Element Is Hollow Sleeve Surrounding Rotational Axis And Connected At Opposite Ends To Axially Spaced Torque Transmitting Surfaces On Driving And Driven Members Patents (Class 464/88)
  • Patent number: 11897101
    Abstract: A flexible implement positioner that is lockably installable around abutting flanges of abutting tubes enables an implement, such as a temperature gauge, to be desirably positioned near the joint between the abutting flanges and enable the implement to monitor the joint between the flanges. The implement positioner includes a plurality of body segments hingedly connected to one another in an end to end relationship, with one end including a lock body segment and the opposite end including a lock body segment having a lock lever hingedly mounted thereon, the lock lever positionable in engagement with the lock body segment and pivotal to lockably engage the lock lever when installing the implement positioner on one of the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Government of the United States as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: John Richardson Harris, Rufus Cooksey
  • Patent number: 11703168
    Abstract: A press fitting for a pipe connection is provided. The press fitting includes a fitting body for connecting the press fitting to a pipe, a press sleeve fixed to the fitting body and having a substantially cylindrical pressing portion and at least one projecting element which delimits the substantially cylindrical pressing portion in the axial direction, and a tubular banderole which surrounds the substantially cylindrical pressing region of the pressing sleeve, wherein the tubular banderole is arranged rotatably relative to a surface of the pressing sleeve, is held in the cylindrical pressing region by the at least one projecting element and is at least partially destroyed when the pressing sleeve is pressed with a pressing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: UPONOR INNOVATION AB
    Inventors: Stephan Müller, Rainer Dittmar, Jörg Clauβen, Maik Altmann
  • Patent number: 11661973
    Abstract: A system and method for increasing a tooth shear strength without also increasing a torsional rigidity of a flexible spline disposed between two hubs of a flexible coupling for transmitting mechanical motion between two shafts includes attaching a stiffening cap to an end of a flexible spline, between the flexible spline and the hubs and inserting a plurality of dowels into the teeth of the flexible spline to reinforce the flexible spline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Dodge Industrial, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Kuckhoff, James R. Rubel
  • Patent number: 11578764
    Abstract: A flywheel coupling assembly for transmitting torque between a shaft and a flywheel includes a clamp ring assembly and a flywheel attachment flange assembly. The clamp ring assembly includes a first clamp ring adapted to be coupled to the shaft, a second clamp ring coupled to a coupling hub of the flywheel attachment flange assembly, and an elastomeric center element coupling the first and second clamp rings. A planer plate element of the flywheel attachment flange assembly is adapted to be coupled with the flywheel. Also disclosed are a method of forming a flywheel coupling assembly and a method of coupling a flywheel to a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Dodge Industrial, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher L. England, Galen E. Burdeshaw
  • Patent number: 11542989
    Abstract: A coupling device for rotably coupling a shaft with a gearbox in a geared turbo fan aircraft engine, wherein the coupling device includes a connection to the shaft at a first end and a connection to the gearbox at a second end, the first and the second ends being axially separated and at least one curved shape between the first end and the second end extending from the gearbox radially inwards to the shaft and the at least one curved shape including at least one cross-section in the axial direction of the engine with a logarithmic profile or a power profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KG
    Inventor: Tomasz Grubba
  • Patent number: 11041523
    Abstract: A universal joint includes a driving portion and a joint head. The driving portion includes a ball nest and a polygonal column disposed within the ball nest. The joint head includes a working end portion and a ball head portion, and the ball head portion is rotatably and swingably disposed within the ball nest. A shaped of the ball head portion corresponds to a shaped of the ball nest, and the polygonal column is co-rotatable with the ball head portion. The ball head portion including a polygonal groove, and the polygonal column is inserted within the polygonal groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: FINE FORGE INDUSTRY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kuo-Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 10738834
    Abstract: Circumferential rigidity of both axial end portions of each coupling-side convex portion is lower than circumferential rigidity of an axially intermediate portion of each coupling-side convex portion. The drive-side concave-convex portion is engaged with a half portion on the other axial side of the coupling-side concave-convex portion. The driven-side concave-convex portion is engaged with a half portion on one axial side of the coupling-side concave-convex portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Ryou Oosawa, Nobuyuki Nishimura
  • Patent number: 10584816
    Abstract: A clamping device for joining two adjacent-lying flange pieces of components is provided herein. The clamping device forms a frame that is equipped for the purpose of being penetrated by the two adjacent-lying flange pieces. The clamping device further includes a tensioning device that is equipped for the purpose of placing under tension or clamping the two adjacent-lying flange pieces in the frame. In addition, the disclosure relates to a flange connection of two components having such a clamping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines AG
    Inventor: Tobias Klausmann
  • Patent number: 10233906
    Abstract: A joint member for a wind power generation apparatus includes: a first rotor integrally rotating with an output shaft of a speed increaser; a second rotor integrally rotating with an input shaft of a generator; and a one-way clutch provided between the first rotor and the second rotor. A torsion promoting portion being readily twisted and elastically deformed is provided at a portion of the first rotor where power is transmitted from the output shaft to the one-way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 10228025
    Abstract: A flexible coupling assembly for connecting two shafts in a coaxial alignment has a flange including a hub with axially opposite first and second ends and a plurality of radial grooves angularly spaced about a periphery of the hub. The radial grooves have crests and roots. The radial grooves extend axially along a length of the hub and are shaped in a manner such that a diameter of the crests at a position on the hub adjacent to the first axial end of the hub is greater than a diameter of the crests at a position of the hub adjacent to the second axial end. The coupling includes a flexible insert comprising a resilient member having an inner surface and an outer surface. The flexible insert inner surface has a plurality of notches adapted to cooperate with the flange hub radial grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Alexander B. Vitou, Michael E. Konruff
  • Patent number: 9683609
    Abstract: A flexible coupling and flexible belt or insert therefor, the belt or insert comprising a plurality of equally spaced circumferentially disposed identically shaped lobes centrally joined together by radial segments of a constant width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Inventor: Jerry L. Hauck
  • Patent number: 9366159
    Abstract: A variable cam timing assembly (10) and method for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle includes a cam phaser (22) connected between an inner camshaft (12a) and an outer camshaft (12b) of a concentric camshaft (12). A torsional drive mechanism (14) connects between the cam phaser (22) and the inner camshaft (12a) for transmitting rotational torque. The torsional drive mechanism (14) permits adjustment for perpendicularity and axial misalignment of the inner and outer camshafts (12a, 12b), while maintaining a torsionally stiff coupling between the cam phaser (22) and one of the inner and outer camshafts (12a, 12b) of the concentric camshaft (12). The torsional drive mechanism (14) can be formed from one of a flexible shaft coupling (40), a transversely split driven gear (140), a transversely split sprocket ring gear (240), a transverse face spline gear (340), and a pin and slot combination drive (440).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Wigsten, David C. White, James Sisson
  • Patent number: 9327951
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive system readily adapted for either manual actuation or motor-driven actuation due to the unique design of the hydraulic drive and its coupling to either a hand crank or to a motorized drive to provide hydraulic pressure to lift cylinders that can be attached to table legs for vertical adjustment. The hydraulic drive includes a screw jack having an end extending from one end of a housing and splined or otherwise keyed. A manual crank arm or motorized drive assembly includes a coupling which mates with the end of the screw jack to provide a drive force for the hydraulic cylinder drive. The motorized drive assembly includes a pair of toothed hubs and an intermediate flexible sleeve allowing alignment of the motorized drive to the drive assembly as well as providing sound dampening, a cushioned coupling, and facilitates overcurrent detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Suspa GmbH
    Inventor: James E. Doyle
  • Patent number: 9228626
    Abstract: A tubular torsion bar including an elongated inner tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end, an elongated outer tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end, a cylindrically shaped joiner bushing fixedly attached to and positioned partially between the distal end of the inner tube and the distal end of the outer tube with the inner tube and outer tube positioned in coaxial and substantially coextensive concentric nesting positions, external apparatus mounting the joiner bushing to maintain axial alignment of the distal and proximal ends of the inner tube and the outer tube and for limited rotational movement, and a mounting and output system fixedly attached to the proximal ends of the inner tube and the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventors: Todd Michael Whitaker, Adam Cuthbert Pauluhn, Mark A. Beran
  • Publication number: 20150080136
    Abstract: A coupler for use in connecting together in a driving relationship a first member and a second member in a rotatable cutter assembly includes an elongate body having an axial forward end and an axial rearward end, and the elongate body containing a longitudinal bore. The elongate body further includes a collar mediate of the axial forward end and the axial rearward end, a forward body portion axially forward of the collar wherein the forward body portion is configured to drivingly engage the first member and a rearward body portion rearward of the collar wherein the rearward body portion is configured to drivingly engage the second member. The rearward body portion of the elongate body includes an elastomeric layer formed thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon J. Kenno
  • Patent number: 8758149
    Abstract: A coupling transmits torque between shafts approximately aligned on a shaft axis. The coupling has a center axis approximately aligned with the shaft axis and a center element formed from an elastomer material. The center element has first and second axial sides. A clamp ring extends axially from each side of the center element along the coupling center axis. The clamp rings may include slots for fasteners for mounting the coupling to shaft hubs. The clamp ring has a flange portion embedded within the center element. Each clamp ring flange portion extends substantially away from the coupling center axis within the center element. An amount of extension away from the coupling center axis is selected to provide the coupling with a desired torsional stiffness characteristic. In accordance with a method, the coupling is formed by selecting the flange portions that will provide the coupling with a desired torsional stiffness characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Baldor Electric Company
    Inventors: William Gregory Hewitt, Donald L. Nisley
  • Publication number: 20140162795
    Abstract: A coupling transmits torque between shafts approximately aligned on a shaft axis. The coupling has a center axis approximately aligned with the shaft axis and a center element formed from an elastomer material. The center element has first and second axial sides. A clamp ring extends axially from each side of the center element along the coupling center axis. The clamp rings may include slots for fasteners for mounting the coupling to shaft hubs. The clamp ring has a flange portion embedded within the center element. Each clamp ring flange portion extends substantially away from the coupling center axis within the center element. An amount of extension away from the coupling center axis is selected to provide the coupling with a desired torsional stiffness characteristic. In accordance with a method, the coupling is formed by selecting the flange portions that will provide the coupling with a desired torsional stiffness characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: William Gregory Hewitt, Donald L. Nisley
  • Publication number: 20120322566
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reducer of an electric power steering system. By the system, it is possible to prevent a noise from being produced by a clearance between an inner rotor and an outer rotor. Further, since the steps of assembling the inner and outer rotors and applying grease are omitted, it is possible to simplify the assembling process of the reducer, to reduce the material costs, and to improve stability in assembling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Jong Han KIM
  • Publication number: 20120283029
    Abstract: Composite continuous filament wound flexible composite driveshafts with integral spacing tube and flexible diaphragms and methods of manufacture. Fully anisotropic material properties are mapped to the deeply sculpted diaphragm geometry of flexible composite coupling elements attached at outer diameters for high torque applications. Continuous filament wound spacing tubes of the shaft control natural frequencies and torsional stability in conjunction with multiple flexible composite diaphragms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Duncan J. Lawrie
  • Patent number: 8172176
    Abstract: A slider apparatus integral with a slidable member and a method for integrating the slider apparatus with the slidable member. The slider apparatus integrated with the slidable member may be configured to slidably couple with and be structurally supported by a fixed structure. The slider apparatus may comprise a primary slider component made of composite material and at least one chamfered element bonded to the primary slider component. The slidable member may comprise the slider apparatus, a core assembly, a plurality of composite material plies wrapped around the slider apparatus and core assembly and cured therewith, and at least one low-friction slider shoe removably attached to the primary slider component outward of the plurality of composite material plies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Welch, Thomas D. Popp
  • Patent number: 7980956
    Abstract: A shaft coupling with a flexible annular sleeve, a driver end piece, and a driven end piece. The end pieces have a plurality of axially projecting prongs arranged so that the driver prongs loosely interlock in the spaces between the driven prongs with a gap between each pair of prongs. The sleeve fits snugly around the periphery of the loosely interlocked prongs. Each prong has at least one prong groove in its outer periphery. Each of two peripheral edges may be shaped to form a groove flank, and each set of two adjacent groove flanks on adjacent prongs may form a gap groove. The sleeve has a plurality of inner teeth including a plurality of groove teeth in alternating arrangement with a plurality of gap teeth. The prong grooves and groove teeth mesh, and the gap grooves and gap teeth mesh. Groove teeth may be bigger than gap teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Andrew Kneeshaw, John W. Black, Arthur Jack Clarke
  • Patent number: 7878912
    Abstract: A universal joint comprises first and second joint yokes, each joint yoke having axially opposite yoke arms, and inner and outer sides with respect to an axis of symmetry of the joint; first and second connection elements, each having transverse arms for connecting the connection element to yoke arms of a respective joint yoke and a base web extending beyond the transverse arms in a direction away from the axis of symmetry of the joint; and an elastic coupling element guided around outer sides of the joint yokes and connected to the base web of each connection element at a location beyond the transverse arms in a direction away from the axis of symmetry of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Norbert Gross
  • Patent number: 7850558
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus for a compressor used in an air conditioner for a vehicle including a damper mounted to one side of a pulley rotated by a driving power transmitted from an engine wherein the damper and an elastic portion is formed between an outer ring and an inner ring, and wherein a mounting flange of the outer ring is coupled to the pulley and a mounting flange of the inner ring is coupled to a limiter. The limiter has a plate shape and comprises: a middle portion in a ring shape, an outside portion in a ring shape around the edge of the middle portion, and a neck portion connecting the middle portion and the outside portion, whereby upon overload, the neck portion is broken. The middle portion of the limiter is coupled to a hub, and the hub penetrates the center of the inner ring and is coupled to the limiter between the damper and the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corp.
    Inventor: Seong Taek Oh
  • Patent number: 7801657
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having first and second wheels is provided that includes a differential apparatus adapted to distribute torque between the first and second wheels and a traction controller for controlling operation of the differential apparatus from vehicle launch up to a predetermined vehicle speed. The traction controller is configured to engage the differential apparatus in a first operating state according to at least one vehicle operating parameter indicative of a low traction operating condition and to further control engagement of the differential apparatus in a second vehicle operating state during the low traction operating condition according to a difference between an actual vehicle yaw rate and a predetermined target vehicle yaw rate. The control system also includes a stability controller for controlling engagement of the differential apparatus at or above the predetermined vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Damrongrit Piyabongkarn, Jae Y. Lew, John A. Grogg, Robert J. Kyle
  • Publication number: 20100093450
    Abstract: A shaft coupling with a flexible annular sleeve, a driver end piece, and a driven end piece. The end pieces have a plurality of axially projecting prongs arranged so that the driver prongs loosely interlock in the spaces between the driven prongs with a gap between each pair of prongs. The sleeve fits snugly around the periphery of the loosely interlocked prongs. Each prong has at least one prong groove in its outer periphery. Each of two peripheral edges may be shaped to form a groove flank, and each set of two adjacent groove flanks on adjacent prongs may form a gap groove. The sleeve has a plurality of inner teeth including a plurality of groove teeth in alternating arrangement with a plurality of gap teeth. The prong grooves and groove teeth mesh, and the gap grooves and gap teeth mesh. Groove teeth may be bigger than gap teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: THE GATES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan Andrew Kneeshaw, John W. Black, Arthur Jack Clarke
  • Patent number: 7658678
    Abstract: A shaft coupling with a flexible annular sleeve, a driver end piece, and a driven end piece. The end pieces have a plurality of axially projecting prongs arranged so that the driver prongs loosely interlock in the spaces between the driven prongs with a gap between each pair of prongs. The sleeve fits snugly around the periphery of the loosely interlocked prongs. Each prong has at least one prong groove in its outer periphery. Each of two peripheral edges may be shaped to form a groove flank, and each set of two adjacent groove flanks on adjacent prongs may form a gap groove. The sleeve has a plurality of inner teeth including a plurality of groove teeth in alternating arrangement with a plurality of gap teeth. The prong grooves and groove teeth mesh, and the gap grooves and gap teeth mesh. Groove teeth may be bigger than gap teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Andrew Kneeshaw, John W. Black, Arthur Jack Clarke
  • Patent number: 7647924
    Abstract: A structure (26) for supporting an array (22) of solar panels (24) in a solar energy collection system (20) includes a support assembly (42) formed from a rigid subassembly (44). The subassembly (44) includes a truss (68), a post (46) downwardly extending from the truss (68) for attachment to a footing (48), and posts (50) upwardly extending from the truss (68). The structure (26) further includes torsion tubes (34), each of which is pivotally retained by one of the posts (50) to form parallel rows (32) of torsion tubes (34). Multiple ganged piers (44) can be interconnected to increase the number of rows (32) of the system (20). The solar panels (24) are attached to the torsion tubes (34) to form the array (22). Each of the torsion tubes (34) may have a flat surface (164) for ready alignment and attachment of solar panels (24) onto the torsion tubes (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Arizona Public Service Company
    Inventor: Herbert T. Hayden
  • Patent number: 7625290
    Abstract: A coupling sleeve for use in a sleeve-type, flexible, shaft-coupling device, having a generally annular body portion with one or more axially extending, polymeric or elastomeric teeth on at least one of its inner and outer periphery and having a rigid support band with a rigid, axially extending fin protruding radially into at least one of the teeth. The coupling sleeve has a cross sectional area with a rigid band portion that occupies the minor portion of the cross section relative to the polymeric portion. Torque applied to the teeth of the coupling sleeve during use is resisted by the fins and the tooth material is thus placed in compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Yahya Hodjat, Keming Liu, Lin Zhu, Marc Cadarette
  • Patent number: 7544130
    Abstract: A coupling system is disclosed for coupling rotating elements such as a pairs of shafts, flywheel and a shaft, and so forth. A first hub assembly is attached to a shaft via a tapered sleeve mechanism. A flexible element is captured by the hub assembly and is used to couple one rotating member to another. The hub assembly includes a hub, a flange, and an adjusting nut that are used in conjunction with fasteners to compress the flexible element. The flange has anti-rotation features that engage similar features on the outside diameter of the hub. The adjusting nut has internal threads that engage external threads on the hub outside diameter. The flexible element either mounts directly to the second rotating element or is captured by a second hub assembly. The second hub assembly is attached to the second shaft via a tapered sleeve mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Donald L. Nisley
  • Patent number: 7526983
    Abstract: A tool for removing and installing a pop-up pool cleaning head assembly from a floor fitting is provided. The tool includes a removal head having a top portion with tapered pins or other protrusions that are adapted to engage with the pool cleaning head assembly and a receiver tube for receiving a first end of a substantially short stiff flexible connector, a rigid connector spaced apart from the removal head and having a first portion for receiving a second end of the substantially short stiff flexible connector and a second portion for fastening a pole-type member therein, and a pair of externally threaded tapering pipe plugs fit in the first and second ends of the flexible connector that cooperate with a plurality of bite ribs along an inner wall of the receiver tube and rigid connector first portion to substantially prevent rotation of the removal head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Donald Gene Tipotsch
  • Patent number: 7500456
    Abstract: The present invention is a novel non-splined shaft for connecting cam units (cam sections) in a series to construct a camshaft having zero degree backlash for use within an engine. Such engines typically use a camshaft comprised of a plurality of separate camshaft units (cam sections) which are connected in a series by one or more cam connecting shafts. The entire series of camshaft units and cam connecting shafts may be, for example, 40 feet in length. Examples of natural gas engines in which the cam connecting shafts described herein may be used include, but are not limited to, the INGERSOLL-RAND KVR and KVT series of engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Horton
  • Patent number: 7497782
    Abstract: A coupling for transmitting torque between a driving element and a driven element, one of which is rotatable about an axis an formed with an annular array or mounting holes centered on the axis, has an elastomeric ring centered on the axis and having a dished face concave toward and directed axially at one of the elements and an opposite generally planar face directed axially at the other of the elements. Respective face plates conform and are vulcanized to the faces. Formations serve for connecting the face plate of the planar face directly to the other element. An annular and thin coupling disk centered on the axis has an outer periphery and an inner periphery and an inner face turned toward the elastomeric ring and an outer face turned away therefrom. Bolts secure the disk outer periphery directly to an outer edge of the face plate of the dished face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Centa-Antriebe Kirschey GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Kirschey
  • Patent number: 7390265
    Abstract: A flexible coupling device for mounting on axially opposed rotatable shafts comprises a pair of opposing hubs, a flexible connecting sleeve, and a pair of opposing retainers. Each of the hubs has a plurality of hub engaging elements extending there from. The flexible connecting sleeve has a plurality of internal sleeve engaging elements extending there from that mate with the hub engaging elements and a plurality of external sleeve engaging elements extending there from. The retainers are removeably attached to the hubs. Each of the retainers has an internal flange that engages the external sleeve engaging elements to restrict movement of the connecting sleeve relative to the hubs and the retainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: TB Wood's Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Smihal
  • Publication number: 20080139322
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible joint with bellows for coupling two tubular elements together for passing fluid in a flow space and presenting a main axis that is constituted by the axis common to the tubular elements when they are in their aligned position, and including at least one flexible joint element functionally connected to a first tubular element and to a casing, together with a coupling bellows coupling together the two tubular elements, the coupling bellows, the flexible joint element, and the casing defining walls of a fluid-filled cavity. The joint including a flexible pressure-compensation device spaced apart from the bellows and having a first face forming at least part of a wall of said cavity and a second face that is in communication with the flow space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Herve Richer De Forges, Jean-Pierre Ciolczyk
  • Patent number: 7217193
    Abstract: A coupling assembly having an integral flange hub configured to bear against a flexible coupling element, and an external flange element configured to engage the hub to exert compressive force on the flexible coupling element. The assembly further includes a nut having inner threads configured to mate with a threaded extension of the hub to urge the hub and the external flange element into engagement with the flexible coupling element. The assembly may also include a tapered sleeve and a sleeve nut having inner threads configured to mate with the threaded extension of the tapered sleeve to secure the hub with a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Donald L. Nisley
  • Patent number: 7121205
    Abstract: A shaft coupling device for coupling a first shaft and a second shaft together includes a grip unit to be attached to the first shaft and including a grip portion configured to grip the second shaft, the grip portion having an end with notches of a length being parallel with an axial direction of the first shaft. The shaft coupling device also includes a grip force acting unit to be attached to the second shaft and configured to cause a grip force for gripping the second shaft to act on the grip portion by moving the grip portion in a radial direction of the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ono, Kaoru Yoshino
  • Patent number: 6993989
    Abstract: A starting apparatus includes a drive motor and a reduction gear having a planetary gear for starting an engine by the drive motor via the reduction gear. An internal gear of the reduction gear includes a locking projection projecting in an axial direction. A rotation restricting member is formed with a guide groove in which the locking projection is loosely received and guided in a circumferential direction. A shock absorbing member is held in the guide groove in a state of being elastically in close contact with the locking projection in the circumferential direction. Thus, shock load to the internal gear is alleviated from the start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Oomura, Kazuo Hirama, Mitsuhiro Murata, Tatsuya Saitou, Hiroshi Kaneda, Shinji Usami
  • Patent number: 6843727
    Abstract: A flexible coupling assembly adapted for mounting on the ends of a shaft in coaxial alignment. The coupling includes a pair of annular hubs. A plurality of radially outwardly opening receptacles are spaced around the circumferential edge of each hub. A molded flexible belt is wrapped around the circumferential edge of both hubs, and has a plurality of spaced resilient teeth extending from one side of the belt. Each tooth is received in a pair of aligned receptacles formed in the hubs. The belt is molded with a length greater than the circumference of the circumferential edge, and the belt is cut to a length such that there is no more than one tooth per pair of receptacles. An annular retainer is slipped over the belt to retain the teeth in the receptacles. The retainer is held over the belt by at least one deformable pin extending from another side of the belt, and the pin is received in a circumferential groove formed on an inner surface of the annular retainer to retain the retainer over the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Rexnord Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis F. Counter, Terence Voss, William R. Hubiak
  • Patent number: 6796739
    Abstract: A torsional joint assembly and method of making same having members of formed of dissimilar materials bonded together at calculated angles to result in essentially singularity-free joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Boris A. Shoykhet
  • Publication number: 20040166945
    Abstract: A flexible coupling assembly adapted for mounting on the ends of a shaft in coaxial alignment. The coupling includes a pair of annular hubs. A plurality of radially outwardly opening receptacles are spaced around the circumferential edge of each hub. A molded flexible belt is wrapped around the circumferential edge of both hubs, and has a plurality of spaced resilient teeth extending from one side of the belt. Each tooth is received in a pair of aligned receptacles formed in the hubs. The belt is molded with a length greater than the circumference of the circumferential edge, and the belt is cut to a length such that there is no more than one tooth per pair of receptacles. An annular retainer is slipped over the belt to retain the teeth in the receptacles. The retainer is held over the belt by at least one deformable pin extending from another side of the belt, and the pin is received in a circumferential groove formed on an inner surface of the annular retainer to retain the retainer over the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Louis F. Counter, Terence A. Voss, William R. Hubiak
  • Patent number: 6773352
    Abstract: Bearing for damping or decoupling vibrations between adjacent components. The bearing includes a spring body having face ends, a connection part coupled to at least one of the face ends, and a frictional damper coupled in a parallel manner with the spring body. The frictional damper is at least one of electrically and electronically regulatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Volker Härtel, Jürgen Tschimmel
  • Patent number: 6702680
    Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling device having two hubs with jaws extending from each hub toward the other hub. A flexible elastomeric belt or cushions fill the gaps between adjacent pairs of jaws. A retaining ring is mounted around the belt or cushions to keep the belt or cushions securely in place. There are a plurality of locking pins adjacent to the edges of the retaining ring and preferably on the interior surface of the ring. These are received in grooves cut in the exterior surface of the belt. When the retaining ring is placed over the belt, the belt is retained between the locking pins. Raised portions or nubs are placed at the entrance and exits of the grooves so that when the ring is rotated with respect to the belt, the locking pins pass over the nubs to securely lock the retaining ring around the edges of the belt. Alternatively the edges of the belt or cushions are tapered to engage the pins in locking engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Lovejoy, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Sullivan, Daniel R. Fagan
  • Patent number: 6682432
    Abstract: Compression exerted by a clamp collar integral to a molded plastic flexible shaft coupling accommodating angular shaft misalignment upon the circumferential outward surface of a radially compressible molded sleeve insert located in a shaft bore of the flexible coupling facilitates engagement of a reduced diameter shaft located within the sleeve insert. Use of a sleeve insert having a different internal diameter similarly accommodates flexible coupling to another diameter shaft. Utilization of sleeve inserts selected from a plurality of different reduced internal diameters and exterior diameters sized to fit either shaft bore enables flexible coupling of both multiple matched shaft diameters and an exponential number of differing opposed shaft diameter combinations within a range limited by the flexible coupling shaft bores. Radial compressibility of the sleeve insert is facilitated by the utilization of resilient material, interruption of the circumferential extension by a longitudinal slot, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Kinzou Shinozuka
  • Patent number: 6669569
    Abstract: A coupling member (3) for the installation in a torque-transmitting drive connection comprises connecting parts (4, 5) for fastening to the driving and driven sides of the drive connection and an annular body (8) for torque transmission which is inserted between ring disks (6, 7) of the connecting parts (4, 5) and is made of an elastomer. In order to obtain a simple coupling member which can be influenced over wide areas concerning the transmission properties, the connecting parts (4, 5) are made of fibrous composite plastic and the elastomeric annular body (8) is molded onto the ring disks (6, 7) of the connecting parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Ellergon Antriebstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Geislinger
  • Patent number: 6585445
    Abstract: This application describes the design of the split-tube flexure, a unique precision revolute joint that exhibits a considerably larger range of motion and significantly better multi-axis revolute joint characteristics than a conventional flexure. The development of this joint enables the implementation of spatially-loaded revolute joint-based precision machines with well-behaved kinematic and dynamic characteristics and without the backlash and stick-slip behavior that would otherwise prevent precision machine control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Michael Goldfarb, John E. Speich
  • Publication number: 20030022721
    Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling device having two hubs with jaws extending from each hub toward the other hub. A flexible elastomeric belt or cushions fill the gaps between adjacent pairs of jaws. A retaining ring is mounted around the belt or cushions to keep the belt or cushions securely in place. There are a plurality of locking pins adjacent to the edges of the retaining ring and preferably on the interior surface of the ring. These are received in grooves cut in the exterior surface of the belt. When the retaining ring is placed over the belt, the belt is retained between the locking pins. Raised portions or nubs are placed at the entrance and exits of the grooves so that when the ring is rotated with respect to the belt, the locking pins pass over the nubs to securely lock the retaining ring around the edges of the belt. Alternatively the edges of the belt or cushions are tapered to engage the pins in locking engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Michael G. Sullivan, Daniel R. Fagan
  • Patent number: 6506120
    Abstract: A coupling device includes first and second coupling members for connecting a rotary driving member to a rotary driven member. The first and second coupling members are generally semi-cylindrical and connectable together along there opposite edges to non-rotatably secure the driving member to the driven member. The coupling members include a stop portion at at least one end thereof to limit longitudinal movement of the coupling device relative to the rotary members. The coupling members may be flexible to facilitate wrapping of the coupling members about the rotary members to non-rotatably retain the rotary members within the coupling device. The coupling members are fastened together at their edges via a fastening member which is insertable through a passageway in the corresponding edges of the coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Dirk Lockwood
  • Patent number: 6381933
    Abstract: The device consists of a tapered spline coupler for a drive shaft of a pull-type forage harvester. The first drive shaft and second drive shaft each have a set of tapered splines that are inserted into a tapered, internally splined coupler. A pair of retaining rings affixed to the drive shafts draws the shafts into the coupler. A retaining bolt may be tightened to force the shafts into the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Wanner, Robert A. Wagstaff
  • Patent number: 6361443
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shaft coupling (1) comprising at least one elastomer transmission element (2). In order to meet continuously increasing requirements in terms of dynamic load capacity and long service life, and with a view to providing special protection against oxidation-caused aging in hostile environments such as high temperatures, the outer surface of the transmission element (2) is provided at least partially with an anti-aging, airtight covering (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Hackforth GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Jurgen Walter, Ulrich Falz
  • Patent number: RE38018
    Abstract: The present invention is generally characterized in an angled rotary tissue cutting instrument including an outer blade assembly, having a rigid tubular member with proximal and distal portions connected by a bead, and an inner blade assembly rotatably disposed within the outer blade assembly and including a tubular drive shaft at a proximal end, a cutting tip at a distal end, and a flexible coupling disposed between the drive shaft and the cutting tip. The drive shaft and cutting tip include neck portions which are disposed telescopically within proximal and distal ends of the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie B. Anctil, Gary Peters