a valve / actuator torque overload protector is disclosed as operably associated relative to driving and driven members which are pre - set to transmit limited torque during relative rotary movement between the members . a plurality of spring - loaded tapered rollers are mounted on one of the members for driving engagement with complementary detents on the other of the members . the spring - loaded tapered rollers are pre - set relative to the complementary detents *** in order to permit limited torque engagement of the driving and driven members during relative rotation thereof . however , upon encountering torque exceeding pre - set limits , the spring - loaded tapered rollers disengage from the complementary detent *** to interrupt the transmission of torque between the driving and driven members .