US3657941A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Coupling unit
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-09-02
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Granted: 1972-04-25
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Expires: 1990-09-02
Abstract
Abstract A coupling unit is provided for the transmission of electricity, gas, liquids, vacuum pressure, or other media around a rotating bend in complex machinery. The unit has particular utility in conjunction with rotational molding apparatus and shall be described in such an environment. However, it will become evident as the description proceeds that the unit and concept of the invention has general utility whenever it is desired to exert certain control effects on moving components in complex rotating machinery, or to monitor the condition of such components.
Inventors
- 👤 William P Engler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 15:56
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16J; F16J15/00; F16J15/50; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/19; Y10T74/19642; Y10T74/1966; Y10T74/19665
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
66 words
In combination: a first shaft mounted for rotation about a particular first axis; a second shaft mounted for rotation about a particular second axis traversing said first axis; a hollow flexible tubular member affixed to said first and second shafts and intercoupling the ends of said first and second shafts and rotatable therewith, and a plurality of electric wires extending through said hollow flexible tubular member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
66 words
In combination: a first shaft mounted for rotation about a particular first axis; a second shaft mounted for rotation about a particular second axis traversing said first axis; a hollow flexible tubular member affixed to said first and second shafts and intercoupling the ends of said first and second shafts and rotatable therewith, and a plurality of electric wires extending through said hollow flexible tubular member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
In combination: a first shaft mounted for rotation about a particular first axis; a second shaft mounted for rotation about a particular second axis traversing said first axis; a hollow flexible tubular member affixed to said first and second shafts and intercoupling the ends of said first and second shafts and rotatable therewith, and at least one separate tubular member extending through said hollow flexible tubular member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
67 words
In combination: a first shaft mounted for rotation about a particular first axis; a second shaft mounted for rotation about a particular second axis traversing said first axis; a hollow flexible tubular member affixed to said first and second shafts and intercoupling the ends of said first and second shafts and rotatable therewith, and at least one separate tubular member extending through said hollow flexible tubular member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
118 words
In combination: a first shaft mounted for rotation about a particular first axis; a second shaft mounted for rotation about a particular second axis traversing said first axis; and a hollow flexible tubular member affixed to said first and second shafts and intercoupling the ends of said first and second shafts and rotatable therewith, said hollow flexible tubular member having integral end fittings configured to intercouple said flexible tubular member; with the respective ends of said first and second shafts, said hollow flexible tubular member and said end fittings being composed of a material exhibiting variable hardness throughout its length so that said fittings are of a harder consistency than the central portion of said flexible tubular member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
118 words
In combination: a first shaft mounted for rotation about a particular first axis; a second shaft mounted for rotation about a particular second axis traversing said first axis; and a hollow flexible tubular member affixed to said first and second shafts and intercoupling the ends of said first and second shafts and rotatable therewith, said hollow flexible tubular member having integral end fittings configured to intercouple said flexible tubular member; with the respective ends of said first and second shafts, said hollow flexible tubular member and said end fittings being composed of a material exhibiting variable hardness throughout its length so that said fittings are of a harder consistency than the central portion of said flexible tubular member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-04-25 | 1975-10-25 | 1976-04-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-25 | 1979-10-25 | 1980-04-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-25 | 1983-10-25 | 1984-04-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |