Abstract: An arrangement for converting rotary motion into translational motion in which a motion-transmission device that is movable translationally, is divided into two strings that move longitudinally along their direction of motion. A driving motor provides rotational motion through a rotary drive. The strings are guided transversely and are positioned outside of a guide where they become separated. The strings, on the other hand, become united inside the guide, and this guide prevents the strings from being movable from each other laterally. The strings have teeth on sides facing each other in vicinity of the guide, and these strings have ends secured to an intermediate component in the guide, remote from the rotary drive. The intermediate component is common to both strings, and they become disengaged in vicinity of the intermediate component.

Abstract: A motion conversion mechanism comprising a threaded shaft and a nut, is disclosed. The nut comprises a cylindrical body having the inner surface thereof formed with a groove corresponding to the thread of the threaded shaft. A string having a low friction property surface is fitted in the groove such that it partly projects from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body. The projecting portion of the string constitutes a thread to be screwed with the thread of the threaded shaft.

Abstract: A coupling member for taking up torque in a vehicle steering column to absorb vibration and vehicle body misalignment, the coupling member including a plastics disc with a pair of diametrically opposed bosses which protrude further from one face of the disc than from the other face, and another pair of diametrically opposed bosses which protrude further from the other face of the disc than from its one face.The disc is able to distort upon application of torque through the bosses by means of a cut-out portion between each adjacent boss. A fail-safe deflection plate can be provided on each face of the disc to react against opposed pairs of bosses in the event of high application of torque. An adaptor piece holding one end of a steering column is fitted to one face of the disc and a splined flange is secured to the other face of the disc to enable the coupling member to be secured to another steering column component.