Abstract: A rotary/linear actuator of the type having power driven rotary balls adapted to impose a strain wave on a flexible sleeve for purposes of flexing screw threads carried by the sleeve radially into engagement with threads carried by an outer sleeve for purposes of effecting axial displacements of the outer sleeve relative to the flexible sleeve, employs an improved flexible sleeve permitting essentially uniform radial deflection of its screw threads in a direction extending lengthwise thereof. The actuator includes an improved motor mounting arrangement and alternative touch controlled potentiometer constructions. An alternative actuator construction is disclosed, wherein the flexible sleeve is formed as an integral part of an inner sleeve of the actuator.

Abstract: There is disclosed a rotary/linear actuator, wherein a power driver rotary component imposes a strain wave upon a flexible sleeve member, which is flexed into screw engagement with a rotationally fixed member for purposes of imparting linear movement to the sleeve member. The extent of linear movement of the sleeve member is preferably controlled by a rotational limit control device associated with the rotary component.

Abstract: There is disclosed a rotary/linear actuator, wherein a flexible sleeve member having a screw thread on its outer surface is arranged to surround a rotary component and a drive motor therefor; the rotary component resiliently deforming the screw thread of the sleeve member outwardly into engagement with an internally threaded outer sleeve member for purposes of imparting linear movement to the sleeve member incident to driven rotations of the rotary component. The actuator incorporates a potentiometer for producing a signal indicative of the position of the sleeve member.

Abstract: A closely wound, coil type tension spring of one hand having an initial tension exceeding that obtainable by prior spring forming techniques is formed by reverse winding an open-wound compression spring of the opposite hand. Alternative methods and apparatus for forming the tension spring are disclosed.

Abstract: A closely wound, coil type tension spring of one hand having an initial tension exceeding that obtainable by prior spring forming techniques is formed by reverse winding an open-wound compression spring of the opposite hand. Alternative methods and apparatus for forming the tension spring are disclosed.