Abstract: An apparatus for lubrication of a hinge on a work machine. The hinge includes a first member such as a first boom arm and a second member such as a second boom arm. The hinge further includes a pin hingedly linking the first and second members. The pin has a path therein having a first portion that extends axially. The hinge further includes a port in fluid communication with the path. The port is radially offset by a fixed distance and fixed orientation from the first portion within the pin.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for lubrication of a hinge on a work machine. The hinge includes a first member such as a first boom arm and a second member such as a second boom arm. The hinge further includes a pin hingedly linking the first and second members. The pin has a path therein having a first portion that extends axially. The hinge further includes a port in fluid communication with the path. The port is radially offset by a fixed distance and fixed orientation from the first portion within the pin.

Abstract: A vent for an axle housing includes a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion has a plurality of pores defined therethrough. The first body portion defines a first cavity. The second body portion has a conical portion that extends between a throat and a neck portion that defines an opening. The second body portion defines a second cavity that fluidly connects with the first cavity. The vent permits air to pass from the axle housing, through the plurality of pores in the first body portion, through the first and second cavities, and out the opening of the neck portion while concurrently inhibiting egress of lubricant from the axle housing.

Abstract: A swivel joint that is placed between a working device and a forwardly/reversely rotatable wrist section provided on a body section of an industrial robot and has a fluid transmission route for interconnecting the wrist section side and the working device side. The fluid transmission route is a hose, and between the wrist section and the working device, the hose is loosely spirally wound with a margin around a shaft section that rotates together with the wrist section. One end of the hose is non-rotatably fixed to the shaft section, and the other end is fixed so as to be movable with movement of the shaft section.

Abstract: Ball joints, systems in which they are used, and suspension systems in which the ball joint systems are employed. The ball joints, systems and suspension mechanisms are especially useful for racing vehicles in which premium performance is desired. As an additional feature, the products of this invention are especially appreciated because of the ability to quickly and easily replace or change them.

Abstract: A swivel joint for a construction machine is mounted to an upper track frame, and a body is rotatable together with a swing structure main frame in an opening through engagement between a stopper projection and a stopper plate. Tubes on the swing structure side are connected to an upper end surface of the body by using fittings in concentrated layout, and tubes on the travel structure side are connected to a lower portion of the spindle by using fittings. The body has thicker wall portions in sidewalls thereof, and a plurality of axial passages communicating with a plurality of circumferential grooves are formed inside the thicker wall portions. The plurality of axial passages are opened at the upper end surface of the body, and the tubes on the swing structure side are connected to the upper end surface of the body in concentrated layout.

Abstract: An engine exhaust system comprises duct pieces and a thermally expandable sealing joint for interconnecting their adjoining ends. The sealing joint comprises a tubular body including includes a first axial end portion, a second axial end portion, and a bridge portion extending therebetween. The first end portion is at least partially positioned within a female recess of the first duct piece and the second end portion is at least partially positioned with a female recess of the second duct piece. The bridge portion can extend across a gap and/or it can be positioned partially within female recesses. Upon thermal activation, the sealing joint radially expands permanently to engage the inner radial surfaces of the duct pieces.

Abstract: A swing pin assembly including a pin body defining first and second lubricant channels, and further including a zerk mount attached to the pin body, wherein the zerk mount defines first and second zerk receptacles, a first lubricant chamber downstream from the first zerk receptacle and upstream from the first lubricant channel, and a second lubricant chamber downstream from the second zerk receptacle and upstream from the second lubricant channel.

Abstract: An engine exhaust system comprises duct pieces (201, 202) and a sealing joint (30) for interconnecting their adjoining ends. The sealing joint (30) comprises a one-piece tubular body (31) including includes a first axial end portion (331), a second axial end portion (332), and a bridge portion (34) extending therebetween. The first end portion (331) is at least partially positioned within a female recess (231) of the first duct piece (201) and the second end portion (332) is at least partially positioned with a female recess (232) of the second duct piece (202). Depending upon the thermal expansion-contraction conditions in the exhaust system, the bridge portion (34) can extend across a gap (24) and/or it can be positioned partially within female recesses (231) and (232).

Abstract: A nut retainer.

Abstract: A pipe coupling connects two fluid system components, such as two pipes, so that fluid can flow therethrough. The coupling is a ball and socket type articulating joint that is configured to allow one or both of the connected pipes to move relative to one another without compromising the integrity of the fluid system. The pipe coupling includes a sealing compartment in which packing material is disposed. The packing material can limit or prevent the development of leak between the components of the pipe coupling. The pipe coupling includes an injector port that can be used to inject additional packing material into the sealing compartment to repair any developed leaks.

Abstract: A socket assembly including a housing having a bore; an insert member disposed in the bore, the insert member defining a socket; and a cap attached to the housing proximate an inlet of the bore and having an opening to receive a connecting member that extends into the socket.

Abstract: A spherical plain bearing having dual sealing capability includes an outer race bearing member having an outer ring and an inner race bearing member having an inner ring, the inner ring being located within an opening defined by the outer ring. The opening is defined in part by two generally opposed peripheral edges with a spherical concave bearing surface extending therebetween. The inner ring defines a bore extending therethrough and a spherical convex bearing surface engagable with the concave bearing surface defined by the outer ring. A first ring seal is positioned in a first seal groove defined by the outer ring and is inboard of a first face surface defined by the outer ring. The outer and inner rings, or at least portions thereof, are heat treated using one of carburizing, nitriding, or nitrocarburizing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking system for a rotating joint. In the device, the locking system (L) comprises a rigid locking means (12) movable in the axial direction (X1), provided with a first cogging (13) which can be moved for locking with the locking means (12) in a contact with a second cogging (14), to transmit the rotational movement, wherein said coggings (13, 14) are, for releasing the cogging, designed in such a way that a force effect releasing the locking is formed between them, and a third cogging (16) which is, during the locking, in a contact with a fourth cogging, to transmit the rotational motion, as well as a sealing element (21) for forming at least one closed hydraulic space (24) with a varying volume between the locking means (12) and the sealing element (21), wherein the locking means (12) is arranged to be moved for the locking and to be kept in the locking by the effect of a pressurized medium.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint, preferably for motor vehicles, in which a joint ball formed on a pivot pin is mounted movably in a bearing shell consisting of a plastic, is presented. The bearing shell has recesses accommodating lubricant on its inner jacket surface facing the joint ball and is itself inserted into a housing. According to the present invention, the recesses may be grooves as a structural system with groove sections or depressions of microscopic size extending obliquely in relation to the central longitudinal axis of the ball-and-socket joint. Due to this novel design, a pumping effect is achieved during movements of the joint ball over the groove sections, and this pumping effect draws the lubricant present in the groove sections into the gap between the joint ball and the bearing shell, so that improved lubrication of the ball-and-socket joint compared with the state of the art is guaranteed under all operating conditions.

Abstract: A member for piping and wiring to an end effector of a robot is discharged from a first wrist element into a void area in a position displaced from an axis c, being bent and loosened, and then guided to a hollow path. Any variance in a length of the piping/wiring member 30 due to rotations of second and third wrist elements is absorbed in this void area, so that twining round or scratching by a wrist can be prevented.

Abstract: An adjustable clamping mechanism includes a slider block annularly disposed about a rod device within a mechanical press. The mechanism utilizes a press or interference fit connection between the components. During operation, high-pressure oil is injected into the location between the slider block and rod, thereby relieving the press fit and making it possible to have relative movement therebetween. An actuator causes selective linear displacement of the slider block along the longitudinal axis of the stationary rod during the release condition. Once the slider block is repositioned, the high-pressure oil is removed, which reactivates the press fit connection and causes the slider block to once again lock up against the rod and prevent movement therebetween.

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: The implement linkage of a work machine comprises at least one oil dilled pin joint. During operation of the linkage, pressure can build up in the pin joint, thus causing damage to the pin joint. It is desirable to vent this pressure without allowing oil to escape from the pin joint. It is also desirable to measure the level of the oil in the pin joint. A combination relief vent and dipstick apparatus which allows both these tasks to be accomplished with one apparatus is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A pivot structure for a vehicle wiper device is provided. The pivot structure prevents foreign matters from invading through a body exterior sheet into a dash board area, for example. The pivot structure may be used in both left-side-drive vehicles and right-side-drive vehicles. A first regulating rib and second regulating rib are formed on respective fixing pieces, which extend from the outside periphery of a pivot holder. The first and second ribs are formed symmetrically with respect to an imaginary line X passing through the center axis of the pivot shaft on the right side and the left side.

Abstract: An articulating mechanism for use in a single- or multiple-fluid-path painting robot is presented. The articulation design is particularly suitable as a wrist-joint and is free from the problems of dead space and single-fluid-path limitations found in conventional wrist-joint designs. The mechanism is based on coupling two cylindrical casings coaxially so that arm casing, wrist casing and the flange ends are coaxially joint about a shaft axis. The end sections of each components are sealed while leaving a fluid space of a given spacing between the outer and inner casings. The casings provide a fluid passage space extending in the direction of the casings and is provided with fluid delivery holes for the delivery of paint and other fluid medium. The designs include a blocking member so that cleaning of the robotic device, and quick maintenance or color changes can be carried out during production operation.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of relieving pressure within a sealed pin joint assembly so that the seal is protected from excessive pressure. The pin joint assembly includes slidably connecting a pin through a bearing assembly fitted within a bore in an equalizer bar. The pin is circumferentially surrounded by a pair of seals disposed on either side of the bearing assembly for sealing within the equalizer bar. The seals are positioned adjacent the bearing assembly to define a pair of cavities therebetween. A receiving passage extends from a counterbore at an outer surface of the equalizer bar and terminates at the bearing assembly and is fluidly connected with the pin joint assembly. A grease zerk is disclosed within the receiving passage to direct fluid into the joint wherein accumulation within the cavities is expected.

Abstract: A folding knife includes a lubricated barrel pivot removably mounted in the handle. An oil reservoir within the barrel communicates with the bearing surface by means of an oil wick in a bore. The barrel may be mounted in the handle by engaging male threads at one end of the barrel into female threads in the knife handle in which case an oil conduit is provided within the male threads for filling the oil chamber. Similarly, the barrel may be mounted with a pair of screws engaged with female threads at opposite ends of the barrel in which case an oil conduit is provided within at least one of the female threads for filling the oil chamber. Further, the barrel may be mounted by providing a slotted head at one of the barrel and female threads at the other end. A screw is mounted through the handle to engage the female threads and an oil conduit is provided within the female threads for filling the chamber with oil.

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: The invention is a ring-like lubrication device used in a pivot joint of the type connecting two members such as on an articulated agricultural tractor or wheeled loader. Such joint has a joint pin and a bearing permitting relative oscillating and articulating movement of the members one to the other. The device includes a hollow, annular reservoir-like chamber which holds lubricant for the joint/bearing sliding surfaces. The device also seals the joint to obstruct the entry of dirt. In a highly preferred arrangement, a device is mounted at the top and bottom of a joint for lubrication and obstruction of dirt entry. The device is configured and arranged to accommodate oscillating and articulating movement between the joined members.

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: A process for manufacturing ball joints or other self-lubricated joints, comprising placing the inner ring of the ball joint in a heat-retractable sheath of determined thickness and shrinking the sheath on this inner ring. The inner ring is then disposed in an outer ring blank which is then deformed so that the sheath is clamped between the outer and the inner ring. After machining of the blank, the assembly is treated so as to eliminate the heat-retractable sheath and thus form between the two rings a free space whose thickness corresponds to that of the sheath. A self-lubricating resin is then injected in this space.

Abstract: A welded structure and a method for making same wherein a plurality of weld metals, such as martensitic steel and austenitic steel, differing in coefficient of thermal expansion from each other are deposited in a plurality of layers thicknesswise of the welded structure in a gap defined by structural members to be welded in such a manner that a layer of the weld metal of higher coefficient of thermal expansion is covered by a layer of the weld metal of lower coefficient of thermal expansion in a weld formed, to improve brittle fracture strength, fatigue strength and stress corrosion cracking resistance of the weld. By subjecting the welded structure to stress relief annealing treatment, it is possible to produce compressive stress on the surface of the layer of the weld metal of lower coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A lubrication system for the spline connection and generator bearing of a high speed aircraft generator which utilizes a split ring seal and quad o-ring is disclosed. The split ring seal retards lubricant flow so that there is an accumulation in the area of the splined connection which prevents wear of the splines. The retardation also forces oil to a bearing lubrication hole.

Abstract: A drive coupling, as between an engine and a pump, facilitating assembly of the pump to the engine and preparation of the engine-pump combination for operation. Elements of the coupling include a relatively projecting externally splined shaft associated with the pump and an internally splined hub associated with the engine, the two being brought to a telescoping, interfitting relation as an inherent part of an action properly relating the pump to the engine. A shaft support assembly provides for a temporary fixing of the shaft against off center movements while it is being introduced into the hub. The hub is made a part of a separable coupling plate assembly fastened directly to the engine flywheel preparatory to a coupling of the pump to the engine. The splined connection within the hub is lubricated according to a concept substantially precluding loss of lubricant during operation of the drive coupling but providing for escape of lubricant supplied in excess of that required.

Abstract: A hinge pin construction including a pin adapted to journal an arm or the like, an annular wedge member associated with one end of the pin, an axially extending lubricant passage in at least one of the wedge member and the pin for directing lubricant to the interface of the pin and an arm journalled thereon, a plug removably closing the axially outer end of the passage and a collet received on the wedge member and including a bolt securing the collet to the pin. An axially extending passage is located in the collet and is of a size greater than that of the plug whereby the plug may be removed from the lubricant passage. An additional plug is employed for selectively closing the collet passage and a keying device is employed for precluding assembly of the collet to the wedge member except with the collet and lubricating passages aligned to allow the introduction of lubricant into the lubricant passage without removing the collet.