Patent ID: 6016737
Filing Date: 2000-01-25
Classification: F01B,F02B,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
A device for transmission of force between a linearly moving mechanism and a rotationally moving mechanism comprising:a fixed structure defining a fixed track;a rotating structure defining a continuous, arcuate, rotating track, said rotating structure being constructed and arranged to be rotatable in a plane that is parallel to a plane containing said fixed track and to be coupled to a rotationally moving mechanism for rotary movement therewith, said rotating structure and said fixed structure being disposed in overlying relation with respect to each other with said fixed and rotating tracks opened toward each other;a ball disposed in both said fixed track and said rotating track to permit movement of said ball along both said fixed track and said rotating track throughout rotation of said rotating structure; anda ball holding structure adapted to be coupled to a linearly moving mechanism for movement therewith and constructed and arranged to hold said ball throughout movement of said ball along said fixed and rotating tracks to thereby transmit force between the linearly moving mechanism and the rotationally moving mechanism,wherein mutually facing edges of said fixed and rotating tracks are in close proximity to one another such that no portion of said ball holding structure is disposed between said facing edges.