Patent ID: 6098495
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A linearizing mechanism, for converting the torsional force of a rotatable shaft into a linear force on a housing adjacent the shaft, comprising:a release mechanism, located on the housing, for preventing rotation of the shaft from a closed position to an open position when the torque exerted on the shaft is below a selected magnitude and for releasing the shaft in order to allow rotation of the shaft to the open position when the torque exerted on the shaft exceeds a selected magnitude, the release mechanism comprising:a contact arm having a first end connected to the shaft and a second end spaced away from the rotational axis of the shaft;a release support connected to the housing; anda pin connected to the release support and obstructing rotation of the second end of the contact arm and shaft until the torque exerted by the shaft exceeds a selected magnitude; anda pin seat, connected to the release support, for receiving a first end of the pin; anda passageway, formed on the release support, for slidably supporting a second end of the pin in contact with the second end of the contact arm, the pin seat and passageway holding the pin with the longitudinal axis of the pin in alignment with a tangent to a rotational arc of the second end of the contact arm so that the pin is subjected to a linear and compressive force as the shaft and second end of the contact arm rotate from the closed position to the open position.