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US 4,813,292 AGranted
Mechanical drive with multi-ply tape
AssigneeMaxaxam Corporation
InventorJames G. Boyko
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tape-type mechanical drive including a flexible but substantially inextensible tape connected between two elements so that the tape transmits forces in tension. The tape includes a plurality of plies, disposed in two runs, and an equalizing device is provided for maintaining the plies under equal tension as the curvature of the tape changes. The plies in each run remain substantially parallel to one another. The tape may be formed from a single continuous strap folded to define a plurality of spiral turns.
Claims29
A drive comprising:
- (a) first and second members movable with respect to one another over a predetermined range of motion;
- (b) means defining a curved surface;
- (c) a tape having first and second portions and a longitudinal direction extending between said portions, said tape comprising at least one flat, elongated, uniform, flexible but substantially inextensible strap folded so that said at least one strap defines a plurality of bights at said second portion of said tape and a plurality of longitudinally extensive plies;
- (d) first and second portion connecting means for connecting said first and second portions of said tape to said first and second members, respectively, so that said members are linked to said plies for transmission of forces between said members and so that upon movement of said members relative to one another an active region of said tape is wrapped onto or unwrapped from said curved surface, said second portion connecting means including equalizing means for permitting longitudinal movement of said plies relative to one another, said equalizing means including an equalizing post connected to said second member, said bights extending around said equalizing post, said plies extending from said bights in two runs passing on opposite sides of said equalizing post, said equalizing means including means for maintaining the plies in each said run parallel to one another as said plies extend from said equalizing post through said active region of said tape to said curved surfaces.
1 more element
A drive comprising:
- (a) a base;
- (b) first and second members movable with respect to said base;
- (c) a tape comprising a plurality of superposed, flexible but substantially inextensible strip-like plies, said tape having a first portion, a second portion, a longitudinal direction extending between said portions, said tape including a plurality of straps, each strap being folded upon itself and defining two of said plies and a bight at said second portion of said tape whereby said plies define a medial surface such that one ply defined by each strap lies on each side of said medial surface;
- (d) first portion connecting means and second portion connecting means for connecting said first portion and said second portion to said first and second members respectively, so that said members are linked to all of said plies for transmission of forces therebetween, said second portion connecting means including equalizing means for permitting longitudinal movement of said plies relative to one another, said equalizing means including an equalizing post connected to said second member, said bights extending around said equalizing post, said bights being contiguous and superposed upon one another on said equalizing post.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.