Hollow Or Layered Shaft Patents (Class 464/183)
  • Patent number: 11859336
    Abstract: A laundry machine includes a washtub, a drum, a gearbox, a seal, and a spin tube. The drum is disposed within and is configured to rotate relative to the washtub. The seal is disposed between the gearbox and the washtub. The spin tube extends from the gearbox and into the washtub. The spin tube is configured to transfer power from the gearbox to the drum to rotate the drum. The spin tube includes a shaft and a sleeve. The shaft is made from a first material. The sleeve is disposed about a section of the shaft. The sleeve is made from a second material that is less corrosive than the first material. An outer periphery of the sleeve engages the seal to prevent the ingress of water from the washtub into the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Yugandhar Chandele, Kailash D
  • Patent number: 11840946
    Abstract: A system for and method of separating oil from crankcase air is provided. The system includes replacing a standard shaft, such as a water pump shaft, with a breather shaft of the present invention and venting crankcase air through the breather shaft to an outside volume of air, such as in an air box. The breather shaft includes a centrifuge positioned within an interior volume of the crankcase and a first portion extending from the centrifuge through a wall of the crankcase. The centrifuge defines a plurality of inlet passageways extending from an outer surface of the centrifuge towards an interior area of the centrifuge. The first portion of the breather shaft defines a venting passageway extending from the interior area of the centrifuge to a vent opening at a distal end of the breather shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: ARCTIC CAT INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Robert Eberhardt, Bradley Mauch
  • Patent number: 11493091
    Abstract: A shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a joint assembly having a first joint member, a second joint member and one or more third joint members drivingly connecting said first and second joint members. At least a portion of a first shaft is drivingly connected to the second joint member. Circumferentially extending from at least a portion of an outer surface of a second end portion of the first shaft is a first and second increased diameter portion having a wall portion that connects the first increased diameter portion to the second increased diameter portion. Drivingly connected to the second increased diameter portion of the first shaft is a second shaft. During a crash condition, an amount of force is applied to the wall portion until it fractures and at least a portion of the first shaft and/or the joint assembly translates into a hollow portion of the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems, Group, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher B. Corpus, Jeffrey A. Dutkiewicz, Bao T. Luong, Thomas J. Marriott, Leah N. Matczak
  • Patent number: 11454522
    Abstract: A cardan shaft slip distance change detection system for determining the amount of length change of the cardan shaft, including a moveable element and a stationary element associated with a telescopic approach to compensate for the change of distance caused by the vehicle's axle movements. At least two conductive elements are configured as one of them connected to a fixed point, another to the moveable element. A power element is provided to supply power to at least one of the conductive elements. A detection unit measures the electrical value change provided by the electrical interaction between the conductive elements and correlating it with the distance between the conductive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventors: Serhan Özdemir, Sedat Tarakçi, Onur Sen
  • Patent number: 11383757
    Abstract: A shaft for a steering device has a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion that is a shaft integrated with the first portion and the second portion and couples the first portion and the second portion in a first direction. The outer diameter of the third portion is smaller than the length of the second portion in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, and is constant across a direction extending along the first direction. The hardness of the third portion is greater than the hardness of the second portion, and is constant across the direction extending along the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Kaname Yasuda, Tatsuya Suehiro, Kazuya Yamada
  • Patent number: 10941815
    Abstract: A connection device for a joint shaft in a motor vehicle includes an axis of rotation, a first connection area for connecting the connection device to a drive train element, a predetermined breaking region, and a tube region which connects directly to the predetermined breaking region. The connection device has an axial extension in the direction of the axis of rotation, and a radial extension orthogonal to the axis of rotation and is designed, at least substantially, as a tubular hollow body. The predetermined breaking region is arranged between the first connection region and the tube region in the axial direction. A connection area is arranged in the axial direction between the first connection region and the predetermined breaking region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz Schneider, Erwin Fusseder, Wolfgang Streinz, Josef Hofstetter, Hans Blieninger
  • Patent number: 10933741
    Abstract: A vehicular propeller shaft is configured to transmit a rotational force output from a drive force source to drive wheels. The vehicular propeller shaft includes a stepped pipe-shaped member including a compressive load weakest part with respect to an axial compressive load of the vehicular propeller shaft and a torsional load weakest part with respect to a torsional load around an axis of the vehicular propeller shaft. The compressive load weakest part and the torsional load weakest part are positioned apart from each other in a radial direction of the stepped pipe-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya Isono, Kouki Kawarada, Atsushi Mori, Atsuo Mikazuki
  • Patent number: 10767686
    Abstract: A vehicular propeller shaft through which a rotary motion of a drive power source is transmitted to drive wheels and which includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member. The first tubular member has a large-diameter cylindrical section, a small-diameter cylindrical section having a smaller outside diameter than the large-diameter cylindrical section, and a tapered cylindrical section formed between one end of the large-diameter cylindrical section and the small-diameter cylindrical section. The large-diameter cylindrical section, the small-diameter cylindrical section and the tapered cylindrical section are formed integrally with each other. The second tubular member is coaxially joined to the first tubular member and formed of a material having a higher degree of strength than the first tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsuo Mikazuki, Tatsuya Isono, Kohki Kawarada, Atsushi Mori
  • Patent number: 10508432
    Abstract: A first post has a lower portion at a first floor of a multistory building and an upper portion at a second floor, and a second post has a lower portion at the second floor and an upper portion at a third floor or building-top structure. A post connection includes a horizontal cap plate and a vertical sleeve extending upward from the cap plate and having a bore with an inner dimension. The cap plate attaches to and covers the first post upper portion to prevent water intrusion into the first post. The second post lower portion has an outer dimension that is slightly less than the connection sleeve inner dimension so that the second post lower portion is slidingly received in the connection sleeve bore in an overlapping, telescopic arrangement. A retainer may be installed for engaging and supporting the second post on the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: SS-20 BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Chris Theriot
  • Patent number: 10344794
    Abstract: A composite shaft assembly including a core structure formed by weaving fiber(s) into an open composite structure. The assembly further includes a first end piece and a second end piece having helically shaped groove(s) and/or axially groove(s) on an outer surface of an end portion of the first and second end piece. Woven into the helical and/or axial groove(s) on the first end piece and at least partially within through hole(s) disposed at an end of the groove(s) is the fiber(s) at a first end portion of the of the core structure. Woven into the helical and/or axial groove(s) on the second end piece and at least partially within through hole(s) disposed at an end of the groove(s) is the fiber(s) at a second end portion of the of the core structure. Structural adhesive(s) are applied over the fiber(s) and allowed to cure to form the composite drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Steven G. Slesinski, Eve Steigerwalt, Harry W. Trost
  • Patent number: 10012259
    Abstract: A drive shaft for motor vehicles comprises shaft portions arranged one after the other in s longitudinal direction of the drive shaft. One shaft portion is a tubular shaft portion having a large cross section and another shaft portion having a cross section that is smaller than the tubular shaft portion having a large cross section. A transition region having a region wall is provided between the tubular shaft portion and the shaft portion having the smaller cross section. If the drive shaft is compressed in the event of a crash, the shaft portion having the smaller cross section is pushed into the tubular shaft portion having the large cross section by an insertion length, thus deforming or breaking the region wall of the transition region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignees: Felss Rotaform GmbH, IFA - Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Eckhard Morlock, Andreas Haerter, Gerald Langer
  • Patent number: 9951687
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gas turbine with a plurality of tie rods. The gas turbine includes a compressor section having a plurality of compressor-side rotor disks, a turbine section having a plurality of turbine-side rotor disks arranged downstream of the compressor-side rotor disks, a first tie rod penetrating central portions of the rotor disks provided in the compressor section to press the compressor-side rotor disks against each other, a plurality of second tie rods penetrating vicinities of edges of the rotor disks provided in the turbine section to press the turbine-side rotor disks against each other, and a torque transfer member coupled to the first and second tie rods so as to transfer rotational torque generated by the turbine section to the compressor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Doosan Heavy Industries Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Eon Lee
  • Patent number: 9637157
    Abstract: A steering shaft component (10) comprises a first and a second steering shaft section (12, 14) and at least a first bending section (28x) extending between the first and the second steering shaft sections (12, 14). The first bending section (28x) is formed integrally with at least one of the steering shaft sections (12, 14), but has a different cross section from this steering shaft section (12, 14). Furthermore, a mechanical stop for limiting the maximum angle of rotation of the two steering shaft sections relative to each other is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Werner M. Bless
  • Patent number: 9638240
    Abstract: A hydroformed driveshaft tube formed using a hydroforming process is provided. The hydroformed driveshaft tube comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion. The middle portion is at least partially defined by a circular arc shaped surface of revolution. At least a portion of the middle portion has a diameter greater than a diameter of the first end portion and the second end portion. The middle portion comprises a first transition portion, a first constriction portion, a second constriction portion, and a second transition portion and is formed between the first end portion and the second end portion. The middle portion is formed between the first constriction portion and the second constriction portion and the middle portion affects a critical speed and a breathing mode frequency of the hydroformed driveshaft tube. The hydroformed driveshaft tube reduces a cost of a driveshaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan W. Laskey, Jeffrey A. Dutkiewicz
  • Patent number: 9533531
    Abstract: Axle shaft assemblies for use with a vehicle include a shaft formed from a first material having a first modulus of elasticity for providing the shaft with a flexibility adapted to withstand side impacts and resist deformation. A first end member can be engaged with a first end of the shaft, and a second end member can be engaged with the second end of the shaft. The end members can be formed from a second material having a second modulus of elasticity greater than the first, such that the end members are adapted to withstand a rotational force. The end members can include splined connectors, hub flanges, and other similar components. The resulting axle shaft assembly can thereby include modular combinations of materials having low and high moduli of elasticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Mitchell Z. Dziekonski
  • Patent number: 9464636
    Abstract: A system for applying tension to a component for use in molten metal processing. Preferably, the component includes an outer core and at least one tension rod positioned partially within the outer core. The component is preferably elongated, such as a support post or an impeller shaft. The tension rod applies compression to the outer cover, which makes the outer cover more resistant to breakage if it strikes, or is stricken by, an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 9085942
    Abstract: The present invention embodies a drill pipe in which various damaged sections of the pipe are repaired in order to maintain or improve the wear and buckle resistance of the drill pipe. The sections are strengthened using various hardening methods such as heat treatment processes and/or expansion techniques. A sleeve can also be applied to the strengthened portions. Surface enhancers, such as hardbanding, can be applied to the strengthened portions or the sleeve in order to provide abrasion resistance or to reduce friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Ghazi J. Hashem, David Brunnert, John W. Kochera, Mark Mitchell, Melissa A. Frilot, Thomas M. Redlinger
  • Patent number: 9023095
    Abstract: A pusher assembly for a stent delivery device includes a distal end of an elongate member and a stent-engaging member having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the stent-engaging member is mechanically coupled to the distal end of the inner member by a connector, or the proximal end of the stent-engaging member is at least partially inside the distal end of the elongate inner member. The stent-engaging member includes a portion that radially outwardly extends towards the distal end of the stent-engaging member, or the stent-engaging member includes a portion that radially outwardly extends towards the distal end of the stent-engaging member. The stent-engaging member is configured to move a stent when distally advanced and configured to not move a stent when proximally retracted. A stent delivery device includes an elongate outer member, an elongate inner member coaxially positioned within the outer member, and the pusher assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: IDev Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Bueche, Michael P. Igoe, Derek Blakeney, Ronald G. Earles
  • Publication number: 20150111653
    Abstract: A propeller shaft for a vehicle includes: a shaft having a plurality of catching protrusions for a spline-connection along an outer peripheral surface; a tube having a plurality of catching grooves along an inner peripheral surface into which the shaft is inserted; a stopper member provided to be fixed to an inner peripheral surface of the tube, one end corresponding to a remote end of the shaft and which is fractured when a collision load is applied thereto; and a locking member one end of which is in contact with one end of the stopper member and which is connected to the shaft and supports both ends of the stopper member together with the shaft, thereby restricting a sliding of the shaft, and which is slid inside the tube together with the shaft when the stopper member is fractured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Dae Seung Co., Ltd., Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Won Jun CHOI, Byoung Woo Ye, Tae Youl Kim, Moon Mo Kang
  • Publication number: 20150110429
    Abstract: A shaft for a bearing lubrication assembly includes an outer surface and a reservoir disposed within the shaft. A first seal groove is formed on the outer surface and extends a full circumference of the outer surface. A second seal groove is also formed on the outer surface and extends the full circumference of the outer surface. A radial port extends from the reservoir to the outer surface, the radial port intersecting the outer surface between the first seal groove and the second seal groove. A plurality of chambers are formed in the shaft and disposed axially between the first seal groove and the second seal groove. The plurality of chambers are open to the outer surface with each chamber having a closed bottom disposed radially inward from the outer surface. Each chamber is also circumferentially spaced from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Paul Krause, Jan Henry Abels
  • Patent number: 9005039
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy propeller shaft including a tube made of an aluminum alloy, and a pair of yoke members made of an aluminum alloy, the yoke members including cylindrical base portions friction-welded to opposite end portions of the tube, each of the yoke members including a tip end portion having a pair of bearing retaining holes aligned with each other in a radial direction of the base portion. Variation in length between a central axis of the bearing retaining holes in one of the yoke members and a central axis of the bearing retaining holes in the other yoke member with respect to a reference length is set within a range of from +2.0 mm to ?2.0 mm. A friction welding process of producing an aluminum alloy propeller shaft, including a friction step, a position displacement detection step, a rotation stop step and an upset step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems Kyushu, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keigo Yoshida, Kazuya Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8961017
    Abstract: A sleeve for use in repairing a shaft having an unworn diameter and a worn diameter, the sleeve providing a fresh bearing surface for a split roller bearing, comprising: two halves which, when joined, define a cylinder having a diameter adapted to firmly engage a portion of unworn diameter shaft at each end; bolts holes adapted to releasably affix the halves together, and bolts adapted to attach the halves thereby; joiner pin holes defined in at least one intersection between the halves, the joiner holes adapted to receive joiner pins therein and adapted to serve as a stable joinder point for the halves, and joiner pins adapted to be firmly engaged therein; a smooth bearing surface defined on an external surface of the sleeve; and a split roller bearing adapted to engage the bearing surface. A method for field manufacture of said sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Mike Muilenburg
  • Patent number: 8956506
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary evaporator comprising a rotary drive having a hub and a clamping insert with a sleeve-like basic shape, in particular a clamping sleeve, for the clamping of a steam leadthrough formed as a hollow glass shaft in the hub of the rotary drive, wherein the clamping insert has a longitudinal axis and a first and a second axial end, wherein the clamping insert has two clamping sections which are arranged spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction and which each have an outer cross-section tapering toward the first end and of which the clamping arrangement arranged closer to the second end has a larger maximum outer cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hans Heidolph GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Joachim Carl
  • Patent number: 8956487
    Abstract: A rotor blade of a turbine engine comprising a body made of composite material consisting of a fiber-reinforced thermosetting resin and a connecting yoke designed to be attached to a fastener of a rotor disc of the said turbine engine, the said blade characterized in that the connecting yoke comprises a metal reinforcement and a casing made of composite material encasing the said reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Francois Gallet
  • Publication number: 20150033893
    Abstract: A stub shaft is disclosed. The stub shaft may have an elongated cylindrical body having a base end configured to be secured to an engine block and an opposing distal end. The stub shaft may also have a collar formed at the base end of the elongated cylindrical body. The collar may be configured to be inserted into a cavity in the engine block to guide attachment of the stub shaft to the engine block. The stub shaft may further have an axial bore formed in the elongated cylindrical body and passing from the base end to the distal end. The stub shaft may also have a radial passage formed in the elongated cylindrical body and in fluid communication with the axial bore. The stub shaft may additionally have a thrust face formed between the base end and the radial passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Leighton Bell, Abhinav Reddy Pamulaparthy, Jeffrey P. Nowak
  • Patent number: 8910365
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a steering shaft part that forms a section of a steering shaft, the steering shaft part including a reinforcement section at least in an end area, over which reinforcement section the steering shaft part has a wall thickness that is enlarged relative to an adjacent section of the steering shaft part extending toward the longitudinal center of the steering shaft part. The steering shaft part includes a pipe and a sleeve that is arranged in the reinforcement section of the steering shaft part and that form the enlarged wall thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Presta Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Walser
  • Patent number: 8911222
    Abstract: A shaft assembly includes a shaft with a first radial shoulder and a second radial shoulder. A retainer plate is located at least partially between the first radial shoulder and the second radial shoulder to avoid damage when an impact load is applied to the shaft. A spring assembly biases the shaft out of contact with the retainer plate during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy P. Walgren, Satish Shantilal Shah, Steven A. Heitz
  • Publication number: 20140295979
    Abstract: A transmission (3) for an electrically driveable axle (1) of a motor vehicle has a drive input shaft (4) that can be driven by at least one electric machine (2, 12), for driving the axle (1) of the motor vehicle. The drive input shaft (4) is a hollow shaft with radially internal toothing (13) and can receive an electric machine coupling shaft (21) that can be inserted into the hollow shaft (4). The hollow shaft (4) has radially external toothing (22) that interacts with the radially internal toothing (13). A transmission of said type can be used universally, specifically for electric machines with different rotor shafts and/or for one or two electric machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Daniel Knoblauch
  • Publication number: 20140276074
    Abstract: This document provides flexible driveshaft devices. For example, this document provides flexible driveshaft devices that have bi-directionally balanced torsional stiffness properties. In some embodiments, the flexible driveshaft devices provided herein are utilized in medical device systems, such as endoluminal medical device systems. For example, in some embodiments the flexible driveshaft devices provided herein are utilized in endoluminal ultrasonic catheter systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8808488
    Abstract: A method for producing a connecting part (30), such as a connecting rod for an aircraft, made from a composite material, the connecting part including at least one hollow body (32) and at least one yoke (34) at each of the ends (36) of the body (32), is characterized in that the body (32) and the yokes (34) of the connecting part (30) are produced from a single section (P, P1, P2) made from a composite material and obtained using a continuous production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Epsilon Composite
    Inventors: Dominique Nogues, Frederic Louart, Jean-Pierre Maumus
  • Publication number: 20140179450
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shaft of a pneumatic tool has steps of casting, friction welding and processing. In the step of casting, a hollow section of a first segment and a second segment are respectively prepared. In the step of friction welding, the second segment is connected with a second end surface of the hollow section of the first segment by a friction welding process to form a work-in-process shaft. In the step of processing, an outer surface of the work-in-process shaft is processed to form a shaft. The hollow section is casted to form through holes therein. Accordingly, the weight of the shaft is reduced, the shaft becomes light and the material cost of the shaft is diminished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: AIRBOSS AIR TOOL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hsin-He Chang
  • Publication number: 20140135134
    Abstract: A vaned wheel device traversed by a radial drive shaft includes radial arms, one of which contains the shaft, and stationary vanes manufactured separately from the casing and a ferrule and assembled thereto. A sleeve encompassing the shaft traverses the casing and serves to support a bearing for supporting the shaft with positional accuracy, and maintaining tightness by forming a single cavity with the radial arm cavities traversing the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Thierry Francois Maurice Duchatelle, Virgine Guilbert, Cedric Magret, Thierry Georges Paul Papin
  • Publication number: 20140128168
    Abstract: A hydroformed driveshaft tube formed using a hydroforming process is provided. The hydroformed driveshaft tube comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion. The middle portion is at least partially defined by a circular arc shaped surface of revolution. At least a portion of the middle portion has a diameter greater than a diameter of the first end portion and the second end portion. The middle portion is formed between the first end portion and the second end portion. The middle portion affects a critical speed and a breathing mode frequency of the hydroformed driveshaft tube. The hydroformed driveshaft tube reduces a cost of a driveshaft assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Ryan W. Laskey, Jeffrey A. Dutkiewicz
  • Patent number: 8715094
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hollow drive shaft which may include a hollow steel pipe, a mandrel set at the center of the hollow steel pipe in an axially direction, and a spiral rib plate set between the hollow steel pipe and the mandrel. The major diameter end surface of the spiral rib plate is spirally welded on the inner diameter surface of the wall of the hollow steel pipe. The minor diameter end surface of the spiral rib plate is welded on the outer diameter surface of the mandrel. The helix angle of the spiral rib plate is 10 to 45 degrees. The helical direction of the spiral rib plate is opposite to the delivery direction of a working torque M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Shandong Zhongtai New Energy Group Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jingfu Wang, Xinhua Diao, Lijun Wang
  • Publication number: 20140090637
    Abstract: A sun tracking solar energy collection system can include torque tubes formed with a plurality of rotatable shafts connected to each other in an end to end fashion. The ends of the shafts can be connected with coupling devices in the form of an integrated coupling flange and mounting devices. The coupling flange can include a mounting surface that extends generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft. Additionally, the coupling flange can include a coupling face that extends generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation, so as to provide a mating face for an adjacent coupling flange to transmit torque from one shaft to another. The mounting flanges can be used to support devices such as solar energy collection devices including photovoltaic modules or other devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: SUNPOWER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tyler Grushkowitz
  • Patent number: 8672768
    Abstract: An air bearing for a ram air fan includes a shaft having a first end portion that defines a cap end, a second end portion that defines a thrust shaft receiving end, and an intermediate portion extending between the first and second end portions. The cap end includes a cap pilot bore and the thrust shaft receiving end includes a thrust shaft pilot section. The thrust shaft pilot section has an outer diameter of between about 1.6032-inches (about 40.7212 mm) and about 1.6002-inches (about 40.6450 mm).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Darryl A. Colson, Robert Telakowski
  • Patent number: 8663020
    Abstract: A shaft, including an outer peripheral surface; an inner peripheral surface; an oil flow passage that is formed in the shaft and is defined by the inner peripheral surface; a large inner-diameter portion having a first inner diameter; a small inner-diameter portion adjoining the large inner-diameter portion in one direction along an axial direction of the shaft, and having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter; and a through hole extending from an inner peripheral surface of the large inner-diameter portion to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft. The small inner-diameter portion is formed by bending radially inward an extending portion, which extends in the one direction from the large inner-diameter portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Murakami
  • Patent number: 8647011
    Abstract: On an engine shaft of hybrid design with an externally toothed power transmission element connected at the ends of a fiber-composite plastic tube, the power transmission element is of a two-part design and includes a toothed part made of steel of a specific hardness and, frontally weldedly connected thereto, a tapering adapter part enclosed by a fiber-composite material to form a scarf-type joint and having a thermal expansion approximately equal to the expansion behavior of the fiber-composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventor: Karl Schreiber
  • Publication number: 20140018178
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy propeller shaft including a tube made of an aluminum alloy, and a pair of yoke members made of an aluminum alloy, the yoke members including cylindrical base portions friction-welded to opposite end portions of the tube, each of the yoke members including a tip end portion having a pair of bearing retaining holes aligned with each other in a radial direction of the base portion. Variation in length between a central axis of the bearing retaining holes in one of the yoke members and a central axis of the bearing retaining holes in the other yoke member with respect to a reference length is set within a range of from +2.0 mm to ?2.0 mm. A friction welding process of producing an aluminum alloy propeller shaft, including a friction step, a position displacement detection step, a rotation stop step and an upset step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems Kyushu, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keigo YOSHIDA, Kazuya MATSUMOTO
  • Publication number: 20140011600
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle and a shaft assembly for transferring a fluid in the transmission of the vehicle are disclosed. The shaft assembly includes an input member rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The input member defines a cavity along the longitudinal axis. The shaft assembly further includes a shaft rotatable about the longitudinal axis and extending to a first end facing the input member. The shaft and the input member are spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis to define a gap therebetween. The shaft assembly also includes a cap attached to the shaft, with the cap extending through the gap into the cavity of the input member. The cap defines an aperture in fluid communication with the cavity for delivering the fluid from the shaft to the cavity of the input member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: John A. Diemer, Mindy L. Barth
  • Patent number: 8562449
    Abstract: A shaft assembly is provided to reduce breathing mode vibrations and resulting noises. The shaft assembly includes a shaft member having an outer surface and a damping member constructed at least in part from a damping material and including a substantially annular body and generally opposing ends. The opposing ends are biased such that at least a portion of the damping member engages with the shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin Streather, Robert L. Weiss, Craig A. Campbell, Arthur Ball
  • Patent number: 8529361
    Abstract: A drive shaft, in particular a radial shaft for a gas-turbine engine, includes a metallic and hollow shaft shank 1 with load transfer elements 2, 10, 11 integrally formed onto its ends. The shaft shank 1 includes a metal tube 3, 9 prefabricated as a semi-finished part, designed only for transmission of torsional loads and having a constant wall thickness. An outer or inner reinforcement 5, 8 intended only for ensuring the necessary bending stiffness is provided on the outer and/or inner circumferential surface of the metal tube 3, 9 and made from a fiber-composite layer 13, 13? with fibers oriented in the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft. The inner fiber-composite layer 13 acting as outer reinforcement 5 is sheathed with an outer fiber-composite layer 14 made from fibers oriented at an angle of 60° to 90° relative to the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventors: Gerald Hechler-Stabbert, Alexander Pabst
  • Publication number: 20130196780
    Abstract: A system for applying tension to a component for use in molten metal processing. Preferably, the component includes an outer core and at least one tension rod positioned partially within the outer core. The component is preferably elongated, such as a support post or an impeller shaft. The tension rod applies compression to the outer cover, which makes the outer cover more resistant to breakage if it strikes, or is stricken by, an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8430759
    Abstract: A torque tube includes a composite body and an end fitting. The composite tube includes a body having a body interior diameter, a wall thickness, an end having an edge, and a set of helically-shaped grooves. Each helically-shaped groove may pass through the wall thickness. Each helically-shaped groove may begin at the edge and end in the body. The end fitting may include a sleeve configured to mate with the body interior diameter and a set of ribs configured to mate with the set of helically-shaped groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Steven P. Wanthal
  • Patent number: 8419887
    Abstract: A composite structural member is provided. The structural member includes a tubular shaft having a mating region of stiffness, and possibly thickness, greater than another region of said shaft. The shaft defines a lumen, and a fitting is disposed in the lumen. The fitting has a coupling region that defines at least one recessed portion bounded by one or more non-recessed portions, and the mating region mates with the coupling region of said fitting. As such, the shaft and fitting are mechanically restrained from at least some relative movement due to interference of the shaft and the fitting. A sleeve may be coupled to said shaft, for example, by including a tubular inner surface that proximately surrounds at least part of said shaft and mating region, for discouraging expansion of the mating region of said shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Dennis K. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20130079166
    Abstract: The invention discloses a hollow drive shaft which may include a hollow steel pipe, a mandrel set at the center of the hollow steel pipe in an axially direction, and a spiral rib plate set between the hollow steel pipe and the mandrel. The major diameter end surface of the spiral rib plate is spirally welded on the inner diameter surface of the wall of the hollow steel pipe. The minor diameter end surface of the spiral rib plate is welded on the outer diameter surface of the mandrel. The helix angle of the spiral rib plate is 10 to 45 degrees. The direction of the helix angle of the spiral rib plate is opposite to the delivery direction of a working torque M. According to the present invention, the thickness of the wall and the weight of the drive shaft is reduced, and manufacturing costs are also reduced. The anti-bending and anti-torsional performances of the drive shaft are improved. Therefore, the technical problem of enabling the drive shaft to deliver large torque is solved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Jingfu Wang, Xinhua Diao, Lijun Wang
  • Publication number: 20130072313
    Abstract: A driveshaft assembly that reduces noise created by a vehicle driveline. The driveshaft assembly includes a shaft having a first end section, a second end section, and a midsection positioned between the first end section and the second end section. The first end section and the second end section have a first diameter D1, the midsection has a second diameter D2, where D2<D1. The first end section and the second end section have a first thickness T1, the midsection has a second thickness T2, where T2>T1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
    Inventor: Daniel R. Ryberg
  • Publication number: 20130068187
    Abstract: A shaft assembly includes a shaft, a spacer and a cover. The body of the shaft includes a sealing portion, a balancing portion and a hollow portion which may collectively define a generally cylindrical space. The spacer substantially encloses the hollow portion of the body. The cover encapsulates the shaft body and the spacer to provide a substantially continuous cylindrical surface in sealing engagement with the sealing portion. The shaft assembly may be rotatably installed in an engine such that the balancing portion may be partially submerged in an oil bath in the engine and such that the substantially continuous cylindrical surface of the cover minimizes turbulence and aeration of the oil bath when the shaft assembly is rotated. The shaft may be configured for rotation in synchrony with a crankshaft. A method for encapsulating the shaft includes forming a continuous cylindrical surface in sealing engagement with the shaft body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Glenn E. Clever, Charles K. Buehler
  • Publication number: 20120258808
    Abstract: A hollow shaft 102 for transmitting torsion or bending forces is disclosed. The hollow shaft 102 comprises a first portion 108 having a first wall thickness t1, a second portion 110 having a second wall thickness t2 which is greater than the first wall thickness t1, and a transition region 112 between the first and second portions 108, 110. The transition region comprises inner 106 and outer annular 104 shoulder fillets, the inner shoulder fillet 106 being axially offset from the outer shoulder fillet 104 towards the first portion 108. In this manner, the local stress concentrations caused by the inner and outer fillets are axially staggered along the transition region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Philip T. HOWELLS
  • Patent number: 8262491
    Abstract: A driveshaft assembly for a vehicle includes a tube having a first end and a second end. The driveshaft assembly also includes a first member configured to transmit torque. A portion of the first member is provided within the first end of the tube and is coupled to an inner surface of the tube by a weld. The driveshaft assembly also includes a second member configured to transmit torque. A portion of the second member is provided within the second end tube and is coupled to the inner surface of the tube by a weld. The first and second members are configured to have axes of rotation that are collinear with an axis of rotation of the tube such that when the first and second members are coupled to the tube, no further alignment between the tube, the first member, and the second member is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Newton, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Burgbacher, Volkhard Scharpf