Abstract: A faceshield that is securable to a protective helmet or headband having an indexable pivot joint which utilizes an interference fit between an O-ring and radially spaced lug sets. The O-ring is compressed when the crests of the two sets of lugs are radially aligned. This interference holds the faceshield in a desired indexed position.

Abstract: An intervertebral link device including at least one damper element constituted by a cage and a pin designed to be connected to bone anchor elements. The pin being engaged in a housing of the cage and being fitted with two elastically deformable members operating in opposition to an applied traction force or compression force. The damper element includes a pin that is mounted inside the cage by a joint allowing multidirectional relative pivoting between the pin and the cage, at least about the axes contained in a plane perpendicular to the pin and angular abutment between the cage and the pin enabling the multidirectional relative pivoting to be limited in amplitude to a determined value of about 4°.

Abstract: A swivel coupling for coupling together two vehicles, in particular two rail vehicles. The swivel coupling rests on a shared bogie between the two vehicles and has a rotation function and a shock-absorbing function. Each of these functions is performed by distinct elements of the swivel coupling structure.

Abstract: A connecting device enabling spring-suspended connection of a shaft or a guiding bar (3) to a hand-operated vibrating plate which has two pairs arranged at a fixed distance from each other in the direction of a vertical pivotal axis (8), each pair has a first connecting element in the form of a rubber buffer (5) and a second connecting element in the form of a ring (4a) surrounding the rubber buffer (5) substantially free of play and sliding coaxially in relation to the pivotal axis (8). One connecting element (5) of each pair (4a, 5) is fastened to the upper section (1a) and the other connecting element (4a) is fastened to the shaft of guiding bar (3).

Abstract: A pivot joint includes two mounting plates respectively fixedly fastened to two parts of an apparatus and coupled together by a rivet for enabling the two mounting plates to be turned relative to each other, an axle sleeve mounted on the rivet between the two mounting plates, a first washer and a second washer respectively mounted on the rivet and attached to one mounting plate at two opposite sides, wherein the axle sleeve has an embossed end edge at one end disposed in contact with the second mounting plate and a recessed coupling hole at an opposite end; the rivet is a stepped rivet having a shoulder from the head thereof and fitted into the recessed coupling hole at the axle sleeve, an annular groove at the head around the shoulder, and a plain end axially extended from the shoulder and inserted through the axle sleeve and the first and second mounting plates and hammered down to form another head; the second washer is made of friction rubber and mounted in the annular groove at the head of the rivet, hav

Abstract: A pivot joint includes two mounting plates respectively fixedly fastened to two parts of an apparatus and coupled together by a rivet for enabling the two mounting plates to be turned relative to each other, an axle sleeve mounted on the rivet between the two mounting plates, a first washer and a second washer respectively mounted on the rivet and attached to one mounting plate at two opposite sides, wherein the axle sleeve has a recessed hole at one end, and the second washer is made of friction rubber, having a first part received in the recessed hole at one end of the axle sleeve, and a second part stopped against one mounting plate at one side.

Abstract: A tilting hinge, includes a bracket having mount plate portion and a bearing plate portion bent at a right angle in relation to the mount plate portion and in which a bearing hole is formed. A rotating shaft has a mount portion, a large-diameter portion and an externally threaded small-diameter portion supported rotatably in the bearing hole. A first friction washer is provided between the large-diameter portion and one side of the bearing plate of the bracket and has a hole in which the small-diameter portion of the rotating shaft is inserted. A second friction washer is provided in engagement with the other side of the bearing plate and has formed thereof a hole in which the small-diameter portion of the rotating shaft is inserted. A spring washer provided in engagement with the second friction plate and has formed thereof a hole in which the small-diameter portion of rotating shaft is inserted.

Abstract: The adjustable clutch hinge assembly includes a shaft, an adjustment member connected to one end of the shaft, a metal inner cone member, and a metal outer cone member. The end of the shaft to which the adjustment member is connected is inserted into an aperture in the inner cone member, which is split, to allow a decrease of the internal diameter thereof, and has protruding key features, such that a threaded portion of the adjustment member protrudes out the opposite end of the inner cone member. The inner cone member resides within the outer cone member, which has receptive features for the inner cone member and its protruding key features to prevent rotation of the inner cone member within the outer cone member. When the threaded portion of the adjustment member protruding out the end of the inner cone member is drawn through the outer cone member, an outer surface of the inner cone member is forced against an inner surface of the outer cone.

Abstract: A tilt hinge supports a cover so that the cover can lightly be opened and can be held in an inclined position at an optional angular position. The tilt hinge comprises: a mounting member having a mounting plate and a bearing plate, and attached to a main unit of a machine; a stepped shaft having an expanded section and a reduced section of a diameter smaller than that of the expanded section, supported for rotation on the bearing plate; a support member for supporting a cover, fixed to the shaft; a torsion coil spring wound around the shaft and resiliently engaged between the support member and the mounting member; and a friction mechanism interlocked with the bearing plate and the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pivoting joint that has two stable positions. The pivoting joint is comprised of two housing elements that can rotate co-axially with respect to one another. A spring, generally in the shape of a modified hairpin, is contained within the two housing elements. The two ends of the spring fit into holes in one housing element, and the closed end of the spring is held, substantially irrotatably, in the other housing element. The spring urges the two housing elements to one or the other rotational extreme with respect to one another.

Abstract: A self-adjusting bearing assembly comprising a ball member, a connector member, and a bearing seat component having at least two seat members arranged to receive the ball member therebetween. The ball member has a shaped segment providing an outer bearing surface, and the seat members include correspondly shaped inner bearing surfaces for engaging the outer bearing surface of the ball member. A slack removal mechanism is provided to urge a movable one of the seat members toward the ball member and may comprise a pressure chamber having a wall formed by a resilient diaphram positioned adjacent a pressure surface of the movable seat member, and a fitting for pressurizing this chamber with a fluid. The assembly may include a second fitting for feeding lubricant from the pressure chamber to the bearing surfaces. Optionally, a screw member may be provided for exerting an adjustable mechanical force to urge the movable seat member against the ball member.

Abstract: A ball joint includes a bearing seat crimped in place within a housing. A ball head of a ball stud slides in the bearing seat. A cylindrical crimpable portion of the bearing seat is inserted through a cylindrical portion of the housing. The bearing seat is fixed to the housing with two stopper portions. One of the stopper portions is formed by crimping the cylindrical crimpable portion against one of the ends of the housing. A dust cover is pushed between the ball stud and the other stopper portion. The stopper portion is enlarged outward using ultrasonic vibration. An inner side face of the cylindrical crimpable portion inclines outward at an angle ranging from 3.degree. to 20.degree. with respect to an axial direction of the cylindrical crimpable portion. A chamfered portion and rotation-stop portions, shaped like flower petals, are formed at one end of the housing.

Abstract: An extendible wrist mechanism comprises a base and a spaced end plate to which an end effector or other tool holder may be mounted. Three linear actuators are disposed about the central axis directed from the base to the end plate. Each actuator is joined to the base by a joint permitting pivoting toward and away from the central axis and pivoting tangentially of a circle centered about the central axis. Each linear actuator is mounted to the end plate by a joint permitting pitch, yaw, and roll of the end member with respect to the linear actuator. A tube extends from the base and telescopingly receives a member which is attached to the end plate at the central axis by a U-joint permitting pitch and yaw of the end plate. The base mounted tube is keyed to the end plate mounted member so that the end plate is held against rotation with respect to the base.

Abstract: A rotation joint has two joint elements arranged for rotation with respect to each other about an axle, a cam ring arranged coaxial to the axle in a housing and having a curved track with a spatial curvature, a spring guide element arranged on the axle with springs disposed coaxial to the axle around the spring guide element, and bolts mounted radial to the axle and having bearings whose outer circumference lies in force-transmitting relation on the curved track. In order to make a rotation joint with weight compensation which guarantees sure functioning, and at the same time can be produced economically by a simple construction and a compact structure, the housing is essentially formed by the two joint elements. The spring guide element is rigidly connected with a first joint element, and the cam ring is arranged on the spring guide element and capable of axial motion, but the second joint element is locked against a movement in the direction of the axle, and the bolts are fixed in the second joint element.

Abstract: A flange portion of a ball stud includes a seat surface which abuts a junction face of a concurrent rotation prevention plate. By ensuring that the contact face of the concurrent rotation prevention plate has a larger area than an area of the seat surface of the flange portion of the ball stud, the frictional force between an attached item and the contact face of the concurrent rotation prevention plate is greater than a rotational force applied to the ball stud when a nut is affixed to the ball stud. The ball stud is thus prevented from concurrently turning with the nut during a tightening or loosening operation.

Abstract: A non-oscillating joint comprises a housing with an annular inner surface, an annular sleeve wedged within the housing, a stud with a radially outer bearing surface received in said housing, a radially outer bearing surface of the stud adjacent a radially inner surface of the sleeve, and an annular bearing wedged within the sleeve, the bearing having a longitudinally inner bearing surface contacting a longitudinally outer bearing surface of the stud. In a first embodiment of the present invention, both the radially outer bearing surface of the stud and the radially inner surface of the sleeve are generally conical, the stud wedged within the sleeve. In a second embodiment, a second bearing is wedged between the sleeve and the stud. The joint is subjected to additional compression pre-load when the housing is closed.

Abstract: A pitman arm incorporates a preloaded pivot joint that has a stud that rotates and angulates. The preloaded pivot joint is designed so that different internal components transfer the respective lateral loads, axial compression loads and angulation loads of the stud.

Abstract: A connector unit of the multiple-connection, rapid-engagement type includes a first connector part and a second connector part which can be coupled face to face as a result of a relative movement along a general axis of the first connector part. The second connector part is carried by a movable body adapted to stop close to the first connector part so that these face each other. The connector parts include mutual centring means. One of these two connector parts is movable transverse the direction of coupling to compensate for any transverse misalignment relative to this direction. The movable connector part is carried by an auxiliary support structure with the interposition of resiliently yielding members so as to be swingable relative to the support structure. These resilient members are preloaded so as, in their undeformed condition, to define a rest position corresponding to the aligned condition of the two connector parts.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a flanged pin joint with a housing (1) in which a flanged pin (2) is arranged such that it may be rotated as well as tilted to a limited extent, in which the flanged pin is supported via bearing bushes (3a) on the cylindrical bearing surface (1c) of the housing (1) with the cylindrical outer surface (5a) of the flange (5) as well as the cylindrical surfaces (7) of the pin (4) which adjoin the flange on both sides via annular surfaces (6), in which the housing (1) is closed by a cover (10) which causes an axial prestress of the bearing bushes (3a).

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar assembly (25) for damping and reducing the shock to which a cyclist is normally exposed. The assembly includes a mounting block (256) attached to the head (12) of a bicycle front fork assembly. An upper linkage member (252) and a lower linkage member (254) that are parallel and spaced apart from each other are pivotally attached at their tail ends to the mounting block. A handlebar claim (258) for securing a set of handlebars (24) thereto is pivotally attached to the front ends of the upper and lower linkage members. The static angle of the linkage members may be adjusted by movement of an eccentric bearing pin. A damping element is disposed against one of the linkage members for slowing the downward movement of the linkage members and serving as a sink for a downward force applied to the linkage members when the handlebars are urged downward. A spring element (268) may be the damping member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an adjustable stand for an optical viewing apparatus such as a surgical microscope pivotable about a pivot axis. The adjustable stand and the optical viewing apparatus conjointly define a center of gravity which can shift to produce an unwanted unbalancing torque when accessories are added to the microscope and/or when there is angular movement about the axis. The adjustable stand includes a mounting bracket for attaching the stand at a desired location; a pivot shaft defining the pivot axis; a carrier holding the pivot shaft and an elastically deformable energy storage device mounted on the shaft for releasing stored torque energy in response to the shift to balance the unwanted unbalancing torque. An adjusting device is provided for loading the storage means with a predetermined torque.

Abstract: An adjustable damper 12 for providing surface effect damping of a first member 10 when moving relative to a second member 20 and providing means for user operated locking of said first member 10 relative to said second member 20 at an infinite number of positions. The damper 12 is particularly useful for locking a chair back in place relative to a chair seat and providing damping of the rotation of the chair back when not locked. This allows the chair back to return to its desired position relative to the seat at a controlled rotational rate. The damper 12 operates by compressing first plate 40 and second plate 50 against elastomers 36A and 36B such that center plate 30 is restrained from rotation relative to plates 40 and 50. A secondary surface effect damping element provides damping when the primary damping element is unlocked. Pin 38 rides in slot 32 and indents the periphery 34 of elastomer 36C bonded to the periphery of slot 32 to provide damping.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a pivot joint with a housing (4) in which a ball pivot (1) is mounted via its ball race-shaped bearing surface (1a) by means of an inset bearing shell (3) to be free from play within a delimited range and, set against a restoring force, to be twistable and horizontally sweepable. In order to create the pivot joint, in which the defined restoring force of the spring (5), independent of respective tolerances, increases with deflection according to the spring characteristic and form, the ball pivot (1) is provided with an end surface (1b) located opposite pivot shank (2), and a conical countersink (7) extending to the edge is configured in this end surface (1b), in which the ball sits closely on the conical surface (7a) of this conical countersink (7), with the ball (6) being acted upon by the force of a spring (5) supported by the cover (8) which seals the housing (64).

Abstract: A lightweight foot prosthesis is claimed, having a heel, a toe, and a raised instep, the instep including an upper surface and a lower surface, an ankle joint connected to the foot and capable of motion around each of three perpendicular axes, a pair of compression mounts for limiting rotation of the ankle joint, and a connector for connecting the ankle joint to a leg.

Abstract: A torsion bar for a slow-acting rotation shaft device is formed from a U-shaped wire rod so that hook portions formed at both ends of the torsion bar are distanced from each other by a length at least more than a diameter of the wire rod. Hook portions for latching are formed at each end and at the U-shaped bend of the torsion bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device specially designed for fitting aerials to the roof of motor vehicles, comprising a U-shaped support (1), between the side branches of which is located and retained with the possibility of rotating about its own axis a moveable component (2) to which an aerial is secured and within which is located a helical spring (5) which expands between one of the side branches and an internal rim (6) provided adjacent one of the edges of the component (2), forcing the rim (6) against the other side branch of the support and generating a friction force opposing rotational movements of the aerial.

Abstract: In a slow-acting rotary shaft device, a shaft, which rotatably supports a second member, includes a hollow shaft body latched to a first member inrotatably, a cap member outwardly inserted on an end portion of the shaft body rotatably and latched to the second member inrotatably, a torsion bar which has one end latched with the shaft body and another end latched with a cap member, and a viscous grease enclosed between the shaft body and cap members. The hollow shaft body is divided into two portions, a body portion of which latches to one of the end portions of the torsion bar. In opposite surfaces of the two portions, a projection formed at one surface and a concave portion formed at another surface are loosely inserted and provided with a relatively rotatable race area.

Abstract: To prevent rapid movement of a display in any direction even in the condition where the display is movable. A display supporting device includes a frictional force generating portion for generating frictional force in a direction opposite to a moving direction of a display when moving the display relative to a body of equipment, and biasing structure for applying a biasing force not less than a predetermined value to the frictional force generating portion in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction to make magnitude of the frictional force to be generated in the frictional force generating portion at least not less than a moving force.

Abstract: A pivotable joint including a first part provided with pivot bores and a second part with resiliently mounted pivot pins received in said pivot bores such that the second part is pivotably mounted in a desired assembled position. The first part has a closed tubular cross section and may be a section of the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The resiliently mounted pivot pins are symmetrically mounted on opposite sides of the second part, which may be a throttle valve. The pivot pins are elastically displaceable axially during assembly of the first and second parts such that they snap resiliently into the pivot bores of the first part when the second part reaches the desired assembled position.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for manually manipulating a surgical laser beam is disclosed. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes a mirror nominally positioned at a 45 degree angle to the incident laser beam, a joy stick for manipulating the mirror, and a linkage interconnecting the two. The mirror is mounted to allow it to rotate about two mutually perpendicular and intersecting axes. The linkage operates to direct the reflected laser beam in two orthogonal dimensions such that a ratio between the movement of the reflected beam in each dimension is equivalent to the ratio of the movement of the joy stick in each dimension. This yields a reflected laser beam that moves a distance proportional to the amount of motion input to the joy stick. The reduction or amplification ratio between the input motion and the reflected laser beam motion remains constant, regardless of the direction of motion.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker of the type containing an electronic trip unit to control an operating mechanism for automatically turning the circuit breaker contacts between ON and OFF conditions under overload conditions and a handle operator for same under quiescent conditions is designed for operation with a motor operator unit. The operating mechanism unit is structured to resist the high impact forces translated to the mechanism by the motor operator unit.

Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control cable assembly (10) comprises a motion transmitting core element (12) having a terminal (14) attached to one of its ends, where the terminal includes a passageway (16). The assembly also includes a socket member (20) disposed in the passageway for interconnecting the core element (12) with a control element (18). The assembly (10) is characterized by including a separate isolator (22,22') interposed in the passageway (16) between the socket member (20) and the terminal (14) for dampening vibrations originating from the control element (18).

Abstract: An angle adjusting device, of which assembling work is performed in narrow space, wherein a rotatable axis previously provided with frictional components thereon is inserted paralelly into a bearing hole provided on a bearing by passing an annular groove provided on the rotatable axis through a vertical slit provided on an edge portion of the bearing, and is inserted horizontally into another bearing hole provided on another edge portion of the bearing.

Abstract: A one piece shaft which supports two rotatable members is provided with shafts for energizing the rotation and for controlling an energized force of each member separately. The shaft includes a shaft body which connects two hollow shaft bodies attached to each rotatable member unrotatably on the same central shaft axis so as to rotate relatively, two members attached unrotatably to the fixed member attached rotatably to both sides of this shaft, and two torsion bars bridged between the separated hollow shaft bodies and the cap member respectively.

Abstract: A stem for interconnecting a handlebar and a head tube or bicycle includes an upright tube and a connecting tube pivoted to two lug portions of the upright tube. Each of the lug portions of the upright tube has a torsional spring mounted in a through bore of the lug portion and a positioning disc attached to the outside face of the lug portion. The positioning disc has a plurality of adjusting holes circumferentially formed. The torsional spring has a first end engaging the connecting tube and a second end engaging one of the adjusting holes of the positioning disc. The torsional spring can absorb the shock wave produced from the front wheel of a bicycle. The angle between the connecting tube and the upright tube can be varied by inserting the second end of the torsional spring into different adjusting holes of the positioning disc.

Abstract: A pivot mount for a vehicular shift lever which precludes the play in the shift lever. The mount is employed in conjunction with a shift bowl that is rotatably mounted on a steering column. A clevis extends radially outwardly from the shift bowl, and the clevis has laterally spaced connecting plates. A bore penetrates each connecting plate. The bores through the connecting plates are registered. A shift lever having a mounting block is mounted from the clevis. The mounting block has laterally spaced, substantially parallel, first and second faces adapted to be embraced between the connecting plates. An aperture penetrates the mounting block and opens through the first and second faces to register with the bores through the connecting plates. A bushing assembly having an annular body portion with longitudinally spaced first and second rim edges is insertably received within the aperture which penetrates the mounting block.

Abstract: A joint device, wherein a shaft is supported by a base member, and can rotate in a first direction and a second direction. Two coil springs are mounted on the shaft. The first coil spring has an end fixed to the base member. The inner diameter of the first coil spring is smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft. The first coil spring is wound around the shaft in the first direction. The first coil spring is wound tightly around the shaft when the shaft is rotated in the first direction. An arm is attached to the shaft. The arm twists the free end of the first coil spring in the second direction, whereby a return torque is accumulated in the first coil spring. The second coil spring also has an end fixed to the base member. The free end of the second coil spring is twisted when the shaft is rotated in the second direction, whereby a return torque is accumulated in the second coil spring.

Abstract: A tiltable element, e.g. an operator's cab, is resiliently supported on a body frame by a plurality of pivotable mounting devices. Each device comprises a pair of parallel bracket members and a support element. The support element and the bracket members have coaxial openings therethrough with a generally cylindrical shaft positioned in the openings. The shaft has first and second externally threaded end sections and an intermediate section. The diameter of the first end section is greater than the diameter of the intermediate section so as to form a first shoulder therebetween. The opening in one bracket member has internal threads to matingly receive the threads on the first shaft end section. An annular shell has an inner diameter at least as large as the diameter of the intermediate shaft portion and less than the diameter of the first shaft end section. An annular resilient sleeve is mounted between and in contact with the annular shell and the support element.

Abstract: A pivot shaft constructed with a holder having a base and a vertical mount for a sleeve with a pair of diametrically opposed notches to lock into, above the base is a spring, a washer, and a nut. The spring has one end inserted into a hole of the base and another blockaded by a outer edge of a washer. A shaft consisting of a head, a cylinder, and a threaded portion locks into the sleeve, the vertical mount, the spring, and the washer by engaging with the nut.

Abstract: A universal joint for use with impact wrenches and the like comprising a coupling having a bore at one end for engaging the drive shaft of a wrench and a ball receiving cavity at its other end; a socket engaging part having a ball member disposed in the ball receiving cavity; and a guide sleeve concentrically and slidably mounted for free rotation to the coupling, the guide sleeve having a substantially smooth uninterrupted outer cylindrical surface which may be held between the fingers of an operator while the joint is rotating.

Abstract: A resilient ball joint support including two plates movable with respect to each other and connected together by at least one ball joint, the transmission of a load between the plates being provided, partly through at least one cushion formed of at least one sealed envelope confining at least one fluid which is pressurized by the action of the load and partly by at least one ball joint centering the plates with respect to each other.

Abstract: A resilient ball joint support is provided including two plates movable with respect to each other and connected together by at least one ball joint, the transmission of a load between said plates being provided, partly through at least one cushion formed of at least one sealed envelope confining at least one fluid which is pressurized by the action of said load and partly by at least one ball joint centering said plates with respect to each other.

Abstract: A device for adjusting flex in ski boots and the like, comprises at least one elastic element carried on the shell of a ski boot or the like; a pivot pin is passed through the elastic element and has at least the boot front quarter connected thereto.

Abstract: A tine assembly for a tiller, comprising a plate (12 or 20) mounted on a rotative shaft (11) and a plurality of tines (13 or 21) connected by a pivotal connection (14 or 22) to the plate so as to swing outwardly of the plate to engage the soil upon rotation of the plate, and limiting means comprising bolts (15 or 24) in arcuate slots (13D or 23) whereby the tines are angled or positioned for proper soil working action depending on the rotative direction of the plate with the shaft.

Abstract: A joint (10) is described for connecting a pair of beams to pivot them between positions in alignment or beside one another, which is of light weight and which operates in a controlled manner. The joint includes a pair of fittings (16, 18), and at least one center link (20) having opposite ends pivotally connected to opposite fittings and having axes (36, 38) that pass through centerplanes (36, 38) of the fittings. A control link (24) having opposite ends pivotally connected to the different fittings controls their relative orientations, and a toggle assembly (26) holds the fittings in the deployed configuration wherein they are aligned. The fittings have stops (28, 30) that lie on one side of the centerplane opposite the toggle assembly.

Abstract: A tipping safety handle with automatic release for handwheels or the like designed for use on machine tools, can be engaged by axial displacement inside the handwheel body. For this purpose, the handle comprises pin clutch means acting between the handle and said body, which means preferably comprise a clutch pin and a release counter-pin, both opposed by return springs.

Abstract: Magnetic door hardware for closing swinging doors. Two magnets are axially aligned with the door post, and the magnetic fields of the magnets are aligned so as to produce a radial torque when the door is swung open. One magnet is attached to the door post, and the other magnet is attached to the door frame so that the radial torque produced by the magnets causes the door to rotate to the closed position.

Abstract: In a tilt handle, including a steering shaft, supported by a sleeve the lower end of which is pivotably provided so as to adjust an inclination angle of the tilt handle with relation to a car body, a device for adjusting the inclination angle of the tilt handle includes a stationary bracket, a movable bracket and spring means therebetween, the stationary bracket being positioned at a proper portion of the car body. The movable bracket is located at a suitable portion of the sleeve and is movable within the stationary bracket. The spring means is provided for energizing the sleeve to move upwardly.

Abstract: Resilient shift mechanism for shifting gears in a transaxle, transmission, gear box, or the like is provided. In a gear drive for a small vehicle such as a garden tractor or a self-propelled lawn mower, it is often difficult to disengage a shift dog from a gear when under a heavy load. In some instances, the shift mechanism, such as a shifter fork, can be distorted, bent, or broken. The new shift mechanism includes a shifter fork for moving a shift dog or clutch collar and a resilient shift lever for moving the shifter fork. The lever has a resilient leg which yields when the shift lever attempts to move the shift dog while the transmission is under a heavy load. The resilient shift lever, being stressed, will subsequently shift the shift dog when the load has diminished.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis comprises two relatively inextensible primary components that are spaced apart from one another. Disposed between and spaced from both of the components is a pivot member. The pivot member is resiliently secured to each of the primary components so as to permit relative rotation between the primary components and the pivot member. As a result, the two primary components of the prosthesis can rotate toward and away from each other about an axis that is disposed at least adjacent to and at least approximately parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the pivot member. The pivot member and the primary components of the prosthesis are preferably secured together by one or more bodies of elastomer.