Abstract: A pneumatic actuator includes a cup-shape cylinder body housing a piston and having a generally flat base with a mounting hub projecting outwardly. A piston rod is slidably mounted in the hub and connects to a load such as a damper in an air mixing box. The base is formed with a bearing recess or depression means encircling the hub. The recess defines a spherical sector offset from the center of a complete sphere of the same radius. An annular swivel ring includes an inner diameter adapted to loosely fit over the hub and includes an outer periphery which is generally spherically shaped and defines a central spherical sector having a maximum planar diameter slightly larger than that of the sector defined by recess. The swivel ring is a two-part member having interconnecting slot and projection elements providing a snap joint connection, with the mounting plate firmly clamped therebetween. The swivel ring with the attachment plate fits over the mounting hub.

Abstract: In a brake for bicycles including brake shoes having brake blocks and secured by a threaded fastening member to brake arches so that the brake blocks are engageable with and disengageable from the rim of a wheel, a device for adjustably or shiftably supporting the brake shoe on the brake arch. A convex portion and a concave seat for receiving the convex portion are provided between the brake shoe and the brake arch, such that when the fastening member securing the brake shoe to the brake arch is loosened, the brake shoe is shiftable to position the brake block properly with respect to the wheel rim by virtue of cooperation of the convex portion and the concave seat. After the brake shoe has been adjusted to place, the fastening member is tightened up, whereby the brake shoe is fastened to the brake arch, with the concave portion and the seat fitted together face-to-face.

Abstract: A ball joint for support of and orientation of a device in any direction stabilized against rotation on its own axis including means locking the ball in a selected position.