Drive apparatus and method for converting linear motion to rotary motion and vice versa are disclosed. The drive apparatus includes a rack having a plurality of spaced first engagement members arranged single file in a first path and a sprocket having a plurality of spaced second engagement members arranged single file in a second path. The rack's engagement members engage the sprocket's engagement members to rotatingly drive the sprocket when the rack is driven and drive the rack when the sprocket is driven. In addition, either the rack's engagement members or the sprocket's engagement members have outer surfaces which are defined by a member selected from the group consisting of cylindrical bearings and reduced friction material. To operate the apparatus to drive a sprocket, a downstroke is made with the rack to move it as far as it can be moved in a first predetermined direction which rotates the sprocket in a desired clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. An upstroke is then made with the rack to move it as far as it can be moved in a generally opposite second predetermined direction which continues rotation of the sprocket in the desired direction.
