×

Linear motion assembly with monitoring system and method of monitoring

  • US 7,930,949 B2
  • Filed: 04/04/2006
  • Issued: 04/26/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/04/2005
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A linear motion assembly comprising:

  • a first body;

    a second body arranged for operable communication with the first body for translation of the first body and the second body relative to one another;

    a sensor carried by at least one of the first body and the second body, the sensor being configured to detect and monitor information related to performance- indicating characteristics of the assembly;

    a control module arranged in communication with the sensor and configured to monitor at least one performance-indicating characteristic of the linear motion assembly by monitoring corresponding signals received from the sensor, and further configured to detect and provide an indication of a discrepancy in the performance-indicating characteristic;

    the assembly includes a plurality of balls carried by at least one ball circulating track;

    the ball circulating track includes;

    a raceway portion defined between adjacent portions of the first and second bodies, anda ball return portion carried by one of the first and second bodies, the balls being free to circulate around the track as the bodies move relative to one another;

    the sensor is configured and positioned to detect information related to the balls; and

    in which the control module is programmed to interpret a constant signal from the sensor as indicating that a ball jam condition is present.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×