Patent ID: 6450072
Filing Date: 2002-09-17
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
A tappet screw adjusting device, comprising:an outer sleeve having a distal end that defies a nut socket; an inner shaft axially-aligned with said outer sleeve and having a distal end that defines a screwdriver bit, said inner shaft having a proximal end; a bearing block that rotatably receives the proximal end of said inner shaft, said bearing block being secured to a handle for common rotation therewith; a load-responsive assembly comprising a collar and a tension setting device, said collar being secured to said inner shaft for common rotation therewith, said tension setting device being secured to said bearing block for common rotation therewith; wherein, when a load on said inner shaft is below a predetermined level, the tension setting device is frictionally coupled to said collar and thereby connects the bearing block to the inner shaft for common rotation and, when the load on said shaft is above said predetermined level, the tension setting device is uncoupled from the collar so that the inner shaft remains stationary when the bearing block is rotated, and wherein frictional coupling and uncoupling of said tension setting device and collar is correlated to said predetermined load level and adjusted by changing a position of said tension setting device on said bearing block; and, wherein the load-responsive assembly further comprises a friction plate, said friction plate being disposed between said collar and said tension setting device and serving to frictionally couple the collar and to the tension setting device when the load on the inner shaft is below said predetermined level.