A universal joint includes a first band and a second band which are separated by a slot, are cylindrical and coaxial with one another with respect to a common axis, a first stiffener whose ends are joined to the first band, and a second stiffener whose ends are joined to the second band. A stem extends between the first stiffener and the second stiffener. A crown is around the stem. Four torsion bars exist, of which two extend between the crown and the first band and two extend between the crown and the second band. Such a universal joint thus has a relatively simple structure.

A dual-axis flexure gimbal device, such as for a fast-steering mirror assembly, can comprise a flexure spring mass body comprising first and second body sections, a flexure diaphragm that interconnects the first and second body sections, and a central aperture formed through the first and second body sections and the flexure diaphragm. A flexure unit can be situated in the central aperture, and can comprise a plurality of slots defining a plurality of flexures. The flexure diaphragm is operable to bend about first and second rotational degrees of freedom, and the plurality of flexures of the flexure unit are operable to flex about respective first and second rotational degrees of freedom. The flexure unit can comprise a plurality of slots, each having a first slot portion and a second slot portion extending in different directions to define a respective flexure. A method of making the dual-axis flexure gimbal device is provided.

A flexible coupling assembly for a power transmission system including a first shaft defining an axis, configured for connecting to a first rotating member, the first shaft adjoining and passing through a first flexible diaphragm coupling and lockably connecting to a quill shaft by a locking flange and the quill shaft being configured for connecting to a second rotating member, including a first mating portion for receiving the locking flange of the first shaft within a circumferential opening, wherein the quill shaft is disposed within a primary diaphragm coupling shaft.

A flexible coupling assembly for a power transmission system including a first shaft defining an axis, configured for connecting to a first rotating member, the first shaft adjoining and passing through a first flexible diaphragm coupling and lockably connecting to a quill shaft by a locking flange and the quill shaft being configured for connecting to a second rotating member, including a first mating portion for receiving the locking flange of the first shaft within a circumferential opening, wherein the quill shaft is disposed within a primary diaphragm coupling shaft.

A radially compliant connection includes an axis, a first plate with a first connection portion, a second plate with a second connection portion, an intermediate plate with third and fourth connection portions, a first flexible element fixed to the first connection portion and to the third connection portion, and a second flexible element fixed to the second connection portion and to the fourth connection portion. In some example embodiments, the first connection portion has a radially inner surface with a first radius, and the second connection portion has a first radially outer surface with a second radius, less than the first radius. In an example embodiment, the third connection portion has a second radially outer surface with a third radius, equal to the second radius, or the fourth connection portion has a third radially outer surface with a fourth radius, equal to the second radius.

The invention relates to a joint, in particular for use in a parallel kinematic positioning device, which has at least three rotational degrees of freedom, and which has a rigid carrier element and at least two elastically deformable joint devices arranged overlapping one another at least in sections on the carrier element, wherein each of the joint devices comprises two joint elements, and each of the joint elements has an elongated connecting section and a securing section arranged at one end of the connecting section for securing the joint device to a higher level unit, and the two connecting sections of each joint device extend in a direction pointing away from the carrier element in such a way that they cross over one another.

A flexible coupling assembly for a power transmission system including a first shaft defining an axis, configured for connecting to a first rotating member, the first shaft adjoining and passing through a first flexible diaphragm coupling and lockably connecting to a quill shaft by a locking flange and the quill shaft being configured for connecting to a second rotating member, including a first mating portion for receiving the locking flange of the first shaft within a circumferential opening, wherein the quill shaft is disposed within a primary diaphragm coupling shaft.

A drive unit is provided for a motor vehicle, including an internal combustion engine with an output shaft, a starting element that can be driven by the output shaft, a transmission that can be driven by the output shaft via the starting element, and a bellows mechanism via which the starting element can be driven by the output shaft. The bellows is configured as a folding bellows with a plurality of walls overlapping each other in the axial direction, such that the bellows can be pulled apart and compressed again without the bellows being damaged or deformed plastically as a result. The bellows is utilized as a balancing clutch, via which the starting element is coupled to the output shaft, such that torques are transmitted via the bellows between the starting element and the output shaft.

Cross beam flexure pivot assembly includes a first housing member having a first arcuate member a second housing member having a second arcuate member wherein the first arcuate member extends into the second housing member and the second arcuate member extends into the first housing member. First, second and, third beams extend in first direction and fourth and fifth beams extend in a second direction all secured to first and second arcuate members. A first axis, second axis and radial axis of the first and second housing members form a common point of intersection. Total of cross section areas of beams extending in first direction and of beams extending in second direction are equal providing equal linear stiffness in both directions. Total moment stiffness about first axis equals total moment stiffness about the second axis.

A dual-axis flexure gimbal device, such as for a fast-steering mirror assembly, can comprise a flexure spring mass body comprising first and second body sections, a flexure diaphragm that interconnects the first and second body sections, and a central aperture formed through the first and second body sections and the flexure diaphragm. A flexure unit can be situated in the central aperture, and can comprise a plurality of slots defining a plurality of flexures. The flexure diaphragm is operable to bend about first and second rotational degrees of freedom, and the plurality of flexures of the flexure unit are operable to flex about respective first and second rotational degrees of freedom. The flexure unit can comprise a plurality of slots, each having a first slot portion and a second slot portion extending in different directions to define a respective flexure. A method of making the dual-axis flexure gimbal device is provided.