The wave generator is a link with two rollers that rotates within the flexspline, causing it to mesh with the circular spline progressively at diametrically opposite points.
Compound drives can produce ratios as high as 1,000,000 to 1. Either the circular spline, the flexspline, or the wave generator may be fixed while the other two elements serve as input and output.
The flexspline has fewer teeth and consequently a smaller effective diameter than the circular spline.
If the wave generator (the input) rotates clockwise while the circular spline is fixed, the flexspline (the output) will rotate or roll around on the inside of the circular spline at a much slower rate in a counterclockwise direction.
The wave generator can be inside the tube and by its rotation deflect the flexspline and produce a slow rotation of the encircling circular spline.
The circular spline has internal teeth that mesh with external teeth on the flexspline.
The ratio of the input speed to the output speed depends on the difference in the number of teeth in the circular spline and in the flexspline.
Writer tells where to obtain such tools as roto rasps, skip-a-line cutters, a T-handle reamer, and an India taper triangle (the Wood Carvers Supply Company, of Minneapolis); reed spline, a Sloyd knife, and Swivlo plate casters (Constantine & Sons, Inc., of the Bronx); and more.
Another of Mr. Vila's favorite money-saving gadgets is a spline ($5 for a Home Depot brand), which is a specialty tool for replacing screens.
A track in the frame had affected the head roller and, in response to Lane's outburst, Guy said, "Making a spline here".
By using a common eye measurement instrument called a corneal topography device with the same spline equations that are used to create cinematic special effects, doctors could one day measure the cornea's surface down to the tiniest micron.
