Abstract: An anti-skid device of the type including an arm, carrying in its outer end a chain-provided pulley that is brought in contact with a vehicle wheel so that the chains are thrown in under the vehicle wheel. The arm is, in its inner end, journaled in a U-shaped or fork-shaped bracket via a short axle that, in its ends, rests in bowl-shaped hemispherical bearings that are threaded into the legs of the bracket. The bearing bowls are pretensioned against the axle. At the apex of the shaft's spherical ends, recesses are made that take-up lubrication grease and, in this way, a point-like contact between the bearing shells and the axle is eliminated.

Abstract: A bearing for a gear shift lever for the mechanical remote control of the selector shaft of a gear change unit in motor vehicles includes a stationary housing pivot which supports a gear shift lever in such a manner that it can swivel around a selection axis and also around a change axis lying at an angle in relation to it. The gear shift lever is in addition jointed by a sliding selector shaft with the gear shift shaft in a gear change box or transmission. The gear change lever is supported in a movable bearing that can swivel around a defined axis. The movable bearing in turn can swivel around another redefined axis. Also, the lever is pivotal with a limited degree of freedom, around a main axis positioned through the center of the selection axis and also is pivotal at a link connection with the sliding selector shaft. The pivotal bearing housed in the stationary housing part is attached to the body.

Abstract: An elastic bearing for steering rods of motor vehicles with a stud (1) which is rotatable and which is movable with limited angular and radial mobility. The stud (1) is pressed with interposition of an elastomer bushing (2) into an intermediate shell (3) to permit limited angular and radial mobility of the stud. The intermediate shell (3) is rotatably supported in a joint housing (9), is simpler to produce, and has close moment of rotation tolerances even during operation. For this purpose, the intermediate shell (3) has on the outside a collar (4). Two bearing shells (7, 8) are set between the intermediate shell (3) and the joint housing (9) and are supported against the collar. The bearing shells (7, 8) are pressed by a spring element (10) supported on the joint housing (9) in the axial direction of the stud against the collar (4).

Abstract: A lubricant supply assembly for a universal joint comprises a universal joint, two rotation shafts connected via the universal joint and being capable of being bent relative to one another, ball-and-socket joints secured at the two rotation shafts, and a coupling tube provided at the universal joint for introducing a lubricant from one of the two rotation shafts to the other of the two rotation shafts. The coupling tube is a single tube. The end of the coupling tube is fixed to a ball in one of the ball-and-socket joints while the other end of the coupling tube slidably penetrates a ball in the other of the ball-and-socket joints to protrude from it.

Abstract: During back surgery, a surgeon can, with one hand, apply traction against tissue in a surgical wound by using a retraction device that includes an upstanding post and a surgical retractor, the handle of which is formed with ratchet teeth for securing the retractor to the post against elastic recoil of the retracted tissue. The post preferably is integral with a slip-lock which can be slidably mounted on a rectangular rail of a framework that extends above the patient. The slip-lock includes a floating jaw that is loosely pinned to a slide and becomes releasably locked to the rail when the elastic recoil of retracted tissue pulls on the post. Because the retraction device holds the tissue precisely in the position to which it is set by the surgeon, the hazards involved in using assistants to hold retractors are avoided.

Abstract: An alignment positioning mechanism for correcting and compensating for misalignment of structures to be coupled thereby. The mechanism comprises a power screw 12 with a base portion 13 and a threaded shank portion 14. A mounting fixture 18 is provided for rigidly coupling said base portion to the mounting interface of a supporting structure with the axis of the screw perpendicular thereto. A traveling ball nut 40 threaded on the power screw 12 is formed with an external annular arcuate surface 41 configured in the form of a spherical segment and enclosed by a ball nut housing 50 with a conforming arcuate surface 51 for permitting gimballed motion thereon. The ball nut housing 50 is provided with a mounting surface 53a which is positionable in cooperable engagement with the mounting interface of a primary structure to be coupled to said supporting structure.

Abstract: A ball joint includes a pair of generally hemispheric head members including facing surfaces. A bearing member is disposed between the facing surfaces. One of the head members is connected to a ball stud, the other includes a shank hole through which the ball stud passes. Both head members are enclosed in a ball seat which is deformed into conformity with a generally spherical outer surface of the combined first and second head members by a socket that is formed about them. An elastic member between the socket and the ball seat applies an axial force to said first and second head members, whereby a substantial preload on the ball joint permits take-up of wear during use.

Abstract: The support structure for the bearing compartment for a gas turbine engine includes eight radial tie bolts connected with the clevis wherein the outer diameter clevis is connected to the mount ring with an accessible bolt for easy assembly and disassembly. The tie bolts, while preloaded in tension, can accept compressive loads during severe loading operation conditions. The turbine exhaust case housing the tie bolts and bearing compartment are designed to facilitate cooling and maintainability at reduced costs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing ball (10, 11) for receiving the implement pin (8, 9) of an agricultural implement (1) in the catching jaw (7) of the catching hook (6) of a three-point connecting device (3) belonging to a tractor (2). The bearing ball comprises a hollow ball (2) with a cylindrical tube (14) passing through it. The central region of the cylindrical tube (14) has been provided with a formation (15) which extends radically and supports the inner face (13) of the hollow ball (12) in a force-free way. It secures the hollow ball (12) on the cylindrical tube (14) in the axial direction and permits relative rotation between the two. This provides better support because only the ends of the cylindrical tube (14) rest against the implement pin and bending of the cylindrical tube (14) no longer adversely affects the bearing ball.

Abstract: A universal joint for use in an automobile tilt wheel assembly includes a first (12) and second (28) shaft. The end of the first shaft (12) includes a pin (20) extending on opposite sides of the first shaft (12). A pair of caps (22) having a circular outer periphery are rotatably disposed on the pin (20). Two socket member halves (34) interconnect the first shaft (12) and the second shaft (28). The socket members (34) define a circular pocket (36) for receiving the first end of the first shaft (12). The socket members (34) mate in a plane containing the axis of the pin (20). The socket members (34) define an outwardly flared recess (40, 41) to accommodate the sides (17) of the first shaft (12) during rotational movement of the cap members (22) in the circular pocket (36) and to accommodate movement of the first shaft (12) about the axis of the pin ( 20).

Abstract: Shifting apparatus for power transmissions incorporating vibration damping elements whereby vibrations occurring within the transmission are substantially isolated from the shift lever extending into the vehicle cab. A homogeneous vibration isolator body is mounted to the end of a shift lever. The body includes a spherical segment bearing surface and a cylindrical bore receiving a gear shifting stem. Elastomeric vibration damping rings interposed between the stem, which is pivotally mounted on the body, and the body absorbs and isolates vibration, while metal-to-metal contact between the stem and body is possible upon maximum compression of the elastomeric elements occurring.

Abstract: An apparatus for lapping of ophthalmic lenses has a spherical bearing for supporting a rod, one end of which carries a lapping tool. The spherical bearing has a race and ball through which the rod is fixedly secured. The ball has a generally vertically extending channel facing the race and the race has a guide pin which slidably extends into the channel thus allowing the ball free pivotal but not free rotational movement with respect to the race.

Abstract: A three directional load reacting mount connects first and second members together through a plain, self aligning ball bearing. An axial member extends through the ball of the bearing. An axial force on one of the members is not transmitted to the other through the bearing but at an axial load bearing element offset from the bearing. The offset is in the direction of a supporting structure connected to the other member thereby reducing the moment transmitted to the supporting structure from the axial force.

Abstract: A trailer hitch ball assembly includes a vertical post for attachment to a vehicle drawbar. The post has a smooth cylindrical upper portion and a circumferential retainer groove for receiving and retaining a ball while permitting rotation of the ball. The ball includes a central bore which receives the post upper portion and a retainer screw for engaging the retainer groove. A threaded lower portion and two nuts are utilized to secure the post on the drawbar. The threaded portion may include an exposed free portion for storing a replacement ball of the same or different diameter.

Abstract: A shift lever supporting apparatus for a transmission, has an integral structure comprising a cylindrical shift lever mounting portion for receiving a ball portion of a shift lever, a pyramidal retainer portion contiguously provided below the shift lever mounting portion, a plate portion contiguously provided below the retainer portion, and a bearing portion for mounting a select bell-crank, the bearing portion being contiguously provided on the retainer portion and in close proximity to the shift lever mounting portion. The shift lever mounting portion is provided with a seat surface for supporting the ball portion of the shift lever, and a U-shaped notch which allows insertion of a select lever extending from the ball portion. The ball portion of the shift lever is inserted into the shift lever mounting portion from the upper side and this ball portion is pressed against and thereby retained on the seat surface by the use of a cap.

Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated joint for the articulating connection of two joint bodies, having a first bearing body disposed in a bore of one of the joint bodies for rotation therewith and provided internally with a first spherical bearing surface, having a second bearing body joined with the other joint body for rotation therewith and having a second spherical outer bearing surface in contact with the first bearing surface, and having at least two fluid pathways leading through the two joint bodies and the bearing bodies for at least one fluid and having gaskets for sealing off the fluid pathways. Each fluid pathway has a recess formed in the bearing surface of the bearing body, and a passage being associated to one of the recesses and formed in the bearing surface of the other bearing body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing stereotactic surgery upon a target within a skull establishes a first, predetermined geometric relationship between a positioning fixture mounted on the skull and a scanning table surface upon which the skull is supported; and that geometric relationship is duplicated in a phantom fixture.

Abstract: A robot including a balancing mechanism or balancer with a compression spring which flexes to compensate for the gravitational moment between an arm assembly and a base of the robot. The compression spring is chosen to have a force-deflection characteristic to account for the gravitational moment and the geometry of the mechanism. The arm assembly has a pivotal connection which pivotally supports the arm assembly on the base of the robot for movement about a pivotal axis. The mechanism can be adjusted for various arm assembly lengths and/or payloads. The mechanism includes a spring support, a connecting rod having a longitudinal axis and connected to the spring support for communicating motion of the spring support to the arm assembly at an attachment point offset from the pivotal axis. The resulting balancing mechanism is relatively compact, which lends itself to robotics applications where space is limited.

Abstract: A pretensioned ball and socket joint assembly comprising an outer ring with a spherical bore surface and two inner ring parts, biasing means urging the inner ring parts axially outward against the bore surface of the outer ring. The outer ring is a unitary single piece and has means for the introduction of the inner ring parts and the biasing means.

Abstract: A shaft sealing device has a body containing a spherical portion of a sealing element which also has a tubular portion extending outside the body. The shaft extends through both portions of the sealing element. A pair of annular wiper seals is located within the body and bear against the spherical portion of the sealing element. The wiper seals are separated by a cylindrical spacer. A thrust washer urges the wiper seals into contact with the spherical portion of the sealing element. A further sealing element surrounds the shaft outside the body and is partly engaged in a recess in the tubular portion of the sealing element. The sealing element has a curved outer surface and is urged into sealing contact with the recess in the tubular portion of the sealing element by means of a clamp nut screwed onto the outside of the tubular portion of the sealing element.

Abstract: An articulated jet pump is provided usable more particularly in TFL techniques for activating hydrocarbon or water-producing wells. The pump of the invention may be positioned in production tubing by travelling through this tubing as far as the chosen position and comprises a nozzle adapted for being fed with drive fluid, the nozzle having an outlet orifice which cooperates with a mixer-diffuser assembly placed in an extension of the nozzle. The pump is formed from at least two elements articulated together at the level of the mixer.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly having a primary ball and a primary bearing surface. The primary ball is coaxially attached to a main shaft which pivots near the point of contact between the primary ball and the primary bearing surface. The main shaft controls a coaxially connected secondary ball spaced apart from the primary ball and closely spaced from a secondary bearing surface, similar in orientation to the primary surface, so that the secondary ball floats freely at some predetermined distance from the secondary bearing surface. The secondary ball contacts a normally closed microswitch. As the primary bearing surface wears the main shaft rises bringing the secondary ball toward the secondary bearing surface and away from the microswitch. Eventually the secondary ball will contact the secondary bearing surface and the microswitch will be activated, causing a warning light to illuminate, thereby signalling wearout of the ball joint without catastrophic failure.

Abstract: A ball joint comprises a pin carrying a ball which is pivotally received in a house cup. The ball is supported both axially and radially on the pin by spaced apart sets of angular contact rolling bearings.

Abstract: A shift lever tower assembly includes a spherical inner bearing with a central aperture formed therein for attachment to the shift lever, a spherical intermediate bearing having a hollow interior and inwardly extending projections for cooperating with slots formed in the outer surface of the inner bearing, and an outer bearing having a hollow interior with slots formed therein for cooperating with outwardly extending projections formed on the exterior of the intermediate bearing. The slots and projections are spaced such that the slot/projection combination of the inner and intermediate bearings limits movement of the shift lever in the fore and aft direction and the slot/projection combination of the intermediate and outer bearings limits shift lever movement to the side to side direction.

Abstract: To interconnect a first member (19) and a second member (12) so that each of them may turn around two axes, a first axis (47) and a second axis (48) intersecting the first axis at a predetermined angle, a socket (29) having a bowl-like portion (32) defined by concentric hemispherical inner and outer surfaces (30, 31) and having an elongated opening (34) in the bottom is fixed to the first member, while an insert (25) having a spherical head portion (26) adapted to fit the hemispherical inner surface (30) and a shaft portion (27) radially extending from the spherical head portion is fixed to the second member with the shaft portion (27) extending through the elongated opening.

Abstract: A joint housing has mounted therein a bearing supporting a ball portion of a ball stud, extending outwardly therefrom, so as to allow angular displacement thereof. The ball portion comprises a greater diameter portion of the ball stud, such as a sphere-segmental head on its extreme end, and a sphere-segmental shell coaxially surrounding the ball stud with a spacing therebetween. The shell has an inturned annular rim at one end thereof in an opposed relation to an annular shoulder provided by the head of the ball stud. A one-piece elastomeric bushing is injection molded in place between the ball stud and the shell. Part of the bushing further fills the annular gap between the shoulder of the ball stud and the inturned rim of the shell. Preferably prestressed, this part of the bushing serves to prevent the development of looseness with the progress of wear and further to minimize the axial displacement of the ball stud relative to the joint housing under load.

Abstract: A vacuum switch is provided with a drive lever (9) which may pivoted for switching on and switching off a vacuum switch tube. Between the drive lever (9) and the movable contact bolt (7) of the switch tube (1) there are provided a spherical bowl (13) and an adapted spherical hinged cavity (14), as well as a force transmission part (15). If the unit switch-on position is considered wherein the medial line (22) of the drive lever (9) is at right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis (23) of the movable contact bolt (7), the bowl central point (24) of the hinge device is shifted with respect to the medial line (22) of the drive lever (9) in the direction of the switch tube in a proportion corresponding to approximately half of the stroke of the movable contact bolt (7) during switch on and switch off. Thereby, the lateral displacement, more precisely the lateral forces exerted on the movable contact bolt (7) upon switching on and switching off are decreased down to a negligible value.

Abstract: A flexible ball type joint or bearing is constructed by inserting into a generally tubular-shaped rigid outer housing an assembly of an inner rigid member having a curved surface of part-spherical or barrel shape, a layer of elastomeric material surrounding said curved surface, and an annular member the inner surface of which is of a part-spherical or barrel shape to conform generally with said curved surface of the inner rigid member, and said annular member having an outer surface which conforms generally to the shape of the rigid outer housing.Subsequent to insertion of the assembly in the rigid outer housing, the rigid outer housing is adapted to possess a pair of end abutments between which the assembly is located. The outer housing is then subject to radial compression. The annular member is formed of a material of a modulus of elasticity which is higher than that of the elastomeric material and lower than that of the rigid outer housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an articulated artificial wrist capable of simple repositioning of an artificial hand attached thereto. A presently preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a contractible spherical ball assembly that is normally expanded so as to tightly fit within a socket assembly. An actuating lever is provided such that, upon actuation, the lever causes contraction of the ball assembly, which allows for repositioning of the artificial hand. Release of the actuating lever secures the artificial hand in its new orientation by permitting the ball assembly to reexpand within the socket assembly. A second embodiment further provides for motorized rotation of the artificial hand independent of use of the actuating lever.

Abstract: A ball hitch connector (10) for use with a conventional ball hitch socket (21). A ball hitch connector (10) includes a spherical body or ball connector (12), a support base (14) for supporting the spherical body (12) on a tow bar (18) or the like, a fastener device (16) for securing the support base (14) to the tow bar (18), and releasable attachment mechanism (20) providing for quick interchanging of ball connectors (12). The releasable attachment mechanism (20) includes a latch pin (70) positioned in transversely extending bores (50, 60) of the support base (14) and the ball connector (12). The latch pin (70) is slidable between a released position wherein the ball connector (12) can be detached/attached to the support base (14) and a locked position wherein the ball connector (12) cannot be so removed.

Abstract: An interchangeable trailer ball apparatus provides an elongated hollowed pin which is attached normally to the bumper or drawbar of a vehicle. The bumper provides an internal elongated longitudinal bore with a lateral bore intersecting the longitudinal bore at one end portion. Disposed within the lateral bore is a locking element which is moveably mounted between retracted and projected positions. Disposed slideably within the longitudinal bore of the bumper pin is an actuating rod which is moveably mounted between positions which alternatively allow the locking element to assume an inward retracted position and abut the locking element to move it into the projected position. A trailer ball having a closed end bore is removably attachable to the bumper pin when the locking element is in the retracted position and is secured to the bumper pin by the locking element when it assumes the projected position. The trailer ball can have an annular recess for receiving thereinto the locking element.

Abstract: This invention comprises a conveyor chain linkage which is especially well adapted for tubular type bulk handling conveyors wherein it is very important that the linkage be very strong but take up as little space as possible in order not to diminish the volumetric capacity of the conveyor and also be very accurate in pitch dimensions so as to operate properly on the sprocket which drives the chain. Structurally the preferred form of the invention comprises a rod, each end of which has a slightly increased diameter area which is threaded and a ball having a central opening threaded to fit onto a threaded area and a ball so threaded on each end of the rod.

Abstract: A pivot pin assembly is disclosed which eliminates the need for a high pre-load torque to be applied in order to fix a friction-reducing element relative to the pivot pin. The pivot pin assembly includes a pivot pin having a shoulder formed on a central cylindrical portion thereof which is received in the bores of a forked member and in the bore of an intermediate member located therebetween. The pivot pin, has a conical surface at one end and is held fast in the bore of the other forked member by a collet which also has a tapered surface. The tapered surfaces of both the pin and the collet are mateable with the surfaces of the bores in the forked members as the collet is physically bolted to the pivot pin.

Abstract: The interchangeable ball hitch connector apparatus of this invention includes a generally spherical ball connector adapted to engage a conventional ball hitch socket, a support base adapted for fastening on the tow bar of a vehicle for supporting the ball connector, and a spring-biased latch pin in the support base for releasably attaching the ball connector to the support base. When the ball connector is assembled with and attached to the support base, the latch pin is contained entirely inside the ball connector and not exposed to damage from the socket or parts thereof on the exterior of the ball connector. A channel in the ball connector allows the latch pin to be readily unlatched from the ball connector by use of an elongated utensil, such as an ignition key.

Abstract: The hand and foot cable controlled throttle with a hand lever controlling movement of the cable and the foot pedal controlling movement of the cable sheath and cable for selectively controlling the throttle.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint for steering linkages of motor vehicle steering devices comprises a housing which has an open end with an interior generally spherical recess having a spherical bearing body therein with a cylindrical bore aligned with the open end. The link pin has a cylindrical shank portion extending through the cylindrical bore and terminated in an inner end of semi-spherical configuration which is spaced from the inner end of the recess by a gap and the head portion is spaced from the semi-spherical bearing body by an annular recess. A thrust spring embraces the pin and elastically supports the pin in the bearing body. The thrust spring comprises an outer metal sleeve and an inner metal sleeve with a central elastic sleeve therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seal which is capable of sealing against and rotatably supporting a spherical formation.The seal 10 has at least one annular lip portion 12 which has at least one sealing surface 18, 19 which is spherically contoured to sealingly engage the spherical formation 40. The lip portion is resilient in an axial direction but rigid enough to resist compressive deformation.The seal is particularly useful for sealingly supporting a hopper stirring member which extends through a wall of the hopper.

Abstract: A universal joint for connecting a pair of elongated members is disclosed. The joint provides for transmission of torque between the pair of members when the pair of members are oriented at various angles relative to each other. One of the members terminates in a cavity, or housing, which is substantially cylindrical. The other member extends into the cavity and a pair of sockets cooperate with the other member to secure the latter within the cavity. The pair of sockets include outer surfaces which substantially match with the cylindrical cavity surface to enable the pair of sockets to rotate in a plane relative to the one member. The pair of sockets include projections which are received in an opening on the other member to enable the other member to pivot relative to the pair of sockets and the one member in substantially perpendicular plane.

Abstract: A foot-plate for a ski-binding is intended for arrangement at a distance above the surface of a ski and carries the parts of the binding to grip the sole of a ski-boot at front and rear. The foot-plate is connectable to the ski by resilient members to be oscillatory in all directions in its own plane, and also preferably perpendicularly to the surface of the ski. The resilient members may take the form of inserts or bearers, and the foot-plate is advantageously recessed and in each of the recesses there is arranged a resilient member having an aperture for a connecting screw to pass therethrough. These resilient members at the front and rear sections of the foot-plate may have different degrees of resilience.

Abstract: A universal joint between a pair of members provides for transmitting torque between the pair of members when the pair of members are oriented at varying angles relative to each other. One of the members terminates in a cavity which is substantially cylindrical. The other member extends into the cavity and a pair of sockets cooperate with the other member to secure the latter within the cavity. The pair of sockets includes outer surfaces which substantially match the wall of the cavity to enable the pair of sockets to rotate in a first plane relative to the one member. The pair of sockets include projections which are received in an opening on the other member to enable the other member to pivot relative to the pair of sockets and the one member in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane. At least one spring clip cooperates with the other member and the pair of sockets to bias the pair of sockets into engagement with the wall of the cavity.

Abstract: An external fixation device for reducing fractures and realigning bones comprises sliding universal articulated couplings for enabling easy adjustment and subsequent locking of connections between Steinmann pins and tubular tie-rods. The couplings each include a split, spherical adapter sleeve which is embraced by the matching inner surface of an open ring portion of a coupling locking clamp having clamp lugs tightenable against a block by means of a nut-and-bolt assembly. Further nut-and-bolt assemblies are disposed in elongated slots in the blocks and cooperate with associated clamping members to clamp the Steinmann pins to the blocks after adjustment in two orthogonal directions and optional resilient bending of the pins.

Abstract: A stabilizer rod and lower draft link are supported on opposite ends of a common supporting pin on a tractor with each being carried thereon by a ball and socket joint. The stabilizer rod and draft link converge rearwardly. The rod is provided with external threads on its rear end portion. A ball and socket joint is fixed to the draft link and the threaded portion of the rod extends through the ball portion of the joint. Nuts are provided on opposite sides of the ball and may be adjusted axially along the rod for varying the amount of sway of the respective draft link or for locking the draft link entirely against sway.

Abstract: A ball pivot thrust bearing flex joint assembly having an inner race member and an outer race member, the inner surface of the outer race member being a concave spherical self lubricating surface which provides a maximum envelopment of the complementary convex spherical outer surface of the inner pivoting ball race. The inner race ball is provided with a through aperture along the axis of primary motion for acceptance of a through shaft or bolt, and is provided with integral lateral extensions which are necked down to provide clearance for secondary axis motion. The end portions of the through hole aperture are provided with self lubricating bearings which support the radial loads and accommodate main axis rotation. Flat, washer type, self lubricating bearings are provided between the ends of the inner race pivoting ball and the associated clevis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a towing device comprising a towball and latching means releaseably operable to, in use, secure the towball to the draw bar of a vehicle.

Abstract: A shovel linkage for a hydraulic excavator includes boom rails having pivot means in one end for pivotal connection to an excavator and cross tubes extending between the rails near the pivot means and having pivot joints provided thereon for connection of actuating cylinders for the linkage in line with the cross tube and close to the pivot means whereby forces imparted to the linkage by the actuating cylinders will be directly through the center of the cross tube and very near the boom rail pivot means, minimizing bending moments in the linkage.The pivot joint includes a flat tab member provided on the cross tube and projecting outwardly along a diameter thereof, and a pin and ball connecting the bifurcated end of a hydraulic cylinder to the tab for limited rotation thereof. The pin is disposed substantially normal to the plane of the boom rails for unimpeded insertion and removal thereof.

Abstract: A joint assembly is connected between two relatively movable spaced parts. The joint assembly comprises a housing and a stud to be connected to the parts. The stud is supported for rotation about its own axis relative to said housing, for free axial movement relative to said housing, and for universal pivotal movement about a point on its axis relative to said housing. A spherical bearing in a chamber in the housing has a central passage through which said stud extends. The passage in the bearing is defined by an inner surface which conforms to and engages the outer surface of the stud. A stop portion on the stud engages the bearing to limit movement of the stud axially in a direction tending to separate the stud and housing. The stud is freely movable in an unrestrained manner axially relative to the bearing between a first position in which the stop engages the bearing and a second position spaced from said bearing. Means is provided for holding the bearing against axial movement relative to the housing.

Abstract: An improved hub-locking device for conveyor pulleys including a spherically shaped collet having a centrally located bore for receiving a shaft and having an axially aligned slot extending through one side thereof permitting compression of the collet on the shaft, a hub attached to the end of the pulley and having an axially aligned tapered aperture for partially receiving the collet with the shaft therein, a clamping ring having a tapered aperture for partially fitting over the collet and a plurality of bolts for passing through holes in the clamping ring, for threading into the hub and for drawing the clamping ring toward the hub compressing the collet therebetween, causing the collet to compress and engage the shaft, the hub and the clamping ring.

Abstract: A housing is provided for mounting a bearing adjacent a wall to support a rotatable shaft that projects perpendicularly through the wall. The housing has a thin-stock stamping that forms on end cap having an axially extending hub and a mounting flange projecting radially outward at one end of the hub. An axial bore is provided within the end cup for receiving a first longitudinal portion of a bearing. A thick plate has an opening therein for receiving a second longitudinal portion of the bearing that projects axially outward from the hub end adjacent the mounting flange. One side of the plate is mounted flush with the wall, and an opposite side of the plate is mounted flush with the mounting flange of the thin-stock stamping. The plate has a surface adjacent the bearing opening that radially supports the second longitudinal portion of the bearing. This plate extends radially outward from the bearing opening.

Abstract: A support to secure essentially rod-shaped objects, such as the end of e.g. a Christmas tree, comprising a base plate and a clamping member arranged to be secured about said rod-shaped object. The clamping member is compressible and has diametrically opposed apertures formed therein for insertion therethrough of said rod-shaped object. The body is arranged to be compressed about the end of said rod-shaped object through being forced partially down into a tube-shaped holding means provided on the base plate.

Abstract: In a vacuum environment such as space, conductive ball and socket members are fixed to respective heat pipes for permitting orthogonal movement of one heat pipe relative to the other and the gap between the ball and socket members is maintained under a light gas pressure with the low pressure gas forming a low thermal impedance path across the gap.