Wire rope drive mechanism for reciprocating linear motion

A drive mechanism for providing reciprocating, liner motion for a movable work piece relative to a stationary work piece is provided. The drive system includes a motor rotating a drum in forward and reverse directions about a first axis. The motor and drum are fixedly mounted with respect to the stationary work piece, such as to a housing or other structure. The system further includes an elongate, substantially non-flexible cable having a first and second ends fixed with respect to the stationary work piece. The cable further includes an intermediate portion extending between the first and second ends, with the intermediate portion being wound around the drum. First and second bearings are provided which are mounted to the movable work piece. The first bearing is positioned relative to the cable such that the intermediate portion of the cable is wound over the first bearing, and with the first bearing being positioned between the first end of the cable and the drum. The second bearing is positioned relative to the cable such that the intermediate portion of the cable is wound over the second bearing with the second bearing being positioned between the drum and the second end of the cable. Rotation of the drum in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions causes the cable to move the first and second bearings back and forth relative to the drum, thereby causing linear, reciprocating movement of the moveable work piece relative to the stationary work piece.