Abstract: The object of the invention is to achieve a reduced cost, great lightness and possibility of mass-production of the coupling while of course retaining the qualities of a very free sliding, reliability and long life. Such qualities should in particular permit an application of the coupling in the automobile industry. The coupling is of the type comprising a cylindrical tubular sleeve which has generatrices parallel to the direction of sliding and which is intended to be fixed to one of two elements to be coupled. The sleeve defines at least two runways for at least two rollers rotatively mounted on trunnions rigid with a rod which is intended to be fixed to the other of the elements to be coupled. At the end of the sleeve opposed to the end fixed to the element to be coupled, there is provided a cover which is fixed to the sleeve by an elastically yieldable fastener.

Abstract: A protective cover assembly is disclosed for a grease fitting formed on the universal joint of a Cardan shaft. The assembly includes a cover plate, a support member and a slideable sleeve. The cover plate projects outward from a gear case and encircles a portion of the Cardan shaft which is connected between the gear case and a transmission. The support member straddles the cover plate and is attached to the gear case such that it encircles a portion of the Cardan shaft and is aligned adjacent to the universal joint. The support member has a stepped outer surface with a radially aligned attachment mechanism formed on the smaller diameter surface. The slideable sleeve protrudes onto the smaller diameter surface and the attachment mechanism cooperates with a mating surface on the sleeve to form a quick attachable and releaseable fit between the two parts.

Abstract: The pressure containment device for containing pressurized gas within a Stirling engine is characterized by enclosing a drive mechanism housing with a cylindrical pressure hull having first and second ends whereby a portion of the drive mechanism housing extends through the first end of the pressure hull and the second end thereof, is rigidly connected to the drive mechanism housing. An o-ring is used to seal the connection where the drive mechanism housing extends through the first end of the pressure hull to allow small axial and radial relative motions therebetween. An output shaft extends along the axis of revolution of the pressure hull and is supported by front and rear main bearings and a thrust bearing, all rigidly connected to the drive mechanism housing. A rotating shaft seal, also connected to the drive mechanism housing, prevents pressurized gas from escaping along the output shaft.

Abstract: Adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle of the type comprising two shaft sections connected by an articulated coupling and wherein the improvement consists in providing two casings for respective sections, assembled by flanges, at least one of which is inclined with respect to the normal to the longitudinal axis of the casing.

Abstract: A flexible shaft casing assembly for use in permanent installations wherein the flexible shaft may rotate at high speeds along a tight radius bend or bends in power driven application. The assembly includes a plurality of rigid, curved, tubular casing members which are capable of defining the bends. The casing members are provided with a flared portion at one end which secures a bearing member therein. The casing members are frictionally rotatable 360.degree. within each other by means of the flared portion of one engaging the non-flared portion of an adjacent casing member. Suitable high-temperature epoxy resin renders the bearing members secure in the flared portions of the casing members to provide a permanent installation.

Abstract: A passive vehicle safety belt system having a belt transfer member that is moved between restraining and releasing configurations along a guide rail by a drive device that includes a racked wire comprising a connector for joining the casing for the drive wire to the guide rail having two parts defining an elongated retaining portion that are joined to clamp the casing within a longitudinally disposed socket. A plurality of closely spaced, annular grooves help in holding the casing in the socket. The halves clamp the sleeve in the bore. A clasp portion is joined to the retaining portion and is disposed in the guide rail. Resilient ears are received in holes in the guide rail to lock the retaining portion to the guide rail.

Abstract: A cable carrier providing substantially complete enclosure of a cable or the like is made up of pivoted, partially-overlapping, hollow rectangular links provided with stop means limiting the degree of flexing permitted in either angular sense. Sheet-like joint closures extend between adjacent links and into pockets at each end of each link, and close the openings otherwise formed between adjacent links when they are pivoted out of alignment.

Abstract: In an automotive drive shaft assembly including a joint housing with a flanged, open end, there is provided according to the present invention a closure member for closing the open end, which closure member comprises a covering portion placed on the outer side face of the flange. The periphery of the covering portion is formed with a plurality of arms defining cantilever springs and the free ends of the arms are inturned to define detents engaging the inner side face of the flange. The closure member can be readily installed on the flange with a snap or resilient action to close the open end.