Importance

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Abstract

A mechanism for limiting torque transmission between rotating bodies to prevent equipment damage due to torque overload. A shaft has a drive collar which is adjacent to a ring carried by a sleeve supported on the shaft by a bearing. The ring has axial passages that carry balls. A spring loaded thrust bearing normally maintains the balls seated in pockets on the collar so that torque is normally transmitted between the shaft and sleeve. When the applied torque is sufficient to overcome the spring force, the balls unseat from the pockets and disengage the transmission of torque. The balls and pockets are circumferentially arranged in a special pattern assuring that reengagement occurs only after a complete rotation and also assuring that the balls are able to support the spring load when they are unseated.

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First Claim