Patent ID: 7837700
Filing Date: 2010-11-23
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for translating a rotary motion to a linear motion, the apparatus comprising: two surfaces of two respective bearings, the two surfaces being a substantially fixed distance apart; and a cam that rotates about a central axis that is (a) substantially parallel to a direction of the linear motion of the two surfaces and (b) substantially perpendicular to a plane extending between the two surfaces; wherein said central axis is at an angle to the plane extending between the two surfaces; the cam having a curvilinear body of nonuniform thickness, the curvilinear body being disposed at an angle to the central axis of the cam; wherein the curvilinear body has a shape comprising at least two toruses, the at least two toruses being partially superimposed, and each of said at least two toruses has a central axis, wherein the central axes of the at least two toruses are at an angle to each other; and wherein the body continuously contacts the two surfaces as the cam rotates about the central axis, such that the two surfaces remain at the substantially fixed distance apart as they move linearly back and forth in reciprocating motion in response to the cam's rotation about the central axis.