Patent ID: 6314832
Filing Date: 2001-11-13
Classification: G05G,Y10T

Abstract:
Apparatus to provide controlled frictional resistance to cyclic displacement of a member comprisinga) a base,b) a friction part frictionally and slidably engagable with said base, in response to displacement of said member,c) at least one spring element transmitting force acting to hold said part in frictional engagement with said base,d) one of said friction part and said base having a friction surface engaged with a surface of the other of said part and said base, and characterized in that the force to overcome friction between the base and the part remains substantially constant over thousands of displacement cycles of said member,e) there beingi) a sleeve to provide for pivoting of one of said part and said base relative to the other, andii) a thrust bearing to transmit thrust operable to urge said surface of said part and said base into surface to surface frictional interengagement,iii) whereby said sleeve and said thrust bearing coact to maintain said surfaces in face to face parallel relation despite wear of said friction part,f) and said friction surface extending about the sleeve and consisting of a non-metallic material.