Abstract: A ball and socket joint for a vehicle steering control system, which includes an inner ball head received in a ball socket which simultaneously serves as an outer ball head and is received in a casing which has a shank connected to a drag link of a vehicle steering control system. The ball socket has a unitary connecting rod connected to a wheel steering knuckle arm. A holder plate and a spring are respectively set in the casing to support the inner and outer ball heads for free positioning of the inner ball head in the outer ball head so that steering control operation can be more smoothly performed.

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 preloaded steering ball joint assembly provides a system wherein relatively constant torque may be realized over the useful life of the joint. In a preferred form, the joint assembly includes a housing having a ball socket cavity, and a ball and a shaft integral with the ball. Top and bottom bearing seats are disposed for positioning and retaining the ball within the housing. The bottom seat includes an aperture for permitting passage of the shaft, while the top seat includes both an aperture as well as radial passageways for permitting access of lubricant into a lubricant chamber portion of the socket cavity. A preferred method of manufacture includes insert molding an elastomer disc over the top bearing seat by a pre-measured amount of overfill, then after its formation compressing the elastomer disc by means of a second disc made of metal by peening the latter metallic disc over the elastomer disc.

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: Connector consists of a male connector part (40) linked to the tension line (6) and operable to penetrate a female receptacle part (1) being part of the anchoring point and having an upper necked portion (.phi..sub.2) forming an internal circular shoulder (3). The connector comprising a cylindrical body (5) connected to the line and an internal cavity (10) whose cylindrical wall (16) is provided with a circular series of openings (11) to the outside. Each opening receives a dog (12) operable to assume a first, extended position projecting radially beyond the connector wall (16), radially abutting said wall and bearing upon the bottom surface of the opening (11) under the urging of a spring (14) and a second, retracted position during descent of the male connector part due to the pushing of the inclined bottom face (18) of the end of the dog against the mouth (4) of the female receptacle part.

Abstract: A resilient compression member for a ball joint which has a wear indicating mechanism formed integrally therewith is disclosed. The compression member preloads a ball unit of the joint within a socket-like housing. The compression member includes an indicator pin formed integrally therewith. The indicator pin is disposed within an annular recess extending partially through the body of the compression member. The indicator pin is attached to the body of the compression member by means of a relatively thin membrane-like web portion. The end of the indicator pin extends outwardly from the compression member recess and the housing of the joint by a predetermined distance. As wear occurs within the joint, the exposed end of the indicator pin is moved relative to the housing of the joint. Accordingly, a visual indication of the amount of wear within the joint is provided from outside the joint.

Abstract: A spring system for resiliently supporting a mass with respect to a base comprises a supporting member mounted for movement and which can be coupled to the mass and is bounded by a portion of a spherical surface which bears against a concentric complementary guiding spherical surface fixed with respect to the base to guide the supporting member to rotate in all directions around the center of the sphere. A circular resilient device is provided in engagement with the supporting member and is supported with respect to the base. The supporting member is coupled to the mass at a point inside the circular resilient device whereby the supporting member is tilted by radial shocks while its spherical surface is guided along the guiding spherical surface and by the deformations of the resilient device as a result thereof, a resilient couple and/or a radial resilient force is developed which tends to move the supporting member into its initial position.

Abstract: A bush with a sliding surface comprising a socket, a ball-integral shaft having shaft portions on both sides of a ball portion, a bearing body location between the socket and the ball-integral shaft, and a cushion having recesses in at least one axial end portions thereof constructed of polyurethane resins or polyester resins. Excellent absorption of manufacturing tolerances of parts of the bush and easy adjustment of rotational torque of the bush in normal operating conditions are obtained through use of the bush of the present invention. Additionally, the bush can show excellent load bearing characteristics even when the bush receives large loads beyond normal operating loads. Further, the durability of the bush is improved.

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 ball and socket joint for automotive wheel suspensions or the like has a ball stud extending into a housing through its open end. The ball end of the ball stud rotatably bears against a load carrying bearing and a wear takeup bearing within the housing, in which is also mounted a spring urging the wear takeup bearing toward the load carrying bearing. The wear takeup bearing has a protuberance extending through an aperture in a cover closing the housing end opposite to its open end. Fitted over the protuberance, a wear indicator cap is normally engaged therewith in a position close to the housing cover and is sprung or otherwise preloaded in a direction away therefrom. When the protuberance recedes into the housing to such an extent that the wear of the joint exceeds an acceptable limit, the wear indicator cap travels from the housing under the preload and comes to a stop on the distal end of the protuberance, indicating the wear of the joint in a greatly amplified, visually recognizable manner.

Abstract: The ball joint (2) of an automotive vehicle's gear lever (1) is mounted in an intermediate component (5) comprising a massive base connected to a movable element (4) and possesses projecting protuberances (12) on its surface which faces the other fixed element (6).

Abstract: This invention relates to a wind direction indicator spherically rotatable about a liquid supported poly axial magnetic compass. The wind direction indicator determines the wind direction without any pivotal support. The wind direction structure is orientated to the reference center of the compass by means of the transparency of the spherically rotating structure. The displacement of the wind direction indicator base upon the wind responsive rudder and wing structure thereon causes the device to give an accurate direction of the wind that may be used during sailboat racing. The spherically rotatable structure or wind direction indicator is independently movable regardless of the mounting of the device on the sailboat or any other support structure. The frictional contact between the boat support structure and the device is minimized because there is no surface to surface contact between the moving elements.

Abstract: Tie rod ball joint end connection for a vehicle rack and pinion steering system in which the ball joint end connection is characterized by the housing having a bearing surface in one open end to receive the ball head of the tie rod, a threaded opposite end and deformable means positionable in the housing from the threaded end for exerting a preliminary pre-load on the ball head suitable for establishing the initial assembly thereof, and for transmitting to the ball head the final pre-load when the rack is threaded into the threaded end.

Abstract: An oscillatable marine installation comprises a concrete and steel lattice shaft supported by means of a demountable pivot joint on a base fixed to the-sea-bed and including an anti-torque device. The pivot joint is made up of three parts: a casing fixed to the shaft, a part-spherical housing fixed to the base, and a pivot member. The pivot member has an upper part cooperating with the casing, a flange which can be fixed to the casing, and a lower part-spherical part housing which supports a resilient assembly and a bush fixed on the housing. The anti-torque device comprises a universal joint, concentric with the pivot joint. Two opposite pivots of the crosspiece of the universal joint are supported by the lower part of the shaft and the other two pivots by the base. At least two opposite pivots have damping devices and the pivots supported by the base are mounted on supports the height of which can be adjusted.

Abstract: An anchor connector incorporating a flexible joint (16) for securing the tension legs (14) of a tensioned leg platform. A latch dog head (34) engages a first recess (26) on the fixed member (22) of the flexible joint and a template recess (30) to prevent disconnection when the dog heads (34) and latch carrier (40) are in a lower position. With the latch carrier (40) in an upper position the latch dog heads (34) fit within a second recess (44) in the fixed member with the dog heads claring shoulder (32) of template recess (30), whereby the connector may be released.

Abstract: A knuckle or swivel joint of the half-ball and socket type comprising a stud terminating in an enlarged diameter half-ball member disposed in the socket member and having a recess in which is engaged a biasing insert member made of resilient or elastomeric material placed under compression during assembly of the joint. The joint bearing surfaces are elastically pre-loaded in an appropriate direction which causes firm engagement of the bearing surfaces in mutual engagement and thus preventing play and rattling of the joint and compensating for wear.

Abstract: A ball joint having an annular bearing member made of a plastic and mounted in an inner space of a socket and slidably embracing a head portion of a ball stud. A plurality of grooves are formed in the outer peripheral surface of said bearing member contacting the inner surface of said inner space of said socket so as to extend in the axial direction of said ball stud. A multiplicity of minute convexities and concavities are formed in the spherical inner surface of said bearing member facing said head portion of said ball stud.

Abstract: A preloaded pivot joint subject to wear in normal use has a protuberance on its internal movable bearing seat which protrudes through the pivot joint cover. As the joint wears, the degree of protrusion progressively diminishes. Indicia are provided on the protrusion and cover cooperatively to identify to the observer whether wear justifying replacement does or does not exist. Wear giving rise to loss in preload sufficient to warrant replacement of the pivot joint is indicated when the top surface of the protuberance recedes to a position having a predetermined observable relationship with the top surface of the cover. The elastomeric ring which provides the preload also provides a seal for an internal grease chamber which is accessible from a fitting in the protuberance.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes a ball stud (10) which is received within a bearing (14) for attachment to a socket (18). The bearing (14) is provided with a plurality of grooves (38) and ridges (40). The ridges form an interference fit with the socket (18) to preload the ball joint assembly.

Abstract: The invention is a method of assembly for a ball-and-socket joint of the preloaded type with automatic taking up of play, comprising a housing, a pivot, a bearing element disposed between these later and a locking ring. After the disposing in the housing of the various components of the joint, the latter is axially loaded until a predetermined value is obtained for the tilting torque, and once this value is obtained, the ring is crimped in the housing by means of punches acting radially, without alteration of the predetermined value of the tilting torque. Application of the ball-and-socket joint assembly in particular for suspension or steering of an automobile vehicle.

Abstract: A constant torque ball joint employs upper and lower bearing cup pieces made of a self-lubricating material to journal the ball portion of a ball stud with their segmental spherical internal surfaces and also employs a lower elastic material block having a longitudinal elastic modulus Eo of 1.5 to 10 kg/mm.sup.2 to substantially enclose tightly the outer surface of the upper and lower bearing cup pieces. The upper and lower bearing cup pieces and the lower elastic block with the ball portion of the ball stud are mounted whereby a small space is left between the upper and lower bearing cup pieces which are inserted in the socket cavity of a metallic socket joint rod. A metallic cover disc is applied over these inserted members and the end rim of the socket cavity is swaged to crimp the cover disc to substantially completely enclose the bearing cup pieces and the elastic block within the socket cavity and the cover disc.

Abstract: A joint assembly having a socket member, a stud member, and restrainer elements constructed and arranged to prevent the socket and stud members from pivoting relative to each other in one plane containing the longitudinal axis of the stud member while permitting the members to pivot in a plane at a right angle to such one plane and containing such axis and permitting the stud member to rotate on such axis with respect to the socket member.

Abstract: A ball joint comprises a housing having a bore. A ball is received in the bore. Means is provided to restrain the ball against withdrawal from the bore and another means restrains the ball against excessive penetration into the bore. The housing material is recessed at the region of the bore on which the ball bears in its restrained position. The recess receives a bearing annulus of synthetic plastics material having low friction and good wearing characteristics.

Abstract: A ball joint comprises a circular cylindrical housing with at least one opening, a bearing member contained in the housing, a ball stud with its ball head pivotally supported by the bearing member, and a closing plate press-fitted in the opening so as to close the opening and to generate the contact pressure between the bearing member and the ball head.

Abstract: A device for spacing individual conductors of an overhead transmission line having a hub provided with at least two cavities each opening onto the periphery of the hub, at least two arms each having a conductor clamp at one end and a knob at the other end, the knob being received with clearance within a cavity to permit limited articulation of each arm with respect to the hub, and an elastomeric bush mechanism substantially encircling the arm in the clearance gap between the knob and the cavity wall, the cross-section of each half of the bush on opposing sides of a maximum diameter portion of the knob having been deformed by compression during assembly of the device such that the edge or side portions of the deformed cross-sections include elastomeric material displaced from the central portions of the uncompressed cross-sections.

Abstract: A gearshift lever assembly provides vibration isolation between the gearshift lever and its associated housing and additionally provides elastic restoring forces in opposition to movement of the gearshift lever into one of its shift positions. In the preferred embodiment the gearshift lever is supported by a member made from elastic material which surrounds the gearshift lever and is assembled with permanent pretensioning in a direction opposite to the movement of the lever into one of its shift positions.

Abstract: A ball joint which includes a ball pin that is connected with a coaxial strut, a bearing part of synthetic material, a ball housing surrounding the bearing part, and a bellows seal, particularly as used with front axles of motor vehicles equipped with a braking support. The ball housing is equipped with abutment surfaces which abut at rubber spring elements having a progressive spring characteristic while the rubber spring elements project from an outer housing which has a spacing on all sides from the ball housing.

Abstract: A ball joint subject to wear in service and having an exposed indicator extending through the cover so as to be in position for visual examination for indicating wear which can be both axial and transverse to the joint axis. The indicator is confined against rotation and cooperates with the opening in the cover of the ball joint to show the extent of wear.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a pivot joint having means for indicating wear thereof. The pivot joint comprises a headed pin, a socket in which the head is engaged and from which the pin projects, mating bearing surfaces on the head and the socket such that the pin is movable angularly with respect to the socket, a wear indicator extending through an aperture in the sockets and having its inner end engageable with the head, and a diaphragm which extends between the indicator and the socket to seal the bearing surfaces against ingress of foreign matter through the aperture.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly having a ball stud member received in a socket member. The ball of the stud member is retained in a recess of the socket member by a bearing ring urged to bear on the ball by a pair of elastic load rings. A seal received on the socket member defines a lubricant reservoir which is supplied with grease through a grease fitting carried by the socket member. A plurality of passages defined in part by various grooves in the load ring and portions of the bearing ring interconnect the lubricant reservoir, grease fitting and interface of the bearing ring with the ball of the stud member.

Abstract: A ball joint has an elastomeric spring for preloading the ball joint and automatic wear take-up. The elastomeric spring includes an integral conical nib which cooperates with an integral nipple portion of the housing cover to provide a grease fitting for admitting lubricant to the interior of the ball joint housing.

Abstract: A ball joint has a composite compression spring for preloading the ball joint and automatic wear take-up. The composite compression spring comprises an elastomeric element which has a peripheral skirt which seals the juncture between the housing and cover and a thin plastic stabilizer disc bonded to the elastomeric element which controls migration of the elastomeric element under compressive loads.

Abstract: A pivot joint or socket assembly, especially suited for use at the pitman or idler arm ends of centerlinks or in the pitman or idler arm assemblies of centerlink type steering linkages, has a pin or stud and a socket or housing forming a linkage connection which will provide rotational movement about an axis that may be tilted to a limited degree to accept variations in the linkage alignment and has a resilient wear take-up bushing which will compensate for wear and maintain the joint components in good bearing relationship throughout a long wear life.

Abstract: A constant torque ball joint employs upper and lower bearing pieces made of a self-lubricating material to journal the ball portion of a ball stud with their segmental semi-spherical internal surfaces and also employs upper and lower elastic material blocks having a longitudinal elastic modulus Eo of 1.5 to 10 kg/mm.sup.2 to substantially enclose tightly respectively the outer surfaces of the upper and lower bearing pieces. The upper and lower bearing pieces and the upper and lower elastic blocks with the ball portion of the ball stud are mounted whereby a small space is left between the upper and lower bearing pieces which are inserted in the socket cavity of a metallic socket joint rod. A metallic cover disc is applied over these inserted members and the end rim of the socket cavity is swaged to crimp the cover disc to substantially completely enclose the bearing pieces and the elastic blocks within the socket cavity and the cover disc.

Abstract: A spherical bearing comprising an outer member having a hole extending from side to side, the surface of the hole being concave and spherical so that the outer member has constricted portions at each side, the outer member also having a walled keyway extending downward from the hole and extending axially from side to side of the outer member substantially perpendicular to the sides of the outer member; a walled key in the keyway co-extensive with the keyway, the key also having a concave and spherical top surface corresponding to the surface of the hole so that the key has shoulder portions corresponding to the constricted portions of the outer member; and a partially spherical inner member having flat sides, the inner member being held in the outer member by impingement of the spherical surface of the inner member against the constricted portions of the outer member and the key being held in the outer member by impingement of the shoulder portions of the key against the spherical surface of the inner member,