Nut with flexible gripping fingers and apparatus
US8028594B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 2007 |
| Grant date | Oct 4, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/19809
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A nut and lead screw assembly that includes a nut are provided. The nut includes at least one flexible finger for adjusting the engagement of a threaded portion of the nut with corresponding threads of a lead screw. The threaded portion is preferably formed of a different material than the flexible finger. The material of the threaded portion is preferably of a lower coefficient of friction than the flexible finger. The nut also includes an adjustment mechanism that adjust the radial position of the flexible finger and also the threaded portion. A preferred adjustment mechanism includes a spring finger that provides a radially extending biasing load to a free end of the flexible finger to adjust the position of the flexible finger. The adjustment mechanism more preferably includes a an adjustment member that adjusts the radial load provided by the spring finger.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.