Patent ID: 7506853
Filing Date: 2009-03-24
Classification: F16M,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An apparatus, comprising: a cam having at least a first guiding surface; a cam following assembly including a first following surface for engaging the first guiding surface of the cam at least at a first contact point, and a means for urging the first following surface against the first guiding surface of the cam; the first following surface defining a contact angle with the first guiding surface of the cam; and the first guiding surface of the cam being shaped such that the contact angle of the first follower changes substantially continually as the cam following assembly moves along the cam; wherein the means for urging the first following surface against the first guiding surface of the cam comprises a torsion member and the cam is shaped such that movement of the cam following assembly along the longitudinal axis of the cam causes a torsional movement of the torsion member and a change in the contact angle of the first following surface such that a magnitude of an axial force component of a reactionary force acting on the first following surface is substantially constant throughout a travel of the cam following assembly.