Device for linearly moving a useful mass

Abstract

A device for linearly moving a useful mass is described. Typically, when a large useful mass is moved, relatively large forces are transferred by a spindle or a toothed rack to the corresponding machine or machine frame. These forces can be compensated by moving a compensating mass in the opposite direction of the useful mass.

1 . A device for linearly moving a useful mass, comprising:
 at least one first toothed rack;   at least one first pinion engaging with the toothed rack and coupled to the useful mass;   at least one first drive rotatably driving the at least one pinion for moving the useful mass along the toothed rack; and   a compensating mass movable synchronously with the useful mass in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so that a momentum of the useful mass is compensated by a momentum of the compensating mass.   
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a second pinion in engagement with the toothed rack for support of the compensating mass, and a second drive rotatably driving the second pinion, wherein the first and second pinions are constructed to have different diameters, or different tooth spacing, or both. 
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a second toothed rack and a second pinion mounted on the second toothed rack and operated by the first drive, said compensating mass being coupled to the second toothed rack, said first and second pinions having different diameters, or different tooth spacing, or both so as to move the first and second toothed racks linearly in opposite directions.