Patent ID: 8187287

Claim:
An anti-backup mechanism for a device having linear reciprocating motion through forward and reverse strokes over a distance defining a fixed excursion, the anti-backup mechanism comprising a reciprocal translator having a body with opposite generally parallel sides, the opposite sides having first and second spaced transition points formed into the sides at a distance substantially equal to the fixed excursion, an anti-backup sheet spring having its interior portion removed to define an interior opening leaving a unitary body with side struts and end struts, spring blades integral with the end struts projecting within the spring interior opening, with spring blade side edges spaced from the side struts, and with spring blade inner edges in generally parallel, confronting relation for engaging the opposite generally parallel sides of the reciprocal translator wherein the spring interior opening accommodates a cross-section of the body of the reciprocal translator for both forward and reverse strokes over a fixed excursion, a support housing having aligned recesses for receiving and holding the spring in operative position to receive the reciprocal translator in the interior opening whereby movement of the translator is confined to full fixed excursion between first and second transition points.