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US 3,940,200 AGranted
Electrical conductor arrangement including flexible race construction
OwnerRobert Z. Schrefflerinventor
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OwnerRobert Z. Schrefflerinventor
Estimating the term…
An electrical conductor bearing arrangement for conducting electrical current between rotating and non-rotating members includes at least one flexible annular race which cooperates intermediate ball bearings and a further race to provide the required electrical connection. The flexible race, which is preferably constructed of spring metal or the like, is adapted to be mounted in a support such that the outer circumferential edges of the race are firmly supported while the central recessed portion located between these circumferential edges is unsupported so that the race is free to flex as the bearings ride on the central portion. The support preferably comprises an annular member, which can be constructed of plastic or another insulating material, including spaced support surfaces which extend around the inner and outer circumferential edges and define a circumferential recess therebetween, the depth of the recess in the support member being greater than that of the recessed central portion so that the latter is unsupported.
An electrical connector arrangement for conducting electrical current between rotating and non-rotating members, said arrangement comprising a first, non-rotating race means, a second, rotating race means spaced from said first race means and adapted to be connected to a rotating shaft, and bearing means located between said race means for providing electrical current conduction between said race means, at least one of said race means comprising an annular flexible race member constructed of an electrically conductive material and a support member for supporting the circumferential edges of said race member while leaving unsupported an annular central portion of said race member located between said circumferential edges, so that said race member makes flexible contact with said bearing means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.