Abstract: An interface module for connecting a motor and a gearbox is disclosed. The interface module includes a gearbox cover for covering the gearbox and a connecting member disposed therein. The connecting member has a first face and a second face. The first face and the second face connect to an output shaft of a motor and a torque converter of the gearbox, respectively. The modulized interface can simplify components matching the motor and gearbox when their specifications change. For example, the motor does not need to change when specification of the gearbox changes. Thus compatibility of gearbox or motor can be improved with less limitation of changing different makers or specifications.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment includes a propshaft system including a first constant velocity joint generally defining a first axis and having an inner first race, an outer first race, and a first grease cover mated to the outer first race. The propshaft system also includes a first flange having a first flange mating surface and a first flange contour surface. The propshaft system also includes a second constant velocity joint generally defining a second axis and having an inner second race, an outer second race, and a second grease cover mated to the outer second race. The second grease cover is defined, at least in part, by a second grease cover flange surface and a second grease cover contour surface. The propshaft system additionally includes a propshaft portion extending at least partially between the first connection apparatus and the second connection apparatus.

Abstract: Groups of camshafts (6) are connected to camshaft adjusters (1) via adapters. According to prior art, adaptations to the camshaft adjuster (1) are necessary for different mounting conditions and/or different geometries of camshafts (6). Here, an adapter (32) is provided between camshaft (6) and camshaft adjuster (1), which adapter can then be adapted to different geometries of the camshaft (6) and/or mounting positions. By this, the multiplicity of parts can be reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a power take-off shaft includes an outer shaft and an inner shaft. The outer shaft includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery. The inner shaft includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery. A notch is configured around at least a portion of the outer periphery of the inner shaft, and a self-lubricating material is disposed on at least a portion of the notch.

Abstract: An assembly having a shaft (11) with external splining (23) of a limited length at a shaft end (27), and a hub (41) with a corresponding internal splining (43) that extends essentially the length of the hub. A first axial securing mechanism functions between the shaft and hub, prevents the hub from sliding further onto the shaft, and includes a stop surface (44, 46) on the hub and a counterpart surface (28, 59) on the shaft. A second axial securing mechanism functions between the shaft and hub, prevents the hub from being pulled off from the shaft, and includes a securing ring (51) that is situated at the end of the shaft and the end of the hub oriented toward the shaft end and that engages in radial recesses (48, 54) in the shaft and hub. The recesses form contact surfaces for the securing ring on the shaft and hub.

Abstract: A rolling door assembly includes an axle assembly having an axle extending through a tube to which the door curtain is attached. A plurality of drums extends between the tube and the axle. The cost and weight of the axle assembly can be significantly reduced forming the drums from stamped sheet metal, as well as using relatively thin roll-formed and butt-welded sheet metal to the form the tube. An axle assembly can also include a spiral wound tube that can be readily unwound and replaced with minimal disassembly of the rest of the door assembly.

Abstract: A power take-off shaft having constant velocity joints that provide consistent drive shaft speeds regardless of the operating angle of a respective joint and, hence, provide a user with an improved apparatus for transferring mechanical power from a tractor or like machinery to a trailing implement. The constant velocity joints also provide for increased angular displacement between a tractor and trailing implement than commonly used universal joints, are more robust and substantially maintenance free.

Abstract: An input shaft for a hybrid transmission includes a cylindrical hollow shaft portion having internal and external surfaces. The internal surface defines an internal cavity coaxial with the hollow shaft portion and has a splined portion configured to allow power to be transferred to the hollow shaft portion. The input shaft may further include a freeze plug press-fit in the internal cavity, configured to fluidly seal the inner cavity in embodiments with a cavity extending throughout the input shaft. The splined portion may be a broached spline. A method of manufacturing a hybrid powertrain includes forming a hollow transmission input shaft and press-fitting a plug into it, such that the shaft is internally fluid sealed. The shaft is mated to the transmission which may then be filled with fluid and tested for operability. The shaft may be dry-mated to an engine output member for common rotation therewith.

Abstract: A quick-release coupler includes a rod having a first end for coupling with a pneumatic tool and a second end having a recess. A sleeve is slidably mounted around the rod and includes an end coupled with a bit. A ball is received in a radial bore in the sleeve and received in the recess of the rod to engage the sleeve with the rod. A spring is mounted in the sleeve for biasing the sleeve towards the second end of the rod. The ball projects out of the sleeve to engage the bit with the quick-release coupler when the ball is received in a first, shallower contact section. Removal of the bit from the quick-release coupler is allowed when the ball is received in a second, deeper contact section.

Abstract: A hub-driveshaft assembly comprises a hub and driveshaft with a flat portion having a width. The hub comprises a body having an axial bore therethrough, a set screw hole extending radially through a wall of the body and communicating with the axial bore, and an alignment feature positioned near an entrance to the axial bore, wherein the alignment feature substantially aligns the flat portion of the driveshaft with the set screw hole when the driveshaft is inserted into the axial bore. In another embodiment, the hub comprises an alignment feature to promote proper alignment of the driveshaft with respect to the hub when the driveshaft is inserted into the axial bore, wherein the alignment feature is eliminated under load. In yet another embodiment, the hub comprises an alignment feature that flattens in response to loading from the driveshaft.

Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly includes a substantially cylindrical hollow propeller shaft, a stub shaft and a constant velocity joint having inner race and an outer race drivingly interconnected by a plurality of balls. The stub shaft has a first end fixed to the propeller shaft and a second end drivingly coupled to the inner race. The second end includes a portion positioned adjacent to the inner race that defines an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter defined by the interface between the inner race and the plurality of balls.

Abstract: A driven coupling includes three separate cam lobes projecting therefrom that mate with mating female features in a driver coupling. A central straight or tapered bore accepts a conical alignment pin that projects from the driver coupling. Since the cam lobes are independent and are able to radically deflect, under torque load the central bore is closed down to create a highly precise alignment.

Abstract: The arrangement comprises parts coaxially mounted on the shaft, the parts including: a lockplate in rotational engagement with the shaft, the lockplate having a first side and a second side, the first side of the lockplate being in engagement with the component; a nut in threaded engagement with the shaft, the nut having a circumferential outer groove, a side of the nut being in pressing engagement with the second side of the lockplate; a damping element mounted in the groove and partially outwardly protruding therefrom; a lockwasher provided around the nut and in rotational engagement with the lockplate, the lockwasher having an interior surface in interfering engagement with the damping element; and a retaining element connected to the nut and to the lockwasher, the retaining element preventing the lockwasher from moving away from the lockplate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotation-transmitting apparatus with a built-in one-way clutch which is capable of preventing rolling contact surfaces and rolling surfaces of inner and outer rings of a rolling bearing from peeling and fretting wearing and is excellent in its resistance to heat and wear. The rotation-transmitting apparatus with a built-in one-way clutch has an inside rotational member; a cylindrical outside rotational member disposed concentrically with the inside rotational member; a one-way clutch connecting the outside surface of the inside rotational member and the inside surface of the outside rotational member to each other only when the outside rotational member rotates at a higher speed than the inside rotational member; and a pair of rolling bearings allowing the inside rotational member and the outside rotational member to rotate relative to each other.

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: In a joint section between a shaft and a universal-joint yoke a tip surface on the tip end of the shaft and an inside surface of a connecting section of the yoke fit together in concave-convex engagement. The tip surface contacts the inside surface at two contact locations, and a clearance between these surfaces is formed between the two contact locations, whereby movement of the tip end of the shaft is restricted and vibration of the shaft is prevented.

Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly includes a substantially cylindrical hollow propeller shaft, a stub shaft and a constant velocity joint having inner race and an outer race drivingly interconnected by a plurality of balls. The stub shaft has a first end fixed to the propeller shaft and a second end drivingly coupled to the inner race. The second end includes a portion positioned adjacent to the inner race that defines an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter defined by the interface between the inner race and the plurality of balls.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel non-splined shaft for connecting cam units (cam sections) in a series to construct a camshaft having zero degree backlash for use within an engine. Such engines typically use a camshaft comprised of a plurality of separate camshaft units (cam sections) which are connected in a series by one or more cam connecting shafts. The entire series of camshaft units and cam connecting shafts may be, for example, 40 feet in length. Examples of natural gas engines in which the cam connecting shafts described herein may be used include, but are not limited to, the INGERSOLL-RAND KVR and KVT series of engines.

Abstract: A plurality of axial grooves are formed on the outer circumferential surface of a shaft member by applying an arcuate edge defined between an end surface and outer circumferential surface of a rotatable cylindrical forming tool having a generally smooth surface. Typically, the rotational center of the forming tool is tilted backward as it is moved along the length of the shaft member. Owing to the plastic flow of the material of the shaft member, a pair of ridges are formed on either side of the groove. The end surface of the forming tool causes a more pronounced plastic flow than the outer circumferential surface of the forming tool so that one of the ridges is greater in height and higher in hardness than the other. This provides various benefits when this shaft member is press fitted into a bore of an armature core or the like.

Abstract: A disk segment is used to facilitate mounting a mirror to a limited rotation motor. The disk segment has a flat edge which defines a cutaway portion such that, when the flat edge is aligned with the plane defined by the reflective surface of the mirror, the disk segment does not impede access to the reflective surface for polishing and other operations. The disk segment is attached to the mirror before the mirror is finished, thereby enabling use of attachment techniques that would be damaging to a finished mirror. The disk segment may be secured to the motor shaft by various means, including but not limited to a threaded coupling and clamp ring. The coupling may include a tapered shaft or compression fitting in order to facilitate rotational alignment of the mirror relative to the motor. Alternatively, the disk segment may be secured directly to a threaded motor shaft with the clamp ring.

Abstract: Improved components for a molten metal pump include a coupling for connecting a rotor shaft to a motor shaft, a rotor shaft and a rotor. The rotor shaft has a first end and a second end wherein the first end optionally has a vertical keyway formed in the outer surface of the shaft. The second end optionally has flat, shallow threads. The coupling can be one-piece or multi-piece, includes a cavity for receiving the first end of the rotor shaft and, if the first end of the rotor shaft has a keyway, the coupling includes a projection in the cavity for being received at least partially in the keyway. The rotor includes a connective portion that connects to the second end of the rotor shaft. If the second end of the rotor shaft includes flat, shallow threads, the connective portion is essentially a bore having flat, shallow threads configured to receive the second end of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A shaft body has an engagement portion with a slip-off preventing groove, and a positioning recess extending from the engagement portion. A shaft joint having an engagement groove to be engaged with the engagement portion and a bore facing the engagement groove is provided with a flexible member which is provided on an outer side in a longitudinal direction of the engagement groove to be engaged with the positioning recess. When an insufficient amount of engagement prevents engagement in the correct position, the engagement portion contacts with the flexible member and prevents the shaft body from engaging with the shaft joint. When canceling the coupling for maintenance, etc., the engagement of the flexible member with the positioning recess is cancelled by deflecting the flexible member in a width direction of the engagement groove. Consequently, the shaft body can be easily pulled out in a longitudinal direction of the engagement groove.

Abstract: A bonded drive shaft includes an elongated tube having an internal bore and at least one end fitting for connecting to a drive component. The end fitting includes first and second locating portions that engage the internal bore to precisely and firmly locate the end fitting with respect to the tube. The end fitting also includes an adhesive gap portion positioned between the locating portions to form a generally annular adhesive receiving gap between the first locating portion, the second locating portion, the adhesive gap portion and the internal bore of the elongated tube. Adhesive is injected into the adhesive receiving gap to bond the end fitting to the elongated tube.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint structure including an inner joint member, a retaining ring, and a shaft which are configured to prevent the shaft from being withdrawn from the inner joint member when a pulling force is applied to one side of the shaft is disclosed. A retaining ring groove is disposed at an opposite side of the shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the retaining groove has at least two points which contact an inner surface of the retaining ring when the pulling force is applied to prevent the retaining ring from contracting in a radial direction, thereby preventing the shaft from being withdrawn from the inner joint member.

Abstract: A connecting assembly between a shaft journal (11) which is supported, and a universal joint (12) whose inner joint part (24) is engaged by the shaft journal (11) in a rotationally fast way, wherein there is provided an axially effective engaging connection between a securing sleeve (41) axially firmly connected to the inner joint part (24) and an annular groove (39) on the shaft journal (11).

Abstract: An adapter is provided for coupling an output shaft of a servo to an auxiliary shaft. The adapter includes an adapter body having a longitudinal axis extending from a first end to a second end. The adapter body includes a first bore centered on the longitudinal axis and extending into the first end a first distance. The first bore is configured to accept a portion of the auxiliary shaft. The adapter body also includes a second bore centered on the longitudinal axis and extending into the second end a second distance. The adapter also includes an engagement member positioned within the second bore. The engagement member is configured to accept and engage a portion of the output shaft of the servo.

Abstract: A drive shaft connection comprises a) a first rotational member having a first flange with first and second surfaces and a perimeter; b) a second rotational member having a second flange with a surface frictionally engaging the first surface of the first flange; c) a compression member having a surface frictionally engaging the second surface of the first flange; and d) a connection system connecting the second flange and the compression member together outside the perimeter of the first flange such that they clamp the first flange between them with a clamping force producing the frictional engagement. A method of transmitting torque between a first member and a second member is also included, as is a method of assembling a drive shaft connection between first and second rotational members, a method of connecting first and second rotational members together to form a drive shaft for a piece of equipment, and a crawler vehicle utilizing the invention.

Abstract: A separable shaft coupler for coupling a transmission shaft and a passive shaft in a transmission device includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is connected to the transmission shaft and has a protrusion. The second plate is connected to the passive shaft and has a concavity. When the transmission shaft is coupled to the passive shaft, the protrusion is received in the concavity so that the transmission shaft drives the passive shaft to rotate.

Abstract: An arrangement for connecting a tubular element to a body extending into the same using a tensioning ring, which, via its inner surface, embraces the outer wall of the tubular element, extends axially along the tubular element, and applies clamping forces thereto such that the tubular element acts via its inner wall on the body situated in the tubular element, clamping the same. The tensioning ring rests against the outer wall of the tubular element with only one axial partial section of its inner surface and exerts a clamping action thereon.

Abstract: A drivetrain that includes a drivetrain component, a flange structure, a yoke flange, a female guide portion and a male guide portion. The drivetrain component has a shaft that is rotatable about an axis. The flange structure is fixedly but removably coupled to the shaft. The female guide portion is directly coupled to one of the shaft and the yoke flange. The male guide portion is directly coupled to the other one of the shaft and the yoke flange. The male guide portion engages the female guide portion to thereby align the yoke flange to the axis. The yoke flange and the flange structure are fixedly but removably coupled to one another. A method of fabricating a drivetrain is also provided.

Abstract: A propeller shaft PS1 comprises a front pipe member 10 and first and second yoke members 20 and 30, which are attached to both the ends of the front pipe member 10. The first yoke member 20 is attached by press-fitting a first yoke fitting portion 23 into the inner circumferential part at the left end of the front pipe member 10 until the front end of the front pipe member comes near a stopper portion 24. The second yoke member 30, which has no stopper portion, is attached by press-fitting a second yoke fitting portion 33 into the inner circumferential part at the right end of the front pipe member 10. When a compressive force greater than a predetermined force acts axially, while the first yoke fitting portion 23 is prevented from being further inserted by the stopper portion 24, the second yoke fitting portion 33 is press-fit further into the inner circumferential part of the front pipe member, which is thereby expanded and destroyed.

Abstract: A jointed shaft with two shaft sections which are connected together in a rotationally fixed manner via a central shaft which is constructed as a constant velocity fixed joint. A constant velocity fixed joint is also arranged on the end of each of the shaft sections which is oriented away from the central joint. At least one roller displacement unit, which enables both shaft sections to be displaced in an axial manner in relation to each other, is also provided.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connection between a drive shaft and an impeller in a molten metal pump. The coupling assembly includes an upper portion to receive an end of the motor drive shaft and a lower portion to receive an end of the impeller shaft. The impeller shaft is pinned to the lower portion with a pin member which extends through first and second apertures in the lower portion of the coupling body. The pin member includes a handle portion, a driver member, and a stop. The driver member has an elongated configuration sized and shaped to pass through the first aperture of the coupling member. In application, once the impeller shaft is positioned in the coupling body, the pin member is passed through the apertures such that the driver member passes through the second aperture until the stop is in abutting relationship with the coupling member outer surface.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint has an outer bell telescopically coupled for rotation with a rotatable hub of a hub bearing unit so as to provide torque transmission thereto. The joint bell is releasably axially coupled to a rotatable member of the hub bearing unit by an annular connector. The connector includes a radially inwardly extending annular flange axially clamped against a rigid annular part fixed to or integral with the hub, and a radially outer portion extending axially around a cylindrical surface of the joint bell. This outer portion has a resiliently radially expansible section with one or more radially inwardly extending protrusions providing a snap connection with a relief or recess formed on the cylindrical outer surface of the joint.

Abstract: A technique for improving a strength, especially a fatigue strength of a power transmission shaft provided with a serrated portion for torque transmission such as a spline shaft. A power transmission shaft is serration-fitted to an inner joint member of respective constant velocity joints. A driveshaft is provided with a serrated portion as well as a smooth portion having a cylindrical outer circumferential surface. A cut-up portion is formed at the end portion of the serrated portion. When applying an induction hardening to the smooth portion and the serrated portion, a hardening ratio of the smooth portion is set at a different value from that of the serrated portion, and such that a fatigue strength of the smooth portion becomes equal to or greater than that of the serrated portion.

Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly includes a substantially cylindrical hollow propeller shaft, a stub shaft and a constant velocity joint having inner race and an outer race drivingly interconnected by a plurality of balls. The stub shaft has a first end fixed to the propeller shaft and a second end drivingly coupled to the inner race. The second end includes a portion positioned adjacent to the inner race that defines an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter defined by the interface between the inner race and the plurality of balls.

Abstract: Composite structural members are provided including a fitting and a tubular shaft. The fitting has a coupling region defining at least one recessed portion bounded by one or more non-recessed portions. The recessed portion may extend circumferentially around the fitting to form a neck. The tubular shaft has a mating region and defines a lumen in which the fitting is disposed. The mating region of the shaft mates with the coupling region of the fitting to create interference between the shaft and fitting. Adhesive may be disposed between the mating region of the fitting and the coupling region of the shaft. The mating region of the shaft may be partially and proximately surrounded by a reinforcing member, and a sleeve may be coupled substantially concentrically to the shaft for discouraging separation of the reinforcing member and the mating region of the shaft. In some cases, adhesive is disposed between the reinforcing member and sleeve.

Abstract: A stub shaft arrangement is provided for mounting loads on rotary shafts, such as the rotor shaft of an electric motor. The stub shaft has a load mounting extension, a threaded extension, and a shoulder disposed therebetween. The threaded extension is designed to interface with a threaded bore of a rotary shaft to secure the stub shaft in place. The shoulder bears tightly against an outer or end surface of the rotary shaft to resist overhung loads on the stub shaft. The arrangement of the shoulder permits a greater distance to be obtained for a moment that resists the loading.

Abstract: A rolling mill drive with at least one drive spindle arranged between a drive unit and a driven roll and terminating in a spindle head connected detachably to the neck of the roll. A coupling and decoupling device is arranged between the neck of the roll and the spindle head of the drive spindle. The coupling and decoupling device includes a coupling sleeve, a coupling pin inserted releasably into the coupling sleeve, and a locking element which is displaceable transversely to the axis of rotation of the neck of the roll. The locking element is inserted into the coupling sleeve and engages behind the coupling pin in an operating position of the locking element. The locking element is capable of being coupled to a displacing device for displacing it.

Abstract: A composite drive shaft in which the end adapters are captured in the composite material portion during the process of manufacturing of the composite drive shaft assembly is disclosed. The end adapters include lugs that protrude outward longitudinally to transmit torque, tensile, and compressive forces, and bending moments to the composite material portion and vice versa. To increase the load carrying capacity for axial force and bending moment, the end adapters may have at least one recessed circumferential groove. Before the manufacturing process, one or more bonding agents may be applied onto the interface of the end adapter to enhance the performance of engagement between the end adapters and the composite material portion. The composite material portion and end adapters are co-cured to produce a final drive shaft that requires no additional work for assembly.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for maintaining relative axial positioning between two rotating assemblies comprises a first rotatable assembly and a second rotatable assembly. The first rotatable assembly has captor plates. The captor plates form a cavity between a first of the captors plates and a second of the captor plates. The second rotatable assembly has a thrust plate. The thrust plate comprises a disc positioned within the cavity of the captor plates. The first rotatable assembly is axially positioned with respect to the second rotatable assembly through a rolling interaction between the thrust plate and the captor plates, or the second rotatable assembly is axially positioned with respect to the first rotatable assembly through a rolling interaction between the thrust plate and the captor plates.

Abstract: A drive shaft assembly to interconnect a driving component and a driven component has a first shaft and a second shaft operably engaged with the first shaft to enable torque transmission and relative axial sliding motion. A joint component operably interconnects one of the first and second shafts to one of the driving and/or driven components. The joint component is rotatable through a specified range of rotation, or “free-motion”. The joint component is axially fixed relative to one of the second shaft, driving component and/or the driven component.

Abstract: A shaft system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The shaft system includes a tube. A constant velocity joint is secured to the tube. The shaft system also includes a plug arranged within the constant velocity joint wherein the plug is secured within the joint by a weld curl that is also used to secure the constant velocity joint to the tube.

Abstract: A threaded fastener has opposite hand threads provided thereon for securing two components together, such as a companion flange and a flange yoke assembly that is used in a vehicular drive train system. The companion flange includes a hollow cylindrical sleeve portion and a disc-shaped flange portion having an aperture formed therethrough. The flange yoke includes a disc-shaped flange portion and a yoke portion having an aperture formed therethrough. The flange yoke aperture is aligned with the companion flange aperture. A threaded fastener extends through the companion flange aperture and the flange yoke aperture. The threaded fastener includes a first threaded portion having a first hand that is disposed within the companion flange aperture. The threaded fastener further includes a second threaded portion having a second hand that is disposed within the flange yoke aperture.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus whereby it is possible to prevent unevenness in developing density caused by misalignment between the central axes of a driven side rotational coupling section for rotating a developer carrier and a drive side rotational coupling section for transmitting rotational drive force to the driven side rotational coupling section. The driven side rotational coupling section is fixed and the position thereof can be corrected slightly, by engaging the driven side rotational coupling section with a drive side rotational coupling section. A transmission gear is provided which meshes with the driven side rotational coupling section and transmits rotational drive force used to move the surface of the developer carrier. By means of an axle provided on at least one end of the transmission gear engaging with a positioning member on the main body of the image forming apparatus, the developer carrier is positioned in the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating out particulate matter from a fluid includes a rotor shell that is rotatably coupled to a shaft through a first bushing and a second bushing. The shaft includes a first shaft section that is detachably coupled to a second shaft section in order to make maintenance and assembly of the centrifuge easier by reducing the shaft clearance needed during disassembly and assembly of the centrifuge. The first shaft section includes a first bushing race around which the first bushing is rotatably received. The second shaft section includes an integrally formed bushing collar for supporting the second bushing and a second bushing race around which the second bushing is rotatably received. With such a construction, the size of the bushings in the centrifuge can be minimized, which in turn increases the operational speed of the centrifuge, thereby enhancing the particulate removal efficiency in the centrifuge.

Abstract: A hub member and shaft joint assembly includes an inner joint part of a constant velocity joint and a shaft journal. The hub member has a central through-aperture with inner toothing for receiving the shaft journal, and outer ball tracks. The inner toothing is formed in a predetermined limited length as far as a toothing run-out and is followed by a bore with a reduced diameter. The shaft journal has shaft toothing and, at a distance from the shaft end, a first conical step serving as a top face relative to the toothing run-out and directly contacting same. A larger second conical step is positioned axially spaced from the first step and forms a toothing end of the shaft toothing.

Abstract: An extendable shaft includes a first and a second shaft sections aligned on the same axis. External splines on an outer periphery of the first shaft section engage external splines on an inner periphery of the second shaft section. The first shaft section includes a slit extended from an opening end thereof for a predetermined length along an axial direction. A diametrically contractible portion adapted for elastic reduction in diameter is provided in a region ranging from the opening end of the first shaft section to place away therefrom by the predetermined length along the axial direction. A thin-wall portion is formed in a part of the diametrically contractible portion. A clamping member elastically clamps the diametrically contractible portion.

Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly is provided that includes a shock absorbing section(s) that couples an outer shaft and an inner shaft that are mutually spline-engaged to be retractable with impact loads, wherein the shock absorbing section is constructed such that a supporting member is press-fit into an inner-diameter portion of the outer shaft, and an end face of the inner shaft is disposed in contact with the supporting member in the present invention relate to a direction of retraction with respect to the outer shaft.

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.