Abstract: A spindle connector including a holder base having two rectangular mounting holes arranged at two opposite ends at right angles, two annular grooves spaced around the periphery, and two radial pin holes respectively made through the annular grooves for mounting a respective pin to hold a respective transmission shaft to the holder base; a transmission shaft having two opposite flat coupling portions at two opposite ends for fitting into one rectangular mounting hole on the holder base and two pin holes respectively arranged at the coupling portions at right angles for connection to one pin hole on the molder base; two binding rings respectively mounted around the annular grooves to hold a respective pin in each pin hole on the holder base; and a socket sleeved onto one end of the holder base and covered over the linked coupling portion of the transmission shaft for protection.

Abstract: A driving appratus which includes a driving shaft which is linked to a driving member, a driven shaft which is connected with the driving shaft and which is linked to a driven member, a joint member which connects the driving shaft with the driven shaft so that a torque is transmitted from the driving shaft to the driven shaft while absorbing the eccentricity between both shafts and an urging member which is disposed to the joint member and which urges the joint member in the axial and rotational direction in regard to the both shafts. According to this improved driving appratus, the joint member rotates under the condition which is urged by the urging member in the axial and rotational direction in regard to the driving shaft and the driven shaft and transmitts the torque from the driving shaft to the driven shaft.

Abstract: A gear is comprised of a central radial hub, a radial gear-toothed rim and a stress dissipating structure.

Abstract: A plastic joint for articulating two components comprises two dimensionally stable fastening elements serving for connecting the plastic joint with the corresponding component and a joint element arranged between the fastening elements defining at least one joint axis for deflecting the joint out of its straight position. The joint element is formed as a flexible moulded part which is injected directly with its ends to the fastening elements.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring rotation from a centrifuge drive system to a centrifuge rotor includes a hub that is connected to the drive system for rotation about an axis. A sleeve member is attached to the hub in a position to support the centrifuge rotor. The sleeve member is formed of a material having a low coefficient of friction and is positioned to reduce the likelihood of rotor-to-hub lock. The resistance of the sleeve member to wear and to the absorption of foreign matter are also important in the selection of a material for forming the sleeve member. An acetal-based compound is preferred. By connecting the sleeve member to the hub such that the exterior surface of the sleeve member is raised relative to the surface of the hub, rotor-to-hub contact is reduced, thereby further reducing the risk that the rotor and the hub will become locked to one another.

Abstract: A one piece molded flexible drive shaft assembly of a hardened moldable material has an elongated flexible drive shaft core having a shaft drive input end, a shaft drive output end and integrally molded therewith at each end a coupling member of a hardened moldable material to connect the input end and the output end to a drive input and a drive output respectively.

Abstract: A steering coupling structure is disclosed which includes a cylindrical bushing mounted in a transmission line of a steering force in a steering system of a motor vehicle, such that an axis of the bushing extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the steering system. The cylindrical bushing includes an inner sleeve connected to one of the input and output shafts of the steering system, an outer sleeve disposed radially outwardly of the inner sleeve and connected to the other shaft; and an annular elastic body interposed between the input and output sleeves for elastic connection thereof.

Abstract: A wobble plate type refrigerant compressor is disclosed which includes a compressor housing having a crank chamber and a cylinder block which is provided with an axial central bore and a plurality of cylinders. A plurality of pistons are slidably fitted within each of the cylinders. A wedge-shaped cam rotor is disposed within the crank chamber to rotate together with a drive shaft. A wobble plate is coupled to the pistons through each corresponding connecting rod. The wobble plate is disposed on the inclined surface of the cam rotor to convert rotating motion of the cam rotor into reciprocating motion to be imparted to the pistons while preventing the rotating motion of the wobble plate. A first bevel gear is fixed on the wobble plate and a second bevel gear connected thereto is supported by the cylinder block.

Abstract: A one-piece flexible coupling is integrally molded from plastic. A plurality of discs are connected by posts over small circumferential extents with slots formed over the remainder of the circumferential extent of the discs. The posts between adjacent discs are offset by 90.degree. from the previous and subsequent discs. Shafts are connected at both ends of the flexible coupling, and the flexible coupling transmit rotation between the shafts, even when they are at non-parallel angles relative to each other.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damping mechanism (30) in a free standing clutch plate (26) for a vehicle driveline. The mechanism (30) includes composite C-shaped springs (41,42) for attenuating driveline torsionals and transmitting driveline torque, and a viscous damper (48) for controlling the rate of flexing of the springs. The mechanism also includes input and output drives (46,44) for flexing the springs only radially inward. The C-shaped composite springs are formed by removing a center portion of a minor arc of a closed ring comprising a plurality of layers of reinforcing filaments, or by cutting a composite cylinder into closed rings and removing the center portion. The composite springs include expanded end portions (41a,41b,42a,42b or 106b) to facilitate attachment of end brackets (72) to the springs without need of fasteners penetrating the composite.

Abstract: A compliant, acoustically insulating, torsionally elastic shaft coupling includes a shaft part and a driver part formed by support plates. At least one cage is defined by the support plates which house at least one rubber element of corresponding shape. To achieve an especially compliant torsionally spring characteristic line, the rubber element is formed with uniformly spaced cavities having a cross-section larger than that of hollow ducts centrally crossing a series of these cavities and extending at least essentially over the entire height of the rubber element.

Abstract: A torsion damping device comprises two coaxial parts, one of which consists of a damper plate and a hub coaxial with the damper plate, the hub and damper plate having cooperating teeth defining a circumferential clearance between them so that the hub and damper plate are able to undergo a limited relative angular displacement which is defined by a circumferential clearance between the two sets of teeth.A ring extends parallel to the damper plate and has a further set of teeth, of resilient material, complementary to the hub teeth and meshing with the latter so as to define a further circumferential clearance between the resilient teeth and the hub teeth. This further circumferential clearance is smaller than that between the two sets of teeth of the damper plate and the hub themselves. In addition, the set of teeth on the hub is extended axially so that it can mesh with the teeth on both the damper plate and the ring.

Abstract: An attachment for a power tool (10) has a drive shaft (32) for driving connection to the tool (10) and a rotatable disc (12) linked transversely thereto. The link between the disc (12) and shaft (32) is formed by a flexible membrane (16) which permits relative angular movement between the disc (12) and shaft (32). A locking arrangement (34, 36) is also disclosed which enables the disc (12) to be selectively held substantially rigidly with respect to the shaft (32) if desired.

Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling of a type which uses a serpentine metal grid to connect teeth on hubs attached to driving and driven shafts has the sides of the teeth made of a polymeric resin material such as a polyurethane or a reinforced nylon 6/6, lubricated with PTFE. The side faces of the teeth deflect and deform under torque load to accommodate to the grid.

Abstract: An elastomeric coupling is disclosed for rotatably connecting the ends of a pair of substantially inline rotatable shafts. The coupling includes a pair of hubs connected to the ends of the associated shafts for rotation therewith. The hubs are formed having a plurality of radially oriented and longitudinally extending passageways. The hubs are located in tandem with the passageways of one hub substantially aligned with the passageways in the other hub to form a plurality of pairs of substantially aligned passageways in the adjacently located hubs. A plurality of elongated, flexible elastomeric members are fitted within the pairs of adjacently aligned hub passageways to operatively and drivingly connect the hubs to one another. The arrangement is such that the elastomeric members transmit the rotation of one of the hubs, imparted by the rotation of its associated shaft, to the other hub and, thereby, to the other shaft associated with the other hub.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper in which the hub ring and the flyring are interconnected through vulcanized-in basic resilient elements as well as resilient units made of rubber that are uniformly distributed around the circumference. These consist of columnar first and second resilient elements which at their outer surfaces merge into one another and at their inner surfaces are spaced from one another. The second resilient elements are precompressed by the first resilient elements and, when the torsional vibration damper is not rotating, are spaced at their outer surfaces from the inner surface of the flyring. At a desired speed of rotation, they are caused by centrifugal force to bear immovably on the inner surface of the flyring. This mechanical connection places their spring action in parallel with the spring action of the basic resilient elements.

Abstract: A drive coupling for transmitting rotary motion from an input shaft to an output shaft is provided. The drive coupling comprises a male member formed from plastic having a protruding flange, and a female member formed from plastic with a cavity shaped to accept the protruding flange of the male member. The male and female members are secured to the ends of the shafts to be coupled in such a manner that the protruding flange of the male member is fitted into the correspondingly shaped cavity of the female member whereby the members are joined such that rotary motion of one member is transmitted to the other member. Preferably, the male and female members of the drive coupling are made from polyurethane having a hardness of 80 on the Shore Durometer A scale.

Abstract: A shift rod for the manual preselecting and shifting of transmission gears is constructed in two rod segments. The two rod segments are connected with one another by means of a vibration-damping coupling joint. The coupling joint is housed in a damping body that, in longitudinal direction of the shift rod, is developed to be softly resilient over a short distance, but with a subsequent strong spring progression, is developed to be very stiff with respect to torsion in twisting direction of the shift rod.

Abstract: An energy storage rotor (flywheel) used for kinetic energy storage has a unitary metallic hub having a plurality of spokes and a continuous rim integral with the spokes. A composite ring surrounds the rim. The rim is in a tight interference fit with the composite ring when at rest. Portions of the rim between the spokes are adapted to deflect outwardly under the influence of centrifugal force when in use to at least the same extent as the centrifugal force-induced expansion of the composite ring such that a tight fit between the rim and the ring is maintained at high rotor speeds.

Abstract: A shaft coupler particularly adapted for automated assembly to axially spaced ends of two axially aligned shafts such as are commonly found in an odometer assembly. The coupler has a main body portion with a guide portion adapted for insertion between the shaft ends and spaced legs at either end adapted for sliding insertion over flats formed on the shaft ends. The main body has a projection therefrom adapted to be gripplingly engaged by an installation tool. Also, the projection and tool define mutual nonsymmetrical portions for orienting the tool and coupler relative to the shaft so that the coupler may be installed thereto in a simple radially directed movement.

Abstract: A coupler to connect spaced apart ends of a pair of aligned shafts in an odometer assembly, for example, the shaft supporting a permanent or total mileage counting device and another shaft supporting a trip counting device. The coupler has a central body with a thin guide portion extending therefrom for insertion between the shaft ends. Each end of the coupler has a pair of spaced legs defining an open ended slot adapted to receive a shaft end. One leg on either end has a resilient catch-tab for holding the coupler in position on the shaft.

Abstract: An elastic axial-rotation coupler has two inelastic devices for respective, inelastic connection to the two axially-rotatable structures, one of the devices defining an annular chamber therein. The annular chamber is closed axially and radially outwardly by the inelastic device defining it. At least one resilient element is in the annular chamber and connected to each device for rotatably coupling them resiliently and, thereby, so coupling the axially-rotatable structures which can be connected to the devices. The resilient element preferably is a rubber-elastic body. At least when the structures axially rotate the devices, a liquid is also in the annular chamber for impinging on the resilient element where the centrifugal force of its rotation with the devices would distort it. The liquid preferably has substantially the same density as the resilient element.

Abstract: A resilient coupling for use between two, relatively-movable machine parts has a resilient body and an integral projection jutting out from the profile of the resilient body. A surface of the resilient body is arranged for joining, for example, adhesively, to one machine part and a surface of the projection arranged for joining, for example adhesively, to the other machine part, the jut of the projection and its surface for joining to the machine part preferably being perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A torsional damper device suitable for automobile vehicles comprises a driving part, an intermediate part and a driven part disposed coaxially and rotatable relative to each other within predetermined limits of relative angular displacement. Lost motion meshing teeth between the driving, intermediate and driven parts are adapted to determine these predetermined limits of relative angular displacement. First and second circumferentially acting spring units between the driving, intermediate and driven parts oppose relative angular displacement of these parts for at least two ranges of relative angular displacement. Lost motion meshing teeth between the driving, intermediate and driven parts define these two ranges of relative angular displacement. A first plurality of elements in the driving part include a friction disk and at least a disk to support and center it.

Abstract: An elastic axial-rotation coupler has two inelastic devices for respective, inelastic connection to the two axially-rotatable structures, one of the devices defining an annular chamber therein. The annular chamber may be open radially inwardly, but is closed axially and radially outwardly by the inelastic device defining it. At least one resilient element is in the annular chamber and connected to each device for rotatably coupling them resiliently and, thereby, so coupling the axially-rotatable structures which can be connected to the devices. The resilient element preferably is a rubber-elastic body. At least when the structures axially rotate the devices, a liquid is also in the annular chamber for impinging on the resilient element where the centrifugal force of its rotation with the devices would distort it. The liquid preferably has substantially the same density as the resilient element.

Abstract: A coil-shaped body is used to transmit torque between shafts spaced axially apart and with the shaft axes disposed angularly to one another. Such an arrangement is used in a bent steering column for a safety steering mechanism. The coil-shaped body is formed by winding a plastics material impregnated fiber strand around an axially extending mandrel so that the layers of the strand are in crossing relation. The crossing superposed layers form lattice bars between the crossover points of the body. The lattice rods have a radial dimension greater than the length of the strands. The angle of the lattice rods relative to the axis of the coil-shaped body is greater than 55.degree..

Abstract: Elastic joint for the transmission of motion between two shafts, comprising two supports, a driving support and a driven support, associated with the shafts and at least two arms for each support. The joint comprises at least one single element for connecting the two arms, this element being in the form of a closed annular strap of inextensible and flexible material. The strap can be disposed on a plane separating the two supports at a position substantially central to the joint so as to form a polygon whose vertices are the ends of the arms belonging alternatively to the driving support and driven support.

Abstract: A coupling is adapted to transmit a movement of rotation and torque between two shafts which make therebetween an angle of between 0.degree. and 90.degree. which is fixed or variable. The coupling includes a flexible or elastic wall having, when it is mounted in the coupling, an active part constituted by two spherical segments one of which segments is outside the other, and which are interconnected by a movable trough or bend. The spherical segments are extended by end parts which are provided with heel portions for fixing the wall to cups rigid with the shafts. This coupling permits the transmission through the flexible wall of moderate torque at large angles between the shafts and with practically no resistance to the positioning of the shafts at an angle to each other.

Abstract: A constant velocity coupling characterized by a hub made of a rigid material, a plurality of torque transmitting elements made of a rigid material, and elastomeric sections connecting the hub and the torque transmitting elements. The coupling consists of a female half and a male half and offers the advantage that the two halves may be molded in a single cavity mold, with the mating portions characteristic of the male half being added after the molding has been accomplished.

Abstract: A vibration dampener for use on top-drive rotary drills. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a generally cylindrical housing having a cylindrical side, a top, a bottom, and a central divider plate. The top of the housing has an externally threaded bore therethrough which may be connected to the rotary drive of the drill. A central, coaxial tube is slidably received within the housing. The downward end of this tube may be connected to the drill pipe, and the tube thus provides a conduit through which air may be forced.A generally circular compression plate is connected within the housing to the central tube so as to be adjacent and substantially parallel to the bottom of the housing. A resilient pad is positioned between the compression plate and the central divider plate such that an upward force on the central tube causes the compression plate to be lifted and the resilient pad to be compressed between the compression plate and the divider plate.

Abstract: A lightweight, flexible coupling is provided by the present invention for transmitting torque and accommodating axial and angular misalignment between drive and driven shafts. The coupling includes at least one reinforcing ring disposed between a pair of hubs or plates having projecting pins to which are secured elongated filaments that are coated or impregnated with a flexible matrix. The filaments are wrapped from the hub or plate on one side of the reinforcing rings(s), to and across the reinforcing rings(s) and then to the hub or plate on the opposite side of the reinforcing ring(s) following a geodesic path. Torque applied to the coupling is thus transmitted between the hubs or plates solely through the filaments.

Abstract: A coupling for joining a pair of shafts which are rotatably supported without a common axis in such a manner as to accommodate misalignment and provide torsional flexibility includes hubs on the ends of the two shafts, each of the hubs having axially extending cams with opposed surfaces that create openings for insertion of deformable members. A spider-like coupling element formed of a rubber-like material has a central base and legs which extend from the base into the openings to contact the opposed cam surfaces. The legs of the coupling element are circular or elliptical in cross section so that they contact the opposed cam surfaces essentially at lines when there is no load on the coupling and the legs deform in unconstrained compression to increase their area of contact with the opposed cam surfaces as the load increases, creating a nonlinearity in the relationship between the stiffness of the coupling and the applied torque.

Abstract: A weld joint structure (12) is provided for a flexible coupling (10) having an inner hub (38), an outer cup (40), and an elastomeric ring (42) for torsional vibration protection of a drive train (14). The outer cup (40) defines an integral radially inwardly disposed tubular portion (64) having an internal seat (68), and an adapter member (70) of different ferrous material composition has an external seat (74) that is connected to the cup (40) by an annular weld joint (78). Preferably, the cup (40) abuts a shoulder (76) on the adapter member (70) where the weld joint is located, and a reverse bend transition portion (62) on the cup (40) functions with the tubular portion (64) to minimize bending loads on the weld joint.

Abstract: This invention relates to couplings such as universal joints and the like for coupling the ends of two shafts together and, in particular, in situations where the two shafts may be in either lateral, longitudinal or angular misalignment. The coupling comprises flexible finger means which connect in sliding relationship to finger receiving means on hubs adapted to be connected to the shafts.

Abstract: An operating shaft mechanism in a pushbutton tuner, etc. characterized in that there is formed an enlarged portion in a central portion of a shaft element and the enlarged portion is formed with a plurality of slits in different phases with each other. The enlarged portion thus comprises a plurality of disc portions connected to each other by connecting portions which remain at the bottoms of the slits, thus to be flexible.

Abstract: An overload clutch for a winch or the like offering a rolling or compression resistance between the rope drum and the rope drum power axle.The rope drum is connected at one flange to the power axle via an ancillary compensation member in the form of an inwardly running drum body or shaft. Placed between the rope drum and the ancillary compensation member are a plurality of rollers, made of an elastic material, and assembled together in the form of a roller cage. The rollers, which are oval in cross-section, are bonded to roller axles and are separated from each other by spacer rods. The interaction of the rollers with the rope drum and the ancillary compensation member is responsible for a non-positive driving connection between the rope drum and the power axle.

Abstract: A rotary flexible coupling has two interleaved sets of input and output driver blocks connected to input and output flanges, respectively. First and second tires of inelastic material are spaced radially inwardly and radially outwardly from the blocks. Each block is connected to each tire by a cylindrical segment of a cylindrical layer of elastomeric material and torque is transmitted from the input blocks to the output blocks via the elastomeric layers and the tires.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for transferring torque from one shaft to another. The shafts (11) and (12) are coupled together using a flexible member, such as an elastomeric spring or belt (23), trained around pins (21) eccentrically mounted on at least two planet gears (19). A sun gear (15) which is connected to one of the shafts (11) meshes with the planet gears. These gears (19) are also connected to the other shaft, (12), either through a ring gear (66) or pivots (27). When one of the shafts is rotated, this causes the planet gears (19) to rotate, and this rotation moves the pins (21) in an arc. This gradual controlled movement of the pins (21) causes the belt (23) to stretch in a manner so that as torque is transferred from one shaft to the other, troublesome torsional vibrations are effectively damped.This energy-absorbing, torque cushioning apparatus is particularly suited for use as a lock-up clutch in motor vehicles.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a claw clutch mechanism, comprising opposing, interengaged clutch halves, each having axially projecting claws extending into the other. Cylindrical elastic bumpers are interposed between adjacent claws to absorb shock and accommodate axial displacement of the clutch halves. The clutch halves are of pressure cast aluminum construction, formed to provide large radius transitional fillets or roundings at the base of the claws, which correspond in radius to the contours of the cylindrical elastic bumpers. Integral reinforcing rings connect the angularly arrayed claws of each clutch half, both on the outside and the inside of the claws, to provide mechanical support for about half the length of the claw. The reinforcing rings also serve to confine the elastic bumpers, and may be provided with opposed flat surfaces at positions corresponding to bumper locations.

Abstract: A coupling for uniformly transmitting torque from a first shaft to a second shaft while accommodating angular and/or axial misalignment between the axes of said first and second shafts. The coupling comprises a first annular member adapted to be fixed to the first shaft, a second annular member adapted to be fixed to the second shaft, a third intermediate member including an annular portion disposed between the first and second annular members and first and second pairs of elongated generally parallel arm portions operatively associated with the first and second annular members respectively.