Patent ID: 8794113
Filing Date: 2014-08-05
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
1. A torque system for use on or with RF and microwave male-female paired coaxial connectors to apply a pre-set torque value to the mated coaxial connector pair, the system comprising: an inner ring structure configured for connection to or integration with one of the connectors, so that rotation of the inner ring structure causes rotation of internal threads of said one connector; an outer ring structure, with the outer ring structure configured for rotation about the inner ring structure in response to forces exceeding the pre-set torque value applied by a user and to apply torque to the inner ring structure and thereby rotate the internal threads of said one connector; the inner ring structure having a continuous groove formed in its outer peripheral surface having a depth configured to receive one or more spring-biased balls into the groove introduced from the outer ring structure, the groove forming a ball race; the groove having one or more indentations formed in a bottom surface of the ball race defining a ramp surface; the one or more spring-biased balls further being configured for insertion depth adjustment into the groove to provide adjustment for a maximum torque applied by the outer ring structure to the inner ring structure; the one or more indentations each allowing one of the one or more spring-biased balls to be received in the one or more indentations, relieving tension on the one or more spring-biased balls, and wherein a maximum torque on the inner ring structure resulting from rotation of the outer ring in a first direction is applied with the one or more balls positioned out of the respective one or more indentations of the groove.