Actuant Corporation

B.w. Elliott Manufacturing Co., Inc.

B.w. Elliot Manufacturing Co., Inc.

George M Scherer

Kevin M Hause

Andrew J Leslie

Thomas P Dunn

Robert L Douglass

A transmission assembly for a string trimmer is disclosed. The transmission assembly comprises a liner that includes a sleeve. The sleeve includes an inner surface that defines a passageway for a rotatable core, and the sleeve further includes an outer surface. The liner further includes a plurality of legs that project from the outer surface, and a retainer projection disposed at a position axially adjacent to the plurality of legs. The transmission assembly further comprises a retainer that is held to the liner by the retainer projection. The retainer is configured to axially and radially restrain the liner relative to an outer down-tube.

Transmission assembly for a string trimmer

A flexible, rotating drive transmission assembly having a substantially spiral-shaped liner supporting a center, rotatable, flexible shaft. The liner and its center shaft are carried within an outer down-tube. The spiral-shaped liner contains flexible, continuously tapering, elliptical legs that are self-adjusting and allow the liner to be easily inserted into and firmly retained by the outer down-tube. The self-adjusting legs of the liner conform to the inside diameter of the outer down-tube despite internal variations, thus allowing the liner to maintain its central axis or centerline relative to the central axis of the outer down-tube and end components attached to the assembly. The legs provide vibration isolation and absorption by their inherent spring effect. Moreover, grease skived from the inner wall of the outer down-tube, due to the auger effect of the rotating flexible shaft, is uniformly collected in pockets for distribution along the entire length of the outer down-tube.

Flexible drive shaft liner

A liner for a flexible rotative drive shaft has a single tube with a multiplicity of spaced-apart, flared sections disposed along its elongated length. The flared sections serve many purposes, but primarily center the liner within an external aluminum tube that houses the flexible shaft and liner assembly. The flared sections also reduce non-uniform lubricant distribution along the drive shaft, longitudinal and radial vibration, and shock. Due to the use of flared sections, the overall weight of the liner is reduced, compared to conventional liners.

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Binghamton, NY, United States of America

George M Scherer