Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial hip joint replacement system. The system includes an acetabulum portion having a cup suitable to be received by a subject's acetabular bone. The cup includes a rigid portion and an elastic portion attached to the rigid portion. Also included in the system is a ball received within the cup and in contact with the elastic portion and a femoral stem attached to the ball. The elastic portion is positioned to cause expansion and allow contraction of a space between the ball and the rigid portion of the cup so they are further apart from one another during periods of low mechanical loads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial hip joint replacement system. The system includes an acetabulum portion comprising a cup suitable to be received by a subject's acetabular bone. The cup includes a rigid portion and an elastic portion attached to the rigid portion. Also included in the system is a ball received within the cup and in contact with the elastic portion and a femoral stem attached to the ball. The elastic portion is positioned to cause expansion and contraction of a space between the ball and the rigid portion of the cup so they are further apart from one another during periods of low mechanical loads.

Abstract: A microbearing device includes at least one inner bearing structure, at least one outer bearing structure, and one or more fasteners. Each of the one or more fasteners is connected between the inner bearing structure and the outer bearing structure and the inner bearing structure is substantially elastic.

Abstract: A microbearing device includes at least one inner bearing structure, at least one outer bearing structure, and one or more fasteners. Each of the one or more fasteners is connected between the inner bearing structure and the outer bearing structure and the inner bearing structure is substantially elastic.

Abstract: A hydraulic chain tensioner has a fluid leakage passageway along the outside of the piston surface that has a variable cross-section. The tensioner has a tapered or stepped geometry in either the bore of the tensioner or in the piston or both the bore and the piston. Due to the unique geometry, friction is reduced, flow leakage is controlled, and the wear of the tensioner is improved.

Abstract: A planetary friction roller drive (30, 66, 84, 26) adapted particularly for use in driving automotive accessories such as an alternator wherein provision is made for delivering engine torque to the ring roller element (26) of the planetary friction drive and for connecting drivably the sun roller element (30) of the friction drive to a driven accessory such as an alternator and wherein a torque flow path characterized by two speed ratios is effected by a compound planetary carrier assembly (50) as a preload at the friction drive contact locations between the planetary rollers (66, 84) and the ring roller element (30) and between the planetary rollers (66, 84) and the sun roller element (30) of the planetary assembly is established by a preload spring (134) actng in a tangential direction, the reaction torque for the planetary friction drive being established by a selectively engageable brake (136) acting on the sun roller element (30) thus effecting a ratio transition from unity.