Abstract: A cartilage replacement or repair prosthesis comprises a layer of streamlined elastomer elements, preferably in the form of spheres, supported in a matrix material so that the radially opposed surfaces of the spheres are positioned on opposite surfaces of the layer and make contact with the opposed surfaces of the femur and tibia and the forces exerted between these bones extend through the streamlined elements. The matrix material has a substantially lower resistance to deformation than the spheres to control the position of the spheres relative to one another without significantly restraining their load-responsive deformation under forces exerted between the femur and tibia. The layer, with its elastomeric inserts, is sufficiently thin and flexible to allow it to be rolled for arthroscopic insertion into a knee joint.

Abstract: A cartilage replacement or repair prosthesis comprises a layer of streamlined elastomer elements, preferably in the form of spheres, supported in a matrix material so that the radially opposed surfaces of the spheres are positioned on opposite surfaces of the layer and make contact with the opposed surfaces of the femur and tibia and the forces exerted between these bones extend through the streamlined elements. The matrix material has a substantially lower resistance to deformation than the spheres to control the position of the spheres relative to one another without significantly restraining their load-responsive deformation under forces exerted between the femur and tibia. The layer, with its elastomeric inserts, is sufficiently thin and flexible to allow it to be rolled for arthroscopic insertion into a knee joint.

Abstract: A tension-compression spring with high utilization of properties of the material from which the spring is fabricated wherein displacements between conforming and interacting beveled surfaces of rings constituting the spring are accommodated by internal shear in an elastomeric layer or layered (laminated) element residing between the conforming and interacting beveled surfaces of the rings.

Abstract: The instant invention proposes an artificial intervertebral disc providing for angular displacements between adjacent vertebrae wherein these displacements are accommodated by internal shear in an elastomeric layered element residing between the upper and lower bases attached, respectively, to the upper and lower adjacent vertebrae, without sliding.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for a vehicle includes a steering wheel (12) and a vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is mounted to the steering wheel (12) and is actuatable for helping to protect an occupant of the vehicle. At least a portion of the vehicle occupant protection device (14) is movable relative to the steering wheel (12) for actuating an electric device (108) associated with the vehicle when a force is applied to any one of various locations on the vehicle occupant protection device (14). The apparatus (10) also includes a mechanism (104) for substantially blocking tilt of the movable portion of the vehicle occupant protection device (14) relative to the steering wheel (12) during movement for actuating the electric device (108).

Abstract: Universal cardan joint with elastomeric bearings in which the elastomeric bearings are preloaded in compression and comprise laminated segments with reduced resistance to shear deformation or comprise rubber cords providing for reduced torsional stiffness.

Abstract: The instant invention proposes an artificial intervertebral disc providing for angular displacements between adjacent vertebrae wherein these displacements are accommodated by internal shear in an elastomeric layered element residing between the upper and lower bases attached, respectively, to the upper and lower adjacent vertebrae, without sliding.

Abstract: A surface connection between mechanical components having intermediate deformable elements between the connected contact surfaces, shaped as segments of hollow cylinders with straight or curvilinear axes and their cross sections are compressed in the radial direction during assembly of the connection, thus allowing for adjustments of relative positioning of the connected components, for compensating dimensional imperfections, and for enhancement of stiffness and/or damping of the connection.