Patent ID: 6578447
Filing Date: 2003-06-17
Classification: G05G,H01H,Y10T

Abstract:
A rotary indexing apparatus for precisely positioning an external component secured thereto, the apparatus comprising:a race ring comprising a circumferential race surface facing inwardly toward an axial center of the race ring, the race surface comprising a plurality of alternating hills and valleys, each valley configured to correspond to a detent position selectable by a user; a selection shaft aligned with the axial center of the race ring; and a detent wheel positioned on the selection shaft and rotatable within the ring by the user via the selection shaft, the detent wheel comprising: two spring loaded race wheels mounted in two substantially opposed recesses of the detent wheel, and two axles movably mounted within the recesses and upon which the race wheels are mounted, the race wheels configured to roll along the race surface while the shaft is being rotated and to roll into valleys upon a halting of the rotation.