Abstract: There is disclosed a coupling unit (100) for transmission of a rotary driving force, comprising a first coupling member (110) having a curved first bearing surface (116) and a second coupling member (150) having a main coupling body (154) and a curved second bearing surface engaging the first bearing surface thereby enabling rotation of the second coupling member (150) relative to the first coupling member (110). The second coupling member comprises at least two carrying elements (158) which are each provided with a respective one of at least two second bearing surface segments (160) of the second bearing surface that engage the first bearing surface. At least two connecting elements (156) of the second coupling member (150) each connect a respective one of the at least two carrying elements (158) with the main coupling body (154) and comprise an elastically deformable material.

Abstract: The coupling can have a female member configured to rotate around an axis, defining an axial recess, and having a plurality of connections circumferentially arranged along a radially inner face; a male member extending inside the axial recess concentrically to the female member and having a plurality of connections circumferentially arranged along a radially outer face; and a plurality of circumferentially arranged links, each link having an inner end engaged with a corresponding one of the male member connections, and an outer end engaged with a corresponding female member connection, the links being slanted off the radial orientation, with the inner end being circumferentially offset from the outer end, the links subjected to compression when transmitting torque between the female member and male member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition, especially for an elastomer body of an elastic coupling, comprising the following components:—polyisoprene rubber having a proportion of 20 to 30% by weight,—butadiene rubber having a proportion of 20 to 30% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the composition. The invention further relates to the use of the composition for production of an elastomer body, especially for an elastic coupling, preferably elastic shaft coupling. The invention additionally relates to an elastomer body, especially for an elastic coupling, which comprises the composition. The invention also relates to a coupling comprising the composition or the elastomer body.

Abstract: A component of a disc drive has a coating of a predetermined length on its surface, the coating having at least two separate tapered regions applied in independent steps, the at least two separate tapered regions each having a length that is less than the predetermined length of the component surface. When the component is a shaft of a spindle motor, the ends of the shaft are masked before the tapered regions of coating are applied, and the thickness of the masks covering the shaft ends is varied to control a taper of tapered regions.

Abstract: A torque transmission device includes a shaft, particularly a drive shaft for a drive train of a vehicle, and at least one coupling element which is connected with an end of the shaft. The shaft and the at least one coupling element each consists completely or at least partly of a fiber-reinforced plastic material.

Abstract: An elastic shaft coupling has a drive-side interface and an output-side mechanical interface. Both interfaces are intended in each case for connecting the shaft coupling to an adjacent machine element. The shaft coupling has at least two elastic rubber elements which are connected behind one another between the drive-side and the output-side interfaces and the axial material thickness of which increases in each case at a growing radial spacing from the center axis of the shaft coupling. To reduce the amount of rubber of the shaft coupling with retention of its elastic properties, the respective rubber elements are of non-uniform configuration with regard to their torsional rigidity and to be precise are so non-uniform that the torsional rigidity of one of the two rubber elements is always at least one and a half times as great as the torsional rigidity of the other rubber element.

Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling sleeve comprising a sleeve shaped body having a central annular portion and a coupling receiving portion at each of two opposing sleeve ends, and a coupling device incorporating such sleeve. The sleeve's coupling receiving portions include axially extending teeth on their inner surfaces. The flexible shaft coupling sleeve is formed of a polyurethane elastomer composition.

Abstract: A constant-velocity joint includes an outer ring formed with an annular space therein having an opening at one end thereof. The annular space is defined by a radially outer wall and a radially inner wall. One of the radially inner and outer walls is formed with three axially extending track grooves circumferentially spaced apart from each other by 120 degrees. A cage is inserted in the annular space with one end thereof protruding from the opening of the annular space. A second shaft is provided on the one end of the cage. Balls are retained by the cage and adapted to roll in the track grooves. At least one of the outer ring and the cage is formed of a synthetic resin.

Abstract: A sealing component constructed of silicone compound for use in high-temperature, high-speed and high-angle applications is disclosed. The disclosed silicone material may also be reinforced with fibers for added stiffness and stability.

Abstract: A convoluted boot for sealing an annular gap between two parts which are connected to one another in a rotationally fast way, which can be articulated relative to one another and which are axially displaceable relative to one another, especially of a constant velocity plunging joint, consisting of includes a low-strain polymer hard material having a first larger collar (11) to be secured to a first component, a second smaller collar (12) to be secured to a second component and a plurality of annular fold units which extend between the first collar and the second collar and which, in the form of the outer folds consisting of have two annular flanks (31, 32), and form a fold peak (21) between two fold valleys (22). In a first group (A) of at least three annular folds with a connection to the first collar 11 annular folds, the diameters of the fold peaks (21) and fold valleys (22) decrease in the direction from the first collar to the second collar.

Abstract: A universal joint having a first yoke including a body portion and an overmold portion. The body portion includes a base and a pair of arms that extend from the base. A trunnion assembly is coupled to the first yoke and extends between the arms. A second yoke is coupled to the trunnion assembly.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper mountable to a rotatable shaft. The torsional vibration damper is a composite structure including a body formed of a polymer, such as a glass-reinforced polyamide, that surrounds an insert formed of a structurally-rigid material, such as a metal. The insert includes one or more support flanges that extend radially outward into the polymer body. When the torsional vibration damper is removed from the rotatable shaft, axial forces applied to the damper are transferred by the support flanges to the insert such that the polymer body remains substantially stress-free. In addition to, or instead of, the support flanges, the insert may include torque-locking structure that locks the polymer annular body with the insert to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

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.

Abstract: An undercritical drive shaft and a method of producing the undercritical drive shaft from fiber composite material is disclosed. The drive shaft, which is produced of fiber composite material and is to be used as an undercritically operating shaft, has a high damage tolerance with respect to resistance to torsion and the manufacturing process requires lower expenditures. For the drive shaft, the fiber composite material consists of several successively individually wound-up webs of prepreg. For the method of producing the drive shaft from fiber composite material, as the fiber material, the web-shaped prepreg is wound onto the winding spindle and this prepreg is deaerated and simultaneously compressed by the winding-on of a thermoplastic woven band which is prestressed in a defined manner. The thermoplastic woven band is unwound again and additional prepreg layers are then wound up which are then deaerated and compressed in the same manner by a thermoplastic woven band.

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.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling a shaft having a metal matrix composite mid shaft and monolithic high strength alloy forward and aft shafts. The forward and aft shafts are each inertia friction welded to separate annular transition pieces which include a barrier layer operative to prevent the formation of intermetallic compounds. Special tooling is used to avoid applying shear stresses to the transition piece during welding. The welded forward and aft subassemblies are subsequently heat treated before inertia friction welding them to the mid shaft.

Abstract: A shaft coupling is made from carbon-carbon composite to achieve significantly higher temperature capability, combined with lubricity and high strength, allowing its use in hot, non-lubricated sections of gas turbine engines, where previously, these couplings could not be used. The coupler may be cylindrical for joining the facing ends of co-axial shafts is made from carbon-carbon composite with a female spline in a coupling bore and a male spline on the coupling outer surface. Variations of the torque carrying geometry include involute splines, circular splines, square drive, hex drives, serrations, or double-D drives. By fabricating the coupler from carbon-carbon (or carbon-graphite) composite, metallic shaft mating splines are provided with a coupler that has exceptionally high temperature capabilities (>2500 F.), high strength, and can be impregnated with graphite or other dry lubricants to reduce frictional heat generation and reduce spline wear.

Abstract: A torsionally flexible coupling having a rotational axis (1), including a first ring (2) and a second ring (3, 4), which enclose each other [one enclosing the other] at a radial distance, at least one ring-shaped first spring element (5) made of elastomeric material being positioned in the annular clearance (13) formed by the radial distance; and a belt pulley (7) being fastened, relatively having torsional flexibility, to at least one of the rings (2; 3, 4) with the aid of a second spring element (6) made of an elastomeric material, and being supported on at least one of the rings (2; 3, 4) at least in the radial direction with the aid of a sliding bearing (8, 9); the sliding bearing (8, 9) being formed by a rubber layer (9) having at least two embedded sliding rings (8).

Abstract: A driving coupling for the torque transmission in the transmission line of a motor vehicle includes a shaft-hub coupling provided with longitudinal toothings for the releasable coupling of a crankshaft with a coaxially arranged hydrodynamic torque converter. The longitudinal toothings of the shaft-hub coupling have tooth cross-sections which become larger and smaller respectively in the longitudinal direction of the teeth. An elastomer layer is situated at least between the tooth flanks of the shaft and the hub which transmit the torque.

Abstract: The invention relates to an impregnating agent for a convoluted boot consisting of a thermplastic or elastomer material and used for covering the chamber of a joint, especially a rotating joint subjected to large articulation angles, which joint chamber is filled with a lubricant, said convoluted boot comprising a plurality of folds and two end collars, with the surfaces of the convoluted boot wall contacting one another when the joint is subjected to large articulation angles. It is the object of the invention to reduce the wear and eliminate squeaking symptoms of convoluted boots treated with the inventive impregnating agent. In accordance with the invention, the objective is achieved in that the impregnating agent contains a carrier fluid, an oil dissolved in the carrier fluid and having a molecular weight of >200, and a wetting agent which is soluble in oil and which reduces the surface tension of the oil.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a cross member having a plurality of trunnions extending outwardly therefrom. A hollow bearing cup is disposed about the end of each of the trunnions. Each of the bearing cups has an open end, a closed end, and an inner surface that is disposed about a bearing surface formed on the trunnion. An insert is disposed between the bearing surface of the trunnion and the inner surface of the bearing cup provided thereon. In a first embodiment, an annular groove is formed in the inner surface of the bearing cup that receives the insert therein. In a second embodiment, the insert is disposed between the cylindrical bearing surface of the trunnion and the cylindrical inner surface of the bearing cup. The insert is formed from either a ceramic material or a composite material. The bearing cup may be formed from a metallic material that is molded about the insert.

Abstract: A propeller shaft has a dynamic damper composed of a cylindrical mass member and an elastic body surrounding the mass member. The elastic body has an outside diameter larger than the inside diameter of a tubular body, and is held therein by compression and elastic deformation. The elastic body has a number of radially outwardly extending protrusions and its compression is such that a frictional resistance produced between its protrusions and the inner surface of the tubular body may be larger than a force causing the withdrawal of the damper from the tubular body. The damper can, thus, be placed in position without relying upon any adhesive, or special holding member, or any special bonding job.

Abstract: A flexible shaft couple has two terminal components and one medial component. Each terminal component has a shaft bore open to a nether end face and a transverse extension of an opposed adjacent end face possessing an external substantially cylindrical surface spaced apart from by a reduced width foot. The medial component has two perpendicular transverse cavities each possessing an internal substantially cylindrical surface open to one of two opposed adjacent end faces. Both external and both internal cylindrical surfaces include an equivalent diameter greater than the width of the opening of each transverse cavity which exceeds the width of the reduced width foot. Two perpendicular substantially cylindrical engagements are provided which together accommodate large lateral and large angular shaft misalignments. Each terminal component has a body molded by a radially aligned two part mold leaving a part line bisecting the transverse extension and the reduced width foot.

Abstract: Torque transmitting, molded flexible shaft assemblies having two rigid, tubular, shell-like sections that are filled and linked together by a flexible material. The two sections are placed in a mold such that they are separated by an elongated cavity. A flexible-when-hardened moldable material such as polyurethane then fills the mold such that the two sections and the elongated cavity are filled by the moldable material.

Abstract: A hybrid shaft adapted to be used as a drive shaft of an automobile transmission system comprises a unitary cylindrical hybrid stem formed from a metal tube and a composite material layer adhered to the metal tube. The metal tube provides torque-transmission strength to the hybrid shaft while the composite material layer increases a specific modulus of the hybrid shaft. The hybrid shaft is produced by stacking a composite material layer on a metal tube, putting a thermal shrinkage tube on the composite material layer, and co-curing the metal tube and the composite material layer while exerting a longitudinal compression force on the metal tube to prevent it from being thermally expanded.

Abstract: A propeller shaft has a metal pipe (1) with a joint element (3) joined at an end thereof. A fiber reinforced plastic layer (5) having a thickness that achieves a flexural rigidity satisfying a required natural bending frequency is formed on an outer circumference of the metal pipe (1) satisfying a static torsional strength required as a propeller shaft. The fiber reinforced plastic layer (5) has an interface strength between the reinforcing fiber and the matrix within a range of 20 to 200 MPa as measured by the microdroplet method.

Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling element comprising a sleeve shaped body having a central annular portion and a coupling receiving portion at each of two opposing sleeve ends. The coupling receiving portions include axially extending teeth on their inner surfaces. The flexible shaft coupling element is characterized in that the annular portion possesses a torsional shear capacity and the area defining the axially extending teeth possesses a shear capacity, and the tooth shear capacity exceeds the annular portion torsional shear capacity.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly includes a cross having a plurality of trunnions extending outwardly therefrom. A bearing cup is disposed about each of the trunnions, and a plurality of needle bearings is disposed between each of the bearing cups and its associated trunnion to facilitate relative rotational movement. A thrust washer is disposed between the outer end surface of each of the trunnions and its associated bearing cup. Each of the thrust washers is generally annular in shape, including a first inner annular region surrounded by a second outer annular region. The inner region is sized to extend between the outer end surface of the trunnion and the associated inner surface of the end portion of the bearing cup. The outer region is sized to extend between the outer ends of the needle bearings and the associated inner A surfaces of the end portions of the bearing cup. The outer region is connected to and supported on the inner region by a plurality of radially extending legs.

Abstract: A noise reduction structure for an aluminum-based driveshaft tube includes a generally cylindrical member having a predetermined length. The noise reduction structure is disposed within a driveshaft tube in a press fit relationship with the inner surface of the tube. In general, the noise reduction structure is positioned within the driveshaft tube at a location where the amplitude of a standing wave caused by the reflection of the sound waves back and forth along the driveshaft tube is at its maximum value. The length of the noise reduction structure may be about 10% or less of the value of the length of the driveshaft tube. In a first embodiment, the noise reduction structure is formed from a polymeric foam material having a density of less than about 10 lb/ft3. Preferably, the material has a density in the range of about 2 lb/ft3 to 10 lb/ft3, and more preferably, in the range of about 3 lb/ft3 to 7 lb/ft3.

Abstract: To substantially increase a slide torque of a fitting type damper formed by press-fitting an elastic body of a rubber-like elastic material between a hub and a massive body from either direction of a shaft. Polymethylene-polyphenyl-polyisocyanate is interposed as a non-slide agent between a hub including a metallic part and an inner boundary of an elastic body or between a massive body including a metallic part and an outer boundary of the elastic body.

Abstract: A rotor support for use in superconducting motors including first and second torque tubes secured between first and second rotor shaft ends and a rotor winding supporter wherein each tube consists of a thermally insulating composite conduit having first and second ends and first and second couplers adhesively bonded to the first and second ends along tapered securing surfaces resulting in essentially singularity-free joints between the conduit and couplers despite disparate shear modulus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fabricating spindle and roller empying rotation axes made of a composite material, which comprises a step of inserting a front metal part and an end metal part into a front and an end of a rotation axis made of a composite material. In accordance with the present invention, spindle and roller with easy control of balancing and less inertia on rotation, can be fabricated, by employing rotation axes made of a composite material which has a high stiffness, superior torque transfer capability and natural frequency.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an elastomeric coupling for transmitting torque between two shafts approximately aligned on a shaft axis, which coupling comprises a composite member including an elastomeric center element, and a shoe fabricated from a reinforced plastic material and including a first portion bonded to the center element, and a second portion extending axially from the first portion and from the center element, including apertured metallic inserts, and being adapted to be connected to one of the shafts.

Abstract: An insertable axially, radially and angularly movable toothed coupling to enable the elastic transfer of torque from a drive motor to a machine which is to be driven, the coupling including a fastening flange (1), which, by means of an annular element (2) made of elastomeric material and subjected to torsional shear, is connected to an internally toothed coupling sleeve (3) made of plastic, by vulcanization, in such a way that the input and acceptance of the torque takes place at the spline engagement of the driving and driven elements, a coupling hub (4) made of steel which, by means of external teeth (5), grips the teeth of the coupling sleeve and, by means of internal splines (6), is connected form-fittingly and detachably to the shaft of the machine to be driven, so that the coupling hub and the coupling sleeve are adjacent to each other with annular offset surfaces (7, 8) and are secured against axial displacement by means of a retaining ring (9).

Abstract: A composite electric motor shaft including axially distributed metallic and nonmetallic sections joined together exhibit increased mechanical damping, increased rotor critical speed, improved corrosion resistance and improved motor performance.

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 bend, 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.

Abstract: A noise reduction structure for a vehicle driveshaft assembly insures that each of the interior chambers of the driveshaft tube is properly vented during use. The noise reduction structure is a solid member having a predetermined length and a cross sectional shape which corresponds generally to the cross sectional shape of the driveshaft tube. Preferably, the noise reduction structure has an outer diameter which is approximately equal to, or slightly larger than, the inner diameter of the driveshaft tube. As such, the noise reduction structure engages the inner surface of the driveshaft tube in a light press fit relationship. Each noise reduction structure has a passageway, groove, or other opening formed therein which extends axially throughout its length. In a preferred embodiment, an axially-extending groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the noise reduction structure.

Abstract: A coupling for transferring power from a drive shaft to a driven shaft includes a first coupling member, having a substantially cylindrical body, with a cylindrical bore at a first end, longitudinal key arrangement within the bore for being rotatably driven by a keyed motor drive shaft, and a solid cylindrical portion at a second end having a distal face with an alternating plurality of longitudinally projecting drive lugs and longitudinally recessed pockets; and a second coupling member for installation on a driven shaft having a substantially cylindrical body with a first proximal face, providing a non-cylindrical socket means for receiving and for drivably engaging the driven shaft, and a second distal face with an alternating plurality of longitudinally recessed pockets and longitudinally projecting drive lugs, the longitudinally projecting drive lugs of the first coupling member fitting into the longitudinally recessed pockets of the second coupling member, and vice versa, to complete the coupling.

Abstract: A composite flange providing the low cost and bonding capability of molded flanges with the torque capacity near that of metal flanges. Multiple layers of braided fiberglass enveloping a fiberglass ring are placed into a mold of the desired shape. After the mold is closed, liquid resin is injected and the flange is cured to the desired state. After demolding, the flange is machined as necessary for installation onto the drive shaft.

Abstract: An FRP drive shaft wherein the shaft body and the flanges are formed in a body and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The shaft body is formed by winding a resin impregnated fiber on a mandrel having pins on its circumferential surface while hooking the fiber on the pins. The fiber is then circumferentially wound to form a hoop-like reinforcing band near each end of the shaft body. After the pins and end parts of the mandrel are removed, each end portion of the shaft body is expanded by a pressing mold to form a flange. After hot setting, the remaining part of the mandrel is removed.

Abstract: To facilitate assembly of a shaft coupling, a sleeve is provided with a polygon configuration either on the hub or in the polygonal opening of the drive side flange and is axially slidable in the matching polygon. Where the sleeve surrounds the hub, it is braced inwardly by the elastically compressible bodies between the sleeve the outer polygon. Where the sleeve fits against the outer polygon, it forms a cage retaining the elastically compressible bodies against a hub on the shaft for insertion into the opening in the flange.

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 scrool fluid machine including a fixed scroll an orbiting scroll an Oldham ring and bearing portions which are entirely or partly made of a reaction-bonded precise sintered ceramics which is superior in near-net-shape property, and particularly made of a reaction bonded precise sintered ceramics which is produced by reaction-bonding inorganic compound particles such as A1.sub.2 O.sub.3, SiC, TiN, ZrN etc. with Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 which is a nitride of Si.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch assembly comprises a housing and a tubular shaft rotatably coupled together with a roller or sprag clutch positioned therebetween to permit the housing to freely rotate about the shaft in one direction, or to establish torque communication between the shaft and the housing when rotated in the opposite direction. To minimize the weight of the assembly while also containing the radial forces and stresses generated by the roller clutch when transmitting torque, the housing and the shaft are reinforced with high-strength, high-modulus materials having high strength-to-weight ratios.

Abstract: The invention proposes a process for manufacturing a transmission shaft made of a composite material comprising at least one step for producing an external layer comprising reinforcing fibers impregnated with a heat-curable resin, characterized in that a peripheral sheath made of a knitted article is installed over the external layer prior to the curing of the resin during the polymerization cycle.

Abstract: A joint for connecting a first drive shaft to a second drive shaft includes a ball and socket arrangement connecting the two shafts and a spring attached at one end to one shaft and at the other end to the other shaft. The spring is made of a polymer matrix containing fibers made from poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) resin. The fibers extend through the polymer matrix along the helical axis of the spring. The spring is disposed about the ball and socket arrangement so that shock loads are absorbed by the spring.

Abstract: A torque transfer system is provided for transferring torque from an input element such as a flywheel of an internal combustion engine to an output element such as a PTO shaft. The torque transfer system includes the input and output elements and a drive system comprising a drive ring attached to the input element and a drive plate positively or non-positively coupled to the output element. The drive ring transfers torque to the drive plate so as to absorb torsional vibrations which occur during operation of the system, so as to resist abrasion of the drive ring from the drive plate, and so as to resist failure from rotational shock loads imposed on the drive ring by the drive plate.

Abstract: A method of forming a coupling or connecting a composite drive shaft to an annular member comprising the steps of locating the shaft over the member and injecting adhesive through holes in the shaft to bond the shaft to the member.

Abstract: A transmission joint body has an envelope inside which are provided bearing paths for articulation elements of a transmission joint (10). A connection system for the joint body includes a radial flange connected to the envelope. The flange is made at least partially from a material comprising a thermosetting or thermoplastic matrix reinforced with short fibers or with particles. According to a preferred embodiment, the inner space defined radially by the inner peripheral surface of the envelope of the joint body is partially filled with a material comprising a thermosetting or thermoplastic matrix reinforced with short fibers or with particles, and which is extended outside the envelope through one axial end of the latter in order to form the flange.

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.