Abstract: In a centrifuge comprising a drive shaft assembly, a diaphragm disposed about the drive shaft assembly reduces noise and vibration. The diaphragm permits the drive shaft assembly to pivot off a vertical axis while substantially limiting horizontal displacement thereof. Also, where a centrifuge includes a rotor shaft and a drive shaft, a member situated between the rotor shaft and the drive shaft substantially limits vertical displacement of the rotor shaft while allowing angular deflection of the rotor shaft with respect to the drive shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gear mechanism of a power transmitting system, which includes a crank gear operatively coupled with a crankshaft, and a first driven gear that is coupled with a first balance shaft via a damping mechanism that allows relative rotation between the driven gear and the balance shaft. The damping mechanism includes a friction damper that generates frictional force when the first driven gear and a counter gear fixed to the first balance shaft rotate relative to each other within a predetermined rotational phase range or angle, and a stopper rubber or rubbers that elastically deforms to generate elastic force when the first driven gear and the first balance shaft rotate relative to each other beyond the predetermined rotational angle.

Abstract: A transmission element assembly for transmitting forces and/or torques, the assembly including a transmission element, a component in effective connection with the transmission element so that the transmission element is asymmetrically excitable into oscillations by the component, and an oscillation damper which is of asymmetrical design and is in effective connection with the transmission element.

Abstract: A shaft structure and at least two insert members. The shaft structure has a longitudinally extending cavity and is configured to vibrate in response to the receipt of an input of a predetermined frequency such that at least two second bending mode anti-nodes are generated in spaced relation to one another along the longitudinal axis of the shaft structure. The insert members are disposed within the longitudinally extending cavity and engage an inner wall of the shaft structure. Each of the insert members is located at a position that approximately corresponds to an associated one of the anti-nodes and has a density that is tailored to an anticipated displacement of the associated anti-node. A method for attenuating noise transmission from a vehicle driveline is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention discloses an oscillating tool having an attachment opening for attachment to a drive shaft of an oscillating drive that can be driven oscillating about a pivot axis. Spaced from the attachment opening is provided a working section for processing a work piece. The oscillating tool is provided with a balancing section by which balancing of the oscillating tool relative to the pivot axis of the drive shaft, on which the oscillating tool is mounted, is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal joint which includes a slip joint in which a shaft is inserted into an interior of a hollow pipe for thereby implementing a rotation force transferring and slipping operation, a hollow yoke joint installed at both sides of the slip joint and having one side which surrounds the pipe and shaft, and an elastic means inserted between the pipe and shaft and both ends of the slip joint and the yoke joint for generating an elastic force in a radial direction.

Abstract: This invention provides a dynamic damper comprising an outer pipe 20, a weight 30 and an elastic body 40, wherein convex portions 21 protruded in the direction of the inside diameter are provided at plural positions along the circumferential direction of the outer pipe so as to hold the elastic body 40 by sandwiching the outer circumferential portion of the elastic body 40 between adjacent the convex portions.

Abstract: In a dynamic damper including: a torque transmissible tube member; a mass member housed within an inside of the tube member concentrically to the tube member; and a pair of elastic members, both ends of the mass member in a center axis direction of the tube member are coupled to the tube member via the pair of elastic members, the mass member includes a large mass section interposed between the pair of elastic members, a length of the mass member in the center axis direction of the tube member is longer than a diameter of the large mass section, and, from among two different bending resonance vibration modes of the tube member, a node of a higher order bending resonance vibration mode is placed at a position between the pair of elastic members.

Abstract: The invention comprises a shaft damper having an inertial mass engaged with an elastomeric member within a shaft bore. The elastomeric member is contained in an annular space between a shaft inner surface and an outer surface of the inertial mass. A profile on the outer surface of the inertial mass enhances a mechanical bond with the elastomeric member. The elastomeric member and the inertial mass are disposed in the shaft in order to damp a bending vibration of the shaft.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for a reduced mass balancer shaft that effectively balance first or second order imbalances in an internal combustion engine. The balancer shaft is symmetrical with offset masses that are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction and orientation, and preferably comprises front and rear offset masses between a center section and a front and a rear journal respectively. In a preferred embodiment, there integrally formed stiffening members in the front and rear offset masses that symmetric about the balancer shaft centerline. The front and rear offset masses are each comprised of solid partial annular configurations that extend equally away from the balancer shaft centerline. The center section is comprised of an annular configuration.

Abstract: An elastic shaft joint comprises a shaft with a pair of outer-diameter side engagement surfaces which are substantially parallel to each other at two positions on the opposite sides of the outer peripheral surface in the radial direction, a rotary member with a pair of restraint plate portions which are substantially parallel to each other, having an opening on a lateral side thereof, and a vibration absorbing member provided between the rotary member and the shaft. The vibration absorbing member is constituted by an elastic member disposed on the inner peripheral surface of a part fixed to the rotary member and a sliding sleeve which is supported by the inner peripheral surface of the elastic member and which inner peripheral surface is in slidable contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft.

Abstract: A damping transmission device for a motor has a transmission shaft by which a connection of gears can be driven by a motor. The transmission shaft has a ring and a washer mounted therearound. A spring is compressibly mounted around the transmission shaft, and mounted between the washer and the ring so as to absorb shock exerted onto the transmission shaft. The damping transmission device is able to provide a secure positioning and protect the motor from undesirable rotation.

Abstract: A collapsible driveshaft and method of making the same. The collapsible driveshaft includes a tubular member having first and second portions that are integrally formed as a one-piece member. The first portion has splines formed on an exterior surface thereof. The second, opposite portion has both outer and inner diameters that are greater than the outer diameter of the first portion. The method includes placing a tubular metal blank into a hydroforming die having a die cavity and expanding the blank by pressurizing the interior of the blank with hydroforming fluid. During the hydroforming process, the first portion of the blank is expanded to form splines while the second portion is expanded to form inner and outer diameters that are greater than the outer diameter of the first portion.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly has a tubular element with yokes coupled at the ends of the tubular element. The yoke includes a stub shaft portion for inserting into and welding the yoke to the tubular element. A receiving portion is present in the yoke to receive a universal joint. A balancing portion is present on the yoke to balance the rotational imbalance of the driveshaft. The balancing portion includes a desired mass of material so that in order to rotationally balance the driveshaft, mass may be removed from the balancing portion of the yoke.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly is balanced for rotation during use by initially disposing an annular band about a portion thereof. The band is then secured to the driveshaft assembly, such as by welding, adhesives, frictional engagement, and the like. After the band is secured to the driveshaft assembly, one or more balance weights can be secured to the band, such as by welding, adhesives, and the like, at desired locations to balance the driveshaft assembly for rotation. The band functions as a mounting surface upon which the balance weights can be secured to balance the driveshaft assembly for rotation. Because the balance weights are secured not directly to the driveshaft assembly, but rather are mounted indirectly thereon by the band, the driveshaft assembly is protected from damage that might otherwise result from welding the balance weights directly thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle driveshaft 10 having first and second splined members 12,16 which are manufactured of aluminum, which are anodized, and which respectively include relatively long and wide respective spline portions 14, 18, thereby cooperatively forming a relatively stiff driveshaft 10.

Abstract: An internal vibration absorber, configured to be installed in hollow shafts, includes a central absorber mass, a rigid outer shell coaxially surrounding the absorber mass, and an elastomeric spring element interconnecting the central mass and the outer shell in an elastic/resilient manner. The elastomeric spring element includes circumferentially spaced resilient radial spacers, which are functionally independent from one another. The radial spacers may extend axially along the entire length of the absorber mass, or the spacers may engage the absorber mass at axially spaced apart locations. All spacers engage axially the central absorber mass at such a distance apart that an appreciable wobbling of the absorber mass within the shell is impossible even when the absorber mass is in soft resilient suspension.

Abstract: An automatic stabilizer for the high-speed drill spindle in which when the rotation speed of the drill spindle is in excess of the natural frequency, the vibration centric momentum goes in the opposite direction of the mass imbalance. While the rotation speed is much higher than the natural frequency, the phase difference between the vibration centric momentum and the mass imbalance. A this instance, the rolling elements are inclined to move to the large radius side, in other word moving in the direction opposite to the mass imbalance so as to offset it to achieve the automatic stability in the drill spindle.

Abstract: A static unbalance-type balance shaft for canceling unbalance forces of an engine includes a principal bearing journal located adjacent a first end of the shaft and an outrigger bearing journal located adjacent the second end of the shaft. A first counterweight is positioned adjacent one side of the principal journal and a second counterweight is positioned on the other side of the principal journal. The balance shaft has a small third outrigger counterweight or other source of unbalance positioned adjacent the outrigger journal for maintenance of the shaft's Effective Plane of Static Unbalance within the length of the principal journal while allowing the composite center of gravity of the first and second counterweights to be shifted away from the outrigger unbalance, for the purpose of improving the stability of shaft operating shape at the outrigger journal end of the shaft across the entire range of operating speeds.

Abstract: A method is designed to adjust automatically the dynamic balance of the main shaft of a processing machine. The method involves the use of a micro-electromechanical technique for a precision measurement of the imbalance quantity of the dynamic balance of the main shaft. The data are transmitted by the radio transmission technique to an automatic adjustment mechanism for adjusting the dynamic balance in conjunction with the phase difference of the rotary rings and a step-by-step motor.

Abstract: A propeller shaft has a dynamic damper composed of a cylindrical mass member and an elastic body surrounding the mass member. The elastic body has an outside diameter larger than the inside diameter of a tubular body, and is held therein by compression and elastic deformation. The elastic body has a number of radially outwardly extending protrusions and its compression is such that a frictional resistance produced between its protrusions and the inner surface of the tubular body may be larger than a force causing the withdrawal of the damper from the tubular body. The damper can, thus, be placed in position without relying upon any adhesive, or special holding member, or any special bonding job.

Abstract: A watercraft includes an engine having an output shaft. A coupling structure is provided on one end of the output shaft. A driveshaft has an engine connecting axial end portion. The engine connecting end portion provides a first cooperating interlocking structure. A resiliently deformable cushioning structure has a second cooperating interlocking structure and is mounted to the engine connecting end portion with the first and second interlocking structures interlocking with one another to secure the cushioning structure on the engine connecting end portion. The coupling structure couples the output shaft and driveshaft together so that powered rotation of the output shaft is transmitted to the driveshaft. The cushioning structure is positioned between the engine connecting end portion and output shaft such that the cushioning structure prevents the engine connecting end portion from abutting directly against the output shaft during relative movement of the driveshaft and output shaft towards one another.

Abstract: In an arrangement for mounting a tubular member, such as a part of a dynamic damper or a dust boot, made of elastomeric material onto a shaft member, an annular projection is formed integrally on the inner circumferential surface of the tubular sleeve member, and an endless band made of relatively rigid material such as steel is either insert molded in or fitted on the tubular sleeve member so as to surround the annular projection. The outer diameter of the shaft member is smaller than the inner diameter of the endless band, but is greater than the inner diameter of the annular projection. Therefore, the elastomeric tubular member can be firmly fitted onto a shaft easily and economically. Because the endless band can be made of a seamless solid ring or a welded ring, it is more reliable in use than conventional steel band fasteners. Since the endless band is uniform over its entire circumferential length, it is free from any rotational imbalance.

Abstract: A damped tolerance ring assembly has an outer tolerance ring, an inner tolerance ring, and an elastomeric layer bonded therebetween. The tolerance rings are metal, spring-like split rings. Each tolerance ring has corrugations for additional strength. The elastomeric layer contours to the shape of both the inner and outer rings and their corrugations. The damped tolerance ring assembly is press fit between a cylindrical pivot assembly and a cylindrical hole in the actuator body of a disk drive. The friction at the interfaces of the tolerance rings due to compressive forces hold the pivot securely in the actuator body such that they all rotate together relative to a pivot shaft. The tolerance rings are formed from steel and provide a stiff outer shell for the ring assembly to resist axial rocking of the actuator body relative to the pivot, especially during structural resonance modes. The thin layer of elastomer provides the damping and isolation to absorb vibration energy of the bearing reaction force.

Abstract: A power transmission device comprises a propeller shaft (PS) and a rear axle device (AR) that is linked and transmits rotational drive force. In the structure linking the propeller shaft and the rear axle device, a first mark indicating the direction of rotational imbalance in the propeller shaft is provided to the propeller shaft, a second mark is provided to a companion flange (30) linked to the propeller shaft in the rotation transmission device, for indicating the direction of rotational imbalance in the companion flange (30), and the propeller shaft and the companion flange are linked on the basis of the first and second marks.

Abstract: Briefly, according to this invention, there is provided a balancing assembly for balancing a rotating member and the combination of a rotating member and balancing assembly. The balancing assembly includes an annular ring, a locking member and a cover. The annular ring has an opening for receiving the rotating member and at least one removable primary balancing weight and at least one removable secondary balancing weight. The locking member secures the annular ring with respect to the rotating member. The cover operatively contains the secondary balancing weight with respect to the annular ring and includes a connecting section for removably coupling the cover to the annular ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for oscillation damping in rotating constructional elements, comprising two oscillating masses, a primary and a secondary mass, that can be rotated in a limited manner in relation to each other in the peripheral direction. The primary and the secondary masses can be coupled to each other by means of a damping and spring coupling. The device comprises means for accomplishing spring coupling including at least one spring device. The invention is characterized by the following features: each spring device comprises at least two spring elements; the spring element of the spring device are pretensioned; the spring element of a spring device are allocated to the primary and the secondary masses in such a way that the spring elements are supported against each other.

Abstract: A shock absorber for a shaft. The shock absorber comprises a collar having an opening receiving the shaft. A clearance gap is defined between the collar opening and the shaft. A pin offset from the axis connects the collar to a shoulder on the shaft. A resilient o-ring arranged in the clearance gap engages the collar and the shaft. In operation, the collar and the shaft rotate in unison. However, when the collar accelerates or comes to a sudden stop, the resilient o-ring compresses to provide the shock absorption. The shock absorber may be incorporated into a rotary actuator. In a rotary actuator, the collar includes a stop tab that rotates between two stop surfaces of the actuator housing. When the stop tab strikes one of the stop surfaces, the resilient member compresses thereby absorbing and reducing impact force. Compression in the resilient member is snubbed via mechanical stops.

Abstract: A balancing arrangement for a rotating member, especially for a hollow shaft made from light-weight metal, in which a counterweight of predetermined size and weight is affixed onto the external surfaces of the rotating member in predetermined position by the use of a clamping band made from a material normally devoid of any significant elastic stretchability. Elastic stretchability is imparted to the clamping band by specially configured sections which may be formed by openings or non-rectilinear lateral band portions which become less non-rectilinear in the presence of tensional forces in the band and which elastically return to a more non-linear shape when the tensional forces disappear. The internal surfaces of the counterweight and/or of the clamping band are provided with anchoring means to assure position retention thereof on the external surfaces of the rotating member.

Abstract: An intermediate steering shaft including a tubular shaft element, a solid shaft element telescoped into the tubular shaft element, a pair of universal couplings for connecting the tubular and solid elements to respective ones of a steering shaft and a steering gear input shaft, and a torsionally elastic coupling between the solid shaft element and the corresponding one of the universal couplings. The torsionally elastic coupling includes a torsion sleeve on the solid shaft element, a bushing cavity around the torsion sleeve in a yoke of the universal coupling, and an elastomeric bushing on the torsion sleeve interference fitted in the bushing cavity. A pair of long radial lugs on the torsion sleeve are disposed in respective ones of a pair of notches in the universal coupling yoke with separation therebetween. The elastomeric bushing is relatively soft for maximum torsional vibration isolation at high vehicle speed.

Abstract: A hollow tubular balance shaft member having bobweights of minimal mass. The tubular member is preferably made by a deep drawn process. One or more bobweights is positioned in the tubular member during formation thereof. The invention can be used for all vehicle engines which need counterbalancing mechanisms, such as 90° V-6 engines and inline four cylinder engines. Various mechanisms can be used to secure and hold the bobweights in position in the tubular member, such as welding, adhesive bonding, staking, brazing, and the like. One end of the balance shaft member has a drive member on which a drive gear is positioned and used to rotate the balance shaft by the engine.

Abstract: The invention encompasses improvements in noise attenuation systems for reducing the audible noise level generated during earth boring operations using a hard surfaced rotary drill bit, and in dual bore-cutting elements for performing sequential first and second bore cutting to the design bore-gauge.

Abstract: In a centrifuge comprising a drive shaft assembly, a diaphragm disposed about the drive shaft assembly reduces noise and vibration. The diaphragm permits the drive shaft assembly to pivot off a vertical axis while substantially limiting horizontal displacement thereof. Also, where a centrifuge includes a rotor shaft and a drive shaft, a member situated between the rotor shaft and the drive shaft substantially limits vertical displacement of the rotor shaft while allowing angular deflection of the rotor shaft with respect to the drive shaft.

Abstract: The transmission system (1), of supercritical type, comprises at least one rotary transmission tube (4) which is such that at least one natural frequency of said transmission tube (4) is below its nominal rotational speed, and at least one active and controllable magnetic damper (5) capable of generating a magnetic force capable of acting on said transmission tube (4) and which damper is controlled in such a way as to generate a magnetic force making it possible to reduce the vibration of the transmission tube (4), at least when the speed of the transmission tube (4) is within a predetermined range of frequencies defined around said natural frequency.

Abstract: The quiet drive of this invention provides for drive align imbalance and resulting drive align vibration and noise perceived by the vehicle occupants is overcome. The invention reduces imbalance in the system by establishing a theoretical center cylinder for the entire driveline components from the transmission or the transfer case if appropriate to the axle. Upon this theoretical centerline, each component is measured and controlled through unique design, machining and tolerancing to achieve an optimal minimum of driveline imbalance and resulting driveline vibration and noise perceived by the vehicle occupants.

Abstract: An image processor includes an inertia weight for a rotary shaft, which can be added or replaced without removing the rotary shaft from its supporting section by arranging the inertia weight mounted on the rotary shaft so as to stabilize the rotation of the rotary shaft. The vertical weight is formed by splitting a member having an almost cylindrical shape along a plane including the longitudinal axis. A through-hole and a female threaded aperture are formed in joining faces of the split member. The pair of the weight parts can be added and detached from the driving shaft by a securing screw extended into the through-hole and threaded aperture.

Abstract: A damped drive shaft is produced by forming a cylindrical tube of selected length and diameter, inserting a damper into the tube and positioning it at a central location within the tube, fitting a deformable plug into each end of the tube, and swaging the ends of the tube to reduce their diameter and deform the plugs to effect a seal at the opposite ends of the tube. Following the swaging operation the reduced diameter ends of the tube may be faced and washed. Thereafter, the plugs may be removed whereupon the drive shaft is ready for further processing.

Abstract: In a centrifuge comprising a rotor shaft assembly, a diaphragm disposed about the rotor shaft assembly reduces noise and vibration. The diaphragm permits the rotor shaft assembly to pivot off a vertical axis while substantially limiting horizontal displacement thereof. Also, where a centrifuge includes a rotor shaft and a drive shaft, a member situated between the rotor shaft and the drive shaft substantially limits vertical displacement of the rotor shaft while allowing angular deflection of the rotor shaft with respect to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A spur gear camshaft drive for an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft timing gear, a camshaft gear and at least one intermediate gear arranged between the timing gear and camshaft gear is disclosed. At least one of the gears of the camshaft drive is provided with a hub and a gear ring configured in such a way that the gear ring can be turned against the hub up to a predetermined angle. A readjusting element is provided between the hub and gear ring to exert a readjusting force onto the hub and gear ring depending on the torsion exerted.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling angles in a driveline of a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes an air-wide suspension system, and the driveline includes a drive shaft driven through a universal joint. The universal joint produces a rotational velocity that is detected by a sensor of a control assembly. A controller, also part of the control assembly, converts the rotational velocity into alternating rotational acceleration and deceleration of the drive shaft. Once quantified, the acceleration and deceleration of the drive shaft is compared to determine any changes in rotational acceleration. In response to any changes in rotational acceleration, the air-ride suspension system is adjusted to control the driveline angle at one end of the drive shaft such that the driveline angle at one end is balanced relative to the driveline angle at the other end of the drive shaft, and noise, vibration, fatigue, or failure of the drive shaft is reduced.

Abstract: A clamp structure and a balancing arrangement for a rotating member by means of the clamp structure, in which a counterweight of predetermined size and weight selected to compensate for an imbalance in the rotating member is securely fastened to the rotating member by the clamp structure which extends over the counterweight to thereby fixedly secure the counterweight onto the external surfaces of the rotating member in a predetermined position; the clamp structure includes a clamping band having inner and outer band end portions overlapping in the installed condition of the clamp structure with a mechanical connection for mechanically connecting the free ends of the clamping band and with a tightening arrangement for tightening the clamping band about the rotating member whereby the mechanical connection and/or the tightening arrangement are located within a circumferential area of the clamping band also containing the counterweight; in one embodiment the tightening arrangement is provided with reinforcing me

Abstract: A vehicle driveshaft 10 having first and second splined members 12, 16 which are manufactured of aluminum, which are anodized, and which respectively include relatively long and wide respective spline portions 14, 18, thereby cooperatively forming a relatively stiff driveshaft 10.

Abstract: An aluminum driveshaft assembly is dynamically balanced by locating steel plates at desired locations on an exterior surface of an aluminum driveshaft, inserting tapered aluminum studs through tapered holes of the aluminum or steel plates, and inertia or friction welding the bases of the aluminum studs to the exterior surface of the driveshaft to retain the steel plates. Alternatively steel plates with round cylindrical holes are attached to the driveshaft by round cylindrical studs. The cylindrical studs are friction welded to the driveshaft after the aluminum or steel plates are located on the driveshaft and steel plates with cylindrical holes are then inserted onto the studs. Cylindrical studs may also be friction welded before the aluminum or steel plates are added. In this case aluminum or steel plates are then added and the stud is rolled over in a secondary operation.

Abstract: An aluminum drive shaft includes an aluminum alloy torque tube and aluminum alloy yokes that are pressed into each end section of the torque tube and welded to the end of the torque tube. Each end section is reduced in diameter and joined to a larger central section by a transition section. The end sections and transition sections are formed by swaging the ends of an aluminum alloy tube blank radially inwardly in two stages. The transition sections include an annular rib in the form of a concentric circular band located midway between inner and outer conical portions. The annular ribs stiffen the transition sections to reduce oil canning and noise.

Abstract: An effective reduction of vibration overshoots is intended to be effected in a drive shaft, which is configured as a hollow shaft (8), with simple means at the particular vibration maximum (vibration antinode). A vibration absorber (2) is arranged within the hollow shaft (8) and includes a damping mass (absorber mass) (4) and an elastic coupling element (6). The absorber mass (4) is operatively connected to the inner wall of the hollow drive shaft (8) via the elastic coupling (6). The absorber mass is configured to be rotationally symmetrical and axially symmetrical and has, at its center, a constriction (12) for accommodating the elastic coupling element (6). For use as a drive shaft (hollow shaft) (8), which is built in in the vehicle transverse direction, and for use as a drive shaft (8) (cardanic shaft configured as hollow shaft) which is built in in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A variable length drive shaft for a rolling mill roll including: a driven first end including a universal joint connecting with an end of a first splined shaft having an axial bore and counter bore and a driving second end including a universal joint connecting with a torque tube and a second spline shaft which engages with the first splined shaft for axial movement. A pilot rod is mounted in the counter bore adjacent to the end of the first splined shaft and extending along the length of drive shaft. A reaction tube is connected with the driving end and located within the torque tube. The reaction tube allows movement of the pilot rod within the drive shaft. Disk springs are mounted on the pilot rod and exert outward pressure against the driving and driven ends while allowing axial movement of the drive shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a torsionally compliant sprocket system which absorbs crankshaft torsional vibrations and minimizes their transfer to other components in the engine system. In particular, the present invention includes a sprocket formed with an elastomeric member located between hub and rim portions. The hub has splines which cooperatively engage with keyways formed in the rim portion through the elastomeric member. A method of forming the compliant sprocket includes forming the hub and rim portions and injection molding an elastomeric material into a gap between the hub and rim portions. While in the mold, heat is applied to the sprocket assembly. The elastomeric member is thus vulcanized in place, creating a one-piece compliant sprocket.

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: An elastic shaft joint comprises a shaft with a pair of outer-diameter side engagement surfaces which are substantially parallel to each other at two positions on the opposite sides of the outer peripheral surface in the radial direction, a rotary member with a pair of restraint plate portions which are substantially parallel to each other, having an opening on a lateral side thereof, and a vibration absorbing member provided between the rotary member and the shaft. The vibration absorbing member is constituted by an elastic member disposed on the inner peripheral surface of a part fixed to the rotary member and a sliding sleeve which is supported by the inner peripheral surface of the elastic member and which inner peripheral surface is in slidable contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a rotating shaft relative to a structure in which a first magnetized member is attached to the shaft for rotation therewith, a support member is connected to the structure and at least one damper member connects the support member to a second magnetized member for supporting the second magnetized member in a portion relative to the first magnetized member. The respective magnetic fields of the first and second magnetized members are such that radial deflective movement of the shaft, and therefore the first magnetic member, causes corresponding radial movement of the second magnetized member which is dampened by the damping member.