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The success of the bearing is due to the effective use of mathematics
and geometry in its design. The ball track path is oval in shape
(for infinite ball flow) and both sides of the straight portion of the
path are utilized. Two openings in the retainer on the same ball
circuit (unlike other linear bearings having one opening) permit balls to
contact the shaft and the inner race of the housing in either path, but
not at the same time. For the balls to circulate, one path must be
loaded and the other path must have clearance for the return of the balls.
The races or inner surface of the housing are geometrically interrupted so
that at no time can two paths of one track system be in contact. The
clearance between the races permits the return flow of the balls.
This ability of the retainers to rotate within the housings and the balls
to rotate in any direction allows simultaneous linear and rotary motion.
The longitudinal or reciprocal motion of the shaft causes the balls to
circulate within their own track system. The rotational motion of
the shaft causes the balls to flow much like a typical rotary bearing.
 In
an application where only linear motion exists, the movement of the balls
on and off the races creates a torque on the retainer. The torque is
unbalanced, meaning that the retainer is free to rotate. This causes
the retainer to creep or rotate slightly due to the linear motion of the
shaft. This slight rotation offers the ball flow path, under load,
exposure to new surfaces both on the race and on the shaft. This
constant change of surfaces means longer bearing
and shaft life. It is no longer necessary to orient the
bearing during installation for optimum load carrying ability or, to break
down an assembly periodically to rotate the bearing for increased life.
In applications where rotation exist, it is obvious that the rotation
causes the ball flow to utilize the entire width of each race and bearing
surface of the entire shaft.
In addition, this principle uses the maximum number of ball track
systems and the largest ball diameters. Obviously, the more balls
per circuit, the less unit load for each ball.
The Linear Rotary Bearing features longer life at greater loads,
smoother operation and the unique advantage of linear rotary anti-friction
motion.
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