The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 11, 1999
Filed:
Apr. 18, 1997
Seth E Gitnes, Everett, WA (US);
The Boeing Company, Seattle, WA (US);
Abstract
The torque limiter described herein is a device for preventing the transmission of torque from a drive source to a torque responsive element when a predetermined torque limit has been reached. The device also provides subsequent mechanical indication that the predetermined torque limit has been reached. The device operates by transmitting torque between two axial members, a drive member and a driven member, having a plurality of balls therebetween with the balls engaged within precisely shaped sockets contained within each axial member. As excess torque occurs, the plurality of balls cause the driven member to axially displace with respect to the drive member, engaging a set of teeth contained on the driven member with a second set of teeth aligned with the first set of teeth and restrained within the housing, thereby preventing torque transmission. The second set of teeth is allowed to rotate, relative to the housing, through a predetermined angle into a torsionally compliant mount before contacting substantially rigid structure. This allows the teeth to engage smoothly at higher operating speeds. Indication of the torque overload event is achieved by detecting the limited motion of the second set of teeth relative to the housing with a slidably mounted plunger within the housing and axially located by a detent in the member containing the second set of teeth.