Abstract: A fixation device includes an outer member, an inner member, and an expansion member. The outer member includes an elongated body portion and a slotted tail portion, and defines a central bore therethrough that extends along a central longitudinal axis. The inner member is disposed within the central bore of the outer member, and the expansion member is coupled to the inner member. Proximal movement of the inner member relative to the outer member moves the expansion member into the slotted tail portion of the outer member such that the slotted tail portion moves from an undistended configuration to a distended configuration.

Abstract: A selectively pivotal hinge including first and second hinge elements pivotally connected together about a pivot point. The inner portion of the first hinge element is formed into a circular dial disk having a plurality of spaced transverse peripheral apertures adjacent its periphery and having a transverse central aperture at the hinge pivot point. A stem is slidably disposed in the central aperture. A biasing element in the form of a coiled spring contacts the first hinge element and the stem to bias the stem toward the disk. The second hinge element has an abutment which projects toward the hinge pivot point and is disposed below the disk. Two radial dial arms are rotatably secured to the stem at one longitudinal point thereon for circumferential rotation on the stem. The arms extend radially outwardly over the disk peripheral apertures.

Abstract: An epicyclic transmission having first and second confronting surface regions and cylindrical rollers for transmitting torque therebetween includes a two-piece retainer for axially and radially positioning the rollers relative to the confronting surface regions. A first retainer piece includes a top and bottom surface interconnected by a plurality of bars shaped and arranged into pairs for rotatably supporting the rollers so that one end face of the rollers contacts and is supported by the bottom surface. A second retainer piece confronts the top surface so as to support an opposite end face of the rollers.

Abstract: An epicyclic speed reducing transmission having cylindrical rollers for transmitting torque between first and second confronting surface regions includes a retainer for radially and axially positioning the rollers relative to the first and second confronting surface regions. The retainer includes first and second rings which contain lobes thereon having holes therein which accommodate a series of roller pins. Each of the roller pins has an enlarged roller body portion which rotatably supports the rollers.

Abstract: A retainer for retaining and controlling a plurality of rollers rollingly engaging and transmitting torque between conjugate epitrochoidal-like and hypotrochoidal-like races has elongated slots formed therein which function to centrifugally load only those rollers located in a relatively stable position and not centrifugally load other rollers located in an inherently unstable position. Hence, smooth operation of the epicyclic speed reducing transmission is achieved.

Abstract: An automatic stability control system is provided which senses the lateral acceleration of a vehicle by way of strain gauge sensors, or the like, to provide lateral acceleration signals to an amplifier. Since strain gauge sensors which operate on the piezoelectric effect provide very weak signals, special amplifier circuits must be employed. The amplified signals control a brake assembly on the vehicle to simultaneously, continuously and gradually apply the right and left brakes with a force proportional to the lateral acceleration signals in order to eliminate swerving or swaying of the vehicle. The amplifier is mounted in the vehicle and includes a sensitivity adjustment for setting a threshold point corresponding to a minimum lateral acceleration force to which the system will respond. Sensor configurations are also used which have strain gauges to sense the regular brake fluid pressure of the vehicle in combination with the lateral force sensing sensors.