Traverse Units
THE PRINCIPLE
The Marldon rolling ring traverse unit converts rotary motion into linear travel. Rotating rolling ring bearings with a specially shaped inner race, spring-loaded against a smooth round shaft and maintained under constant pressure, convert the rotary motion of the shaft into linear movement at a rate that is proportional to the angular position of the rolling bearing set relative to the shaft axis. A simple adjustment of this angle by a regulating mechanism allows a wide range of traversing speeds while the shaft speed remains constant.
The product is mainly used as a guiding mechanism for feeding linear material onto a rotating reel during the winding process, where one rotation of the reel requires a traverse movement equal to one diameter of the material being wound. The shaft carrying the traverse unit must rotate with a constant relationship to the rotation of the reel being wound. This is affected by a toothed belt connection from the shaft supporting the reel to the traverse shaft. (See Picture opposite).
The unit is self-reversing, so the direction of the shaft rotation does not need to be reversed to effect travel in the opposite direction. The place where reversal occurs is dictated by the position of stops adjacent to the shaft which reverse the angle of the bearing set on contact.
For ease of operation, all models are fitted with a disengaging lever which releases the unit’s grip on the shaft allowing the user to slide the traverse along the shaft to any desired position.
The Marldon traverse will operate in a horizontal, vertical or indeed any, plane.
Two Unique Features
The Marldon system has two unique features which overcome the inherent weaknesses in alternative suppliers' designs
A solid one-piece housing with fixed, load-carrying bushings fitting onto the shaft.
A driving system independent of the housing.
The combination of these features acts to separate the two functions of a traverse unit, the functions of load bearing and driving. Consequently, the performance of the Marldon traverse is not affected by external masses carried upon it as any loads are transmitted through the housing onto the load carrying bushes and hence onto the shaft, putting no stress on the internal rolling bearing mechanism. Consistent even performance is assured.
Additionally, and very importantly, the Marldon design means that the unit remains stable longitudinally.
The Marldon traverse is the only unit with these features.
