Adjustable preload anti-backlash nut

An anti-backlash nut designed to move along a screw having external threads thereon in either of two longitudinal directions, said nut comprising a nut body having an internal thread complementary to the external thread on a screw;

• at least one longitudinal flexure member having one end fixed to said nut body and one end free-floating;
• internal threads at the free-floating end of said longitudinal flexure member complementary to the threads of a screw;
• an inclined ramp on an exterior of said free-floating end extending radially outwardly and inclined in a direction away from the fixed end;
• and
• an elastomeric O-ring engaging with and surrounding the ramp for continuously urging the threads at the free-floating end of the flexure member into engagement with the threads of a screw to continuously take up clearance between the threads and reduce backlash.

An anti-backlash nut designed to move along a screw having external threads thereon in either of two longitudinal directions, said nut comprising nut body having an internal thread complementary to the external thread on a screw;

• at least one longitudinal flexure member having one end fixed to said nut body and one end free-floating;
• internal threads at the free-floating end of said longitudinal flexure member complementary to the threads of a screw;
• an inclined ramp on an exterior of said free-floating end extending radially outwardly and inclined in a direction away from the fixed end;
• an elastomeric compression member surrounding and engaging the ramp for continuously urging the threads at the free-floating end of the flexure member into forcible engagement with the threads on a screw;
• and
• an adjusting member for urging the compression member against the ramp with variable force to increase and decrease the force with which the threads of the flexure member engage the threads of a screw.

An anti-backlash nut designed to move along a screw having external threads thereon in either of two longitudinal directions, said nut comprising a nut body having an internal thread complementary to the external thread on a screw;

• at least one longitudinal flexure member having one end fixed to said nut body and one end free-floating;
• internal threads at the free-floating end of said longitudinal flexure member complementary to the threads of a screw;
• an inclined ramp on an exterior of said free-floating end extending radially outwardly and inclined in a direction away from the fixed end;
• and
• a cylindrical column having an elastomeric compression member surrounding and engaged with the ramp for transmitting force to the flexure member.