Abstract: A ball joint has a composite compression spring for preloading the ball joint and automatic wear take-up. The composite compression spring comprises an elastomeric element which has a peripheral skirt which seals the juncture between the housing and cover and a thin plastic stabilizer disc bonded to the elastomeric element which controls migration of the elastomeric element under compressive loads.

Abstract: An angular contact roller bearing has a sheet metal separator guiding rollers revolving on inclined axes in an orbital movement around the longitudinal axis of the bearing. The sheet metal separator is made from a ladder shaped strip of sheet metal with the cross bars in an angular orientation which is rolled to an annular form with axially spaced cylindrical end rings of equal diameter. The cross bars may be configured to provide roller retainment in either or both radial directions as exemplified by the three embodiments disclosed. In one embodiment one of the cylindrical end rings cooperates with one bearing race to provide a unit handled subassembly with retained rollers. As disclosed in the specification, the cylindrical end rings may also be used to center the separator from one of the races if such a feature is desired.

Abstract: An electrical connector has a deflectable plate-like butt contact terminal portion carried at one end of a resiliently twistable, generally U-shaped channel which has its other end connected by a web to the mounting portion of the connector. The mounting portion of the connector is generally U-shaped and adapted to be mounted in a hole extending through a support panel. The butt contact terminal portion and channel may have a frontal area which is no greater than that of the mounting portion thereby reducing space requirements. The connector may conveniently be made by bending a sheet metal stamping.

Abstract: A tube feeder has a longitudinal support equipped with two rows of wheels which support various diameter tubes and a loader for delivering tubes one at a time to the wheels. The loader comprises transverse tracks mounted on the longitudinal support and cooperating lifter blades associated with an inclined storage rack. The height of the longitudinal support is adjustable to locate the centerlines of various diameter tubes on the same fixed centerline. As the height of the longitudinal support is adjusted for a particular diameter tube, the loader is automatically adjusted to handle tubes of the same diameter.