Patent ID: 6077048
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A torque limiting apparatus for transmitting power supplied from a power source to a driven apparatus, comprising:a drive rotor powered by the power source:a driven rotor normally driven by the drive rotor, the driven rotor being connected to the driven apparatus such that the driven rotor delivers power to and receives load torque from the driven apparatus; anda flexible connector located between and coupled to the drive motor and the driven rotor for connecting the drive rotor to the driven rotor and for transmitting torque from the drive rotor to the driven rotor, wherein torque deforms the flexible connector, and the flexible connector is disconnected from one of the drive rotor and the driven rotor when the torque applied to the flexible connector exceeds a certain torque value, limiting the torque applied between the drive rotor and the driven rotor;the flexible connector having a releasable locking member for releasably engaging one of the drive rotor and driven rotor and a permanent locking member for permanently engaging the other of the drive rotor and the driven rotor.