Anti-backlash gear system

An anti-backlash gear system for use between a drive shaft and a driven shaft and wherein one said shaft is provided with a gear having helical teeth thereon, said anti-backlash system comprising;

• a gear portion fixed to the other said shaft, and having helical teeth meshing with said helical gear, said gear portion having a width less than the width of said helical gear;
• a movable gear portion, slidably mounted on said shaft, and being slidable therealong from a spaced apart initial position towards said fixed gear portion into backlash take up relation, said movable gear portion having a width less than that of said helical gear, and having helical teeth meshing therewith;
• spring means engaging said movable gear portion, and urging the same normally away from said fixed gear portion, and,
• adjustable means for moving said movable gear portion towards said fixed gear portion, against the pressure of said spring into said backlash take up relation thereto.