Patent ID: 6389915
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: B64C,F16H,Y02T,Y10T

Abstract:
A dual drive ball screw comprising:a ball screw shaft having a first portion with an outer surface adapted for engaging a first rotatable structure and a second portion having a first groove on its outer surface; a ball screw nut having an outer surface adapted for engaging a second rotatable structure and having a second groove on its inner surface, said ball screw nut receiving said second portion of said ball screw shaft so that said first and second grooves connect through a first plurality of balls; a rod end having a coupling member for attaching to a surface to be actuated and a shaft portion having a third groove on its outer surface; and an output tube coupled at one end to said ball screw nut and at its opposite end having a connector portion having an inner surface with a fourth groove, said connector portion receiving said shaft portion of said rod end so that said third and fourth grooves connect through a second plurality of balls, wherein said connector portion comprises three slots that are offset from one another both axially along, and circumferentially around, said connector, for inserting said second plurality of balls between said third and fourth grooves.