Abstract: A planetary gearbox with transmitted torque sensor comprises a gear housing, first and second coupling members, sensing assembly, and planetary gears. The coupling members have axial faces disposed in a spaced apart, opposing relationship. Formed therein are a plurality of conical seats arranged in opposing pairs, each pair receiving a ball therebetween. The sensing assembly is positioned between the housing and at least one of the coupling members, urging the members toward one another and detecting relative axial movement. The planetary gears transmit torque from the second coupling member to a second gearbox shaft. The balls roll partway up the conical seats when transmitting torque between the coupling members, thereby causing the members to move axially away from one another a distance proportional to the torque transmitted. The distance is detected by the sensing assembly to indicate the torque transmitted by the unit.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a hydraulic sensing means to be used in connection with a worm/worm wheel gear arrangement for articulating a boom mounted on a vehicle. A hydraulic chamber on each side of the worm is formed by a bearing retainer and a piston. A worm thrust in the direction of either hydraulic chamber increases the fluid pressure in that particular chamber, which causes the fluid pressure in a closed hydraulic circuit to increase. The pressure increase is sensed by a fluid pressure gauge which sends a signal and/or terminates input power to the worm if the increase in fluid pressure is above a predetermined pressure.