Motion transfer system

Abstract

A system for transferring motion between locations remote with respect to each other by a push-pull control cable assembly. The system employs a motion conversion unit at either or both control and controlled station, said units serving to convert rotary motion into linear motion, and vice versa. That is, a force transfer shaft is rotatably mounted in the housing of the motion conversion unit to receive, or impart, rotary motion, and the core element of the push-pull control cable assembly -- which receives, or imparts, linear motion -- extends into, or through, the unit in transversely spaced relation with respect to the shaft. That portion of the normally flexible core element which extends into, or through, the unit is made rigid to impart columnar strength. A crosshead is secured to the rigidified portion of the core element and is slidably received within a first guideway presented from the housing to minimize lateral loading to the rigidified portion of the core element. The crosshead is also slidably received in a second guideway provided on a throw arm secured to the shaft. Movement of the crosshead simultaneously along the two guideways permits a conversion to be effected between the linear movement of the core element and the rotary movement of the force transfer shaft. A universal mounting plate is also disclosed which permits the unit to be mounted in a plurality of dispositions in order to suit the orientation required for various environments.