Importance

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Abstract

An actuator for transforming rotary motion into linear motion includes a cylindrical tube (10) that has a rigid helix shaped ribbon (12) journalled within it for rotating movement about a longitudinal axis. A knob (20) is attached to one end of the ribbon and is used to impart a torque to the ribbon. A ribbon follower having first and second legs straddling the surfaces of the ribbon is mounted so that it extends through longitudinally formed slots 28 in the wall of said tube. As the knob is used to turn the ribbon, the ribbon follower moves up and down the length of the ribbon, riding on the exterior surfaces of the ribbon. An inner member (30), such as a control wire, is attached to the ribbon follower so that, as the ribbon is rotated, the inner member is carried by the ribbon follower in a linear path. Preferably, a stabilizing slider (40) overlies the ribbon and has slots cut in its walls through which the ribbon follower extends, the slider serving to control perpendicular motion of the ribbon follower.

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First Claim