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.
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