Abstract: A ball and socket joint which allows the precise positioning of the line of contact between the ball and the socket utilizing a spherically curved socket and an offset radius ball. The significant manufacturing difficulties associated with the shaping of an offset radius socket is avoided by the use of the spherical socket and offset radius ball. Furthermore, the ball and socket configuration enables use of ceramic materials to produce the socket and/or ball components which, in turn, results in a dramatic increase of the life of the ball and socket joint.

Abstract: A pivot rod, such as a push rod of the type found included in fuel injector drive trains and engine cylinder valve drive trains, has a mounting shaft with an interior receiving space at at least one end thereof, and a pivot insert formed of a ceramic material that is positioned with a first portion thereof disposed within the receiving space of the mounting shaft and a second portion thereof projecting axially beyond the end of the mounting shaft.