Abstract: A spherical bearing used in a rod end housing is modified with an elastomeric member equally precompressed in an amount of about 30% of an unstressed thickness of the elastomeric member to isolate the transmission of vibrations and sound. Such spherical elastomeric bearings can be used in any application where a conventional spherical bearing is used such as cable connections, clutch linkages, etc., in trucks, farm tractors, and various other pieces of equipment.

Abstract: A gear shifter for manual transmissions which includes a support, two movable members movable at right angles to each other, and a gear shift lever connected through the movable members and to a bell crank pivotally mounted on the support. The bell crank and one of the movable members are connected to one end of a pair of actuators, the other ends of which are connected to the transmission. The gear shift lever is mounted for movement in two directions at right angles to each other and the connection of the gear shift lever to the movable members and bell crank translates these two right angle movements into parallel movement of the two actuators.

Abstract: A platen for printers is disclosed. The platen has a tubular resilient sleeve with an outer cylindrical circumferential surface. Shaft means is contained within the sleeve. The shaft means has portions exposed at the ends of the sleeve which are concentrically aligned with the sleeve's outer surface. A molded in place core fills the space between the sleeve and shaft means to connect the two together and to prevent their relative rotation. The method of manufacturing the platen includes filling the sleeve with moldable plastic material and subjecting the plastic to a curing operation while holding the shaft portions in concentrically aligned position relative to the outer surface of the sleeve.