SLIP-RELEASE LINEAR FORCE GAUGE FOR DETECTING COMPRESSION AND TENSION FORCES WHICH EXCEED ANDARD FORCE

摘要

A slip-release linear force gauge for detecting compression and tension forces which exceed a preselected standard force value by comparing two angularly opposing torques, one a preset standard torque, the other a test torque, which act upon the same balance arm about a common fulcrum point. The gauge includes a supporting frame having a fulcrum point, and a rigid balance arm pivotally mounted in the supporting frame about the fulcrum point. A spring coupled to one end of the rigid balance arm generates a standard torque about the fulcrum point by exerting a force which does not pass through the fulcrum point. An adjusting mechanism for variably preselecting the value of the standard torque generated by the spring force is provided. Stop means for limiting rotation of the rigid balance arm in response to the spring generated torque is also provided. A test force detector shaft is slidably mounted in the supporting frame and disengagably coupled to the other end of the rigid balance arm for generating a test torque in response to a test force applied to it. The slidable shaft is disposed to slip from its preset position when the test force applied to it generates a test torque which exceeds the preselected standard torque generated by the spring, thereby causing the rigid balance arm to rotate.