Patent ID: 6585445
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: F16C,F16F,Y10T

Abstract:
The split-tube flexure joint comprisinga first tube having a wall, a first end, and a second end, a length of the tube being defined from the first end to the second end, the wall having a lengthwise slit defined therein along a longitudinal axis of the tube from the first end to the second end; first and second links tangentially attached to an exterior surface of the wall at respective first and second contact points along a contact line extending proximate the exterior surface of the wall and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube; and, each of the first and second links extending transversely to the slit; the first tube having an axis of rotation; a second tube having an axis of rotation, a first end, and a second end, the first end of the second tube facing the first end of the first tube such that the axis of rotation of each tube aligns; the first link being attached to each of the first and second tube nearer to their first ends than to their second ends; and the second link being attached to each of the first tube and second tubes nearer to their second ends than to their first ends.