Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a steering system for a vehicle. In one example, the steering system may include a steering assembly with a first linkage assembly extending along a first direction between a vehicle steering wheel and a first wheel plate of the steering assembly. The steering system may also include a second linkage assembly with a sliding middle link extending along a second direction between the first wheel plate and a second wheel plate of the steering assembly.

Abstract: Thrust bearings and etched surfaces thereof are disclosed. The thrust bearing may include a first washer, a second washer, and a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the first and second washers. A radial surface of at least one of the first or second washer may be configured to be press fit onto or into a component. The radial surface may include a plurality of etched regions, each etched region including a valley that extends below a non-etched portion of the radial surface and a peak that extends around the valley and extends above the non-etched portion of the radial surface. The peaks of the etched regions may be configured to contact the component and increase an interference between the radial surface and the component.

Abstract: A swivel assembly for an actuator includes: a rod defining a socket, the rod defining an arcuate surface at the floor of the socket; a cap dimensioned to fit into the socket, the cap defining a convex arcuate surface dimensioned to correspond to the arcuate surface of the floor of the socket; a first extended surface defined by the rod, the first extended surface, defined at least in part, by side portions of the socket providing depth to the socket; a second extended surface defined by the cap providing an extended length to the cap to allow the cap to extend out of the socket when the convex arcuate surface of the cap contacts the arcuate surface of the floor of the socket; and a cylinder assembly operatively connected to a piston and the cap to permit the piston and cap to move axially along a longitudinal axis of the cylinder assembly to move inwardly and outwardly of the cylinder assembly.

Abstract: A ball sheet is formed in a manner such that an inclined surface is inclined relative to an axis-perpendicular direction (B) at a first inclination angle (?). A projecting part projecting at an outer edge portion of an opening part of a sheet body of the ball sheet in the axis-perpendicular direction (B) is supported by a supporting part inclined relative to the axis-perpendicular direction (B). A swaged part is deformed by swaging so as to be inclined relative to the axis-perpendicular direction (B) along a specified third inclination angle (?) larger than the first inclination angle (?). The projecting part is clamped between the supporting part and the swaged part at a position corresponding to at least a part of the inclined surface that is inclined to a tip side of the projecting part relative to the axis-perpendicular direction (B) along the specified first inclination angle (?) toward an outer edge portion on the sheet body side.

Abstract: A linking arm assembly incorporating an improved connection between an elongated rod portion and an engagement element such as a ball stud or the like adapted to join the linking arm to another structure. The linking arm assembly may incorporate an improved ball and socket connection. The socket may include an arrangement of flexible rib elements that are compressed when the ball stud is inserted so as to bias against the ball during use.

Abstract: A linking arm assembly adapted to receive and retain a ball stud. The assembly includes an elongated rod structure and a socket head and is variable over a range of lengths by adjustment of the relative position of the elongated rod structure and the socket head. Linking arm assemblies consistent with the present disclosure may be adjusted for use in different applications while using common components.

Abstract: A flexure joint interposed between and connecting a first end and a second end has a spherical member, a receiving member configured and arranged to maintain and selectively engage the spherical member, and a connector in communication with the receiving member for releasably locking the spherical member in position as between at least a first locked position and a second locked position relative to the receiving member. Repositioning of the spherical member as between the first and second locked positions is effective for repositioning the shaft relative to the handle as between a first locked position and a second locked position.

Abstract: A universal joint includes first and second parts interconnected by a coupling element, and a coupling mechanism for detachably engaging tool attachments such as sockets. The disclosed coupling mechanisms include an engaging element and an actuating element. The engaging element can include a pin, and the pin can be oriented either obliquely or longitudinally in the drive stud of the universal joint. The actuating element can include a collar and a central portion that crosses the central longitudinal axis of the drive stud. The central portion can be offset along the longitudinal axis toward the coupling element, and the actuating element can be configured to extend into an aperture formed by the coupling element and the second part of the universal joint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick plugging set of pneumatic tools, which is composed of a connector, a steel ball seat and a tailstock, wherein the steel ball seat and the ball head of the connector complete integration through stamping and covering by a friction ring coordinated with a holding groove with thin cladding shape outer end of the steel ball seat, and provide the connector with angle adjustment feature; a prefabricated covering interpolation segment at the rear portion of the connector integrates with the tailstock, a relative ring groove is placed therein, and a bolt hole linking the ring groove is drilled at lateral portion of the tailstock for filling pre-determined number of the steel balls, so as to provide the connector with rotation performance, thus the quick plugging set of pneumatic tools with arbitrary angle adjustment and flexible rotation is made.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus with a back-to-back double row tapered roller bearing has an outer member integrally with a body mounting flange and double row outer raceway surfaces tapered open respectively axially inward and outward. An inner member include a wheel hub and an inner ring or an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint. The wheel hub has a wheel mounting flange and one inner raceway surface arranged oppositely to one of the double row outer raceway surfaces and a cylindrical portion. The inner ring or the outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint are press fit onto the cylindrical portion and include the other inner raceway surface arranged opposite to the other raceway surface of the double row outer raceway surfaces. Double row tapered rollers are freely rollably held between the outer and inner raceway surfaces by cages. Seals are arranged in annular openings formed by the outer and inner members. The cages are formed of synthetic resin.

Abstract: A fastener assembly securely fastens a decorative panel in spaced relation to a support backing. The fastener assembly includes a base member adapted to be operatively mounted to the decorative panel, a carrier member, and a fastening medium supported by the carrier member and adapted to operatively interconnect the carrier member to the support backing. The carrier member is operatively attached to the base member such that the carrier member is articulately moveable relative to the base member.

Abstract: A motor vehicle chassis has, on at least one axle, a control arm (7) guiding and/or carrying a wheel each and at least one wheel carrier (3) connected movably to this and to the wheel (5). A connection is provided between the control arm (7) and the wheel carrier (3) including a joint and/or bearing arrangement (8) designed such that at least one pin (12), which points rigidly upward from the wheel carrier (3), and which is held at a mount associated with the control arm (7) in an articulated manner, is associated with the wheel carrier (3).

Abstract: A universal joint includes a yoke having a fitting portion for fitting a shaft. The fitting portion has first and second tabs opposed to each other to form a U shape. A fixing mechanism including a bolt passing through respective insertion holes in the first and second tabs and a nut screwed onto the bolt on a fastening axis fastens and fixes the shaft between the first and second tabs. A nut holding member fixed to the second tab has an engaging piece. The engaging piece causes the nut, which has not been screwed onto the bolt, to be held on the fastening axis. A cover held by the nut holding member covers at least the engaging piece around the nut.

Abstract: A mounting unit (11) for a attaching a working unit such as a video projector to a mounting surface which can be horizontal or vertical or at some angle intermediate the horizontal and the vertical comprising: an anchorage (12) whereby the unit can be attached to the mounting surface; a beam (13); a carrier (18) comprising in combination a holding plate (19) and a mounting plate; the carrier being adapted to provide for the attachment of a working unit to the mounting plate; a first pivot (20a) whereby a first end of the beam is pivotably attached to the anchorage to enable the beam to pivot about a first axis (a1); a second pivot whereby the other end of the beam to the first end is pivotably attached to the holding plate to enable the holding plate to pivot about a second axis (a2) parallel to the first axis; a third pivot (24) whereby the holding plate can pivot about a third axis perpendicular to the second axis; a fourth pivot (23) whereby the holding plate can pivot about a fourth axis (a4) perpendicula

Abstract: A spherical joint for coupling three or more links together at one point. The joint includes a bail and a hollow spherical body wrapping the ball therein. The ball is movable in the hollow spherical body. An upper link inserted into and fixed to the hollow spherical body through an upper link insertion opening formed on the hollow spherical body. Lower links are connected to the hollow spherical body through lower link insertion openings, wherein the number of the lower links correspond to that of the hollow spherical body. Link support discs are set within a gap between outer surface of the central ball and inner surface of the hollow spherical body and fixed to each end of the lower link, and all the axes of the lower links and the upper link are coincident with a center point of the ball.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal joint having a first joint yoke (1) and a second joint yoke (8) as well as a cross member (23) for connecting said yokes. In the region of its two second yoke arms (11), the second joint yoke (8) is separated along a line extending through the second bearing bores, so that per yoke arm (11), there are obtained two yoke arm portions (15) continuing to be connected to the base portion (9), and a separate bridge portion (16). Separation takes place in the form of fracture separation, for which purpose regions in the second bearing bores are heat-treated by laser along a line; thereafter, a force applied to and concentrating on said regions leads to fracture faces which correspond to brittle fracture faces, so that after the separating operation, joining can easily take place without the bearing bores subsequently having to be re-machined. In this way, assembly is simplified.

Abstract: A yoke for a universal joint is produced by press forming of a steel sheet, and mutually concentric circular holes are formed by press punching at the tip ends of a pair of arms opposite to each other. After the circular holes are punched by inserting a punching punch through the tip ends of the arms in the state that the backs of the arms are supported by a die relative to the punching direction and the outer peripheries of these arms are restrained by a restraining member in the vicinity of a portion in which the circular holes are to be formed, a finishing punch is inserted from the direction opposite to the punching punch into the punched circular holes, thereby improving the accuracy of the circular holes.

Abstract: A device for use with a hinge in which two rigid elements (104, 105) may be placed in various relative angular positions, wherein the elongate part (109) to be protected and guided consists of a section or tube inserted through two mutually facing channels (111, 110) in respective ones of the rigid elements (104, 105). The device includes a movable member (107) arranged between said rigid elements (104, 105) and at least rotatably movable about a rotational axis of said hinge. The member further includes a hole (108) through which said elongate part (109) may inserted.

Abstract: A tool includes an adapter for coupling to a rotary element such as a screwing/unscrewing socket. The adapter is equipped with a mechanism for locking the coupling. The lock mechanism is unlockable and normally locked. The tool further includes a main drive member for rotating the adapter, and the main drive member includes, for example, a ball-type universal joint. The lock mechanism is unlocked simply by a displacement of the main drive member towards the distal end of the adapter.

Abstract: A braked universal joint assembly for rotatably joining two members is described wherein both load bearing and braking are performed by conical surfaces. The joint body comprises bores defining rotation axes, each bore comprising two frusto-conical sections. Rotation assemblies for nonrotatably engaging the joined members comprise a pair of brake cones, each having a frusto-conical section, and friction cones compressed between the frusto-conical sections of the bores and the frusto-conical sections of the brake cones. Rotation occurs by motion of the joined members and the engaged brake cones relative to the joint body. Load forces and braking torques are borne by the frusto-conical sections of the bores and brake cones and by the friction cones.

Abstract: A braked universal joint assembly for rotatably joining two members is described wherein both load bearing and braking are performed by conical surfaces. The joint body comprises bores defining rotation axes, each bore comprising two frusto-conical sections. Rotation assemblies for nonrotatably engaging the joined members comprise a pair of brake cones, each having a frusto-conical section, and friction cones compressed between the frusto-conical sections of the bores and the frusto-conical sections of the brake cones. Rotation occurs by motion of the joined members and the engaged brake cones relative to the joint body. Load forces and braking torques are borne by the frusto-conical sections of the bores and brake cones and by the friction cones.

Abstract: The axially stiff link provides a rigid connection linking two shaft segments (1, 2) of a shaft such that it can bend and or twist yet remain rigid with no slop for high tolerance positioning applications. The link is composed of two rolling elements (4) attached to the shaft segments (1, 2) having a rolling line contact (10) with each other. The rolling elements (4) are held together and preloaded by a ring spring (6) which encircles a portion of the rolling element extending transversely from the shaft segment and engages it by rolling line contact (8). The rolling elements may be solid plain curved portions of the shaft ends, a cylindrical bar, cylindrical bar pairs, or conical pairs to provide for torsional as well as axial bending in the link. Closely spaced perpendicularly disposed axial links provide for 2 axis bending of the shaft.

Abstract: A socket wrench universal joint includes a socket engaging element movably mounted in the drive stud of the universal joint to engage a socket. An actuator is mounted to the universal joint for manipulation by a user, and a linking element links the actuator and the socket engaging element. The actuator allows the user to alter the socket retaining forces. In a quick release version the operator can release a socket from the drive stud of the universal joint by appropriately manipulating the actuator. In another version the user can enhance socket retaining forces by properly manipulating the actuator.

Abstract: A multi-dirctional swivel joint for carrying loading members comprises a crosswise main body having a pair of first and a pair of second hollow cylinder members perpendicular to one another each having connected with a stepped neck member at their free end and pivotally and intersectionally coupled with a pair of lug members so as to permit the main body swiveling alternatively therewithin in multi-directions. A piston member slidingly disposed into each of the hollow cylinder members for defining a pair of first and second cylinder chambers which respectively communicate with an ambient hydraulic compressor via a pair of the first and second conduits through the piston member therein, in addition to a retaining ring sleeved on the free end of the piston member and secured by nut. So that the coupling of the main body with the lug members can be tightened or released upon the alternative exertion of the hydraulic force from the ambient compressor.

Abstract: The axially stiff link provides a rigid connection linking two shaft segments (1, 2) of a shaft such that it can bend and or twist yet remain rigid which no slop for high tolerance positioning applications. The link is composed of two rolling elements (4) attached to the shaft segments (1, 2) having a rolling line contact (10) with each other. The rolling elements (4) are held together and preloaded by a ring spring (6) which encircles a portion of the rolling element extending transversely from the shaft segment and engages it by rolling line contact (8). The rolling elements may be solid plain curved portions of the shaft ends, a cylindrical bar, cylindrical bar pairs, or conical pairs to provide for torsional as well as axial bending in the link. Closely spaced perpendicularly disposed axial links provide for two axis bending of the shaft.

Abstract: A socket wrench universal joint includes a socket engaging element movably mounted in the drive stud of the universal joint to engage a socket. An actuator is mounted to the universal joint for manipulation by a user, and a linking element links the actuator and the socket engaging element. The actuator allows the user to alter the socket retaining forces. In a quick release version the operator can release a socket from the drive stud of the universal joint by appropriately manipulating the actuator. In another version the user can enhance socket retaining forces by properly manipulating the actuator.

Abstract: A universal joint between an upper steering shaft and a lower steering shaft in a tilt-adjustable motor vehicle steering column includes a pair of bifurcated yokes formed to near-net-shape integrally with the upper and lower shafts, a plastic jacket molded in-situ on each of the bifurcated yokes, and a plastic centering sphere. Each of the plastic jackets has a pair of exposed, frusto-conical bearing surfaces molded thereon which slidably engage corresponding frusto-conical side walls of cross grooves in the plastic centering sphere.

Abstract: A double cardan wide angle turn close coupled constant velocity universal joint has driving and driven yokes (11 and 12) radially spaced, a pair of X shaped crossheads (19) pivotally mounted to a second pair of opposing yokes (16) closely coupled, driving and driven yokes each overlapping the other in wide angle turns.

Abstract: A universal joint including a ball and a ball socket. The ball includes a drive socket for connection to a driving or driver shaft. The drive socket is located substantially totally within the ball socket.

Abstract: Piston assemblies for use in fluid translating devices normally are made of hardened metal alloy materials which require very smooth surface and are always subject to varying degrees of thermal expansion when being operated at high operating temperatures. In the subject arrangement, a piston assembly is provided and is constructed of most, if not all, ceramic components. The piston assembly includes a ceramic piston having a spherical head portion at one end thereof which rests in a spherical cavity of a ceramic slipper and held therein by a cylindrical ring. The cylindrical ring can be of a one-piece or a two-piece design which is in contact with the spherical head portion and bonded to the ceramic slipper, thus, retaining the spherical head portion. The cylindrical ring could also be made of a metallic material. The metallic ring is bonded to the ceramic slipper and subsequently swaged to hold the spherical head portion within the spherical cavity.

Abstract: A universally rotatable nipple for a brake cable includes a socket device having a hemispherical body and a first tube extending from a periphery portion of the hemispherical body and a rotatable device including a sphere and a second tube extending from a periphery portion of the sphere. The sphere of the rotatable device is rotatably received in the hemispherical body of the socket device with the second tube being in communication with the first tube, thus allowing a brake cable to be guided from the second tube through the first tube. The rotatable nipple responds to the pulling from the brake cable and rotates in an appropriate direction to release the friction between the nipple and the brake cable.

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 coupling device for coupling a floor-treating unit to a rod-like device for guiding the floor-treating unit includes a first coupling part and a second coupling part. The first coupling part is hingedly connected to the elongated rod at a hinge axis and the second coupling part is rotatably mounted on the floor-treating unit for rotatable movement about a generally horizontal rotational axis. The first coupling part is movably positioned in a slot in the second coupling part for movement between a first positional setting in which the second coupling part is locked against rotational movement, a second positional setting in which the rod is movable about the hinge axis to unlock the second coupling part and permit rotational movement of the second coupling part about the rotational axis, and a third positional setting in which the rod is movable about the hinge axis for being lowered over the floor-treating unit in a stored position.

Abstract: An aircraft multiple disc and brake assembly having an axle with a cylindrical wheel member journaled thereon. The inner peripheral portion of the wheel member has a plurality of circumferentially spaced splines to support axially spaced rotor discs which are interleaved with stator discs which are splined to axially extending ribs mounted on a torque tube which in turn is connected to the axle. A piston support member is secured to the axle via a hub member and has a plurality of circumferentially spaced cylinders with a piston slidably mounted therein. One end of each piston cooperates with the receiving cylinder to define a piston chamber that permits pressurization to actuate the braking action. The other end of the piston has a pair of discs with mating spherical contoured surfaces to permit a tilting therebetween to eliminate side loading and provide even wear.

Abstract: A connector for handles and shoulder belts of bags, or other traveling containers, includes a base member (1) provided with holes (2) or other mechanism for securing it to the bag. Provided at the ends of the base member, on the exposed face, are equal and parallel protrusions (101) provided with respective transverse holes (5) aligned with each other and having pivoted thereon, by use of a spindle (4) or any other suitable device, a body member (3) which may effect a 180.degree. oscillation about the spindle and which--when disposed upright and abutted against the base member--exposes a recess also directed upwards (7). The flattened end portion of an axially hollow stem (8) is pivotably connected by use of a screw (10) or any other suitable device, orthogonally to the pivotal spindle (4) of the member so that it can effect an oscillation of sufficient amplitude, the end portion of the handle or shoulder-belt (M-T) being secured by means of a screw or any other suitable device within the hollow stem.

Abstract: A ball and socket-type Universal joint including an elongate female part with an elongate, central, polygonal socket opening entering one end and defining a flat axially disposed bottom and a plurality of elongate circumferentially spaced, radially inwardly disposed, longitudinally straight and laterally convex flats; an elongate male part with a shank and a semi-spherical polygonal head at one end of the shank and having a plurality of elongate circumferentially spaced, radially outwardly disposed, longitudinally extending, laterally straight and convexly curved facets. The head of the male part is engaged in the socket opening of the female part with opposing points on the flats and facets, along the central portions thereof, in circumferential driving and longitudinal sliding bearing engagement with each other. The other end of the female part is connected with an end of one elongate rotatable work piece, and the other end of the male part is connected with an end of another elongate work piece.

Abstract: A more efficient wind power generation system is afforded by extending tower heights to several hundred meters to operate wind catching rotors and generators aligned with the wind direction at various levels along the tower. With multiple vertically cascaded wind generators and higher velocity winds at higher elevations greater power is produced in a system characterized by a small footprint. This is particularly enhanced by a single mast construction, which is supported by a dynamic guy wire tensioning system to accomodate varying lateral forces primarily caused by the change in direction of wind loads on the tower. The mast is built from modular sections connected together at articulated joints, between which the various rotors are stationed.

Abstract: An attachment system for the holder of the operating device of a radiophone allows the holder to be turned into various directions step-by-step. The attachment system is formed of a joint (8, 9) comprised of three parts, which parts with grooved surfaces are turnable in relation to each other and lockable in the desired position by using their grooved surfaces and an attachment piece (11).

Abstract: A universal joint includes a first shaft member having a cylindrical portion, a pair of yoke portions at a free end thereof and a ball-like portion formed between the yoke portions and a second shaft member having a cylindrical portion and a pair of yoke portions at a free end thereof. The ball-like portion is formed integrally and inseparably with the yoke portions of the first shaft member. The first and second shaft members are thus detachably and movably connected with each other through engagement between the ball-like portion of the former and the yoke portions of the latter.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a pair of yokes each having two trunnions projecting radially thereof, and an annular intermediate ring having bearings arranged on two diametrical lines thereof intersecting each other at right angles for supporting the respective trunnions. An annular central cover having a spherical outer surface is fixedly intimately fitted around the intermediate ring. Between the ring and a connecting flange at the outer end of each yoke, a collar is formed on the yoke. A pair of annular side covers each having a spherical inner surface slidable in contact with the spherical outer surface of the central cover each have an outer end portion horizontal in section and fixed to the periphery of the collar. An annular seal member in intimate contact with the outer surface of the central cover is provided at the inner end portion of each side cover. A clearance required for the sliding movement of the side covers is formed between the inner ends of the side covers.

Abstract: A low-wear articulated buoy joint with first and second bushings. Each bushing has an inner shaft member, an elastomeric material bonded to an outside surface of the inner shaft member, and an outer, hollow cylindrical member into which the elastomeric material and inner shaft are press-fit. When the inner shaft of either bushing is rotated with respect to the outer member, the elastomeric material exerts a restorative torque on the shaft. The outer member of the first bushing is fixedly attached to the outer member of the second bushing. The first and second bushings are disposed at an angle of 90.degree. with respect to one another. The shaft member of the first bushing is fixed to a sinker, and the shaft of the second bushing is fixed to a buoy column.

Abstract: A universal joint having first and second shaft members respectively including a pair of yoke portions and a ball member disposed between the first and second shaft members for movably interconnecting the same. The respective first and second shaft members are constituted by two separate half-elements together with forming the respective pair of yoke portions. Base seats respectively having a truncated cone shape are provided in mutually opposing faces of the yoke portions such that each virtual cone has a virtual vertex having an angle of substantially 90 degrees and at the same time the virtual vertexes of the cones are substantially in contact with each other, the base seats respectively defining arc faces in mutually opposing surfaces thereof. And, the arc faces respectively have a central axis in a direction transverse to the shaft members and are formed by a part of a peripheral face of a virtual cylinder having the same diameter as the ball member which is rotatably supported between these arc faces.

Abstract: The mechanical joint includes a spherical member having a pair of grooves in its outer surface, each groove extending circumferentially about the spherical member and disposed approximately 90.degree. from each other. A housing has a concave spherical socket for receiving the spherical member. The housing includes a pair of slots located proximately at an equatorial plane of the spherical member. A frame is fixedly secured to the spherical member at the intersection of the first and second groove opposite the housing. A first ribbon, slidable within the first groove, is attached to pivot pins in the slots of the housing and is looped around a first pulley within the frame. A second ribbon slidable within the second groove is attached to pivot pins mounted in the housing at the approximate midpoints between the slots of the housing. The second ribbon is attached to a second pulley within the housing. An output member is fixedly connected to the housing.

Abstract: A device for installing a screw-driven, expandable camlock mechanism in a steam generator host tube to effectuate inspections of or repairs to a steam generator tube or tube sheet is disclosed herein. The device comprises a double gimbal camlock installation assembly capable of vertically aligning the camlock mechanism, which has a deformable sleeve disposed thereon, with a steam generator host tube and capable of installing the camlock mechaism in the steam generator host tube. The installation assembly includes a double gimbal having a pivotal first ring disposed in and connected to a pivotal second ring which is disposed between and connected to the tines of a U-shaped fork. Attached to the first ring is a housing having a rotation device disposed therein, which rotation device engages a threaded rod that is connected to the camlock mechanism.

Abstract: A swiveling, position-maintaining scrubbing brush is provided with a pivot body joined to a handle and having pivot members engaging bosses on the brush body. Means, exemplified by a wedge received in a cut in the body, are provided to spread apart the pivot members and to thus adjust the resistance to swivel movement of the brush body.

Abstract: A ball joint is disclosed to couple together elements of an electric lamp fixture. Two semi-spherical ball joint members are pivotalbly mounted about a pin so as to form a sphere. An arm portion extends from each ball joint member along its equatorial plane. Each arm draws its ball joint member into a socket having a truncated spherical surface so that semi-spherical surfaces of both semi-spherical ball joint members are drawn into sliding contact with truncated spherical surfaces of the socket. In drawing both ball joint members into the socket, the two ball joint members are urged together. The forces with which the arm portion is drawn into the socket determines frictional forces required to rotate each socket relative to the ball joint members as well as one ball joint member relative to the other ball joint member. A continuous passageway passes internally through the ball joint through which electrical wires may pass.

Abstract: A locking pin for connecting elements having a common bore comprising two coupling units. The coupling action is provided by teeth which engage when the two coupling units are engaged. The teeth exhibit a ratchet effect, whereby the coupling units can be engaged relatively easily by pushing the coupling units together but cannot be easily disengaged by pulling them apart.

Abstract: A rotor is provided for use in combination with a valve and sleeve to function as a valve attached to an actuator. The rotor is comprised of a rotor body containing the drive section with the necessary elements to turn the rotor within the sleeve, and a rotor stem with ports to coact with complementary ports in the sleeve to form variable orifices to control fluid flow, and a flexible means for connecting the rotor stem to the rotor body.

Abstract: A substantially frictionless connecting means providing universal swivel movement which can be used to mount an actuation means such as a hydraulic cylinder, including first and second flexible planar blades interconnected substantially perpendicular to each other so that movement imparted to either or both of the connected members bends the flexible blades.

Abstract: A method for forming a precision ball groove track in a part, especially in an outer race member of a universal joint. The method includes the steps of forming a recess groove in the ball race groove track and .[.ball.]. finish machining the .Iadd.ball .Iaddend.race groove track to a predetermined precision shape, the recess .[.reducing groove.]. .Iadd.groove reducing .Iaddend.the wear on the finish machining tool used during the finish machining step.