Patent ID: 8449399

Claim:
A joint assembly for coupling first and second rotating parts, comprising: a first rotating part comprising a first mounting flange having a first shoulder, the first rotating part rotatable about a first longitudinal axis; a second rotating part comprising a second mounting flange having a second shoulder, the second rotating part rotatable about a second longitudinal axis, the first flange and the second flange configured to secure the joint assembly with the first shoulder proximate the second shoulder; a cylindrical inner surface disposed in the second shoulder and disposed about the second axis; a centering flange disposed on the first shoulder, the centering flange having a first length and disposed about the first axis; the centering flange having an axially extending non-contact section and an axially coextending contact section that is disposed within and extends radially outwardly from the non-contact section, the contact section having an annular convexly curved outer surface disposed about the first axis and a second length substantially smaller than the first length, the contact section configured to provide a substantially interference fit within the inner surface and axial alignment of the first axis and the second axis; the joint assembly having a first state in which the contact section of the centering flange and the inner surface are engaged and the first and second longitudinal axes are misaligned; and the joint assembly having a second state in which the contact section of the centering flange and the inner surface are engaged and the first and second longitudinal axes are substantially aligned, an interference fit existing when the joint assembly is in the first state and the second state.