US3851538A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Torque switch mechanism
Assignee: Philadelphia Gear Corp
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Filing: 1973-05-21
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Granted: 1974-12-03
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Expires: 1993-05-21
Abstract
Abstract In a mechanism wherein a worm drives a worm gear, two sets of compression springs are pre-loaded substantially differently for restraining movement of the worm shaft in its axial direction. Each set of springs is adapted to actuate one or more switch mechanisms.
Inventors
- 👤 W Denkowski
- 👤 J Zouzoulas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 08:55
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16H; F16H1/00; F16H1/02; F16H1/04; F16H1/12; F16H1/16; F16H57/00; F16H57/02; F16H57/021; F16H2057/0213; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/19; Y10T74/19642; Y10T74/19698; Y10T74/19828
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
In a worm and worm gear mechanism in which the worm is subjected to axial thrust forces in either of two linear directions according to torque forces developed on said worm gear in corresponding rotational directions, said mechanism characterized by the provision of: a. first pre-loaded compression spring restraining means for allowing axial displacement of said worm in one or the other of said linear directions when the thrust forces on said worm, resulting from torque forces on said worm gear in a corresponding rotational direction, exceed a first pre-selected relatively low value; b. second pre-loaded compression spring restraining means for allowing further axial displacement of said worm in the same linear direction when the thrust forces on said worm resulting from torque forces on said worm gear in said same corresponding rotational direction, exceed a second pre-selected relative higher value.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
141 words
In a worm and worm gear mechanism in which the worm is subjected to axial thrust forces in either of two linear directions according to torque forces developed on said worm gear in corresponding rotational directions, said mechanism characterized by the provision of: a. first pre-loaded compression spring restraining means for allowing axial displacement of said worm in one or the other of said linear directions when the thrust forces on said worm, resulting from torque forces on said worm gear in a corresponding rotational direction, exceed a first pre-selected relatively low value; b. second pre-loaded compression spring restraining means for allowing further axial displacement of said worm in the same linear direction when the thrust forces on said worm resulting from torque forces on said worm gear in said same corresponding rotational direction, exceed a second pre-selected relative higher value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
A mechanism according to claim 1 wherein: a. said first restraining means comprises a set of dished spring washers retained between a first pair of retaining members; b. said second restraining means comprises a second set of heavier dished spring washers retained between a second pair of retaining members.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A mechanism according to claim 1 wherein adjustment means are provided for adjusting the pre-load conditions of said first and second restraining means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A mechanism according to claim 3 wherein separate adjustment means are provided for adjusting separately the pre-load conditions of said first and second restraining means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
A mechanism according to claim 1 wherein there is provided: a. a rotatable switch shaft; b. means coupling said worm to said switch shaft such that axial movement of said worm effects rotational movement of said switch shaft.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
A mechanism according to claim 1 wherein: a. first stop means are provided for preventing deflection of said first restraining means beyond a first pre-selected axial distance in either of said linear directions; b. second stop means are provided for preventing deflection of said second restraining means beyond a second pre-selected axial distance in either of said linear directions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
A mechanism according to claim 6 wherein: a. said first restraining means comprises a set of dished spring washers retained between a first pair of retaining members; b. said second restraining means comprises a second set of heavier dished spring washers retained between a second pair of retaining members.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A mechanism according to claim 7 wherein one of said members of said first and second pairs of retaining members is common.
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) | 1977-12-02 | 1978-06-03 | 1978-12-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-02 | 1982-06-03 | 1982-12-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-02 | 1986-06-03 | 1986-12-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |