Donald D Hogan

US Patent:

53376382, Aug 16, 1994

Filed:

Feb 11, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/016765

Inventors:

Ronald G. Coss - Newport Beach CA
Donald J. Hogan - Carlsbad CA

Assignee:

Micro Motors, Inc. - Santa Ana CA

International Classification:

B25B 23159

US Classification:

81483

Abstract:

An improved torque wrench for procedures requiring the application of precise small torques. The wrench includes a handle pivotally connected to a cam member rigidly attached to a driving head. The handle breaks out of alignment with the extending cam member upon application of an adjustable torque limit. A spring-biased plunger within the handle normally holds a rigid ball within an elliptical indent in the cam member. Application of the torque limit on the handle forces the ball out of the indent and onto an angled surface before a projecting flange of the handle contacts the cam member and limits the further pivot of the handle. The angled surface provides a reaction force to the ball sufficient to maintain the handle in a pivoted position. The handle pivots a noticeably large angle of 30. degree. before the flange contacts the cam member.