US3754412A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Slip clutch drive mechanism
Assignee: Standard Register Co
•
Filing: 1971-09-13
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Granted: 1973-08-28
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Expires: 1991-09-13
Abstract
Abstract A substantially constant torque is transmitted to a braked shaft through a slip clutch including a wheel-like drive member supported for rotation by the shaft and having angularly disposed axial holes which receive corresponding balls. Compression springs are positioned within the holes to urge the balls into engagement with an annular driven member which is secured to the shaft and has angularly disposed V-shaped peripheral recesses for receiving the balls. The recesses and balls are angularly spaced and arranged so that at least one ball is seated in drive position (within a recess) at substantially any angular position of the drive member relative to the driven member to assure immediate rotative movement of the shaft when the brake is released. An axially adjustable plate rotates with the drive member and engages the springs to provide for conveniently changing the substantially constant torque transmitted to the shaft through the balls and the driven member. The clutch functions in the same manner in either direction of rotation of the drive member.
Inventors
- 👤 F Briggs
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 19:18
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D7/00; F16D7/04; F16D7/06; F16D7/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
221 words
An improved slip clutch comprising a shaft, an annular drive member mounted on said shaft for relative rotation, means for rotating said drive member, means defining a plurality of angularly spaced and generally axially extending openings within said drive member, a ball within each of said openings, an annular brake member positioned on one side of said drive member and secured to said shaft for rotation therewith, means forming a plurality of angularly spaced recesses on said brake member in axially opposing relation to said balls within said drive member, means for braking the rotation of said brake member and said shaft causing said balls to roll between said drive member and said brake member, said recesses being arranged relative to said openings to position at least one of said balls in seating relation within one of said recesses at substantially any angular poSition of said drive member relative to said brake member to provide immediate positive torque transmission from said drive member to said shaft upon release of said braking means, means positioned on the other side of said drive member for urging said balls into said recesses, and means for simultaneously adjusting the force exerted by said means for urging said balls to provide for conveniently and precisely adjusting the torque transmission from said drive member to said shaft.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
221 words
An improved slip clutch comprising a shaft, an annular drive member mounted on said shaft for relative rotation, means for rotating said drive member, means defining a plurality of angularly spaced and generally axially extending openings within said drive member, a ball within each of said openings, an annular brake member positioned on one side of said drive member and secured to said shaft for rotation therewith, means forming a plurality of angularly spaced recesses on said brake member in axially opposing relation to said balls within said drive member, means for braking the rotation of said brake member and said shaft causing said balls to roll between said drive member and said brake member, said recesses being arranged relative to said openings to position at least one of said balls in seating relation within one of said recesses at substantially any angular poSition of said drive member relative to said brake member to provide immediate positive torque transmission from said drive member to said shaft upon release of said braking means, means positioned on the other side of said drive member for urging said balls into said recesses, and means for simultaneously adjusting the force exerted by said means for urging said balls to provide for conveniently and precisely adjusting the torque transmission from said drive member to said shaft.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A slip clutch as defined in claim 1 wherein said drive member comprises a wheel having peripherally spaced teeth and, said rotating means comprise a gear belt.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
A slip clutch as defined in claim 1 wherein said means forming said recesses, comprise a clutch plate positioned between said drive member and said brake member and having a generally uniform thickness, and means for securing said disc to said brake member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
59 words
A slip clutch as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for urging said balls into said recesses, comprise a plurality of compression springs extending within said openings within said drive member, an annular retaining member surrounding said shaft and confining said springs within said openings, and means connecting said retaining member to said drive member for rotation therewith.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A slip clutch as defined in claim 4 wherein said adjustment means comprise a tubular threaded bushing secured to said shaft for rotation therewith, and nut means adjustably mounted on said bushing for confining said retaining member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
213 words
An improved slip clutch comprising a shaft, an annular drive member mounted on said shaft for relative rotation, means for rotating said drive member, means defining a plurality of angularly spaced and generally axially extending openings within said drive member, a ball within each of said openings, an annular brake member secured to said shaft for rotation therewith, a clutch plate positioned axially between said drive member and said brake member and secured to said brake member, said clutch plate having a generally uniform thickness and a plurality of angularly spaced grooves in axially opposing relation to said balls within said drive member, means for braking the rotation of said brake member and said shaft causing said balls to roll between said drive member and said brake member, said grooves being arranged relative to said openings to position at least one of said balls in seating relation within one of said grooves at substantially any angular position of said drive member relative to said brake member to provide immediate positive torque transmission from said drive member to said shaft upon release of said braking means, and means for adjusting the force exerted by said balls against said clutch plate to provide for adjusting the torque transmission from said drive member to said shaft.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
213 words
An improved slip clutch comprising a shaft, an annular drive member mounted on said shaft for relative rotation, means for rotating said drive member, means defining a plurality of angularly spaced and generally axially extending openings within said drive member, a ball within each of said openings, an annular brake member secured to said shaft for rotation therewith, a clutch plate positioned axially between said drive member and said brake member and secured to said brake member, said clutch plate having a generally uniform thickness and a plurality of angularly spaced grooves in axially opposing relation to said balls within said drive member, means for braking the rotation of said brake member and said shaft causing said balls to roll between said drive member and said brake member, said grooves being arranged relative to said openings to position at least one of said balls in seating relation within one of said grooves at substantially any angular position of said drive member relative to said brake member to provide immediate positive torque transmission from said drive member to said shaft upon release of said braking means, and means for adjusting the force exerted by said balls against said clutch plate to provide for adjusting the torque transmission from said drive member to said shaft.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A slip clutch as defined in claim 6 wherein each said groove is defined by converging surfaces defining an angle of approximately 120* therebetween.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-08-27 | 1977-02-26 | 1977-08-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-08-27 | 1981-02-26 | 1981-08-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-08-27 | 1985-02-26 | 1985-08-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |