Universal coupling
First Claim
1. A coupling mechanism for a molten metal processing system comprising:
- an elongated shaft having a first axial end and a second axial end, at least one channel disposed on an outer surface of the first axial end; and
a coupling member for connecting the first axial end to a drive system, the coupling member having a cavity for receiving the first axial end of the shaft and at least one locking member disposed on a wall of the cavity adapted to cooperate with the at least one channel in a locking relationship restricting further rotational movement in at least one direction after the elongated shaft is in a locked relationship with the coupling member.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A coupling mechanism for a molten metal processing system includes an elongated shaft having an upper axial end and a lower axial end. A passage having a torque facilitating shape extends through at least a portion of the shaft. The upper end of the shaft tapers inwardly and forms a tapered seat. At least one channel is machined into an outer surface of the upper end of the shaft. The channel has a first portion extending longitudinally downward from a top surface of the shaft and a second portion extending from the first portion at an angle greater than 90° relative to the first portion. A coupling member, for coupling the shaft to a drive system, includes a body having an annular wall which defines a cavity. At least one locking member is disposed on an inner surface of the annular wall which is adapted to cooperate with the channel in the shaft. The locking member is aligned with the first portion of the channel and the shaft is slid into the cavity. When the locking member reaches a bottom surface of the first portion of the channel, the shaft is turned less than one third of a rotation so that the locking member travels partially across the second portion of the channel thereby pulling the shaft upward. The cavity of the coupling member tapers outwardly forming a mouth which engages the tapered seat of the shaft in a sealing relationship.
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Citations
33 Claims
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1. A coupling mechanism for a molten metal processing system comprising:
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an elongated shaft having a first axial end and a second axial end, at least one channel disposed on an outer surface of the first axial end; and
a coupling member for connecting the first axial end to a drive system, the coupling member having a cavity for receiving the first axial end of the shaft and at least one locking member disposed on a wall of the cavity adapted to cooperate with the at least one channel in a locking relationship restricting further rotational movement in at least one direction after the elongated shaft is in a locked relationship with the coupling member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A coupling device for a molten metal processing system comprising:
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at least one channel machined into a first surface of a shaft; and
at least one locking member mounted to a second surface, the at least one locking member adapted to cooperate with at least one channel in a locking relationship, the locking member restricting further rotational movement of the shaft in at least one direction. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A molten metal processing system comprising:
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a drive system;
a coupling member extending downward from the drive system;
an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end, the coupling member coupling the first end of the shaft to the drive system; and
a first passage having a torque facilitating shape extending longitudinally through at least a portion of the elongated shaft adapted to receive a wrenching tool. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23)
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24. A method for coupling a shaft of a molten metal processing system to a drive system of the molten metal processing system comprising the steps of:
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machining at least one channel into an upper end of the shaft, the channel having a first portion extending vertically downward from a top surface of the shaft and a second portion extending from the first portion at an angle greater than 90°
relative to the first portion, the channel adapted to restrict further rotational movement of the shaft in at least one direction;
providing at least one locking member on an inner surface of an annular wall of a coupling member which is adapted to cooperate with the at least one channel;
aligning the locking member with the first portion of the channel;
sliding the shaft into the coupling member until the locking member has reached a bottom surface of the first portion of the channel; and
turning the shaft so that the locking member travels partially through the second portion of the channel until the coupling member and the shaft are securely connected. - View Dependent Claims (25)
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26. A shaft for a molten metal processing system comprising:
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an elongated body having a first axial end dimensioned to be coupled to a drive system and a second axial end adapted for connection to an associated rotor or impeller; and
at least one channel adapted to restrict further rotational movement in at least one direction and to restrict longitudinal movement after the elongated body is coupled to the drive system disposed on an outer surface of the first axial end, the channel having a first portion extending longitudinally downward from a top surface of the shaft and a second portion extending at an angle from the first portion. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A coupling mechanism for a molten metal processing system comprising:
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an elongated shaft having a first axial end and a second axial end, at least one channel disposed on an outer surface of the first axial end; and
a coupling member for connecting the first axial end to a drive system, the coupling member having a cavity for receiving the first axial end of the shaft and at least one locking member disposed on a wall of the cavity adapted to cooperate with the at least one channel in a locking relationship, wherein the channel includes a first portion extending longitudinally downward from a top surface of the shaft and a second portion extending at an angle from the first portion.
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Specification