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 socket wrench for an hexagonal fastener wherein the clockwise and counterclockwise drive portions of the internal surface configuration of the wrench engage an associated hexagonal fastener with substantially surface to surface contact on each fastener side in close proximity to, but always spaced from, a fastener corner, thereby providing a maximum practical moment arm between wrench and fastener, and yet avoiding deteriorating engagement between the wrench and the fastener corners. The clockwise and counterclockwise drive portions of the wrench occupy the middle about 1/2 of each uniform 60.degree. segment of the wrench opening. The space on the internal surface configuration of the wrench between adjacent pairs of drive portions is relieved just enough to avoid interference with the corners of the fastener, thereby providing a rotational clearance of about 25.degree. with the fastener, the precise angular amount depending on manufacturing tolerances in the wrench and fastener.