Apparatus for indicating critical torque load

摘要

An apparatus for indicating critical torque load in a drill string of a propeller shaft driven rotary drilling machine comprising an input and an output section in axial alignment and drivingly connected so as to rotate conjointly; the input section has an input shaft and a spiral spline affixed thereto; the output section has a tube shaft assembly and an output shaft affixed thereto; an input bearing is provided for rotatably supporting the input shaft and allowing for longitudinal movement of the input shaft toward the output section under conditions of increased torque load; an input housing for receiving the input bearing is affixed to a base; a receiver nut having a complementary female spiral spline is a companion for the spiral spline and is operatively connected to the spiral spline to permit longitudinal movement of the input shaft toward the output section under conditions of increased torque load; a compression spring prevents longitudinal movement of the input shaft under conditions of constant torque load; a rotatably fixed collar mounted on the input shaft indicates longitudinal movement of the input shaft; a bearing support and housing for the output section is attached to the base; an input yoke connects the input section to an external power source; and an output yoke connects the output section to a rotary table connected to the drill string; and a load cell is connected to the collar to sense the degree of movement or the force produced under conditions of increased torque.