Abstract: A linear motion assembly includes a screw having a helical external groove extending over a plurality of turns with a radially outwardly extending helical land formed between adjacent turns and a ball nut having a through bore configured for receipt of the screw. The ball nut has a helical internal groove extending over a plurality of turns with a radially inwardly extending helical land formed between adjacent turns. The helical land of the ball nut is radially aligned with the external groove of the screw and the helical land of the screw is radially aligned with the internal groove of the ball nut. At least one helical recirculation insert having a circuitous recirculation groove is configured in radial alignment with the radially inwardly extending helical land of the ball nut and the external groove of the screw, wherein a plurality of balls are received in the circuitous recirculation groove.

Abstract: A linear motion assembly includes a screw having a helical external groove extending over a plurality of turns with a radially outwardly extending helical land formed between adjacent turns and a ball nut having a through bore configured for receipt of the screw. The ball nut has a helical internal groove extending over a plurality of turns with a radially inwardly extending helical land formed between adjacent turns. The helical land of the ball nut is radially aligned with the external groove of the screw and the helical land of the screw is radially aligned with the internal groove of the ball nut. At least one helical recirculation insert having a circuitous recirculation groove is configured in radial alignment with the radially inwardly extending helical land of the ball nut and the external groove of the screw, wherein a plurality of balls are received in the circuitous recirculation groove.

Abstract: A linear motion assembly comprising a first body arranged for operable communication with a second body for translation of the first body and the second body relative to one another. At least one of the two bodies carries a sensor that detects and monitors information related to performance-indicating characteristics of the assembly. A control module is arranged in communication with the sensor and monitors at least one performance-indicating characteristic of the linear motion assembly by monitoring corresponding signals received from the sensor. The control module also detects and provides an indication of a discrepancy in the performance-indicating characteristic.

Abstract: A self-energizing, non-contacting sensing device for detecting movement of ferrous elements, methods of use and assemblies therewith. The device includes a permanent magnet, a pair of ferrous conductors, an inductor coil and a microprocessor. The ferrous conductors are attached to the permanent magnet with free ends of the ferrous conductors being spaced from one another to provide a gap. The gap provides an open circuit in the absence of the moving ferrous elements and a substantially closed circuit in the presence of the moving ferrous elements. When the circuit alters between open and closed states, in the absence and presence of the moving ferrous elements, respectively, an electromotive force imparted on the inductor coil generates an alternating current. The microprocessor is configured to detect the alternating current produced in the inductor coil, and thus, can assess whether the ferrous elements are moving in a normal or abnormal manner.

Abstract: A ball screw assembly has an axially extending screw with an external helical groove and a nut with a through bore for receipt of the screw. The through bore has an internal helical groove adapted for cooperation with the external helical groove to define a ball raceway. A plurality of load bearing balls is disposed in the raceway for rolling contact with the internal and external grooves. A spacer is disposed between adjacent ones of the load bearing balls to prevent the balls from contacting one another. Each of the spacers has at least three pairs of diametrically opposite concave dimples adapted for contact with the load bearing balls at separate times from one another.

Abstract: A self-energizing, non-contacting sensing device for detecting movement of ferrous elements, methods of use and assemblies therewith. The device includes a permanent magnet, a pair of ferrous conductors, an inductor coil and a microprocessor. The ferrous conductors are attached to the permanent magnet with free ends of the ferrous conductors being spaced from one another to provide a gap. The gap provides an open circuit in the absence of the moving ferrous elements and a substantially closed circuit in the presence of the moving ferrous elements. When the circuit alters between open and closed states, in the absence and presence of the moving ferrous elements, respectively, an electromotive force imparted on the inductor coil generates an alternating current. The microprocessor is configured to detect the alternating current produced in the inductor coil, and thus, can assess whether the ferrous elements are moving in a normal or abnormal manner.

Abstract: A linear motion assembly comprising a first body arranged for operable communication with a second body for translation of the first body and the second body relative to one another. At least one of the two bodies carries a sensor that detects and monitors information related to performance-indicating characteristics of the assembly. A control module is arranged in communication with the sensor and monitors at least one performance-indicating characteristic of the linear motion assembly by monitoring corresponding signals received from the sensor. The control module also detects and provides an indication of a discrepancy in the performance-indicating characteristic.