This is the class for rotary shafts, a rotary shaft being defined
as an elongated member intended to be rotated about its longitudinal
axis to transmit torque.
This is also the class for gudgeons, a gudgeon being defined
as a device secured to the end of a shaft or other rotary body,
for rotation therewith, to facilitate mounting the body in a support.
This is also the class for housings, a housing being defined
as a structure providing an enclosure surrounding at least a portion
of a shaft, a flexible coupling, or a flexible motion transmitting
device such as a Bowden Cable; such enclosure functioning to prevent
in advertant contact between an operator or foreign matter and the
shaft, flexible coupling, or flexible motion transmitting device;
or to retain lubricant or the like within the space surrounded by
the enclosure.
This is also the class for flexible couplings for rotary shafts,
a flexible coupling being defined as structure interconnecting rotary
devices, at least one of them being a shaft, in order to facilitate
relative motion between them as they transmit torque, or to enable torque
to be transmitted through rotary devices having misaligned or angularly
related rotational axes.
A nominal recitation of a device for applying rotary power
to, or receiving rotary power from, a structure of this class will
not exclude a patent from being placed in this class.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
A method or apparatus for manufacturing a structure of this
class that is not found herein, may be found in an appropriate manufacturing
class, such as Class 29, Metal Working; or Class 72, Metal Deforming.
LINE BETWEEN CLASS 192 AND CLASS 464
Class 192 has couplings of the kind wherein torque transmission
may be selectively or automatically disrupted, wherein the couplings
of Class 464 are generally intended for continuous torque transmission
with provision for relative movement between the coupled members
while torque is being transmitted. There are, however, exceptions
to this general rule as follows:
A. Class 464, in subclasses 32+, has structure wherein torque
transmission is disrupted by breakage of a frangible element which
may be replaced.
B. Class 464, in subclasses 30+, has overload release couplings
wherein relative rotation between coupled members continues so long
as an overload condition occurs. The line between Class 464, subclasses
30+, and Class 192, subclass 56.1+, is that Class
464 takes structure wherein relatively rotatable surfaces move with
respect to each other during an overload condition; but drive through
such surfaces is automatically re-established, without an additional
operation, upon correction of the overload condition. Class 192,
subclass 56.1+, requires a further operation, in addition
to correcting the overload condition, to re-establish the drive; such
further operation being, for example, operator assisted re-engagement
or reduction in rotational speed of a power input member.
C. Class 464, in subclasses 24+, provides for fluid
couplings wherein relative movement between coupled members is facilitated
by compression or decompression of a fluid wherein a significant
feature is to accommodate relative movement between the coupled members
for dampening, buffering, etc. Class 192, subclasses 58.1+,
has fluid couplings wherein a fluent material envelops the coupled
parts, and the torque transmission occurs via a shearing action
in the fluid.
SECTION III - SUBCLASS REFERENCES TO THE CURRENT CLASS
Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning,
subclasses 256.5+ for a cleaning device mounted to act on a moving
surface. A cleaning device which is mounted to act on a shaft so
as to clean it during normal torque transmission is in Class 464.
See Subclass References to the Current Class, above.
Machine Element or Mechanism,
subclasses 15.6+ for a power take-off from a shaft extension; subclasses
18+ for motion transmitting means including a flexible
sealing diaphragm connected to a moving rod and a casing; subclasses
380+ for pivotally supported gearing; subclass 411 for
structure providing yield ability in gear trains; subclass 443 for
sound deadening means associated with rotary bodies; subclasses
489 and 500.5+ for a flexible motion transmitter (e.g.,
Bowden cable); subclasses 573.1 for a flywheel or rotor with balancing
or vibration dampening means; and subclasses 606+ for a
gear casing.
Tool Driving or Impacting,
subclasses 93.5+ for a rotary tool drive having a torque responsive
impact in an impacting device; and subclasses 165+ for
means to drive a tool about an axis and including a relatively fixed
drive for an advancing tool.
Boring or Penetrating the Earth,
subclass 195 for a rotary drive table for a relatively advancing
tool. See the Class 175 Class Definition, References to Other Classes,
the Search Note to Class 464 and see also Class 175, subclass 320,
(2) Note, for a statement of the line.
Motor Vehicles,
subclasses 254+ for a vehicle having a driven and steerable wheel
and including a flexible drive transmitting means for transmitting
torque to the wheel.
Lubrication, for lubrication systems, per se; but if a shaft or flexible
coupling includes structure which is modified so as to admit lubrication, classification
is in Class 464,
subclasses 7+ .
Clutches and Power-Stop Control,
subclasses 56.1+ for an overload release clutch; subclasses 58.1+ for
a fluent material clutch; subclasses 84.1+ for an electric
operator for a clutch; subclasses 85+ for a fluid pressure operator
for a clutch; subclasses 103+ for a speed responsive operator;
and subclasses 200+ for a clutch element combined with means
for resiliently mounting such element on a hub. In general, Class
192 has couplings of the kind wherein torque transmission may be selectively
or automatically disrupted, wherein the couplings of Class 464 are
generally intended for continuous torque transmission with provision
for relative movement between the coupled members while torque is
being transmitted. For exceptions to this general rule, see Lines
With Other Classes and Within This Class, Line Between Class 192
and Class 464, above.
Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,
subclass 32 for overload release means for comminution apparatus,
and subclasses 291+ for significant comminuting structure
mounted on a drive shaft therefor.
Seal for a Joint or Juncture, for a generic sealing means or process,
subclass 504 for a dynamic, circumferential contact seal for
other than a piston that accommodates gyratory or oscillatory motion
by using a flexible connection having static contact between the
seal and one of the relatively movable parts; subclasses 549+ for
a dynamic circumferential contact seal for other than a piston having
a peripheral radially sealing flexible projection (e.g., lip seal,
etc.) or subclasses 634+ for a static, contact seal for
other than an internal combustion engine, or a pipe, conduit, or
cable that is a flexible sleeve, boot, or diaphragm.
Electrical Generator or Motor Structure,
subclasses 75+ for a drive mechanism which may include a flexible
shaft, and subclasses 92+ for torque transmitting clutches.
Joints and Connections, appropriate subclasses for a joint or connector, per se.
If, however, a coupling between torque transmitting members is
such as to facilitate connection or relative movement between members
having misaligned or angularly related axes, then such coupling
is in Class 464. See Class 403,
subclasses 52+ for a joint between articulated members other than
rotary torque transmitting members.
Planetary Gear Transmission Systems or Components,
subclasses 346+ (and see The Search Notes therein) for a flexible
coupling in a planetary gear arrangement.
SPEED RESPONSIVE DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING RELATIVE ROTATIONAL POSITION
OF COUPLED MEMBERS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Flexible coupling structure wherein a shaft and another
member are mounted for relative rotation about a common axis and wherein
means is provided to sense velocity or change of velocity of the
shaft or other member and responsive to such sensed velocity or change
of velocity, said means acts directly or indirectly to alter the
relative rotational position of the shaft and other member between predetermined
relative rotational positions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein said means acts through the medium
of force derived from fluid or electrical power to alter the relative
rotational position of the shaft and the other member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein said means comprises a mass swingably
mounted for movement about a pivotal axis in response to centrifugal
force caused by rotation of the shaft or other member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter wherein the relative rotational positions
of the shaft and the other member are altered via gear teeth formed
on or carried by the swingable mass so as to interact with another
set of gear teeth.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter wherein a helically wound device, which is
resiliently compressible along its longitudinal axis, is mounted
with respect to said swingable mass in such a manner that movement
of said mass by centrifugal force is opposed by the resilient compression
of said device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter wherein a helically wound device, which is
resiliently expansible along its longitudinal axis, is mounted with
respect to said swingable mass in such a manner that movement of
said mass by centrifugal force is opposed by the resilient expansion
of said device.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter provided with means for directing or applying
a fluid substance between relatively movable surfaces to reduce
friction between such relatively movable surfaces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein said lubricant is applied by means
of a porous surface and wherein said porous surface is permeated
by said fluid substance so that said flowable substance is located
on and beneath the surface of said device throughout the extent
of said porous surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein said relatively movable surfaces
are associated with flexible coupling structure which permits relative
rotation between torque input and output members for as long as
said output member is subjected to a resistance to rotation greater
than a predetermined value.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein said relatively movable surfaces
are associated with flexible coupling structure including a first
part carried by one member of the coupling, said first part being
in the form of a right cylinder with the axis of the cylinder extending
perpendicularly to, and radially outwardly from, the axis of rotation
of said one member of the coupling; and including a second part
carried by the coupling, said second part comprising means defining
a opening for receiving said first part.
This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Subject matter wherein coupling structure includes a plurality
of circumferentially spaced right cylindrical parts, and said structure
further includes an annular member enclosing said parts, said annular
member comprising walls defining a path for flow of said substance
from one to another of said parts.
This subclass is indented under subclass 12. Subject matter wherein at least one of said right cylindrical
parts includes means defining a flow path for said fluid, said flow
path being located internally of the external surface of said part
and extending in a direction parallel to said axis of said part.
This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Subject matter wherein said right cylindrical part includes
means defining a flow path for said fluid, said flow path being
located internally of the external surface of said part and extending
in a direction parallel to the axis of said part.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein said relatively movable surfaces
are associated with flexible coupling structure including a spherical
part for transmitting torque between said relatively movable members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein said relatively movable surfaces
are associated with flexible coupling structure including alternating
ridges and valleys on each of said coupled members, the ridges of
one member being received within the valleys of the other member,
and wherein torque is transmitted by surface engagement of the ridges
of one member with the ridges of the other member.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter provided with means for applying heat to
or extracting heat from said subject matter.
FLEXIBLE COUPLING BETWEEN FLUID-CONDUCTING ROTARY SHAFTS
(E.G., COUPLING BETWEEN SECTIONS OF DRILL STRING, ETC.):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. A flexible coupling for interconnecting plural shafts, said
shafts being of tubular construction for conducting a fluid internally
of the shaft along the length thereof.
Boring or Penetrating the Earth,
subclasses 320+ for a tool shaft detail, and see the reference
to Class 175 in the search class notes under the class definition
of Class 464.
This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Subject matter wherein said coupling facilitates changing
the angle defined by the longitudinal axes of the shafts with respect
to each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Subject matter and further including a part which is deformed
when one of said shafts moves relative to the other of said shafts.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter provided with means associated with such
subject matter to maintain its cleanliness during operation.
(1)
Note. For a patent to be placed herein, the cleaning device
must be particularly adapted to be associated with a subject matter
of this class to provide cleaning during torque transmission. If
the device is of general utility and not particularly adapted to
be mounted on operating members of this class, classification is
in a class appropriate for cleaning of general utility, such as
Class 15 or 134.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter and further including a separate device for
indicating a condition thereof or for providing a warning that an undesirable
condition exists.
Clutches and Power-Stop Control,
subclasses 58.1+ wherein a fluent material envelops the coupled
parts; subclasses 85+ for a fluid pressure operator for
a clutch; and see the reference to Class 192 in the search class notes
under the general definition of Class 464 for a statement of the
line.
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter including structure for applying torque in
cyclical pulses from an input member to a relatively rotatable output
member through the medium of said liquid or gas, and wherein means
is provided to limit the maximum torque applied during each pulse.
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter wherein the liquid or gas is contained within
a cylinder having an axis which is aligned with the rotational axis
of the coupled members, and wherein a piston is mounted within the
cylinder for reciprocable movement along the axis of the cylinder.
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter wherein a plurality of cylinders containing
the liquid or gas are located in a position radially spaced from
the axis of rotation of the coupled members, each of said cylinders
having a piston reciprocable therein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter wherein the liquid or gas is contained within
a device having walls made of flexible material.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. A flexible coupling including electrical or magnetic means
for affecting or effecting the coupling.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. A flexible coupling wherein means is provided for transmitting
torque between input and output members so as to accommodate relative
rotation between said members when resistance to rotation of said
output member exceeds a predetermined value, said means including
either (a) a device which is designed to rupture when said resistance
to rotation exceeds said predetermined value, or (b) a device which
slips or disengages when said resistance to rotation exceeds said
predetermined value but which automatically reengages without operator
intervention or other additional operation when said resistance
to rotation no longer exceeds said predetermined value.
Clutches and Power-Stop Control,
subclasses 56.1+ for an overload release clutch, and see a statement
of the line in the search class notes following the general definition
of Class 464.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein said means includes a device for
sensing the temperature of a part in said coupling, and in response
to said sensed temperature, controlling the relative rotation between
the members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein rotation is transmitted from the
input member to the output member through the medium of a device
which is designed to rupture when the resistance to rotation is
greater than said predetermined value.
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Subject matter wherein the device is an elongated rodlike
element mounted so that the longitudinal extent of the element is
parallel to, or coextensive with, the axis of rotation of the coupled
members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein rotation is transmitted from the
input to the output member through the medium of a device rotatable
about its own axis and spaced radially from the axis of rotation
of the members, and wherein the device is made of a material capable
of being deformed to accommodate said relative rotation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein rotation is transmitted from the
input to the output member through the medium of a spherical element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Subject matter wherein the spherical element is resiliently
biased along a line of force parallel to the rotational axes of
the driving and driven members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein one of said input or output members,
or an intermediate member, includes a contoured face; and the other
of said input or output members, or an intermediate member, includes
or carries a device resiliently biased into engagement with the
contoured face to provide a positive drive connection for transmitting
torque between the input and output members by contact of the device
with an abutment forming a part of the contoured face, and wherein
the shape of the abutment is such as to force the device against
its resilient bias in a direction away from the abutment to permit
said relative rotation when said resistance to rotation exceeds
said predetermined value.
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter wherein the resilient bias of said device
into engagement with said contoured surface is along a line of force
parallel to the rotational axes of the driving and driven members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Subject matter wherein the resilient bias is provided by
a device helically wound about the axis of rotation of the driving
and driven members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein rotation is transmitted from the
input member to the output member through the medium of a helically
coiled resilient device which frictionally engages one of said members
to transmit torque, but which slips when said resistance to rotation
is greater than said predetermined value.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein one of said input or output members
includes or carries a plurality of discrete frictional elements
circumferentially spaced from each other about the axis of rotation
of said one of said members, said frictional elements having surfaces
engaged with a surface or surfaces on the other of said members
to transmit rotation, the engaged surfaces slipping when the resistance
to rotation exceeds said predetermined value.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein rotation is transmitted from said
input member to said output member by frictional engagement of surfaces
having the shape of a cone or the frustum of a cone.
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter which further includes a disparate resilient
device for biasing the conical or frustoconical surfaces into engagement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein rotation is transmitted from said
input member to said output member by frictional engagement of surfaces
which extend in a direction radially outwardly from, and in a plane
perpendicular to, the axis of rotation of the driving and driven
members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter which further includes a disparate resilient
device for biasing the frictionally engaged surfaces into engagement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Subject matter including a plurality of helically coiled
resilient members spaced circumferentially from each other about
the rotational axis of the driving and driven members.
COUPLING DEVICE INCLUDES ENDLESS CHAIN ENGAGED WITH CIRCUMFERENTIAL
TEETH ON COUPLED MEMBERS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. A flexible coupling wherein the coupled members are axially
spaced from each other, and each includes a plurality of circumferentially
spaced, radially extending teeth, and wherein coupling structure
includes a closed loop chain having grooves or openings spaced along
the length thereof for receiving the teeth on the coupled members.
COUPLING DEVICE INCLUDES ANGLED OR HINGED ROD HAVING OPPOSITE
ENDS RELATIVELY RECIPROCABLE AXIALLY IN BORES IN SPACED COUPLED
MEMBERS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. A flexible coupling comprising an axially elongated member
which is bent along its longitudinal axis or which is formed or
pivotally connected sections, the opposite ends of said member being
mounted for relative reciprocable axial movement in openings formed
in axially spaced coupled members.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. A shaft or flexible coupling as defined in the ... wherein
said shaft or flexible coupling includes an element through which
rotational torque is transmitted, and wherein said element is made
of a material which is flexible.
(1)
Note. While all materials may have at least some minimal
inherent flexibility, for a patent to be placed in this and indented
subclasses, such flexibility must be intended to be used as a desirable
feature in the functional operation of the device.
Machine Element or Mechanism,
subclass 411 for structure providing yield ability in gear trains;
subclass 443 for sound deadening means associated with rotary bodies;
and subclasses 489 and 500.5+ for a flexible push-pull motion
transmitting means such as a Bowden cable.
Motor Vehicles,
subclasses 254+ for a vehicle having a driven and steerable wheel
and including a flexible drive transmitting means for transmitting torque
to the wheel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter and further including a housing as defined
in the class definition, said housing being nonrotatable with said
shaft or coupling.
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter wherein an annular, threaded connector device
extends around the end of said housing, said threads on said connector cooperating
with complementary threads on another housing to secure said housings together.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter wherein said element is bent into the general
shape of a sine curve, and wherein the bends of the element are
curved about portions of driving and driven members spaced apart
from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of rotation
of the members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter wherein said element is limp or sags under
its own weight, said element being connected to driving and driven
members at points spaced from each other along the longitudinal
extent of said element so that rotary torque transmitted from the
driving to the driven member via said element places said element
in tension.
This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Subject matter wherein a cross section in a plane perpendicular
to the longitudinal extent of the element is generally circular.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter wherein said element is elongated and coiled
about a longitudinal centerline which is the rotational axis of
said element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 57. Subject matter and further including an additional elongated
torque transmitting element coiled about the same longitudinal centerline
in a manner such that one of said elongated elements overlaps the
other in a direction extending radially outwardly of said rotational
axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 57. Subject matter wherein the shape of a transverse cross section
taken through said element is other than circular.
This subclass is indented under subclass 66.1. Subject matter wherein the centerline of one of the
elements is spaced from the centerline of the other of the elements
along the elongated member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 62.1. Subject matter wherein the centerline of each of the
elements is spaced radially an equal distance outwardly from elongated
member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 62.1. Subject matter wherein the distance on a radial line
extending from the rotational axis to the centerline of the element
at one end of the element is the same as the distance on a radial
line extending from the rotational axis to the centerline of the
element at the opposite end of the element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 66.1. Subject matter wherein the centerline of said element
is arc-shaped and extends in circumferential direction radially
spaced from the shaft.
This subclass is indented under subclass 66.1. Subject matter wherein driving and driven members are
resiliently connected by said elements, one of said members including
a pair of plates spaced apart axially from each other along the
rotational axis, said elements being received in the space between
said plates, and the other of said members including a radial projection
extending between said plates and engaging said elements for said
radial projections to drive said plates via said elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Subject matter wherein axially spaced plates have vibration
suppression with a system using air or liquid.
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Subject matter wherein axially spaced plates (a) have
structure to increase resistance to motion or (b) utilize a motion
retarding between the plates to suppress vibration.
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.4. Subject matter wherein axially spaced plates have either
structure to increase resistance to motion or a motion retarding
between the plates including a device to influence the element into
contact.
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Subject matter wherein axially spaced plates have fluid
balancing including an anti-friction device comprising spheres movable
inside a track.
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Subject matter wherein axially spaced plates have the
resilient or elastic elements gapped along the length of the shaft.
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Subject matter wherein axially spaced plates have the
resilient or elastic elements gapped along the line made by shaft
radius.
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Subject matter wherein axially spaced plates have particular
structure, e.g. configuration, material, etc., of the resilient
or elastic elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.9. Subject matter wherein axially spaced plates include
a spring detail wherein the element is (a) straight, wavy, or other
shape unlike a helix or (b) plastic, wood, ceramic, or other material having
poor conductivity.
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.9. Subject matter wherein axially spaced plates include
a spring detail having a specific connection of the element end
or ends.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter wherein driving and driven members each include
a plurality of connector pins extending in an axial direction and
spaced circumferentially about the axis of rotation of said members,
and wherein a plurality of said elements are positioned between
said members, each of said elements being elongated and joined at
one point to a connector pin on one of said members and joined at
a spaced point to a connector pin on the other of said members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter wherein a rotary drive or driven member includes
means defining an aperture spaced in a radial direction of the rotational axis
of one of said members for receiving a pin extending between said
members, and wherein said element comprises a ringlike device positioned
between the walls of said aperture and said pin.
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter wherein the longitudinal axis of said pin
extends in a direction generally parallel to the rotational axis
of the members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 71. Subject matter wherein there is provided a plurality of
said ringlike devices spaced axially from each other, either in
the same aperture or in separate apertures, in the same direction
as the rotational axes of the members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter wherein a driving member includes a face
having surfaces defining alternating ridges and valleys, and a driven
member also includes a face having surfaces defining alternating
ridges and valleys, the ridges of one member nesting within the
valleys of the other member to provide surfaces facing each other, and
wherein said element has portions positioned between said facing
surfaces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 73. Subject matter wherein the face having ridges and valleys
on one of said members overlaps the face having ridges and valleys
on the other of said members in a direction extending radially outwardly
of the rotational axes of the members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Subject matter wherein said element is ringlike in shape
and encircles the rotational axis of said members, said element
including projecting portions around its circumference which fit between
said nesting ridges and valleys.
This subclass is indented under subclass 73. Subject matter including a plurality of individually separable
elements.
(1)
Note. Patents in this subclass are distinguished from patents
in subclass 73, in that, in subclass 73 a common element is shaped
so as to provide surface portions between intermeshing teeth, while
in this subclass (76) the elements are separable, at least at the
initial stages of assembly between the teeth.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter wherein said element is an elongated resilient
device bent into the general shape of an open circle with the free
ends spaced from each other on one side of the rotational axis of
members interconnected by said element, and the curved portion between
the ends extends around the rotational axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter wherein said element is an elongated tube
having an opening cut through the wall thereof to facilitate flexure
of the element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter wherein said element comprises a pair of
walls which meet at a common juncture and diverge from said juncture,
said walls at said juncture following a circular circumferential
path which surrounds and completely encloses the rotational axis
of said element with said diverging walls defining a groove surrounding
said rotational axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter wherein there is provided a plurality of
said elements spaced circumferentially from each other about the
rotational axes of driving and driven members interconnected by said
elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Subject matter wherein one of said members has a surface
which overlaps a surface of the other of said members in a direction
extending radially outwardly of the rotational axis, and wherein
said elements extend between and interconnect said overlapping surfaces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Subject matter wherein said elements have a substantial
length and width as compared to a thickness dimension, and are curved
in the relaxed condition for deflection along said curve to provide
flexure during torque transmission.
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Subject matter wherein said elements are each in the form
of an elongated rodlike device, and wherein flexibility is obtained
by twist of said elements about their longitudinal axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 87. Subject matter wherein said element is an elongated tube,
the longitudinal axis of which is coincident with the rotational
axes of driving and driven members interconnected by it, said tube
being connected at one end to a torque transmitting surface on said
driving member and being connected at the opposite end to a torque
transmitting surface on said driven member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 87. Subject matter wherein one of a driving or driven member
interconnected by said element has a surface which overlaps a surface
on the other member in a direction extending radially outwardly
of the rotational axis of said members, and wherein said element
extends between and interconnects said overlapping surfaces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 89. Subject matter wherein a plurality of said elements are
arranged in such a manner that one of said elements is positioned
radially outwardly of another of said elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 89. Subject matter wherein a plurality of said elements are
spaced from each other along the rotational axes of the members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 87. Subject matter wherein said element comprises a ring-like
or apertured disc-like body having a rotational center which is
coincident with the longitudinal axis of driving and driven members
that are interconnected by said body.
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Subject matter wherein said body is provided with grooves
or apertures for receiving an axially extending projection carried
by each of said driving and driven members, said projections being
spaced radially from the rotational axis of said members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 93. Subject matter wherein said body is formed of a plurality
of laminated nonmetallic parts, or wherein a plurality of said bodies
are distributed along the rotational axis of said members in either
contacting or spaced apart relationship.
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter wherein said bodies are separable and spaced
apart axially from each other, and wherein a separate spacer member
formed of a different material than said bodies is positioned between
said bodies.
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Subject matter wherein said body is formed of a plurality
of nonmetallic parts laminated together, or wherein a plurality
of said bodies are distributed along the rotational axis of said members
in either contacting or spaced apart relationship.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter wherein said element is an elongated rod
which transmits torque by rotation about its longitudinal axis which
is coincident with the axes of the members, and wherein flexibility
is obtained by twist of said rod about its longitudinal axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter wherein said element connects driving and
driven members and comprises a disc-like body having a center of
rotation coinciding with, and an outer circumferential edge completely
surrounding the rotational axes of the members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 98. Subject matter wherein a plurality of said bodies are spaced
apart axially from each other along the rotational axis.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter wherein said element is a strip-like body
having a substantially greater length and width when compared to
its thickness dimension.
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein said body is curved in the relaxed
condition for deflection along said curve to provide flexure during
torque transmission.
SEPARATE COUPLING DEVICE MOVABLE RADIALLY OF AXES TORQUE TRANSMITTING
MEMBERS TO ACCOMMODATE PARALLEL, MISALIGNED AXES (E.G., OLDHAM COUPLING):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. A flexible coupling including a disparate device positioned
and between drive and driven members having rotational axes which are
parallel but out of alignment with each other, said device being
mounted for reciprocable movement in a radial direction during each revolution
of the drive and driven members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Subject matter wherein torque is transmitted between the
drive and driven members via a spherical or other rotary body, mounted
for rotary motion about its own axis, which is spaced from the rotational
axis of the drive and driven members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Subject matter wherein said coupling device includes means
defining an opening or channel into which is positioned a protuberance
carried by the drive or driven member for relative reciprocable
movement of said protuberance in said opening or channel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 104. Subject matter wherein said device includes oppositely facing
surfaces longitudinally spaced from each other along the rotational axes
of the drive and driven members, and wherein said opening extends
from one of said surfaces through the other of said surfaces.
COUPLING ACCOMMODATES DRIVE BETWEEN MEMBERS HAVING MISALIGNED
OR ANGULARLY RELATED AXES:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. A flexible coupling including structure which facilitates
transfer of rotary torque between members wherein the rotational
axes of the members are out of alignment with each other, or wherein
the rotational axis of one of the members defines an angle of less
than 180° with the rotational axis of the other of the members.
for coupling structure wherein torque is transmitted
via an element made of flexible material and which may accommodate
misaligned or angularly related axes.
Motor Vehicles,
subclasses 254+ for a vehicle having a driven and steerable wheel
and including a flexible drive transmitting means for transmitting torque
to the wheel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 106. Subject matter wherein one of the members is a shaft having
its rotational axis oriented in a vertical direction, and the other
of the members is a rotary body including a hub portion mounted
on said shaft for facilitating relative angular movement of the
rotational axis of the hub with respect to the rotational axis of
the shaft.
This subclass is indented under subclass 106. Subject matter wherein said structure includes relatively
movable parts having teeth interengageable with each other, wherein
teeth on one of the parts sequentially move from engaged to disengaged
positions with respect to cooperating teeth on the other of said
parts when the axes of said members move to different relative angular
positions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 106. Subject matter wherein said structure includes a pair of
spaced semicylindrical parts interconnected between their ends by
a pivot pin, the semicylindrical parts and pivot pin being received
in a cylindrical aperture of one of said members, and the other
of said members including an axially extending tongue portion pivotally
mounted on said pin.
This subclass is indented under subclass 106. Subject matter wherein said structure includes three pins
extending along its own axis which is angularly related with respect
to the rotational axes of the driving and driven members, and the
axes of the pins being circumferentially spaced 120° apart
about the rotational axes of the driving and driven members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 106. Subject matter wherein said structure includes an element
having a cylindrical surface wherein the axis of the cylinder extends
in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of a
part which carries the element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 112. Subject matter , and further including an additional coupling
spaced from said element in a direction along the rotational axes
of said coupled members, said additional coupling facilitating relative
movement of said coupled members during torque transmission.
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Subject matter wherein said additional coupling also includes
an element having a cylindrical surface wherein the axis of the
cylinder extends in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis
of rotation of a part which carries the element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Subject matter wherein one of said members includes walls
defining a passage extending in the same direction as the rotational
axis of said one of said members, said passageway receiving one
of said elements and permitting relative axial movement of said
one of said elements between said walls.
This subclass is indented under subclass 115. Subject matter wherein a separate part carries each of said
axially spaced coupling elements, and wherein one of said parts
includes head structure arranged along the axis of rotation of interconnected
members, and said other of said parts includes socket structure
also arranged along the axis of rotation of said interconnected members,
said head being received in said socket for relative pivotal movement
to provide a centering effect.
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Subject matter wherein each of said parts carries a plurality
of cylindrical elements, the ends of said elements on each part
being spaced 90° circumferentially about the rotational
axis of the part.
This subclass is indented under subclass 117. Subject matter wherein a separate part carries each of said
axially spaced coupling elements, and wherein one of said parts
includes head structure arranged along the axis of rotation of said
interconnected members, and said other of said parts includes socket
structure also arranged along the axis of rotation of said interconnected
members, said head being received in said socket for relative pivotal
movement to provide a centering effect.
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Subject matter wherein the axis of the cylindrical element
in one of said couplings is oriented 90° with respect to
the axis of said element in said axially spaced coupling.
This subclass is indented under subclass 112. Subject matter wherein one of said members includes walls
defining a passage extending in the same direction as the rotational
axis of said one of said members, said passageway receiving said
element and permitting relative axial movement of said element between
said walls.
This subclass is indented under subclass 120. Subject matter wherein each of said members includes walls
defining a passage extending in the same direction as the rotational
axis of said members, and wherein said element, carried by a separate
part between said members, is positioned for relative axial movement
in the passageways between the wall of each of said members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 120. Subject matter wherein a separate member encircles said
element and is movable therewith for engagement with the walls defining said
passageway to guide said element during said relative axial movement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Subject matter wherein the surface of said member engageable
with said walls is spherical or semispherical in cross-sectional
configuration.
This subclass is indented under subclass 112. Subject matter wherein an annulus having a circumferentially
continuous wall surrounds the axis of rotation of said members,
said wall being provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced
openings, each of said openings receiving one of a plurality of
circumferentially spaced torque transmitting elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Subject matter wherein said annulus is formed of separate
parts, each of said parts including surface portions configured
to provide a part of said openings.
This subclass is indented under subclass 112. Subject matter wherein significance is attributed to structure
for minimizing vibration imparted to coupled members during torque transmission.
This subclass is indented under subclass 112. Subject matter wherein significance is attributed to a separate
cap which is positioned over the end of said element, said cap enclosing
the top and extending at least partially along the cylindrical side
surfaces of said element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 128. Subject matter wherein the external surface of said cap
is spherical or semispherical in cross-sectional configuration.
This subclass is indented under subclass 128. Subject matter and further including a separate member for
attaching said cap to said element or to a device which receives
said element.
Seal for a Joint or Juncture, for a generic sealing means or process,
subclasses 549+ for a dynamic circumferential contact seal for
other than a piston having a peripheral radially sealing flexible
projection (e.g., lip seal, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 112. Subject matter wherein significance is attributed to a separate
device encircling said element for minimizing friction between said element
and a part which pivots relative to said element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 112. Subject matter wherein significance is attributed to a seal
made of flexible material, e.g., a lubricant seal.
Seal for a Joint or Juncture, for a generic sealing means or process,
subclasses 549+ for a dynamic, circumferential, contact seal for
other than a piston having a peripheral radially sealing flexible
projection (e.g., lip seal, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 112. Subject matter wherein significance is attributed to structure
which is U-shaped or Y-shaped with one leg on each side of the axis
of rotation of said members, the legs including openings for receiving
a plurality of elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 112. Subject matter wherein a plurality of said cylindrical elements
are carried by structure which is mounted between said members,
and wherein the ends of said elements are spaced circumferentially
90° apart.
This subclass is indented under subclass 106. Subject matter wherein said structure includes an element
having a cylindrical surface, and wherein the axis of the cylinder
is radially spaced from the axis of rotation of said members and
extends in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of said
members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Subject matter wherein significance is attributed to means
for mounting the element relative to its supporting structure in
order to facilitate pivotal motion of the element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 106. Subject matter wherein said structure includes a spherical
element spaced radially from the axis of rotation of said members
for transmitting torque between said members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Subject matter and further including an additional coupling
spaced from said spherical element in a direction along the rotational
axes of said coupled members, said additional coupling facilitating
relative movement of said coupled members during torque transmission.
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Subject matter wherein said spherical element is mounted
in an axially extending channel formed in one of said members for
relative axial movement of said element with respect to said one
of said members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter wherein the other of said coupled members
also includes means permitting relative axial movement between said
element and said other of said coupled members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter wherein an internal axially extending channel
is formed on one of said members, and an external axially extending channel
is formed on the other of said members, said internal channel being
located radially outwardly from said external channel with and said
spherical element being positioned for relative axial movement in
each of said channels.
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter wherein the internal channel is out of alignment
in an axial direction with the external channel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter wherein a separate annular device is positioned
intermediate said channels, said device including openings for receiving
said spherical element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 145. Subject matter wherein said internal channel is defined
by opposed side walls and a top wall, and said top wall extends
in a direction parallel to the axial centerline of the member having said
internal channel formed therein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 106. Subject matter wherein said structure includes means interconnecting
driving and driven members, said means being relatively movable with
respect to each of said members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Subject matter wherein said interconnecting means includes
cooperating parts, at least one of said parts including a portion
bent back upon itself along the rotational axis to provide a loop which
cooperates with a portion on the other of said parts to accommodate
said relative movement during torque transmission.
(1)
Note. The term hook as used herein includes also an eye.
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Subject matter wherein said interconnecting means includes
a body having opposite end faces, each of said end faces having
a surface defined by alternating axially facing ridges and valleys,
said surfaces cooperating with complementary axially facing surfaces
on said members to accommodate said relative movement during torque
transmission.
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Subject matter wherein said interconnecting means includes
a body positioned relative to the driving and driven members in
such a manner that a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation
of said members intersects surface portions of said body and both
of said members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter wherein said body is spherical and includes
slots or projections on its outer surface for cooperating with complementary surfaces
on the driving and driven members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter including a plurality of said bodies circumferentially
spaced from each other around the rotational axes of said driving and
driven members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Subject matter wherein said interconnecting means comprises
a body having opposite ends spaced axially along the axis of rotation,
and wherein each of said ends includes a wall having a circumferentially
continuous surface facing inwardly toward the rotational axis and configured
to receive and mate with a complementary outwardly facing surface
on axially spaced ends of the driving and driven members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 153. Subject matter wherein said inwardly facing surfaces comprise
alternating ridges and valleys which mesh with complementary alternating
ridges and valleys forming said outwardly facing surfaces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Subject matter wherein said interconnecting means comprises
a body having opposite ends spaced axially along the axis of rotation,
and wherein each of said ends includes a circumferentially continuous
surface facing outwardly of the rotational axis, said outwardly
facing surface being configured to mate with complementary inwardly
facing surfaces defining openings in axially spaced ends of the
driving and driven members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 155. Subject matter wherein said outwardly facing surfaces comprise
alternately ridges and valleys which nest with complementary alternating
ridges and valleys forming said inwardly facing surfaces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 106. Subject matter wherein a surface on one of said members
includes a plurality of alternating ridges and valleys which mate
with a plurality of alternating ridges and valleys formed on a surface
of the other of said members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 157. Subject matter wherein the alternating ridges and valleys
on one of said members are formed on an inwardly facing surface
which is located radially outwardly from the other of said surfaces
having said alternating ridges and valleys.
This subclass is indented under subclass 158. Subject matter wherein at least one of said surfaces carrying
said alternating ridges and valleys is spherical or partially spherical
in shape.
COUPLING FACILITATES RELATIVE ROTARY DISPLACEMENT BETWEEN COUPLED
MEMBERS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. A flexible coupling wherein means is provided to accommodate
relative rotation between coupled members about their respective
rotational axes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 160. Subject matter wherein torque is transmitted from one member
to the other via a separate body, said body being movable relative
to both of said members along the axis of rotation of the members,
and said body being biased by a spring along said axial direction.
COUPLING FACILITATES RELATIVE AXIAL MOTION BETWEEN COUPLED MEMBERS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. A flexible coupling having means to accommodate relative
movement between the coupled members along their rotational axes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Subject matter wherein one of said members is a rotating
pipe used in an earth-boring operation, and the other of said members
is a device positioned around the external circumference of the
pipe for transmitting rotary torque to the pipe.
Boring or Penetrating the Earth,
subclass 195 for a rotary drive table for a relatively advancing
tool wherein significance is attributed to table structure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Subject matter wherein said coupling means comprises a closed
loop belt or chain entrained for movement around and between spaced
rotational axes, and wherein one run of said belt or chain engages
and moves with said pipe along the rotational axis of the pipe.
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Subject matter wherein said coupling means includes a body
rotatable about its own axis and engaging the external periphery
of the pipe for facilitating axial movement of the pipe.
This subclass is indented under subclass 165. Subject matter and including an elongated threaded member
rotatable about its own axis and coupled to said rotary body in
such a manner that rotary movement of the threaded member causes
linear movement of said rotary body in a direction toward or away
from the rotational axis of the pipe.
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Subject matter wherein said coupling means includes a body
rotatable about its own axis and engaging the external periphery
of one of said members for facilitating axial movement of said one
of said members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 167. Subject matter wherein a plurality of bodies mounted for
movement individually along a closed loop path are supported for
engagement with said axially movable member along a axial extent
of the member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 162. Subject matter wherein a resilient device is associated
with one of said members to bias said member along the rotational
axis of the member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 170. Subject matter wherein said enclosure is formed of a plurality
of relatively movable components, one of said components being rigid
and having a semispherical surface portion which engages a corresponding
surface portion on another of said components.
This subclass is indented under subclass 170. Subject matter wherein said enclosure is formed of a plurality
of cylindrical components, one of said components fitting within
the other of said components, and said components being mounted
with respect to each other for relative movement along the rotational
axis of the shaft or coupling which is surrounded by said enclosure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 170. Subject matter wherein the enclosure is formed of a material
which is flexible, per se, or which is configured in such a manner
as to permit flexure.
Machine Element or Mechanism,
subclass 18 for motion transmitting means including a flexible
sealing diaphragm connected to a moving rod and casing; and subclasses
489 and 500.5+ for flexible push-pull motion transmitting
means such as a Bowden Cable.
Seal for a Joint or Juncture, for a generic sealing means or process,
subclass 504 for a dynamic, circumferential, contact seal for
other than a piston that accommodates gyratory or oscillatory motion
by using a flexible connection having static contact between the
seal and one of the relatively movable parts or subclasses 634+ for
a static, contact seal for other than an internal combustion engine,
or a pipe, conduit, or cable that is a flexible sleeve, boot, or
diaphragm.
This subclass is indented under subclass 170. Subject matter wherein said enclosure includes a component
which is pivotally supported about an axis so that said component
can be moved to permit access to the shaft or coupling surrounded
by said enclosure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 170. Subject matter comprising separate enclosures for separate
shafts and including means for interconnecting said separate enclosures
when said shafts are interconnected.
This subclass is indented under subclass 170. Subject matter wherein a body rotatable about its own axis
is mounted between said enclosure and a shaft surrounded by said
enclosure for facilitating rotation of said shaft within said enclosure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 179. Subject matter wherein significance is attributed to structure
associated with the shaft for the purpose of minimizing unwanted
vibrations during torque transmission or for providing a desirable
balance to the shaft structure.
for a shaft made of flexible material or combined
with an element made of flexible material to provide a torque transmitting
coupling between shaft sections.
This subclass is indented under subclass 179. Subject matter wherein separate means is provided to connect
the shaft to another shaft or to another rotary body.
Joints and Connections, appropriate subclasses for a joint or connector,
per se, and see a reference to the line in the search class notes
following the general definition of Class 464.
This subclass is indented under subclass 179. Subject matter wherein said shaft is hollow along its length,
or wherein the shaft is formed of plural concentric layers of material.
Boring or Penetrating the Earth,
subclasses 320+ for a tool shaft detail, and see the reference
to Class 175 in the search class notes under the class definition
of Class 464.
This subclass is indented under subclass 904. Subject matter wherein torque is transmitted by a pin which
extends radially outwardly of the rotational axes of the coupled
members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 904. Subject matter wherein torque is transmitted by spherical
elements spaced radially outwardly of the rotational axis of the
coupled members.
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