Patent ID: 7503443
Filing Date: 2009-03-17
Classification: B25B,F16D

Abstract:
1. A torque device comprising: a body; an output race disposed in the body and including a distal portion extending from said body for supporting a tool that is to be controlled from the body and a proximal portion formed as a radial flange; a plurality of ball bearings disposed in a plurality of accommodating holes arranged about said flange and about a circular locus; a first thrust member disposed on the distal portion side of the flange and including a thrust bearing and at least one thrust washer having a substantially flat surface that the balls are adapted to contact; an actuator plate coaxial with said output race, disposed in the body adjacent to the radial flange and on the opposite side to the output race distal portion and having a circumferential ratchet surface with a plurality of ratchet teeth and a plurality of holes at least some of which are arranged in line with the holes in the flange; said radial flange having a thickness that is less than the diameter of the ball bearings so that the primary contact of each ball is between the actuator plate and thrust washer flat surface without imposing any substantial lateral force on said output race; a pawl supported by the body and for engagement with said ratchet surface; said pawl comprising a semicircular pawl clip having opposed bent ends with said semicircular pawl clip supported by the body in a position extending circumferentially about and for engagement with opposed ratchet teeth on the circumferential ratchet surface of the actuator plate; a second thrust member disposed adjacent to the actuator plate and on the opposite side to the race distal portion and for imposing a force at the center of said actuator plate toward said output race; wherein said second thrust member is comprised of a centrally arranged adjustment member including a contact ball and a set screw for adjusting the tension imposed on the actuator plate; said plurality of ball bearings supported by said output race while transferring axial force therethrough between said actuator plate and said thrust washer.