Abstract: A self-aligning, self-drawing coupler for coupling body assemblies together improves usability of a wearable robotic device. A self-contained removable actuator cassette improves the ease of manufacture and of replacing parts in the field. A tensioning retention system designed for one handed operation makes donning and doffing a wearable robotic device easier. A two-stage attachment system increases the range of sizes a wearable robotic device will fit. A removable, integrated ankle-foot orthotic system makes donning and doffing a wearable robotic device easier. An infinitely adjustable, integrated ankle-foot orthotic system increases the range of sizes a wearable robotic device will fit. A manually-removable hip-wing attachment system makes field changes easier, and protecting such a system from inadvertent disengagement during operation increases safety.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting system of a box, of any shape or dimensions, to a static or dynamic structure. The system is particularly advantageous in the automotive sector, where it is necessary to optimize times and simplify the mounting of a box to a vehicle chassis.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting conduit to a threaded component such as for connecting a PVC conduit to a threaded pipe includes a tube having a threaded end and a conduit-receiving female end to receive the conduit, the female end having a length of at least 70% of the total length of the adapter. The female end includes an elongated chamber having a length of at least two inches and at least as long as an outer diameter of the adapter. In other aspects the adapter includes an inner transition portion having a tapered inner surface, and in further aspects the adapter includes a grip region having recesses and such that an installer grasping the adapter can grip the adapter with a thumb and multiple fingers while pressing the adapter into a palm of the hand.

Abstract: The invention provides a pin assembly comprising a pin having a screw threaded portion, a nut having a screw threaded portion, wherein, preferably, the pin has a number of pin recesses and the nut has a splined portion having a number of splines, the assembly further comprising a sleeve having a splined portion having a number of splines and a number of sleeve recesses, and a cross-member for insertion through at least one pin recess, and at least one sleeve recess, such that once assembled, rotation of the nut about the pin axis is restricted by the combination of the mating of the sleeve splined portion with the splined portion of the nut and the insertion of the cross-member through the sleeve recess and pin recess. The invention also provides a fixing assembly, landing gear actuation mechanism, aircraft, method of manufacturing and a kit of parts.

Abstract: A vehicle control system comprising a first set of handlebar grips including a first grip mounted on a first side of the vehicle and a second grip mounted on a second side of the vehicle and a second set of handlebar grips mounted on the vehicle including a third grip mounted on the first side of the vehicle and a fourth grip mounted on the second side of the vehicle, the first and third grips being mounted in at least one position thereof in parallel, coplanar relation and the second and fourth grips being mounted in at least one position thereof in parallel, coplanar relation. In a specific embodiment, the invention further includes a first set of controls mounted on the first set of handlebars and a second set of controls mounted on the second set of handlebars. The first set of controls may be identical to the second set.

Abstract: A locking apparatus includes a sleeve member, an elastic locking member, and pressing member. The sleeve member includes a first cylinder axially defining a stepped hole, a stepped portion formed in the stepped hole, and a first flange protruding out from an end of the first cylinder. The pressing member includes an inserting pole inserted into the stepped hole and a second flange. The inserting pole defines a positioning slot. The locking member is engaged with the positioning slot and is abutted against the stepped portion.

Abstract: A locking device for locking together first and second elements that are movable relative to each other in an axial direction. The device has a bushing secured to a first element and catches that are cantilevered-out in an axial direction and are elastically deformable. The device also has an anchor portion secured to a second element and an annular setback to receive hook-shaped ends of the catches. The device also has a locking sleeve mounted to move relative to the catches between a release position in which the catches are free to flex, and a blocking position in which the catches are prevented from flexing, wherein the locking sleeve is movable in rotation relative to the catches and includes a circumferential succession of gaps and of obstacles.

Abstract: A connector assembly is used to connect subassemblies such as parts of a knockdown or modular sofa or similar item of furniture. The furniture item can be an upholstered item in which the multiple components are stackable into a volume that is smaller than the assembled item of furniture for shipping. The connector assembly includes a keyhole slot on a frame member in one component and a male connector assembly on a frame member in the other assembly. The male connector includes a sleeve with a cylindrical shank and an adjacent enlarged or conical portion, and the sleeve, which may be plastic, is mounted the bolt. The narrow section of the keyhole slot has a beveled surface and as the sleeve progresses into the narrow section, engagement of the conical sleeve section with the beveled slot surface tightens the two members being attached.

Abstract: A coupling shaft assembly includes a coupling shaft with a first radial shoulder and a second radial shoulder, the first radial shoulder and the second radial shoulder each include at least one slot to provide a lubricant flow path.

Abstract: A connecting structure includes a pin 32 which has a shoulder 32c adapted such that the diameter of a portion 32a to be fitted to a link plate 31 is formed larger than that of a portion 32b to be fitted to a joint 30 or a lever 2, and of which the tip portion 32d passing through a hole of the joint or lever is fixed by riveting, and a washer 33 that is disposed between the joint or lever fitted with the pin, and the link plate, and that is pressed and fixed against the joint or lever by the shoulder of the pin when the tip portion of the pin is riveted.

Abstract: A twist lock socket clip employs a cam over member for engagement and locking of a socket for storage or transport. A post of the clip receives the socket bore thereover and upon twisting of the socket, a cam over member depresses from engagement with the walls of the socket bore, and upon continued twisting, the cam over member relaxes and secures the socket by interaction of the socket bore detent and corresponding members on cam over arms.

Abstract: An array of U-shaped flanged brackets and flange tipped posts attached to a supporting surface providing a mechanical connection with an object that is provided with corresponding posts and brackets. The brackets and posts can include electrical contacts or fiber optic contacts for transferring power or signals between connected objects. Various objects can be mounted on the array of brackets and posts to provide positioning flexibility.

Abstract: A versatile sway brace fitting, includes a pair of spaced jaws, for firmly and deformingly gripping a brace, and a method for manufacturing the fitting. The fitting can withstand substantial loads and is adaptable to receive a variety of braces such as bracing pipes, angle irons, channels, plates, among others. The fitting includes a set screw, preferably angled, and a sharp-cornered recess which assist in resisting withdrawal of the brace from the jaws. The method of manufacturing is desirably simple and expeditious, thereby ensuring that the fitting is inexpensive.

Abstract: A security apparatus is disclosed. The security apparatus comprises an attachment device comprising a base. A locking head can be configured to secure to the base. The attachment device can be small and strong. The locking head can have a securing element and a locking component, associated with a housing. The locking head may be in a secured configuration upon a single motion or movement of the locking head. The locking head may contain one or more gate structures for securing to the attachment device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaft-hub connection having a hub seat (2), which is provided by the shaft (1), and a hub of a component (5), which is received by the hub seat (2), wherein said hub seat (2) and said hub of said component (5) implement a polygonal connection. In order to provide a shaft-hub connection which is optimized in particular in regard to the force introduction into the shaft, it is proposed by the invention that the hub seat (2) has at least one radial projection (9, 10) in the longitudinal direction (11) of the shaft (1).

Abstract: A coupling device for a piston rod type damper used to open and close a movable body on a main body is interposed between the main body and the movable body, and has a part of the damper attached so as to be capable of rotation. The device includes a clip having a shaft part with an encircling groove projecting on the upper side of a flange part, a locking leg projecting on the lower side of the flange part, and a cap capable of coupling with the encircling groove. The locking leg is locked in an attachment hole provided on a movable body or main body, and the shaft part is inserted through a shaft hole provided in the damper to prevent the shaft part from slipping out of the cap. The device provides both excellent coupling operability and reliability, and desirable external appearance characteristics.

Abstract: A curtain rod assembly includes one or more support members, such as brackets, that are configured to support a curtain rod from a wall. The support member include a coupler portion that provides a seamless and flush interface between the support member and the rod.

Abstract: A swivel assembly for connecting a load such as a television receiver to a support includes a swivel stem having a cylindrical head, a reduced diameter cylindrical middle body, and a mounting base. The stem is supported by a retainer assembly including thrust washers engaging the top and the bottom of head. An adjustment is provided for maintaining the thrust washers securely engaged with the head of the stem.

Abstract: A device for coupling two shaft members of differing diameters. The device includes a barrel and a reaction mass. The barrel is hollow and includes an outside coupler formed by the exterior surface of an upper portion of the barrel, an inside coupler formed by the inside surface of the barrel, and a reaction mass interface formed by the exterior surface of a lower portion of the barrel. The outside coupler is sized to fit inside a hollow end of the first shaft member. The inside coupler is sized to receive the second shaft member. The reaction mass slides over the second shaft member and into position on the reaction mass interface of the barrel. The parts are secured together with an adhesive.

Abstract: Tethering stakes of the nature intended to be pounded flush with or below ground level. Certain of the tethering stakes include a cap on the pounding end which is adapted for ease of placement and release of a tethering line. Accordingly, the tethering line can be removed from the stake when it is to be pounded into the ground and then engaged with the stake only when tethering is desired. Certain of the embodiments include caps having uniquely shaped apertures for securing the tethering line. Another includes an aperture in communication with an aperture in the stake such that a lead cable or the like may be moved out of the way when the stake is pounded into the ground and may be fully received within the stake when tethering is not desired. Another embodiment employs a coupler passing through an aperture directly beneath the pounding surface to facilitate ease of attachment and removal of the tethering line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detachable assembly of two elements between which at least one shaft is arranged and which is secured on at least one end thereof to a holding fixture that is mounted on one of the elements. The holding fixture can be rotated, in relation to said element, around an axis that runs substantially perpendicular to the shaft. The holding fixture can be held in non-positive fit in each rotational position in relation to the shaft and/or element. The shaft (3) is secured to the holding fixture (1) and can be rotated around a distant axis that is approximately parallel to the axis of the holding fixture (1).

Abstract: Several embodiments of a stiff, metallic hub for an energy storage devices are disclosed in the present invention. The stiff hub produces a critical velocity that is significantly greater than the design operating speed of the flywheel assembly so that resonant frequency is never reached during normal operation of the energy storage device's flywheel assembly. The stiff hub comprises a central core section that maintains a tight interference fit with the rotating shaft; an outer rim section that maintains a tight interference with the high-strength, low-density composite fiber rim, in which energy primarily is stored; and a web section that is situated therebetween, extending radially from the rotary shaft. At high operating speeds, the outer rim of the hub expands radially commensurate with expansion of the composite fiber rim so that enough of the outer rim remains in tight interference fit with the composite fiber rim to substantially minimize vibrations.

Abstract: An interlocking fastener assembly has an insertion member, a receiving member, and a fastener. The receiving member has a guide opening with pockets which receive a polygonal locking portion of the insertion member during assembly. The locking portion has tapered sides and apexes to self center the insertion member. The guide opening pockets and sides allow limited rotation of the insertion member in the receiving member until a mechanical lock is created preventing further rotation of the insertion member. The mechanical lock allows a fastener to be threaded onto the insertion member without the use of a backup tool.

Abstract: An interlocking device for connecting a shelf, drawer or similar component with respect to a frame preferably includes a mateable support and receiver. The support includes a groove extending at least partially through the support and a support ramp positioned on the support. The receiver preferably includes a protruding head and a receiver ramp positioned on the protruding head, the receiver ramp lockably engageable with the support ramp within the support.

Abstract: A preformed assembly for providing an offset support for a vertically extending concrete structure is provided, including a receptacle for being embedded in the concrete structure and an attachable offset support for projecting out from the receptacle. The receptacle has anchors for anchoring the receptacle in the concrete structure, openings adapted for receipt of the offset support member, and a securing member. The attachable offset support member has a rigid load bearing plate on its upper surface. The support member has a load support that projects beyond the rear bearing side, to be inserted into one of the receptacle openings, for supporting the offset support member thereon. The support member also has a tension member extending through it to engage the receptacle securing member, for drawing the support member against the receptacle.

Abstract: A primary connector useful for attaching a pre-cast element to a structure includes a receiver member and an attachment member. The receiver member includes a base plate and an acceptor disposed in substantially normal relation to the base plate. The attachment member is a separate plate having a front surface and a back surface with a plurality of anchors extending outwardly from the back surface and a plurality of keyhole slots formed through the plate with each of the slots be accessible from the plate's front surface so that the attachment member may be joined to the receiver member.

Abstract: A locking mechanism that includes a multi-dimensional connecting locking pin which provides a structural link between two structural members that can be repeatedly separated and locked together. The connecting pin is comprised of a tapered shaft extending through a radially expandable split ring with the tapered shaft being moveable between housings located on each of the two separate structural members. As the tapered shaft moves through the radially expandable split ring, the ring is expanded outwardly to engage locking grooves in both housings to lock the structural members together. The tapered shaft is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder that forces the tapered shaft through a first stage in which the receiver housing is first aligned with the other housing, and after proper alignment is achieved, a second stage of the tapered shaft expands the split ring into a locking position.

Abstract: A pneumatic impact power tool has a tool body with a bit-receiving axial bore in its end surface. A cap is threaded on the end of the tool body and has an end wall spaced from the end surface to define a cavity and a lobed opening in the cavity matably receiving a like-lobed bit shank, the cavity being dimensioned to accommodate the lobes. Spring-biased balls project into the cavity from radial bores in the end cap to engage the shank lobes and bias them to a rotational position non-aligned with the opening lobes to inhibit removal. The cavity is dimensioned to afford a slight axial clearance to accommodate axial movement of the lobes. A cover on the end cap is recessed to receive the bias springs, retaining both the springs and the cover in place. The end cap has a annular channel communicating with an exhaust passage in the tool body and four exhaust ports in the end wall.

Abstract: An attachment device for attaching a line to a fish hook includes a funnel-shaped portion, a tubular portion which is adapted to extend through an eye of a fish hook and a retaining portion which is adapted to engage the eye for restraining withdrawal of the tubular portion from the eye. A central opening extends through the funnel portion and the tubular portion, and the funnel facilitates inserting a line through the opening. A knot is tied in the line to prevent the line through the opening. A knot is tied in the line to prevent the line from being pulled back through the opening. In one embodiment, the attachment device is integrally formed as part of the fishing tackle item.

Abstract: An adaptable mounting arrangement is provided for securing a shaft to a hub of a speed reducer or other mechanical power transmission device. The hub is configured having a pair of tapered interior surfaces converging to a location approximately at the midpoint of an axial bore defined in the hub. A pair of counterbores are also defined in the interior surface of the hub at opposite axial ends thereof. One or more tapered sleeve members may be provided to engage the tapered interior surfaces defined in the hub. Alternatively, annular bushings may be provided in each of the counterbores when the hub is to be secured to a screw conveyor drive shaft or the like.

Abstract: A shaft-carried speed reducer is provided having an adaptable mounting arrangement. The hub of the speed reducer is configured having a substantially cylindrical axial bore. At least one annular groove may be defined in the axial bore to receive a snap ring when desired. A removable adapter having a tapered interior surface may then be situated in the hub bore to abut the snap ring. As an alternative to such a snap ring, an annular flange may be provided on the removable adapter to engage an end face of the hub. A tapered sleeve member engages the tapered interior surface defined on the removable adapter to effect securement of the hub to the shaft. If a single adapter is used, it may be inserted from either side of the hub in some configurations. Further, some configurations permit a pair of adapters and corresponding sleeve members to be used. The adapter and snap ring, if any, may be removed when the hub is to be secured to a screw conveyor drive shaft or the like.

Abstract: An attachment device for attaching a line to a fish hook includes a funnel-shaped portion, a tubular portion which is adapted to extend through an eye of a fish hook, and a retaining portion which is adapted to engage the eye for restraining withdrawal of the tubular portion from the eye. A central opening extends through the funnel portion and the tubular portion, and the funnel facilitates inserting a line through the opening. A knot is tied in the line to prevent the line from being pulled back through the opening.

Abstract: A housing apparatus for an electric power tool which has a nose cone, a clam shell housing, and a bearing plate. The nose cone contains a bevel portion, a bearing plate retaining portion, and at least one hole oriented generally transverse to a tool axis for reception of at least one fastener. The clam shell housing has a first and a second housing segment, each having a matching bevel portion for cooperation with the bevel portion of the nose cone. The first and the second housing segments each further have a bearing plate retaining portion and at least hole aligned with the at least hole of the nose cone for simultaneous reception of the at least one fastener. The bearing plate has at least one threaded hole oriented generally transverse to the tool axis for receiving the at least one fastener. The bearing plate is located between the retaining portion of the nose cone and the retaining portion of the clam shell housing.

Abstract: An electrically driven fan mounted on the brim or crown of a cap or other head gear is manufactured from plastic, and readily mountable on the head gear without the need for special tools or skills. Dry cell batteries are mounted in the crown of the hat and the impeller of the fan units acts within a recess within the fan unit to pull air downwardly across the face of the user.

Abstract: A rotor for an electric motor includes a rotor lamina stack defining a throughgoing opening and having opposite end faces; and a rotor shaft which is composed of three parts: a central shaft portion received in the central opening and having first and second ends projecting from the rotor lamina stack beyond the respective opposite end faces; a first separate shaft stub received on the first end of the central shaft portion; and a second separate shaft stub received on the second end of the central shaft portion.

Abstract: An alignment coupler is illustrated having a flat head screw permitting radial adjustment between a workpiece and a piston rod and a second screw making connection with a cylinder to compensate for direct misalignment wherein first and second rings of high density polyethylene and the like are provided to impart shock absorbing and noise dampening characteristics to the coupler between the first and second screws.

Abstract: The apparatus transmits a high shifting force reliably and has a simple and rapid assembly. The axial shifting occurs by a clamping device which is in releasable working connection with the roll stub shaft of a rolling-mill roll or the rotating shaft. The disengageable clamping junction is formed between the clamping device and roll stub shaft shaped to fit together. Especially the clamping device is formed as a compact unit comprising a clamping head with at least one axially precompressed compressible spring which acts on a plurality of clamping disks working as a clamping body. The clamping disks force a radially elastic clamping sleeve to grip the roll stub shaft. The clamping disks are releasable from a clamped position by a hydraulic pressurized medium against the action of the compressible spring. The clamping disks are supported axially on the one side on a portion of a housing of the clamping head and on the other side by an axially slidable hollow cylinder acted on by the compressible spring.

Abstract: This invention provides a pivot for a cantilever brake of a mountain bicycle. The pivot is composed of a terraced pipe body and a separately formed lobe plate, which substitute for the integral structure of a conventional brake pivot in order to prevent the lobe plate from being torn by the pulling force of the brake spring.

Abstract: Piston rod assembly includes a composite piston rod having an entrapment ridge along the length thereof, and a non-integral metallic piston head having two separate piston head sections which are welded together in preloaded engagement against opposite sides of the entrapment ridge. The entrapment ridge has oppositely facing external tapered ramp surfaces which are engaged by correspondingly tapered internal ramp surfaces on the respective piston head sections. When the piston head sections are initially brought into engagement with opposite sides of the entrapment ridge, there is a slight gap between the inner faces on the piston head sections which determines the amount of preload force that must be applied to the piston head sections to eliminate the gap and bring the inner faces into substantial mating engagement with each other for welding.

Abstract: Two plastic tubelike members on which an annular protrusion or an annular groove are respectively provided to be used as two constructive block members for assembling valve or joint devices are directly coupled to assemble such devices. Critical dimensional relationships on the coupling end having the annular groove are established wherein a deformation process can be controlled to engage the annular groove with the annular protrusion by a radially widening motion and an axially spring motion in elastic dynamics, while the coupling end having the annular groove is softened by heating to become elastic. High coupling accuracy can be secured with high coupling strength and durability.

Abstract: A marine engine crankshaft (2) is coupled to a driveshaft (19) for driving a propeller. The splined portion (20) of the upper end of the driveshaft is provided with means to reduce the driveshaft rigidity by providing an intermediately positioned groove or undercut (22) therein. The depth of the undercut is contemplated as being approximately the same as the channels (21) between the splines, and the axial extent or length (A-B) of the undercut is contemplated as being approximately equal to or greater than the undercut depth. In the assembled unit, the undercut is positioned at the outer terminus of the crankshaft. The result is a coupling wherein the rigidity of the driveshaft is reduced and it is free to flex more easily at the intersection of the members so that fatigue failure is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A pump assembly for use in circulating water from a reservoir to an ice forming mold in an ice making machine, the pump assembly comprising an unvented, unit bearing electric motor having a downwardly extending drive shaft, a pump having a housing with an inlet and an outlet, a fan secured to the drive shaft between the motor and the pump, a support structure interconnecting the pump and the motor, said support structure including a cylindrical upper portion encircling the fan and having an upper edge which is spaced from the bottom of the motor to define an annular slot, said interconnecting structure also including a lower portion with openings near the surface of the water in the reservoir, and a substantially cylindrical collar encircling the motor which defines a substantially axial extension of the annular slot, through which cool air from the surface of the reservoir is directed to the motor to prevent the motor from overheating.

Abstract: In a wire fixing device for a window regulator for an automotive vehicle, for instance, a wire stopper fixed to a wire is engaged with a recess formed in a wire fixing member fixed to a window panel carry unit slidable along two guide rails when the carry plate unit is moved to and fro by the wire. The wire fixing member is, in particular, formed with a slit for allowing only the wire to pass across the wire fixing member in the direction perpendicular to the wire extending direction, and fixed to the window panel carry unit in constained beam fashion. To engage the wire stopper with the recess, the wire fixing member is first dislocated from the wire stopper within an access hole, the wire is raised passing through the slit by holding the wire through the access hole; and the wire fixing member is slided just under the wire stopper. This device is small in size, high in rigidity and easy to assemble the wire to the window panel carry unit.

Abstract: The plunger of the high - pressure cylinder has a driving ram coupled at one end. The coupling includes an annular groove on the plunger end and a two - piece collar with inner ridge. A cup - shaped collar retainer and a snap ring retain the collar in the ram. The coupling eliminates bolting. The open cylinder end is shouldered and grooved to receive a sleeve, a multi - piece key, a seat, and a seal which assemble to receive, center, and seal the plunger in the high pressure cylinder. The seal assembly eliminates the need for a bolted cylinder end.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for bearing races is provided which enables split races for roller bearings to be fixed on a bearing member in a space-saving system wherein the bearing member includes at least one race groove parallel to two expanding grooves such that narrow webs are left on either side of the race groove. On assembly, for example, of the inner ring of a roller bearing in the race groove, these webs are flanged or crimped against the bearing end faces such that two ends of the axially split bearing race are securely held by appropriate profiling or beveling of the end faces of the race. Assembly may be carried out by inserting a crimping wheel into the expanding grooves and crimping the webs by means of a conically deforming surface. The mounting can be advantageously applied, for example, in connection with an eccentrically drilled bearing bushing for the plain bearings of blanket cylinders in offset printing machines.

Abstract: A joint for connecting a driving means to a driven means for reciprocating movement wherein a confined deformable, non-compressible material is in contact with a surface area of the driving means and with a surface area of the driven means and when a force is applied to the driving means to move the driving means toward the driven means, the deformable, non-compressible material deforms to compensate for any misalignment between the driving means and the driven means until it reaches its non-compressible state so that a uniform force is then transmitted across the surface area of the driven means in one direction to move the driven means.

Abstract: A shaft assembly comprises a shaft having at least one small diameter portion located on the way in the axial direction thereof, and at least one member mounted to the outer periphery of the small diameter portion of the shaft rotatably and/or movably in the axial direction. The shaft assembly is produced by first forming the member on a large diameter portion of the shaft and then moving the member from the large diameter portion to the small diameter portion. The member moved to the small diameter portion is mounted to the small diameter portion rotatably and/or movably in the axial direction by the shrinkage thereof.

Abstract: A joint element for securing a speedometer shaft is disclosed which can be readily cut to allow removal of the shaft without damage to other parts when the speedometer is disassembled for service. The joint element comprises a ring of a flexible plastic material with a tapered edge on an inner surface thereof. The convex edge corresponds to a circular tapered recess on the shaft, and notches in said convex edge permit the ring to be pushed onto the shaft until said convex edge mates with said recess and permit the ring to be easily cut from the speedometer shaft after the ring is installed on the shaft.

Abstract: An impact drive sprinkler is provided from a relatively small number of easily assembled components which can be formed predominantly from lightweight molded plastic or the like. The sprinkler includes a unitary sprinkler body having a lower riser tube rotatably supported within a one-piece bearing sleeve adapted for connection to a water supply riser or the like, wherein the lower riser tube is joined to an upper range tube through which an irrigation water stream is projected. An oscillatory impact drive arm and a spring are snap-fit mounted with a controlled spring preload onto the sprinkler body for spring-loaded rotation of the drive arm toward a position with a deflector spoon unit thereon interrupting the projected water stream.

Abstract: A joint for connecting a driving means to a driven means for reciprocating movement wherein a confined deformable, non-compressible material is in contact with a surface area of the driving means and with a surface area of the driven means and when a force is applied to the driving means to move the driving means toward the driven means, the deformable, non-compressible material deforms to compensate for any misalignment between the driving means and the driven means until is reaches it non-compressible state so that a uniform force is then transmitted across the surface area of the driven means in one direction to move the driven means.