Abstract: A linear motion assembly and recirculation insert therefor is provided. The assembly includes a ball nut having a through bore with an internal helical groove and a screw having an external helical groove. The external helical groove is radially aligned with the internal helical groove to define a plurality of ball raceways. A plurality of inserts is fixed within the bore of the ball nut. The inserts each have a central body fixed within a recessed pocket of the ball nut, with the body having a radially inwardly facing, generally s-shaped groove to route the balls between adjacent turns. A pair of legs extends in opposite directions from the central body, wherein the legs are sized for a clearance fit with the external helical groove. The legs merge with the central body over a smooth transition region that minimizes stress concentrations at the joint between the legs and central body.

Abstract: A wiper and scraper assembly for a linear motion assembly has a wiper and a scraper constructed from separate pieces of material. The wiper has a width extending between opposite sides with an opening extending through the opposite sides, with a first helical thread of the wiper being received in an external groove of a screw of the linear motion assembly. The scraper is disposed in the opening of the wiper, and has a second helical thread received in the external groove of the screw. The wiper has at least one lubrication return plow extending into one of its opposite sides, with the lubrication return plow facing axially inwardly into a nut of the linear motion assembly. The wiper has at least one debris ejection plow formed in the first helical thread, with the debris ejection plow facing axially outwardly from the ball nut.

Abstract: A linear motion assembly and recirculation insert therefor is provided. The assembly includes a ball nut having a through bore with an internal helical groove and a screw having an external helical groove. The external helical groove is radially aligned with the internal helical groove to define a plurality of ball raceways. A plurality of inserts is fixed within the bore of the ball nut. The inserts each have a central body fixed within a recessed pocket of the ball nut, with the body having a radially inwardly facing, generally s-shaped groove to route the balls between adjacent turns. A pair of legs extends in opposite directions from the central body, wherein the legs are sized for a clearance fit with the external helical groove. The legs merge with the central body over a smooth transition region that minimizes stress concentrations at the joint between the legs and central body.

Abstract: A wiper and scraper assembly for a linear motion assembly has a wiper and a scraper constructed from separate pieces of material. The wiper has a width extending between opposite sides with an opening extending through the opposite sides, with a first helical thread of the wiper being received in an external groove of a screw of the linear motion assembly. The scraper is disposed in the opening of the wiper, and has a second helical thread received in the external groove of the screw. The wiper has at least one lubrication return plow extending into one of its opposite sides, with the lubrication return plow facing axially inwardly into a nut of the linear motion assembly. The wiper has at least one debris ejection plow formed in the first helical thread, with the debris ejection plow facing axially outwardly from the ball nut.

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.