A Flexible Coupling and Driver for Shafts.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 12th Dec., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 12th Oct. 1891-Accepted, 14th Nov., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
A Flexible Coupling and Driver for Shafts.
I JOHN TATE WILLIAMSON Engineer of No. 3 Overhill Road East Dulwich in
the County of Surrey, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
.
"
A flexible coupling and driver for shafts, having a
"ball" and "socket "--some-
what after the manner of such on a chandelier, but differing therefrom as follows,-
that on the periphery of the "ball" one or more projections or "drivers are
fixed which transmit the rotary motion to the "socket" shaft. The "drivers "
drive in circular brushes fitted in the "socket" and have an oscillating, movement
therein at right angles to their rotary motion, turning the bushes to facilitate such
oscillations which occur throughout the revolution when the two shafts thus coupled
or driven are not in line with each other.
Dated this 11th day of December 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
A. Flexible Coupling and Driver for Shafts.
I, JOHN TATE WILLIAMSON, Engineer of 3 Overhill Road East Dulwich in
the County of Surrey, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :--
Whereby, shafting which may be intentionally or otherwise out of lining with
the motive shaft shall be rotated with the minimum of power and strain, and
especially so where the shafting is unintentionally out of lining and where the
couplings are rigidly connected by bolts or other means, as in the case of the
shafting of steam vessels, granaries, and factories which may be the result of
irregular wear of the supports or to the structure to which such supports are
attached undergoing at various times disturbing influences: I put in the place of a
rigid coupling where shafting is intended to be in a straight line or in the place.
of bevil wheels and other gear, where the departure from the straight line is
unavoidable or intentional, a "ball" and "socket" the former having “drivers
solid with the "ball" or otherwise the said "drivers" being fitted with rotating
"bushes
as guides for the oscillating movements of the said "drivers."
"
The combination of such parts and movements permitting of the excentric action of
shafts so coupled out of lining exerting their driving power without detriment,
injury or increased friction and strain. It will be understood that there will
be no such sliding or turning movements with the said "drivers" and "bushes"
while the shafts remain in line.
Description. In describing my invention I would observe that the said "ball"
and "socket" may be formed solid with their respective shafts immediately con-
nected thereto, or after the manner illustrated in the drawing by Figures 1, 2 & 3
here, the "ball" with "drivers" Fig. 2 is shewn to be solid with a short piece of
shaft having a corresponding coupling U-or as may be according to the nature
of the general method of coupling employed on the shafting. The "ball" B, b
is here shewn of different radii-though the larger radius made throughout
would answer as well, but taking up more space in the case illustrated it is
necessary that the two portions of a sphere B & b should be concentric to each
other. It is here intended by preference that in the case of steam ship shafting B
Pris 6d1

page_text: should be “astern" and b "forward," and that their corresponding seats in the
"socket" C, C Figs. 1, 2 & 3 should be accurately machined and fitted without
producing "back-lash," the same being said of the drivers" A Figs. 1, 2 & 3 of
which two are understood to be represented by the drawing, while a clear space as
shewn at L Figs. 2 & 3 is allowed for the oscillation of "drivers "in the rotating
or oscillating bushes". D Figs: 1, 2 & 3.
<<
The said "bushes" D being also accurately machined and having sufficient
bearing surfaces to reduce the bearing. to, a minimum. and secured, from coming
out of place by any known method usually adopted in such a case, such as
studs or cap plates &c.; also provided it may be with suitable lubricating
attachment if found necessary.
The "socket" C, C already referred to is here shewn in Figs. 1, 2 & 3 to
be in three distinct parts, C portion represented to be forged solid with the shaft
in the form of a collar onto the end of the shaft, with the bearing portion of
the smaller sphere formed in it, and having two over-hanging flanges in which
are fitted the rotating "bushes" D shewn in section Fig. 1. The other two parts
of the "socket" Chave the bearing portion of the larger sphere B and are put
together in position from the sides on guide keys E Figs. 1, 2 & 3 and secured with
a hoop F Figs. 1, 2 & 3 shrunk on or otherwise. G Figs. 1, 2 & 3 is a block up the
space in that portion of "socket" C which permit, of the ball drivers passing
through into final position.
The heavy dotted lines H Figs. 2 & 3 represent an alternative method of
attaching the "socket" shaft J Figs. 2 & 3 to the socket C by the ordinary bolt
and coupling of a shaft bolted through the back of the "socket C, thereby
making the "ball" & "socket" independent of the shafts, complete and self-
contained in a short length as represented by letter K Fig. 2.
I do not confine myself to this or any particular form of "ball" and "socket,"
it being evident the invention may be embodied in various shapes and constructions,
such as the "socket" being practically speaking in one forging or casting, bolted,
or otherwise part of the shaft .J.
CLAIMS.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
1. A "ball" and "socket" in combination with one or more "drivers" to the
"ball," substantially as described and illustrated.
"
5.
2. "Drivers" in combination with rotating or oscillating, bushes" in com-
bination with a "socket or receptacle; substantially as described and illustrated.
3. Rotating or oscillating "bushes" in combination a "socket" or receptacle
for the combination of "ball" and "drivers"; substantially as described and
illustrated.
JOHN TATE WILLIAMSON.