Abstract: A drive mechanism for a load carrier includes a slip mechanism connected to a drive shaft and a retaining member configured to retain the slip mechanism. The slip mechanism includes a first member having a slot formed in a perimeter of the first member. The slot is configured to provide for easier rotation of the first member together with the retaining member.

Abstract: A torque limiter includes a first meshing portion provided at a surface of an input shaft, a plate including a second meshing portion which is configured to mesh with the first meshing portion, and a disc spring portion integrally rotatable with an output shaft. The disc spring portion includes an engaging portion engaging with the plate. The disc spring portion is deflected to displace the engaging portion in a direction opposite to the plate in a case where a load equal to or greater than a set value is applied to the disc spring portion while pressing the plate via the engaging portion so as to bias the second meshing portion towards the first meshing portion.

Abstract: A power tool that is capable of more reliably keeping a torque at a constant is provided. An adjustment member is provided with: an engagement hole that is detachably attached to the adjustment member, and serves as an engagement part that engages with a torque adjustment device that serves as a clutch handle for rotating the adjustment member; and a lid that is attached to an opening in such a manner as to cover the engagement hole.

Abstract: An arrangement of concentric, independently rotating shafts for a rotating gear train system is disclosed. The arrangement may include an inner shaft, the inner shaft operatively couplet to a rotating element, and an outer shaft, the outer shaft concentric with the inner shaft and arranged radially outward from the inner shaft. The arrangement may further include a first bearing stack, the first bearing stack arranged radially outward from the inner shaft and including at least one preloaded ball bearing and a second bearing stack, the second bearing stack arranged radially outward from the outer shaft and comprising at least one ball bearing. The arrangement may include a bearing stack retainer, the bearing stack retainer mating with the first and second bearing stacks to hold the first and second bearing stacks in position with respect to the inner and outer shafts and the bearing stack retainer coupled with and rotating with the outer shaft.

Abstract: A locking differential assembly having a locking dog that is mounted in a differential case in a manner that permits the locking dog to be translated along an axis between a first position, in which the locking dog is disengaged from a side gear in the differential case, and a second position in which the locking dog is engaged to the side gear. The locking dog is coupled to the differential case in a manner that permits an increasing range of rotation of the locking dog relative to the differential case with axial movement of the locking dog toward the second position. An axle assembly with the locking differential assembly and a related method for forming a locking differential assembly are also provided.

Abstract: An over-torque protector device including a drive pulley and a drive hub. A plurality of receptacles extends from a pulley face, and a plurality of links extends from a drive hub plate. Each link has a first end pivotably engaged to the plate and a second end provided with coupling means for releasably coupling the drive hub and the drive pulley for unified rotation through operative engagement with the receptacles in a device engaged state, the coupling means and the receptacles out of operative engagement in a device released state. The coupling means and the receptacles have relative axial movements induced by relative rotation between the drive pulley and the drive hub. Transition from the device engaged state to the device released state is induced by the relative axial movements of the coupling means and the receptacles.

Abstract: A torque limiting apparatus is provided having an input shaft, an output shaft, a housing, a spring, and a length adjustable shank and collar assembly. The input shaft communicates with a rotating end segment having a cam surface. The output shaft communicates with a rotating end segment having a complementary cam surface for engaging with the cam surface of the input shaft. The cam surfaces cooperate to generate separation forces between the respective rotating end segments. The spring is configured to oppose the separation forces generated by the cam surfaces, and is configured to urge together the first end segment and the second end segment to remain in rotating coupled engagement. The length adjustable shank and collar assembly is provided between the spring and the housing and is configured to adjust compressive force on the spring to change torque output of the apparatus. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes first and second shafts having a drive system disposed therebetween, wherein the first shaft is coupled to a drive mechanism. A fixed clutch plate is disposed on the second shaft and includes a plurality of ramped members disposed thereon. An attachment shaft includes a slip clutch plate disposed on a first end and having a plurality of ramped members adapted to releasably couple with the plurality of ramped members disposed on the fixed clutch plate. The slip clutch plate is operable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the fixed clutch plate and a biasing mechanism is disposed on the attachment shaft and configured to bias the slip clutch plate towards the engaged position. The biasing mechanism is further configured to be overcome when a torque force of a predetermined load is realized on the attachment shaft.

Abstract: A constant-force device includes a first ratchet wheel mounted rotatably on a shaft and having first sawtoothed projections, a second ratchet wheel mounted on the shaft so as not to rotate relative to the shaft but to move along the shaft and having second sawtoothed projections opposed to the first sawtoothed projections, an intermediate ratchet wheel mounted on the shaft so as not only to rotate relative to the shaft but also to move along the shaft between the first ratchet wheel and the second ratchet wheel and having a pair of intermediate sawtoothed projections meshing with the first and second sawtoothed projections respectively, a biasing member configured to bias the second ratchet wheel towards the first ratchet wheel, and a lock mechanism configured to set the first and intermediate ratchet wheels in a connected or unconnected state.

Abstract: A synchronization mechanism of a clutch mechanism includes a drive side contact member and a driven side contact member provided on a drive side clutch member and a driven side clutch member of a clutch mechanism at positions radially inwardly of a drive side clutch portion and a driven side clutch portion, respectively. The driven side contact member does not contact the drive side contact member when the driven side clutch member is in a disengaging position. As the driven side clutch member moves from the disengaging position to an engaging position, the driven side contact member contacts the drive side contact member, so that the rotation of the drive side clutch member is transmitted to the driven side clutch member through frictional contact between the driven side contact member and the drive side contact member before the driven side clutch member reaches the engaging position.

Abstract: A hand machine tool includes a tool retainer that retains a tool, a motor that drives the tool retainer in a rotary motion, and a torque-controlled sliding clutch that is connected in a drivetrain between the motor and the tool retainer. The sliding clutch includes a first clutch disk, a second clutch disk, a spring and a controlling unit which can be activated manually. The second clutch disk is arranged displaceably alongside an axis limited by a stop in the direction toward the first clutch disk. Force is applied to the second clutch disk by the spring alongside the axis in the direction toward the first clutch disk. The manually activated controlling unit variably sets an axial distance between the first clutch disk and the stop, with which an engagement depth of the first clutch disk with the second clutch disk can be defined.

Abstract: An over-torque protector device including a drive pulley and a drive hub. A plurality of receptacles extends from a pulley face, and a plurality of links extends from a drive hub plate. Each link has a first end pivotably engaged to the plate and a second end provided with coupling means for releasably coupling the drive hub and the drive pulley for unified rotation through operative engagement with the receptacles in a device engaged state, the coupling means and the receptacles out of operative engagement in a device released state. The coupling means and the receptacles have relative axial movements induced by relative rotation between the drive pulley and the drive hub. Transition from the device engaged state to the device released state is induced by the relative axial movements of the coupling means and the receptacles.

Abstract: A clutch arrangement that includes a clutch member and a follower member. The clutch member is coupled to a member of the transmission assembly that is proximate the torsional input of the transmission assembly and which must be in a non-rotating position to permit the transmission assembly to perform a torque multiplication operation. The follower member is biased into engagement with the clutch member to inhibit relative rotation therebetween. As the clutch member and the transmission member are coupled to one another, the transmission assembly is able to perform a torque multiplication operation. When, however, the torsion that is exerted onto the clutch member is sufficient to overcome the frictional engagement between the follower and clutch members, the clutch member, and the transmission member, rotate, thereby inhibiting the capability of the transmission to continue to perform the torque multiplication operation.

Abstract: A wiper motor has an output shaft that outputs a to-and-fro rotation to swing a wiper pivotally. A transmission mechanism transmits the rotational force from the motor body. A clutch mechanism lets the transmission mechanism run idle not to transmit the rotational force from the transmission mechanism to the output shaft when the output shaft is subjected to a torque larger than an engagement releasing torque. The engagement releasing torque is specified to a value larger than a maximum wiping torque to which the torque applied by the wiper onto the output shaft is estimated to reach during a normal wiping operation of the wiper.

Abstract: A torque limiter for use in an actuating drive stem of a subsea wellhead having a collar with an axial bore and a slot through its side. The slot includes a projection directed towards a lower end of the collar and has an edge oriented oblique to the collar axis. A driven shaft inserts in the bore, and a pin mounted in the driven shaft engages the slot. A spring assembly coupled to the driven shaft pushes the collar to retain the pin in the end of the projection. A driveshaft with a drive pin inserts into the bore on an upper side of the collar. The upper end of the collar includes a shoulder that contacts the drive pin when the collar rotates. The spring compresses when excessive torque is in the driven shaft moving the pin up the projection and disengaging the drive pin and shoulder.

Abstract: A driving mechanism for driving a wheel of a toy car includes a motor, a first clutch, a second clutch, a guide shaft, a spring, and a limiting element. The first clutch driven by the motor has an engaging end surface defining a center hole thereon. The second clutch capable of latching with the wheel for driving the wheel has an engaging surface engaging with the engaging end surface. The second clutch defines a stepped hole substantially perpendicular to the engaging surface thereof, the stepped hole includes a first portion and a second portion. The guide shaft is disposed running through the stepped hole and has an end thereof fixed in the center hole. The spring sleeves the guide shaft and is compressed between the limiting element secured on the guide shaft and a stepped surface in the stepped hole.

Abstract: A torque responsive release clutch intended for a power nutrunner and comprises a driving clutch half (11) and a driven clutch half (10) coupled to each other for torque transfer by means of axially directed teeth (16, 17), wherein one of the clutch halves is axially movable between an engagement position and a release position against the action of a bias spring (13). Each one of the teeth (16) of one of the clutch halves (10) has a substantially prismatic shape and extends axially from a base portion (19) to a top portion (20) and comprises two surfaces (22, 23) which form between them a ridge (25). The base portion (19) of the tooth (16) has a radial extent from an inner diameter (d1 to an outer diameter (d2), and the ridge (25) extends from the inner diameter (d1 at the base portion (19) to the outer diameter (d2) at the top portion (20).

Abstract: A torque-limiting device assembly is provided that includes a bell having a top wall and a circumferential side wall defining a bell interior. A plurality of radially-arrayed engagement grooves are formed on an inner surface of the top wall. A clutch stub shaft having a stem and a plurality of engagement protrusions formed on a clutch flange is disposed within the bell interior. A resilient member is secured to the bell, and the resilient member biases the clutch stub shaft towards the top wall of the bell such that the engagement grooves frictionally engage the engagement protrusions to transfer torque from the stem to the bell when the stem is rotated. An input torque applied to the stem that is greater than a predetermined input torque causes the engagement protrusions to disengage from the engagement grooves such that the input torque is not transferred from the stem to the bell.

Abstract: A torque-limiting driver has a handle, a body, a torque-limiting assembly and a work-piece engaging tip. The torque-limiting assembly includes an upper and lower shank that have a plurality of teeth circumferentially spaced. The teeth have a vertical face, an inclined face and a flat peak. The inclined face is defined by a radius of curvature that transitions to the flat peak. There is a spring for applying pressure across the upper and lower shank. The teeth engage for relative rotation when the handle is turned and disengage when a predetermined value of torque is exceeded.

Abstract: An impact absorbing device has fixed discs and rotary discs alternately and coaxially disposed. Each disc has two surfaces, and two surfaces of each pair of fixed and rotary discs face each other through a lubricant. Each surface has dimples, respectively, surrounded by concave portions. A position of each dimple in the rotary discs is differentiated from a position of any dimple of the fixed discs in a radial direction of the discs. In response to an impact given to the rotary discs, the rotary discs are rotated on the fixed discs against a frictional force between the discs to absorb the impact. During this rotation, each dimple of the rotary discs is moved along a circumferential direction of the discs, and no concave portions of the rotary discs are placed just on the concave portions of the fixed discs.

Abstract: A driving mechanism for driving a wheel of a toy car includes a motor, a first clutch, a second clutch, a guide shaft, a spring, and a limiting element. The first clutch driven by the motor has an engaging end surface defining a center hole thereon. The second clutch capable of latching with the wheel for driving the wheel has an engaging surface engaging with the engaging end surface. The second clutch defines a stepped hole substantially perpendicular to the engaging surface thereof, the stepped hole includes a first portion and a second portion. The guide shaft is disposed running through the stepped hole and has an end thereof fixed in the center hole. The spring sleeves the guide shaft and is compressed between the limiting element secured on the guide shaft and a stepped surface in the stepped hole.

Abstract: A driving force transmission apparatus has a driving gear; a driven gear; a toothed clutch transferring the driving force from driving gear to driven gear and which includes driving-side and driven-side ratchets that are movable in the axial direction of the clutch; and a compression spring biasing driven-side ratchet toward driving-side ratchet. When the tip end of the pawl of the driven-side ratchet is at the same position as the tip end of the pawl of the driving-side ratchet in the axial direction of the toothed clutch, the compression spring biasing force acts on the driven-side ratchet. And when the driven-side ratchet fully engages the driving-side ratchet, the biasing force does not act on the driven side ratchet.

Abstract: A torque limiting device with an override mechanism coupled to a valve assembly capable of limiting the torque applied to the valve assembly and selectively being overridden to permit the application of excessive torque to the valve assembly. Tattletale devices capable of indicating when an override mechanism has been activated can also be integrated with the torque limiting device.

Abstract: Inner circumference projections of a driven coupling are engaged with inner circumference recesses of a drive coupling. Outer circumference projections of the driven coupling are engaged with outer circumference recesses of the drive coupling. A chamfered portion formed at each tip of the rotational leading-side side surface of the inner circumference projections is capable of contact with the leading-side side surface of each inner circumference recess. A rotational trailing-side circumferential end face of each outer circumference projection and a rotational trailing-side circumferential end face of each outer circumference recess are in surface-to-surface contact with each other. As a result, the drive coupling and the driven coupling can rotate integrally without rattling in the rotational direction.

Abstract: A hand held motor driven electrically powered tool, in particular a rotary hammer, comprising a spindle (40) for rotatingly driving a tool or bit (68), a spindle rotary drive train (14, 5, 10) for rotatingly driving the spindle (40) and an arrangement for detecting blocking events (16, 17). Blocking events occur when the tool or bit of the tool become rotationally fixed in the material being bored in which case the rotary drive on the spindle from the motor causes the tool housing to rotate in a user's grip.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool has a motor output shaft, a tool driver, and a torque-limiting unit with which a maximum torque transferred from the motor output shaft to the tool driver is adjustable by an operator, the torque-limiting unit including a spring system, the spring system including differently-acting spring elements.

Abstract: A transmission for transmitting torque smaller than an adjustable value includes three transmitting elements. The first transmitting element includes a non-circular tunnel and a shoulder. The second transmitting element includes a non-circular insert inserted in the non-circular tunnel, wedges and a shoulder. The third transmitting element includes wedges engaged with the wedges of the second transmitting element. An elastic element is compressed between the shoulders of the first and second transmitting elements so as to engage the wedges of the second transmitting element with the wedges of the third transmitting element. A first collar includes a thread. A second collar includes a thread engaged with the thread of the first collar so that the collars contain the transmitting elements and the elastic element and that the collars can be rotated relative to each other to change the relative axial position between them and adjust the adjustable value.

Abstract: An external surface of a spindle is formed with tapering grooves which become narrower in a direction towards the forward end of the spindle. A slider sleeve is provided with splines which also taper in a forward direction. In this way, the slider sleeve is prevented from rotating relative to the spindle, but can slide axially. A rearward end of the slider sleeve includes a recess containing an elastomeric O-ring. When the drive torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, inclined surfaces of the mutually engaging teeth on the spindle drive gear and slider sleeve slide over each other, as a result of which the drive gear slides forwardly along the slider sleeve against the action of a spring. The spindle drive gear can then rotate relative to the slider sleeve and the cooperating sets of teeth ratchet over each other, preventing spindle drive gear being from rotating the spindle.

Abstract: A portable power tool with a housing, a motor having a motor output member, a driven member and a transmission. The transmission, which is located in the housing, is configured to receive a rotary input from the motor output member and to produce a rotary output that is transmitted to the output spindle. The transmission has a plurality of planetary transmission stages, each of which including a ring gear, a planet carrier and a plurality of planet gears that are supported by the planet carrier for meshing engagement with the ring gear. The transmission further includes at least one member that may be configured in a first condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an active mode, and a second condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an inactive mode. The transmission is operable in at least three overall speed reduction ratios.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.

Abstract: The jaw clutch damper system includes a damper which can be a disk spring which absorbs shock forces generated by rapid re-engagement of clutch plates of the clutch and dissipates energy of the shock forces in cooperation with the other components of the clutch, including a clutch spring, such that resulting shock forces exerted against rotatable members connected to the clutch are damped and reduced substantially in magnitude within a time interval before occurrence of a subsequent shock force.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for limiting a torque output of the power tool. The clutch assembly includes an annular rotatable clutch member, which is coupled to the ring gear of a planetary gearset in a transmission, and an engagement assembly. The clutch member has a clutch face with a predetermined clutch profile. The engagement assembly has at least one follower member that abuts the clutch member and cooperates with the clutch profile to inhibit rotation of the clutch member relative to the follower member only when the magnitude of the torque output of the power tool is less than a predetermined maximum torque. The clutch face on the clutch member is located between the opposite axially ends of the ring gear.

Abstract: A clutch arrangement for a power tool having a multi-speed transmission. The clutch arrangement includes a clutch member and a follower member. The clutch member is coupled to a member of the transmission that is proximate the torsional input of the transmission and which must be in a non-rotating position to permit the transmission to perform a torque multiplication operation. The follower member is biased into engagement with the clutch member to inhibit relative rotation therebetween. As the clutch member and the transmission member are coupled to one another, the transmission is able to perform a torque multiplication operation. When, however, the torsion that is exerted onto the clutch member is sufficient to overcome the frictional engagement between the follower and clutch members, the clutch member, and the transmission member, rotate, thereby inhibiting the capability of the transmission to continue to perform the torque multiplication operation.

Abstract: A retractable screen door for drawing a flexible screen panel across an opening, including a flexible screen wound around a spring biased take-up shaft, and guide rails for guiding the screen as it is moved across the opening. A unique latch mechanism is disclosed, said latch mechanism being located in the guide rails. Further, the screen may include an adjustable gear assembly for changing the tension on the spring. The retractable screen is optionally designed to have the appearance of a common door casing.

Abstract: A torque adjusting device of an electric drill includes an annular member with notches in an end and grooves in an outer periphery thereof. A driving part connected to an output shaft is received in the annular member and operationally connected to the motor by a solar gear system. A mounting member has pins located in alignment with the grooves and a cap has a ring member movably mounted to the mounting member. A spring is biased between the ring member and the pressing ring which presses balls engaged with the notches. when the ring member is moved to compress the spring, the pins are pushed into the grooves by the ring member to secure the annular member so as to output strong torque.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism (17) includes an internal gear (10) and a plurality of cylindrical pins (26) pressed rearward against a front end surface of the internal gear (10) by a coil spring (25) via a flat washer (24). Provided on the internal gear's front end surface are a plurality of cam protrusions (28) corresponding in number and position with the pins (26). Each cylindrical pin (26) has at its rear end surface a circumferentially chamfered edge (27) and each cam protrusion (28) has a pair of guide slope surfaces (29) with same inclination as the chamfered edge (27) of the pin (26).

Abstract: An overload protecting device assembled in an auger transmission is disclosed as including a worm wheel having its side wall formed with a plurality of wheel-side protruding segments, a boss member engaging with the wheel and fixedly coupled to an auger shaft for non-rotating relationship, and a slide washer having a plurality of wheel-side projections facing the wheel-side protruding segments. When the auger shaft encounters a torque exceeding a given value, the worm wheel and the boss member are enabled to rotate relative to one another. As the wheel-side projections ride on the protruding segments, the slide washer is moved in a direction opposed to the worm wheel. A washer detection switch detects such a movement to produce a detection signal to forcibly stop the operation of an engine.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism (17) includes an internal gear (10) and a plurality of cylindrical pins (26) pressed rearward against a front end surface of the internal gear (10) by a coil spring (25) via a flat washer (24). Provided on the internal gear's front end surface are a plurality of cam protrusions (28) corresponding in number and position with the pins (26). Each cylindrical pin (26) has at its rear end surface a circumferentially chamfered edge (27) and each cam protrusion (28) has a pair of guide slope surfaces (29) with same inclination as the chamfered edge (27) of the pin (26).

Abstract: A mechanical clutch assembly, particularly for rotary motion transmission shafts in household or professional cleaning machines. The assembly comprises a first driving disk and a second driven disk which are inserted coaxially in a transmission shaft; the first driving disk is fixed to the shaft and the second driven disk is free with respect to the shaft and is associated, so that it is free to perform a translation movement along the axis of the shaft, with a transmission coupling connected to a corresponding cleaning tool. The first and second disks have, on mutually opposite faces, first radially protruding teeth which are adapted to mesh together, so as to ensure the transmission of motion up to a preset value of the torque; the coupling, which is free with respect to the shaft, accommodates pusher elements for the second disk which are adapted to keep the second disk pushed so as to mesh with the first disk up to preset limits of transmitted torque.

Abstract: A slip coupling comprised of a hub with extending flexible vane(s). The vane(s) extend from the hub at an acute angle which allows them to flex when coming in contact with a relatively rotatable friction cylinder. The friction between the vane(s) and the friction cylinder creates resistance to movement. Relative motion between the hub and friction cylinder occurs only when the frictional force between them is overcome.