Patents by Inventor Merle Johnston

Merle Johnston has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8083596
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a torque limiter comprises an outer cylindrical housing having a plurality of semicircular grooves disposed in an interior surface. An inner cylindrical housing is arranged at least partially within the outer cylindrical housing. The inner cylindrical housing has a plurality of slots passing from its interior surface to its exterior surface. A plurality of roller bearings are disposed within the slots. An elastic cylinder is also arranged within the interior of the inner cylindrical housing. When applied torque is below a torque limit, the elastic component presses the roller bearings into contact with the semicircular grooves to couple the outer and inner cylindrical housing. In response to applied torque exceeding the torque limit, the elastic component compresses sufficiently to allow the roller bearings to retract and disengage the semicircular grooves, thereby decoupling the outer and the inner cylindrical housings and preventing the transfer of torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Holmed Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Silver, Merle Johnston