Abstract: An internal viscous rotational damping (VRD) assembly for transmitting torque from a drive member connector to a load member connector is provided. The VRD assembly comprises a spacer tube connected between the drive member connector and the load member connector, wherein the spacer tube includes a longitudinal axis and an inner surface that extends along the longitudinal axis. The VRD assembly further includes a damper bar disposed within the spacer tube. The damper bar includes an outer surface, wherein a cavity is defined between the outer surface of the damper bar and the inner surface of the spacer tube, and wherein the cavity is configured for receiving a viscous fluid.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a torsion bar includes cutting a stock torsion bar material to a desired torsion bar length to form the torsion bar. The method also includes forming a first end portion by removing material from the torsion bar to form a first annular groove extending circumferentially about the torsion bar. The method further includes forming a second end portion by removing material from the torsion bar to form a second annular groove extending circumferentially about the torsion bar.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to systems for characterizing force (e.g., friction, wear, and/or torque). In one embodiment, the system allows for wear testing of samples in a high throughput manner. In another embodiment, the system allows for torque sensing in a non-contact manner.

Abstract: A torsion bar assembly comprises an input shaft, an output shaft, and a torsion bar that connects the input shaft to the output shaft. An end stop face on the input shaft that co-operates with a respective end stop face of the output shaft to limit an angular deflection of the torsion bar assembly in a first direction away from the neutral position and an end stop face on the input shaft that co-operates with a respective end stop face of the output shaft to limit an angular deflection of the torsion bar assembly in a second direction that opposes the first direction. A first alignment feature is provided at or close to the end of the input shaft nearest the output shaft and a second alignment feature is provided at or close to an end of the output shaft nearest to the input shaft, the first alignment feature facing the second alignment feature across a gap.

Abstract: A flexible composite driveshaft is formed by modifying the shape of a preliminary composite driveshaft. A fiber tape is applied to a temporary mandrel using automated fiber placement to form a preliminary composite driveshaft having a flexible shaft element with an initial geometry. The temporary mandrel from the preliminary composite driveshaft is removed and the initial geometry of the flexible shaft element is modified to form the flexible composite driveshaft having a flexible shaft element with a final geometry.

Abstract: A torsion bar includes a central portion extending in an axial direction about a longitudinal axis. The torsion bar also includes a first end portion having a splined outer surface, the first end portion disposed proximate a first end of the torsion bar, the first end portion spaced from the central portion with a first annular groove extending circumferentially about the torsion bar.

Abstract: A torque transmitting shaft includes a first member and a second member. The first member extends along an axis and has an inner surface extending between a first end and a second end. The inner surface defines a plurality of first engagement elements disposed proximate the first end. The second member extends along the second axis and has a first end portion and an intermediate portion extending from the first end portion. The first end portion has a first spline portion and each member of the first spline portion is received within corresponding engagement elements of the plurality of first engagement elements.

Abstract: An electronic power steering system includes: an input shaft connected to a steering shaft; an output shaft to which one end of the input shaft is connected; and a torsion bar inserted into the input shaft and the output shaft and connecting the input shaft and the output shaft, in which the torsion bar includes a first torsion bar including a first fastening portion connected to the input shaft, a second fastening portion connected to the output shaft, and a first beam portion connecting between the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion, and formed as a hollow body, and a second torsion bar including a third fastening portion coupled into the first fastening portion, a fourth fastening portion coupled into the second fastening portion, and a second beam portion connecting between the third fastening portion and the fourth fastening portion.

Abstract: A transmission structure for a vehicle, the transmission structure including: a transmission having a plurality of speed change stages, the transmission including a speed change operation mechanism that has an output portion receiving an input motion produced by an actuator as an operation driving source and changing a speed change stage of the transmission, and a transmission case that houses the speed change operation mechanism, a part of the speed change operation mechanism being a torsion bar as a torque transmitting member, and a rear end gear being disposed on an end portion of the torsion bar; the transmission case including a boss portion holding an intermediate portion in an axial direction of the torsion bar.

Abstract: Multiple redundant harmonic drive motors on a rotor head actuate the angle of attack of rotor blades at the rotor blade roots, providing collective control that, in combination with a system for providing cyclic control on the rotor blades, eliminates the need for a swashplate, thereby advantageously reducing the weight and maintenance cost of a helicopter, increasing its reliability, and reducing its vulnerability to ballistic attack.

Abstract: A two-stage stiffness driveshaft includes a hollow cylinder having first and second ends and a hollow cylinder stiffness. An inner shaft having first and second ends and an inner shaft stiffness extends through the hollow cylinder. The inner shaft's first end and the hollow cylinder's first end are engaged via a rotational clearance fit. The inner shaft's second end is rotationally fixed to the hollow cylinder's second end to permit the inner shaft's first end to twist through a predetermined angle relative to the inner shaft's second end. The inner shaft's stiffness defines the driveshaft's first-stage stiffness, while the combined stiffness of the inner shaft and the hollow cylinder defines the driveshaft's second-stage stiffness. A damping element positioned between the inner shaft and the hollow cylinder controls variation in torque transmitted by the driveshaft and generates gradual transition between the first-stage stiffness and the second-stage stiffness.

Abstract: A torque transmitting shaft includes a first member and a second member. The first member extends along an axis and has an inner surface extending between a first end and a second end. The inner surface defines a plurality of first engagement elements disposed proximate the first end. The second member extends along the second axis and has a first end portion and an intermediate portion extending from the first end portion. An end of the intermediate portion is fixedly attached to the second end. The first end portion has a first spline portion and each member of the first spline portion is received within corresponding engagement elements of the plurality of first engagement elements.

Abstract: An instrumentation kit for use in preparing a bone to receive a prosthetic component includes at least one first combination device, the at least one first combination device including a proximal portion configured to couple with a torque providing device and a distal portion configured to couple with a first instrument, the at least one first combination device pivotable between a first position whereat the proximal portion and the distal portion are (i) longitudinally aligned and (ii) configured to transfer a torque received by the proximal portion to the distal portion, and a second position whereat the proximal portion and the distal position are (i) not longitudinally aligned and (ii) configured to transfer a torque received by the proximal portion to the distal portion.

Abstract: A parallel, torque additive torsional compensating device for an internal combustion engine is provided. The torsional compensating device comprises a first gear, a first joint assembly, an intermediate shaft, a second joint assembly, a torsional element, and a second gear. The first gear and the second gear are in respective driving engagement with a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion of an output of the engine. The intermediate shaft is in driving engagement with the first joint assembly and the second joint assembly. The torsional element is in driving engagement with the second joint assembly and the second gear. An angular deviation of at least one of the first joint assembly and the second joint assembly causes a cyclical acceleration of the torsional element. The cyclical acceleration applies a torque to the output of the internal combustion engine through the second gear and the second engagement portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a leveling motor, which removes a gap from a threaded portion converting a rotating force of the leveling motor into an axial feeding force to minimize a movement error and enable a leveling operation to be precisely controlled, and includes a housing, a shaft axially moving in the housing and having on an outer circumference thereof a threaded portion, a threaded pipe provided on an outer circumference of the shaft and having on an inner circumference thereof a grooved portion that corresponds to the threaded portion, and an elastic member supplying an upward elastic force to the shaft, whereby the threaded portion axially comes into close contact with the grooved portion by the elastic force of the elastic member.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical energy conversion device is provided having an armature with a central cavity. The armature is rotatably mounted in a frame. A torsion bar is positioned within the armature with one end connected to the armature and the other end connected with an energy source or consuming device.

Abstract: A device for damping vibrations in a drive train, in particular for plug screws in the pulp and paper industries. The device is principally characterized in that a cylindrical shaft, preferably designed as a hollow shaft, is provided, wherein the cylindrical shaft is arranged between the halves of a coupling and at least one ring having friction surfaces is arranged around the cylindrical shaft. Stick-slip vibrations that occur can thereby be favorably eliminated, and thus the gearbox and the motor of the drive train can be protected.

Abstract: A vehicle steering assembly comprising an input member, an output member, and a torsion bar coupling the input member to the output member. The torsion bar includes primary and secondary load structures, and the secondary load structure is inoperative below a transition torque. The primary load structure includes a primary torque member that constantly couples the input member to the output member throughout an operative range of the steering assembly. The secondary load structure includes first and second torque members that are separated by a gap when the assembly encounters a torque below the transition torque and that contact each other when the assembly encounters a torque above the transition torque. The first torque member can comprise a tubular structure surrounding the primary torque member. The tubular structure includes an opening defining a circumferentially-exposed surface, and the second torque member includes a radially-extending arm positioned in the opening.

Abstract: A two-torque-producing connecting rod assembly used in combination with a hand tool is provided with a rod and a connecting member. The rod is polygonal and includes a big first section, a small second section and a connecting portion. The connecting member is a hollow cylindrical structure sleeved on the rod and has an inserting cavity and a stepped receiving cavity. The receiving cavity includes an outer section, an inner section and a middle section which is smaller in diameter than the outer section but larger than the inner section, the outer section includes plural alternatively-arranged arc-shaped concave portions and pointed convex portions. When the first section of the rod is inserted in the outer section of the connecting member, plural angles of the first section are disposed between the arc-shaped concave portions and restricted to move between the two ends by the pointed convex portions.

Abstract: A joint arrangement for use in a motor vehicle includes a joint housing, an input shaft securely connected to the joint housing, a jointed shaft disposed in the joint housing for conjoint rotation by a tripod bearing assembly, and a flexurally elastic connecting arrangement connected to the input shaft by a fixing region. The flexurally elastic connecting arrangement provides at least one defined bending region.

Abstract: A torsion damping mechanism for a rotary blower is provided that includes an input hub adapted to engage a first end of a torsion spring and an output hub adapted to engage a second end of the torsion spring. An intermediate hub is fixed for rotation with a first drive member. A bearing member includes an inner portion connected for rotation with the intermediate hub and an outer portion connected for rotation with the output hub. The bearing member may be a one-way bearing that permits torque to flow from the output hub into the intermediate hub and the first drive member when the output hub is driven in a first rotational direction, and permits the output hub to rotate relative to the intermediate hub with no substantial torque transfer therebetween when the output hub is driven in a second rotational direction.

Abstract: A multi-part drive shaft for a transit vehicle door comprises an upper drive shaft connected to a door operating mechanism and having a door panel operating arm extending therefrom, a lower drive shaft journaled for rotation, a door panel operating arm extending therefrom and a flexible drive shaft secured at one end to the upper drive shaft and at the other end to the lower drive shaft. Rotation of the upper drive shaft will transfer torque to the lower drive shaft at the same angular speed.

Abstract: A power steering driving device 100 includes an input shaft 6 provided with a serration 8 and connected to an input mechanism 3 linked to a steering handle 2, an output shaft 7 provided with a serration 10 and connected to an output mechanism 5 linked to a vehicle wheel 4, and a torsion bar 15 that connects the input shaft 6 and the output shaft 7 coaxially. The serration 8 of the input shaft 6 and the serration 10 of the output shaft 7 are formed such that a ratio between the respective numbers of teeth thereof is a decimal, and to specify a relative rotation position of the input shaft 6 and the output shaft 7 relative to the input mechanism 3 and the output mechanism 5, a tooth on the serration 8 of the input shaft 6 and a tooth on the serration 10 of the output shaft 7 having a relative position deviation angle about an identical central axis which is equal to or smaller than an allowable value are selected as reference teeth.

Abstract: A mechanical rotational drive has a bar-like torsion element, whereby the torsion element is firmly clamped with a first end in a bearing device. The torsion element can be pivoted with a second free end with respect to the clamped end about the longitudinal axis, forming a rotation axis, of the torsion element between a relaxed position and a tensioned position, whereby the length of the torsion element is reduced with respect to the relaxed position when the torsion element is brought into its tensioned position.

Abstract: In a drilling device with a drive unit for rotation and advance the rod assembly has a plurality of pipe sections interconnected by means of plug-type connections torque proof in both directions. A tension rod protrudes through the interior of the rod assembling. The pipe sections are braced among each other with aid of the tension rod. The tension rod can be made of pipe sections or of a tension rope and allows the possibility, that the rope assembly can be moved in its integrity against the drilling direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and system for isolating torsional vibrations in a driveline having a friction torque device and a ratio-change transmission. The friction torque device includes a driven member having radially extending projections for coupling the friction torque device to a shaft. The apparatus comprises a rotatably supported input shaft having a first end, a second end and an inner bore. A plurality of projections are disposed adjacent to the first end of the input shaft for engaging the radially extending projections of a driven member. The apparatus further comprises a torsion bar having a torsional spring rate, where the torsion bar is at least partially disposed within the bore of the input shaft. The torsion bar has a first end and a second end, the second end of the torsion bar is coupled to the input shaft.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper, which may be in the form of a twin mass flywheel, and which has an input member (11) designed to rotate generally in a first plane (A1), an output member (12) designed to rotate generally in a second plane (A2), relative rotation of the input and output members being possible against the action of a link-type damper (40). The damper is arranged to allow the first and second planes in which the input and output members rotate to tilt relative to each other during use of the damper to relieve internal stresses. This ability to tilt may be provided by self-aligning main bearings (50) or by the use of self-aligning pivot bearings (65) in the link-type damper.

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

Abstract: A shaft coupling having two attachment elements that are rotatable relative to one another and that are connected to one another by a rotationally resilient assembly, and further having a dampening device which is active between the attachment elements for the purpose of suppressing torsional vibrations of the rotationally resilient assembly is disclosed. The rotationally resilient assembly comprises two ramp discs that are rotatable relative to one another and that support one another at least indirectly. One disc is supported in a rotationally fixed and rigid manner on one of the attachment elements and the other disc is supported in a rotationally fixed and axially resilient manner on the other one of the attachment elements by a spring. The dampening device is a viscous coupling having a hub connected to one of the attachment elements and a housing connected to the other one of the attachment elements.

Abstract: A propeller shaft comprises two torque transmission members, a viscous fluid damper and a torsion bar which are arranged in parallel between the torque transmission members, and a stopper for restricting the maximum torsion angle of the torsion bar. Thus, torsional vibration characteristic is adjusted in a wide range. Accordingly, a vibration a and noise in a power transmission system can be prevented, and also, a starting acceleration performance of a vehicle can be improved.

Abstract: A flexible drive shaft for connection to the rotor of a progressive cavity pump or motor, in which the drive shaft 7, provided with a coating 26, is formed of titanium or similar metal. A relatively inexpensive metal flanged head portion is fastened, e.g. by adhesive, to an end portion 12, of the drive shaft, and is bolted to the rotor 10. The structure enables a relatively shorter drive shaft to be used which is capable of transmitting heavy torque.

Abstract: A drive apparatus includes an electric motor, a speed reducer and a coupling member located between the motor and the speed reducer. The output shaft of the motor and the input shaft of the speed reducer are provided with longitudinally extending grooves having a square or rectangular cross section in which barrel members having the mating cross section are inserted, respectively to absorb any gap therebetween. The box like barrel member has four segments which are brought into resilient contact with the groove.

Abstract: A viscous damped driveline coupling has two concentric tubes concentric with a torsion bar where the torsion bar is nonrotatably connected to both a drive coupling and a driven coupling. An outer tube has a first end connected to the drive coupling and a second end connected to a driven ring where the driven ring contacts ring forks contacting the driven coupling at travel stops thereby providing for lost motion between the driven coupling and the outer tube. A concentric inner tube is connected to the driven coupling and is viscously coupled to the outer tube. As the torsion bar transfers relatively low levels of torque between the drive and driven couplings, the viscous layer between the outer and inner tubes provides viscous damping. Upon contacting the travel stops, the outer tube then carries any additional torque in the driveline coupling.

Abstract: A steering valve (1) for supplying an actuator with hydraulic pressure, consists of an input shaft (2), an output shaft (3), a torque rod (4), connected at one end to the input shaft (2) and at the other end to the output shaft (3), and a valve sleeve (5) surrounding the input shaft (2). A torsionally resistant, axially elastic element (9) is contained within the steering valve (1), connected at one end to the input shaft (2) and at the other end to a catch device (10). The catch device (10) ensures no relative displacement between the valve sleeve (5) and the input shaft (2); prior to a predetermined degree of torque, and converts the torque acting upon the input shaft (2) to axial forces acting upon the elastic element (9) until a release position is reached. The elastic element (9) is mounted on the input shaft (2) by means of a bearing sleeve (11), which is fixed in an axial position on the input shaft (2).

Abstract: A tensioning device for imparting torsional bias to a shaft. The tensioning device includes an adapter member connectable to the shaft for conjoint rotation therewith. A first hub member is selectively rotationally engageable with the adapter member. A first coupling member is attached to the first hub and a second coupling member is attached to the adapter member. The coupling members provide selective rotational engagement of the first hub member to the adapter member such that the first hub member and the adapter member are relatively rotatable with respect to one another through a preselected degree of relative rotation and such that the first hub member is engageable with the adapter member upon sufficient relative rotation of the first hub member in a first rotational direction with respect to the adapter member such that further rotation of the first hub member provides a corresponding rotation of the adapter member in the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A tensioning device for imparting torsional bias to a shaft. The tensioning device includes a coupling member of resilient material having a first end and a second end. The first end of the coupling member is connected to the shaft for rotation therewith. A driven member is connected to the second end of the coupling member such that the driven member is relatively rotatable with respect to the shaft. A drive member is associated with the driven member for selectively rotating the driven member to any of a number of infinitely variable positions. The tensioning device is effective to rotate the shaft to a desired position and to store torsional force in the coupling member when the second end of the coupling member is rotated with respect to the first end of the coupling member. The tensioning device includes a torsion indicating member for indicating the amount of torsional force being applied to the shaft by the coupling member.

Abstract: The wheel drive module comprises a motor (9), a casing (1) partially housing the motor, a wheel support platform (22), a wheel (R) rigidly mounted on the platform, a reduction transmission (31) engaging directly between the motor and the wheel, and a single main transmission shaft (12) bearing the rotor (13) of the motor as well as an input member (35) of the transmission.The casing (1) comprises on the side of the wheel, a fixing shank (18) externally receiving a bearing for said platform (22). The length of the shank is equal to the distance (d) between the input member (35) of the transmission (31) and the free end of the rear part of the platform (22). The reduction transmission (31) is housed in the platform (22). Finally a portion of the main transmission shaft that is torsionally deformable is housed inside the fixing shank.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column which has an adjustable reach coupling in the form of a torsion bushing. The steering column has a first and second part which are slidably mounted one within the other and interconnected by the torsion bushing so as to absorb rotational backlash between the two parts of the steering column while transmitting torque through the two parts. The torsion bushing has first, second, and third zones continuous with one another and arranged so that the first and second zones are connected by the third zone and wherein the first and second zones are twisted relative to each other.

Abstract: A power steering device comprising an input shaft connected to a steering shaft, an output shaft connected to a rack for driving vehicle wheels, a servo valve including a valve sleeve surrounding the input shaft and engaging the output shaft, and a torsion bar with both ends secured to the input shaft and the output shaft. In the power steering device, the torsion bar is positioned and secured via a balance pin in the input shaft. The balance pin has multiple projecting portions arranged alternately on opposite sides of the balance pin along the length of the balance pin. After inserting the balance pin into the input shaft and the torsion bar, the input shaft and the torsion bar are relatively rotated by the protruding portions of the balance pin. The servo valve is thus correctly centered. The hydraulic pressure produced by the servo valve is balanced.

Abstract: A flexible drive shaft for a helical gear pump having a rotor 10 in which the drive shaft 18 is formed with an enlarged, e.g. upset forged, head 20 and is provided with a plastics material coating 30. The drive shaft is held on to the rotor by bolts 40 passing through holes 28 in the head 20 and apertures 42 in a cap 32.

Abstract: An improved power steering system for motor vehicles of the type used for steering dirigible wheels is disclosed. In particular, the improved system is a rotary valve equipped power steering system in which the steering wheel is coupled to the rotary control valve via a coupling device having a rotational stiffness characteristic that is less than the rotational stiffness characteristic associated with the rotary valve itself.

Abstract: A manual transmission (14') having a counter-shaft assembly (50) with a torsion damping mechanism (34) disposed therein to mitigate in-gear rattle of transmission gears. The countershaft assembly is mounted for rotation in a transmission housing (36). Assembly (50) includes a cluster gear (58) having a plurality of ratio gears (68-76) fixed thereto, a driven gear (60) journaled on the cluster gear and stops (58f, 60g) to limit relative rotation. The torsion damping mechanism includes a torsion bar (64) fixed at its ends to driven and cluster gears (60, 58), an energy damper having coulomb friction surfaces engaged by Belleville springs (80) and by opposing axial forces provided by helical gear teeth of the countershaft assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool head being movable between a component supply and a place, where a component is to be mounted. The tool head comprises a tool shaft (1). This can rotate in relation to the base structure of said tool head and is also axially displaceable in relation to said base. To reduce the inertia of the mass to be displaced and rotated the tool shaft (1) is irrotationally and axially movably supported in a front bearing (3). This front bearing (3) is rotatably and not axially movably supported in the base plate. The rotation of said bearing element (3) is realized by means of a driving motor (9) and a toothed belt (7). The shaft (1) is driven axially by a second driving motor (25) also provided with a driving belt (23). To this driving belt a support element (17) is attached. The support element (37) is guided by a linear guide bar (21) and is also connected to said tool shaft (1).

Abstract: An end attachment assembly for a twisted rope torsion bar includes an anchor nut and an internal elastomeric bushing cooperatively mating with the nut. The elastomeric bushing is molded onto the end of the twisted rope torsion bar. The torsion bar is fabricated of a lightweight glass fiber/epoxy composite material. The elastomeric bushing has external splines cooperating and mating with splines on the inner bore of the anchor nut. The end attachment assembly compresses the end of the twisted rope torsion bar to reduce stress concentration and prevent separation, i.e. the application of torque to the anchor nut transmits a like amount of torque to the elastomeric bushing to compress and more firmly grip the twisted rope torsion bar. The elastomeric bushing is compressed radially inwardly by the cam shape of the mating splines. Advantageously, the elastomeric bushing proportionally increases the grip on the end of the torsion bar so that the joint is made tighter and tighter under increased torque.

Abstract: A fuseable torsion shaft for use within an aircraft flight control surface actuation system. The fuseable torsion shaft includes a shear tube which exhibits high strength elastic characteristics during normal operation up to a predetermined shear torque level. Thereafter, a torsion shaft having lower strength plastic characteristics provides torque transmission capability for a limited deflection.

Abstract: A hydraulic reaction force apparatus of a power steering device includes an input shaft, an output shaft, the input and output shafts being connected with each other to be pivotal through a predetermined angle, reaction force arms connected integrally with the input shaft and projecting radially therefrom, a pair of output shaft guide holes sandwiching each reaction force arm and disposed to oppose each other in a direction perpendicular to the reaction force arms, reaction force plungers slidably disposed in the guide holes, and a reaction force mechanism for biasing the reaction force plungers against the reaction force arms by a reaction force applied to the reaction plungers and related to running conditions. Each reaction force plunger includes a metal cylindrical member having a hollow portion open at a side opposite to that of the reaction force arms and a damping member mounted in the cylindrical member.

Abstract: There is provided a backlash control rotation gear assembly for robotic applications, with such assembly comprising an input device to provide rotational force of a predetermined maximum torque. The system further includes a first drive gear which is connected to the rotational input device and a second drive gear which is connected to the first drive gear by an elastic torsion spring preloaded with a predetermined spring torque force. An output driven gear is connected to a moveable robotic part to be rotated, with such driven gear being connected to the first and second drive gears, wherein the first drive gear is driven by the rotational input device and the second drive gear is driven indirectly by the input device through the preloaded elastic torsion spring.

Abstract: A torsion damping assembly includes a spring or spring assemblies (20 or 108,110) and a viscous damper (22 or 106) adapted to be installed between input and output drives of a vehicle driveline. In one embodiment of the assembly the spring (22) is a torsion shaft. In the other embodiment (100) a housing member or assembly (112) contains the spring assemblies (108,110) and the viscous damper (106). The spring assemblies (108,110) are disposed in parallel relative and each assembly includes a plurality of helical coil springs (136) disposed in series.

Abstract: Rotary pressure control valves in booster steering systems are rotated by manual force at the steering wheel against a return force, usually a steel torque rod which is twisted by rotation of the steering wheel. Upon release of steering force, the untwisting of the rod causes reverse rotation toward neutral shut-off, i.e., centered position, so that coacting pressure channels of relatively rotated valve components are closed. Such reverse rotation is effected herein with the aid of a metal bellows which is compressed by cam operation during twisting of the torque rod. Upon untwisting, the bellows expands and acts through the cam to exert a reverse rotary force on the valve components to effect complete centering. Upon reaching centered valve position, the cam serves as a detent to hold the centered position of the valve components.

Abstract: A manually-operated automotive transmission has a cluster gear on which several forward drive input gears and the reverse drive input gear are formed integrally. The cluster gear has a central bore extending its full length. An input shaft clutched to as engine crankshaft is keyed at the end furthest from the engine to the far end of the cluster gear and has a loose fitting spline connection to the opposite end of the cluster gear. A portion of the input shaft between the clutch and the loose spline connection has relatively high torsional stiffness and strength, but the portion of the input shaft between the keyed connection and the loose spline connection has relatively low torsional stiffness and strength. The clearance between the teeth of the loose spline connection is sized so that relatively low torque is not transmitted through this connection. The clearance is taken up and engine torque transmitted through the loose spline connection when high operating torques are developed.