Patent ID: 6195407
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
A determinate positioner assembly, comprising:a helical cam extending in the direction of a first (z) axis;a follower element, extending partially around a portion of the outside surface of the cam and contacting a bearing surface of the helical cam in a predetermined number of locations;a driven element connected to the follower element by a set of pivot elements; andan elastic member elastically connecting the follower element to the helical cam such that the follower element is urged toward the cam to ensure substantially continuous contact between the follower element and the bearing surface of the helical cam, wherein the elastic member and the follower element exert substantially zero net force on the cam in the direction of x and y axes orthogonal to the z axis;wherein a given movement of the helical cam produces a corresponding and reproducible linear translation of the follower element and the driven element relative to the cam in the direction of the first (z) axis.