Axial ball transfer assemblies

摘要

A bearing assembly is disclosed that 410 includes at least one ball track having a load bearing portion, a return portion and a turnaround portion interconnecting the load bearing and return portions. A plurality of bearing balls are disposed in the ball tracks. At least a portion of the ball tracks are configured for unguided recirculation of the bearing balls. The bearing assembly may include a pair of ball tracks separated by a center rib. In an alternate embodiment, the bearing assembly includes at least one island disposed in at least a portion of the ball tracks. The islands facilitate recirculation of the bearing balls in the ball tracks. In another alternate embodiment, a bearing assembly is provided that includes a rail. A bearing carriage is configured to move along the rail. At least one ball track is disposed adjacent the rail and the bearing carriage. The ball tracks include a load bearing portion, a return portion and a turnaround portion interconnecting the load bearing and return portions. A plurality of bearing balls are disposed in the ball tracks. The ball tracks are configured for unguided recirculation of the bearing balls. The bearing assembly may include at least one insert having at least a portion of the ball tracks formed therein.