Abstract: A mechanism useful as a slip clutch or brake which comprises a housing member having a shaft affixed thereto and extending from one end thereof and a ball at the other end thereof having a second shaft extending therefrom outwardly of the housing. The housing has a partial end wall with an opening therethrough for the second shaft and a friction material having a partially spherical surface in the housing and positioned against the partial end wall. The ball is seated against the partially spherical surface of the friction material and drives the housing therethrough, but will slip when a predetermined torque is exceeded. The ball is biased into engagement with the friction material whereby when one of the shafts is rotated, the other is driven through frictional engagement of the ball and the friction material. Where the mechanism is utilized as a brake, the shaft on the housing may be eliminated.

Abstract: A cone clutch comprising a housing member defining an internal frustro-conical surface, an internal member having an mating frustro-conical exterior surface received within the housing member, the housing member and the internal member being relatively rotatable, a layer of friction material is disposed between the frustro-conical surfaces and is unbonded to either surface, and means are provided for biasing the internal member into engagement with the frustro-conical surface of the housing member.