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US4121438A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Coupling member for orbiting machinery

Assignee: Arthur D Little Inc
•
Filing: 1976-09-13
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Granted: 1978-10-24
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Expires: 1996-09-13
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Abstract

Abstract A coupling member particularly suited for coupling two components in a predetermined angular relationship while one component is orbited relative to the other. The coupling member comprises a ring having pairs of oppositely disposed keys on opposite annular surfaces, one pair of keys being displaced 90° from the other. The keys are held on pivot pins affixed to the ring, the pivot pins preferably having flanges which are set in counterbores in the ring. A plurality of axial force-stabilizing disks are also inset on the annular ring surfaces.

Inventors

  • 👤 John E. McCullough

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-05 20:51
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01C; F01C17/00; F01C17/06; F01C17/066; F16; F16D; F16D3/00; F16D3/02; F16D3/04

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim 157 words
A coupling member suitable for coupling two components in angular relationship as one of said components is orbited with respect to the other, comprising in combination (a) a ring with first and second opposed annular surfaces; (b) a first pair of oppositely disposed pivot pins attached to said first surface; (c) a second pair of oppositely disposed pivot pins attached to said second surface and displaced 90° from said first pair of pivot pins; (d) four keys in the form of rectangular blocks, each of said keys having (1) a central hole sized to make a sliding fit over one of said pivot pins whereby each of said keys is alignable with respect to a keyway in one of said components, and (2) spaced oil grooves in its larger lateral faces oriented parallel to the axis of said central hole; and (e) a plurality of axial force-stabilizing disks set in said first and second opposed annular surfaces.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 157 words
A coupling member suitable for coupling two components in angular relationship as one of said components is orbited with respect to the other, comprising in combination (a) a ring with first and second opposed annular surfaces; (b) a first pair of oppositely disposed pivot pins attached to said first surface; (c) a second pair of oppositely disposed pivot pins attached to said second surface and displaced 90° from said first pair of pivot pins; (d) four keys in the form of rectangular blocks, each of said keys having (1) a central hole sized to make a sliding fit over one of said pivot pins whereby each of said keys is alignable with respect to a keyway in one of said components, and (2) spaced oil grooves in its larger lateral faces oriented parallel to the axis of said central hole; and (e) a plurality of axial force-stabilizing disks set in said first and second opposed annular surfaces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 36 words
A coupling member in accordance with claim 1 wherein said ring is formed of a light-weight alloy, said keys and disks are formed of a self-lubricating material and said pivot pins are formed of hardened steel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 15 words
A coupling member in accordance with claim 2 wherein said self-lubricating material is a polyimide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 41 words
A coupling member in accordance with claim 1 wherein each of said pivot pins terminates in a flange and said flange is set in a counterbore in said ring and said pivot pin is attached to said ring through a screw.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 56 words
A coupling member in accordance with claim 1 suitable for coupling two components, one component of which is orbited with respect to the other, and wherein the spacing between said oil grooves in said larger lateral faces is at least equal to the orbit radius of said one component but less than twice said orbit radius.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US1862220A Cited
US1907447A Cited
US2447424A Cited
DE1154680B Cited
US3088763A Cited
US3606768A Cited
US3664153A Cited
US3698208A Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1981-10-23 1982-04-24 1982-10-24 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1985-10-23 1986-04-24 1986-10-24 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1989-10-23 1990-04-24 1990-10-24 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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