Abstract: A pin has a shank with a spherical lead-in portion at the free end thereof. The spherical lead-in portion has a diameter that is equal to or slightly less than the diameter of a cylindrical portion of the pin. The purpose of the spherical lead-in portion is to allow a greater portion of the pin to enter a matching hole before further alignment of the centerlines of the pin and the hole is required. This makes aligning the centerlines significantly easier and reduces wear on the structure defining the matching hole. A relief portion following the spherical lead-in portion as well as a chamfer following the relief portion aid in the final alignment.

Abstract: A socket assembly including a housing having a bore; an insert member disposed in the bore, the insert member defining a socket; and a cap attached to the housing proximate an inlet of the bore and having an opening to receive a connecting member that extends into the socket.