# US 2010/0166493 A1 · Heat break coupling > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2010/0166493 A1 - Document ID: US20100166493A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 12/442,179 - Filed: 2007-09-21 - Published: 2010-07-01 - Earliest claimed: 2006-09-22 - Assignees: Pyrotek, Inc. - Inventors: Jon Tipton - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20100166493A1 ## CPC - F16D 1/101: {without axial retaining means rotating with the coupling} - F16D 1/0847: {with radial clamping due to a radial screw} - F16D 2001/102: {the torque is transmitted via polygon shaped connections} - F16D 2300/02: Overheat protection, i.e. means for protection against overheating - Y10T 29/49995: Shaping one-piece blank by removing material - Y10T 403/21: Utilizing thermal characteristic, e.g. , expansion or contraction, etc. - F16D: COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract This invention relates to the art of processing and treating molten metal. More particularly, this invention relates to a new and improved coupling design for a molten metal processing system to provide coupling design for rotor/shaft systems which has a heat break to prevent heat flow to a motor. This disclosure deals with a cross sectional area reduction heat break which provides a restriction prevent heat transmission through a conductive material by providing a coupling for connecting a motor to a shaft in a molten metal processing system to restrict heat flow to a motor, which will ultimately extend the life of the motor. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A coupling for connecting a driver shaft, such as, but not limited to, a motor shaft, to a driven shaft, such as but not limited to an impeller shaft in a molten metal processing system comprising: a body having a first opening configured to receive a driver shaft, a second opening configured to receive a driven shaft, with a designed cross-sectional area reduction between the first opening and the second opening, to reduce heat flow from the driven shaft to an associated driver shaft through the coupling. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the body is either a one-piece or multiple-piece construction. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the body towards the driver opening includes torque transmitting geometry such as, but not limited to, a keyway. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the body towards the driven opening includes a torque transmitting geometry, such as, but not limited to, four concave sidewall portions and rounded corners for attachment to a shaft. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the columns provide a reduction in a cross sectional area of the coupling. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The coupling of claim 1, wherein the columns can be in the form of a symmetrical or asymmetrical two-dimensional shape such as, but not limited to, a triangle or a rectangle. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the column runs parallel or perpendicular to the rotational axis of the body. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the columns define a slot there between. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The coupling mechanism of claim 8, wherein the slot extends partially through the side wall of the body. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The coupling mechanism of claim 8, wherein the slot extends all the way through the side wall of the body. ### Claim 11 A coupling mechanism for connecting a driver system to an impeller shaft of a molten metal pump, the coupling mechanism comprising a body having a first cavity configured to receive an associated output shaft of an associated driver system and a second cavity, axially spaced from the first cavity, the second cavity being configured to include a geometry extending radially into a side wall of the body, wherein the geometry reduces the cross-sectional area of the body taken normal to a rotational axis of the body through the slot, and a third cavity to accept a driven impeller shaft. ### Claim 12 A method of inhibiting heat flow from a driven impeller shaft to a motor through a coupling comprising the steps of: attaching a motor output shaft to the coupling at a first opening; attaching an impeller shaft to the coupling at a second opening; removing material between the first and second openings resulting in columns of material radially located around the coupling. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11, wherein the driven impeller shaft is attached to the coupling by one of a key and at least one or multiple fasteners. ### Claim 14 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11, wherein the driver motor shaft is attached to the coupling by one of a key and at least one or multiple fasteners. ### Claim 15 A method of manufacturing a coupling comprising the steps of: forming one cavity for attachment of a driver motor output shaft; forming one cavity for attachment of a driven impeller shaft; removing mass from a side wall of a coupling to reduce heat flow from the impeller to the output shaft of the motor.