Abstract: An apparatus and method for limiting torque transferred from an engine or motor to a drive shaft or other components. In some embodiments, the torque-limiting device has a spindle disposed within both coupling flanges to increase the resistance to radial forces and to maintain coaxial alignment of the flanges and attached drive shafts. In some embodiments, the axial spacing of bearings that enable rotation of the coupling flanges is based upon the diameter of the spindle. In another embodiment, torque-limiting devices that maintain coaxial alignment may be used to modify vehicle drive shafts to enable long distance towing for long durations at high speeds.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for generating low clearance slidably mated parts. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a measurement device having a non-contact micrometer capable of coincidentally indicating opposing edge data, rotational and linear air bearing slides, and a holding device. The non-contact micrometer allows for measurement of a plurality of parameters of a first part including the diameter and the difference between an edge of the first part and a reference point. The coincidental measurements are used to determine the size and geometric errors associated with the first part after suitable error elimination. In an exemplary system, a processing machine may be instructed by the measurement device to remove material from a second part so that the first part and the second part when mated together have a very low clearance tolerance level, e.g., as little as 0.00005 inches or less.