Abstract: A device for compensating for the tooth backlash between two toothed gears in engagement with one another, with a toothed disk, which is connected in parallel with one of the toothed gears and provided with the same gear pitch, and which is held such that it can be hydraulically adjusted relative thereto until it bears against the non-force-transmitting tooth flanks of the mating toothed gear. In order to achieve a design that is as simple as possible and requires little mounting space, there must be provided at least one hydraulic adjusting element, which exerts an adjusting force in circumferential direction on the toothed gear and which is equipped with a steel piston held adjustably in a housing and urged by a spring as well as by pressurized fluid supplied via a check valve.

Abstract: A motor-driven type power steering apparatus includes: a drive gear connected to an output shaft of a motor; a driven gear in mesh with the drive gear, which is connected to a steering unit; a bearing for supporting one end of the drive gear; a support portion in which the bearing is disposed; and a curved leaf spring which has a length larger than a peripheral length of the bearing and fitted between the bearing and the support portion in a resiliently deformed state. The curved leaf spring urges the bearing so that a distance between an axis of the driven gear and an axis of the drive gear decreases.

Abstract: A gear stage assembly having a gear stage with two meshing gearwheels for mechanically transmitting a torque includes individual magnets arranged in the form of a ring on each of the gearwheels in a manner corresponding to that of the teeth of the gearwheels, for producing magnetic forces in the gear stage, individual magnets of respective ones of the magnets formed in a ring being arranged with alternating polarity in the direction of rotation and forming a stage of magnets in a ring disposed parallel to the gear stage, for producing a preload torque in the gear stage; and a varnishing unit including the gear stage assembly.

Abstract: A worm/worm gear assembly comprises a worm having teeth defined by at least one thread disposed thereon and a worm gear having teeth protruding from a surface thereof. At least one of the worm and the worm gear is fabricated from a resilient material. The teeth of the worm and the teeth of the worm gear are interengaged and in a compressive relationship with each other to maintain double flank contact therebetween. At low- or no-load conditions, the double flank contact is made at the opposing outer edges of each of the teeth. At moderate-load conditions, the contact extends from the opposing outer edges of each of the teeth toward the center of each of the teeth. A method for delashing a gear system comprises disposing the worm in mechanical communication with the worm gear and loading the worm gear to cause the worm gear to compressively engage the worm.

Abstract: The gear mechanism for minimizing backlash may include a convoluted spring positioned between an external spline of a gear or shaft and an internal spline of a gear. The gear mechanism may include a cam and cam follower arrangement upon two adjacent gears positioned on the same shaft. Two stacked gears may include a U-shaped backlash eliminating element passing through both gears. The gear mechanism may include rollers which may be conically shaped.

Abstract: An axial adjusting device comprising two discs which are rotatable relative to one another, which are supported coaxially relative to one another and between which there are guided balls in pairs of ball grooves whose depth varies across the circumference. Of the discs, one is axially supported and one is axially displaceable against resilient returning forces of spring means. At least one of the discs is rotatingly drivable by a driving motor. For load reducing purposes, at least two balls are guided in each of the pairs of ball grooves.

Abstract: An improved rack and pinion has been developed that eliminates backlash without using split gears. It is amenable to easy retrofitting of existing systems.

Abstract: To provide a backlash-free rack simple in structure and small in size, still assuring that no backlash is caused in reciprocating a movable part in an electronic device toy, or watch et al, the rack structure comprises first and second toothed bars both integrally connected to each other by an intermediate joint made of a soft resin material to provide a linear toothed bar object. The linear toothed bar object is so folded about the intermediate joint that the first and second toothed bars are somewhat staggered and laid on each other with their teeth out of phase, thereby preventing the backlash which otherwise, would be caused between the teeth of the rack and those of the pinion.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering gear (10) comprises a housing (12) having an axially extending passage (14) and a yoke bore (18) that intersects the axially extending passage (14) within the housing (12). A pinion gear (26) is rotatably mounted in the housing (12). A rack bar (34) extends through the axially extending passage (14) and is movable relative to the pinion gear (26). The rack bar (34) has teeth in meshing engagement with teeth (32) of the pinion gear (26). A yoke assembly (54) is located in the yoke bore (18) of the housing (12) for at least partially supporting and guiding movement of the rack bar (34) relative to the pinion gear (26). The yoke assembly (54) comprises a yoke (56) having first and second roller assemblies (154 and 166) for contacting the rack bar (34) and rotating during movement of the rack bar (34). A first spindle (112) supports the first roller assembly (154) and a second spindle (114) supports the second roller assembly (166).

Abstract: A method of obtaining a desired tooth flank backlash for a transmission having at least two interlocking toothed gears, comprises applying a removable coating on at least one of the toothed gears for purposes of setting the backlash, the coating comprising a mixture containing a bonding agent and a filling material; adjusting the least two interlocking toothed gears with the coating relatively to each another essentially play-free or with only small play; and removing the coating.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus in which steering assistance is achieved by transmitting a rotary motion of an electric motor for steering assistance to a steering shaft on which a worm wheel is mounted through a worm shaft on which a worm is mounted, wherein the worm shaft is deflectable toward the worm wheel and equipped with a biasing member biasing the worm shaft in the deflective direction thereof, or alternatively, the worm wheel is deflectable toward the worm shaft and equipped with a biasing member biasing the worm wheel in the deflective direction thereof.

Abstract: A backlash correction device of this invention has a motor, a gear transmitting a moving force from the motor to a paper feed base, a spring urging the paper feed base to one of forward and backward movement directions of the paper feed base using an urging force, and a controller. (1) If the paper feed base is moved in an opposite direction to an urging direction of the spring, the controller drives the motor in a movement direction of the paper feed base by a predetermined movement quantity. (2) If the paper feed base is moved in a same direction as the urging direction of the spring, the controller (2-1) drives the motor in a movement direction of the paper feed base by a movement quantity which is the sum of the predetermined movement quantity and a correction quantity equal to or greater than a maximum backlash quantity, and (2-2) then drives the motor in an opposite direction by the correction quantity.

Abstract: A machine tool drive device comprising in a structure:

Abstract: The invention relates to a planet gear having a planet carrier rotatable around an axis of rotation, comprising at least one planet wheel arranged on the planet carrier, a sun wheel and a ring gear, wherein the planet wheel is arranged in a movable manner at least radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the planet carrier. To minimize the backlash of a planet gear of this type, it is further provided that the ring gear is formed in two pieces on a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the planet carrier, wherein the two halves of the ring gears can be rotated against each other and thereby effect a radial shift of the planet wheel in the direction towards the sun wheel in order to reduce backlash.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gear based transmission apparatus that are configured to reduce or eliminate the backlash effects. In one embodiment, a transmission apparatus comprises a follower gear, a first drive gear set coupled with the follower gear to drive the follower gear, and a second drive gear set coupled with the follower gear to drive the follower gear. The first drive gear set includes at least one gear, and the second drive gear set includes at least one gear. A controller is coupled with the first drive gear set and the second drive gear set.

Abstract: A rotary printing machine includes a first gearwheel, a second gearwheel, and a setting device for selectively adjusting the second gearwheel into a first position, in which the gearwheels are coupled to one another, and into a second position, in which the gearwheels are uncoupled from one another. The printing machine includes a traction mechanism for securing a staggered-teeth rotary-angle position of the second gearwheel relative to the first gearwheel when the second gearwheel is adjusted into the second position, and a first tension element for tensioning a rotatably arranged traction means of the traction mechanism. The first tension element is loaded by a spring. The traction means is assigned a second tension element, and in the second tension element is mounted so to be a selectively adjustable into a first switching position and a second switching position.

Abstract: Guide ring arranged coaxially with a drive shaft includes locating and locking features ensuring proper orientation of drive and driven shafts, also ensuring proper backlash between gears mounted thereon. Guide ring is inserted through a keyed aperture of a mounting bracket and brought into proximity with the driven shaft frame. Rotation of motor and guide ring in first direction draws shafts into alignment; mounting bracket is attached to driven shaft frame. Motor and guide ring then rotated in opposite direction to second extreme position in which the motor is locked and driven shaft can rotate freely.

Abstract: A NC machine tool having a constitution in which a table (15, 115) for placing a work thereon and a spindle (14, 114) for setting a tool are relatively moved by three feed mechanisms (18-20, 118-120), for X-axis, for Y-axis, and for Z-axis, to carry out machining. A preload is applied to all the three feed mechanisms (18-20, 118-120), for X-axis, for Y-axis, and for Z-axis, using a rack-pinion (21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 121, 122, 124, 125, 127, 128), and using two motors (16, 23, 29) for each axis to prevent backlash in the rack-pinion.

Abstract: In an electric power steering system, a second bevel gear is allowed to move toward a first bevel gear and is biased by a biasing member toward the first bevel gear thereby to be moved toward the first bevel gear as following the wearing away of these bevel gears. In an electric power steering system, a support shaft formed with the first bevel gear at its distal end is rotatably supported by a retaining member, which is mounted to a support-shaft housing as allowed to move axially of the support shaft. The retaining member is adjusted for its position relative to the support-shaft housing with respect to the axial direction of the support shaft by means of a retaining member adjuster. The first bevel gear is moved toward the second bevel gear as following the wearing away of these bevel gears.

Abstract: A backlash-free speed reducing device includes a drive unit, a rotary unit, and a power output unit. The drive unit consists of a drive motor having a drive shaft. A first power transmission cable is wound around the drive shaft. The rotary unit has two first cylinders, with the first transmission cable fixed to the external surface of the first cylinders at opposite ends thereof and wound around or unwound from the first cylinders in response to a rotation of the drive shaft. Each of the first cylinders is concentrically fitted over a rotating shaft such that the first cylinders are linearly movable along the rotating shafts in opposite directions. A second power transmission cable is fixed to the external surfaces of the rotating shafts of the two first cylinders at opposite ends thereof. The power output unit has a second cylinder, with the second transmission cable wound around the second cylinder.

Abstract: A gear drive, including a first shaft, a first gear wheel on the first shaft, a second shaft a certain distance away from the first shaft, and a second gear on the second shaft. The second gear wheel engaged with the first gear wheel by way of helical gearing. A third gear wheel is mounted on the second shaft a certain axial distance away from the second gear wheel to compensate for backlash. The third gear wheel also engages with the first gear wheel by way of helical gearing and being axially shiftable with respect to the second gear wheel. An expansion element is arranged so as to change a distance between the second gear wheel and the third gear wheel as a function of temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a shaft and a device containing such a shaft (22), in particular an armature shaft (22) of an electric motor drive (10), which shaft is held by at least one shaft bearing (43). It is proposed that a bearing surface (40) for guidance in a shaft bearing (42) be formed onto the shaft (22) at at least one point by means of positive displacement of material.

Abstract: An anti-backlash gear system including a splined shaft and a gear is disclosed. The splined shaft has at least one spline. The gear has a splined bore having at least one spline, through which the splined shaft passes. The gear and the shaft have a clearance therebetween. The splined bore and the splined shaft are engaged in a driving direction, and the splined bore and the splined shaft are disengaged, thereby producing a backlash motion, in a direction opposite the driving direction.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus in which steering assistance is achieved by transmitting a rotary motion of an electric motor for steering assistance to a steering shaft on which a worm wheel is mounted through a worm shaft on which a worm is mounted, wherein the worm shaft is deflectable toward the worm wheel and equipped with a biasing member biasing the worm shaft in the deflective direction thereof, or alternatively, the worm wheel is deflectable toward the worm shaft and equipped with a biasing member biasing the worm wheel in the deflective direction thereof.

Abstract: A machine tool rotational indexing device is provided that is capable of increasing transmission efficiency by preventing slip in transmitting a turning force of a gear mechanism and coping with high-speed rotational indexing with restrained heat generation. The device has a swivel slide loaded with a workpiece or a tool and is rotationally and indexably mounted in a specified rotational angle position on a fixed base. A large spur gear is provided in an outer peripheral portion of the swivel slide. A small spur gear meshed with the large spur gear is provided on an intermediate shaft arranged parallel to a rotational axis A of the swivel slide. A driving shaft arranged perpendicular to the rotational axis A and the intermediate shaft are connected to each other with a hypoid gear. The position of the large and small spur gears and the hypoid gear is adjustable to reduce backlash.

Abstract: In a rack-and-pinion steering gear for motor vehicles, in which in a steering gear housing a pressure piece is guided within a stub having an axis normal to that of the steering-gear housing so that the pressure piece is longitudinally displaceable in the guide stub. A preloading force acts on the pressure piece at an angle to the direction of motion of the pressure piece such that the pressure piece is held in engagement with a side wall of the stub in either direction of movement of the rack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rack-and-pinion gear mechanism (1), for example for use in a steering mechanism of a motor vehicle, and to a method for the production of the rack-and-pinion gear mechanism (1). The mechanism comprises a housing (101), in which a pinion shaft (102) is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis (103). The pinion shaft (102) is connected to a rack (110) which is mounted in the housing (101) in such a way as to be longitudinally displaceable. A counter-pressure device (102, 123) compensates for reaction forces between the pinion shaft (102) and the rack (110), having a thrust piece (102) and an adjusting/closing nut (25), between which a spring (123) is supported. The adjusting/closing nut (25) is composed of a material which has a softening/melting point such that the adjusting/closing nut (25) can be softened and/or melted locally while installed in the housing (101) without damaging the housing (101).

Abstract: A steering gear comprising a housing, a drive pinion, a gear rack, a thrust pad, a compensating member and a torsion spring. In this steering gear, the gear rack is shiftable in said housing and the thrust pad is biasing the gear rack against the drive pinion. Further, the compensating member has a cam surface, the cam surface is supporting the thrust pad; the torsion spring is exerting a torque upon the compensating member and the torque is causing the compensating member to urge the thrust pad from the compensating member towards the drive pinion.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering gear (10) comprises a housing (12). A pinion gear (22) rotatably mounted in the housing (12). Teeth (28) of the pinion gear (22) engage teeth of a rack bar (30) that extends through the housing (12) and that is movable relative to the housing (12). A yoke assembly (38) is located in the housing (12) for at least partially supporting and guiding movement of the rack bar (30) relative to the pinion gear (22). The yoke assembly (38) comprises a first member (46) for contacting the rack bar (30) and a second member (48) for pivotally supporting the first member (46). Structure (70) of the second member (48) engages structure (58) of the first member (46) to enable the first member (46) to pivot in all directions about a point of rotation (P). The point of rotation (P) is spaced from a location of engagement of the first and second members (46 and 48).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a pinion bearing move to correct pinion-to-gear alignment based on pinion &Dgr; t overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks are provided. Using a realistic visual representation of a gear to pinion mesh showing pressure angles of the gear and pinion as well as the angle of the pinion down from the mill center line allows for a quick and accurate determination of a pinion bearing to align a pinion-to-gear assembly move. Using temperature differential data of the pinion under load conditions, the present invention allows for an easy and efficient means of determining a pinion bearing move to align a pinion-to-gear assembly without requiring complicated manual calculations or data input to a computer program. Furthermore, the present invention is lightweight and portable thereby avoiding the drawbacks often associated with handheld electrical devices and laptop computers.

Abstract: A gear mechanism includes a driving gear, a driven gear, and an idler gear which is in mesh with the driving gear and the driven gear, wherein rotation of the driving gear is transferred to the driven gear via the idler gear. The idler gear includes first and second spur gears which are positioned adjacent to each other in an axial direction and are generally centered about a common axis, radial teeth of the first and second spur gears each being the same in shape, pitch and the number of teeth, and the first and second spur gears being biased to rotate in opposite directions. The first and second spur gears are connected so as to be relatively movable in a radial direction normal to the axial direction while maintaining the first and second spur gears in mesh with the driving gear and the driven gear.

Abstract: A ball nut drive assembly includes a ball nut having a bore extending axially therethrough, a ball screw extending through the bore of the ball nut and being cooperatively engaged with the ball nut, and a spring compliant member received on the ball screw and positioned adjacent the ball nut. The spring compliant member is tensioned to bias the ball nut in the axial direction along the ball screw. The ball nut is positioned within a housing, which is preferably fabricated of aluminum, and is generally rotatably supported therein by first and second sets of ball bearings. The spring compliant member is in intimate contact with a first inner surface of the housing and biases the ball nut against a second inner surface of the housing. Races encapsulating the first and second sets of bearings may be positioned adjacent the ball nut and in intimate contact with the first and second inner surfaces of the housing.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering gear assembly (10) for a vehicle comprises a housing (12) having a rack chamber (24) and a bearing chamber (35). The housing (12) has opposed slots (40, 42) opening into the bearing chamber (35). A rack (14) is movable in the rack chamber (24) in the housing (12) to effect steering movement of steerable wheels of the vehicle. A rotatable pinion (20) is in meshing engagement with the rack (14). An axle (70) located in the bearing chamber (35) in the housing (12) has opposite end portions (74, 76) located in the opposed slots (40, 42) in the housing. A bearing (60) is in engagement with the rack (14) and is supported on the axle (70) for rotation in the bearing chamber (35). A cover (90) supported on the housing (12) engages the axle (70) to hold the bearing (60) in engagement with the rack (14) and to hold the rack in engagement with the pinion (20).

Abstract: An speed reducer assembly is provided along with a method and apparatus for adjusting the speed reducer assembly to achieve zero backlash. The speed reducer assembly includes a split worm with a fixed worm segment and a floating worm segment which mesh with the teeth of the gear. The position of the worm relative to the gear can be precisely and accurately adjusted without disassembly of the speed reducer or removal of the speed reducer assembly from the housing. Elimination of a constant spring force on the floating worm segment of the split worm also provides for the elimination of drag which results in a speed reducer assembly with increased efficiency. The elimination of drag also reduces the wear on the elements of the speed reducer assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planet gear having a planet carrier rotatable around an axis of rotation, comprising at least one planet wheel arranged on the planet carrier, a sun wheel and a ring gear, wherein the planet wheel is arranged in a movable manner at least radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the planet carrier. To minimize the backlash of a planet gear of this type, it is further provided that the ring gear is formed in two pieces on a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the planet carrier, wherein the two halves of the ring gears can be rotated against each other and thereby effect a radial shift of the planet wheel in the direction towards the sun wheel in order to reduce backlash.

Abstract: An assembly including a base and first and second spaced-apart shafts secured to the base and extending generally perpendicular to an elongated aperture of the base. A carrier includes a first support member slidingly receiving the first shaft, a second support member receiving the second shaft, and an elongated opening extending between the support members and generally perpendicular to the shafts. The elongated opening of the carrier is for aligning with the aperture of the base and an elongated slit of a collimator supported on the carrier for passage of an x-ray beam therethrough. A backlash-resistant nut assembly is threadingly received on a threaded portion of the second shaft and secured to the second support member.

Abstract: A gear set comprising a pair of phased split gears, a driven gear (1) and a driving gear (2). The sections ((3)(4) and (5)(6)) of each of the split gears are offset from each other, preferably by one-half pitch, and in one of the two split gears, the sections of the gear may rotate relative to each other. The two sections of that gear must then be connected by a means that allows the transmission of torque between the two, preferably by being resiliently loaded by a torsion spring (33) or other bias medium to the leading edge of the meshing tooth of the mating gear. When the driving split gear is turned, force is initially applied to the driven gear through the resilient bias medium. This allows perfect mesh between the two gears in the drive while taking manufacturing variability into consideration.

Abstract: A pinion adjustable assembly for steering mechanisms for automotive vehicles, a pinion-rack set incorporated in a pinion housing and a tubular cylindrical bushing with free angular displacement that is positioned inside the housing and is coupled to an angular positioning nut. The said bushing has an eccentric inner wall with regard to outer wall surface surrounding a pinion housing. Angular displacement of said bushing by angular movement changes its eccentricity to allow the pinion to move relative to the rack bar for overcoming wearing out effect on teeth.

Abstract: In a steering assist system for providing steering assist by transmitting the rotation of an electric motor to a steering shaft via a worm shaft and a worm wheel meshed with a worm of the worm shaft, an output shaft of the electric motor and the worm shaft are inteconnected via a joint. The joint includes a cylindrical first transmission member mounted on the output shaft, a cylindrical second transmission member to which the worm shaft is mounted, and a cylindrical elastic body formed of rubber or the like and interposed between the first and second transmission members.

Abstract: At least two torque paths between a driver and a camshaft distribute dynamic torque applied to the camshaft, allowing for cancellation of undesirable torque components. The second torque path has a greater number of gears than the first torque path, and acts as a constraint on the camshaft, ameliorating discontinuities in camshaft rotation due to sudden changes in load on the camshaft.

Abstract: A gear drive having a third order damper operating with the antibacklash gear so as to lower the impact of the antibacklash gear at high torques to reduce gear wear while maintaining good contact with the antibacklash gear at lower torques to maintain high accuracy and bandwidth.

Abstract: A plate spring body (support member) elastically supports an inner gear (second bevel gear) relative to an outer gear (first bevel gear). Ring springs (fluctuation suppressing member) are further provided to reinforce the elastic support, so as to suppress fluctuation of the inner gear along a direction nearly perpendicular to an axis connecting the center of rotation of the outer gear and contact part with a hypoid pinion gear (third bevel gear).

Abstract: An axle assembly employs a simple adjustable connection between the differential case and the housing to adjust the position of the ring gear relative to the pinion gear. A pair of adjustment collars facilitates positioning the differential case to selectively position the ring gear relative to the pinion gear of an input shaft. The adjustment collars threadingly engage the differential case. Bearings are disposed between the adjustment collars and the housing. The adjustment collars are rotated to position the differential case together with the ring gear. The adjustment collars are also provided to adjust the preload of the bearings. A locking collar is employed to lock the adjustment collars once the differential case and ring gear are properly positioned. In an alternate embodiment a single adjustment collar is employed. Shims and spacers are utilized to position the differential case and ring gear and the adjustment collar used to adjust the preload of the bearings.

Abstract: At least one redundant torque path between a driver and a first camshaft distributes dynamic torque applied to the first camshaft, allowing for cancellation of undesirable torque components. The second torque path includes a second camshaft and acts as a constraint on the first camshaft, ameliorating discontinuities in first camshaft rotation due to sudden changes in load on the first camshaft.

Abstract: When clamping, compressed air within a second chamber (22) of a pneumatic cylinder (12) is discharged and fresh compressed air is supplied to a first chamber (21). Then a pressure of the compressed air within the first chamber (21) and an urging force of a compression spring (25) move a piston (20) leftwards. The piston (20) moves an output rod (26) rightwards strongly through a plurality of engaging balls (34) and a first pressure receiving member (31). When unclamping, the compressed air within the first chamber (21) is discharged and fresh compressed air is supplied to the second chamber (22). Then a pressure of the compressed air within the second chamber (22) moves the piston (20) rightwards and at the same time the output rod (26) leftwards.

Abstract: A gearing with duplex floating toothed portions for transmission between either two parallel shafts or two intersecting shafts comprising two meshing gears(12) and (14). Gear (14) having coaxially disposed toothed portions (16) and (18) interacting with component (20) by spiral joints (22) and (24) different characteristics and an arrangement limitative divided spiral motions of toothed portions (16) and (18) relatively component (20) by parting plane “A” and arresting device (26). Both toothed portions (16) and (18) of gear (14) and meshing gear (12) have mating teeth whereby both toothed portions (16) and (18) are coupled positively with component (20). Even distribution of applied force between toothed portions (16) and (18) or elimination of the free angular displacement of the gear (12) and (14) with respect to each other within backlash are provided by choice of characteristics of spiral joints (22) and (24).

Abstract: A speed reducer having a split worm gear with a fixed segment and a floating segment capable of axial movement. The position of the floating segment is maintained in part through a spring assembly and an adjuster. The adjuster, which extends outside the gear head housing, allows for adjustment to the spring force without requiring the gear head to be disassembled or the housing to be opened. A load cell rack is used to initially set and measure the spring force with accuracy. An indicator plaque and tabulations of spring force calculations can be used to make field adjustment to the spring force.

Abstract: A gear reduction mechanism includes a gearbox housing, a first gear having a first axis of rotation about a first shaft and the second gear having a second axis of rotation about a second shaft. The first and second gears are rotatably mounted in a gearbox housing so that the first and second gears mesh with each other such that the first axis of the first gear is substantially perpendicular to the second axis of the second gear. The gear isolator assembly is preferably disposed within the gearbox housing about the second gear for reducing noise generated between the first and second gears during operation of the mechanism.

Abstract: A gear isolator assembly includes a gearbox housing, a first gear having a first axis of rotation about a first shaft and the second gear having a second axis of rotation about a second shaft. The first and second gears are rotatably mounted in a gearbox housing so that the first and second gears mesh with each other such that the first axis of the first gear is substantially perpendicular to the second axis of the second gear. The gear isolator assembly is preferably disposed within the gearbox housing about the second gear for reducing noise generated between the first and second gears during operation of the mechanism.

Abstract: An electric power assist apparatus for motor vehicle power steering including an electric motor and a speed reducer. The speed reducer includes a worm and a molded plastic worm gear on an output shaft of the speed reducer. The polymer from which the worm gear and the integral worm gear teeth thereon is molded has substantial structural rigidity after becoming cured. A plastic tooth ring is insert molded on the worm gear from a polymer having substantially greater resilience after becoming cured. The plastic tooth ring includes a plurality of resiliently flexible gear teeth having flanks which circumferentially overlap the flanks of the worm gear teeth. When the electric motor is off, the gear teeth on the worm mesh with the resiliently flexible gear teeth on the tooth ring with zero clearance to suppress noise attributable to rattling between the worm and resilient flexure of the flexible gear teeth on the tooth ring until the worm teeth engage the structurally more rigid worm gear teeth.