Patent US3608686A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3608686A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic release clutch
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-12-18
•
Granted: 1971-09-28
•
Expires: 1989-12-18
Abstract
Abstract To prevent damage to automatic machine tools wherein a motor is connected to a rotating machine tool part a clutch is interposed which opens by axial movement when the load of springs is exceeded. Axial movement of a clutch element causes a switch to open, thereby deenergizing the motor. The clutch drive comprises two facing disks having holes to receive resilient balls which normally function as keys. When the clutch is overloaded, the disks move apart, permitting the bills to leave the holes and ride in grooves in the disk faces.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas B Martin Sr
- 👤 Thomas B Martin Jr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 13:15
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D7/00; F16D7/04; F16D7/06; F16D7/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
A clutch of the character described comprising a first member having means for connection to a first shaft and a first flange, said first flange formed with a plurality of arcuately spaced first holes on its inner surface, an annular second flange opposed to said first flange and formed on its opposed surface with second holes opposite said first holes, an inner member having means for connection to a second shaft aligned with said first shaft and carrying spring support means, said second flange supported by and axially slidable relative to said inner member, spring means interposed between said second flange and said spring support means biasing said second flange toward said first flange, a plurality of resilient balls normally seated in said first and second holes to key said flanges for rotation together, and means for causing said inner member and said second flange to rotate together, said second flange axially movable relative to said first flange upon overload of said clutch to unseat said balls from said holes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
A clutch of the character described comprising a first member having means for connection to a first shaft and a first flange, said first flange formed with a plurality of arcuately spaced first holes on its inner surface, an annular second flange opposed to said first flange and formed on its opposed surface with second holes opposite said first holes, an inner member having means for connection to a second shaft aligned with said first shaft and carrying spring support means, said second flange supported by and axially slidable relative to said inner member, spring means interposed between said second flange and said spring support means biasing said second flange toward said first flange, a plurality of resilient balls normally seated in said first and second holes to key said flanges for rotation together, and means for causing said inner member and said second flange to rotate together, said second flange axially movable relative to said first flange upon overload of said clutch to unseat said balls from said holes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A clutch according to claim 1 which further comprises a microswitch engaging said second flange and operable upon axial unseating movement of said second flange to render drive means for one of said shafts inoperable.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
A clutch according to claim 1 in which at least one said flange is formed with a shallow annular groove intersecting one of said sets of holes, whereby balls unseated from said holes upon movement of said second flange away from said first flange are retained within said groove.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A clutch according to claim 1 in which said inner member is formed with means limiting movement of said second flange toward said first flange.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A clutch according to claim 1 in which said spring support means comprises a separable ring rotatable with said inner member formed with a plurality of sockets receiving said spring means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
A clutch according to claim 5 in which said spring support means is movable toward and away from said second flange to adjust the pressure of said spring means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A clutch according to claim 6 which further comprises adjustment means adjusting the position of said support means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-27 | 1975-03-29 | 1975-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-27 | 1979-03-29 | 1979-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-27 | 1983-03-29 | 1983-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |