Patent ID: 7650821

Claim:
A torque-limiting mechanism for a tool, the mechanism comprising: a) a first gear including a number of first recesses and a number of first teeth; b) a second gear disposed adjacent the first gear and including a number of second recesses a number of second teeth engageable with the first teeth; c) a number of bearings disposed between the first gear and the second gear partially within the first recesses and partially within the second recesses; and d) a variable force-applying assembly engaged with the first gear opposite the second gear, wherein the depth of either the number of first recesses or the number of second recesses is approximately equal to one half of the volume of the bearings to retain the bearings therein, and wherein one of the first gear or the second gear includes a pair of flat surfaces disposed on opposite sides of the one of the first gear or the second gear that are adapted to engage a housing for the tool to retain the one of the first gear or the second gear stationary with respect to the housing.