Abstract: A motor-driven machine with variable torque setting feature, especially a screwing machine with a torque-controlled switching-off feature, has a shaft which is driven by a motor via a transmission for driving a tool, and a setting ring for presetting a torque at which the shaft is to be disconnected from the transmission and/or the motor will be switched off. In order to enable approximately identical torque curves to be achieved for hard and for soft screwing applications, a clutch with a variable tripping torque is provided whose tripping torque can be adjusted via an indexing ring, which latter can be adjusted together with the setting ring.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) is disclosed including a friction clutch (12) and an overload apparatus (14) connected in parallel between an input (16) and an output (18). Encoders (20, 22) are provided for separately detecting the rotational positions of the input (16) and the output (18). A microcomputer controller (580) controls actuation of the friction clutch (12) and the overload apparatus (14) in response to the rotational positions detected by the encoders (20, 22) allowing the clutch (12) to bring the output (18) to be generally aligned with a select rotational position of the input (16) at which time the overload apparatus (14) can be actuated to rotatably relate the input (16) and the output (18) at the select rotational position and actuation of the clutch (12) can be removed. The microcomputer controller (580) also removes actuation of the overload apparatus (14) when the encoders (20, 22) detect rotation of the input (16) relative to the output (18) from the select rotational position.

Abstract: A torque adjustment device is disclosed which enhances durability and in which it is easy to set a maximum torque and to perform fine adjustment while normally keeping constant a rotational force of a torque adjustment sleeve. A cylindrical clutch adjustment handle is rotatably mounted at an opening portion of a housing. A clutch case is received within the clutch adjustment handle. A plurality of slant surfaces which are different in height in the axial direction are formed in an inner circumferential portion of the clutch adjustment handle. A clutch plate is supported to the slant surfaces. Also, the clutch plate is displaceably mounted along an outer peripheral portion of the clutch case. Steel balls which are held by a clutch surface of an inwardly toothed gear are received in holes of the clutch case. A spring is interposed between an abutment plate in abutment with the steel balls and the clutch plate. A plurality of recesses are formed in a flanged portion of the clutch adjustment handle.

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 method and a device for protecting against a press overload is disclosed whereby, when an excessive pressure which exceeds a specified hydraulic pressure is transmitted to a pressure chamber of a press cylinder, this excessive pressure activates the punching of a shear plate by a shear piston and the excessive pressure is released by the shear piston.

Abstract: A torque control shutoff clutch for power tools is provided with a torque recovery camming device which assists in decoupling the applied power of the clutch along with the shutting off of the motor driving the power tool. The clutch permits automatic reset of the device upon release of the throttle trigger and further throttles air flow to the power source just prior to shutoff thereby minimizing operator shutoff torque reaction.

Abstract: An improved torque control and fluid shut-off mechanism for a fluid operated tool includes a driving clutch member and a driven bit holder connected by ball bearings retained by the clutch member which engages in pockets in the bit holder. The pockets include a specific ramp construction which insures that the threshold torque level of the tool in the forward direction is less than the threshold level in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A screw tightening power tool, comprising a rotation motor, a power supply (27) connected to the motor, an output shaft (13), a torque responsive release clutch (14) including a driving half (16) and a driven half (17) and coupling the motor to the output shaft (13), an activating rod (26) coupled to the power supply (27), a latch means (24) associated with one of the clutch halves (16) and cooperating with the activating rod (26), and a cam (30) associated with the other of the clutch halves (17) and operatively connected to the latch (24) for making the latch shift from an activating rod (26) supporting position to an activating rod (26) releasing position as the transferred torque has reached the actual preset release torque level of the clutch. The cam (30) comprises a spindle (30) which is rotatively supported relative to the driven clutch half (17) for a limited rotational movement relative thereto.

Abstract: A device for driving a screwdriver spindle has a claw clutch and an over-detent clutch. The two clutches are arranged coaxially to each other and have coupling parts which are displaceable in an axial direction. Upon a first response of the over-detent clutch, the claw clutch is disengaged, a correspondingly axially displaceable coupling part of the claw clutch is then locked in a disengaged position by a disengageable safety which is simply a radially elastically expandable clamping sleeve which is connected to the claw-clutch and has a detent projection which protrudes radially inward. The screwdriver spindle on which the clamping sleeve is arranged has two circumferential grooves for engagement of the detent projection, the axial center-to-center distance of which is greater than the coupling stroke of the claw clutch.

Abstract: An overload detection device (100) adapted for mounting between the end of a robot arm (104) and tooling (106) employs an interlocking pneumatic chamber subassembly (1) and a stemmed plate (2) pneumatically secured in a unique "engaging registration" relationship under normal loading conditions. An annular metal bearing member (16) fixed to the chamber subassembly (1) has an elevated sealing surace (56) which provides an airtight seal only when the components are in engaging registration. An excessive load upsets the engaging registration relationship allowing air to immediately escape and the normally rigid coupling provided by the overload detection device (100) to become compliant. The reduction in pressure is concurrently sensed by a specially designed, externally mounted removable pressure sensor (3). The pressure sensor (3) includes a small snap-acting electrical switch (24) which is actuated by a loose fitting unsealed piston (27).

Abstract: An adjustable, precision overload clutch device is disclosed as comprising a rotating driving member drivingly coupled by spring-urged detent plunger members to a driven member, in which bearings are provided for journalably mounting the head of each plunger member to the driving member, and spring adjusting members which permit pre-loading by the spring of each detent plunger and associated bearings. This combination allows the overload clutch to achieve a high locational accuracy upon each resetting after clearance of an obstruction. Elastomeric springs are preferably used for the detent plunger springs, so that by use of the adjusting member, the overload torque range for the precision overload clutch can be substantially adjusted (within limits) as desired for a given application. The clutch also includes structure to make it moisture resistant, including when coupled to an intermittent drive unit, such as a motor-driven indexer, for example.

Abstract: A rotary vane air motor tool includes an adjustable torque sensing clutch which disengages the tool bit from the air motor and simultaneously closes a normally open valve to the air motor upon reaching a threshold value. A lever or toggle actuated normally closed valve is operable to initiate operation of the tool. The normally closed valve includes an exhaust or bypass passage to permit resetting of the normally open valve.

Abstract: The power-operated tool, preferably a screw driving implement, includes a switching clutch which transfers the torque from the drive shaft to the output shaft. Upon reaching the given reactive maximum torque, the switching mechanism is activated to turn off the drive. The clutch components are still engaged, so that one torque is transferred to the screw after the unit is turned off. This allows for unsupervised motion upon the output shaft. One should be able to interrupt the torque transfer to the output shaft completely and to return the switching clutch to its original position with certainty and ease. The switching mechanism maintains the valve body of the on-off valve in the open position, with the clutch component of the separating clutch separated by at least one buffer.

Abstract: An improved torque control and fluid shut-off mechanism for a fluid operated tool includes a driving clutch member and a driven bit holder connected by ball bearings retained by the clutch member which engages in pockets in the bit holder. The pockets include a specific ramp construction which insures that the threshold torque level of the tool in the forward direction is less than the threshold level in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A tightening device of the invention comprises a transmission device comprising a first transmission member, a second transmission member mounted coaxially with the first transmission member between an abutment and a thrust member, at least one torque limiter member disposed between the second transmission member and the abutment or the thrust member, a first adjustable resilient member acting on the thrust member, and a second adjustable resilient member acting on the thrust member independently of the first resilient member and in the same direction as the first resilient member.

Abstract: The drive system connects a servomotor via a clutch to a shaft after the motor has started up from a standstill to a speed in synchronism with the supply frequency to the servomotor. The clutch may also be actuated to disengage the servomotor from the shaft when the servomotor is slowed to a predetermined speed during stopping of the servomotor. A transmission is employed between the servomotor and the shaft to compensate for any shocks to the motor when engaging the clutch.

Abstract: A hydraulic shoe bolt wrench used to mount and remove shoe bolts which secure shoes to a track chain. The apparatus comprises a vertical cylinder stood upright on a frame moving on a work table, a main frame secured to a piston rod of the vertical cylinder, a wrench socket driving shaft vertically projected below the main frame, a low speed high torque motor and a reduction gear provided on the driving shaft. Pressure oil is supplied to the high speed low torque motor and high pressure oil is supplied to the low speed high torque motor. Switching of the high speed low torque motor to the low speed high torque motor is carried out by a pressure switch disposed in a low pressure hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: A torque control tool driver having a torque responsive clutch which holds a rotatable ring gear of a motor driven reduction gear train stationary to effect rotation of a tool driving spindle and which is operable in the presence of pre-determined torque output of such spindle to automatically release the ring gear for rotation whereby to disconnect the spindle from the driving motor. Following spindle disconnect, the driving motor is automatically deenergized in response to rotational movement of the ring gear.

Abstract: An electrically driven lockable actuator for an airline seat assembly is provided with an extendable and retractable actuator arm driven through a gear train by an electric motor. The actuator arm can be locked or unlocked through the gear train to the electric motor by manual activation of a clutch mechanism. Regardless of whether the actuator arm is locked or unlocked, the position of the actuator arm is copied by a follower extending exterior to the actuator. The follower is adjustable to selectively activate limit switches to disconnect power to the driving motor. The switch arm is compact and mounted on the actuator so that electrical control of the motor relative to the operation of the lockable actuator is realized without reference to the nature of the design of the seat assembly.

Abstract: A clutch device adapted for use with robotic tooling is disclosed. The clutch device, which is assembled in a housing having a longitudinal axis, includes a sensing device for detecting undesired pressure from an external source. A rod is fixably secured to the housing and extends along the longitudinal axis of the housing. A collar assembly is provided for connecting the clutch device to robotic tooling. The collar assembly is capable of being pivotally associated with the housing. A piston assembly, which is in communication with the sensing device, is disposed about the rod and moves the collar assembly between a first substantially static position to a second broken-away position upon receiving a signal from the sensing device.

Abstract: A robot tool changer and overload device has first and second separable plates adapted to be respectively connected to a robot arm and to an end of arm tooling device (EOAT) for the robot; a magnet is connected to one of the plates and a steel insert is connected to the other of the plates for providing a magnetic attraction therebetween for holding the first and second plates together; a pair of frustoconical bearing surfaces are formed on the first and second plates at an angle and a depth to interconnect the plates during normal operation and operative to produce pivotal release movement between the plates when an overload force is applied thereto; a flange on one of the plates is adapted to be removably received within a tool cage to cooperate with structure for applying a pneumatic release force between the first and second plates to allow separation therebetween along a Z axis without imposing an overlaod force on the robot arm.

Abstract: A universal load sensing gearbox integrating a safety mechanism for use, for instance, with motor driven closures, such as garage doors, barriers and gates, includes a housing which encases a worm slidably mounted on an input shaft and adapted for rotation therewith. The input shaft is connected with the motor driving the closure. The worm is engaged with a worm gear which is mounted on an output shaft which is connected with the closure. Dished washers are provided generally around the input shaft at both ends of the worm to urge the worm in a central meshed engagement with the worm gear. A motion transmission device is provided on the worm and is adapted to slide therewith to detect a longitudinal movement thereof and to transmit this movement to an actuating device which is adapted to stop and/or reverse the motor.

Abstract: A safety clutch for a motor-driven hand tool breaks the rotational drive train when a working tool becomes seized in a receiving material. The safety clutch includes coupling members (25) positioned in a part (22) for transmitting rotational movement to the working tool. The coupling members (25) are radially displaceable within the part (22) between a first position rotatably connecting the part and a power take-off spindle (21) and a second position releasing the connection between the part and spindle. An annular inertial mass (28) rotates with and is rotatable relative to the part (22). The mass (28) has recesses (31) in its inner surface for receiving the coupling members (25) in the second position, and it has support surfaces for holding the coupling members (25) in connecting engagement in recesses (27) in the spindle in the first position.

Abstract: A hand held pneumatic tool is provided for driving fasteners in which the cam shape and arrangement between the driving and driven cams provides a "dwell" time for preventing further impacts after the desired torque has been reached and a latch arrangement provided to prevent undesired shut-off in the reverse direction of operation. Means are provided to assure restart after shut-off, and a ball spline between the driven cam and spindle is used to increase accuracy.

Abstract: A window operator has a prime mover for opening and closing of a window, with the prime mover being drivingly connected to a drive output member through an intermediate gear structure. A clutch device in the drive structure senses the torque applied to the drive output member in a window closing operation and a switch operable by the clutch is effective to deenergize the prime mover when the torque applied to the output member reaches a predetermined value. The switch can be adjustably located relative to the clutch whereby the predetermined value at which the motor will be deenergized may be varied in order to obtain a desired tension on a member connected to the closed sash of the window, such as a chain connected to the sash of a skylight window.

Abstract: A mechanical device for limiting the maximum torque transferred from a driving shaft to a driven power transmission element including an adapter which rotates fully around a power transmission element; a sleeve firmly affixed to and rotating with the driving shaft; a high friction clutch element pressed between the sleeve and the adapter; and a shear pin connecting the sleeve and the adapter, and providing a compressive force on the clutch element.

Abstract: A motor-driven machine with variable torque setting includes a motor, a planetary gearing driving a work spindle and a rotatably mounted internal gear actuating a motor de-energizer against the action of a spring force when a settable limit torque is exceeded. To achieve a compact design, a torsion spring element extending in the axial direction alongside the planetary gearing is provided for generating the spring force. The torsion spring element carries a swivel element at one end which engages a cam on the internal gear and is held at an opposite end in a support so that the swivel element can swivel out of an initial position against the action of the force of the torsion spring element to de-energize the motor.

Abstract: A flywheel continuously rotates, A piston within the rotating flywheel presses on a support which in turn presses on a friction clutch to engage the spindle press, whcih causes it to rotate with the flywheel. Upon disengagement, piston pressure is released, the spindle press lags and a part of the support lags with the spindle press, quickly disconnecting pressure on the friction clutch. Thus, the driving connection of the flywheel and spindle press is immediately disengaged from the flywheel without dealy otherwise caused by the slowness of return movement of the piston.

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: An improved torque control and fluid shut-off mechanism for a fluid operated tool includes a bit holder and driving clutch member which are connected for uniform cojoint axial movement and independent rotary movement. Spring biased ball bearings provides for cojoint rotary movement which is overcome when the spring biasing force associated with the driving clutch member exceeds a threshold level. A locking sleeve fitted over the driving clutch member cooperates with a control rod for the fluid inlet to the rotary vane air motor to control initiation of operation, termination of operation, and resetting of the tool.

Abstract: A device for detecting when a driven apparatus has frozen and/or its prime mover coupling mechanism is slipping. The rotational speed of the driven apparatus is detected and a corresponding speed signal is compared to a reference speed signal. The reference speed signal corresponds to a speed slightly lower than the idling speed of the prime mover. When the detected speed signal is lower than the reference speed single, slippage in the prime mover coupling mechanism is presumed and a slippage signal is provided. The slippage signal may be used to control the coupling mechanism to disengage the apparatus from the prime mover to prevent damage from occurring.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool has a torque control actuator which shuts off the tool upon the attainment of a predetermined operating torque. A wrap spring clutch which has a torque capacity at the operating torque has an input shaft and an output shaft. A first axially engageable element rotates with the output shaft and a second element can be axially engaged to rotate with the first element. A cam socket rotates with the clutch input shaft and cams on a cam surface of the first element in response to relative angular movements between the clutch input and output shafts. The cam socket is biased so as to move the first and second elements out of engagement and a pressure operated air valve is provided which moves the cam socket against its bias to engage the first and second elements when the tool is operated. When the operating torque is reached, the cam socket cams off a ledge of the cam surface to allow the air valve to move to a closed position where the tool is shut off.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clutch connected between a robot or like and an attached end of arm tooling device (EOAT). The clutch includes two plates having a fixed relationship with one another. Excessive loading on the EOAT beyond predetermined amounts causes the plates to separate from one another. Any deformation in the fixed position of the plates with respect to one another will cause an instantaneous diminishing of a load transmitted between the two plates.

Abstract: Locking arrangements (40,44) are respectively connected, for joint rotation, to a driving and a driven hub (10,16) which are mounted for rotation in relation to one another. The two locking arrangements (40,44) can be coupled to one another by at least one detent member (42) which, in an engaged position, produces an axial disengaging force (B) depending on the transmitted torque. A loading device is provided to produce an engaging force (C) which can be overcome by the disengaging force (B) if a certain torque is exceeded. This stressing device comprises a cylinder compartment (36) to which a fluid under pressure can be supplied from an inlet (56) so long as the detent member (42) is engaged. The detent member (42) is connected to a distributing slide valve (32) for joint axial displacement, which distributing slide valve separates the cylinder compartment (36) from the inlet (56) and connects it to a relief passage (76) if the detent member (42) is at least partially disengaged.

Abstract: The present invention provides and apparatus and method of utilization thereof of an air clutch for a robot or like having simple rugged construction. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an air clutch for a robot which does not require a bladder and has a quick connection type coupling action allowing for rapid changeover of various end of arm tools (EOAT) for the robot or like.

Abstract: A screw joint tightening power tool including a torque limiting device and a rotation motor which via a planetary reduction gear (13) is arranged to deliver a torque to an output spindle (14). A torque responsive release clutch (22, 26, 27) is associated with the planetary gear (13) in order to maximize the output torque of the tool. The ring gear (20) of the planetary reduction gear (13) is rotatably as well as axially movable in the housing (10) and forms together with the housing (10) a torque responsive release clutch which is arranged to transfer a reaction torque from the planetary gear (13) to the housing up to a level determined by the axial bias force provided by a spring (28) acting on the ring gear (20). The release clutch comprises a cam (22, 26) for axially displacing the ring gear (20) against the action of said spring (28) upon rotation of the ring gear (20) relative to said housing (10) as a certain reaction torque level is exceeded.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of utilization thereof of a clutch for placement between a robot or the like and an attached end of arm tooling device. A preferred embodiment of the inventive clutch provides compliance in six axes with adjustable setting and detection means to signal the robot or like to cease operation upon deformation of the clutch element.

Abstract: A tightening apparatus includes a drive motor and a bit are coupled to each other by engagement of a clutch mechanism, the engagement thereof being maintained by a force of a spring one end of which is coupled to the clutch mechanism and the drive motor is released from engagement with the bit when the tightening torque of the bit exceeds a value corresponding to the force of the spring. The tightening apparatus comprises a cylinder and a plunger encased in the cylinder for holding the other end of the spring. The plunger is movable by a drive mechanism such that the force of the spring is varied, whereby the tightening force to be applied to the bit is adjustable in accordance with the position of the plunger as adjusted by the drive mechanism.

Abstract: An internal overload clutch assembly is provided for connecting rotating and rotatable members during normal operation and for disconnecting same when a maximum predetermined torque is exceeded, all of the operating components being mounted within an enclosed housing and including a rotatable member which is rotatably mounted within the housing and has output means extending outside the housing to perform mechanical operations. A rotating member is rotatably mounted on the rotatable member in the housing and is operatively connected to a power source for predetermined rotational movement thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for limiting the force transmitted in either of two directions includes an overload or excessive force actuated switch that generates an excessive force indicating electrical signal that can be employed for drive source interrupting purposes whenever the force to be transmitted equals or exceeds a predetermined magnitude in either of two force transmitting directions and terminates this electrical signal when the force to be transmitted in either of two directions is less than or is reduced below a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A screwing spindle (1) is mounted on a frame so as to be capable of rotating about its own axis, and also to be capable of up and down movement along its axis. The spindle is rotated by a drive gear (26) via an intermediate gear (24) which is mounted on a shaft (31) which is in turn mounted on a moving support (33) which is resiliently urged towards a rest position by return means (39). The wrench device also includes detector means (45) for detecting movement of said moving support (33). When a desired torque has been reached, the moving support (33) is driven away from its rest position by said drive gear (26), and said movement is detected by said detector means (45), which are arranged to then release the jaws of the spindle.

Abstract: A backdrive overload clutch mechanism which includes a rotatable drive member and a rotatable driven member mounted concentric with respect to the drive member. A pair of cooperating clutch jaws, including chamfered teeth, are provided with one jaw on each of the drive and driven members for rotation therewith and separable by relative movement between the members longitudinally of their axis of rotation. A first spring normally urges the clutch jaws into driving engagement. A tongue-and-groove disengaging device disengages the clutch jaws automatically in response to relative rotation between the clutch jaws. A second spring maintains the clutch jaws out of driving engagement when the clutch jaws are automatically disengaged.

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: A permanent magnet DC motor-driven linear actuator has a screw shaft supported against axial movement by a compressed spring. Excess thrust in one direction causes the shaft to move axially to open a first momentary switch, and excess thrust in the opposite direction similarly opens a second momentary switch. The switches are connected electrically in series with each other and with the motor, and enable the motor to stop whenever a mechanical overload is encountered regardless of the position of the actuator operating rod. Diodes connected across the switches in opposite directions allow reversal of the motor by reversing polarity of the DC supply, even when a switch is held open. In two of the embodiments of the invention, the swithes are double-throw switches, and additional diodes are connected from the normally open contacts of the switches to the opposite terminal of the motor to provide dynamic braking.

Abstract: A valve operator powered selectively either by an electric motor or by a manually operable handwheel, the driving connections from both the motor and the handwheel to the valve including one or more planetary gear sets each having a central pinion rotatable by the motor, a ring gear surrounding the pinion, and planet gears interposed between and meshed with the pinion and the ring gear, the planet gears being rotatable about their own axes and mounted eccentrically on a spider member rotatable about the gear axis, the spider member being operable by its rotation to transmit operating power to the valve being controlled. The ring gears of all of the gear sets are fixed in a rotatable gear case which is turned by the handwheel. A pair of non-reversing torque control devices, disposed respectively between the gear set and the motor, and between the gear set and the handwheel, prevent rotation of the motor by operation of the handwheel, and rotation of the handwheel by operation of the motor.

Abstract: Apparatus for limiting torque to a drive line upon rotation in one direction. A rotor is connected to a rotational device within a housing selectively connected to a control for a source of rotational force for operation and cessation thereof. The rotor has a pivoted pawl which mates with an elongated groove in the housing. The pivoted pawl freely pivots in one of two directions but is prevented, by a pin, from rotating in the other direction. A small compression spring on each side of the pawl causes the pawl to re-center in the groove and permits the housing dimensions to be halved as compared to those accomodating a single, high force spring. The rotor has a pair of cam surfaces which contact a plurality of spring loaded push rods in the housing. In operation, the rotor and the housing rotate together about a common axis in either direction. However, when torque loading is imposed during rotation in a first direction, the pawl pivots and moves out of engagement with the housing groove.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electromagnetic clutch having a rotation detecting device. The electromagnetic clutch has a balance weight which is disposed on the outer end surface of a hub connected to a driven shaft. The detecting device for detecting the rotation of the balance weight is located at the position which faces toward a circumferentially discontinuous part of the balance weight. The construction of the above mentioned electromagnetic clutch is very simple and easy to manufacture. Also, the rotation detecting device can be put on or removed easily.

Abstract: An adjustable torque limiting assembly includes a first wrap spring mechanism which provides a readily adjustable torque transmission limit and a second coaxially disposed wrap spring mechanism which provides a mechanical signal that the torque limit has been reached. This signal may be utilized to terminate an energy supply to a prime mover associated with the torque limiting assembly. The first wrap spring mechanism generally includes a wrap spring in which the spring moment and thus the slip or overrunning torque threshold may be readily adjusted. The second wrap spring assembly likewise includes a wrap spring which is activated only subsequent to slip of the first wrap spring and enlarges to engage a concentrically disposed control sleeve. The control sleeve then rotates and activates an associated shut-off mechanism.

Abstract: A window operator has a prime mover for opening and closing of a window, with the prime mover being drivingly connected to a drive output member through an intermediate gear structure. A clutch device in the drive structure senses the torque applied to the drive output member in a window closing operation and a switch operable by the clutch is effective to deenergize the prime mover when the torque applied to the output member reaches a predetermined value. The switch can be adjustably located relative to the clutch whereby the predetermined value at which the motor will be deenergized may be varied in order to obtain a desired tension on a member connected to the closed sash of the window, such as a chain connected to the sash of a skylight window.