主权项 |
1. A device for converting rotary motion into forward linear motion, the device comprising:
a drive plate having forward and rearward ends, the drive plate supporting an electric motor, an impulse ramp formed adjacent the forward end; a pair of upper capture plates, a series of equally spaced radial slots formed between the upper capture plates, each of the radial slots housing a thrust mass, each thrust mass including opposing rollers to allow the thrust mass to move between a retracted and an extended position, a spring positioned within each of the radial slots, the spring biasing the corresponding thrust mass into the extended position, the motor functioning to rotate the upper capture plates and the associated thrust masses in a first sense; a pair of lower capture plates, a series of equally spaced radial slots formed between the lower capture plates, each of the radial slots housing a thrust mass, each thrust mass including opposing rollers to allow the thrust mass to move between a retracted and an extended position, a spring positioned within each of the radial slots, the spring biasing the corresponding thrust mass into the extended position, the motor functioning to rotate the lower capture plates and the associated thrust masses in a second sense that is counter to the first sense; the counter rotation of the upper and lower capture plates causing the thrust masses to sequentially impact the impulse ramp, each impact forcing the corresponding thrust mass into the retracted position over the bias of the corresponding spring, whereby forward linear motion is generated. |