Patent ID: 6953313
Filing Date: 2005-10-11
Classification: F16B,F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A locking linear adjustment mechanism comprising: a locking tumbler having an axis and two ends each having a recess defined therein; an adjustment vernier having a center, an internal spline, and two threaded ends of different pitch, said adjustment vernier being interconnected with the locking tumbler, and being configured to effect a vernier linear adjustment; two end adapters each having an inner threaded end and an outer end, each inner end being interconnected to the adjustment vernier, and each outer end being configured to be joined to any device requiring linear adjustment; two roll pins configured to secure the locking tumbler axially in place; two locking skirts each having an inner end with an internal shoulder and an outer end with a raised spherical shoulder; two precision balls; two springs each having two ends, each spring being configured to bias apart the inner end of one of the two locking skirts and the inner end of one of the two end adapters; two locking splines configured to lock rotation of the adjustment vernier when engaged with the internal spline of the adjustment vernier; two index pins; and two guide shafts, wherein the locking tumbler is configured to fit between the locking skirts and to rotate about the axis of the locking tumbler, thereby causing the two precision balls to move outward and inward from the center of the adjustment vernier, and the recesses of the tumbler are each configured to enable insertion of an operation tool; the two precision balls are configured to be driven outward and inward by the locking tumbler against a spring force to lift and drop the locking splines in and out of engagement with the internal spline of the adjustment vernier; the two end adapters are configured to fit around the adjustment vernier with the interconnected locking tumbler; each locking skirt is configured to fit around one locking spline, index pin, guide shaft, and spring, with the precision balls positioned on either side of the locking tumbler forming an assembly, and wherein the locking linear adjustment mechanism has a dual function locking feature with the use of a single tool.