SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAGNETICALLY COUPLING LOADS TO PRIME MOVERS AND DETECTING TRANSMITTED TORQUE

摘要

A magnetic coupling for transferring rotational motion from a prime mover to a load includes reference marks calibrated to indicate torque applied to the coupling during operation. A light source providing intermittent light flashes permits a user to visibly discern the relative rotational position of the reference marks to one another, and thereby determine the torque applied to the coupling.

主权项

1. An article of manufacture comprising:
a first coupling member having a first interfacing wall including a first plurality of magnetic poles arranged alternately about a circumference of the first interfacing wall; a second coupling member having an second interfacing wall complimentary to the first interfacing wall and including a second plurality of magnetic poles arranged alternately circumferentially; wherein the first coupling member and second coupling member are securable to at least one of a prime mover and load such that the first interfacing wall and second interfacing wall are spaced apart by an air gap, are disposed to permit rotational motion relative to one another about an axis of rotation and can synchronously transfer rotational motion about the axis of rotation from a prime mover to a load; at least one visible reference mark on the first coupling member proximate to the second coupling member; and, at least one visible reference mark on the second coupling member proximate to the at least one visible reference mark on the first coupling member.