Patent ID: 8591345

Claim:
A flexible diaphragm coupling assembly, comprising: a) first and second annular diaphragm elements arranged in an axially spaced relationship on a common axis to provide a flexible junction, each diaphragm element including a flexible diaphragm portion extending between a radially outer rim portion and a radially inner hub portion, the outer rim portions of the first and second annular diaphragm elements being coupled together, the flexible diaphragm portion including: i) a radially inner diaphragm section having a maximum axial thickness adjacent the radially inner hub portion and a radially outwardly tapering axial thickness extending to a point of minimum axial thickness of the diaphragm portion; ii) a radially outer diaphragm section having a maximum axial thickness adjacent the radially outer rim portion and a radially inwardly tapering axial thickness extending to the point of minimum axial thickness of the diaphragm portion; iii) a contoured side surface extending between the inner hub portion and outer rim portion; and iv) a planar side surface axially opposed to the contoured side surface, b) a first flange portion coupled to the first annular diaphragm element; and c) a second flange portion coupled to the second annular diaphragm element, wherein the respective contoured faces of the first and second annular diaphragm elements each face in the same axial direction.