Abstract An adjustable centering device of the type using a pair of members having opposed annular tapered surfaces formed thereon which together define an annular V-shaped groove, and which chamfered surfaces are adjustable toward or away from each other to adjust the radial position of a series of balls disposed therein with respect to the groove axis to engage the workpiece surface. The device features an easily fabricated retainer arrangement for retaining the series of balls so that during the adjustment the balls are prevented from dropping out of the groove. This retainer arrangement includes a pair of rings having opposing chamfers formed thereon, one ring carried by each member and which are disposed on either side of the groove to perform the retention function.
A centering device comprising: a first member having a tapered annular surface thereon; a second member having a tapered annular surface thereon axially aligned and juxtaposed to and opposing said tapered surface of said first member to form an annular groove therebetween; means for allowing adjustment of the relative position of said first and second members to produce movement of said annular taper surfaces toward or away from each other; a plurality of balls disposed in said groove; a pair of retainer rings, one carried by each of said first and second member so as to move together therewith, each retainer ring disposed extending about a respective annular taper surface of the respective first or second member, and having formed thereon a chamber surface concentric to and of reverse slope to that of the respective annular taper surface of the member on which it is carried and extending at least partially thereover, each of said retainer ring chamber surfaces extending axially toward each other to thereby retain said plurality of balls.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
171 words
A centering device comprising: a first member having a tapered annular surface thereon; a second member having a tapered annular surface thereon axially aligned and juxtaposed to and opposing said tapered surface of said first member to form an annular groove therebetween; means for allowing adjustment of the relative position of said first and second members to produce movement of said annular taper surfaces toward or away from each other; a plurality of balls disposed in said groove; a pair of retainer rings, one carried by each of said first and second member so as to move together therewith, each retainer ring disposed extending about a respective annular taper surface of the respective first or second member, and having formed thereon a chamber surface concentric to and of reverse slope to that of the respective annular taper surface of the member on which it is carried and extending at least partially thereover, each of said retainer ring chamber surfaces extending axially toward each other to thereby retain said plurality of balls.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said annular groove is filled with said balls in at least one adjusted position of said first and second members.