US3956905A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Clutch
Assignee: Boeing North American Inc
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Filing: 1974-12-19
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Granted: 1976-05-18
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Expires: 1994-12-19
Abstract
Abstract An adjustable torque-limiting coupling, or clutch, consisting of a driving member, a driven member, and a coupling assembly comprising a tapered helical spring and means for adjusting the position of the spring.
Inventors
- 👤 Clyde David Thackston
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 20:36
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23Q; B23Q11/00; B23Q11/04; B25; B25B; B25B23/00; B25B23/14; B25B23/145; F; F16; F16D; F16D7/00; F16D7/04; F16D7/048
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
A torque-limiting clutch comprising; a driving member, an adjacent driven member, a helical spring connecting said driving member and said driven member by means of frictional surface contact, the wire size of the spring varying from end to end, and means for adjusting the position of said spring longitudinally whereby the cross-sectional area of spring at the point of first contact with said driven member can be varied, in order to adjust the torque at which said spring opens to permit relative movement between said driving member and said driven member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
91 words
A torque-limiting clutch comprising; a driving member, an adjacent driven member, a helical spring connecting said driving member and said driven member by means of frictional surface contact, the wire size of the spring varying from end to end, and means for adjusting the position of said spring longitudinally whereby the cross-sectional area of spring at the point of first contact with said driven member can be varied, in order to adjust the torque at which said spring opens to permit relative movement between said driving member and said driven member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The torque-limiting clutch of claim 1, wherein said spring is coiled about said driving member and said driven member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The torque-limiting clutch of claim 2, wherein said spring is coiled so that increasing resistance to rotation tends to lessen the frictional contact of said spring coils.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The clutch of claim 2, wherein said driven member is slightly smaller than said driving member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The clutch of claim 2, wherein the wire cross-sectional area increases in size uniformly from the end over said driving member towards the end over said driven member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The clutch of claim 5, wherein said spring is coiled so that increasing resistance to rotation tends to lessen the frictional contact of said spring coils.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The clutch of claim 1 wherein said means for adjusting the position of said spring comprises a threaded holder for said spring and a lock nut for retaining said threaded holder in a selected position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The clutch of claim 1, wherein said spring is coiled inside said driving member and said driven member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The clutch of claim 8, wherein said spring is coiled so that increasing resistance to rotation tends to contract said spring coils.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
88 words
A torque-limiting clutch comprising; a driving member, a driven member, and a helical spring connecting said driving and said driven members, the wire cross-sectional area increasing in size uniformly from the end over said driven member towards the end over said driving member, said helical spring being would so that increasing resistance to rotation of said driven member tends to open said spring coils, said helical spring being axially adjustable over said driven member, whereby the coupling of said helical spring to said driven member can be varied.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
88 words
A torque-limiting clutch comprising; a driving member, a driven member, and a helical spring connecting said driving and said driven members, the wire cross-sectional area increasing in size uniformly from the end over said driven member towards the end over said driving member, said helical spring being would so that increasing resistance to rotation of said driven member tends to open said spring coils, said helical spring being axially adjustable over said driven member, whereby the coupling of said helical spring to said driven member can be varied.
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) | 1979-05-18 | 1979-11-17 | 1980-05-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-05-18 | 1983-11-17 | 1984-05-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-05-18 | 1987-11-17 | 1988-05-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |