Patent ID: 6038941
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: B62D,F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus comprising:an outer tubular member having an axis, said outer tubular member having a generally square cross-sectional shape;an inner member extending into said outer tubular member and coaxial with said outer tubular member, said inner member defining a solid, non-tubular central portion having a plurality of equally spaced linear arms projecting radially from said central portion;said outer tubular member and said inner tubular member having flat surfaces defining a plurality of races spaced circumferentially around one of said members;at least one rotatable element in each of said races, said rotatable elements engaging said outer tubular member and said inner member and guiding relative axial movement of said outer tubular member and said inner member and transmitting torque between said outer tubular member and said inner member, said at least one rotatable element engaging said flat surfaces of said outer tubular member at only two points and said flat surfaces of said inner member at only two points; andone of said members elastically applying radially directed force to said rotatable elements urging said rotatable elements radially into contact with the other member to provide for a no-lash torque transmission between said members.