Originally Posted by
harryn
This is a good way to reduce backlash in a rack and pinion system. It also helps hold things "still" when machining as there is a substantial holding torque. Pretty creative really. I have no idea how common of concept this is.
Another way to obtain similar results is to put two pinions on one rack, with each sort of "sprung" apart in opposite directions. The challenge of this approach is that rack often isn't all that thick, so getting two pinions on there is not all that easy. It also limits you to the tooth strength of one "tooth".
Is this a commercial machine or "custom". Probably a brand name will help you find more info on line. I have good luck using dogpile.com but there are a lot of search engines out there.