Plural Circumferentially Spaced Elements Patents (Class 464/81)
  • Patent number: 11692598
    Abstract: A one-way clutch, including: a case; a drive plate enclosed by the case and defining openings; a first plate non-rotatably connected to the case and defining a first opening; a rotatable actuator plate; a strut including a central portion, an engagement portion, and a control portion; and a spring. In a locked mode: the spring pivots the engagement portion into an opening of the drive plate, a rotation of the drive plate in a first direction is enabled, and a rotation of the drive plate in a second direction is blocked. To transition from the locked mode to a free-wheel mode, in which the rotation of the drive plate in the second direction is enabled, the actuator plate is rotated by an actuator to contact the control portion and pivot the strut to displace the engagement portion out of the opening of the drive plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: John Brevick
  • Patent number: 11415182
    Abstract: A print bar for inkjet printing includes print heads disposed in a row, adjustment devices for adjusting the print heads relative to one another in which each of the adjustment devices includes at least one screw and at least one shaft for rotating the at least one screw, and a compensation coupling interconnecting the screw and the shaft. The compensation coupling includes a first coupling half and a second coupling half configured to fit together under elastic deformation. The first coupling half includes spring claws having a first pitch and the first coupling half is disposed on the shaft. The second coupling half including a toothing having a second pitch and the second coupling half is disposed on the screw. The first and second pitches differ from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Andreas Mueller, Burkhard Wolf
  • Patent number: 11118633
    Abstract: A coupling ring for couplings having at least two coupling parts. The object of the invention is to provide a coupling ring for couplings which have at least two coupling parts, which can be applied to the two coupling parts of the coupling in a simpler and easier manner during installation, in particular in the event of a repair for defects in the coupling ring designed as a wedge packet ring and in the coupling region of the wedge packet ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: KWD KUPPLUNGSWERK DRESDEN GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Hähnel, Thomas Klitzsch
  • Patent number: 10578165
    Abstract: An industrial work vehicle including a frame and a first shaft rotatably connected to the frame via first and second bearings. The work vehicle further includes a second shaft rotatably positioned in line with the first shaft and connected to the first shaft via a coupling. The second shaft is further connected to the frame via a third bearing. The coupling includes a first connection and a second connection. The first connection connects the first shaft to the second shaft via a fourth bearing adapted to support a radial load and to accommodate an axial rotation and an angular misalignment of one shaft with respect to the other shaft. The second connection connects the first shaft to the second shaft via flange elements which are interconnected via an intermediary element adapted to transmit a torque and to accommodate a misalignment of one shaft with respect to the other shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Xavier Bonte, Ruben Gryson
  • Patent number: 9982673
    Abstract: A supercharger constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure can include a first shaft portion, a coupling assembly, a clutch rotor and a clutch armature. The first shaft portion can be connected to a pulley. The coupling assembly can couple the first shaft portion to a second shaft portion. The first and second shaft portions can be configured to rotate around a common longitudinal axis. The coupling assembly can be configured to provide torsional damping between the first and second shaft portions. The clutch rotor can be mounted to the second shaft portion. The clutch armature can be mounted to a drive shaft and be unconnected to the first and second shaft portion. The clutch rotor and the clutch armature can selectively cooperate in an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the clutch rotor and the clutch armature rotate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Robert Ouwenga, William Bruce Witherspoon
  • Patent number: 9593741
    Abstract: The present teachings provide for a torsional damper and a transmission having a torsional damper. The torsional damper can include first and second members. The first member can include a first hub, a first outer portion, and a plurality of first spokes. The first hub can be non-rotatably coupled to an input member of the transmission. The first spokes can extend radially between the first hub and the first outer portion. The first spokes can couple the first outer portion to the first hub. The second member can include a second hub and a second outer portion. The second hub can be non-rotatably coupled to an output member of the transmission. The second outer portion can be radially outward of the second hub and can be fixedly coupled to the second hub and to the first outer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: e-AAM Driveline Systems AB
    Inventors: Magnus Hederstad, Erik J. Sten
  • Patent number: 9565994
    Abstract: An articulating portion for an elongate medical device is disclosed. The articulating portion may include a plurality of segments movable relative to one another, and a plurality of hinges disposed between adjacent segments. The segments can be configured to bend at the hinges upon manipulation of a control member of the device. The segments and the hinges can also be a single continuous piece of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary S. Kappel, Francis T. MacNamara, Federico Gutierrez, John Kummailil, Thomas M. Ragonese, Robert B. DeVries, Paul Smith
  • Publication number: 20150065259
    Abstract: A compliant constant velocity constant torque universal joint to transmit a rotary movement between two angled shafts, and/or a kinematic pair with two independent rotational degrees of freedom. This compliant structure is a large deflection compliant joint and the misalignment angle can be changed through the range of from 0° to 60°. The mechanism includes at least three compliant or statically balanced compliant spatial 4R (four revolute joint) linkages connected between two shafts, each system including four compliant joint axes and three rigid or compliant link members. The joint axes in each system are mounted so that each axis intersects one other joint axis. The compliant system is symmetrical about a plane which bisects two shaft axes perpendicularly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Flexous B.V.
    Inventors: Davood Farhadi Machekposhti, Nima Tolou
  • Patent number: 8951129
    Abstract: A device for regulating stiffness has a rotary shaft coupled to the driven member to rotate the driven member, a rotational connection body coupled to the rotary shaft to freely rotate thereon and rotating by a driving power of the driving motor, and an elastic connection body fixed to the rotary shaft and extending in the length direction of the rotary shaft to connect to the rotational connection body, wherein the elastic connection body gives an elastic force in a direction opposite to the rotating direction of the rotational connection body to interrupt free rotation of the rotational connection body with respect to the rotary shaft, and wherein if the rotational connection body rotates by the driving motor, the elastic force of the elastic connection body acts as spring so that the rotating force of the rotational connection body is transmitted to the rotary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jun Ho Choi, Soojun Lee
  • Publication number: 20140323231
    Abstract: A flexible shaft assembly has first and second end connection members and a body section between the end members. The body section comprises a core member with elongate load supporting elements disposed around the outer surface of the core. An optional outer material can also encase the load supporting elements and core. The shaft assembly is sufficiently rigid to transfer torque and other forces, yet sufficiently flexible to permit angular displacement along its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth Perry
  • Publication number: 20140155180
    Abstract: A torsional coupler can be dimensioned for securement between a rotational motion source and a rotational motion target. The torsional coupler can include a first end component and a second end component that can cooperatively interengage one another such that such that rotational motion imparted on the first end component is transmitted to the second end component. Interposed between the first end component and the second end component is one or more force-transfer elements through which torque and/or other rotational output is transmitted. The one or more force-transfer elements can include one or more pressurizable elements into and out of which pressurized fluid (e.g., gas and/or liquid) can be transferred. Additionally, or in the alternative, the one or more force-transfer elements can include one or more biasing elements having a positive stiffness and one or more biasing elements having a negative stiffness. A rotary power transmission is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Joshua R. Leonard, Pradipta N. Moulik, Graham R. Brookes
  • Publication number: 20140113733
    Abstract: A torsion damping device (10), in particular for a motor vehicle transmission, wherein the damping device (10) comprises at least two pendulum oscillators, a first washer (24A) having at least one first pendulum oscillator (P1) and a second washer (24B) having at least one second pendulum oscillator (P2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: VALEO EMBRAYAGES
    Inventors: Roel Verhoog, Michael Hennebelle, Giovanni Grieco, Norberto Termenon
  • Patent number: 8690174
    Abstract: A slewing motor for an active roll stabilizer, which can be connected by its drive to one stabilizer half, and which can be connected on the stator side to another stabilizer half of a divided stabilizer. A torsion element, whose rotational rigidity is lower than the rotational rigidity of the stabilizer, is effectively arranged between the drive and the one stabilizer half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ulrich Grau, Ralf Mayer
  • Publication number: 20130259678
    Abstract: A system includes a rotor assembly with a first rotor component having a first set of bushing receptacles and a first set of bolt holes arranged about a first rotational axis of the first rotor component. The rotor assembly also includes a second rotor component having a second set of bushing receptacles and a second set of bolt holes arranged about a second rotational axis of the second rotor component. The rotor assembly includes a first set of bushings disposed in the first and second sets of bushing receptacles in a first installed configuration, wherein the first installed configuration of the first set of bushings is configured to align the first and second rotational axes with one another, and the first installed configuration of the first set of bushings is configured to bear at least a first portion of a torque during rotation of the rotor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: John Herbert Dimmick, III
  • Patent number: 8529358
    Abstract: Rotational coupling is provided having: a first carrier body with a first base section and a plurality of first coupling arms extending from the first base section spaced in a circumferential direction, each having a first coupling section jointly defining a first plane running concentrically and perpendicularly to a rotational axis, a second carrier body including a second base section and a plurality of second coupling arms extending from the second base section spaced in the circumferential direction, each having a second coupling section jointly defining a second plane running concentrically and perpendicularly to the rotational axis, first and second carrier bodies arranged such that the planes coincide, the coupling arms facing one another, alternately interengaging and circumferentially spaced, base sections oriented oppositely along the rotational axis, and each of the coupling sections coupled via elastic link elements to the coupling sections respectively adjacent on both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: SGF Sueddeutsche Gelenkscheibenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nikolaus Koenig, Gerd Eisleitner, Mark Brandl, Marian Kynast, Wolfgang Spaan, Markus Till
  • Publication number: 20130143677
    Abstract: The present disclose relates to an elastic joint body for a shaft arrangement, for the articulated connection of two shaft sections, including a plurality of bushes which are arranged at predetermined angular intervals in the peripheral direction with respect to a central axis of the joint body, a plurality of sets of loops, each set of loops wraps around two adjacent bushes, wherein the bushes and sets of loops are arranged in such a way that a central aperture which extends through the joint body in the direction of the central axis of the latter is formed in the joint body, and at least one gate land on at least one peripheral face that extends in the axial direction, and wherein the bushes and the sets of loops are sheathed, at least partially, with a rubbery-elastic sheathing, starting from the at least one gate land.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: SGF SUEDDEUTSCHE GELENKSCHEIBENFABRIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Sgf Sueddeutsche Gelenkscheibenfabrik Gmbh &
  • Publication number: 20110300953
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an elastic joint body 10 for a shaft arrangement for the articulated connection of two shaft sections, comprising a plurality of bushings 14 which are arranged in the circumferential direction in predetermined angular distances with respect to a centre axis M of the joint body 10, a plurality of loop bundles 18, 20, 22, 24, with each loop bundle 18, 20, 22, 24 looping around two neighbouring bushings 14 and each bushing 14 being looped around by at least two loop bundles 18, 20, 22, 24, one of which may be subjected to a tensile load in the case of a torque transmission via the shaft sections, and the other one may be subjected to a thrust load, a support device 26 which is arranged on at least one bushing 14 for axially guiding the plurality of the loop bundles 18, 20, 22, 24, and a rubber-elastic casing 12 into which the loop bundles 18, 20, 22, 24, the support devices 26 and the bushings 14 are at least partially embedded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: SGF SUEDDEUTSCHE GELENKSCHEIBENFABRIK GMBH & CO KG.
    Inventors: Werner Waehling, Joachim Reihle, Marc Brandl, Marco Jaendl, Tanja Wainz, Wolfgang Nindel, Steffen Jerye, Joachim Rothe, Thomas Gruenwald
  • Publication number: 20110190067
    Abstract: An elastic joint body for a shaft arrangement for the articulated connection of two shaft sections is provided, with a plurality of bushings arranged in the circumferential direction at predetermined angular distances with respect to a centre axis of the joint body, a plurality of loop bundles, each loop bundle looping around in each case two adjacent bushings, and a rubber-elastic casing in which the loop bundles and the bushings are at least partially embedded. A flange is provided at least one end region on at least one of the bushings for the axial support of an adjacent loop bundle, encircling the bushing, being at least partially embedded in the rubber-elastic casing and having a U-shaped cross-section, as viewed in the axis-containing section, the cross-section being designed with two U longitudinal limbs and one U transverse limb, the flange bearing with a U longitudinal limb against the bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: SGF SUEDDEUTSCHE GELENKSCHEIBENFABRIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Marc Brandl, Thomas Gruenwald, Wolfgang Nindel
  • Publication number: 20090156317
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automotive drive train having an internal combustion engine that is configured as a four cylinder engine and a hydrodynamic torque converter device. The device has torsional vibration damper consisting of two energy accumulating devices and a converter lockup clutch. Turbine is interposed between the two energy accumulating devices. The mass moment of inertia J1 should be high between the two energy accumulating devices and masses should be as little as possible between the torsional vibration damper and the transmission input shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Mario Degler, Stephen Maienschein, Jan Loxtermann, Thorsten Krause
  • Patent number: 6942394
    Abstract: A race for a bearing, which is mountable to a mount, has an annular bearing surface with a center axis defining an axis of rotation for the bearing and mutually perpendicular radial and transverse directions relative thereto. The race also has a radial wall that is adapted for mounting the race to the mount in a manner such that a bearing transfer load is transferred between the mount and the race in the transverse direction and the race bearing surface maintains its substantially annular shape independently of a load applied to the mount causing distortion of the mount when the race is mounted to the mount and the mount is loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Vernon Alexander, Daniel Alan Nyhus, Richard Soloski
  • Patent number: 6913538
    Abstract: In a torque transmission system, plural engagement pieces elastically deformable are formed integrally with an outer peripheral portion of a circular portion of a center hub to be engaged with an inner periphery portion of a pulley. A bridge portion of the center hub is disposed to be broken when a torque large than a predetermined torque is applied there to. Since the engagement protrusion pieces are engaged with a part of the pulley, it can prevent the center hub from being removed and falling when the bridge portion of the center hub is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuo Tabuchi, Kiyoshi Kurohata, Koichi Hashinaga, Dieter Kuhn, Volker Friedrich, Thomas Rauth
  • Patent number: 6910969
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus includes a pulley connected to a driving source and receiving a rotational force, at least one damper installed on the pulley, and a cover plate including a hub connecting the pulley and a compressor, a fixed plate coupled to an upper surface of the hub, and a plurality of deformation members independently installed on an outer circumferential surface of the fixed plate, wherein, when an overload is applied to the compressor, the deformation members are deformed and a coupling relationship with the damper is released so that power transmission from the driving source is cut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corporation
    Inventor: Eun Gi Son
  • Patent number: 6733393
    Abstract: A spider shaft coupling transmitting torque via deformable legs of a spider-like flexible element in which the spider is designed as a captive assembly of a holding base (internal or external) and deformable legs comprising thin-walled solid or wound shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Eugeny I. Rivin
  • Patent number: 6612813
    Abstract: A power transmission mechanism has a first rotating member rotating around an axis, a second rotating member rotating around the axis and an elastic member located between the first rotating member and the second rotating member. The first rotating member has a first rotating member surface, and the second rotating member has a second rotating member surface. The elastic member has at least a protrusion contacting at least the first rotating member surface. The protrusion extends in a circumferential direction of the first rotating member. The protrusion has gradually tapering shape toward the first rotating member surface. The elastic member is deformed by compression as the elastic member engages the first rotating member surface and the second rotating member surface by rotation of the first rotating member, thereby causing relative rotation of the first rotating member and the second rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Kazuya Kimura, Akifumi Uryu, Takeshi Kawata, Akinobu Kanai, Takahiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6520047
    Abstract: A vibration damping device for a motor vehicle drive system includes a base body rotatable about an axis of rotation and a deflection mass arrangement having at least one deflection mass and a deflection path associated with the at least one deflection mass. The at least one deflection mass is movable along the deflection path when the base body rotates about the axis of rotation. The deflection path defines a radial outer area of a movement space in the base body in which the at least one deflection mass is movable. The base body includes a carrier element in which the movement space is arranged and a first closure element connected with and constructed separately from the carrier element and arranged at a first axial side of the carrier element for closing the movement space in a first axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Cora Carlson, Bernd Peinemann, Jürgen Weth
  • Patent number: 6516912
    Abstract: To provide a power transmission mechanism into which a driven flange is assembled, the power transmission mechanism producing no metal contact noises. A driven flange is divided into an engine side flange and a wheel side flange. The engine side flange may be formed of a steel forging and the wheel side flange may be formed of an aluminum forging. The engine side flange is spline-fitted in a final gear integrally rotated with a bevel gear. Furthermore, openings are formed in the wheel side flange at equal intervals and blocks having a threaded hole therein are pressed into the openings. In addition, the engine side flange, the wheel side flange, and the blocks are integrally connected together with bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Iwai, Shinji Ito
  • Patent number: 6454201
    Abstract: A belt retractor comprises a belt spool rotatably mounted in a frame, a locking mechanism for the belt spool with at least one locking disc connected to the belt spool, and a torque limiting member arranged in a force flow path between the belt spool and the locking disc. The torque limiting member is constructed as a friction clutch comprising two clutch faces lying opposite each other and a friction member arranged between the clutch faces. The friction member is constructed as a flat spring part having shaped sections. The shaped sections lie at least partially against at least one of the clutch faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Strobel, Hermann-Karl Weller
  • Patent number: 6394908
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper comprising an input member for connection with a vehicle engine and an output member for connection with a vehicle transmission, the members being mounted for limited relative rotation about a common axis against a damping means comprising one or more circumferentially acting compression springs. Each spring acts between a first abutment formed as an integral part of the input member and a second abutment formed as an integral part of the output member. The damper may also include one or more elastomeric springs or blocks which are subjected to compression in end zones of the relative rotation of the input and output members. Other inventive features of the damper include support members for avoiding fouling of the elastomeric springs or blocks by the compression springs and the use of cantilevered pivot pins for the connection of bob-weight connecting linkages connected between the input and output members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Automotive Products, PLC
    Inventors: Adam Johnson Lambert, Alastair John Young
  • Patent number: 6374698
    Abstract: A vibration damping device for a drive system of a motor vehicle, includes a deflection mass arrangement arranged in a base body which is rotatable about an axis of rotation (A). The deflection mass arrangement includes at least one deflection mass and a deflection path associated with the at least one deflection mass and along which the deflection mass moves during rotation of the base body about the axis of rotation (A). The deflection path has a vertex area and deflection areas on both sides of the vertex area. The deflection areas have a decreasing distance from the axis of rotation (A) as they proceed from the vertex area toward their circumferential end areas. A positive rolling arrangement is arranged between the at least one deflection mass and the deflection path which generates a rolling movement of the at least one deflection mass during the movement of the at least one deflection mass along the associated deflection path and thereby prevents a sliding movement of the deflection mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Cora Carlson, Bernd Peinemann, Jürgen Weth, Andreas Orlamünder
  • Patent number: 6361460
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for driving a sprocket of a bicycle, which enables a rider to easily rotate both pedals even with little force when both cranks of the pedal are vertically positioned. According to the present invention, when a crank (11) gets to be vertically positioned by rotating the pedals (11a), a guide pin (21) projected from a rotating plate (20) draws a tensile spring (41) from the guide groove (31) and thereby the rotating plate (20) gets to be elastically rotated so the crank (11) can go off the vertical position rapidly. Accordingly, the rider can easily rotate the pedals, and at the same time, the force of restitution of the drawn tension spring (41) can help the sprocket (10) be rotated. Consequently, the accumulated force of the tensile spring (41) accelerates the rotation of the sprocket (10) to enable the crank (11) to go off the vertical position effectively, which in turn enables the rider to drive the bicycle with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Jae Wha Rhee
  • Patent number: 6358154
    Abstract: A flexible coupling (12, 16) for transmitting torque from a drive shaft (10) to a driven shaft (18) is described. The coupling (12, 16) comprises a rotatabledrive member (20) securable to the drive shaft (10); a rotatable driven member (22) securable to the driven shaft (18); a plurality of radial vanes (24) are provided on the drive member (20) which interdigitate with a plurality of radial vanes (26) on the driven member (22) and resiliently deformable elements (30, 32) are interposed between the interdigitating vanes (24, 26) to transmit torque there between. The resiliently deformable elements (30, 32) are detachably secured to only either the vanes (24) on the drive member or the vanes (26) on the driven member and are removeable in a radial direction without having to remove the drive or driven vanes from the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Marconi Marine (VSEL) Limited
    Inventors: Peter William Murrell, Alan Jeffrey Posnett, Anthony Whitehouse
  • Patent number: 6244965
    Abstract: A planar overrunning coupling for transfer of torque from a driving member to a driven member in one direction and which permits freewheeling motion between the members upon a torque reversal, the coupling comprising coupling plates situated in close proximity with a strut retainer plate disposed between them, one plate being connected to the driving member and the other plate being connected to the driven member, each plate having strut recesses, a series of struts located in the recesses of one plate so that each strut may be pivoted, thereby allowing the struts to engage the companion recesses in the other coupling plate, the retainer having angularly spaced apertures that register with the struts to permit pivotal movement of the struts when the retainer plate is in one rotary position, the retainer plate, when it is in a second rotary position, preventing pivotal motion of the struts, thereby permitting freewheeling relative motion of the coupling plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Klecker, Sharon Harrison
  • Patent number: 6238293
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper has a drive-side damper element and a driven-side damper element which is rotatable relative to the drive-side element against the action of a damping device, wherein the damping device serves to transmit torque between the two damper elements and has a plurality of coupling bodies, each of which is received in at least one guide path of each damper element, and, during a relative movement of the damper elements with respect to one another, undergoes a deflection in at least one of its guide paths. Guide paths which extend farther in the circumferential direction than in the radial direction and guide paths which extend farther in the radial direction than in the circumferential direction are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Bernd Peinemann
  • Patent number: 6109134
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper with a plurality of transmission elements which are rotatable relative to one another about a common axis of rotation. The relative movement of the transmission elements carried out by the deflection of coupling elements which are displaceable between the transmission elements along at least one guide path in the circumferential direction and which are in a working connection with the two transmission elements for this purpose. The guide path which is provided on at least one of the transmission elements is provided with a curvature which serves to receive a coupling body which is provided at the other transmission element and which is preferably formed with its own curvature at least along its rolling area facing the guide path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Jorg Sudau
  • Patent number: 5944156
    Abstract: A power transmission mechanism which is adapted to completely interrupt power transmission when a torque exceeds a predetermined value, and which has a simple configuration and is manufactured at low cost, and which is bidirectionally rotatable. When a torque, whose magnitude is not more than the predetermined value, is transmitted from a pulley (1) to a shaft (4), each of three elastic members is accommodated in such a manner as to extend over both of a holding portion (3) of the pulley and a holding part (6) of a hub (5). When an excessive torque, whose magnitude exceeds the predetermined value, is applied to the pulley, deformation of each of the elastic members is gradually enhanced by a compressive force applied from the pulley in a radial direction, so that each of the elastic members moves in the radial direction. Then, each of the elastic members further advances and is detached from a corresponding one of the holding portion of the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Hideharu Hatakeyama
  • Patent number: 5862706
    Abstract: A shaft deflection controller includes an input driveshaft adapted for inputting power from an engine. The input driveshaft includes an axis of rotation and a spur pinion at an end of the input driveshaft. The axis of rotation of the input driveshaft changes, relative to a frame, with deflections of the input driveshaft. Two face gears are adapted for meshing with the spur pinion of the input driveshaft. A flexible shaft stabilizing mount includes an inner sleeve portion and a mounting flange. The inner sleeve portion includes a base portion connecting the inner sleeve portion to the mounting flange and a plurality of cage spring members. The mounting flange is connected to and concentric with the inner sleeve portion. The flexible shaft stabilizing mount controls the deflection of the input driveshaft by applying forces onto the input driveshaft, which tend to resist changes in the alignment of the axis of rotation of the input driveshaft. The flexible shaft stabilizing mount is connected to a rigid frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company
    Inventors: Yih-Jen D. Chen, Gregory F. Heath, Vijay J. Sheth, Murugappan Meyyappa
  • Patent number: 5810668
    Abstract: A fuel pump drive gear assembly is provided which includes torsional absorption elements positioned between a drive gear and a fuel pump hub. The drive gear includes a plurality of apertures for receiving a plurality of projections formed on the fuel pump hub. The torsional absorption elements are positioned in the apertures between the projections and the drive gear so as to frictionally engage a surface of both the projection and the drive gear, thus creating a mechanical driving connection between the rotating drive gear and the fuel pump hub. The torsional absorption elements have adequate stiffness to provide the necessary torque to drive the fuel pump, while retaining sufficient flexibility to permit relative rotational movement between the driving gear and the fuel pump hub for absorbing the vibratory loads imposed upon the gear assembly by the fuel pump without compromising the timing between the fuel pump and engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Simpson International (UK) Ltd.
    Inventors: Karl T. Graham, Gordon E. Rado
  • Patent number: 5795232
    Abstract: A drive assembly coupler to transfer torque from a motor shaft. The coupler includes a body having a first end, a second opposed end, and an axial opening through the body extending between the ends. A first pair of opposed channels is provided in the body, each channel parallel to the other and parallel to the opening. A second pair of opposed channels is provided in the body, each channel parallel to the other and parallel to the opening. A first U-shaped insert has a threaded opening receivable in the first end and has a first pair of extending legs receivable in the first channels. A second U-shaped insert has a threaded opening receivable in the second end and has a second pair of extending legs receivable in the second channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: R. L. Hudson & Company
    Inventors: Carl R. Sitzberger, Richard L. Hudson, Thomas W. Boyer
  • Patent number: 5762557
    Abstract: A damped flywheel having two coaxial masses (1, 2) which are mounted for movement with respect to one another against the action of a resilient damping device (3, 130, 230) including at least one resilient member (31 to 33; 133; 231, 232) mounted for articulation on both sides of the coaxial masses. The resilient member acts generally in a radial direction between the coaxial masses in a rest position of the flywheel to occupy a stable rest position. A second coaxial mass is mounted for rotation on the first coaxial mass through bearing members (14, 114) which are arranged at either the outer or inner peripheries of the first mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventors: Frank Chazot, Jacques Feigler
  • Patent number: 5761850
    Abstract: A garage door operator having reduced noise output during operation includes a head unit having a housing. A motor mount is connected to the housing to support an electric motor. A vibration damper is interposed between the motor mount and the electric motor to reduce noise radiated from the housing when the electric motor is energized to drive a garage door up and down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Lhotak, Kenneth J. Dombrowski
  • Patent number: 5700197
    Abstract: Leaf spring members (12a through 12d, 14a through 14d, 16a through 16d, 18a through 18d) are disposed on the rear surfaces of a driving side flange portion (2) and a driven side flange portion (4). One end of each leaf spring member taken in a circumferential direction is mounted to the flange portions (2, 4), and the other end is interconnected to the other end of the adjacent leaf spring member. At positions of the flange portions (2, 4) which correspond to a portion for interconnecting these leaf springs, hole portions (7a through 7d, 9a through 9d) are provided, the hole portions (7a through 7d) and the hole portions (9a through 9d) being each disposed at the corresponding position. Torque transmitting rods (10a through 10d) are disposed passing with an allowance through the corresponding hole portions, and to both ends of the torque transmitting rods, interconnecting portions of the leaf spring members of the driving and driven side are each mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Kay Seven Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sadatomo Kuribayashi
  • Patent number: 5507692
    Abstract: A Coupling for coupling non-aligned rotating parts is provided with driving-side and driven side coupling halves and an intermediate coupling member including separable parts. The intermediate coupling member is connected with the driving-side coupling half through a first pair of mutually centro-symmetcially arranged links and is connected with the driven side coupling half through a second pair of mutually centro-symmetrically arranged links. In order to facilitate dismantling of the coupling, the intermediate coupling member (10) is composed of two arcuate intermediate coupling member halves (20,22), each of which extends through more than 180.degree., such that each intermediate member half defines a lateral opening (32), which permits lateral removal of the intermediate member half (20,22) from a shaft passing centrally through the coupling, which are axially offset with respect to each other, and which are angularly offset by 180.degree. with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventor: Ilie Chivari
  • Patent number: 5324234
    Abstract: An inner slide surface 11 at the side of the driving shaft is formed on a plastic guide member 10 at the side of the driving shaft, which is removably mounted to a thorough hole 7 of a flange 6 at the end portion 2 of the driving shaft, and an inner slide surface 13 at the side of the driven shaft is formed on a plastic guide member 12 at the side of the driven shaft, which is removably mounted to a through hole 9 of a flange 8 at the end portion 4 of the driven shaft. A metallic rod member 14 for transmitting the torque, which removably penetrates a corresponding one of the guide member at the side of the driving shaft and a corresponding one of the guide member at the side of the driven shaft, has a first outer slide surface 16 and a second outer slide 18 surface which may each slide relative to the foregoing inner slide surfaces at the side of the driving shaft and the driven shaft respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Kay Seven Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sadatomo Kuribayashi
  • Patent number: 5211606
    Abstract: A device for damped resilient coupling between two coaxial rotary discs, the driving disc driving the driven disc in rotation in one direction or in the other so that transmission of the drive torque may take place progressively at least within a given angular range. Each of discs (1, 2) includes for this purpose at least one rest (4, 5) for the end of a resilient torque transmission element. The resilient element is formed essentially of a composite material (3) with relatively high modulus of elasticity, and is associated with a resilient damping mass (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Simon
  • Patent number: 5154669
    Abstract: An all-steel clutch having at least one eccentric pack of spring plates which holds the clutch halves axially at a distance in the unloaded condition and is so inclined by an acute angle to the axial normal plane that a slight axial displacement of the clutch halves in relation to one another produces a comparatively large angular offsetting, thereby enabling angular displacements caused by loading to be compensated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Atec-Weiss KG
    Inventors: Hermann Weiss, Rudolf Weiss
  • Patent number: 5119915
    Abstract: An armature assembly for an electromagnetic coupling includes an armature plate made of a material having low magnetic reluctance and also includes an output hub having angularly spaced and radially extending mounting arms for supporting the armature plate. The armature plate is connected to the mounting arms by angularly spaced leaf springs which couple the armature plate and the output hub for rotation in unison while allowing the armature plate to move axially relative to the mounting arms when the coupling is engaged and disengaged. The leaf springs are made of a material having high magnetic reluctance and are formed with tabs or fingers which are sandwiched between the armature plate and the mounting arms to create a flux barrier for magnetically isolating the armature plate from the mounting arms and the output hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5017178
    Abstract: The existing couplings used for transmission of torque uses a combination of mechanical springs or a combination of dampening devices such as cylindrical openings having pistons spring-biased therein. The cylindrical openings also have viscous fluid introduced therein and dampen the torque applied thereto. A coupling apparatus is provided for resiliently transmitting torque including a pin assembly positioned in mechanical connection between an annular plate member and a gear member, dampening backlash motion including a pin assembly and a mechanism for biasing a piston into contact with one of the gear member or annular plate member, and lubricating the interface between the components having relative oscillation therebetween. An interface between the moving parts, the annular plate and the gear, is providing and a lubrication system is provided to lubricate the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Roger D. Krikke, Benny Ballheimer, Nelson A. Jones, Dwight V. Stone
  • Patent number: 4943261
    Abstract: A flexible drive coupling for transmitting rotational forces between respective flanges of a driving shaft and a driven shaft. The flexible drive coupling has, in a substantially planar circular configuration, a number of wedges. The wedges have respective end faces facing the adjacent wedges and connected thereto by flexible elements. Alternate wedges attach respectively to the flanges of the driving and driven shafts. The flexible elements consist of a link between two end plates. The mating faces of the link and the end plates are curved so that they co-operate one with the other. An elastomeric filler occupies the space between the curved surfaces of the end plates and the links permitting each end plate to pivot with respect to the link by deforming the elastomeric filler. The end faces of the wedges and, the corresponding faces of the end plates of the flexible elements which face them, have co-operating tabs and recesses to prevent relative radial and axial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: UTDC Inc.
    Inventor: Roy E. Smith
  • Patent number: 4932267
    Abstract: A flexure coupling includes a backing plate and an adjacent hub, the backing plate being adapted to be mounted to a first machine member and the hub being adapted to be mounted to a second machine member. The hub is supported on the backing plate by a plurality of equiangularly positioned radial springs that permit compliant torsional movement of the hub relative to the backing plate. The springs prevent relative axial or longitudinal translational movement between the hub and backing plate, as well as relative radial movement. Substitution of the flexure coupling for conventional bearings eliminates the problem of false brinelling that results from vibration of stationary bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Metriguard, Inc.
    Inventor: Friend K. Bechtel
  • Patent number: 4850933
    Abstract: A flexible coupling of the light weight, low inertia spring plate type having a central disk which through flex provides for angular misalignment and four supporting side leaf springs which provide for parallel misalignment. Bolted on exterior drive lugs transmit the torque to the central disk. Bronze guides provide for attachment of the leaf springs to the center disk. The drive and driven plates are connected to hubs which are split so they can be clamped onto the input and output shafts which are subject to alternating torque loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Paul V. Osborn