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US 6,806,595 B2Granted
Low backlash linear actuator
AssigneeApplied Precision, LLC
InventorSteven C. Quarre
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A high-precision, low backlash linear actuator drive mechanism characterized by minimal positional repeatability error irrespective of the direction from which a selected or target position is approached may comprise a bellows coupling operative to transmit rotational motion from a motor to a drive spindle. Rotation of the drive spindle causes linear translation thereof in an axial direction.
Claims16
A linear actuator comprising:
- a housing;
- a motor fixedly attached to said housing;
- a drive spindle;
- and
- a bellows coupling configured and operative to transmit rotational motion from said motor to said drive spindle allowing rotation of said drive spindle about an axis;
- wherein said housing comprises a structural component fixed in an axial position relative to said motor and cooperating with said drive spindle such that said rotation of said drive spindle causes said drive spindle to translate in an axial direction.
3 more elements
A drive mechanism comprising:
- a motor;
- a drive spindle;
- said drive spindle comprising a threaded section;
- a cooperating structure fixed in an axial position relative to said motor and threadably engaging said threaded section;
- and
- a bellows coupling configured and operative to transmit rotational motion from said motor to said drive spindle allowing rotation of said drive spindle about an axis;
- said bellows coupling comprising a bellows having a first end operably coupled to, and fixed in an axial position relative to, said motor and a second end operably coupled to said drive spindle;
- wherein said threaded section and said cooperating structure allow said rotation of said drive spindle to translate said drive spindle in an axial direction.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.