Abstract: Prior art linear bearings generally have a roller element which, in such a reciprocating motion application, tend to creep or slide along the surfaces upon which they roll. This is due to unequal frictional forces between the rolling surfaces. The linear bearing of the present invention substantially prevents straying and/or sliding of roller elements, and therefore provides bearing functionality at high speeds and great loads with longer longevity and reliability. The linear bearing can be used in many engineering applications, such as in a rotary engine, for example.

Abstract: The drive shaft assembly has a variable length. Each end of the drive shaft assembly has a flange for attaching to whatever is intend thereon such as a gear box drive or fan mount, and a female threaded attachment on the opposite side of the flange. A slide is secured in this attachment. The slide has a bore therein with longitudinal ball bearing races partially along the length of the wall. Each end of the shaft has opposing ball bearing races as compared to those in the slide and has further thereon an o-ring retainer. A sufficient number of ball bearings are placed in each race to allow for movement of the shaft in the slide. The o-ring is placed on the shaft after the bearings are inserted. After this the slide is secured to the flange.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprising an outer tubular member (30) having an axis (32). An inner member (90) extends into the outer tubular member (30, 90) and is coaxial with the outer tubular member. The members (30) have surfaces (52a, 102a, 102b) which define a plurality of races (112) spaced circumferentially around one of the members (90). At least one rotatable element (140) is in each of the races (112). The rotatable elements (140) engage the outer tubular member (30) and the inner member (90) and guide relative axial movement of the outer tubular member and the inner member and transmit torque between the outer tubular member and the inner member. One of the members (30) applies radially directed force to the rotatable elements (140) urging the rotatable elements radially into contact with the other member (90) to provide for a no-lash torque transmission between the members.

Abstract: An endless sliding guide apparatus including a track rail, a sliding table having an endless track comprising a load rolling path, a no-load rolling path and a change direction path and rolling bodies wherein at least one of the no-load rolling path, the inner peripheral portion of the change direction path and a rolling body retaining section of the load rolling path is formed by synthetic resin rolling body guide members formed by insert molding using a bearing race as a core. The rolling body guide members are molded by a synthetic resin composition satisfying the relational expression of (a.times.b).div.c.gtoreq.700 Mpa with respect to the tensile strength a (MPa), tensile elongation b (%) and shrinkage c (%).

Abstract: A universal slider bushing includes an inner body within an outer body. The inner body has a convex spherical segment. The outer body has a concave spherical segment or socket supporting the convex spherical segment for universal movement. The inner body has a central through-passage. A ball bearing supports a shaft in the passage for longitudinal sliding movement and for rotation about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A fishing reel having a frame, a line carrying spool, and first structure for mounting the line carrying spool to the frame for reciprocating movement in a first predetermined path. The first structure includes a shaft that moves reciprocatively in a second predetermined path as an incident of which the line carrying spool moves in the first predetermined path. Second suture is provided on the frame for directing line onto the line carrying spool, with there being third structure cooperating between the first and second structures for causing reciprocating movement of the shaft in the second predetermined path as an incident of the second structure being operated. The first structure includes a rolling element cooperating between the shaft and the frame for guiding movement of the shaft in the second predetermined path.

Abstract: A thrust bearing for bearing a load along a force vector includes at least two roller elements in rolling contact with one another and arranged along the force vector such that the load is borne through the roller elements. The roller elements are retained within a retainer such that they remain aligned along the force vector while subjected to loads. The retainer used to house the roller elements may be designed to abut the roller elements at minimum points of contact, or alternatively to distribute the load borne by one or both of the roller elements across a greater surface area. One application of the preferred thrust bearings is in an apparatus such as a keyboard support for reducing repetitive stress injuries. A main disk is rotatably coupled to a base and supports a support member on a plurality of the thrust bearings.

Abstract: A linear ball bearing mounting flange, which is provided on at least one end of an outer cylinder of a linear ball bearing and is used for mounting the linear ball bearing on a machine or apparatus. The flange includes a flange-shaped structure having a thick wall and provided separately from the outer cylinder. The flange-shaped structure has an annular recess extending from one end surface of the flange-shaped structure along the inner peripheral surface thereof; a peripheral wall on the inner peripheral side of the recess, which has a jagged structure in which projections and recesses are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction; and a claw projecting inward from the inner peripheral wall, which is formed at the leading end of each of the projecting portions of the jagged structure. When the flange is inserted around the outer cylinder of the linear ball bearing, the claws are locked in a claw insertion hole provided in the outer cylinder.

Abstract: A length adjustable motor vehicle steering column including a tubular first mast jacket element, a tubular second mast jacket element telescopically overlapping the first mast jacket element, a plurality of elastic rolling elements squeezed between linear tracks on the first and second mast jacket elements, a separator having a plurality of cells loosely receiving the elastic rolling elements and maintaining relative spacing therebetween, and a plurality of smaller inelastic rolling elements suspended by the separator between the linear tracks on the first and second mast jacket elements. The elastic rolling elements eliminate lash between the first and second mast jacket elements and support the first mast jacket element on the second mast jacket element for low friction relative linear translation. The inelastic rolling elements define positive stops which limit deformation of the elastic rolling elements and flexure of the steering column perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline thereof.

Abstract: In a rectilinear guide apparatus wherein a female guide is disposed outside a male guide and four rows, for example, of rollers are interposed between the two guides and the male guide is rectilinearly movable relative to the female guide, rollers in two of the four rows are oriented in the same direction and all rollers in the other two rows are inclined so as to be substantially orthogonal to the rotation center axes of the rollers in the first-mentioned two rows. This rectilinear guide apparatus provides an effect similar to a combination of two rows of cross rollers, but provides higher strength and simplifies working of the rolling surfaces of the rollers.

Abstract: A linear ball bushing comprises a cylindrical retainer (1) having a number of pockets (1a), a number of balls (2) received in the pockets (1a), respectively, and a retaining sleeve (3) having a number of retaining holes (3a) corresponding to the pockets (1a) in the retainer (1) center (O3) of the retaining hole (3a) being offset by a distance (S) from center O1 of the pocket (1a) axially of the retainer so that a portion of peripheral edge of the retaining hole overhanging the pocket (1a), thereby preventing the balls (2) from dropping out of the pockets (1a).

Abstract: Each assembly includes spaced bearings which roll independently of each other on and between confronting, parallel bearing surfaces which form an elongate raceway between a support member and a slide member that reciprocates thereon. Adjacent bearings are separated by coiled compression spring devices which permit the bearings to move relative to one another, but which also provide a minimum separation distance between adjacent bearings. Oil-saturated felt members are located between certain of the bearings to have sliding, wiping engagement with the bearing surfaces; and positioned at each end of an assembly is either a cylindrically shaped plastic end member, or a short keeper strip containing additional rotatable bearings and another oil-saturated felt member.

Abstract: A bearing unit for linearly moving selector shafts in a toothed-wheel gearbox with rows of beating balls in a cage rolling on the one hand on an inner surface of a sleeve permanently fitted to the gearbox housing and on the other hand on the gear change shaft. The sleeve has a flange at one end by which the sleeve can be secured to a gearbox housing in such a way that it extends freely into the gearbox housing over its entire length.

Abstract: The two sets of ball bearings which support an inverted, generally U-shaped slide on the base member of the assembly are carried in the leg sections of an inverted, generally U-shaped ball cage which is positioned between the base member and slide. A piston which is reciprocated by compressed air in a bore in the base member, is connected to the two leg sections of the ball cage by a dowel pin, whereby reciprocation of the piston is imparted to the ball cage and the bearings supported therein. A cylindrical copupling pin which is rotatably mounted intermediate its ends in a slot in the central portion of the ball cage, projects at opposite ends thereof slidably and rotatably into registering, diagonal grooves formed in confronting surfaces of the base member and slide, thereby coupling the cage to the slide and base member for movement in unison by the piston.

Abstract: A slide bearing support having one member movable in a given direction relative to another member and including a pair of parallel slide bearing assemblies disposed between the members. Each of the assemblies includes a raceway defining guide surfaces along a travel path in the given direction; and a plurality of slide bearing members retained by the raceway and supporting the one member on the another member, the bearing members being shaped and arranged for sliding movement on the guide surfaces.

Abstract: A cargo deck bearing assembly (8) comprising a housing (10) formed of a lightweight material, and means (14) integral therewith for attaching the housing (10) to an airplane cargo deck. A plurality of cavities (18) are provided in the housing (10) at its upper surface (20), generally arranged in the form of a circle. A generally hemispherical cup (22) is disposed in each of the cavities (18). A plurality of small bearing balls (24) are disposed in a single layer over the inner surface of the cup (22), and a single larger bearing ball (28) is disposed over the layer of small bearing balls (24). A rigid skid plate (30) is affixed to the upper surface (20) of the housing over the bearing balls. The skid plate (30) is provided with a plurality of circular apertures (34), one aperture superposed over each of the larger bearing balls (28). The structure results in a lightweight cargo bearing assembly (8) providing low resistance to movement of cargo bins thereover in any direction.

Abstract: Hollow ball bearings of improved strength and uniformity are produced by causing identical first and second hemispheric units to rotate at different speeds in facing relationship upon a common axis, and forcing the hemispheres into aligned contact. The frictional heat generated by such contact melts the material adjacent the open rim of each contacting hemisphere. The molten material is distributed by centrifugal force about the interior of the hemispheres. The speeds of the two hemispheres are then equalized with attendant cooling and re-solidification of the molten material, thereby producing a hollow sphere.

Abstract: A chair having height-adjustable arm assemblies mounted adjacent opposite sides of the seat. Each arm assembly includes a horizontally elongated armrest which adjacent one end is connected to an upper end of a support column. The support column is axially slidably supported within an elongate support tube which projects downwardly adjacent a side of the chair seat. The support column and support tube have a cooperating linear anti-friction bearing arrangement therebetween, the latter incorporating a resilient support track to eliminate circumferential clearance. A latch mechanism includes a movable latch member carried on the column and cooperating with a plurality of latch-receiving slots formed in the support tube. The latch member is activated by a push rod which projects upwardly through the support column, and at its upper end is activated by an actuating lever which is pivoted on and projects lengthwise of the armrest and terminates in an actuating button disposed under the front end of the armrest.

Abstract: A linear bearing structure comprises a bearing bush, a plurality of annular ball retainers each holding a plurality of bearing balls, circumferentially and a pair of annular endpieces respectively removably secured to ends of the bush to confine the ball retainers therein. The bearing bush comprises an outer metal cylinder and an inner cylindrical lining layer formed by a bearing material having a small coefficient of friction and a small coefficient of wear and is provided with a slit which has a predetermined width and extends along the axis of the bush over the entire length thereof so that the bush can be circumferentially elastically compressed by a magnitude corresponding to the width of the slit. Each of the endpieces has, at the inner side thereof, an annular groove having a diameter smaller than that of the bush so that by compressing the bush into the annular grooves of the endpieces at the ends of the bush, the bush and the endpieces can be elastically fitted together.

Abstract: A linear slide of the type having a carriage member and a base member arranged for relative axial back and forth movement within an opening defined between the carriage and base members, a plurality of rolling elements disposed between rails disposed in the carriage member and the base member, the improvement including: providing the rolling elements loosely disposed in at least one linear group between the carriage member and the base member, without retainers, wherein the length of the at least one linear group can be greater than the product of the diameter of the rolling elements times the number thereof.

Abstract: A cage that contributes to smooth operation of a rolling guide unit and said rolling guide unit itself are provided. Projections are formed continuously between each of a plurality of openings, arranged in a row for insertion of rolling elements, that prevent rolling elements from coming out of those openings, thereby increasing the rigidity of the cage to prevent warping. The openings are provided with different sized diameters on opposite sides of the cage. On a given side, larger and smaller diameters alternate.

Abstract: An inline skateboard comprised of a board body, a pair of downwardly depending mounting rails integrally formed and smoothly merging from the bottom surface of the board body along a medial position thereof, a plurality of mounting shafts extending transversely across and through the mounting rails and ground engaging, interchangeable transit arrangements mounted on the mounting shafts in at least one of an inboard position between the mounting rails and an outboard position disposed to the outside of the mounting rails. An optional ball wheel is positioned at the end of the board body to define a pivot point which a rider may attain improved stability, balance and turnability.

Abstract: A ball transfer unit adapted to receive cargo for movement thereover having a ball race assembly including a cup member having a cylindrical wall extending therearound and having a terminal end at the outer extremity of said cup. The wall in proximity to said terminal end is provided with external threads. A plurality of roller balls repose in the cup. A rotatable cargo engageable ball rests on the roller balls. A ball cover is provided to prevent inadvertent removal of the cargo engaging ball from said assembly while allowing free rotation thereof. The ball cover has a terminal end and, in proximity to said terminal end, the cover is provided with internal threads. The external and internal threads are engageable to hold the ball cover in place on the ball race assembly during normal use and the ball cover being readily disengageable to permit disassembly and cleaning of the components of the unit. The unit has a flat, planar bottom surface on which to rest during disassembly.

Abstract: A miter saw includes a base for placing a work thereon, a miter saw unit having a saw blade mounted thereon, and a slide support mechanism comprising a slide mechanism having a slide shaft mounted on one of the miter saw unit and the base, and a sleeve member mounted on the other of the miter saw unit and the base. The sleeve member is slidably movable relative to the spline shaft in an axial direction of the slide shaft, and the rotational position of the sleeve member is fixed relative to the slide shaft around an axis of the spline shaft. First and second covers are disposed around the slide shaft on opposite sides of the sleeve member forming first and second air chambers in communication with each other.

Abstract: A ball transfer unit for use in a conveyor track for material handling applications, such as the movement and handling of freight, comprising a housing which contains a conveyor ball supported by the surface of a plurality of ball bearings. The ball transfer unit also comprises a floating annular seal such that the seal is continuously biased against the conveyor ball to prevent the introduction of fluids, contaminants, and harmful chemicals into the race of the ball transfer unit.

Abstract: A bearing body is provided with first roller bodies such that a shaft may be rollably bearing-mounted on the surface of the first roller bodies, for centering the shaft such that the shaft is shiftable along the shaft axis, rotatable about the shaft axis, and swivelable with respect to a central axis of the bearing. The first roller bodies may be balls and may, in turn, be rollably bearing-mounted by second roller bodies. The bearing assembly achieves a device having zero runout and low friction that ensures a smooth, reliable bearing for shafts and rods, for example, in the gear shift rods of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A male slide member, which is mounted to reciprocate in a rectangular recess formed in the face of a base member, is supported at one side thereof by a plurality of ball bearings for substantially friction-free movement with respect to one side of the recess, and is supported at its opposite side by an elongate bearing rod carried by the male slide member to have frictional, sliding movement with respect to a pair of spaced, parallel bearing surfaces that extend longitudinally of the other side of the recess in the base member. The bearing rod has formed in its periphery longitudinally spaced gear teeth which mesh with the teeth of a pinion gear mounted on the base member to rotate adjacent the bearing rod, and selectively to drive the rod and its attached slide member in opposite directions.

Abstract: A sliding block with adjustable track positioning comprising a prismatic body, in one face of which there is a longitudinal recess arranged to receive a rail by way of rolling elements positionable in respective tracks, the body being essentially of C-shaped cross-section consisting of a central part from which two flanges extend, wherein in at least one of the two flanges of the C-shaped cross-section there is provided a second longitudinal recess which divides it into separate portions connected together at the central part, the second recess containing elements for adjusting the distance between the two separate portions.

Abstract: An elongated retainer for use in a linear motion guide unit is provided. The retainer has a generally U-shaped cross sectional shape and formed with a recessed portion at each end thereof. The recessed portion is engageable with a corresponding stopper provided at each end of the guide unit so that the effective stroke of the retainer is increased by a sum of the depths of these two recessed portions.

Abstract: A manipulator includes a carriage, a base and a longitudinal guide for positioning the carriage. The longitudinal guide contains two guide parts attached to the base to provide a sliding mount for the carriage along an axis. A spindle is coupled to the carriage for moving it longitudinally and is provided with a rotating mount on the base. The manipulator also includes two wedge arrangements between the side parts of the base and the guide parts of the guide to center the carriage and prestress the guide parts in the direction of the axis. Each wedge arrangement comprises two cooperating slant faces one of which is an inner face of each side part of the base and the other of which belongs to a wedge which is moved with respect to the respective guide part for centering the same relative to the spindle. After completion of the centering operation the guide parts will be secured to the base, e.g. by screws.

Abstract: The present invention relates to telescoping slide assemblies having interconnected slide members including a stationary slide member, a chassis slide member, and an intermediate slide member positioned therebetween, and particularly to mechanisms for governing movement of a chassis slide member in a telescoping slide assembly. More particularly, the invention relates to multiple telescoping slide assemblies coupled together in parallel spaced-apart relation by a fixture attached to their respective intermediate slide members.

Abstract: A bearing retainer assembly for use in a telescoping slide assembly exposed to shock or vibration. Advantageously, this improved retainer assembly is configured to include an innovative arrangement and placement of both steel and plastic ball bearings in a retainer so as to facilitate sliding movement of adjacent slide members in a telescoping slide assembly without suffering from unwanted friction and drag that might otherwise degrade the operability of a slide assembly containing a conventional ball bearing retainer assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for harnessing and utilizing, inter alia, gravitational and centrifugal forces generated at a location eccentric from the axis of rotation of a rolling wheel. The apparatus includes pumps that can be attached in a tangential relationship to a path of wheel rotation of an automobile wheel in order to pressurize under-inflated tires and maintain tire pressure at a preset value. A double acting unitary piston assembly is supported for antifrictional reciprocation in a pump housing along a line tangential with respect to a path of wheel rotation so that gravitational force will principally displace the piston assembly to effect working strokes for inflating a pneumatic tire. Compression ratio parameters of the pump are preselected to cause the pump to be effective at wheel rotation velocities above which gravitational forces are no longer effective to operate the pump. A device is also provided to adjust the compression ratio of the pump to thereby adjust the air pressure to be maintained in the tire.

Abstract: A linear motion guide unit is described that contributes to reduced weight and reduced manufacturing costs of the moving portion such as a table that is supported and guided.The present invention offers these advantages by providing a mounting surface for mounting a table to the ends in the direction of movement of a slider, and forming a mounting portion for attaching a fastening member to said mounting surface.

Abstract: A linear motion rolling guide unit, together with allowing the rigidity of the overall unit to be increased in all directions when mounted on a frame, also attains a reduction in the dimension of height from the frame surface to the upper surface of the unit. This linear motion rolling guide unit offers the above advantages as a result of the points of intersection of matching lines of action of the force applied to rolling elements roughly coinciding with a plane that contains the mounting surfaces of a track rail for mounting that track rail to a frame.

Abstract: In combination, a guide post, a coaxial ball bearing cage adjustably receiving the guide post and adapted for longitudinal and rotary movements. A coaxial guide sleeve upon a support adjustably receives the cage and post. A coiled spring within the sleeve is mounted upon the support and yieldably supports the ball cage. An apertured cap upon the sleeve loosely receives the cage and has an inlet adapted for connection to an air source. Pressurized air is directed into the cap for angular impingement upon the cage for rotating the cage relative to the sleeve. As a modification the spring is replaced by a pressurized air source.

Abstract: A ball transfer assembly includes a steel ball that rotates within a housing having a collar for centering the ball within the housing and a removable plug that forms a seat for the ball and retains the ball and collar within the housing. The plug has a snap lock arrangement with the housing that permits it to be removable allowing the assembly to be taken apart and cleaned. A gasket also aids in preventing the accumulation of dust and wood fibers within the housing. A series of ball transfer assemblies may be aligned in an extruded metal rail to form a long beam with equally spaced in-line ball supports each capable of 360.degree. movement. This ball rail can be set adjacent a table saw. moulder, shaper, or band saw to provide control over the movement of sheet material being cut or moved.

Abstract: Opposite side of the base section of the slide assembly are supported by two sets of ball bearings for reciprocable movement in an elongate recess formed in the slide section of the assembly. Each set of ball bearings is supported in an elongate retainer plate which extends between a pair of confronting grooves formed in the confronting surfaces of the base and slide sections at each side of the recess. Each set of ball bearings at opposite sides thereof has rolling engagement with a pair of spaced, parallel, longitudinally extending bearing rods that are mounted in each confronting groove. An elongate slot which is formed in the slide section opens at one side thereof on the bottom of one of the grooves in that section, and on the space which separates the pair of bearing rods mounted in that groove.

Abstract: A bearing for orbital motion includes a first plate having first and second surfaces. The second surface has formed thereon a race and a reservoir which circumscribes the race. A second plate has first and second surfaces. The first surface of the second plate has formed thereon a race and a reservoir which are matingly dimensioned and oriented with respect to the race and reservoir of the first plate. The second surface of the second plate has formed thereon a race, which is oriented perpendicular to the race of the first surface, and a reservoir, which circumscribes the race. A third plate has first and second surfaces, and the first surface has formed thereon a race and a reservoir which are matingly dimensioned and oriented with respect to the race and reservoir of the second surface of the second plate. A first pair of load carrying members are disposed in the mating races of the first and the second plates.

Abstract: A linear motion rolling guide unit in which rolling elements of one side are in four-point contact with raceway surfaces of one of two raceways formed by raceway grooves in a rail and grooves in a casing and rolling elements of the other side are in two-point contact with raceway surfaces of the other raceways. Depending on the direction in which load is applied to the slider, the number of raceway surfaces the rolling elements contact is changed to allow machining errors of the raceway grooves and to give room of the machining accuracy so that even when the casing is applied with an uneven load the slider can slide smoothly on the track rail.

Abstract: There is disclosed a shock absorber which is contained within the head tube of a bicycle. The shock absorber has an outer cylinder that is rotationally received within the head tube and secured at its upper end to a handlebar support member, such as a gooseneck. An inner cylinder is slidably received within the outer cylinder and secured at its lower end to the fork that supports the front wheel. Each of the cylinders has longitudinal grooves, the inner cylinder having longitudinal grooves on its outer surface which align with longitudinal grooves on the inside wall of the outer cylinder. A plurality of bearing balls are received in the tracks which are formed by the longitudinal grooves of the cylinders and a thin-wall bearing retainer is concentrically received between the inner and outer cylinders having a plurality of apertures at predetermined spacing which are aligned along the bearing tracks, each of the apertures capturing one of the bearing balls.

Abstract: The ball bearing assembly has a total stroke range comprising a first portion where a clearance fit is applied and a second range where an interference fit is applied. The interference stroke range is used to, for example, carry a platform where precise alignment is necessary, and deflections or other movement of the platform must be minimized. Use of the ball bearing assembly to carry a platform holding a semiconductor wafer to be probed is illustrated. After each wafer is probed, the ball cage is reset such that any migration of the ball cage is eliminated so that the clearance and interference stroke ranges return to predetermined values. Further provided are means for rotationally resetting the ball cage, providing for even wear over the entire surfaces of the shaft and housing in their working zones to increase the useful lifetime of the assembly.

Abstract: A longitudinal guide for a seat sliding device for vehicle seats includes two elongated tracks that slide relative to each other. A guide is arranged between the tracks, there being at least two guides when viewed from the profile of the longitudinal guide, of which at least one is constructed using roller bodies. One track embraces the other track. The tracks are interconnected so that they will not separate. The tracks are positioned in an adjoined, preloaded manner. The tracks are manufactured of steel sheet containing at least 0.35% carbon content and are heat treated after they are complete.

Abstract: A linear drive which has a housing with a longitudinal slot. A drive part able to be longitudinally moved in the housing is connected by the aid of a link part, running in the longitudinal slot, with a guide part, which is guided for motion on a longitudinal guide arranged outside the housing. As a longitudinal guide a rod guide is provided, which has at least one guide rod adjacent to the housing and spaced from it radially. The guide rod is exposed along its guide stroke and has the guide part encircling it. There is therefore the possibility of accurate guiding of the moving unit without being affected by any tendency of the housing to splay outwards. The costs of manufacture are low.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for adjusting the preload of an anti-friction bearing is disclosed. A compressive load is applied to the opposite transverse faces of the outer races of a linear bearing by hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. While the bearing assembly is held in compression, a test force is applied to one end of the inner race or slide in a direction parallel to its constrained direction of travel to cause the slide to move through the bearing at a steady rate of travel. While the slide is in motion, rolling friction characteristics are measured by a force gauge. The resulting force gauge measurement corresponds to a particular bearing preload.

Abstract: Linear sliding guides with rolling elements for translating couplings or the like, which include by a pair of contoured elements suitable for being fitted one with the other wherein rolling elements are interposed between the contoured elements, and wherein both of the contoured elements are provided with seats for at least partially housing the rolling elements. The rolling elements are retained by an intermediate cage element. Inside the seats the contoured elements have at least one mutually opposite face treated by high-thickness hard anodizing. The rolling elements are made of a plastic material and the contoured elements are manufactured from an extruded light alloy material.

Abstract: A stroke bearing is able to perform relative motion along a prescribed path by itself without requiring the providing of a stopping device that prevents a ball and cage assembly from falling out on the apparatus. In a stroke bearing having an outer sleeve and a shaft fit together by means of a ball and cage assembly, by, for example, fitting a bushing into said outer sleeve, providing a guide groove on this bushing, and having a pin make sliding contact with said guide groove, said stroke bearing is able to perform relative motion along a prescriber path. In addition, the ball and cage assembly can be easily prevented from falling out by a stop ring acting in the manner of a range limiting device that limits the range of said relative motion.

Abstract: In combination, a guide post having a longitudinal slot and a ball bearing cage adjustably receiving the post and adapted for relative longitudinal and rotary movements, there being an internal annular recess in said cage inwardly of one end. A truncated roller bearing with opposed hemispherical surfaces and opposed flat sides is guidably positioned within the slot with the roller bearing maintaining a rolling point contact with the bottom wall of the slot and with the roller flat sides loosely and slidably registerable with the side walls of the slot. One of the hemispherical surfaces of the bearing being positioned and retained within an internal annular recess within the ball cage. A fastener within the profile of the guide post adjacent one end of the longitudinal slot traps the roller within the longitudinal slot and ball cage.

Abstract: A linear motion guide unit including a bed, a sliding table and a plurality of rolling members interposed between the bed and the sliding table to provide a relative sliding motion therebetween. The bed has an outwardly extending mounting wall section and it is mounted on a housing having an associated recess or hole. Thus, when the linear motion guide unit is mounted in position, it is located in the associated recess or hole so that the overall exposed height of the present linear motion guide unit can be made extremely small, thereby allowing to be used in moving parts of various devices, such as floppy disc and hard disc drives.

Abstract: Opposite side of the base section of the slide assembly are supported by two sets of ball bearings for reciprocable movement in an elongate recess formed in the slide section of the assembly. Each set of ball bearings is supported in an elongate retainer plate which extends between a pair of confronting grooves formed in the confronting surfaces of the base and slide sections at each side of the recess. Each set of ball bearings at opposite sides thereof has rolling engagement with a pair of spaced, parallel, longitudinally extending bearing rods that are mounted in each confronting groove. An elongate slot which is formed in the slide section opens at one side thereof on the bottom of one of the grooves in that section, and on the space which separates the pair of bearing rods mounted in that groove.