Abstract: A control system for a paraplegic or double amputee for the hand operation of throttle and brake pedals of an automotive vehicle consisting of two bracket assemblies for removable attachment to a brake or throttle pedal, each assembly being swivably connected to an adjustable length rod so that the user can remotely manipulate the pedal by hand.

Abstract: A captive ball and socket joint where the socket is made from bearing material which is encased in a metal shell, thereby forming a socket around the ball head on the end of a ball stud. The metal shell is cup-shaped and has its base wall apertured so that the ball formed with internal wrenching socket is accessible through the aperture when the ball and the bearing socket are placed into the cup-shaped shell. A flat steel connector lug is pierced with an opening and the wall of the metal cup-shaped shell is secured within the opening by welding. The edge portion of the shell is deformed to render the ball and socket captive in assembly with the lug. The hole in the base wall of the shell permits access for insertion of a rotary drive tool to engage a formation in the ball component to rotate the ball component and secure it to a machine element such as a brace or bracket. The bearing socket can be one or two pieces and can be made from metal bearing material or a plastic bearing material.

Abstract: A joint for a rack and pinion power steering assembly connects the rack coaxially to a tie rod. The joint comprises a socket member having a first end portion connected to the tie rod, and a second end connected to rack. The second end portion of the socket has a chamber and a pair of openings into the chamber. The openings are centered on an axis perpendicular to longitudinal axis of the tie rod. A ball member has a pair of diametrically opposed projections extending coaxially out of the openings in the socket. A connecting member connects the projections on the ball member to the rack, with the axis of the ball member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rack. The rack is thus pivotal with the ball member relative to the socket and the tie rod.

Abstract: A steering rod for motor vehicles includes a guide rod or a cross guide. After an overload by a tension force, the steering rod changes geometrically to clearly influence the driving behavior of a motor vehicle. For this purpose, the steering rod has a transmission rod (2) set into a pipe (1) for the transmission of tension forces. The transmission rod (2) at one end is held into the pipe (1) by a force-fitting or form-fitting holding device, and at the other end projects out of the pipe end (11). The transmission rod (2) has, between the holding device and the pipe end (11) a desired breaking point (9). An offset (10) is located between the desired breaking point (9) and the pipe end (11). The pipe (1) is provided, between the offset (10) and the pipe end (11), with a pipe narrowing which forms a stop (12) for the offset (10) in case of rupture of the desired breaking point (9).

Abstract: An extendable guidewire system for introducing a dilatation catheter into the arterial system of a patient. The guidewire system has guidewire and extension sections with a connection therebetween which permits the two sections to be joined together and separated simply by twisting the two sections to effect a threaded connection. One of the sections can be used for positioning the catheter within the cardiovascular system, and the other section an be employed to extend the wire to change catheters.

Abstract: An assembly for use especially as track and tie rods of motor vehicles, comprising a ball joint shank (3) and a tube (1) the ball joint shank (3) having an outer thread (4) which is received in an inner thread (2) of the tube (1), and clamping means located in the zone of the inner thread (2) for securing the ball joint shank and applying a force acting circumferentially of the tube (1). Assembling of the shank with the tube is simplified. In particular, simple sealing and connection with many different tubes is possible. To this end, the tube comprises a fold (5) extending radially outward and having side walls (6) which can be clamped together by at least one fastener (8) to secure the ball joint shank (3).

Abstract: A tie rod end has a one-piece stamped sheet metal housing for connecting a tie rod and a ball stud. The sheet metal housing includes a tie rod receiving portion with a longitudinally extending chamber for receiving an end portion of a tie rod; a socket portion which encloses a ball stud and an elastomeric bearing therebetween; and a connector section extending between the tie rod receiving portion and the socket portion. The sheet metal housing is made by starting with a single flat piece of sheet metal which is formed, using progressive dies, into its final shape. The sheet metal element has only one seam thereon, which extends throughout the tie rod receiving portion and connector portion and through a part only of the socket portion. The single piece of sheet metal encircles the ball stud and bearing and completely defines an opening through which a shank of the ball stud projects.

Abstract: An expandable and contractable arm is constituted by a plurality of expandable and contractable units and connecting devices including universal joints for serially interconnecting the units into the arm. Each unit includes at least three expandable and contractable operating members in the form of link mechanisms or double thread type expandable and contractable rods, and actuating devices for equally or unequally expanding and contracting the operating members so as to increase or decrease distances between the connecting members while maintaining them in parallel or inclined with respect to each other.

Abstract: A captive ball in a socket joint made with a minimum number of units capable of mass production and readily assembled with minimum labor. The ball and socket structure enables easy connection of the ball component to a machine element via open access to the ball component for a power driven tool, such as a pneumatic, rotary driver. The socket unit is a single unitary lug-shaped stamping made from flat sheet metal in which a socket recess with a spherical bottom is stamped or formed with a slotted aperture therethrough. The ball unit is a single unitary screw the head of which is ball-shaped and includes an integral drive device in the ball head. The screw-threaded shank of the ball unit projects through the socket unit aperture with the ball-head received in the socket recess. The slotted aperture permits universal swiveling movement of the ball unit relative to the socket unit. A nut, on the ball unit renders the ball unit captive in the socket unit.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an improvement in force directing apparatus for transmitting force in respective longitudinal directions from a first shaft to a second shaft where the longitudinal axis of such shafts may be misaligned. The shaft coupling apparatus hereof comprises a compound collar means, and a compound force-directing washer means disposed within the collar means. The collar means preferably comprises two portions which are threadably secured to each other, and which contain a central bore portion therein. A compound force-transmitting washer means is disposed therein and includes washer means formed from the group consisting of materials which differ in chemical composition and materials which differ in hardness. Such compound force-transmitting washer means functions to minimize cold flow and self-adhesion which would otherwise over time and use bind the washer layers together.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp assembly includes a box-like support frame enclosing a lamp body mounted adjustably as by connectors which are connected to the support frame through resilient means to cushion any shock that the lamp body may experience during the travel of the vehicle along a roadway.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp assembly includes a box-like support frame enclosing a lamp body mounted adjustably, as by support shoes slidable in slots of the frame, by rotary manipulation of threaded elements, accessible at improved locations on the frame.

Abstract: A support shoe for pivotably connecting a headlamp body to a support frame and including a block member and a retaining member each of which is provided with a spherical surface so, when the block member and retaining member are interconnected, a socket is formed for the ball portion of the ball stud connected to the headlamp body.

Abstract: A support shoe for pivotably connecting a headlamp body to a support frame and including a block member and a retaining member each of which is provided with a spherical surface so, when the block member and retaining member are interconnected, a socket is formed for the ball portion of the ball stud connected to the headlamp body.

Abstract: Two spherical self-aligning bearings are interconnected by a collar or housing for the transmission of push and pull forces for obviating misalignment problems that arise, particularly in aircraft. In a modification the collar or housing itself may be formed so as to be a part, i.e. the outer race member of one or both of such bearings.

Abstract: A tree stand, as for Christmas trees and the like, having in its preferred form a circular base with three legs extending upward in tripod form to an apex where a clamping mechanism is located. A ball is securely held between a clamp base located atop one leg, termed the socket leg, and a clamp top; the clamp top being located at the upper end of a clamp arm, an elongated member which pivots on the socket leg and whose lower end is spring biased away from the socket leg, thus forcing the clamp top upon the ball. The clamp, and thus the ball, is temporarily released by foot pressure on the lower end of the clamp arm, allowing alignment of the tree. The ball, with an attached tapered mating groove housing, is removably connected to a tree bracket having a tapered plate attached thereto. The tree bracket itself is laterally curved with protruding spikes formed on its inner surface, and is strapped to the side of the trunk to hold the tree securely. The tree stand may be reduced in size for storage.

Abstract: An adjuster for joining a ball stud assembly to the linkage bar of an automotive steering linkage comprises a threaded fastener attached to the ball stud assembly, a threaded portion extending axially from the linkage bar, and a tubular sleeve having internal threads which are threadedly engaged with the threaded fastener attached to the ball stud assembly and to the threaded portion extending from the linkage bar. First and second nonrotatable clamps are disposed about the tubular sleeve in the vicinity of each threaded portion and function to lock the tubular sleeve against rotation. The nonrotatable clamps may be placed upon the ball stud assembly and linkage bar in only one rotational orientation.

Abstract: A ball socket assembly is constructed of a plastic molded housing and a locking member. The plastic molded housing has a ball socket integrally formed on its bottom wall in the form of a base member having a spherical-shaped internal wall segment which faces an opening in the housing and having a pair of resilient arm members integrally formed with the base segment. The resilient arm members extend generally parallel to and equidistant from the axis drawn through the center of the spherical-shaped wall segment. Each of the resilient arm members have a curved internal face which matches the curvature of the spherical-shaped wall segment. A locking member can be selectively installed to prevent outward flexing of the resilient arm members after a spherical ball-headed screw has been installed into the ball socket.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint wherein the socket has a head with a spherical cavity and a one-piece or two-piece shank which extends radially from the spherical external surface of the head. The head is formed with a lateral opening whose diameter is normally less than the diameter of the cavity so that insertion of the ball into and its withdrawal from the cavity through the opening necessitates an enlargement of the opening. This is achieved by forming the external surface of the head with recesses which entail a reduction of the thickness of the corresponding portions of the head and enable the head to expand so that the ball can pass through the opening. That portion of the head which is disposed diametrically opposite the shank and is adjacent to the opening is not formed with recesses. If the shank is made of two sections, such sections can be assembled by snap action and they can confine the end portion of a motion transmitting or motion receiving member.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a ball joint assembly which includes a ball stud received in a swivel socket of a supporting body. Some of such assemblies are classed as quick disconnects, meaning that the ball stud may be conveniently assembled and disassembled as desired. In another class, the bodies are substantially cylindrical with the sockets forming a pair of diametrically opposed feather edges. In drilling the sockets, it is not uncommon for a burr to be formed about the perimeter, and for this burr to be bent inwardly thereby obstructing the free insertion of the ball stud into the socket. Also it is not uncommon for the feather edges to be bent inwardly resulting in the same problem. By counterboring the socket, the burr is removed and the feather edges are flattened which not only solves the obstruction problem but may also provide other advantages.

Abstract: A cylinder piston rod coupler for misaligned shafts attaches one shaft to a housing and an annular flange on a stud attached to the other shaft is positioned in the housing between a pair of guide members. A retaining ring in the housing holds the guide members and stud in movable relation and a floating seal closes the housing about the stud and retaining ring. The guide members and the stud are impregnated with TEFLON so as to form slippery surfaces thereon.

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

Abstract: A plastic ball socket extruded in one piece for a ball-and-socket joint having a shaft 5 and a ball end 8, the axis of the joint in standard position being lateral to shaft 5. The ball socket is divided by slot 13 extending into the area of its shaft 5. A cover-shaped locking part 4 to hold legs 11, 12 of ball socket 1 together is provided in the region of the open end of slot 13, consisting of two side sections 18, 19 and yoke part 20 connecting the two side sections 18 and 19 with each other. The one side section 18 has a projection 17 fitting over lip 16 arranged on the one leg 12 when locking part 4 holds the two legs 11, 12 together. The free end of the other side section 19 is connected with the other leg 11 via an elastic area forming a hinge strip 26.

Abstract: A connector assembly that may be used to so pivotally connect the adjoining end portions of an upper and lower string of sucker rod that are angularly disposed relative to one another within a tubing string of like angulation, that longitudinal forces may be exerted on the sucker rod strings to reciprocate the same without the sucker rod strings being subjected to an appreciable twisting stress. The connector assemblies may not only be used to connect angularly disposed strings of sucker rod at their junctions, but also to connect the lower end of the lowermost string of sucker rod to the piston rod of an elongate pump situated below the tubing string in which the sucker rods are disposed.

Abstract: The outer ball joint end of a tie rod in a vehicle steering mechanism is connected to the frustoconical swivelably adjustable joint of a steering knuckle arm by an offset connector. Such connector positions the axis of the steering knuckle arm frustoconical joint offset from the diameter of the tie rod end ball joint which is parallel to such steering knuckel arm frustoconical joint axis. Swivel adjustment of the connector relative to the steering knuckle arm shifts orbitally such diameter of the tie rod ball joint relative to the axis of the steering knuckle arm frustoconical joint so as to alter the effective angle of the steering knuckle arm relative to the wheel spindle for appropriately varying the toe-out of the front vehicle wheels during turns to avoid or minimize sliding or skidding of the front wheel tires when the vehicle is turning.

Abstract: A coupling device for coupling two rigid, elongated reciprocating elements while maintaining contact between the elements and eliminating relative longitudinal movement includes a hemispherically faced connector head connected to one of the elements. The coupling device further includes a retainer connected to the other of said elements into which the head is positioned. The connector head is contained in the retainer by a retaining member and biased against a bearing within the retainer by a plurality of Belleville washers. The force developed by the washers is sufficient to maintain the hemispherically faced connector head in contact with the connector bearing to insure that the connector head and bearing do not separate relative to each other during reciprocation of the rigid elements.

Abstract: An improved connector for attaching a swivel pad to a supporting bolt of a clamp for maintenance, replacement or lubrication and which permits pivoting of the swivel pad over a wide angle. The connector has particular utility in combination with a screw clamp and comprises a shoe assembly having a work-engaging pad with a socket for receiving a truncated spherical head of a screw bolt and means for restraining the said truncated head in the socket.

Abstract: A preloaded tie-rod end assembly for a motor vehicle steering system and a method for making the assembly is disclosed. The tie rod end is made by positioning the ball of a ball stud against a pair of frangible bearings within the socket portion of a tie rod end housing. A plastically deformable element is also situated within the housing. A closure member for the housing exerts a force against the bearings during the assembly operation and causes each bearing to fracture into circumferentially spaced bearing pieces. After the tie rod end is assembled, an axial load is placed upon the ball stud which is transferred to the deformable element thereby causing it to deform. The element is deformed to the extent necessary to bring the frictional resistance to rotation of the ball stud about its own axis within a prescribed torque range.

Abstract: An adjustable tie rod assembly for a motor vehicle steering linkage according to the present invention includes a tie rod having a threaded end, a ball joint with a split tubular attachment portion and a tubular intermediate member. The tubular portion of the joint has an internal thread. The intermediate member has both inner and outer threads. The threaded end of the tie rod, the intermediate member and the tubular portion of the joint are arranged in concentric fashion. The internal and external threads of the intermediate member are of right-hand and left-hand pitch whereby the intermediate member may be rotated to adjust the length of the assembly. Clamping means is provided for securing the three components in tight engagement.