Sore Back Relief Rests on 
Precision Bearings

Not only is lower back pain the leading cause of work disability, but at some point in life, 80 percent of people experience back pain. Physical therapy can sometimes help alleviate symptoms, but most people are hesitant to consider surgery.

Addressing this quandary, a couple engineers invented a machine that decompresses the spine by targeting a specific vertebra, thereby stimulating the back’s ability to heal itself.

A key aspect of this advanced technology, which is doing wonders to ease back pain for herniated and bulging discs, are the linear bearings that the treatment table glides on.

“To deliver the smoothest, most comfortable treatment a patient can possibly experience, the machine uses the finest components like the bearings from Nippon Bearings (NB) that the patient glides on,” explains Excite Medical’s Chief Engineer and Co-inventor of the DRX9000 Scot L. Johnson.

The DRX9000 system is designed with a padded two-part table and a cushion to keep the patient’s knees bent. NB’s TOPBALL Ultimate bearings are installed at the opening between the table (pictured above). The bearings allow the patient’s lower half below the waist to glide smoothly, thereby enabling the machine to continuously target the vertebra under treatment throughout the 30-minute session. A strap is used to apply tension to the patient’s lower body and this works to elongate the spine.

An important design requirement for the non-surgical spinal decompression machine was the bearing’s ability to accommodate heavier patients. Because the TOPBALL circular arch design supports greater ball contact, this significantly increases load capacity.

For more information on NB’s TOPBALL Series, click HERE.

SoIving Precision Manufacturing Pain Points with STUDROLLER Technology

Motion control systems are commonly challenged with vibration, misalignment and premature wear issues, particularly in high-speed and/or high-load environments.

Engineered with rollers that distribute loads over a larger surface area, NB’s STUDROLLER technology addresses these pain points by:

• Enhancing Rigidity: The roller-based design resists deflection, ensuring consistent precision even under demanding conditions.
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• Reducing Maintenance: Lower friction and optimized load distribution mean less frequent servicing and longer operational life.
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• Improving Efficiency: Smooth motion reduces energy loss, contributing to better overall system performance.

The STUDROLLER is engineered to eliminate the cage-creep phenomenon that, over time, can create deviances in cross roller retainer performance. NB’s patented design reduces point contact stress, minimizing wear and simplifies installation and alignment, making it ideal for applications with high performance demands and limited space.

Learn more about NB’s SLIDE WAY cross roller bearings powered by the STUDROLLER.

3 Reasons Why NB's Ball Spline and BG Actuator are in Demand for

Processing & Packaging Applications

Processing and packaging equipment demands motion components that are fast, accurate, reliable and compact. NB’s Ball Spline and BG Actuator technologies deliver exactly that, making them a strong fit for modern OEM machinery.

NB’s Rotary Ball Spline supports both linear

and rotary motion with sub-millimeter accuracy.

1. Compact, integrated designs - The BG Actuator combines guidance and drive in a single assembly, reducing its footprint and simplifying OEM machine layouts. The Ball Spline combines linear and rotary motion in one shaft, which is ideal for space‑constrained systems.

2. High rigidity for fast cycle rates - Both products support high loads and resist deflection, enabling rapid start‑stop motion which is common in packaging equipment like wrappers, sealers and cartons.

BG linear actuators combine the functionality of a linear

slide guide and precision ball screw in a single component.

3. Long service life with minimal maintenance - With hardened raceways, precision-ground elements and durable rolling components, NB’s motion systems are engineered to operate reliably in continuous‑duty packaging environments.

More details on the Rotary Ball Spline can be found HERE.

For more on the BG Actuator, click HERE.

NB Linear MobileTM

Specifications Simplified

With quick access to everything you need to know about NB’s bearings, splines, actuators and other components, NB Linear Mobile™ puts our entire catalog in the palm of your hand.

Browse the entire product directory, download 2D and 3D CAD files, calculate the rated life of NB slide guides and identify the right product replacement for existing installations on your iOS or Android device.

Find a local sales rep and stay up to date on the latest NB news.

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