Abstract: An extruded, tubular vehicle axle for front and rear wheel applications, is formed with integral, radially outwardly extending ribs, at the radial top and bottom dead centers of the axle, and continuously extending longitudinally along substantially the entire length of the axle parallel to the axis of the axle. The opposite end portions of the axle are snugly inserted within corresponding sockets formed, for example, in a vehicle axle yoke or carrier or housing, which sockets are provided with internal grooves for snugly receiving the ribs at the respective end portions. The exterior wall surface of the axle is substantially uniform in cross-section. The interior wall surface of the axle tube may vary, at pre-selected locations, to increase or decrease the wall thicknesses at such locations. The axle resists rotation relative to the sockets, under extreme torsional loads, and resists longitudinal bending or flexing, while being of relatively light weight.

Abstract: A knee brace comprises generally U-shaped upper and lower support members for fitting around the upper and lower leg above and below the knee joint; two pairs of upper and lower support arms extending downwardly and upwardly, respectively, from the upper and lower support members along opposite sides of the patient's upper leg; and polycentric hinges for pivoting the upper support arms to the lower support arms adjacent lateral and medial sides of the knee joint. Floating condyle pads are affixed to fixed inside portions of the polycentric hinges. The condyle pads are held in direct contact with the lateral and medial sides of the patient's knee joint. The condyle pads are restrained from rotational movement but are hinged so they can pivot toward or away from each other about common generally vertical axes within the space between the polycentric hinges.