Who invented the torque limiter in this patent?

Joseph F. Steinke and Lloyd C. Erickson, listed as inventors, with attorneys Hofgren, Brady, Wegner, Allen & Stellman.

When was this patent filed and issued?

It was filed January 29, 1959 and issued April 4, 1961.

What do the two figures on this sheet show?

FIG. 1 is a side view of a tractor showing where the torque limiter is installed in the front drive/steering area, and FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the torque limiter assembly itself with numbered parts.

Is this the complete patent?

No. The sheet is marked "2 Sheets-Sheet 1," so it is the first of two drawing sheets, and the written specification is not included.

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US Patent 2,977,779 Torque Limiter Drawing (1961) - Steinke & Erickson, Sheet 1

US Patent 2,977,779 Torque Limiter Steinke 1961 figures 1-2 sheet 1 of 2 tractor

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1959 Ford 841 ElencoView all 25

US Patent 2,977,779 Torque Limiter Steinke 1961 figures 3-5 sheet 2 of 2

Brochure page showing a red and white Ford 801 Series PowerMaster tractor with large rear wheels

Tractor with Elenco front driving axle advertisement

Advertisement for Elenco Front Wheel Drive tractor axle, showing tractors and testimonials

Ford X01 6V electrical wiring diagram with distributor, generator and lamps

Orange tractor part with hydraulic hoses and radiator visible

Close-up of a worn tire with visible text and a rusty rim

Tire sidewall shows size 14.9-26, 01 12 RIM, 13-29, 6-1 4 PLY RATING, MADE IN U.S.A

Close-up of tire sidewall showing size 14.9-28 and 4 PLY RATING

Tire sidewall with text '4.90-15 ON 13 RIM 35 PSI MAX' and 'MADE IN U.S.A.'

Close-up of a metal part with stamped numbers: 294457

Close-up of a metal part with stamped numbers, possibly a casting or serial number

Orange painted metal part with black and blue paint peeling, showing stamped numbers '575'

Ford data plate with serial number T4654

25photos in this albumView all

US Patent 2,977,779 (Torque Limiter, J.F. Steinke et al, granted April 4 1961) drawing sheet 1 of 2 with Fig. 1 showing a tractor application and Fig. 2 the torque-limiter clutch cross-section.

AI caption September 2015 · Photo 2 of 25

This document is Sheet 1 of 2 from United States Patent 2,977,779, titled "Torque Limiter," issued April 4, 1961 to inventors Joseph F. Steinke and Lloyd C. Erickson (filed January 29, 1959; attorneys Hofgren, Brady, Wegner, Allen & Stellman). The sheet contains two patent line drawings. FIG. 1 is a side-elevation view of a farm tractor showing the installation location of the torque limiter device within the front-axle/steering drive linkage area, with numbered callouts (6-23, 38, 42, 50, 51) identifying the wheels, chassis, steering components, and drive shaft. FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the torque limiter mechanism itself, showing a multi-plate clutch-style assembly with interleaved friction plates, springs, shafts, bearings, and housing components identified by reference numerals (21-65), along with section lines 3-3, 4-4, and 5-5 indicating views shown on other sheets. A reader can learn the patent number, filing/issue dates, inventor names, and the general mechanical configuration of this torque-limiting coupling as applied to a tractor, though the descriptive specification text explaining the numbered parts is not on this sheet.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the patent number shown on this document?: United States Patent 2,977,779, titled "Torque Limiter."
Who invented the torque limiter in this patent?: Joseph F. Steinke and Lloyd C. Erickson, listed as inventors, with attorneys Hofgren, Brady, Wegner, Allen & Stellman.
When was this patent filed and issued?: It was filed January 29, 1959 and issued April 4, 1961.
What do the two figures on this sheet show?: FIG. 1 is a side view of a tractor showing where the torque limiter is installed in the front drive/steering area, and FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the torque limiter assembly itself with numbered parts.
Is this the complete patent?: No. The sheet is marked "2 Sheets-Sheet 1," so it is the first of two drawing sheets, and the written specification is not included.