Abstract: The invention concerns a flexible transmission (1 and 1?) intended to be disposed between a motor member imposing a rotation movement and a receiving member receiving the rotation movement via the flexible transmission, the transmission comprising a flexible sheath (2) in which a flexible shaft (3) extends, bearings (4) with rolling elements being regularly interposed between the flexible sheath and the flexible shaft to guide the latter in rotation in the flexible sheath. The invention also concerns robotic arms provided with such a flexible transmission, and a cable actuator having a motor offset using such a flexible transmission.

Abstract: A compact gear motor pump assembly is disclosed. The gear motor pump assembly includes a motor driving a gear train and an output shaft in a first direction and a second direction, creating a pumping action. The present gear motor pump assembly offers an efficient and quiet operation through incorporation of springs within the assembly. The present assembly is designed for use with devices, specifically medical devices requiring a pumping action, for example, breast pumps.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a trunk for a vehicle, may include a motor unit equipped with a motor, an inner tube provided outside the motor unit to surround the motor unit, with a plurality of protrusions protruding from an outer circumference of the inner tube, an outer tube provided outside the inner tube to surround the inner tube and including a threaded groove being indented along an inner circumference of the outer tube, a bar-shaped spindle having a threaded portion on an outer circumference thereof, and coupled to the motor unit to cause the threaded portion of the spindle to engage with the threaded groove of the outer tube when the motor may be rotated, thus allowing the spindle to perform translation simultaneously with rotation, and an elastic member-wound on an outer circumference of the outer tube.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a housing, a motor within the housing, and a thrust tube with an anti-rotation mechanism. The motor comprises a hollow rotor. An externally threaded screw shaft is coupled to the hollow rotor for rotation therewith. An internally threaded nut is coupled to the externally threaded screw shaft, wherein rotation of the screw shaft causes the nut to move axially. The thrust tube is operably connected with the nut, and the anti-rotation mechanism is attached to the thrust tube to substantially prevent rotation relative the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a step actuator. The step actuator includes a housing; a stator installed in the housing; a rotor positioned radially inward from the stator, the rotor rotating and protruding from one side of the housing; a bearing installed at one side of the housing so as to be coupled with the rotor; a bearing cover coupled with one side of the housing to restrain movement of the bearing; a screw member coupled with the rotor to linearly move according to rotation of the rotor; and a mounting member coupled to the bearing cover to support the screw member.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations, a target rod is actuated. The target rod is part of a set of threaded, elongated rods, the longitudinal axes of which are substantially parallel to each other. The set of rods has an interior region and a perimeter region. Actuators induce vibrations in a set of perimeter rods. These vibrations are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes. Furthermore, the vibrations are transmitted to interior rods, causing a target rod in the interior region to rotate about, and translate along, the longitudinal axis of the target rod. The target rod undergoes stick-slip motion relative to adjacent rods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for a hatch of a motor vehicle, wherein the drive device comprises two drive sections that are linearly moveable relative to each other between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the drive sections are spring biased against each other into the extended position by a spring arrangement, wherein an end stop is provided to limit the drive motion between the drive sections to the extended position. It is proposed that the end stop comprises a damping arrangement with a deformation zone, wherein during a drive motion into the end stop, depending on the speed of the drive motion, the damping arrangement damps the drive motion mainly based on plastic deformation of the deformation zone.

Abstract: A valve with a housing including an inlet opening and an outlet opening for a fluid; a closure element through which a flow of the fluid is controllable; an actuation device including an electric actuator for adjusting a closure cross section of the closure element; a drive housing at which a stator of the electric actuator is fixated, wherein a moveable moving element of the electric actuator is kinematically coupled with the closure element in an inner cavity of the drive housing which is loaded with a pressure from the fluid, wherein the stator is disposed in the inner cavity, and wherein the inner cavity of the drive housing is separated from the fluid through a moveable divider element. In order to use a valve with an actuator disposed in an abrasive fluid the inner cavity of the drive housing is separated from the fluid through a moveable divider element.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes a main shaft, at least two pushing members, a follow member movably sleeved on the main shaft, a coupling member fixedly sleeved on the main shaft, at least two first linkages respectively pivoted to the follow member, at least two second linkages, and a nut. Each of the at least two second linkage is pivoted to the corresponding first linkage, the coupling member, and the corresponding pushing member. The nut is movably sleeved on the main shaft and positioned at a side of the follow member away from the coupling member. The nut is configured to move the follow member towards the coupling member, to enable the at least two pushing members to move away from the main shaft.

Abstract: An actuator with multi-stage gears includes a worm gear shaft driving assembly having a worm gear shaft, an electric motor having a transmission shaft, an annulus gear arranged between the worm gear shaft and the transmission shaft, and a plurality of multi-stage gears. The annulus gear includes an inner gear and a moving end actuated cooperatively with the inner gear on two ends thereof. The moving end is connected to and driving the worm gear shaft to rotate; each multi-stage gear is arranged between the transmission shaft and the inner gear; each multi-stage gear includes a first and a second outer diameter portions. The outer circumferential edges of the first and second outer diameter portions includes a helical gear engaged with the transmission shaft and a spur gear engaged with the inner gear respectively. Therefore, the actuator has merits of simplified components and reduced volume.

Abstract: A motor driven linear actuator comprises an electric motor, a ballscrew device, and a rolling bearing. The electric motor includes a motor shaft having a first end portion. The first end portion includes an end surface and a receptacle having a first accommodation space. The ballscrew device includes a screw having a first end portion coaxially connected to the first end portion of the motor shaft. The first end portion of the screw includes a first section to be accommodated in the first accommodation space for fixing the screw with the motor shaft. The rolling bearing is disposed between the electric motor and the ballscrew device for supporting the first end portion of the screw. The end surface of the motor shaft contacts and abuts against the rolling bearing for limiting the movement of the rolling bearing between the electric motor and the ballscrew device.

Abstract: As compared to a single-axis actuator in which a ball returning passage of a ball screw mechanism is made of a circulating tube, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of a threaded shaft of a slider can be made small, when the diameter of the outer circumferential circle of the threaded shaft of the present invention is same as that of the circulating tube type, and the load capacity can be made large, when the size in the longitudinal direction of the threaded shaft of the slider of the present invention is same as that of the circulating tube type. The ball returning passage for returning the balls (4) of a ball screw mechanism from an end point to a start point of a raceway encompasses: a through hole (24) penetrating through a slider (2) in a longitudinal direction of a threaded shaft (3); and end deflectors (6). Each of the end deflector (6) has a direction changing passage to be connected with the through hole (24).

Abstract: A length-adjustable unit includes a tubular outer component, an inner component displaceably guided in the outer component, issues from the outer component arranged outside of the outer component has a connecting element, and an additional connecting element arranged at the assembly end, opposing the exit end, of the outer component. The additional connecting element, or an intermediate element rigidly connected to the assembly end of the outer component, has at least one annular shoulder extending in the circumferential direction of the outer component over the full 360°, while at least one engaging element is associated with the intermediate element, which is rigidly connected to the assembly end of the outer component, or the additional connecting element, and this engaging element is engaged with the annular shoulder to be slidingly displaceable in the circumferential direction but positively engaged in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A driving apparatus, which adjusts a position of a member to be driven, includes a driving member connectable with the member to be driven and made of an elastic member, a female screw that penetrates the driving member, and a taper-shaped male screw configured to be screwed into the female screw. The driving member has a cutting portion that penetrates in an axis direction of the female screw so that an inner circumference of the female screw is discontinuous, and the driving member is configured to move in an axis direction of the male screw in a state where the male screw is screwed into the female screw to displace the member to be driven in a direction orthogonal to the axis direction of the male screw.

Abstract: A linear actuator to provide the moving force for adjustable furniture, such as beds, chairs or tables. The linear actuator includes a drive assembly, rigid arm, and linkage assembly. The rigid arm includes a pusher block with one or more attachment means where the linkage assembly is attached.

Abstract: An improved leadscrew drive uses thrust bearings with a mechanical space between a bearing and its support allowing the leadscrew and bearings to move axially, placing the leadscrew in tensile loading, eliminating leadscrew columnar buckling and allowing the use of a smaller diameter and finer pitch lead leadscrew.

Abstract: A cradle drive mechanism is provided. The cradle drive mechanism includes a drive motor, an intermediate frame and a screw and nut transmission device driven by the drive motor so as to drive linear reciprocating motion of the intermediate frame. The cradle drive mechanism also includes a rotating, shaft having a first driving wheel and a gear, a transmission belt, and a rack meshed with the gear so that, during linear reciprocating motion of the intermediate frame, the rack forces the gear to rotate and drive rotation of the first driving wheel, wherein rotation of the first driving wheel drives rotation of the transmission belt. The cradle drive mechanism also includes a cradle connector fixed on the transmission belt and configured to connect a cradle and to drive linear reciprocating motion of the cradle.

Abstract: Power actuator (2) device and method for submerged use at petroleum exploitation, where an electric motor (50) drives a displaceable actuating element (16) via a transmission element (80), and where the power actuator (2) comprises at least two parallel and cooperative screw-nut-connections (20) connected to the actuating element (16), and where the transmission elements (80) comprise a driving wheel (40) which synchronically drives a screw (22) or a nut (18) in each of the at least two screw-nut-connections (20).

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator (“EMA”) comprising an actuator drive unit (“ADU”) housing and a ball screw is disclosed. The ball screw and ADU housing may interface to form a multi-row thrust bearing (MRTB). Further, the ball screw may be situated at least partially about the ADU housing, an outer surface of the ADU housing may include a first ADU raceway, and an inner surface of the ball screw may include a second inner ball screw raceway. Either or both raceways may comprise hemispherical structures.

Abstract: A drive device comprises a housing pipe, a protection pipe, and a linear drive. The housing pipe and the protection pipe can be moved axially relative to each other in a telescopic manner. The housing pipe is arranged with the closed end thereof facing away from the protection pipe on a fixed base member or a movable component, and the protection pipe is arranged with the closed end thereof facing away from the housing pipe on the movable component or the base member. The linear drive is arranged in at least one of the housing pipe and the protection pipe, and configured to drive the housing pipe and the protection pipe such that the housing pipe and the protection pipe are axially movable relative to each other.

Abstract: A rack includes a first member including a main tooth, a second member including an opposite tooth disposed opposite the main tooth, the second member being rotatable with respect to the first member, a first forcing unit configured to force the main tooth, and a second forcing unit configured to force the main tooth and the opposite tooth closer to each other. On a plane perpendicular to a central axis of a lead screw, each of a part at which the first forcing unit forces the first member, a part at which the second forcing unit forces the first member, and a part at which the second forcing unit forces the second member is disposed on a movable member side with respect to a straight line connecting a rotating axis of the second member and the central axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imparting an angularly rotational movement. The apparatus includes a cylinder having an internal portion, a rod operatively positioned within the internal portion of the cylinder, a first bearing operatively positioned about rod; a second unidirectional bearing operatively positioned about the rod and a motion program for selectively inputting incremental radial motion to the rod. The apparatus may also include a force generator for linearly moving the rod in a linear axial motion along an axis of the cylinder.

Abstract: A surgical device adapter for coupling an end effector to a handle assembly is disclosed. The surgical device adapter includes: a housing; a drive mechanism disposed within the housing and couplable to the handle assembly and the end effector; and a drive coupling assembly coupled to the surgical device adapter and selectively couplable to the handle assembly, the drive coupling assembly including a retraction assembly selectively couplable to the drive mechanism such that rotation of the drive coupling assembly about a longitudinal axis defined by the surgical device adapter and relative to the housing actuates the drive mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spindle drive for an adjusting element of a vehicle comprising a drive motor with a spindle-spindle nut gear arranged downstream for producing a drive force along a geometric spindle axis, wherein two connectors for transferring the drive force are provided, wherein an internal housing connected to the one connector and an external housing connected to the other connector are provided, and wherein during the motorized adjustment, the internal housing runs in a telescopic manner. It is proposed that at least one of the two housings, is designed to be at least in two parts and is provided via a first axial housing portion of a first housing part made of a first material and via a second axial housing portion of a second housing part made of a second material.

Abstract: An electric linear actuator has a cylindrical housing, an electric motor, a speed reduction mechanism, and a ball screw mechanism. The ball screw mechanism has a nut and a screw shaft coaxially integrated with the drive shaft. The housing has receiving bores to receive the screw shaft. A cylindrical sleeve is securely press-fit into the receiving bore of the housing. The sleeve has one pair of axially extending recessed grooves formed on its inner circumference at diametrically opposed positions. A guide pin, mounted on the end of the screw shaft, engages the recessed grooves. An annular groove is formed near an opening of the receiving bore of the housing. The sleeve is held in the receiving bore by a stopper ring snapped into the annular groove.

Abstract: A spindle drive having a threaded spindle driveable in a rotational fashion, a carriage adjustable via the threaded spindle along a guide rail, and several guide carriages arranged in front and behind the carriage in the feed direction to support the spindle, with the guide carriages arranged in front of the carriage in an accumulating motion being pushed together successively by the carriage towards the spindle end, and with the guide carriages arranged behind the carriage being entrained by a coupling mechanism and moved into allocated support positions. Coupling elements are provided on the guide carriages and the carriage, that cooperate together and can be operated by switching elements fixed on the guide rail, by which the guide carriages arranged in front of the carriage are automatically coupled during the successive displacement motion, and by which the entrained guide carriages upon reaching their support position are automatically decoupled and fixed.

Abstract: A linear actuator (1) includes an actuator mechanism (10), a telescopic mechanism (20) and a quick release mechanism (3030a). The quick release mechanism (3030a) includes a transferring set (3131a) connected with the telescopic tube (20), a supporting set (3232a) and a braking worm gear (3333a) sleeved on the transferring set (3131a), a braking worm shaft (3131a) connected with the supporting set (3232a) and optionally braked the braking worm gear (3333a). An elastical pressing assembly (3535a) presses elastically on the worm shaft (3434a), and the elastical pressing assembly exerted by an external force can adjust the pressing force pressed on the braking worm shaft (3434a).

Abstract: Planetary roller gear drive with a spindle nut (1) that is arranged on a threaded spindle (2) and with a plurality of planets (3) that are arranged distributed around the periphery and are in rolling engagement with the threaded spindle (2) and the spindle nut (1). The threaded spindle (2) has a plurality of helical windings wound around the spindle axis forming at least one thread groove (8), and a sensor element (15) is arranged so that it cannot move in the axial direction relative to the spindle nut (1) and detects an axial displacement of the threaded spindle (2) and the spindle nut (1) relative to each other. The spindle nut (1) is supported so that it can rotate about the spindle axis on a housing (12) with the sensor element (15).

Abstract: An electric actuator includes: an actuating shaft and a screw rod screwed to and driving the actuating shaft; a motor connecting the screw rod; a connection seat connecting the actuating shaft and including a positioning post and a rotary shaft; a coupling ring sleeved around and rotating with the positing post, and a slide slot disposed out of the coupling ring; a support ring sleeved around the rotary shaft; a cylindrical connector sleeved around the support ring and screwed to a hinge end cap and with a locking slot communicating with the slide slot and disposed out of the cylindrical connector; a knob sleeved around the cylindrical connector and the coupling ring and covering the rotary shaft, and a raised rib slidably connected to the slide slot and the locking slot and disposed in the knob.

Abstract: An actuator includes a drive screw (32), an external tube (34), a stretchable tube (35), and a buffer structure (50). The external tube (34) is sleeved around the drive screw (32) externally. The stretchable tube (35) is passed through and connected to the external tube (34), wherein the stretchable tube (35) has a nut (351) screwed to and driven by the drive screw (32). The buffer structure (50) comprises a positioning member (51) and a buffer unit (52). The positioning member (51) is fixed to the drive screw (32). The buffer unit (52) is sleeved around the drive screw (32) and between the nut (351) and the positioning member (51). Therefore, the impact force generated during the fast falling of the stretchable tube (35) can be absorbed.

Abstract: An electromechanical brake booster includes a hollow spindle and a hollow screw. Courses of thread are produced by deformation from metal and extrusion-coating them together with tubular supporting structures made of plastic. The hollow spindle and the hollow screw are produced as composite components.

Abstract: A combined electromechanical vehicle brake has a hydraulically activated operating brake and an electromechanically activated parking brake apparatus. A hydraulic operating pressure chamber in a brake housing is delimited by a brake piston that can be loaded by hydraulic pressure to carry out operating braking actions. The brake piston can be activated along a longitudinal piston axis to achieve a braking effect. The parking brake apparatus acts upon the brake piston by a gear unit because the gear unit converts the rotational movement of an electromechanical actuator into a translational movement, causing the brake piston to be activated to carry out parking brake processes and remain in the activated position. The gear unit has a threaded spindle and a threaded nut that contact one another via a plurality of rolling elements. A spring element allows the rolling elements to slip when the gear unit is activated in the unloaded state.

Abstract: A power tool includes a pneumatic motor with an output shaft, a spindle that is drivingly connected to the output shaft via a drive gear to provide a rotational movement to the spindle and via a feed gear to provide a translational movement to the spindle. A cylinder that governs the gear transmission to the feed gear is arranged to be translated between a retraction gearing position and an advancement gearing position. The retraction gearing includes a retraction torque limiting coupling adapted to be released when an operational torque (T) exceeds a retraction threshold torque (TR) in order to terminate retraction. A lock mechanism is arranged to selectively block the cylinder in the retraction gearing position through engagement between a tooth of a ratchet on the lock mechanism and a shoulder on the cylinder. The lock mechanism assures that the cylinder is kept in the retraction gearing position during an initial phase of the retraction of the spindle.

Abstract: A power assist steering system utilizing a steering gearbox with a worm-screw to gear-segment transition from a steering-wheel shaft to a sector shaft and a worm-screw to worm-wheel transition from a power-assist shaft to the steering-wheel shaft. The worm-screw and worm-wheel combination for the power-assist shaft to the steering-wheel shaft may be replaced with a ballnut worm-screw and a ball-track worm-wheel. The system provides for an additional amount of 800 watts or more of power to be made available at the sector shaft with 1600 watts or less of power being made available at the power-assist shaft.

Abstract: Anchor towers useful in the alteration of a position of an item connected to an anchor are described. An anchor tower includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve disposed over and operably connected to the inner sleeve such that movement of the outer sleeve results in movement of the inner sleeve. A groove is disposed on the inner sleeve and an inwardly-extending projection is disposed on the outer sleeve. Relative movement between the inner and outer sleeves results in movement of the projection within the groove. This movement can produce desired movement of a portion of the inner sleeve, such as a distal arm, based on a structural configuration of the groove.

Abstract: An electromotive linear drive, in particular for adjusting movably mounted parts of lounging and seating furniture, has a drive motor, a threaded spindle, a speed-reducing gear unit arranged between the drive motor and the threaded spindle, and a spindle nut (9) located on the threaded spindle. The spindle nut is optionally lockable in the direction of rotation and movable in the axial direction of the threaded spindle, depending on the direction of rotation of the threaded spindle. A lifting element can be driven by the axial movement of the spindle nut to adjust the movable furniture parts. Such a linear drive has a simple design, is easy to assemble and operate, and guarantee a robust mounting arrangement for the drive parts.

Abstract: A power transmission device which is free from a possibility of breakage of a driving member is provided. A stepping motor (driving member) 61a configured to be driven on the basis of a command signal from a controller 70, a lead screw portion 61c configured to be rotationally driven in association with the drive of the stepping motor 61a, and a power transmitting member 65 configured to move along an axial direction X of the lead screw portion 61c in accordance with the rotation of the lead screw portion 61c and transmit a power to a power transmitted member 42e are provided, and the controller 70 is configured to control the output of the command signal to the stepping motor 61a to be stopped when the power transmitting member 65 is not moved along the axial direction X.

Abstract: An actuator comprises: a housing which is provided with an opening; a slider which is installed so as to be movable relative to the housing; a drive means which is installed in the housing and which moves the slider; at least a pair of seal members which is disposed at the opening of the housing so as to face each other and which exhibits dust-proof and drip-proof functions by engaging with each other; and move-through members which are mounted to both sides of the slider in the movement direction thereof and which move through the pair of seal members.

Abstract: Ball screw comprising a ball nut (1), which is rotatably mounted on a threaded shaft and on the inner circumference of which at least one ball thread (2) wound around an axis (8) in a coil shape is provided for balls (3) to roll on, wherein at least one recirculating element (5), which is arranged on the outer circumference of the ball nut (1) and which is provided with a recirculating channel for the balls (3), connects a start of a coil to an end of a coil of the ball thread by means of the two ends of the recirculating element in order to enable endless recirculation of the balls (3), wherein the ball nut (1) is provided with a flange (6) for fastening a belt pulley (15) and with a bearing seat (9), and a sleeve (12) pushed onto the ball nut is provided with a perfectly cylindrical outer circumferential surface, which outer circumferential surface secures the recirculating element (5) on the ball nut (1) and surrounds the ball nut (1) in a tubular shape between the flange (6) and the bearing seat (9).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide to suppress deformation of a terminal member caused by abutting contact of the terminal member with a housing side during attachment of the terminal member to the housing. When a terminal bolt is mounted, a ground terminal rotates in conjunction with rotation of the terminal bolt. In this case, a side edge of an abutting portion, which is formed like a plate, comes into abutting contact with a side surface of a second housing. At this time, a side edge of the terminal main body, which is also formed like a plate, also comes into abutting contact with the side surface. Thus, the rotation of the ground terminal is regulated.

Abstract: An electric linear motion actuator capable of accurately controlling the axial position of an outer ring member is provided. A plurality of planetary rollers are kept in rolling contact with the cylindrical surface formed on the outer periphery of a rotary shaft. Helical ribs formed on the inner periphery of the outer ring member are engaged in circumferential grooves formed on the outer periphery of each of the planetary rollers. A carrier retains the plurality of planetary rollers. A revolution sensor detects the rotation angle of the carrier.

Abstract: An automatically locking actuator includes a first end connector, a rotatable drive screw operably coupled to the first end connector, a nut assembly threadably mounted on the drive screw, a second end connector operably coupled to the nut assembly and a rotary lock having a rotor and where the actuator moves between extended and retracted positions in response to rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A magnetic load sensor unit for use in a linear motion actuator is provided which is less likely to suffer from hysteresis errors during use while being mounted in the linear motion actuator, and which can reduce the axial length of the linear motion actuator. The magnetic load sensor unit is configured to detect the magnitude of an axial load applied to an object from the linear motion actuator. The sensor unit includes a flange member configured to be deflected when a reaction force to the axial load is received through a thrust bearing, a magnetic target which generates magnetic fields; and a magnetic sensor arranged such that its position relative to the magnetic target changes when the flange member is deflected. The flange member has an axial end surface in which a groove is formed with which rolling elements of the thrust bearing are in rolling contact.

Abstract: An actuator with a quick-release mechanism includes a base (10); an electric motor (20) including a worm shaft (212); a transmission mechanism (30) including a worm gear assembly (31), a lead screw shaft (32) and a bearing (33); a quick-release mechanism (40) including first and second cylinders (41, 42) attached to the lead screw shaft (32); an elastic member (50) clamped between the worm gear assembly (31) and the second cylinder (42) and a dialing mechanism (60) including a rotating piece (62) pivotally attached to the base (10); and wherein the worm gear assembly (31) including protruding teeth (316); the second cylinder (42) includes teeth slots (424) engaged with the protruding teeth (316) for engaged or disengaged transmission; and the rotating piece (62) includes a dial arm (621) to push the second cylinder (42) to disengage from the worm gear assembly (31) for torque transmission.

Abstract: A lead screw operated drawout mechanism for an electrical system is disclosed. The lead screw operated drawout mechanism includes a lead screw, a nut, a drive shaft and a connecting mechanism. The lead screw is supported on a support frame in a way such that the lead screw rotates with respect to the support frame. The nut is disposed on the lead screw, wherein rotary motion of the lead screw facilitates liner motion of the nut on the lead screw. The drive shaft is rigidly disposed on the nut and configures linear motion along with the nut. The connecting mechanism is functionally connected to the drive shaft and the electrical system for facilitating activation and de-activation of the electrical system.

Abstract: A holding device having release mechanisms for securing and releasing one or more ball, dart, and/or plug members from the holding device into a tubular string disposed in a wellbore. The release mechanisms may include a planetary gear arrangement for extending and retracting a plunger member disposed below the ball, dart, and/or plug members. The release mechanisms may include a bevel gear arrangement for extending and retracting a finger support member disposed below the ball, dart, and/or plug members. The release mechanisms may include a pivotable, spring type arrangement for extending and retracting a finger support member disposed below the ball, dart, and/or plug members.

Abstract: A rack drive assembly adapted for use in a vehicle electric power steering assembly includes a ball nut assembly having at least a first end portion and an opposite second end portion, a bearing assembly carried by the ball nut assembly for rotatably supporting the ball nut assembly, a pulley assembly configured to be carried by the ball nut assembly, and at least a first spanner nut configured to be carried by the first end portion of the ball nut for securing the bearing assembly on the ball nut assembly. The ball nut includes a flange provided on an outer portion thereof configured to connect the ball nut to a pulley of a pulley assembly for rotation therewith. The flange is spaced remote from an end of the second end portion of the ball nut.

Abstract: A linear motion system includes an elongated shaft, a movable member mounted at the elongated shaft, a lubricator unit defining therein a grease storage container for storing a lubricating grease, a motor mounted in the grease storage container, a lubricating grease guide connected to the motor, a controller mounted in the grease storage container, and a sensor adapted to provide an actuation signal to the controller upon movement of the movable member, causing the controller to start the motor in moving the lubricating grease guide to expel the storage lubricating grease out of the grease storage container onto the surface of the elongated shaft so as to achieve a self-lubricating effect.

Abstract: A rack drive assembly adapted for use in a vehicle electric power steering assembly includes a bearing assembly disposed in a rack housing and carried by a ball nut assembly for rotatably supporting the ball nut assembly relative to a steering member; and a spanner nut carried by the rack housing for securing the bearing assembly in the rack housing. A first isolator, a second isolator and a first shim are provided wherein the first isolator is disposed between an inner surface of the housing and a first surface of an outer race of the bearing, the second isolator is disposed between an opposite second surface of the outer race of said bearing and the first shim, the first shim is disposed between the second isolator and the spanner nut. The first shim is provided with a member configured to be coupled to the housing to allow for axial movement but prevent rotational motion of the shim during installation of the spanner nut.

Abstract: A console includes a display and a plurality of individually-actuatable modules, including a physical key configured to slide into and out of a surface of the console. The modules include a motor, a threaded shaft coupled to and extending from the motor, and a movable platform movably attached to the threaded shaft. The physical key is movably supported on the movable platform.