Patent ID: 7559870
Filing Date: 2009-07-14
Classification: F16D,F16H

Abstract:
1. A torque limiting coupling including (a) an input gear and an output gear; and (b) a gear train interconnecting the input and output gears, including a torque limiting device; wherein said torque limiting device retains the gear train to prevent relative rotation of the gear train and the input and output gears, to provide a 1:1 input/output ratio below a predetermined level of input torque and releases the gear train to allow relative rotation between the input and output gears at or above the predetermined level whereby excess torque is absorbed, and wherein the gear train is connected in parallel with the input and output gears and has two parts, one drivingly connected to the input gear and one drivingly connected to the output gear, and has a clutch or variable connection between the parts and gears whereby below the predetermined level the gear train is locked and above the predetermined level the two parts can rotate relative to each other.