Abstract: The invention relates to a windshield wiper blade for a vehicle, particularly an automobile, comprising a scraper blade (1), a body (2) to which said scraper blade (1) is attached, and a spoiler (3) extending from said body and having an aerodynamic profile between a leading edge and a trailing edge, the boundary of the wiper blade between the body (2) and the spoiler (3) being defined by a horizontal surface extending through the leading edge of said profile, characterized in that said spoiler extends horizontally in the downstream direction beyond an optionally abstract portion defined so as to constitute the mirror image, relative to a vertical plane extending through a lower end of the scraper blade (1), of the portion of the body that is located upstream of said same vertical plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid system (50) for cleaning machine (1), which comprises a floor treating brush and/or disc (7) rotatably driven by a motor (4) and exhibiting surrounding ring-shaped rim (8) and conduit for washing liquid and vacuum suction duct for the supply (11) of washing liquid (12) and suction (13) of washing liquid (14), respectively. A disc-shaped bottom part (25) provided with substantially radially extending vacuum suction ducts (24) is located above said rotatable brush and/or disc (7). A bottom cover (51) is connected to said bottom part (25), and nozzles (27) are connected to said vacuum ducts (24) along the periphery of said bottom part (25) and bottom cover (51) in order to suck up dirty washing liquid (14). Said bottom cover (51) and said bottom part (25) can be released from one another in order to reach said substantially radial vacuum suction ducts (24) located between them (25, 51).

Abstract: A carpet washing attachment with a vacuum hose attached to a washing head with a liquid line feeding water/cleaning fluid into washing head is disclosed. Washing head is formed of hollow members and a cover sealed to the top washing head with the vacuum hose attached to the cover. This forms cleaning area which is surrounded by the hollow members. Each of the hollow members has water jet holes located on the inner part of the washing head such that the water exiting the holes is projected inward so that the jets of water come to an apex and intersect at a given distance X from the bottom of the washing head. The angle of the jets and the spacing of members should be chosen such that the distance X is roughly the depth of the carpet pile to be washed.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus includes a body having a suction inlet and an exhaust outlet. A dirt collection vessel and a suction generator are both carried on the body. The suction generator moves an airstream through the suction inlet, the dirt collection vessel and the exhaust outlet. A filter drawer is carried on the body. A filter stop on the body aligns a filter in the filter drawer with an airstream port on the body as the filter drawer is moved from a fully opened toward a fully closed position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises an agitator assembly mounted within an agitator cavity and a hair wrap inhibitor provided on the agitator assembly that is configured to prevent hair and debris from migrating into the agitator bearings and jamming or otherwise damaging the agitator assembly during operation. The hair wrap inhibitor can be a hair blocking rib extending from an end cap of the agitator assembly.

Abstract: A sliding member for a door closer that is operatively connected to the sliding member by a lever arm. The sliding member includes: a body, having two sliding surfaces disposed at opposite lateral surfaces of the body; an adapter member, configured to be connectable to the lever arm; and an insert configured to be inserted into the body to accommodate the adapter member. The insert is retained in the body in an exchangeable manner and has at least one unlatching geometrical device adapted to absorb forces of a held-open device without damage.

Abstract: A clamping-sliding assembly for a single-track-suspension sliding door has a body and a roller mount. The body has a clamping recess transversally formed through the body, a connecting recess longitudinally formed through the body and communicating with the clamping recess, a connecting mount formed on and protruding in the connecting recess with an adjusting hole and an adjusting bolt rotatably connected to the connecting mount in the adjusting hole. The roller mount is movably mounted in the connecting recess, abuts the adjusting bolt and has at least one roller rotatably connected to the roller mount and an abutting face formed in the roller mount and abutting the adjusting bolt to adjust a height of the roller mount relative to the body.

Abstract: A door hinge that has a base attachable to a door frame and having a bushing centered on an axis and an anchor formation projecting radially outward from the bushing for attachment of the bushing to a door frame and a leaf having two hinge knuckles axially flanking the axis and an L-section web connecting the knuckles and itself having a flange attachable to an edge of a door panel. A spring-loaded closer urges the leaf into a closed position. The radial spacing between an outer surface of the bushing and the inner contact edge of the web is so small that a finger cannot engage therein, and, in the closed position with the inner contact edge engaging the anchor formation. The attachment flange is spaced from the anchor formation by a safety spacing so large that a finger cannot be pinched between the flange and the anchor formation.

Abstract: A caster includes a retaining portion, a caster main body, a wheel rotatably retained by the caster main body, a first lock mechanism having a first engaged portion formed on the retaining portion and a first engaging portion to be engaged with the first engaged portion, a second lock mechanism having a second engaged portion formed on an inner peripheral surface of the wheel and a second engaging portion to be engaged with the second engaged portion, an operation lever for operating the first lock mechanism and the second lock mechanism, and an elastic member configured to enable the operation lever to move to a lock position allowing engagement of the first engaging portion with the first engaged portion even when the operation lever is operated in a state in which the second engaged portion and the second engaging portion are not in phase with each other.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first object and a hinge structure. The first object includes a rear plate, and a plurality of positioning posts is located on the rear plate. The hinge structure includes a first connecting member secured to the first object. The first connecting member includes an installation board, and a plurality of installation holes is defined in the installation board, corresponding to the plurality of positioning posts. Each of the plurality of positioning posts is received in each of the plurality of installation holes, so that the installation board directly abuts the rear plate to decrease the thickness of the first object.

Abstract: A detector with a telescopic carrier/guide rod on which at one end a measuring probe is disposed, whereby the carrier/guide rod comprises at least two anti-twist tubes longitudinally movable and lockable in one another, which form an outer tube and an inner tube, whereby the tubes comprise a linear sliding guide as an anti-twist lock relative to one another. The linear sliding guide comprises at least one longitudinal rib extending inside over the entire length of the outer tube and at least one rib guide extending outside over a partial length of the inner tube on the insertion side of tube end with a recess with which the longitudinal rib engages. The rib guide is formed by a guide sleeve, which is divided in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: An article of clothing, such as a dress shirt, blouse, coat, jacket, or medical gown includes a sheet of material forming a body portion. First and second plackets are formed along respective first and second end portions of the sheet of material. First and second magnetic elements are secured inside first and second pockets of the plackets, respectively, such that positions of the one or more second magnetic elements correspond to positions of the one or more first magnetic elements.

Abstract: The present invention describes a horse lead clip assembly for connection between horse tack that comprises an upper clasp section with a hook and bolt closure and a lower quick detachable end that allows for the replacement of a broken clip with a new clip portion when excess stress is placed upon the hook of the clasping section. The assembly further comprises a sleeve that when actuated laterally, allows for the introduction or removal of a new clasp section from the receiving end of the detachable portion.

Abstract: A zipper device for blocking harmful insects: a pair of tapes; a plurality of teeth fixed to the tapes so as to longitudinally face the same; a slide to be inserted into the teeth so as to allow the teeth to be engaged or the engaged teeth to be released; and a blocking unit in which an insertion groove is formed at one end so as to allow one portion of the slide to be inserted, and the blocking unit is placed at one end point of the teeth so as to be fixed to the pair of tapes, wherein if one portion of the slide is inserted into the insertion groove of the blocking unit by moving the slide, the teeth are engaged and a space between the slide and the blocking unit is blocked, thereby preventing foreign material or harmful insects from entering the space between the teeth and between the slide and the blocking unit. Accordingly, the propagation of harmful insects is blocked by preventing the inflow of harmful insects.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a zipper for a reclosable package or bag, wherein the female profile has been crushed at first periodical intervals and the male profile has been cut at second periodic intervals. This provides audible and tactile feedback characteristics to the zipper.

Abstract: A method of connecting a first component having a first hole with a second component having a second hole includes the acts of placing together the two components so that the holes are situated above one another, and fixing the two components on one another. The fixing occurs by pushing a connection element projecting beyond the two components through the two components, the connection element having at least one clamping head which projects beyond a side of the first component facing away from the second component, and clipping a clamping element onto the clamping head, so that the clamping element is supported on a side of the first component facing away from the second component and exercises a clamping force onto the connection element which clamps together the two components.

Abstract: Rack systems are disclosed for coupling accessories to crossbars on top of a vehicle. A coupling device may include a flexible strap member adjustably anchored at one end of a body. The strap member may be connected to the other end of the body and tightened. A mounting assembly may be provided on the top side of the body for connection to a cargo-specific carrier or accessory. A coupling device may also include a flexible fitting member configured to grip a round or rectangular crossbar. A cap member may be configured to be mounted on the fitting member and have one or more ramp surfaces which form a sliding interface with a corresponding surface on the fitting member, thereby providing a closing or tightening effect on the fitting member with respect to the crossbar. Other coupling devices are configured to grip or clamp a t-slot in the crossbar.

Abstract: A method for machining a robot-guided component with a tool which is fastened in an articulated manner to a tool holder is disclosed. The method includes detecting a deflection of the tool with respect to the tool holder from a desired position and changing a pose of a robot that is guiding the robot-guided component on a basis of the detected deflection.

Abstract: Examples of methods for treating a cast iron workpiece are disclosed herein. In one example of the method, a nanocrystallized microstructure at a finish surface of the cast iron workpiece is roller burnished. The roller burnishing reduces roughness of the nanocrystallized microstructure. In another example of the method, a machined, finish surface of the cast iron workpiece is deformed by rubbing the machined, finish surface against a blunt tool to form a nanocrystallized microstructure at the machined, finish surface. The machined, finish surface is cooled simultaneously with the deforming to promote nanocrystallization of the machined, finish surface.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting an oscillation joint to provide increased wear life and a kit for retrofitting an oscillation joint to provide increased wear life are provided. The method and kit include a spacer having a stop face and an axial contact face with the stop face generally smaller than the axial contact face. The spacer is sized and arranged to face a shoulder of the oscillation joint and to also support an inboard thrust bearing having a surface area greater than a surface area of the shoulder.

Abstract: A creamy foam beer dispensing system includes a coupler removably securable with a keg, a transportation tube, and a faucet having a handle coupled with a plunger communicating with the transportation tube. The handle is movable among a closed position, an open position, and a creamy foam position. In the closed position, the handle maintains the plunger squeezed against the transportation tube such that no beer flows from the faucet. In the open position, the handle lifts the plunger substantially, completely off the transportation tube such that beer flows smoothly from the faucet. In the creamy foam position, the handle lifts the plunger off the transportation tube a distance such that an aperture created in the transportation tube produces creamy foam flow from the faucet.

Abstract: A positioning station supports a sand mold half while centering using two sets of moveable arms. A gripping structure having two inwardly facing pads are each mounted for rotation about a common axis on separate axles. The pads remain in a fixed angular relationship to one another throughout rotational movement. Each pad has plural individual compressible fingers and a fixed fulcrum structure pointing inwardly towards the opposite pad and adapted to grip a sand mold half by engaging the surface of the sand mold half. The gripping structure is lifted away from the platform sufficient to allow a second sand mold half to be placed on the platform and then the gripping structure is lowered to accurately mate the two mold halves.

Abstract: Gradient index (GRIN) lens chips for optical connections, and related methods of creating GRIN lens chips are disclosed. Each GRIN lens chip may include at least one GRIN lens and a GRIN lens holder for aligning the GRIN lens in an optical connection. When creating a GRIN lens chip, a shaped substrate may be provided including a GRIN lens holder and at least one GRIN groove for securing and aligning the GRIN lens relative to the GRIN lens holder. The GRIN lens may be part of a GRIN lens rod. By freeing the GRIN lens holder from the shaped substrate, the GRIN lens holder may include a fiber mating surface and a terminal mating surface. The fiber mating surface and the terminal mating surface may be used to align the GRIN lens holder in the optical connection.

Abstract: A transmission mount type of side assembling includes a cylindrical insulator; a core having a plurality of longitudinal holes and inserted in the insulator; a side stopper having a support connected to one end of the core in contact with the inner side of the insulator and a protrusion protruding outside the insulator from the support; a cylindrical case accommodating the core, the side stopper, and the insulator; and a plurality of bolts that is longer than the case and inserted through holes in the core and the side stopper from a side to protrude outside the case, such that it can simplify the assembly process of fastening a transmission to a car body and reduce the manufacturing cost, without changing the existing manufacturing line, and ensure safety in assembly.

Abstract: A tubular threaded connection for coupling drill pipe segments to form a drill string is provided. Each of the segments has a tubular pipe body having a wall thickness of >0.5 inches (1.27 cm). The threaded connection comprises a pin end with an external thread, and a box end with an internal thread for threadable engagement with the external thread of the pin end. The pin shoulder extends between a pin base diameter and an outer pin bevel diameter; the box shoulder extends between a box base diameter and an outer box bevel diameter. The outer pin and box bevel diameters are between 7.75-8.688 inches (19.05-21.59 cm). The pin and box shoulders define a contact area such that, when the pin and box ends are threaded together with a make-up torque of >75,000 ft-lbs (1,079.36 kg-m), a load capacity of >2.0 million lbs (908,000 kg) is provided.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter hub defining an interior cavity and a catheter tube extending distally thereof. A rigid actuator is positioned to extend proximally in the interior cavity and support a seal member positioned thereon in the interior cavity. The seal member includes a central membrane, a distal portion, and a proximal portion. An hourglass shaped actuator cavity is formed in the distal portion and receives a barbed end of the actuator. The outer surface of the seal member is in partial circumferential engagement with the catheter hub to define an air path that allows fluid communication between areas of the interior cavity distal and proximal of the seal member. The seal member may be configured for multi-use and include a biasing member that moves the seal member to force the membrane back over the actuator to close the membrane.

Abstract: A crimping tool includes a housing portion defining a funnel segment and a suture locking mechanism positioned to lock sutures therein. One or more sutures can be coupled with a prosthesis and secured to the suture locking mechanism. The suture locking mechanism can be operated to draw the prosthesis through the funnel segment.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, in particular an intraluminal endoprosthesis, including a tubular base body and at least one function element, the at least one function element also being tubular and being arranged on the base body in such a way that the at least one function element surrounds the base body at least partially and in at least partial areas, so that it is aligned concentrically with the base body.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods provide for a zero-moment fitting for securing a fluid conduit to a structure. According to various embodiments, a fitting may include a spherical bearing and a bearing housing. The spherical bearing may include a conduit aperture for receiving a fluid conduit through the spherical bearing. The bearing housing may be configured to encompass and retain the spherical bearing within the bearing housing, allowing for rotation of the spherical bearing within the bearing housing. The bearing housing may be fixedly attached to the structure to secure the fitting to the structure.

Abstract: A lock nut assembly 10, 10? has a first component 12 provided with a threaded axial through hole 19; and a second component 14 provided with an axial hole 31. The first and second components 12, 14 are detachably coupled together and arranged so that both components are simultaneously engagable with a common tool to effect application of the assembly 10, 10? onto a threaded member 22 by operation of the tool to impart torque to the assembly 10, 10? in a first direction. The first component 12 initially engages the threaded member 22 with the second component 14 following. The first component 12 provides fastening to the threaded member 22 and is torqued as required. The second component 14 acts to lock the first component 12 onto the threaded member 22.

Abstract: A unitized component assembly includes an component having an aperture, and a plurality of discrete projections extending into the aperture and spaced apart from one another about the perimeter of the aperture, and a fastener having a head and a shank extending from the head. The shank includes a necked portion and a threaded portion adjacent the necked portion. The shank is positioned in the aperture such that the necked portion is in facing relationship with the projections. The threaded portion is engageable with the projections to provide an axial stop for limiting movement of the fastener relative to the component.

Abstract: The present invention concerns fastening devices. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a fastening device suitable for fastening two or more separate items together. The invention provides a fastening device comprising: a first fixing element 12 and a second fixing element 14. The first fixing element 12 comprises a locking member 16 and the second fixing element comprises an elongate member 18. The locking member 16 is configured to allow passage of the elongate member 18 through the first fixing element 12 in a first direction and resist passage of the elongate member 18 through the first fixing element 12 in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A ladder cage comprises a plurality of spaced rings, having fasteners attached thereto. A plurality of vertical braces are each attached to respective ones of the fasteners, the vertical braces each having a mounting hole proximate each end, and extending between two of the plurality of rings. Each of the fasteners comprises a mounting pin having a slot therein, and a drop pin slidably mounted to that fastener for sliding in and out of its slot. An associated vertical brace is fastened to a ring by each fastener, as the fastener's mounting pin is received in the mounting hole of the associated vertical brace, and the drop pin of the fastener is received in the slot of said mounting pin, such that the drop-pin makes an angle of between about 30° and 60° to the vertical.

Abstract: A method for producing a detachable portable plastic pipe assembly comprises a molded coupling fused to pipes with a gasket inserted in between the pipes to form a seal. A spline is inserted into an aperture formed by the molded coupling to create a lock. The spline is mechanically attached or fused to the coupling. The assembly is attached to a water source for water transport. The gasket for forming a seal comprises an inside lip, an outside lip, and a nipple. The inside lip is composed of a softer material than the outside lip, and extends slightly beyond the length of the outside lip.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a stator core module, stator core assembly and process for assembling a stator core assembly to replace existing stator cores in electric power generators. First and second stator core modules are aligned such that one end of a fastener assembly in the second stator core module is nested in a counter-bore of the first stator core module and one end of a fastener assembly in the first stator core is nested in a counter-bore of the second stator core module.

Abstract: A set of antenna geometries for use in integrated arrays at terahertz frequencies are described. Two fabrication techniques to construct such antennas are presented. The first technique uses an advanced laser micro-fabrication, allowing fabricating advanced 3D geometries. The second technique uses photolithographic processes, allowing the fabrication of arrays on a single wafer in parallel.

Abstract: An assembly stand that is suitable for putting railcar body units together to form a railcar body of a railway vehicle, includes an inner unit having a longitudinal beam which is present in the interior of the railcar body while the railcar body is being put together, extends along the longitudinal axis of the railcar body, and can be positioned in the interior of the railcar body.

Abstract: A crimping die includes a first die for constraining the wire crimping portion by a concave die surface shaped in conformity with the wire crimping portion, and a second die including a convex die surface paired with the concave die surface. A width of a recess on the concave die surface and that of a projection on the convex die surface are equal to an outer diameter of the wire crimping portion. The wire crimping portion is pressed by the concave die surface of the first die and the convex die surface of the second die, whereby the wire crimping portion and the wire inserted into the cylindrical interior of the wire crimping portion are crimped and fixed.

Abstract: A release liner for electrode pads is described which enables the pads to be used with defibrillators requiring the electrodes to be electrically interconnected for self-test prior to use, and with defibrillators which do not require the electrodes to be electrically interconnected. In one example this variation is afforded by folding the release liner one way to electrically connect conductive layers underlying two attached electrodes. In another example this variation is afforded by leaving the conductive layers electrically connected or breaking the connection.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a MEMS device is disclosed. A metal layer is provided over a first surface of a substrate including over an opening. The metal layer is patterned to define a membrane segment and a pad, with the membrane segment extending at least partially across the opening. An integrated circuit chip is attached over the opening to the membrane segment and pad, with the integrated circuit separated from an extending portion of the membrane segment by a gap. The integrated circuit chip includes a conductive member so that deflection of the extending portion relative to the conductive member can be measured as a change in capacitance.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a method for producing an electrical bushing for an implantable medical device. The method includes generating an insulation element green compact for an insulation element from an insulating composition of materials. The insulation element green compact is partially sintered. At least one cermet-containing conduction element green compact for a conduction element is formed. The at least one conduction element green compact is introduced into the insulation element green compact. The insulation element green compact and the at least one conduction element green compact are fired to obtain an insulation element with at least one conduction element.

Abstract: A method is provided for electrically conductively connecting a contact part on the basis of copper to an electrical conductor composed of a plurality of individual wires containing aluminum. A cup-shaped contact part which has a bottom and a cylindrical sleeve, which is integrally connected to the bottom and protrudes from the bottom, is pushed with tight contact of the sleeve against the conductor to such an extent until the end face of the conductor rests against the bottom of the contact part. Consequently, at least one rotating tool (6) is applied with sustained pressure, until due to increased temperature of the conductor, the conductor is softened to such an extent that it integrally connects with the contact part. The wall of the contact part is not broken through by the tool. Finally, the tool is removed from the contact part.

Abstract: In a method for connecting an electrical conductor to an electrical contact part, wherein the contact part has deformable legs the legs are deformed by means of a bending die in such a way that the legs press the conductor with the contact part in a force-locked manner, wherein the contact part is acted upon in so that at least the legs are materially connected to each other. A device includes a bending die for connecting an electrical conductor to an electrical contact part, wherein the contact part has deformable legs and the bending die is designed to deform the legs in such a way that the legs press the conductor with the contact part in a force-locked manner, and wherein the device also includes a laser welding device designed to act on the contact part so that at least the legs are materially connected to each other.

Abstract: A method for making a splice between optical fibres in a joint device suitable for housing the joint between a first electrical cable includes a first optical fibre and a second electrical cable including a second optical fibre. The joint device includes a sleeve having a cylindrical portion. The method includes (i) splicing the first optical fibre and the second optical fibre so as to form the splice and (ii) winding at least a portion of the excess length of the first optical fibre and at least a portion of the excess length of the second optical fibre around the cylindrical portion of the sleeve in a helix substantially coaxial with the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A connector apparatus position assurance device ensures that a male connector assembly and a female connector assembly of an in-line sealed electrical connector apparatus of the present invention remain engaged. The connector apparatus position assurance device has contiguous parts that engage various parts of a retention clip of the male connector assembly at different levels of insertion of the connector apparatus position assurance device into the male connector assembly. The insertion of the connector apparatus position assurance device is also accomplished at various stages (i.e., from pre-lock position to final lock position) depending on the insertion level of the female connector assembly into the male connector assembly. Consequently, the effect of the level of insertion of the female connector assembly ensures that the male and female connector assemblies remain engaged.

Abstract: A heat dissipation device includes a heat dissipation element and a ceramic main body. The heat dissipation element includes a heat transfer section and a heat dissipation section located on one side of the heat transfer section; and the ceramic main body is directly connected to another side of the heat transfer section opposite to the heat dissipation section by way of welding or a direct bonding copper process, so as to overcome the problem of crack at an interface between the heat dissipation device and a heat source due to thermal fatigue. A method of manufacturing the above-described heat dissipation device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Device for expanding tubes inserted in a finned pack of a heat exchanger including support means of the finned pack, a tool for enlarging the ends of each one of the tubes, a mandrel for the radial expansion of each one of the tubes. The device also includes axial abutment means for both enlarged ends of each one of the tubes in the contraction direction of each one of the tubes during the radial expansion operation. A method for expanding tubes carried out with such a device is also proposed.

Abstract: A rim (5) for a bicycle wheel having a body (20) with a substantially annular extension with a radially outer portion (22) shaped for coupling with a tire is disclosed. The radially outer portion (22) has a hole (39) for an inflation valve. The radially outer portion (22) also includes, at the hole (39) and/or in an area proximal to the hole (39), at least one cross section having a different shape from that at an area distal from the hole, so as to form at least one second surface discontinuity (35) along the annular extension of the radially outer portion (22). The second discontinuity (35) makes it easier to assemble to wheel and allows an optimal coupling to be made between the rim (5), inflation valve, and tire, in the case of a tubeless wheel, and between rim (5), air chamber and tire, in the case of a wheel with an air chamber.

Abstract: Endodontic instruments for use in performing root canal therapy on a tooth are disclosed. In one form, the instruments include an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank comprises a titanium alloy, and the shank is prepared by heat-treating the shank at a temperature above 25° C. in an atmosphere consisting essentially of a gas unreactive with the shank. In another form, the endodontic instruments have an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank consists essentially of a titanium alloy selected from alpha-titanium alloys, beta-titanium alloys, and alpha-beta-titanium alloys. The instruments solve the problems encountered when cleaning and enlarging a curved root canal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for extending the length of a vehicle without the need to rebalance the original drive assembly. The method includes disconnecting the front drive shaft segment from the vehicle transmission, extending the length of the vehicle frame, and inserting a drive shaft extension segment which includes: a rigid tubular shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis; a universal joint mounted at the tubular shaft front end and having a front flange configured for mounting to the transmission; and a bearing assembly mounted to the tubular shaft. The extension segment rear end includes a rearward facing flange configured for mounting to a forward facing flange of the front drive shaft segment that was disconnected from the vehicle transmission. The extension segment is installed in the vehicle between the vehicle transmission and the front drive shaft segment without the need to rebalance the original drive assembly.