Ultra-light pneumatic leaf expanding shaft
US7252261B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H75/2437
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A generally cylindrical expansible shaft includes an outer profile, and a generally cylindrical inner body having a longitudinal axis and at least one first coupling element. At least two semi-circular leaf elements may be movably coupled to the first coupling element of the inner body by means of at least one second coupling element. The leaf elements may together substantially form the outer profile of the generally cylindrical expansible shaft. At least one thrusting element may be operatively disposed between the leaf elements and the inner body to move the leaf elements radially outwards relative to the longitudinal axis to increase an outer diameter of the shaft when in a first configuration, and allow the leaf elements to move radially inwards relative to the longitudinal axis to decrease the outer diameter of the shaft when in a second configuration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.