Patent ID: 7367858
Filing Date: 2008-05-06
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
1. A coupling apparatus for adjustably and axially coupling first and second shafts about a feathering axis, the coupling apparatus comprising: a collar having an end face, the end face having a plurality of axial notches, the collar being securable to a free end of the first shaft; an insert having an extended portion and at least one radial pin, the insert being securable in a free end of the second shaft such that the extended portion extends axially from the second shaft, whereby, the extended portion is receivable in the free end of the first shaft such that said at least one radial pin engages upon one of said plurality of axial notches along an engagement plane so as to axially couple the first and second shafts; and a cam ring circumscribing said collar, the cam ring having a plurality of radial flanges, each of said flanges having a camming surface facing said engagement plane, said flanges projecting inwardly toward said feathering axis, each flange having first and second ends and defining radial slots between said first end and a second end of an adjacent flange for permitting said at least one radial pin to pass for detachment and repositioning of the first and second shafts, said cam ring being rotatable to engage said camming surface with said at least one radial pin so as to retain said at least one radial pin in engagement with said notches for fixing the relative position of the first and second shafts.