Self-centering mechanism for a rotatable shaft

• Main Authors: Demers, Michelle, Josefsson, Thomas, Carpenter, Kevin, Stoufer, Paul
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 17.01.2019
• Subjects: CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BYMECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY; CONTROLLING; PHYSICS; REGULATING

A self-centering mechanism for a rotatable shaft includes first and second centering members. Each centering member defines a first and second arcuate slot. A stationary pin extends through the first arcuate slots of the centering members. A rotatable shaft member extends through the centers of the centering members and is disposed between the first and second arcuate slots. A support member extends radially from and is fixed to the shaft member so as to be rotatable therewith. An actuating pin extends from the support member and through the second arcuate slots, and engages the second arcuate slots to rotate one of the first and second centering members. At least one biasing member is in communication with an anchoring structure and rotationally biases at least one of the first and second centering members to a registration position upon release of the rotatable shaft.