Torque meter

An apparatus for measuring torque, comprising:

• first and second shaft means located axially relative to each other,
• said first shaft means having a torque sensitive portion between first and second opposite ends,
• said second end of said first shaft means being located closer to said second shaft means than said first end,
• a first tubular torque sensitive means having first and second opposite ends,
• said first tubular torque sensitive means surrounding first shaft means and having its first end connected to said second end of said first shaft means,
• a second tubular torque sensitive means having first and second opposite ends,
• said second tubular torque sensitive means surrounding said first tubular torque sensitive means and having its first end connected to said second end of said first tubular torque sensitive means,
• said second end of said second tubular torque sensitive means being connected to said second shaft means,
• axially movable means surrounding said second tubular torque sensitive means,
• said axially movable means having a first end coupled to said first end of said first shaft means allowing said axially movable means to move axially relative to said first shaft means,
• means coupled to said second shaft means for engaging the other end of said axially movable means for causing said axially movable means to move axially relative to said first shaft means when torsion of said torsion sensitive portions of said first shaft means, of said first tubular torque sensitive means, and of said second tubular torque sensitive means occurs upon the application of torque between said first and second shaft means, and
• means for measuring the axial displacement of said axially movable means.

An apparatus for measuring torque, comprising:

• a tubular shaft means having first and second ends with a torque sensitive portion therebetween,
• first tubular means surrounding a portion of said tubular shaft means,
• said first tubular means being coupled to said first end of said tubular shaft means for axial movement relative to said first end of said tubular shaft means,
• axially movable means located within said tubular shaft means and coupled to said first tubular means for axial movement therewith,
• second tubular means surrounding a portion of said tubular shaft means,
• said second tubular means being connected to said second end of said tubular shaft means,
• said second tubular means comprising cam means for moving said first tubular means axially relative to said tubular shaft means when torque is applied between said first and second ends of said tubular shaft means thereby causing said axially movable means to move axially within said tubular shaft means, and
• means for measuring the axial displacement of said axially movable means.