Concealed drive coupling for use with modular screw conveyor

Claim 1

A concealed drive coupling system for use with an integrally formed modular screw conveyor comprising: an elongated drive shaft having a first and further end and an outside perimeter defining a first non-circular cross-section, said first end defining a first aperture extending axially from said first end toward said second end, said first aperture having a second non-circular cross-sectional shape and size, and said first end further defining a second aperture extending from a first location on said perimeter toward a second location on said perimeter; coupling means having a connecting end and work end, said connecting end having a cross-sectional shape and size for cooperating with said second cross-sectional shape, and being axially and slidably received by said first aperture to join said drive shaft and said coupling means so as to prevent rotation therebetween, said coupling means defining a locking pin recess located in register with said second aperture when said coupling means is joined to said drive shaft; a locking pin extending through said second aperture in said drive shaft and into said locking pin recess in said coupling means so as to prevent axial movement between said coupling means and said drive shaft; and an integrally formed screw conveyor module having an aperture therethrough extending aixally of said module, said aperture, having a size and cross-sectional shape for slidably receiving said first end of said drive shaft so as to prevent rotation therebetween and to prevent the removal of said locking pin.