Abstract A flexible pivot is mounted to each of a pair of members to permit restrained relative rotation between the members by providing apertures in each of the members into which opposite ends of the pivot are mounted. A threaded aperture is provided in communication with the inner surface of each of the apertures and a threaded set screw having a deformable head is threaded into each member and engages the pivot with a predetermined torque ascertained by the breakaway torque between the head and a tool used to tighten the set screw. By employing a set screw having a deformable head, a controlled holding torque which cannot be exceeded is assured to prevent damage to the fragile pivot assembly while at the same time securing the flexible pivot in position in each of the members.
An electronic balance including a balance beam member having a bore for receiving a relatively fragile flexible pivot and including a threaded aperture communicating with said bore; and a threaded holding member threadably fitted in said aperture to engage said flexible pivot when said pivot is fitted in said bore to secure said pivot therein, said holding member including a deformable portion which deforms to allow a tool to tighten said holding member with only a limited force applied to hold said pivot to said beam member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
An electronic balance including a balance beam member having a bore for receiving a relatively fragile flexible pivot and including a threaded aperture communicating with said bore; and a threaded holding member threadably fitted in said aperture to engage said flexible pivot when said pivot is fitted in said bore to secure said pivot therein, said holding member including a deformable portion which deforms to allow a tool to tighten said holding member with only a limited force applied to hold said pivot to said beam member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said holding member comprises a set screw and wherein said deformable portion is a tool engaging portion comprising a socket head such that slippage occurs between said tool engaging portion and said tool at a predetermined torque.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said screw is manufactured of nylon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said socket head is hex-shaped.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said beam member includes a boss adjacent said pivot receiving bore and through which said threaded aperture extends.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein slippage occurs at a torque of approximately 8 inch ounces.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
119 words
An electronic balance including beam assembly in which two members are pivotally coupled by a relatively fragile flexible pivot assembly, improved means for securing said flexible pivot assembly to said members comprising: a pair of beam members each including an oversized bore for receiving opposite ends of said flexible pivot assembly, each beam member including a threaded aperture extending through said beam orthogonally with respect to said bore and in communication with said bore; and a set screw having a deformable tool engaging head which permits slippage between a tightening tool and said head at a predetermined torque to limit the force of said set screw against said flexible pivot assembly thereby preventing damage to said flexible pivot assembly.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
119 words
An electronic balance including beam assembly in which two members are pivotally coupled by a relatively fragile flexible pivot assembly, improved means for securing said flexible pivot assembly to said members comprising: a pair of beam members each including an oversized bore for receiving opposite ends of said flexible pivot assembly, each beam member including a threaded aperture extending through said beam orthogonally with respect to said bore and in communication with said bore; and a set screw having a deformable tool engaging head which permits slippage between a tightening tool and said head at a predetermined torque to limit the force of said set screw against said flexible pivot assembly thereby preventing damage to said flexible pivot assembly.