Abstract: There is disclosed an actuator for a rotary valve, such as a butterfly valve which rotates a quarter of a turn between open and closed positions. The actuator includes a drive mechanism releasably attachable to the stem of the valve for rotating it in response to operation of a reversible electric motor.

Abstract: There is disclosed an actuator for a rotary valve, such as a butterfly valve which rotates a quarter of a turn between open and closed positions. The actuator includes a drive mechanism releasably attachable to the stem of the valve for rotating it in response to operation of a reversible electric motor.

Abstract: A torque is transmitted from a steering assistance motor to a steering shaft via a gear. The first rotation restraining element, which is radially deformed by being sandwiched between the outer circumference of the steering shaft and the inner circumference of the gear, exerts a radial force corresponding to the radial deformation on the steering shaft and the gear, to generate a torque based on friction for restraining the relative rotation between the shaft and gear. The restraining torque generated based on the deformation of the first rotation restraining element is smaller than the breaking torque of the second rotation restraining element, which is fitted to the steering shaft and the gear via clearances so as to restrain the relative rotation between the shaft and gear.

Abstract: A passive disconnection mechanism for use in a multiple-motor actuation system. The mechanism disengages a failed motor from the remainder of the system to preserve system operability.

Abstract: An electric hoist comprising an electric motor and a sheave driven by the electric motor via a reduction gear. The reduction gear comprises a pair of helical gears meshing with each other. One of the helical gears is axially movably arranged on a shaft and is moved in the axial direction thereof when there is a load on the load chain supported by the sheave, and when the axial movement of the movable helical gear is detected by a sensor, the speed of rotation of the electric motor is automatically changed from a higher speed to a lower speed.

Abstract: A safety device for limiting axial operating loads which are exerted on a drive worm of a machine, such as a platen press, including a pressure chamber receiving a first piston connected to an auxiliary shaft, which is axially shiftable and non-rotatable, and is connected to one end of a main shaft of the drive worm. Fluid pressure in the pressure chamber holds the piston in a first position to maintain the axially displaceable connection of the other end of the main shaft to a drive shaft. In response to an axial overload, the pressure in the pressure chamber is relieved to eliminate the holding feature to allow the main shaft to shift axially to disengage it from the drive shaft. The safety device includes a second piston for moving the first piston to the first position where the drive shaft and main shaft are recoupled when the machine is in a rest position.

Abstract: An output torque sensing and limiting mechanism, for preventing the continued application of torque to a load when the torque exceeds a selected value. The mechanism is positioned at the end of a gear train, meshed with the final gear and adapted to transmit the output torque to the load, through an output adapter. An input gear assembly includes a sector gear, meshed with the gear train, for receiving the input torque. A housing assembly is rotationally carried on the input gear assembly, with wing members extending to define a wing angle. The sector gear lies in the wing angle, with vertical gear ends adjacent each wing member. A torque sensor subassembly is carried in each wing member, consisting of a bearing button positioned in registration with the sector gear end, biased into position by a wave spring and adjustable by means of a retainer button. Microswitches are carried on the sector gear, located with the switch elements extending into the gap between the sector gear and each wing member.

Abstract: A more efficient wind power generation system is afforded by extending tower heights to several hundred meters to operate wind catching rotors and generators aligned with the wind direction at various levels along the tower. With multiple vertically cascaded wind generators and higher velocity winds at higher elevations greater power is produced in a system characterized by a small footprint. This is particularly enhanced by a single mast construction, which is supported by a dynamic guy wire tensioning system to accomodate varying lateral forces primarily caused by the change in direction of wind loads on the tower. The mast is built from modular sections connected together at articulated joints, between which the various rotors are stationed.

Abstract: A screw lift comprises a lift car (2) which is movably supported on an upright fixed screw (4) and carries a nut (54) in engagement with the screw and a belt drive for rotating the nut on the screw and thereby driving of the lift car along the screw. The nut (54) is rotatably journalled in a lubrication and bearing housing (62), which is connected with the lift car (2) and out of which it extends with a portion, that widens essentially conically and carries a belt pulley (56) with a correspondingly conically shaped hole. The belt pulley and the nut are mutually somewhat axially shiftable. A pulse transmitter (130,132) is arranged as the only position, direction and velocity determining device for the lift for sensing the position of the nut on the screw and emitting signals corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A mechanical drive, especially a stepping drive which can be driven by a drive shaft (14) for the conversion of a rotary drive movement to an output rotary movement which follows a given law of movement and can be taken from an output shaft (16), is provided with a spring-biased safety coupling (22; 26; 28) which disengages upon overload. The spring (30) biasing the safety coupling is supported on a biasing element which is mounted in the drive casing (12) for movement by a given amount in the direction of an increase or reduction of the spring bias, and which is part of the output of a cam drive whose cam is coupled co-rotationally with the drive shaft or output shaft (14 and 16, respectively).

Abstract: A linear actuator includes an electric drive motor which is connected to a drive screw through a gear train. Rotation of the drive screw causes the drive nut to move axially in order to impart axial motion to an extension member. Limit switches function to disengage power to the electric motor upon the extension member reaching the outer or inner limits of its stroke. Also, a thermal sensing element located in the windings of the electric motor interrupts power to the motor upon the heat-up of the motor windings above a predetermined temperature, as when the drive nut jams or locks up. A sealed housing contains the drive screw, drive nut and extension to protect against entry of dust. The housing has reaction surfaces which cooperate with the drive nut to permit linear movement of the nut while holding the nut against rotation.

Abstract: A bi-directionally effective overload protection device for a rotation machine part includes two coaxially arranged, mutually juxtaposed ring discs frictionally connected to a machine; a gear disc with outer gearing and inwardly directed flange means circumscribes the ring discs; a plurality of springs hold said gear disc normally in particular position in relation to the ring discs, permitting the gear disc to rotate relative to the ring discs upon occurrence of an overload in either directional rotation; a dual switching ring having an inner and an outer ring portion is connected to the second ring disc through resilient bar or leaf spring portions of the switching ring; actuator ramps on the outer and inner ring portions cooperate with axially extending cams on the gear disc so that either the inner or the outer ring is axially shifted on overload in one or the other direction; switches are arranged in relation to the inner and outer ring portion for being actuated by the particular one that is axially shi

Abstract: To provide a torque limiting and overtravel stop device for aircraft actuation systems, where the overtravel stop is lightweight, bi-directional, repeatable and on-jamming, and allows for many revolutions of rotation between each end stop, the device includes a drive shaft having an input end and an end disposed in remote relation to the input end. A torque limiter is operatively associated with the drive shaft for rotational movement therewith and includes an input side adapted to receive input torque from the drive shaft and an output side adapted to transmit input torque from the drive shaft. The device includes a driven shaft having an input end driven by said drive shaft and an end disposed in remote relation to the input end with a traveling nut being disposed on the driven shaft for movement between the ends thereof. Gears are operatively related between said drive shaft and said driven shaft to normally provide a relative speed difference between the traveling nut and the driven shaft.

Abstract: This improved driving force support is used in a linear actuator in which rotary motion of a rotating screw shaft is converted to linear motion of a travelling nut. The driving force support comprises a pair of springs surrounding the rotating shaft and held in compression between a pair of shaft bearing receivers. The receivers and bearings held thereby move axially with the rotating shaft as axial forces are applied to the shaft by the travelling nut. The bearing receivers slide axially in a hollow housing. The springs are arranged in series between seats which normally abut the respective bearing receivers and also normally abut stop surfaces in the housing. One spring has a high degree of stiffness, and the other has a comparatively low degree of stiffness.

Abstract: A system for coupling together two flaps of an aircraft wing, which flaps are adjacent and are situated at least substantially in the extension of each other. Each flap has its own pivoting and drive means. The system includes a mechanical coupling which connects the two flaps together and which is intended to ensure synchronized operation thereof. The system further includes a mechanical emergency connection able to take over the function of the mechanical coupling should this latter fail. The transfer of function between the mechanical coupling and the mechanical emergency connection causes the movement of at least one mechanical signaling member.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes an electric drive motor which is connected to a drive screw through a gear train. Rotation of the drive screw causes a drive nut to move axially in order to impart axial motion to an extension member. Limit switches function to disengage power to the electric motor upon the extension member reaching the outer or inner limits of its stroke. Also, a thermal sensing element located in the windings of the electric motor interrupts power to the motor upon the heat up of the motor windings above a predetermined temperature, as when the drive nut jams or locks-up. A sealed housing contains the drive screw, drive nut and extension to protect against entry of dust. The housing has reaction surfaces which cooperate with the drive nut to permit linear movement of the nut while holding the nut against rotation.

Abstract: A bi-directional advance gear having a torque limiting radial friction clutch is disclosed. The friction clutch comprises an annular member having an inner and outer periphery and having gear teeth defined by its outer periphery and radially inwardly projecting teeth on its inner periphery. A flat web substantially closes one face of the annular member to provide a shallow recess bounded by the projecting teeth and defines an opening concentric to the annular member. An inner member having a hub portion is rotatably mounted in the opening and has a pinion gear at one end. The other end of the hub has a plurality of radially extending rosette-shaped springs contained in the recess. Each spring has a pair of radially extending leg portions joined by an arcuate portion. Each arcuate portion has a lobe biased into engagement with the inwardly projecting teeth.

Abstract: A torsional vibration absorbing device for a transmission, such as manual shift automotive transmission, wherein a friction clutch is provided on the output shaft within the transmission. One set of springs apply a constant resilient force to the friction clutch. Interengaging cam plates are caused to separate axially by increases in torque transmitted and another set of springs impose an additional resilient force on the friction clutch to reduce slippage upon such separation. The cams on the cam plates have helically shaped surfaces for full face-to-face contact and the slopes of the surfaces are different for forward or reverse drive therethrough to provide different slippage characteristics for acceleration and deceleration.

Abstract: An adjusting device with an overload slip system and a slip-independent position indicator includes a driving system and an adjusting member movable by the driving system between two end stops. The driving system includes an electric motor housed in a housing and a planetary transmission connected to the motor shaft, the power output shaft of the transmission being in engagement with the adjusting member. A stationary, internally toothed ring of the planetary transmission is confined between facing peripheral edges of the divided housing and is capable of slipping relatively to the edges of the housing under overload conditions. A support plate with a circular electrical resistor is fixedly connected to the housing on the side of the power output shaft. A runner contact connected to the power output shaft is movable over the resistor.

Abstract: A drive mechanism comprises a support upon which a drive member is mounted for movement relative to a frame. The drive member comprises first and second elements which are relatively movable, the one of which may be mounted on the other. The elements are interconnected by a resilient member which transmits the drive therethrough, a drive input being coupled to a one element, a drive output to the other element. A detector generates a signal output responsive to relative movement of the elements which may serve to control a drive transmitted through the mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the support is a rotatable screwed shaft and the first element a traveller thereon upon which the second element is slidably mounted, the elements being interconnected by helical springs.

Abstract: In a milling machine, a quill power feed mechanism is provided an adjustable overload slip clutch capable of feeding the quill completely to a pre-set micrometer quill stop during a drilling or boring operation. The improved slip clutch includes an overload housing which is attached to a driven gear freely rotatable about a quill pinion shaft, and a clutch body attached to the quill pinion shaft. The overload housing has a smooth internal clutch face which interfaces with a corresponding smooth outer clutch face on the clutch body to drive the quill pinion shaft. The force with which the clutch body is passed against the smooth internal clutch face is adjustable to vary the resistance torque on the quill pinion shaft at which the interacting clutch faces will slip and allow the overload housing to rotate independently of the clutch body.

Abstract: Conical drives for changing the speed of an output shaft relative to an input shaft include a conical coupling between the output shaft and a conical driving member within the drive. The output and input shafts are aligned with a first axis and the conical driving member rolls around the first axis without slipping while rotating about a second axis disposed obliquely with respect to and intersecting the first axis at a coincidence point. The apexes of the conical coupling and the conical driving member are coincident with the coincidence point. The conical coupling is utilized with both single and multispeed drives.

Abstract: A follower nut assembly is attached to a load carrying nut all of which is threaded onto a ball screw of a drive actuator. The actuator drive causes a load attached to said load carrying nut to be translated to a fully extended position. At about the fully extended position, a run-off end without threads of the ball screw is positioned in the load carrying nut. This causes the translating force to be fully applied to a follower nut which is normally shear pinned to the load carrying nut. Because of the inertia of the load, the follower nut shears the pin and then rotates within a cage of the follower nut assembly. The translation of the load stops when the shear pin is broken. A thrust bearing is positioned between the follower nut and the load carrying nut to provide the necessary support when the load is fully extended.

Abstract: The mechanism of the invention can be mounted on and in contact with a frame. A spindle (2) is disposed within a shallow strip-like housing (1) parallel to an edge of a glazed sash of a window or door and a slider (3) displaceable on rotation of the spindle (2) is mounted on the spindle in order to drive a latching and/or deployment device for the glazed sash. The spindle can be adjusted by means of a knob-like handle (4) which is drivingly connected with the spindle (2) via gears (5, 6). A safety coupling (15 to 23) which limits the maximum achievable positioning force is arranged inside the handle (4).

Abstract: A motor-driven cylinder for lifting apparatus has screw means including intermeshed internally and externally threaded screw means by which a load can be moved upwardly and downwardly by the torque of a motor, the motor-driven cylinder including torque transmission means movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite thereto for transmitting the torque of the motor to the screw means. During operation, the torque transmission means is moved in the first direction by the applied torque of the motor causing compression of a spring. When no torque is produced from the motor due to its malfunctioning or due to a lack of electrical power applied to the motor the torque transmission means is moved in the second direction under the restoring force of the compressed spring into a mechanically braked condition. Thus, a compact, integral, low-cost safety device is provided for preventing the lifting apparatus from falling, accidentally, under the force of gravity.

Abstract: A power transmission system having a resilient buffer to prevent generation and transmission of vibrations between gears below a predetermined rotational speed. A plate is mounted for relative circular movement on a driven gear and contains buffer springs to damp vibrations until positive engagement results. A clutch mechanism surrounds the buffer disk and uses a rotating ramp surface with centrifugally actuated caged members to separate the clutch from the gear above a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A mechanical jack construction is provided comprising a load-bearing rack which is adapted to be moved in the vertical plane by an engaging pinion. The pinion is connected to a lever-driven ratchet wheel by means of shear pins. Application of an excessive load to the load-bearing rack will result in fracture of the shear pins, disengagement of the pinion from the ratchet wheel and substantially instantaneous lowering of the rack. Such construction lends itself to use in track repair and similar applications in which immediate jack retraction is desired upon engagement of excessive loads.

Abstract: A power tool has an electric motor with a motor shaft having a spiral gear through which the motor drives the tool. A pressure sensor is disposed so as to be subjected to the axial thrust of the motor shaft created by the spiral gear during operation of the tool. A torque control device is connected to the pressure sensor for influencing the motor in response to such axial thrust, for example to control or limit the torque of the motor. Preferably, the pressure sensor comprises a disk of electrically conductive plastic and is located between a thrust bearing of the motor shaft and an axial support therefor. Such disk is disposed between a pressure plate and an electrode plate having spaced apart electrodes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a resettable force limiting assembly of the ball and screw type employed in a flight control actuation system. The resettable force limiting assembly includes a force transmitting reciprocating output member drivingly carried by an actuating member mounted for rotation in a housing. A reversible torque input is mechanically coupled to the actuating member to cause the output member to move in a direction dependent upon the direction of rotation of the input. A reciprocating reaction plate is secured for rotation with the actuating member. In operating cooperation with the reaction plate is a reaction plate engagement assembly that has elements secured against rotation to the housing. The elements are disposed on either side of the reaction plate. The elements have compression springs coupled thereto to resiliently separate the elements while allowing the elements to individually move towards and away from the reaction plate.

Abstract: A metal forming machine for forming articles from metal workpieces has a plurality of driven members for performing work on the metal workpieces. A drive shaft is connected with the driven members for transferring force to the driven members. A frangible portion is connected in the drive shaft and is designed to fail upon the occurrence of a predetermined overload at the member being driven from the drive shaft. A signalling device is associated with the frangible portion to stop the machine and give an alarm when an overload occurs which breaks the frangible portion.

Abstract: In a processor of photosensitive material, a torque sensor actuates an alarm when a helical gear is subjected to torque in excess of a first predetermined value. The torque sensor includes a helical gear positioned on a shaft and biased against a stop. The gear is slidably attached to the shaft along the axis of the shaft and is fixedly attached to the shaft in an angular direction by a key. A shoulder of a flexible rubber boot movable with the gear along the shaft axis moves with the gear when the torque exceeds the first predetermined value and actuates a switch to warn the operator. In addition, as the torque increases, the gear slidably moves along the shaft past the key, thereby allowing the shaft to freely rotate in an angular direction within the gear.

Abstract: In a motor operated hand-held tool, such as a hammer drill, a drive train transmits driving force from a motor to a drive spindle. The drive train includes a safety clutch positioned on a shaft for interrupting the transmission of driving force if a torque overload occurs. The safety clutch has a hub encircled by a gear ring with spring-biased balls releasably interengaging the hub and ring for transmitting the driving force. The hub is engaged with a thread on the shaft and under normal operation a spring prevents the hub from being rotated relative to the shaft and being displaced axially along the shaft. During torque overload conditions the hub acting against the spring moves axially along the shaft until the hub and gear ring are released.

Abstract: A gear clutch comprises an annular clutch casing with a plurality of internal teeth and a clutch hub having a plurality of external teeth meshed with the internal teeth. The clutch is coaxial with the clutch casing and the external teeth have a load bearing part and a root. The clutch hub has an annular axially extending groove extending into the root from one side of the external teeth and ending below the external teeth and an annular radially extending groove on an opposite side of the external teeth and defining with the axially extending groove a cylindrical annular break section of a size smaller than that of the load bearing part, whereby the break section breaks before the load bearing part breaks when the gear clutch is overloaded.

Abstract: A novel mechanical power coupling means employable with a novel material compacting apparatus and utilizing either reciprocal or continuous drive inputs with the coupling means. In the preferred compacting apparatus embodiment a reciprocal drive is used such that the compactor is powered by both reciprocating movements of the input shaft. The compactor may be driven in a variety of speed/torque arrangements using the novel coupling means. The coupling means includes a wrapped spring clutch which automatically engages the highest speed mechanical arrangement capable of overcoming the load on the output shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a force limiting assembly that includes a force transmitting reciprocating output member carried by an actuator member mounted at one end for rotation in a force limiting assembly housing. A power input member is secured to the actuating member in the housing. The assembly is provided with a release mechanism secured to the assembly housing and mechanically releasably secured to the actuating member to thereby permit the actuating member to move axially into the housing. The axial movement into the housing occurs only when an axial force present in the actuating member, which force is directed towards the housing, exceeds a preset value which results in the sudden release and movement of the actuating member and the power input member into locking cooperation with a portion of the assembly housing.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a spindle of a tool machine, in particular a tool machine having a hob rotatably mounted thereon. Worm gearing is provided for driving the workpiece relative to the hob. Clearance is normally provided between the teeth on the worm and the teeth on the worm gear. Structure is provided for eliminating the clearance so that the drive of the workpiece is a positive drive and no errors exist due to the clearance normally provided between the teeth on the gear and the worm gear. In the particular embodiment disclosed in this application, a second worm is provided and is driven by the first-mentioned worm and worm gearing. The helix angle on the second worm lies outside of the automatic locking area and, in turn, acts onto a braking mechanism.

Abstract: A cordless electric drill has a housing formed by two clam-shell sections secured together by a plurality of fasteners. These housing sections define a closed motor and gear compartment which receives a sub-assembly, the latter including a generally U-shaped gear box frame mounting a small D.C. electric motor, a plurality of reduction gears and a spindle. A drill chuck is mounted on the spindle. The sub-assembly and the housing sections include co-operating mounting formations, defined in part by projections and cavities, which mounting formations serve to mount the sub-assembly in place in response to securing the clam-shell housing sections together by the aforesaid fasteners.

Abstract: An automatic inspection apparatus including a carrier body on the (Y, -) side which is slidably supported by X-direction guide rods, and a carrier body on the (Y, +) side slidably supported by both X- and Y-direction guide rods, each carrier body accommodating a plurality of tap shafts vertically movable therethrough, so that the tap shafts are raised and lowered as desired for the inspection of the object. Each carrier body houses a drive shaft operatively coupled to a prime mover for rotation. A plurality of screw gears, each of which is spring-biased in one way, are fitted on the drive shaft axially slidably thereon. These screw gears and tap shafts are operatively interconnected through gearings to raise and lower the tap shafts. In case of overloading on the load side, the screw gears are tripped against the spring forces so that the displacements of the screw gears can be detected.

Abstract: An impact absorbing device for protecting a rotatable member of a motor powered machine tool feed mechanism from excessive impact and overload is disclosed. The device includes structure forming a flanged piston concentrically mounted with respect to the rotatable member and axially slidable within a housing in response to axial displacement of the rotatable member, (which is undesirable and thrust and radial bearing structure in which the rotatable member is journaled for rotative displacement. The housing and the flanged piston combine to define a pressure chamber whose volume varies as a function of the axial position of the piston. The pressure chamber is connected to a source of fluid under pressure, to cause the piston to yieldingly resist axial displacement of the rotatable member with respect to the housing.

Abstract: An overload safety device is provided for use on a feed mechanism to control the feed of such devices as a headstock, tool rest, or rotary table. The overload safety device includes a mounting means for maintaining a feed screw in a fixed position with respect to an axis of rotation of the screw and for permitting the screw to move a predetermined distance along the axis in response to a load placed thereon. The safety device further includes control means responsive to the movement of the screw for producing a control signal when the movement of the screw exceeds the predetermined distance, thus indicating an overload condition.

Abstract: Detecting and indicating the failure of the primary drive train of a flap actuator system that includes primary and secondary drive trains driven by a common power supply is disclosed. When the primary drive trains fails, a free motion zone formed between the common power supply and the secondary drive train is crossed. Crossing of the free motion zone causes the position of an electro-mechanical sensor (or sensors) to change. The change in position of the electro-mechanical sensor(s) creates or changes the value of an electrical signal or signals to provide an indication of the failure of the primary drive train.