Abstract: A continuously variable positioning device includes a first body having a first engagement surface. At least part of the first engagement surface is covered with a pattern of movable actuators. A second body has a second engagement surface in contact with the first engagement surface. At least a part of the second engagement surface having an actuator engaging profile, at least some of the movable actuators being depressed and others of the movable actuators being extended to conform to the actuator engaging profile. A drive assembly is provided for creating relative movement of the first body and the second body while maintaining the first engagement surface continuously engaged with the second engagement surface, the movable actuators moving axially during relative movement of the first body and the second body.

Abstract: In an angularly adjustable, releasably lockable ball joint, the ball has a surface covered with polygonal patterns of spaced apart protuberances, the protuberances defining concavities. An actuator tip is provided to penetrate at least one concavity and simultaneously contact the protuberances in the pattern to lock the ball and actuator together, thereby fixing the orientation of shanks attached to the ball and actuator.

Abstract: The locking joint mechanism disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,767 is improved by including elements that prevent roll of one joint member relative to another joint member. The roll preventing elements include at least one actuator head or pin spaced from another actuator head or pin and which is received in a concavity defined between adjacent protuberances. Various protuberance patterns and overall operating mechanisms are also disclosed.

Abstract: A joint mechanism and connector includes a rounded member having at least one concavity and which is connected to a first part, at least one actuator having a tip that is received in the concavity to lock a second part connected to the actuator to the first part. The rounded member has a recess defined thereon which receives spherical members on the rounded member. The actuator tip is received in concavities defined by the spherical members.

Abstract: In an angularly adjustable, releasably lockable ball joint, the ball has a surface covered with polygonal patterns of spaced apart protuberances, the protuberances define concavities. An actuator tip is provided to penetrate at least one concavity and simultaneously contact the protuberances if the pattern to lock the ball and actuator together, thereby fixing the orientation of shanks attached to the ball and actuator.

Abstract: In an angularly adjustable, releasably lockable ball joint, the ball has a surface covered with regular polygonal patterns of spaced-apart protrusions. The protrusions each define a concavity. An actuator tip is provided to penetrate the concavity and simultaneously contact all of the protuberances of the pattern to lock the ball and actuator together, thereby fixing the orientation of shanks attached to the ball and actuator.

Abstract: A process for preparing azetidinones of the formulae 1 and 2A and the stereoisomers of the latter of formula 2B ##STR1## wherein R is an amino-protecting group commonly used in penicillin chemistry and is selected from the group consisting of H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, phenyl, (optionally substituted in the o-, m-, or p- positions by CH.sub.3, F, Cl, OCH.sub.3, or a nitro group), benzyl, 2-thienylmethyl, tetrazol (1-, 2-, or 5-)-ylmethyl, 2-phenyl-5-methylisoxazol-4-yl, phenoxymethyl, and R.sup.5 O-- and R.sup.5 S, wherein R.sup.5 stands for C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, phenyl, benzyl or trichloroethyl; it should be noted that the value of R is immaterial to the process described;X is selected from the group consisting of H, SCl, SBr, Cl, Br, and OH. In the case where X is OH the group RCX.dbd.N-- is better represented as the amide, RCONH--, group;RCX.dbd.N may also represent the phthalimido, succinimido-, or tritylamino- group;R.sup.