-bar always in full annular contact with its cooperating segment. The male member is of smallest practicable diameter and the upstand is of largest practicable diameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive assembly for transmitting torque, having a propeller shaft (1) and an intermediate bearing (2), such as they are used in motor vehicles for example, wherein the propeller shaft (1) includes a first shaft portion (3) with a first joint (8), a second shaft portion (4) with a second joint (21), and a third joint (5) in the form of a constant velocity fixed joint which connects the first shaft portion (3) and the second shaft portion (4), and wherein the intermediate bearing (2), which adjoins the constant velocity fixed joint (5) and is associated with the first shaft portion (3), including rolling contact bearing (15); in the drive assembly, the smallest inner diameters (dcA, dwz) of the outer joint part (25) of the joint (5) and of the second shaft tube (19) associated with the second shaft portion (4) are greater than the greatest outer diameters (Dw, DL) of the first shaft portion (3) and of the rolling contact bearing (15) of the intermediate bearing (2); this assembly permi

Abstract: The invention relates to a driveshaft and to a method of producing the driveshaft having three components a first attaching element 1 and a second attaching element 13 and a tube element 8 arranged therebetween. The tube element 8 is provided with a first end face 9 and a second end face 12. Both attaching elements 1, 13 comprise cylindrical receiving faces 4, 16 whose diameter is smaller than that of the tube bore 10 of the tube element 8. This permits a radial adjustment of the elements relative to one another with reference to a longitudinal reference axis 25 in order to keep any out-of-balance minimized. In the axial direction, close tolerances can be observed in that a first reference face 6 of the first attaching element 1 is set relative to the first end face 9 of the tube element at a fixed distance 7.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for producing a bending-resistant, elongated body (1), preferably a shaft or beam. The invention is characterized in that an elongated blank is produced having at least one cavity (2, 2a) 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 (2, 2a) is a fiber composite body (3, 3a) with an outer surface essentially congruent with the inner surface of the cavity and that the majority of the fibers in the fiber composite body (3, 3a) 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 monobloc hollow shaft for transmitting torque, having two end portions, which, at their axial outer ends, are provided with shaft toothings for introducing torque, and having a central portion which, as compared to the end portions, has a smaller wall thickness, wherein, when torque is introduced via the shaft toothings, due to torsional forces a central part of the central portion of at least 25% of the length of the shaft is first of all uniformly plastically deformed.

Abstract: A power transmission member (20) is provided by a spline rolling method and apparatus (36) that includes a pair of racks (38) for providing splines (24) with ends (34) opposing each other in a precisely spaced relationship at an annular groove (30) that is utilized to provide snap ring or other fastener positioning for axially locating the member during use.

Abstract: An impact-absorbable power transmission device is constituted by establishing a frictional spline connection between a shaft and a pipe to allow an axial slide therebetween and to forbid a relative rotation therebetween. An inner race of a universal joint is fixed to another end portion of the shaft by press-fitting. A flange for receiving a press-fitting force of the inner race is formed at an intermediate portion of the shaft. Therefore, the power transmission device ensures an impact absorbing performance while avoiding a lowering of a mechanical strength caused by the inner race installing operation.

Abstract: In order to facilitate angular phase-alignment during assembly of a telescopic cardan shaft, comprising an outer splined shaft (1) - equipped with longitudinal inner splines (11) - and an inner splined shaft (3) - equipped with longitudinal outer projections (13, 13A) - the inner splines (11) of the outer shaft (1) have a width greater than the width of the outer projections (13, 13A) of the inner splined shaft (3), in order to obtain a mutual angular play of at least 60°.

Abstract: A stackable transmission shaft includes a plurality of cylindrical members each having a top formed with a diametrical projection, a bottom formed with a diametrical recess, and a center formed with an axial through hole, the projection having an inverted V-shaped top and the diametrical recess being configured to receive the diametrical projection and arranged to make an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the diametrical projection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a propeller shaft assembly for connecting the front gearbox output to the drive input of a rear axle drive of a passenger car. Said propeller shaft assembly comprises at least two propeller shaft portions 9, 10. Both are supported by an intermediate bearing 11 arranged in the connecting region. At the gearbox output end, there is provided a first joint 12. In the connecting region between the two propeller shaft portions 9, 10, there is provided a third joint 14. All joints 12, 13, 14 are provided in the form of constant velocity fixed joints. Additionally, towards the ends, there is provided a plunging element 16, 30 which is provided in the form of a rolling contact member guide which rollingly permit displacements along the longitudinal axis 32 and which additionally effect the transmission of torque. This assembly prevents any vibrational excitement either at the gearbox output end or at the axle drive end from reaching the propeller shaft assembly.

Abstract: A variable length double telescoping drive shaft assembly particularly suited for higher RPM applications (2,500 to 3,000 RPM). The assembly includes splined sliding members, namely a drive shaft and two elongated tubular members allowing for maximum telescoping with shorter minimum conditions. The assembly also includes a positive phasing and a non-pull apart features.

Abstract: A shaft including a rotatable, torque transmitting elongated member is provided. A portion of the shaft is hollow and has an inside surface defining a shaft core. The elongated member has an outside surface including a torque transmitting portion and a functional feature portion. The elongated member has a one piece construction.

Abstract: A shaft arrangement includes two shaft ends positioned in end-to-end abutting relation and an outer sleeve surrounding the abutting ends of the two shaft ends. The outer sleeve has through-channels for introducing pressure medium in the interface between the shaft ends and the outer sleeve to create a sleeve expanding effect during mounting and dismounting, and a radial grip acting between the sleeve and the two shaft ends, when the pressure medium has been drained through the through-channels, with the radial grip effecting a radial as well as an axial joining of the shaft ends and the outer sleeve. Each shaft end adjacent its abutting end face is equipped with a grip arrangement that is engaged by a thrust member. The thrust member bridges the abutting end faces and engages the grip arrangement inside the outer sleeve to inhibit the two shaft ends from being axially pulled apart even upon application of a large axial force.

Abstract: A composite shaft whose construction and fabrication enable precise placement and orientation of reinforcement fiber bundles, enable close control of runout, and eliminate a separate joining operation for attaching mechanical drive couplings. The composite shaft generally includes an inner shell, a spacing member circumscribing and contacting the inner shell, and a bundle of fibers disposed in each of a number of longitudinally-extending cavities in the spacing member. The shaft also has an outer portion that encases the fiber bundles in the spacing member. The shaft preferably includes end pieces attached to the end of the shaft and adapted as mechanical coupling features. At least the end pieces, spacing member and fiber bundles are joined in a manner that defines a metal matrix surrounding and encasing the fiber bundles.

Abstract: A driving shaft (3) includes an inner tube (1) and an outer tube (2) having a modified cross-section. These tubes (1, 2) are axially movable but not rotatable relative to each other for transmitting torque therebetween. The driving shaft (3) comprises a partition unit having a pair of partition walls (8a, 8b; 16) hermetically sealing at least part of the inside of the inner tube to define a grease reserving space (8A) in the inner tube on the side of its distal end. The partition wall (8a, 16) on the side of its proximal end is provided with a hose mounting portion (8c; 23) having an oil hole (9). The driving shaft (3) further comprises an oiling port unit (10; 20) provided on a fitting yoke (7) on the side of the proximal end of the inner tube and an oiling conduit unit (11; 24, 25) for connecting the oiling port unit (10; 20) and the hose mounting portion (8c; 23) of the partition unit.

Abstract: A new type of rotating shaft, is registered in succession with a stepped shaft, a bush, a bearing lock sleeve, a jacket and bearings, in which the bush is rigidly connected with a bearing lock sleeve through a dowel, the bearings are matching with the stepped shaft and bearing lock sleeves by the round keyways respectively, oil filler points are set up on the jacket, bearing lock sleeve and bush, an oil reserving space being surrounded by the stepped shaft, jacket, and the liner outside the bearing. The advantages of rotating shaft is abrasive-resistant, no need of periodic maintenance, extremely convenient in mounting and dismantling, and is dispensable in bearing tightness adjustment.

Abstract: An appliance controller and its control shaft as well as a method for attaching a control knob to a control shaft are presented. The controller includes a control shaft body having a central bore and including at its forward end two cantilevers having outwardly facing detents. These detents are adapted to engage an engagement slot of a control knob. The control shaft body also includes at its rearward end two slots forming rear cantilevers having positioning detents. A locking rod is positioned within the bore of the control shaft body. It has a forward end adapted to prevent inward deflection of the forward cantilevers when it is in a locked position. This forward end is further adapted to preclude outward deflection of these cantilevers during insertion. The rearward end of the locking rod includes radially extending tabs which prevent the locking rod from being removed from the housing of the controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for precisely aligning bolt holes in first and second adjacent drive shaft couplings, including a cam pin for being positioned in the generally aligned bolt holes in the shaft couplings and rotated to bring the bolt holes in to more precise alignment. The cam pin includes a first, relatively large diameter segment having a cylindrical wall defining a first longitudinal axis for being positioned in a precisely fitting condition in the bolt hole of the first coupling, and a second, relatively small diameter segment having a cylindrical wall defining a second longitudinal axis offset from and eccentric to the longitudinal axis of the first segment for being relatively loosely positioned in the generally aligned bolt hole of the second coupling. A cam sleeve is provided for being positioned in axial and rotational sliding relation over the small diameter segment of the cam pin and within the bolt hole of the second coupling.

Abstract: A transmission coupling assembly for absorbing axial and/or angular displacement between an internal combustion engine and a downstream gear train comprises a resilient vibration damper (3;24) secured to the flywheel (1;26). A coupling member (4;23) secured to the vibration damper is rotationally coupled to a coupling shaft (7;21) by means of interlocking splines, the splines (4a) of the coupling member being substantially straight and the splines (5a) of the coupling shaft being crowned or spherically curved. At the other end of the coupling shaft (7;21) a similar splined connection is made to the input shaft (8) of the downstream gear train. Lubrication is provided at the splined connection between the coupling shaft and the input shaft of the gear train, with a Z-cross section seal extending between the coupling shaft and the gearbox casing to prevent leakage of lubricant fluid.

Abstract: A transmission device of driving-force for transmitting driving-force of various types of driving sources inside a camera. In order to provide the transmission device of driving-force that can contribute to downsizing of a camera without decreasing a transmission efficiency of the driving-force and affecting arrangement of mechanism members inside the camera, there is provided an input member inputting turning-force, an output member that is arranged so that its rotation center may be different from the rotation center of the input member, and a drive shaft transmitting the turning-force from the input member to the output member. A junction of a drive shaft and at least either of the input member and output member is constructed so that the junction can rotate in one-piece with having different rotation centers and allowing mutual inclination by making it possible to mutually rock.

Abstract: An automotive prop shaft assembly particularly suited for coupling a transfer case to the front axle drive components comprises a tubular drive shaft having an initial uniform inner diameter relatively smaller than the outer diameter of a pair of forged insert yokes to be attached to the ends of the shaft. A section of each end of the tube is enlarged so that its inner diameter is sized to receive the yokes into the ends of the tube with an interference fit. The shaft and yokes are then welded together and weights fixed to the end sections to correct for imbalance.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a steering column shaft in a steering column housing of a vehicle, includes a smooth bore hollow cylindrical sleeve member overlying a smooth surface steering column shaft. A longitudinal locking slot in an outer surface of the cylindrical sleeve member is engagable with a locking pin member operated by an ignition switch on the steering column housing. Torque transmitted from the steering column shaft to the sleeve member is limited by a bushing member interposed between the steering column shaft and the sleeve member. The sleeve member is supported in the inner race of a steering column bearing mounted in the housing.

Abstract: A device for aligning a motor shaft coupled to an input shaft supported by a bearing in a driven device, comprising a nut adapted for mounting on the driven device and a washer adapted for mounting on the bearing. The nut has an inner edge, an outer edge and a bottom surface having a concave spherical curvature. The washer has an upper surface with a convex spherical curvature corresponding to the concave spherical curvature of the nut. The spherical curvature of the washer has sufficient clearance for sliding against the spherical curvature of the nut. When the nut is mounted to the driven device and the washer is mounted to the bearing, the spherical surfaces of the nut and washer mate. The spherical surface of the washer can slide against the spherical surface of the nut to compensate for angular stresses on the shaft and maintain precise alignment of the motor shaft at all times. The invention also comprises a gearbox having the alignment device mounted therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling lateral vibration in a rotating shaft, wherein the lateral vibration is controlled through the disposition of a mass having a predetermined weight in combination with the rotating shaft such that the first order critical frequency of the shaft is decreased below an operating frequency range for the rotating shaft. The mass is disposed in combination with the shaft at a second order critical frequency node such that the disposition of the mass does not decrease the second order critical frequency.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a drive line assembly includes the initial step of providing a driveshaft tube formed from a metallic material and having a substantially uniform wall thickness. The driveshaft tube terminates in an axially extending cylindrical end portion. Then, a diameter reducing portion is provided that is formed from a metallic material and has a substantially uniform wall thickness. The diameter reducing portion includes an axially extending cylindrical first end which is co-axial with and permanently fixed to the axially extending cylindrical end portion of the driveshaft tube. The diameter reducing portion further includes an axially extending cylindrical second end. The axially extending cylindrical first end of the diameter reducing portion defines a first diameter, and the axially extending cylindrical second end of the diameter reducing portion defines a second diameter. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter.

Abstract: A two-part electric motor shaft assembly. The assembly includes an elongated shank member which has a cavity hollowed out at one end. A cam pin has one end configured to be received in the shank cavity and secured thereto. The other end of the cam pin forms a cam surface which is eccentric with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the elongated shank member. By utilizing a two-piece design, the shank member may be formed of a softer and less expensive material than the alloy steel used to form the cam pin since the shank member is subjected to less loading and wear. The two-part motor shaft assembly of the present invention eliminates the stress riser that occurs with application of loading to the transition joint of a single piece design.

Abstract: A drive mechanism including a first member and a second member is provided. The first member defines a first member axis of rotation. The first member has a first member surface. The second member defines a second member axis of rotation. The second member has a second member surface. The first member surface of the first member is in intimate contact at a contact zone with the second member surface of the second member. The contact zone defines a plane extending substantially through the first member axis and the second member axis, whereby the force transmitted by the drive mechanism is substantially tangential to the axes of said members.

Abstract: A drive apparatus includes an electric motor, a speed reducer and a coupling member located between the motor and the speed reducer. The output shaft of the motor and the input shaft of the speed reducer are provided with longitudinally extending grooves having a square or rectangular cross section in which barrel members having the mating cross section are inserted, respectively to absorb any gap therebetween. The box like barrel member has four segments which are brought into resilient contact with the groove.

Abstract: A shaft coupling including a socket in an end of a first shaft element and a plunger on an end of a second shaft element. The plunger is divided by a longitudinal slot in the second shaft element into a pair of laterally flexible cantilever springs each having a pair of converging planar sides. Each of the converging planar sides of the cantilever springs has a transverse convex lobe at a distal end thereof and a concave recess inboard of the transverse convex lobe. The socket has a plurality of planar sides which define wedge-shaped corners facing the cantilever springs when the plunger is in the socket. The cantilever springs bias the transverse convex lobes thereon toward the wedge-shaped corners of the socket to rotatably couple the first and second shaft elements with zero dimensional tolerance therebetween. A flat shim in the longitudinal slot in the second shaft element limits additional flexure of the cantilever springs during torque transfer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed which reduces or removes axial loads on the drive string of a rotary downhole pump, i.e. tensile loads due to the hydrostatic load of the pumped liquid on the pump rotor, and/or at least part of the weight of the drive string, or thrust loads caused during pressurized fluid injection operations by backpressure of injected fluid on the pump rotor. This substantially prevents drive string/production tubing friction, wear and/or buckle in downhole rotary pumping arrangements operated in straight or curved well bores. When used in connection with fluid production pumping arrangements, the apparatus reduces the friction between the drive string and the production tubing of a downhole rotary pump for the pumping of well fluids which pump has a pump rotor connected to the drive string and is operated in a well bore. When used in connection with fluid injection pumping arrangements, the apparatus prevents drive string buckle, especially in curved well bore situations.

Abstract: A drive line assembly includes a cylindrically shaped driveshaft tube and a tube yoke, one end of the driveshaft tube fitting over the tube yoke in an interference fit sufficient to transfer torque between the driveshaft tube and the tube yoke, the tube yoke comprising a tube seat at one end for mating in a torque transferring relationship with the end of the driveshaft. The other end of the driveshaft tube yoke has a lug structure for transferring torque to other rotatable elements through a universal joint. The tube yoke has a diameter reducing portion intermediate the tube seat and the lug structure so that the lug structure is smaller in diameter than the drive shaft tube and the tube seat to facilitate the introduction of tooling to the lug structure during assembly operations of the universal joint.

Abstract: An elongated shaft suited to a molten metal environment which forms a connection between a rotor and an impeller. The shaft being formed with at least one end, in cross-section, having a plurality of rounded side portions with a relatively large radius and rounded corners having a relatively small radius connecting the side portions.

Abstract: An end fitting for use in a vehicular drive shaft assembly includes a body having a cylindrical sleeve portion extending therefrom. The sleeve portion of the end fitting has a plurality of recessed areas formed therein which extend longitudinally from a first end of the sleeve portion to a second end thereof. The recessed areas may be defined by planar surfaces which intersect the sleeve portion of the end fitting at a slight angle relative to the axis of rotation thereof. Each of the recessed areas has a cross sectional shape defined by a radial depth and a chordal width. The cross sectional shapes of the recessed areas vary along the lengths thereof. Preferably, the radial depths and the chordal widths are at minimum values adjacent the first end of the sleeve portion of the end fitting and are at maximum values adjacent the second end of the sleeve portion.

Abstract: A shaft assembly and method of forming a shaft assembly having an elongated hollow shaft with a stepped portion on the surface of the shaft. The stepped portion of the shaft surface is formed of two straight edge sections joined by an inclined section. A gear having a corresponding straight/inclined edge configuration engages the shaft and contacts the shaft only on the corresponding straight edge portions. Both the shaft and gear are made of plastic.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device for conveying a sheet includes a rotatable member, a spur provide in opposed relationship with the rotatable member, and a resilient member supporting the spur and provided in a curved state so as to press the spur against the rotatable member. The resilient member is in the form of a closely wound tension coil spring.

Abstract: In order to obtain sufficient energy absorbing capacity and, at the same time, to reduce the number of components and simplify assembly, synthetic resin is disposed between a shaft and a tube. The synthetic resin is torn and broken when strong compressive force in the axial direction is given at the time of a car crash, allowing the shaft to be pushed deeply into the tube until it contacts a pin. In this state, the contact position between one end of the tube and a cover tube substantially coincides with a small-cross-section portion formed in an intermediate part of the shaft. As a result, the shaft can bend at the small-cross-section portion.

Abstract: An upset tube for accommodating impact energy in a motor vehicle, preferably head-on collisions, which may be used both in the bumper bar or propeller shaft of a motor vehicle, has one bead angled with sides with different angular values. The angles enable a predetermination of the region of nominal fracture. After having been sheared off, the upset tube is able to destroy a defined amount of friction energy.

Abstract: A monolithic metallic drive shaft for a marine propulsion device is disclosed which is resistant to corrosion. The drive shaft comprises proximal and distal end portions, each of which has a predetermined surface hardness. The surface hardness of one of the proximal and distal end portions is greater than the surface hardness of the other of the proximal and distal end portions.