Non-collinear shaft coupling
AssigneeOmar Associates, LLC
InventorsChad W. Billman, Elaine A. Chappell, Eric J. Wise
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A coupling for connecting two non-collinear associated shafts comprises a pair of sleeves. Each sleeve has a yoke provided at an end portion thereof. The yokes are offset by 90° to one another. Each sleeve further includes a central bore for receiving an end of one of the associated shafts between which motion is to be transmitted. A knuckle is provided between each yoke of the respective sleeves. The knuckle includes a body having a plurality of openings which are offset by 90° to one another. A plurality of pins separate from the knuckle and threadingly engaged to the yokes releasably connect each yoke to the knuckle.
Claims20
A coupling for connecting two non-collinear associated shafts comprising:
- a pair of sleeves, each sleeve having a yoke provided at an end portion thereof, the yokes being offset by 90° to one another, each sleeve further including a central bore for receiving an end of one of the associated shafts between which motion is to be transmitted;
- a knuckle provided between each yoke of the respective sleeves, the knuckle including a body having a plurality of openings, the openings being offset by 90° to one another;
- and
- a plurality of pins separate from the knuckle and threadingly engaged to the yokes for releasably connecting each yoke to the knuckle.
A method of servicing a coupling adapted to connect two non-collinear associated shafts, the coupling including:
- a pair of sleeves, each sleeve having a yoke provided at an end portion thereof, the yokes being offset by 90° to one another,
- a knuckle provided between each yoke of the respective sleeves, the knuckle including a body having a plurality of openings, the openings being offset by 90° to one another,
- a plurality of bushings, each bushing being positioned in one of the openings, and a plurality of separate pins threadingly engaged to yokes for releasably connecting the yokes to the knuckle, an end portion of each pin engaging one of the bushings,
- the method of servicing comprising:
- loosening a pair of opposed pins on one of the yokes such that an end portion of each pin is spaced from the corresponding bushing which disengages that yoke from the knuckle;
- separating the disengaged yoke from the coupling;
- removing a worn bushing;
- inserting a different bushing in the knuckle opening;
- positioning the yoke to reengage the knuckle;
- and
- tightening the pins on the yoke until the end portion of each pin engages the corresponding bushing.
A coupling for use in a high temperature environment for connecting two non-collinear associated shafts comprising:
- a pair of sleeves, each sleeve having a yoke provided at an end portion thereof, the yokes being offset by 90° to one another;
- a knuckle provided between each yoke of the respective sleeves, the knuckle including a body having a plurality of openings, the openings being offset by 90° to one another, each opening extending only partially through the body such that opposed openings provided on the body are not in communication with each other;
- a plurality of bushings having a central bore, each bushing being positioned in one of the openings;
- and
- a plurality of separate pins threadingly engaged to the yokes for releasably connecting the yokes to the knuckle, an end portion of each pin being received in the bore of one of the bushings.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.