Ball Or Roller Patents (Class 192/56.54)
  • Patent number: 11071575
    Abstract: Various torque-limiting screwdriver devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. The screwdriver can include a body, a motor that is configured to rotate a screw engaged with the screwdriver, and a processor configured to control operation of the screwdriver. The screwdriver can have torque-limiting functionality, such as by monitoring the amount of torque applied to the screw and reducing or stopping rotation of the screw when certain torque-limiting criteria are met. In some embodiments, the screwdriver can be switched between manual operation by a user, and automated operation by a motor within the screwdriver. In some embodiments, the screwdriver can be attached to a robotic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Pro-Dex, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Sexson, Alexander M. Pfotenhauer
  • Patent number: 10844914
    Abstract: A torque limiting coupling is arranged rotatably around a longitudinal axis. The torque coupling comprises at least one locking element that is displaceable between a locking position and an unlocking position and that is biased towards the locking position. The locking element is transferable into the locking position in the decoupling position of a switching disc, in which locking position the locking element is supported in a circumferential direction on a coupling hub and on the switching disc, and in which the switching disc is locked against rotation relative to the coupling hub. The at least one locking element is further transferable into the locking position when the switching disc is in its coupling position wherein, in the locking position, the locking element is supported in a circumferential direction on the coupling hub and the switching disc, and the switching disc is locked against rotation relative to the coupling hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Höck, Martin Hector, Matthias Littau
  • Patent number: 10368913
    Abstract: An external fixation frame system may include a first ring, a second ring, and at least three struts configured to couple the first ring to the second ring, each strut having a rotatable head portion and a counter torque portion. The system may also include an adjustment tool that includes a driver portion having an inner engagement portion for engaging the head portion of the strut, an outer engagement portion for engaging the counter torque portion of the strut, and a feedback mechanism rotatably coupled to the inner and outer engagement portions. The tool may further include a plunger having an inner portion positioned at least partially within the inner engagement portion, and an outer portion positioned at least partially between the inner engagement portion and the outer engagement portions, the plunger being axially translatable with respect to the inner and outer engagement portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Subash K. Mannanal, Daniel Greenberg
  • Patent number: 8915345
    Abstract: Apparatus directed to the art of disengaging an input from an output at predetermined torque values. A torque limiting clutch capable of use as a solid drive unit and a torque limited unit for which the torque disengagement value is selectable. The torque limiting clutch has an overload assembly and a torque drive mechanism which may comprise a plurality of drive pins. Additionally, the torque limiting clutch may comprise seals to discourage contaminants from entering the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: A&E Incorporated
    Inventors: Billy Greuel, Brandon Ullrich, Timothy Alho
  • Patent number: 8257210
    Abstract: A rotation urging mechanism includes: an outer member which has an outer raceway surface on its inner periphery and is rotatable about a first axis; an inner member which has on its outer periphery an inner raceway surface disposed in face-to-face relation to a radially inner side of the outer raceway surface over an entire circumference thereof and is rotatable about the first axis; and a plurality of balls disposed rollably between the outer raceway surface and the inner raceway surface. The outer raceway surface is formed about a second axis which is inclined with respect to the first axis, and the inner raceway surface is formed about a third axis which is inclined with respect to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7077255
    Abstract: A pneumatic power nut runner with a rotation motor which is connected to a drive train including a torque responsive release clutch (10) and a disengageable torque non-responsive clutch (11), a pressure air inlet valve (12), and an activation mechanism (49, 50) for automatic power shut-off at the attainment of a desired maximum torque level. The activation mechanism (49, 50) comprises a transversely displaceable latch element (49) provided with a blind bore (54) for permitting closure of the inlet valve (12) and a depression (55) for allowing engagement of the torque non-responsive clutch (11), wherein a transverse displacement of the latch element (49) at the attainment of the desired torque level results in a freeing of the inlet valve (12) for displacement toward closed position and a forcing of the torque non-responsive clutch (11) out of engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventor: Erik Roland Rahm
  • Patent number: 6799666
    Abstract: A torque limiting coupling has a coupling hub (2) with circumferentially distributed apertures (5). Driving members (6) are adjustably held in the apertures (5). A coupling sleeve (3) includes first recesses (7). A switching disk (4) is rotatably arranged between a coupling position and an uncoupling position. The switching disk (4) is loaded towards the coupling position and loads the driving members (6) towards the coupling hub (2). The driving members (6), for torque transmitting purposes, engage the first recesses (7). When a torque limit is exceeded, the driving members (6) are transferred into the uncoupling position. Here, second recesses (8) are engaged by the driving members (6) in the uncoupling position. A locking means (28) is adjustable between a locking position, where the switching disk (4) is locked in its uncoupling position, and a disengaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Kämpf
  • Publication number: 20030136625
    Abstract: A torque limiting coupling has a coupling hub (2) with circumferentially distributed apertures (5). Driving members (6) are adjustably held in the apertures (5). A coupling sleeve (3) includes first recesses (7). A switching disk (4) is rotatably arranged between a coupling position and an uncoupling position. The switching disk (4) is loaded towards the coupling position and loads the driving members (6) towards the coupling hub (2). The driving members (6), for torque transmitting purposes, engage the first recesses (7). When a torque limit is exceeded, the driving members (6) are transferred into the uncoupling position. Here, second recesses (8) are engaged by the driving members (6) in the uncoupling position. A locking means (28) is adjustable between a locking position, where the switching disk (4) is locked in its uncoupling position, and a disengaging position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Klaus Kampf
  • Patent number: 6332518
    Abstract: A device for overload protection and for braking a machine part driven by a motor (2), in particular, a tool driven by a cam gear in a stamping and/or bending machine, comprises a module (3), an overload clutch (4) disengaging after exceeding a torque threshold, and a freewheel (6) which, during the braking of the drive shaft (1) blocks in the direction of drive, each being arranged on the drive shaft (1) behind one another in the drive line extending from the motor (2) to the machine part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerhard Hinterlechner