Abstract: A ball socket assembly and method of construction thereof is provided. The ball socket assembly includes a housing having an inner surface surrounding an inner bore. The inner bore extends from an open first end to an open second end. A groove extends into the inner surface adjacent the second end. A ball stud having a ball portion is disposed in the inner bore with a shank portion of the ball stud extending through the open first end. A cover plate assembly is fixed to the housing. An outer piece of the cover plate assembly has an outer periphery and a through opening. The outer periphery is fixed in the groove. An inner piece of the cover plate assembly is fixed in the through opening. The inner piece includes an opening configured for receipt of a lubricant fitting.

Abstract: A sealing bellows for a ball joint having a housing-side sealing area, a stud-side sealing area, and an outlet opening arranged between the sealing areas and which penetrates a wall of the sealing bellows. The outlet opening is open in the unassembled state of the sealing bellows. The outlet opening is closed in the assembled state of a ball joint. The sealing bellows and/or the ball joint can be used for a multi-point link, particularly a two-point link.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for interconnecting a steering knuckle and lower suspension arm. The apparatus includes a ball joint assembly having a lateral adjustment feature that allows for increased range of adjustment.

Abstract: The socket assembly includes a housing with an inner bore which extends along a central axis from a generally closed first end to an open second end. A ball portion of a ball stud is received in the inner bore of the housing. The ball stud also has a shank portion which projects out of the inner bore through the open second end. A backing bearing is disposed in the inner bore of the housing and has a curved bearing surface that is in slidable contact with the ball portion of the ball stud. The backing bearing is movable in a radial direction relative to the housing and includes a polymeric piece. The backing bearing further includes a reinforcement piece, which is made of metal, and the reinforcement piece is at least partially embedded within the polymeric piece to resist radial expansion of the polymeric piece.

Abstract: The socket assembly includes a housing that presents an inner wall which surrounds an open bore. A stud is partially received in the open bore with a bearing interposed between the inner wall and the stud. The bearing has a bearing piece, which is in surface-to-surface contact with the stud, and a preload piece which is elastically compressed to impart a biasing force on the bearing piece, thereby preloading the bearing piece against the stud. The preload piece is in an overmolded engagement with the bearing piece to securely couple these pieces together such that the bearing can be inserted into the open bore of the housing together as a unit. The bearing and preload pieces are made of different materials with different elasticities.

Abstract: An articulating mechanism is provided with at least one pair of spherical joints interconnected by a set of tension members. Each joint includes a ball member, a socket member configured to pivotably receive at least a portion of the ball member, and at least one tension member extending through both the ball and socket members parallel to and offset from a central longitudinal axis of the joint.

Abstract: Hydraulically assisted fastener (10) comprises a body (11) with a central bore (12) to engage a connector element (20) and with an annular recess (14) opening outwards to an end surface (15). Annular thrust member (17) fits into and seals the recess (14). Charging medium (50) is injected under pressure into annular chamber (30) defined by recess (14) and member (17) and moves body (11) relative to member (17) to tension element (20). Medium (50) sets in chamber (30) to maintain the tension in element (20). Element (20) may be a bolt or stud, body (11) can be a nut and member (17) can be a plan washer. Medium (50) can be a curable viscous paste, a suspended solid in a self-setting compound or a particulate solid which behaves as a fluid. Suitable materials include graphite, and lead, copper or steel balls.

Abstract: An articulation and/or bearing device (1) with a pivot pin (2) whose head area (3), in the assembled condition, is held in a receiving joint cup (4) and, together with the latter, can move axially relative to an accommodating space that acts as a housing (5), is designed such that in relation to the axial movement of the joint cup (4) within the housing (5), the articulation or bearing device (1) acts as a gas pressure spring and/or damper.

Abstract: A modular crankshaft features a connection system between modules that features opposed female receptacles. A pin having opposed beveled ends and hydraulic passages with it is inserted into the opposed receptacles. A pair of seals is disposed on the beveled ends and straddles a hydraulic fluid outlet. The crankshaft wall that defines each receptacle is designed to flex in response to applied hydraulic pressure between the seals on the tapered pin portion. A notch at the base of the receptacle in the crankshaft reduces stress concentration and enables the wall defining the crankshaft receptacle to come back when hydraulic pressure through the pin is removed. The opposed crankshaft receptacles are flanged to allow them to be pulled together over the pin. An interference fit results around the pin after the flanges are mated and the hydraulic pressure is removed.

Abstract: A vacuum food processor canister vacuum coupling assembly includes a canister closure defining a recess in a top portion of the closure. A valve stud within the recess defines an upper rim and a vacuum port extending through the closure. A vacuum valve plunger includes a valve stem extending through the vacuum port and defines a pliable upper peripheral flange to engage the rim of the valve stud to form a releasable seal. A vacuum coupler fitting is constructed to be manually press-fitted onto the valve stud to provide a press-fit seal therebetween to enable evacuation of air from a canister through the vacuum port. The press-fit seal can be maintained without manual support. The valve plunger can be displaced to release the vacuum. The valve plunger is positioned within the recess and the vacuum coupler fitting has sufficient clearance to avoid displacing the valve plunger during fitting removal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pins that may be selectably operated to engage and disengage socket bores in the assembly and disassembly of large structures, such as floating offshore platforms for deepwater applications. The pin connections can be engaged or disengaged robotically or under direct operator control. The construction and installation of structures utilizing the pin connections will typically use multiple sets of selectably operable pins to connect, support and stabilize the structural components of the structure.

Abstract: To provide a handle equipped with a torque limiter capable of preventing application of excessive torque, and a fluid controller provided with the same. An elastic body (7) has a minimum-urging force capable of developing a function desired when the handle is lowered to the lowest position. Disposed in the handle are a transmitting member (8) urged by the elastic body and a transmitted material (10) against which the lower surface of the transmitting material is pressed. The surface of the transmitted material opposed to the transmitting material or the surface of the transmitting material opposed to the transmitted material is formed with serrations along the periphery having inclined surfaces (81, 101) and vertical surfaces (82, 102) which alternately appear. The inclined surfaces of the serrations are upwardly tapered along the direction of rotation in which the cover body descends.

Abstract: A vehicle connector assembly includes a positive lock feature that allows a hose to be quickly and easily attached to a vehicle component such as an intake manifold or air induction component. The component includes a projection that extends outwardly from a main body to a distal end. A locking cap is installed over the projection and cooperates with an alignment feature on the projection such that the cap does not separate from the projection prior to installation of the hose. An end of the hose is slidably installed within the locking cap and over the projection. The locking cap is then rotated from an unlocked position to a locked position to prevent linear movement of the hose relative to the projection. The locking cap is made from a resilient material and provides a serviceable connection.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic cylinder construction having a feature thereon facilitating operative connection with a service kit to enable a quick and injury free removal thereof from a location whereat the hydraulic cylinder is spring biased in a shock absorber installation, particularly for use in a scraper blade mounting assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic connector assembly is provided to couple an extension rod to a piston rod in a reciprocating pump. The connector assembly utilizes a single hydraulic ram to provide the compressive connecting force between the two rods. The connector assembly includes a mechanism for mechanically locking the hydraulic ram in place so that loss of hydraulic power does not uncouple the assembly. The piston rod and the connector rod can be coupled and uncoupled without the use of heavy wrenches, hammers, or impact tools.

Abstract: A lubrication system is set forth for a universal joint. A cross of the universal joint has four trunnions extending therefrom along two mutually perpendicular lines. Bearing cups are rotatably received on the ends of the trunnions and the cups, in turn, are held by universal joint yokes. Lubrication passages extend from a central portion of the cross outwardly to cavities located at the ends of the trunnions. A passage extension extends substantially through each cavity from the lubrication passage toward the end of the trunnion. A lubricant retainer is of generally inverted U-shaped configuration and extends over the passage extension. The retainer has openings near the bottom of the cavity and is centered in the cavity by a flange on the passage extension or by an outer flange at the edge of the retainer. The retainer prevents air from being trapped in the bottom of the cavity so that the cavity will always be filled with lubricant.

Abstract: A structure is set forth to provide replacement of a grease cup relative to a steering linkage and an associated joint thereof. Should a steering link and its associated joint loose the cup fitting, use of a grease cup and mounting of the joint therewithin is lost to effect rapid erosion of the joint, wherein the structure provides for an angulated plate member containing a replacement cup secured to the steering link at the joint to retain the joint and replacement cup to the steering link.

Abstract: A hydraulically expandable hub having a collection groove and a vent port to prevent the leakage of oil upon the shaft to which the hub is mounted and a method for using such a hub is disclosed. The oil collection groove is located along the inside diameter of the hub between each end of the hub and the oil groove also located on the inside diameter of the hub. A vent port is connected to the collection groove so a vacuum source can be coupled to the hub. The negative pressure produced by the vacuum source at the collection groove sweeps or pulls oil seepage from the oil groove into the collection groove which is transported to the hub exterior through the vent port. Such a hub can be altered in position about the shaft without leaving oil residue along the shaft.

Abstract: Improved fence bracing members, and a method of using the bracing members on metal T-posts of a fence. The bracing members include two substantially identical elongated first members each made of corrosion resistant tubing, and further having somewhat flexible U-shaped or hooked oppositely disposed ends. Each hooked end of the first bracing members is apertured to receive a single bolt to allow the compressing of the hook onto a T-post. The first bracing members are structured for spanning horizontally between, and attaching with the hooked portions placed around a T-post. One first bracing member is placed adjacent the ground, and one first bracing member is placed adjacent the upper ends of the T-posts.

Abstract: For weight saving purposes and to make optimum use of the material there is provided a hollow shaft, to which drive elements such cams or end flanges are attached preferably by expanding the shaft in portions, made up of at least two layers including an outer layer, preferably produced of a material of a higher strength such as steel and an inner layer produced of a material of a lower strength, such as aluminum or titanium. If there are problems in achieving sufficiently secure fixing of the drive elements by expanding the hollow shaft in the regions to be expanded, it is possible to provide supporting rings which are deformed only plastically whereas the materials of the hollow shaft, as well as the drive elements themselves are deformed only elastically. The regions to be expanded are limited by seals on a pressure probe which is supplied with a pressurized fluid via a channel.

Abstract: A disengagable coupling comprising a first part (1) affording a bore (3) and a second part (2) comprising a sleeve (5) and a drive flange (6). The sleeve (5) fits in the bore (3) and contains an insert (8) with collars (9,10) between which is defined a chamber (4) for the reception of oil under pressure to expand the sleeve into frictional engagement with the wall of the bore (3) for torque transmission. There may be a pressure release valve response to relative movement between the first and second coupling parts to release the coupling in case of overload.

Abstract: Disclosed is a torque limiting valve handle having one more independently adjustable spring loaded balls urged in contact with depressions formed in the inside surface of a housing adapted for external manual engagement. The adjustment of the torque limit setting of the valve handle is protected from tampering or inadvertent modification by unauthorized personnel by the access to the adjustment requiring disassembly of the parts. One embodiment provides a torque lock in one direction of rotation. Another embodiment provides a torque limit override feature in either direction of rotation by an axial displacement of the housing of the handle with respect to an adaptor fixedly secured to the valve stem of the valve to which it is secured.

Abstract: A wear indicator for knuckle or swivel joints of the ball and socket type wherein the spherical surfaces in swivelling engagement are urged in bearing engagement by a retainer member accomplishing the double function of holding the ball and the socket in assembly and of applying a pre-load force to the ball to prevent vibration and rattle and to compensate for wear of the bearing surfaces. The wear indicator is in the form of an elongate member attached to the pre-load retainer member at a portion thereof which is progressively movable in the direction of wear of the bearing surfaces of the joint for maintaining the pre-load pressure upon the bearing surfaces.

Abstract: Sealed ball and socket joints having a spherical member capable of swiveling relative to a socket member. A bearing ring disposed with or without clearance in a housing has a concave spherical surface portion in swiveling engagement with the ball member, and a pair of symmetrically disposed resilient rings installed between the bearing ring and the inner surface of the housing constantly urge the bearing surface of the bearing ring in engagement with the spherical member surface to prevent rattle and to compensate for wear. A bellows seal, formed integrally with one of the resilient rings or, alternatively, formed separate, is fastened at one end in the shell. The bellows seal is held elastically at its other end around a portion of the spherical member.

Abstract: A sealing boot of elastomeric material for hermetically enclosing an annular opening between a support member and a movable member axially reciprocable on the support member, the sealing boot including a tubular bellows which is integrally formed at one end thereof with a first cylindrical sealing sleeve portion coupled over the support member and at the other end thereof with a second cylindrical sealing sleeve portion coupled within the movable member, the sealing boot being characterized in that the first cylindrical sealing sleeve portion being connected substantially at its center to the one end of the tubular bellows and being formed at its inner end shoulder with an annular thick wall tapering radially toward the inner wall surface of the tubular bellows.

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 an end flat surface engaged by a resilient retainer cap disposed in the socket member. The retainer cap is elastically pre-loaded in an appropriate direction which causes firm engagement of the spherical bearing surfaces of the socket and ball in mutual swivelling engagement, thus, among others, compensating for wear.

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: In a ball and socket joint comprising a ball and a socket in mutual swivelling sliding engagement with each other, the ball having a stud integrally formed at one end thereof and projecting outwardly through one end of the socket, the improvement consisting in forming the socket with a diverging frusto-conical flange extending in the direction of the stud and defining an integrally formed retention flange for a flexible oil-resistant seal having a bellows type body provided at one end with an annular band stretched over the periphery of the stud and at the other end with a reinforcing bead stretched over the retention flange.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint having a ball provided with an integral stud projecting outwardly through an end of the socket, a portion of the peripheral spherical surface of the ball being in swivelling sliding engagement with a corresponding partial spherical bore in the socket, and a generally disk-shaped retainer member holding the ball in assembly in the socket and applying a pre-load bias to the ball urging the bearing spherical surfaces in mutual engagement, the retainer member having an integral or separate spherical recess in swivelling sliding engagement with a portion of the peripheral surface of the ball opposite to the stud. The ball is a full ball or alternatively a partial ball having a substantially hemispherical protuberance of smaller diameter in engagement with the spherical recess in the retainer member.

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 hemispherical recess engaged by the hemispherical convex surface of a retainer bearing member disposed in or, alternatively, made integral with the socket member. The retainer bearing member or, alternatively, a segment of the socket internal surface engaged with the half-ball peripheral surface is elastically pre-loaded in an appropriate direction which causes firm engagement of the diverse bearing surfaces in mutual contact, thus, among others, compensating for wear. The knuckle or swivel joint assembly of the invention is capable of transmitting substantial loads within a wide range of angular variations between the stud and the shank, or other member, rigidly connected to the socket.

Abstract: The end of a wire strand adjacent to a hot metal or resin type end fitting is relubricated after application of the fitting to the strand by injecting lubricant through a thin tube extending between the wires of the strand in the hot metal or resin portion of the fitting from the surface of the hot metal or resin to the neck of the fitting.

Abstract: A ball socket member open at one end is formed of yieldable semi-rigid plastic material, with external ears and internal axially extending lubrication distribution and relief slots positioned in alignment with the ears. The slots terminate at the open edge, the lubricant being retained by a closed cell seal of cellular material. An external circumferential groove receives the periphery of an opening in a linkage member, the external ears being received in key slots in the opening. The periphery of the opening is deformed out of the plane of the surface of the linkage to produce an effective thickness approximately the thickness of the groove, providing a method and construction to assure a secure fit in cases where the thickness of the linkage material is either greater than or less than the width of the groove.

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 assembly having a ball stud member received in a socket member. The ball of the stud member is retained in a recess in the socket member by a main bearing ring, a pair of wear rings, and a pair of load rings. A lubricating grease is supplied to the interface of the ball of the stud member with the bearing and wear rings by a plurality of circumferentially spaced grooves extending generally axially across the bearing and wear rings. The grooves in the wear rings communicate with lubricant reservoirs defined by the housing member in cooperation with a cover and a flexible seal member adjacent opposed polar regions of 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.