Patent ID: 8224228

Claim:
A cover closer comprising: a stationary member; a pivotal member which is pivotally connected to the stationary member; and an electric drive unit composed of an electric motor and a reduction gear mechanism, wherein the electric drive unit is integrated with the cover closer, wherein the reduction gear mechanism comprises an input gear driven by the electric motor, a reduction gear unit connected to the input gear, and an output gear connected between the reduction gear unit and the pivotal member, and wherein the reduction gear unit includes a sleeve gear having internal and external teeth, the internal teeth engaging with external teeth of an eccentric gear, and wherein the cover closer further comprises a positive clutch comprising a clutch tooth member mounted on the stationary member for movement into and out of engagement with only the external teeth of the sleeve gear, whereby when the clutch tooth member is engaged with the sleeve gear to stop rotation thereof, the eccentric gear rotates to provide speed reduction and a slip ring integral with the output gear to provide overload relief between the output gear and the reduction gear unit to prevent damage to the electric drive.