Backlash adjustment mechanism for variable pipe diffuser

摘要

A backlash adjustment mechanism for use in a variable pipe diffuser having inner and outer rings and a casing. The backlash adjustment mechanism includes a drive shaft and a pinion gear attached thereto, a rack gear fixedly attached to the inner ring. The backlash adjustment mechanism is comprised of a housing having a cylindrical body positioned concentrically about a first centerline and having a bore disposed axially though the body positioned about a second centerline. The drive shaft is rotatably disposed concentric with the second centerline within the bore. The inner ring is positioned such that it meshes with the pinion gear. The housing is disposed within the casing and rotatably operable to effect an adjustment of the backlash between the pinion gear and the rack gear.