Abstract: An lever assembly for an adjustable steering column, comprising a bracket assembly extending from the adjustable steering column, the bracket having a first and a second bracket arms, a lever arm having an intermediate portion pivotally coupled between the first and second bracket arms such that opposite ends of the lever arm are movable between a first and a second positions; and a lever pin extending from one of the first and second bracket arms and biased into frictional engagement with the lever arm when one of the ends is in said first position. An adjustment member is provided adjacent the biasing member for adjusting the biasing force of the lever pin against the lever arm.

Abstract: A joint for an articulated mechanism includes a housing and a rotatable member within the housing. There is a friction member mounted on the housing between the housing and the rotatable member. There is a spring normally biasing the friction member against the rotatable member to inhibit the rotation of the rotatable member. There is an actuator within the housing operatively coupled to the housing. The actuator member moves the friction member away from the rotatable member when actuated to facilitate rotation of the rotatable member. A plurality of joints are used to connect together a series of shafts, some of which may be equipped with clamps or other tools for securing workpieces.

Abstract: A seat support for use with a vehicle seat and adapted to engage a floor-mounted track, the track having two inwardly directed lips on opposed sides of a slot. The seat support has a framework to support the seat, and which is provided with a clamping mechanism to engage the lips of the track. The clamping mechanism has two spaced apart plates, with the spaced apart plates having inwardly inclined lower regions. The lower edge of each plate carries an outwardly directed flange. A mechanism is provided to move the lower regions outwardly against an inherent resistance bias provided by the plates from an initial position in which the flanges may be inserted between the lips of the track to an outer clamping position in which the flanges engage the lips of the track. A knife element is mounted between the plates and is adapted to be moved between an upper position and a lower clamping position.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for supporting a steering wheel of a vehicle includes a first steering column part (60) and a second steering column part (20) adjacent the first steering column part. The first steering column part (60) and the vehicle steering wheel (16) are supported for pivotal movement about an axis (46) between a plurality of different orientations relative to the second steering column part (20). A locking mechanism is interposed between the first steering column part (60) and the second steering column part (20) for locking the first steering column part in a selected one of the plurality of orientations. The locking mechanism comprises a fluid (90) having a shear strength which varies in response to an energy field acting on the fluid. The apparatus further comprises magnets (114, 116) for varying the shear strength of the fluid (90) by varying the energy field to vary the resistance to movement of the first steering column part (60) relative to the second steering column part (20).

Abstract: A joint for an articulated mechanism includes a housing and a rotatable member within the housing. There is a friction member mounted on the housing between the housing and the rotatable member. There is a spring normally biasing the friction member against the rotatable member to inhibit the rotation of the rotatable member. There is an actuator within the housing operatively coupled to the housing. The actuator member moves the friction member away from the rotatable member when actuated to facilitate rotation of the rotatable member. A plurality of joints are used to connect together a series of shafts, some of which may be equipped with clamps or other tools for securing workpieces.

Abstract: This invention relates a mounting apparatus, mounted at a predetermined portion, e.g., the head portion of the user, for holding an apparatus at a predetermined position and, more particularly, to a mounting mechanism which allows easy adjustment of the holding position after the apparatus is mounted.

Abstract: Apparatus to provide controlled frictional resistance to cyclic displacement of a member, comprising a base, a friction part frictionally and slidably engagable with base, in response to displacement of member, at least one spring element transmitting force acting to hold part in frictional engagement with the base, one of friction part and base having a friction surface engaged with the other of part and base, and characterized in that the force to overcome friction between the base and part remains substantially constant over a large number of displacement cycles of the member.

Abstract: A locking device for releasably securing an adjustable steering column to a motor-vehicle body. The locking device comprises two locking elements where one of the two locking elements is attached to the steering column and the other is attached the motor-vehicle body. The two locking elements are adjustable in relation to each other between a release position, which allows the steering column to be adjusted, and a locking position, which secures the steering column. One of the two locking elements is designed as an elastically ductile deformation element that can be deformed in the locking position by means of the other locking element with resultant force and/or form locking of the steering column to the motor-vehicle body. Methods are also provided for making and using same.

Abstract: A locking device is provided for a selector with a locking member, having devices for receiving at least one latching element. To actuate the latching element, a latching lever is actuated by outside force. To increase operating safety during the locking of the selector, a support on the latching lever holds the latching element in a first, locked position and another element for pivoting the latching element into a second, unlocked position.

Abstract: A control device for hydrostatic apparatus is disclosed. One embodiment in the control device is optimized for use with a hydrostatic transmission having a casing. The control arm is movably mounted to the casing and frictional structure engages the control arm to resist rotational movement of the control arm. A spring may be used to bias a wedge into frictional relation with the control arm to resist rotation of the control arm. The wedge may also be secured with removable attachments.

Abstract: A motorcycle cruise 60 control includes a throttle 12 attached to a handlebar 15 of a motorcycle 14 that controls the motorcycle's speed and an indexer 100 attached to the throttle. The throttle 12 is turned manually using normal torque to increase the speed of the motorcycle, and the indexer 100 has a cruise position and a neutral position. In the cruise position, the indexer 100 holds the throttle 12 in a selected position yet enables the throttle to be turned manually in a stepwise manner. A manual actuator 82 attached to the indexer 100 is used to switch manually the indexer between the cruise position and the neutral position. The throttle 12 with the indexer 100 in the neutral position is turned using essentially the normal torque, and with the indexer in the cruise position is turned using substantially greater than the normal torque.

Abstract: A cabinet unit comprising a base unit that defines a first work surface and a pivoting table top which defines a second work surface. The pivoting table top has one end mounted to the base unit by a telescoping pivot assembly, and at the opposite end is supported by a telescoping support leg. The pivot assembly and the support leg each have a lockable height adjustment mechanism such that the pivot assembly permits the table top to be horizontally angularly moved between a closed position overlying the first work surface and an open position extending away from the first work surface, while permitting adjustment of the height of the second work surface.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle wherein the steering column may be adjustable in a tilt direction, telescoping direction or both. The steering column includes a first housing, a second housing pivotally coupled to one end of the first housing, and a locking assembly interconnecting the first and second housings. The locking assembly includes a clutch having one end attached to the first housing, and an opposite end in sliding engagement with the second housing. A caliper member is provided on the second housing, and extending through the clutch to selectively fix the clutch in place and thus fix the relative position of the first housing in relation to the second.

Abstract: An antitheft device is provided for locking a motor vehicle steering column against rotation. The steering column includes a gear wheel which is fixed coaxially to the steering column shaft, and a pinion with an axis parallel to the steering column axis. The pinion is mounted for rotation in a moveable pinion support which is displaceable between a disengaged position, in which the pinion is disengaged from the gear wheel, and an engaged position in which the pinion is in mesh with the gear wheel. The steering lock also includes a clutch for preventing rotation of the pinion about its axis on the pinion support below a specific torque.

Abstract: An operator-controlled positioning device having tactile feedback which includes an elongated tubular bullet-shaped housing and a coil spring slidably engaged in said housing. The housing includes a semi-spherical cap enclosing one end. The cap is biased by the coil spring against a scale having a plurality of detents which represents gradients along the scale. The coil spring provides a biasing force such that, during relative movements between the housing and the scale, the end cap disengages each detent as it moves away, and engages each detent as it becomes axially aligned with said housing. The assembly is particularly suited for detent applications in automotive HVAC control panels.

Abstract: An operation-control lever unit for regulating engine power of an engine-powered working machine to control operation of a working tool includes a throttle-lever holding mechanism operative in response to pivotal movement of a lock lever in a locking direction to frictionally hold the throttle lever at a desired position. The throttle-lever holding mechanism includes a stationary cam formed integrally with the head portion of the operator's control handle for the machine, a movable cam on the lock lever and cooperating with the stationary cam to displace the lock lever along a support shaft in a direction away from the stationary cam, and a resilient member disposed behind the movable cam and resiliently urging the movable cam toward the stationary cam.

Abstract: An adjusting device for a push-pull rod (1) such as is used in motor vehicles between the gearshift lever and the tranmission. To achieve continuous length compensation, the invention uses a spring (4) to directly or indirectly effect clamping between the push-pull rod (1) and the housing of the adjusting device or a connector (6).

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a car, comprises a steering shaft provided with a steering wheel at one end thereof, a steering column for supporting the steering shaft to be freely rotatable, an upper support mechanism fixed to the car body side for supporting the steering column, having an operating lever capable of taking a state for allowing the steering column to move in the axial direction and a state for fixing the steering column, so as to selectively take one of these two states and a lower support mechanism fixed to the car body side for supporting the steering column.

Abstract: An outboard motor has a steering lock which retains the rotational orientation of the outboard motor relative to a watercraft. The steering lock allows the motor to be pivoted about a substantially horizontal tilt and trim axis while the steering lock is engaged. The steering lock includes a friction plate which is advantageously straight. The friction plate is connected to the steering arm, and movement of either the steering arm or the friction plate requires movement of the other. At least one friction lock engages with the friction plate to secure the motor in a desired orientation. The friction lock is rigidly affixed to the outboard motor. The friction lock includes one or more disc pads. Movement of an operation lever urges the disc pads against the friction plate hold the friction plate and consequently, the steering arm, in a predetermined position.

Abstract: An anti-backlash nut, movable along a rotatable screw. The nut has internal threads complementary to the threads in the screw. The nut has two nut halves movable as a unit and also rotatable relative to each other on the screw, and are connected to the nut halves to induce their relative rotation on the screw in opposite directions. There is an elastomeric friction mechanism, such as a washer, between the two halves to limit their relative rotational movement. The elastomeric friction mechanism is enclosed between the nut halves to have uniform compression.

Abstract: A high force detent mechanism to selectively hold a control input lever in any selected position between neutral and its maximum travel in either direction. The high force detent mechanism includes a coil assembly connected to a control input lever and disposed in close proximity to a semi-circular member having a serrated edge defined thereon. An armature of the coil assembly has a first portion in driving contact with the serrated edge and a second enlarge portion having a latching surface disposed adjacent one of the first and second end faces of the coil assembly's detent coil. The size of the latching surface is larger than the size of the first portion that is in driving contact with the serrated edge. Consequently, the latching force generated between the latching surface and the one face of the detent coil is multiplied several time to create a detent holding force that is larger than the latching force.

Abstract: An elastomer detent assembly includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a plurality of recesses formed in a surface thereof. The second member is engagable with the plurality of recesses and includes at least one detent finger. A dimension of the at least one detent finger is sized relative to a comparable dimension of the surface such that, upon application of a force, the at least one detent finger will move in finite increments relative to the first member providing a detent mechanism. At least one of the first and second members further includes an elastomer portion and a radially extending flange for limiting axial motion between the members. Embodiments including elastomer bonded to either an inner or an outer member are provided.

Abstract: An antitheft device is provided for locking a motor vehicle steering column against rotation. The steering column includes a gear wheel which is fixed coaxially to the steering column shaft, and a pinion with an axis parallel to the steering column axis. The pinion is mounted for rotation in a moveable pinion support which is displaceable between a disengaged position, in which the pinion is disengaged from the gear wheel, and an engaged position in which the pinion is in mesh with the gear wheel. The steering lock also includes a clutch for preventing rotation of the pinion about its axis on the pinion support below a specific torque.

Abstract: A lever (14) is fixed to a shaft (15) which can be connected to a rotation shaft (19) of a device such as a potentiometer. The shaft (15) is journaled in a pair of support plates (10, 11) which are rigidly connected to one another, and brake discs (23) having brake linings (22) are arranged between the lever (14) and the support plates (10, 11). Cup springs (24) provide a spring force acting transversely to the operational direction of the lever (14), so that frictional forces provided by the brake linings (22) assure a smooth and jolt free operation of the lever (14).

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column including a stationary mast jacket, an adjustable mast jacket supported on the stationary mast jacket for linear translation, and a tilt housing supported on the adjustable mast jacket for up and down pivotal movement. A lock shoe is supported on the tilt housing for pivotal movement between locking and releasing positions to secure and release the tilt housing for vertical adjustment of the steering column. A connecting rod attached to the adjustable mast jacket includes a shank slidably disposed in the middle of a coil torsion spring on the stationary mast jacket. The coil torsion spring grips the shank of the connecting rod to secure the position of the adjustable mast jacket. An actuating lever is pivotable between locking and releasing positions and twists the coil torsion spring to release the connecting rod. A manual release lever pivotally supported on the tilt housing bears directly against the lock shoe and is connected to the actuating lever through a tension member.

Abstract: A mechanism for supporting an auxiliary surface for vertical movement relative to a primary surface includes a pair of link elements having opposite ends pivotally connected to auxiliary and primary surface mounting elements or brackets, a first bias for opposing downwardly directed swinging movement of the link elements relative to the primary surface mounting element, a second bias for opposing pivotal downwardly directed movement of the auxiliary surface mounting element relative to the link elements, and a locking mechanism for releasably constraining swinging movement of the link elements and pivotal movement of the auxiliary surface mounting element. The locking mechanism features a roller and an operator arranged to engage with the roller when moved into a locking position to effect clamping together of the link elements and the auxiliary surface supporting element.

Abstract: An operation lever unit includes an operation handle attached to an operating rod of an engine-powered portable working machine. The operation handle is equipped with a throttle lever for regulating the power of an engine, a lock lever for holding the throttle lever in a desired position, and a secondary throttle adjustment lever for achieving a fine adjustment of the position of the throttle lever. To hold the throttle lever in the desired position, the throttle lever is forced against a portion of the operation handle by the action of a thrust cam mechanism disposed between the throttle lever and the lock lever. For achieving the fine adjustment of the throttle lever position, the secondary throttle adjustment lever is forced by a thumb of the operator to forcibly turn the throttle lever against a frictional force acting between the throttle lever and the handle portion.

Abstract: An adjustable chair arm is used with a chair that has a base, a seat supported by the base, and a back connected with the base. The arm is an elongated member that is connected with the base and has two opposing ends. An arm adjustment device is interposed between the arm and the base and has a drive rod, a frame, a torque member, a brake, and a brake actuator. The frame holds the drive rod in rotating engagement. The torque member is connected between the frame and the drive rod and applies a torsional force to the drive rod. The brake has a locked mode and a released mode and holds the drive rod in preselected rotational positions, relative to the frame. The brake actuator manipulates the brake between the locked and released modes.

Abstract: A locking device for locking an adjustable steering column in an adjusted position including a lateral clamping element having enlarged heads at opposite ends thereof and a piston and a cylinder between the enlarged heads and a rotatable locking rod for locking or unlocking the steering column arranged axially immovable relative to the steering column and compactly in a space that is little used. The piston and cylinder have overlapping bores parallel to the centerline of the steering column. The locking rod, also parallel to the centerline of the steering column, has an oval-shaped portion protruding through the overlapping bores so that when the long axis of the oval-shaped portion is vertical the clamping element is loose and the steering column is vertically and horizontally adjustable and when the long axis of the oval-shaped portion is horizontal the clamping element is tight and the steering column is vertically and horizontally locked.

Abstract: An annular collet (10) is externally fitted to a support rod (4) inserted into a housing (2), and an annular transmission member (14) is arranged around the collet (10) with an annular tapered clearance (C) interposed therebetween. A large number of balls (B) inserted into the annular tapered clearance (C) are pushed up by a pushing spring (17). When pressurized oil is supplied to a hydraulic actuation chamber (25), a clamping piston 24 moves the transmission member (14) downward, so that a tapered internal peripheral surface (15) of the transmission member (14) gets engaged with a tapered external peripheral surface (11) of the collet (10) while rolling the balls (B). Thereby, the collet (10) is diametrically contracted.

Abstract: A variable position detent mechanism for latching a control lever at an infinite number of operating positions includes a semi-circular member connected to a support so that its axis coincides with the pivot of the control lever. A pair of electric detent coils are connected to the lever at a location adjacent the semi-circular member so that when the detent coils are energized they operate co-axially sandwiching the semi-circular member securing the lever with respect to the semi-circular member.

Abstract: An operating device of an opening-closing body is supported on both sides on a single rotating shaft and controls the turning torque of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A cable holding device for accelerator pedals, allowing a driver to easily and conveniently drive a vehicle at a constant speed without continuously putting his foot down on an accelerator pedal, is disclosed. In the device, an accelerator cable connects an accelerator pedal to an engine's injection pump. A rod is provided at an end of the cable for connecting the injection pump and has a plurality of grooves on the outer surface. A cable holding unit selectively holds the rod so as to hold the cable at a previous state, thus allowing the vehicle to run at a constant speed when a pressure force is removed from the pedal. The device also has an actuating unit, which selectively actuates the cable holding unit so as to hold the cable by the cable holding unit.

Abstract: A steering column assembly unit of a motor vehicle steering column adjustable in height and tilt with a steering axle, a steering column housing accommodating the steering axle, and a fastening device for the detachable fixation of the steering column housing at a bracket that is a rigid part of the body. The fastening device has at least one plate assembly fixed at the steering column housing and the steering column housing includes a one-piece component provided with longitudinal holes. A plate assembly is arranged in at least one opening of the steering column housing. The steering column housing may be advantageously manufactured from an extruded aluminum section. A central through hole of the steering column housing accommodates the steering axle, wherein the steering axle is held by at least two bearings pressed in directly.

Abstract: A carriage adapted to be slidably mounted on a track comprises a main body having a pair of retaining elements adapted for lateral movement therein. Each turning element is biased inwardly to allow the carriage to be mounted on and removed from a channel formed in the track. A pivotally mounted knife element is adapted to engage each retaining element thereby moving the retaining element outwardly to a position in which they engage the side edges of the channel formed in the track, thereby securing the carriage to the track.

Abstract: A device for preventing rotation of the steering column body of an automobile vehicle comprising a support member attached to the chassis of the vehicle and a body which is held in position relative to the support member by a locking system. For the adjustment of the steering column concerned in the required direction at least one pair of coupling surfaces is joined to the support member and cooperate with a pair of coupling surfaces joined to the body. The coupling surfaces have a direction substantially parallel to the required adjustment direction and are angularly oriented with respect to major faces of the support member and the body, so that the coupling surfaces cooperate with each other upon locking in order to prevent rotation of the steering column body.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with motor-driven assemblies is described. The motor-driven assembly comprises a motor, a pulley driven by the motor, a driven element and a belt drive connecting the pulley and the driven element. The apparatus comprises a motor base and a pivot base. The motor is arranged on the motor base such that, due to the positioning of its mass, the motor will pivot away from the drive element. However, pivoting in this direction is opposed by the belt drive. Thus, as the belt drive tension reduces, the motor will pivot away from the drive element, thereby tightening the belt. A one-way restraining means connecting the pivot base and the motor base prevents the motor from pivoting back toward the drive element, thereby keeping the belt drive taut and retaining drive design expectations.

Abstract: A push-pull control assembly which is lockable with respect to translational movement includes a rod received with a tube with a control cable attached to the rod and a collet received on an off-centered portion of the rod. The collet includes a raised ridge received within a keyway on the interior channel of the tube whereby the collet does not rotate but is free to translate within the channel. By turning the rod either clockwise or counterclockwise, the collet is wedged against the channel by the off-centered portion of the rod to lock the rod and thus the control cable against further movement. A key may be provided in addition to the collet to modify and limit the available translational movement of the rod.

Abstract: A throttle control device mounted in a position to engage a hand grip on one end of the handlebar, the device including a tubular housing mounted on one end of the handlebar, a bearing sleeve rotatably mounted on the tubular housing, a cap rotatably mounted on the bearing sleeve, a ramp plate mounted on the housing, a number of rods connecting the ramp plate to the housing, and a number of balls mounted on the inside of the cap in alignment with the ramp plate whereby the bearing sleeve is moved into engagement with the hand grip on rotation of the cap.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a steering column which is capable of moving four ways. The steering column has a base support affixed to a horizontal cab floor. The base support has a steering motor. The steering column has an input shaft with a upper telescoping shaft. Attached to the upper telescoping shaft is the steering wheel. Also attached to the upper telescoping shaft is the upper input shaft. The first universal joint connects the upper input shaft to the inner input shaft. Torque is transferred by a key on the exterior circumference of the inner input shaft to a key slot on the interior circumference of the outer input shaft. The outer input shaft is connected to the lower input shaft by the second universal joint. The lower input shaft is connected to the steering motor. Attached to the base support is the lower pivot assembly. The lower pivot assembly rotates about the base support by actuating a lower gas cylinder. The lower pivot assembly can translate by operating the lower locking knob.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotation damper (1) including a plastic housing or storage part (2) carrying therein a rotor part (3). The rotor part (3) is joined to a rotatable shaft which extends through the housing. A damping device (4) is located between the storage part (2) and the rotor part (3). The damping device (4) surrounds the shaft and is made of damping plastic. The rotor part (3) and/or the damping device (4), respectively have at least one interengaging contact part which produces rotation resistance when the shaft is turning.

Abstract: A manually operable control device, such as a joystick, includes a plurality of actuators for operating hydraulic valves of a machine. A handle has a sphere received within a cavity formed between a pair of seat portions which are moveable with respect to each other. The handle produces movement of at least one of the plurality of actuators when the sphere is pivoted within the cavity. An electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic field that causes the seat portions to be attracted toward each other which increases friction between the sphere and the seat. A control circuit applies electric current to the electromagnetic coil whenever the machine is turned on and disconnects the electric current when the machine is turned off. The friction between the sphere and the seat holds the control device in an operating position set by the machine operator and springs return the control device to a neutral position when the machine is turned off.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission is housed in a housing so as to drive axles of a moving vehicle. A speed adjusting means for changing the angle of slant of a movable swash plate of a hydraulic pump portion of a hydrostatic transmission is provided and is held in an optional position by friction members and biasing means disposed inside or outside of the housing.

Abstract: A steering column has a first steering column member movable axially relative to a second steering column member. A member having a plurality of teeth is connected to the first steering column member and movable with the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member. A support connects the steering column to a vehicle frame. A telescope locking member engages the plurality of teeth on the member connected to the first steering column member. The telescope locking member has a first position in which the telescope locking member engages at least one of the plurality of teeth on the member connected to the first steering column member to prevent movement of the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member.

Abstract: A variable position detent mechanism for latching a control lever at an infinite number of operating positions includes a semi-circular member connected to a support so that its axis coincides with the pivot of the control lever. An electric detent coil is connected to the lever at a location adjacent the semi-circular member so that energizing the detent coil magnetically latches the lever to the semi-circular member.

Abstract: A shift lever supporting mechanism for supporting a shift lever in a manual transmission and having a shift lever retainer, the shift lever having an enlarged spherical portion retained in the shift lever retainer through sphere-to-sphere engagement so that the shift lever is pivotally moved for performing the selecting and shifting operations. The shift lever includes a hollow support provided on the enlarged spherical portion of the shift lever and aligned with a rotational axis of the enlarged spherical portion for the shifting operations of the shift lever, at least one spherical member received in the hollow support, a spring received in the hollow support for biasing the spherical member, and at least one cam portion provided on the shift lever retainer and having at least one inclined cam surface. The at least one spherical member is urged to the at least one cam portion by a spring force of the spring.

Abstract: A clamping device for a steering column comprising a pair of brackets, one of which is positioned inside the other, each bracket having a pair of spaced-apart, substantially parallel walls. The walls of the inner bracket lie alongside the walls of the outer bracket.

Abstract: A shaft lock mechanism comprising a shaft, a support member, and a connecting member; the support member comprising a cylindrical part which encloses and elastically grips the shaft, and a base part extending in a radially outward direction from the cylindrical part. The connecting member has one end fixed at the bracket and is provided with a slit through which the base part of the support member is inserted in order for the support member to be supported without rotation during rotation of the shaft. Within the cylindrical part, a clearance is formed extending in the direction of the shaft. The clearance provides an appropriate amount of frictional resistance between the shaft and the cylindrical part.

Abstract: A steering column has a first steering column member movable axially relative to a second steering column member. A member having a plurality of teeth is connected to the first steering column member and movable with the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member. A support connects the steering column to a vehicle frame. A clamping member has a first position in which the clamping member clamps the member connected to the first steering column member to the support to prevent the first steering column member from moving relative to the second steering column member. The clamping member has a second position in which the clamping member permits the first steering column member to move relative to the second steering column member.

Abstract: An infinitely adjustable linear locking assembly for vehicle seats is disclosed which includes a movable elongated element defining a longitudinal axis. First and second roller ball assemblies coaxial with the elongated element are provided, which assemblies have at least two substantially equidistantly spaced apart roller balls surrounding the elongated element. First and second roller ball housings contain the first and second roller ball assemblies, respectively. The housings are coaxial with the elongated element and have internal wedging surfaces for wedging the roller balls between the internal wedging surfaces and the elongated element. A rotatable locking member is provided adjacent to each roller ball assembly, with the locking member being coaxial with the moveable element and rotatable about the elongated element.