Flexible connector for linear motion systems
US5233884A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 1992 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2144
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A connection between a drive member and a driven member comprises a first nickel titanium alloy wire interconnecting the drive member and a rigid link and a second nickel titanium alloy wire connecting the rigid link and the drive member. Such a wire, when properly heat treated, has a high tensile and also a high compressive strength while at the same time the wire will bend readily if there is misalignment between the longitudinal movements of the drive and driven members. Thus the assembly functions as a two-ball joint drive line similar to that used in automobiles. A preferred usage is in driving the plunger of a syringe in a dosage metering system from a moving machine element where the syringe bore and direction of movement of the machine element may be slightly out of alignment. Wear of the syringe seals is reduced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.