Abstract: Collapsible discs move towards or away from each other in embodiments of the disclosed technology by changing the angle of flanges which connect the two discs together. The flanges connect to each respective disc by way of one a fixed connection to one disc and a slidable connection to the other. The flanges slide into portals in the bottom disc and then extend along and into a hollow space therein the bottom disc. The flanges have a tip or multiple tips which is/are wider than a rest of an elongated length thereof which frictionally holds the flanges, and therefore, the discs in places until the discs are rotated causing the flanges to be pulled out from or pushed into the portals. This, in turn, causes the discs to move closer together or become further apart in embodiments of the disclosed technology.

Abstract: A structure that positions rotating shafts and allows continuing transmission of rotary motion between shafts or shaft segments that are not aligned with one another or that may from time to time become misaligned. The invention reduces the undesirable effect of torque or torsional transients on rotary positioning and continued transmission of rotary motion, as well as reducing vibration resulting from linear or other angular displacement on either side of the joint. The structure comprises opposing outer and inner plates, each engaging a corresponding shaft or shaft segment. The plates define a plurality of holes that support flexible members. The flexible members extend through the plates on adjacent shafts or shaft segments around the shaft ends. Torque may be transmitted from one shaft to another by the flexible members.

Abstract: A coupling comprises blade flexures that connect two end members through which control rods extend to cross members that are attached near the mid-points of the blade flexures, providing stable-linear load reaction means for use as end pivots for linkages where stick-slip motion is undesirable. The blade flexures are housed in a rigid cage comprising four separators that are attached to end members, and the flexures are attached to the end members by the separators.

Abstract: A shaft coupling for connecting two shaft ends to transmit torque. Each shaft end has a recess or a projection. A projection on one shaft end projects into the recess in the other shaft end and their cooperating side walls transmit torque. A centering device at one shaft end cooperates with a centering device on the other shaft end for axially aligning the shaft ends. These may be a cylindrical projection one shaft end and a corresponding recess in the other shaft end. Alternatively, the centering devices are recesses in both shaft ends and a pin that extends into both of the centering recesses. Applied elastic material on at least one of the centering device elements enables secure attachment between the shaft ends.

Abstract: A torque transmitting device for use with a rotary drill bit connected to a drill collar, comprises a first member connected to the drill collar, a second member connected to the drill bit, and coupling means connecting the two members together for rotation about a common central axis. The coupling means permits limited relative rotation between the members about the axis, but provides a resistance to rotation of the first member relative to the second member in a forward drilling direction which is greater than its resistance to relative rotation in the reverse direction. The comparatively lower resistance to rotation in the reverse direction prevents momentary reverse rotation of the drill collar, due for example to torsional oscillations, being transmitted to the drill. bit. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the cutters on the drill bit, which might otherwise result from such momentary reverse rotation of the bit.

Abstract: A one piece, mechanical, flexible coupling for interconnecting driving and driven shafts, which is capable of accommodating separate or combined angular, skewed or parallel shaft misalignments and axial shaft movements while permitting limited torsional or radial deflection thereof. The coupling is fashioned from a single piece of metal or other rigid material and includes a plurality of parallel, axially spaced, annular discs lying normal to the coupling's longitudinal axis and integrally interjoined with one another and with two shaft connector hubs by intervening spacers. The discs and hubs operate as flexible, zero back lash coupling portions at opposite ends of an integrally intervening midsection which operatively permits limited radial or torsional shaft deflection and is made up of a selected number of elongated flexible vane elements lying parallel to and radially displaced from the central longitudinal axis of the coupling.

Abstract: A welding head for narrow gap welding is provided with a flat contact nozzle which is pivotable laterally with respect to the longitudinal extent of the gap by being journaled in a similarly flat nozzle holder by means of a shaft which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the gap and is fully insertable in the gap together with the contact nozzle and at least that part of the nozzle holder which carries the shaft. A drive shaft disposed in the nozzle holder at right angles to the shaft cooperates with the contact nozzle by means of a joint for converting a rotary movement generated by a pendulum device into a corresponding pivotal movement of the contact nozzle about its shaft.

Abstract: A spring steel, liquid-damped shaft coupling in which the torque is transmitted between an inner part and an outer part coaxial therewith by means of radial spring elements disposed in discrete liquid-filled chambers, the liquid in any chamber being displaced, in response to a relative movement, by the spring elements into the adjacent chamber; outwardly axially parallel torsion spring elements are provided on the radial spring elements and connect the same to the outer coupling part. To increase the torsional resilience, therefore, a torsion tube is connected to each radial spring element and projects axially on one side relative to the radial spring element; and a torsion bar extends in the torsion tube, is frictionally secured to the projecting end thereof, and at its other end engages in the outer coupling part at a distance from the radial spring element in such a way as to rotate solidly with the outer coupling part.