Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique fiber-reinforced metallic tubular element, along with a unique method for producing such tubular elements on a production basis. The tubular element includes a cylindrical aluminum tube surrounded by a fiber composite sleeve which includes a plurality of individual reinforcing graphite fibers oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube and uniformly positioned about the circumference of the tube. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, an isolation layer is positioned between the graphite reinforcing layer and the outer surface of the aluminum tube, and a protective covering layer of fiber material surrounds the tube and is adhered to the outer surface of the graphite reinforcing layer. In the preferred method of the present invention, a plurality of cylindrical metal tubes are coupled to one another in an end-to-end relationship by a plurality of joining plug members to form a longitudinally extending series of metal tubes.

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 motion transmitting remote control assembly (10) for transmitting motion in a curved path including a liner (12) disposed within a conduit (16) and a motion transmitting core element (14) moveably supported by the liner (12). The liner (12) is made essentially of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The assembly (10) is characterized by the liner (12) further including poly(amide-imide) for increasing the strength and lubricity thereof. Preferably, the liner comprises 97 weight percent polytetrafluoroethylene and 3 weight percent poly(amide-imide).

Abstract: A meter cable sheath structure for accommodating a flexible rotary shaft suitably used for vehicle indicators is made in such a manner that a high tension resistible fiber impregnated with adhesive resin is braided around an external surface of an inner sheath having a hollow space for storing the flexible rotary shaft and further an external covering layer firmly adhered to the high tension fiber is formed by means of the adhesive resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique fiber-reinforced metallic tubular element, along with a unique method for producing such tubular elements on a production basis. The tubular element includes a cylindrical aluminum tube surrounded by a fiber composite sleeve which includes a plurality of individual reinforcing graphite fibers oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube and uniformly positioned about the circumference of the tube. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, an isolation layer is positioned between the graphite reinforcing layer and the outer surface of the aluminum tube, and a protective covering layer of fiber material surrounds the tube and is adhered to the outer surface of the graphite reinforcing layer. In the preferred method of the present invention, a plurality of cylindrical metal tubes are coupled to one another in an end-to-end relationship by a plurality of joining plug members to form a longitudinally extending series of metal tubes.

Abstract: A rotatable rigid material valve operator is provided having a threaded shank threadedly engaged within a threaded blind bore formed in a valve member constructed of thermo plastic elastomer having an 80-90 "SHORE" scale durometer hardness and snugly slidingly disposed within a valve body bore against rotation relative thereto, the threaded shank being rotatable relative to the valve body against axial displacement relative thereto such that rotation of the threaded shank translates into axial shifting of the valve member within the valve body bore.

Abstract: A scroll type fluid transferring machine comprises a stationary scroll having a wrap member, a movable scroll having a wrap member combined with the stationary scroll, a driving means for causing the movement of revolution of the movable scroll along a circular orbit so as to make the movable scroll line-contact with the stationary scroll whereby a closed space is produced between the stationary and movable scrolls, and an Oldham ring for maintaining the stationary and movable scrolls at predetermined positions while the movement of rotation of the both scrolls are prevented, wherein the Oldham ring is formed by injection-molding at least one thermoplastic resinous material selected from the group consisting of polyphenylene sulfide, polyetheretherketone, polyetherketone, wholly aromatic polyester, polysulfone, polyarylsulfone, polyethersulfone, polyetherimide, polyoxybenzyliden polyketonsulfide, polythioethersulfone and polyarylate.

Abstract: A constant velocity ratio universal joint, comprising an outer joint member (1), an inner joint member (14), tracks (2, 15) circumferentially spaced in meridian planes about the joint members and facing one another in pairs, a plurality of balls (13) received one in each facing pair of tracks, and a cage (11) between the joint members and holding the balls with their centers in a common plane; wherein the cage has a part-spherical outer surface engaging a part-spherical guide surface with a first portion provided in the outer joint member between the tracks therein and a second portion in a base member (5) connected to the outer joint member at its largest diameter end. The tracks in the joint members are of non-undercut configuration considered from such end of the outer joint member, as is the first guide surface portion therebetween, while the guide surface portion in the joint base member is non-undercut in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Fibers, which are substantially longitudinally profiled, are wound both around a cylindrical mandrel and a metallic double cone-shaped tip which is engaged onto said mandrel. Said fibers are turned back about studs distributed on a ring which is mounted on a threaded portion extending from the tip, whereupon said longitudinal fibers are binded thereto by means of circumferential fibers before the polymerization process of the tube has been completed. The composite tubes thus produced may be used in off-shore oil prospecting.

Abstract: The tie-bar (10) comprises a pair of spaced-apart bushings (12, 14) each having end flanges (16) extending from a central cylindrical portion and a through opening (18) for connecting to flexing structures. A plurality of wires (20) comprises bands (22) of parallel wires (20) wrapped endlessly about the spaced-apart bushings (12, 14) provide a tie-bar (10) having bushings (12, 14) disposed at the ends and connected by a pair of spaced-apart side portions (24) of superimposed bands (22). The wires (20) are coated with a dry film lubricant so that the wires (20) are dry wrapped about the bushings (12, 14), and then a resin material (23) encapsulated about the dry wrapped wire bands (22) and bushings (12, 14). A body (26) of resin material disposed between the spaced-apart side portions (24) and the bushings (12, 14) maintains the spaced-apart relationship of the bushings (12, 14) by withstanding the compressive tension of the tightly wrapped wires (20).

Abstract: A method of producing an elongate article comprises the step of providing, by winding a filament, a plurality of superposed layers to form a hollow cylinder having open ends. At least one of the layers is formed of a circumferential winding and at least one of the layers is formed of a cross winding. The cross winding has fibers having a negative coefficient of thermal expansion and is oriented at a predetermined inclined angle to the cylinder axis. The method further comprises the step of securing to the open ends of the hollow cylinder end pieces comprised of a material having a high surface hardness and dimensional stability. The inclined angle has such a magnitude that temperature-caused changes in the axial length of the hollow cylinder compensate for temperature-caused changes in the axial length of the end pieces.

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: 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: The tie-bar comprises a pair of spaced apart bushings each having end flanges extending from a central cylindrical portion and a through opening for connecting to flexing structures. A plurality of wires comprising bands of parallel wires wrapped endlessly about the spaced-apart bushings provide a tie-bar having bushings disposed at the ends and connected by a pair of spaced-apart side portions of superimposed bands. The wires are coated with a dry film lubricant so that the wires are dry wrapped about the bushings, and then a resin material encapsulated about the dry wrapped wire bands and bushings. A body of resin material disposed between the spaced-apart side portions and the bushings maintains the spaced-apart relationship of the bushings, by withstanding the compressive tension of the tightly wrapped wires. The wires are free to move relative to one another in response to tension and torsional forces exerted upon the tie-bar.

Abstract: This articulated cable head includes a universal joint whose support (4) and ring (5) are made of fiber and epoxy resin laminates obtained by winding threads. The universal joint head (6) is spherical in shape and is made, together with an oscillating arm (7) which extends therefrom, as a single piece of cuproberyllium alloy. The oscillating arm (7) carries a tubular stop part (8) made of fiber and epoxy resin laminate obtained by winding threads, which is surrounded by a rubber sleeve (80, 81, 82) providing a transition in diameter, and which is hollowed out by a cavity serving as a housing for an anchor part (9) attached to the end of a line cable (2).

Abstract: A resilient shaft coupling that, to transmit torque, includes an annular intermediate member made of rubber disposed between an inner rigid coupling part and an outer rigid coupling part. The intermediate member has, on its outer periphery, pinion-like rubber teeth that mesh, with provision for axial movement, with companion inner teeth of the outer coupling part. The radially inner zone of the intermediate member is embodied as a member of uniform torsional strength. For radial support of the projecting portions of the outer zone, at least one closed metal ring is embedded in the rubber concentrically of the rotational axis near the radially inner interface of the zone and near each of the axial outer surfaces. The rings are preferably in the form of cables made from wire strands. To further increase the transmissible torque, the rubber of the outer zone is harder than the rubber of the inner zones.

Abstract: A clutch damper for absorbing vibrations occurring during transmission of torque in a clutch mechanism for automobiles or the like, wherein a plurality of buffer members stepwisely operated are provided between a hub slipped over a shaft and a clutch disc, and a spacer member for restraining a play of the members to transmit the torque smoothly is provided.

Abstract: Friction drag washers for the drag assemblies of fishing reels are provided. The washers are made of a phenolic fiber material which is impregnated under vacuum with oil or an oil and STP oil additive solution. The viscosity of the oil can be changed to accommodate the general conditions of intended use of the reel (i.e. high drag setting--high speed withdrawal--low viscosity oil). The impregnation of the washer affords a self-lubricating lifetime washer which does not need to be changed during the life of the reel. The impregnated washers are easier and quicker to install since they do not need to be greased as they are installed.

Abstract: An injection molded universal joint (10) includes a central retaining member (40) captured between spherical balls (30, 32, 34, 36) seated in bores (22, 24, and 26, 28) located in diametrically opposed arms (14, 16, and 18, 20) of respective shaft members (11, 12). The spherical balls are each pressed through an associated bore until a portion of the ball extends radially inwardly of the arm, and then maintained in position by a plastic material (80) insert molded into and retained in the bore. The insert molded plastic material (80) retains each of the spherical balls in place and permits the central retaining member (40) to be accurately positioned and with a predetermined preload applied to the universal joint (10).

Abstract: A drive shaft assembly particulary suited for power transmission in motor vehicles wherein a drive shaft has a universal joint connected to at least one end thereof with a sealing boot attached in sealing engagement between the outer joint member of the universal joint and the drive shaft. The invention is particularly directed to the provision of an elastomeric cover on the outer surface of the drive shaft, the elastomeric cover extending along the shaft from the exterior of the sealing boot to within the region enclosed by the boot in order to provide an arrangement which is resistant to damage, corrosion, and wear and which may be conveniently fitted and assembled. The elastomeric cover may be provided with internal ribs to establish ventilation channels for the shaft assembly.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a journal cross having cross arms and yokes and spline shafts. The universal joint according to the invention comprises oil controllers, each in the form of a cylindrical cup made of a porous plastic material arranged in an oil reservoir in an end of the cross arm and communicating with an oil supply aperture of the journal cross. The controllers control the supply of amounts of grease to the journal cross arm ends resulting from centrifugal force, filter foreign substances such as metal particles so as to prevent abrasion of lubricated parts, and prevent grease from falling down under influence of gravity to restrain it as much as possible when the universal joint is stopped, thereby enabling the lubrication to perform smoothly when the universal joint is restarted.

Abstract: The shaft of a glandless pump which is made of sintered oxide ceramics in order to resist chemical attack is formed with a projection upon which there is mounted a metal sleeve having a bottom in order to enable a tool, such as a screwdriver, to be applied against the shaft for rotating the shaft when unblocking the pump without causing damage to the ceramic material of the shaft.