A Helly-type transversal theorem for \(n\)-dimensional unit balls (Q2492896)

Denote by \(\mathcal F\) a family of unit balls in Euclidean \(n\)-space \(E^n\) such that the mutual distances of their centers are at least \(2\sqrt {2 + \sqrt 2}\). It is proved that if every \(n^2\) of the balls from \(\mathcal F\) have a common line transversal, then all balls from \(\mathcal F\) have a common line transversal. The authors also show an example of four unit balls in \(E^3\) with mutual distances of their centers at least \(2\sqrt {2 + \sqrt 2}\) and without a common line transversal such that every three of them have a common line transversal.