EP0073582A1
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
A push-pull coaxial cable
Assignee: CABLECRAFT Inc
•
Filing: 1982-08-09
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2002-08-09
Abstract
Abstract A poush-pull actuator cable in which flexible multistrand metal sheath and core members (10 and 14) are maintained in substantially coaxial relationship in variously flexed positions and are guided for relative longitudinal movement by roller bearing means including a number of elongated roller bearing elements (18) maintained oriented transversely to the length of the cable and in successively spaced relationship along the length of the cable and that no two bearing elements (18) are diametrically opposed. Thus spaced, and with opposite end portions (18a) having roller surfaces contoured to roll on the sheath interior and an intermediate portion (18b) contoured to roll on the core member (14), the roller bearing elements (18) can be given zero or negative clearance between cable members (10 and 14) so as to provide an actuator with negligible backlash, low frictional restraint and high load bearing capability throughout awide range of flexure.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert H. Hurlow
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 20:14
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16C; F16C1/00; F16C1/10; F16C1/20; F16C1/26; F16C1/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
A push-pull coaxial cable comprising elongated flexible outer and inner cable members coextending in substantially coaxial relationship and of respective inner and outer surface diameters differing to provide an elongated annular space between them, and roller bearing means interposed between and supportively guiding said cable members relatively for longitudinal movement between them, said roller bearing means comprising a plurality of elongated roller bearing elements and elongated tubular retainer means extending substantially through said annular space maintaining said elements with their respective rotational axes oriented transverse to the length of the cable and positioning said elements with successive spacings distributed along and circumferentially about the core member with no roller bearing element diametrically opposed to any other roller bearing element, said roller bearing elements each having enlarged opposite end portions with longitudinally convex bearing surfaces substantially conformed to and rolling upon the outer cable member interior surface and an intermediate portion with a longitudinally concave bearing surface conformed to and rolling upon the exterior of the inner cable member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
168 words
A push-pull coaxial cable comprising elongated flexible outer and inner cable members coextending in substantially coaxial relationship and of respective inner and outer surface diameters differing to provide an elongated annular space between them, and roller bearing means interposed between and supportively guiding said cable members relatively for longitudinal movement between them, said roller bearing means comprising a plurality of elongated roller bearing elements and elongated tubular retainer means extending substantially through said annular space maintaining said elements with their respective rotational axes oriented transverse to the length of the cable and positioning said elements with successive spacings distributed along and circumferentially about the core member with no roller bearing element diametrically opposed to any other roller bearing element, said roller bearing elements each having enlarged opposite end portions with longitudinally convex bearing surfaces substantially conformed to and rolling upon the outer cable member interior surface and an intermediate portion with a longitudinally concave bearing surface conformed to and rolling upon the exterior of the inner cable member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The push-pull cable defined in Claim 1 wherein the inner and outer cable members comprise flexible metal strand assemblies engaged by the roller bearing elements, also metal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The push-pull cable defined in Claim 2 wherein the roller bearing elements are distributed in a generally helical pattern extending substantially throughout the length of said cable.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
The push-pull cable defined in any of Claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the elongated tubular retainer means comprises at least one elongated strip relatively thin in relation to width spiraled in the tubular configuration of the retainer means and having apertures therein retaining the respective roller bearing elements rotationally in predetermined relative orientation within such apertures.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The push-pull cable defined in any of Claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the elongated tubular retainer means has apertures therein retaining the respective roller bearing elements rotationally in predetermined relative orientation within such apertures preparatory to insertion of the retainer means into the cable space.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The push-pull cable defined in any of Claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the diameters of the roller bearing element end portions and intermediate portion are sufficient for negative clearance thereof between inner and outer cable members.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US1930272A
Cited
FR871065A
Cited
US2841029A
Cited
DE1139334B
Cited
US3344682A
Cited
GB1276384A
Cited
US3990321A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
Maintenance schedule is calculated for granted US utility patents.