Paragraph Number

7

As used herein, “coupling”, “coupling member”, or "coupler" refers to a mechanical device, apparatus, member, component, system, assembly, or structure, that is organized, configured, designed, arranged, or engineered to connect, or facilitate the connection of, two or more parts, objects, or structures. In certain embodiments, a coupling can connect adjacent parts or objects at their ends. In certain embodiments, a coupling can be used to connect two shafts together at their ends for the purpose of transmitting power. In other embodiments, a coupling can be used to join two pieces of rotating equipment while permitting some degree of misalignment or end movement or both. In certain embodiments, couplings may not allow disconnection of the two parts, such as shafts during operation. (Search "coupling" on Wikipedia.com July 26, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed July 27, 2021.) A coupler may be flexible, semiflexible, pliable, elastic, or rigid. A coupler may join two structures either directly by connecting directly to one structure and/or directly to the other or indirectly by connecting indirectly (by way of one or more intermediary structures) to one structure, to the other structure, or to both structures.

Added by DJM Jan 2024