Abstract: Double nut is capable of adjustment in a ball screw unit so as to regulate tension between the nut and the ball screw with their ball bearings such as to avoid or repair backlash in or maintain precision with the unit. The adjustment may be made without removal of the ball screw unit from a machine in which it operates or automatically. The double nut can be employed with or in methods of making, repair or adjustment of, and manufacturing with the ball screw unit with such a nut. A wiping contrivance for a ball screw nut or unit can be a member in annular form, and made and used in aspects analogous to those of the double nut. A depending foot, ball bearing return may be employed in a ball screw nut or unit in aspects analogous to those of the double nut.

Abstract: A belt type variable speed-change mechanism transmitting a rotational power from a driving shaft to a driven shaft in a continuously variable manner and a constant-speed power-transmitting mechanism transmitting a rotational power at a constant-speed from the driving shaft to a constant-speed driven-side rotational body supported by the driven shaft in a relatively rotatable manner with respect thereto are accommodated in a casing. A planetary gear mechanism including a first element receiving a variable-speed rotational power through the driven shaft, a second element receiving a constant-speed rotational power through the constant-speed driven-side rotational body and a third element outputting a combined rotational power is supported by the driven shaft in the casing.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission comprising a multi-ratio gearbox having a gearbox input shaft and a gearbox output shaft, the gearbox being operable to provide a driving connection between the gearbox input shaft and the gearbox output shaft at a selected one of a plurality of gear ratios, a torque converter having a torque converter input for connection to an engine, and a torque converter output driveably connected to the torque converter input by fluid coupling within the torque converter, a first driving connection between the torque converter output and the gearbox input shaft, a second driving connection between the torque converter input and the gearbox input shaft, and a selection means to select one of the first driving connection and the second driving connection.

Abstract: A method of making a bevel gear system. The method may include selecting a member of the first set of side gears and a member of the second set of side gears corresponding to a desired gear ratio. The selected first side gear may have a different number of teeth than a selected second side gear.

Abstract: Gear-shaped resin sheets Sa are laminated such that tooth portions 2b are aligned in an axial direction, thereby preparing a spur gear-shaped net-shape body 4. Tooth portions of the resin gear formed in a lower die 12 are pressed in a helical tooth-shaped molding space to deform the tooth portions 4a of the net-shape body 4 into a helical tooth tilted relative to the axial direction, and the direction of reinforcement fibers at the tooth portions 2b of the molded resin gear 1 is tilted relative to the axial direction.

Abstract: A planet pin for use in a planetary gear system and a gear system including a planet pin are disclosed. The inventive planet pin provides a plurality of radial passages in fluid communication with an axial passage which can advantageously eliminate, or substantially reduce, the need to orient a planet pin in a planetary gear system.

Abstract: A movable board with movable contact points is arranged inside a switch case formed by overlap of a substrate with fixed contact points and a lid body. A top end surface of the substrate has a concave streak portion and a ring groove for accommodating a seal ring, wherein a projecting streak portion provided on a lower surface of a flange portion in the lid body is fitted in the concave streak portion for welding. A seal bearing mounted to shaft holes provided on an opposing portion between the substrate and the lid body comprises a cylindrical body portion fitted in at least one of the shaft holes, and a lip-shaped seal portion extending to a side of a rotary surface of a shaft portion from an inner peripheral surface of the body portion to make flexible contact with the rotary surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which comprises a gear change fork (1), a hydraulic cylinder including a stationary cylindrical spindle (2) with a stationary transverse wall (3) projecting from said spindle (2) and a piston that is translatably movable by sliding over said transverse stationary wall (3). The piston consists of a piston body (4) closed by a radial closing part referred to as a “plug” (5) so as to define two inner chambers (6, 7) of the cylinder, which are situated on either side of said stationary transverse wall (3), respectively. Means for pressurizing both of the two cylinder chambers (6, 7) are provided for moving the movable piston (4, 5) in one direction or another. In the device according to the invention, the piston body (4) is directly built into the gear shift fork (1) whereby, as a result of the pressure in a cylinder chamber (6, 7), it is the fork (1) that moves translatably.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and a control system are described for controlling the shifting of a vehicle, at least in part, according to its pitch. The method includes using a pitch-detection mechanism to determine one or more indicators of the pitch of the vehicle. The method includes receiving, at one or more computing devices, a signal associated with the pitch indicators and determining a pitch value for shifting. The method further includes determining, by the one or more computing devices, a shift procedure based upon, at least in part, the determined pitch value and implementing the shift procedure to effect a shift operation for the vehicle.

Abstract: A frictional engagement element (32) that disconnects power between an engine (1) and a drive wheel (7) in a vehicle, and a control unit (11, 12) that controls a transmission ratio of a continuously variable transmission (4) and the frictional engagement element (32), are provided. When the transmission ratio is not a maximum transmission ratio at a vehicle stop when a vehicle speed is 0, the control unit (11, 12) operates the transmission ratio to the maximum transmission ratio while controlling the frictional engagement element (32) into a slip state. Further, at this time, when a road is an upward slope, the control unit (11, 12) sets an engagement pressure of the frictional engagement element (32) and an engine torque according to the road slope, prevents slide-down of the vehicle.

Abstract: A connecting device of a vehicle drive-train, located outside a variable-speed transmission, for rotationally coupling a shaft to a drive-train element. A sliding sleeve is rotationally fixed on the shaft but slides axially between first and second positions. In the first position, the shaft is rotationally disengaged from the drive-train element and, in the second position, they are rotationally coupled. An actuator displaces the sliding sleeve between the first and second positions, with a shift groove along a peripheral contour of the sliding sleeve and engagement members for engaging in the groove. The sliding sleeve can rotate and move axially relative to the engagement members and the groove is shaped as a curved guiding such that, when the engagement members engage in the groove and the sliding sleeve rotates relative to the engagement member, the sliding sleeve moves axially between the first and second positions by virtue of the groove.

Abstract: A powershift transmission with a dual-clutch main transmission and a downstream planetary gearset transmission. The main transmission has first and second partial transmissions. Each partial transmission has an input shaft, an interlocking shifting element, an independent frictional powershift clutch, and a common output shaft. The downstream transmission has an input shaft which can be connected, via a third interlocking shifting element, to the common output shaft which is fixedly connected to a first planetary gearset element. The downstream transmission has an output shaft, which is connected to a second planetary gearset element. A third planetary gearset element can be coupled to a housing by a fourth interlocking shifting element or to the output shaft of the downstream transmission by a fifth interlocking shifting element. The common output shaft can be coupled by a sixth interlocking shifting element to the third planetary gearset element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston ring (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) for pistons of internal combustion engines, having a ring running surface (14), a ring back (11), an upper ring flank (12), a lower ring flank (13), and two ring joint ends spaced apart by a gap (15). According to the invention, at least one opening (17, 121, 217, 223, 325, 407) is provided in the ring running surface (14), which opening forms a fluid connection between the ring running surface (14) and the ring back (11) or a ring flank (12, 13).

Abstract: A seal assembly, adapted to seal a joint having a first member pivotable about a rotational axis relative to a second member thereof, includes first and second annular seal rings and first and second annular load rings. The first and second seal rings each has a loading surface, extending axially, and a sealing face, extending radially to an outer perimeter. Each sealing face has a sealing band disposed adjacent the outer perimeter. The first and second seal rings abut one another such that the sealing bands of the first and second seal rings are in contacting relationship with each other. The first and second load rings engage the loading surface of the first and second seal rings, respectively. Each sealing band is brush polished such that it has a surface roughness average of about 0.08 micrometers Ra or less.

Abstract: A shaft seal includes first and second rings, each formed from first and second discrete arc segments, mounted on a shaft. The first ring includes a central opening and a flange projecting axially away from a first axial surface of the first ring around the central opening, and the flange has a radially outer surface. The second ring has a radial inner face defining a central opening that includes a first portion extending from a first axial face of the second ring and a second portion extending from a second axial face of the second ring, and the second ring is mounted to the first ring with the second portion in contact with the radially outer surface of the flange. A plurality of fasteners extend from the second ring into an axial surface of the first ring or from the first ring into an axial face of the second ring.

Abstract: A first valve member has an axis and a first seat surface with a tapered contour facing axially downstream. A second valve member has a second seat surface with a tapered contour facing axially upstream. The second valve member has a closed position in which the second seat surface abuts the first seat surface, and has an open position in which the second seat surface is spaced axially downstream from the first seat surface. The second valve member further has a terminal end portion configured as a nose cone. The nose cone may be located entirely downstream of the second seat surface, and may have a cavity with a drain opening.

Abstract: A constant volume combustion chamber, combustor, and method for constant volume combustion involve combusting a fuel in a chamber sealed by a pintle having a conical portion fitted into a conical nozzle throat and pulling the pintle away from the nozzle throat to allow combustion products to exhaust through a nozzle outlet. The shapes and surfaces of the pintle and nozzle throat provide for sealing the chamber at high pressures while resisting surface wear. Operational parameters for the combustor may be computer controlled in response to measured pressures and temperatures in the combustor.

Abstract: A control valve includes particle and moisture accumulation inhibiting features. The control valve includes a piston that provides for pressure communication to a back cavity through a tortuous path that settles out particle matter carried within the airflow. Moreover, the piston includes drainage openings that direct moisture out of piston and away from the sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A valve core assembly and a valve adopting the valve core assembly. The valve core assembly comprises a valve core (4) and a transmission member (7) having a common axis, and a sliding ejector pin (6) arranged along an axis perpendicular to the common axis. The valve core assembly is disposed inside a valve body (1) and is rotatable about the common axis upon engaging with the valve body (1). The valve core (4) has one concave portion, and the transmission member (7) is at least partially placed inside the concave portion.

Abstract: A rotary distribution apparatus includes a stationary, cylindrical inner core (27), and a rotatable, cylindrical outer shell (25) disposed about the inner core with the inner core (27) and the outer shell defining a plurality of annular fluid distribution chambers therebetween. The apparatus furthermore includes a rotatable indexing disc (23) having a plurality of flow passages provided therethrough, connection ports of which are in flow communication with ports in the outer shell (25), and a stationary indexing disc (22) having a plurality of flow passages provided therethrough, connection ports of which are in flow communication with suitable process vessels. The rotary distribution apparatus includes a driving arrangement that comprises a stationary shaft (28) to which the stationary core (27) is secured and a rotatable sleeve (24) rotatable about the stationary shaft (28), the rotatable sleeve (24) driving the rotatable outer shell (25) and the rotatable indexing disc (23).

Abstract: A three-port valve that can be more accurately controlled using a simple structure. The three-port valve is provided with the following: a first elastic tube in which a liquid circulates; a first port which is a provision and discharge opening in the first elastic tube; a second elastic tube in which a liquid circulates; a second port which is a provision and discharge opening in the second elastic tube; a third port that links the first port and the second port; first circulation control means for deforming the first elastic tube so as to control the circulation of the liquid circulating in the first elastic tube; second circulation control means for deforming the second elastic tube so as to control the circulation of the liquid circulating in the second elastic tube; and an oscillator for driving the first circulation control means and the second circulation control means.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a pressurized fluid in a piping network, and method for making the same. In accordance with some embodiments, a substantially cylindrical body has an annular wall surrounding a central axis with opposing first and second ends and at least one pass-through aperture extending through a medial portion of the wall. An annular valve seat is nested within a first end of the body. A moveable piston is aligned within the body along the central axis, the piston having a sealing surface adapted to contactingly engage an inner annular surface of the valve seat to establish a fluidic seal. The body, valve seat and piston form a valve insert for a valve housing.

Abstract: A valve includes a housing with a flow passage and a hole extending into the housing; a post with a base and a hole extending into the base, the post connected to the housing; and a dowel pin which sits in the hole of the housing and extends into the hole in the post.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a valve housing defining an opening through which fluid can be provided to the inflatable device, a flexible diaphragm assembly that is configured to self-seal the opening with sufficient fluid pressure in the inflatable device and to open under sufficient fluid pressure from a fluid moving device, to provide fluid through the opening to and seal the inflatable device. The assembly further comprises an electromechanical device including an actuating arm, having a first position in which the actuating arm urges open the self-sealing valve and a second position in which the actuating arm does not act upon the self-sealing valve, so as to regulate an amount of fluid within the inflatable device. With this arrangement, a small, low power, low duty cycle electromechanical device can be used.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve is provided including a flapper pivotally mounted to a housing. The flapper is movable between a first position and a second position. A protrusion extends from a first surface of the flapper. A biasing mechanism is positioned near a first end of the flapper. The biasing mechanism is configured to apply a biasing force to the first surface of the flapper. A non-rotatable pin is arranged generally parallel to the first end of the flapper. A drag link is configured to pivot about the non-rotatable pin. The drag link includes a retaining feature and is substantially aligned with the protrusion on the flapper. When the flapper rotates to the second position, the retaining feature is configured to engage the protrusion to retain the flapper in the second position.

Abstract: A valve member having a valve part and a piston part is accommodated in a piston accommodation cylinder part of a case reciprocatably, and a damper chamber that is substantially a sealed space is formed in an anti-valve seat side in the valve member so that fluid flows without flowing via the damper chamber. Accordingly, since the fluid does not pass through the damper chamber, a fluid force that occurs in the piston part due to a fluid flow does not change easily, thus it becomes difficult to increase hunting at the valve members. Moreover, in a vibrational component in the valve member reciprocating direction of the valve members, amplitude of the vibration can be decreased by a damping force generated in the damper chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a valve including a housing fitted with a valve coupling port being in flow communication with a gas inlet valve component and an independent gas discharge valve component. The gas inlet valve component includes a normally closed valve inlet port and an outlet barrier configured for spontaneous opening to thereby facilitate only ingress of ambient gas into the housing upon pressure drop at the valve coupling port The gas discharge valve component including a valve discharge port and a displaceable float member to thereby facilitate spontaneous egress of substantially only gas from the housing and remain closed upon presence of liquid within the housing.

Abstract: An air release valve which includes a housing, an inlet, an outlet, a valve seat, a buoyant closure member and a variable throttle arrangement is provided. The housing defines a chamber and the buoyant closure member is positioned in the chamber and is displaceable between a lower position in which it is clear of the valve seat and permits the flow of fluid through the chamber and an upper position in which it seats sealingly against the valve seat to interrupt the flow of fluid through the chamber, the closure member being displaced, in use, from its lower position to its raised position by the buoyant forces acting thereon as a result of the entry of liquid into the chamber through the inlet. The throttle arrangement is configured to throttle air flow and inhibit premature closing of the closure member.

Abstract: A valve body (91) for enabling release of pressurized steam from a pressure vessel, the valve body comprising: a steam inlet (92), a steam outlet (93), and an internal wall defining a flow path between said inlet and said outlet, wherein at least a portion (102) of said internal wall in a region opposed to the steam inlet is removable.

Abstract: A fluid regulator includes an actuator, a body assembly, and a balancing system disposed between the actuator assembly and the body assembly. The actuator assembly includes an upper casing, a lower casing secured to the upper casing, and a diaphragm assembly disposed between the upper and lower casings. The body assembly includes a stem assembly operatively connected to the diaphragm assembly to move with the diaphragm assembly. The balancing system includes a diaphragm operatively connected to the stem assembly to move with the stem assembly. The lower casing of the actuator assembly includes a wall defining a portion of a balancing cavity that receives the balancing system and an inner surface that ends at a shoulder and has an annular groove formed therein that receives a portion of the diaphragm as the fluid regulator moves from a fully open position to a lockup position.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use in a pneumatic network, includes a body having a first inlet port and a first air discharge port. A main duct includes a convergent portion, a restricted-section portion having a variable area of passage, and a divergent portion. An actuator assembly includes an intake volume and a second inlet port in fluid communication with the intake volume by valve means provided for enabling intake of a second fluid flow through the second inlet port and towards the intake volume, wherein the second fluid flow is drained off through the first discharge port together with the first fluid flow.

Abstract: An anti-vibration clamp for holding pipes includes a pipe holding component which further includes pipe holders for locking the pipes; a clamp body including a stud locking portion for locking to a stud, and a floating attachment portion for holding the pipe holding component; and an elastic connecting component made of soft resin placed between the pipe holding component and the clamp body so that the pipe holding component and the clamp body do not contact one another directly. The pipe holding component, the elastic connecting component and the clamp body are held so that it is difficult for them to each slip mutually.

Abstract: An angle block apparatus and method of stringing cable is provided. The apparatus includes an angle block frame having an enclosed frame perimeter structure. A rotatable roller wheel is connected to the angle block frame and positioned interior of the enclosed frame perimeter structure. A connector is affixed to the angle block frame and sized to retain the angle block frame in a substantially stationary position. The method of stringing cable includes, in part, disconnecting a sled carrying the cable from a messenger wire trolley. The sled and cable attached thereto is then moved through the angle block frame from a first side to a second side of the angle block frame. The trolley is moved from the first side to the second side of the angle block frame without going through the angle block frame. The sled is then reattached to the messenger wire trolley on the second side.

Abstract: An irrigation pipe and method of fabrication that utilizes a pipe that is made of a durable material, e.g., stainless steel or aluminum. During fabrication, the pipe is equipped with a plurality of components, i.e., a flange assembly, a truss mount, and an outlet, without drilling, welding, or the like. In this manner, a method of fabrication is provided that enables a plurality of components to be assembled to the pipe without compromising the integrity of the pipe material or treated surface so that galvanizing or painting is not required after the plurality of components have been fitted to the pipe.

Abstract: A wire management clip formed of an elastic material to clip onto a structural element. The clip is formed to include an area for supporting a wire or wire bundle. Preferably, the clip includes holes formed on opposing sides to allow a strap attachment, such as a zip-tie, to hold a conduit or wire outside the clip.

Abstract: A sleeve lock assembly for mounting to a sleeve may include a female ring member, a male ring member, and an annular locking member. The female ring member may include a threaded interior portion and an annular lip having an annular ramp surface. The male ring member may have an axial flange and a radial flange. The axial flange may have an annular end face and a threaded exterior portion for engaging the threaded interior portion of the female ring member. The locking member may include at least one annular gripping flange having a gripping edge. The locking member may be captured between the annular lip and the end face. Axial movement of the annular lip toward the end face may cause the gripping flange to slide against the ramp surface such that the gripping edge is urged into engagement with the outer sleeve surface.

Abstract: A drainpipe comprising a concentrating flow path to concentrate flow of fluid on an inner wall of the pipe, which makes it possible to inhibit freezing of the fluid hydrodynamically without providing heat energy from outside, to thereby prevent blockage of the pipe.

Abstract: A pipe for drawing up cold water for a marine thermal energy plant is produced from a composite material including glass fiber reinforcements and a thermosetting resin.

Abstract: A flexible hose having an inner tube member made from a thermoplastic elastomer material and an outer tube member made from a non-elastic polyester material. The inner tube member is secured to the outer tube member only at an inlet coupler and an outlet coupler. The inlet coupler is constructed to secure to a water supply provided from a conventional household water spigot. The outlet coupler incorporates a flow restrictor allowing the inner tube member to equalize in pressure with pressurized water received from the water supply. Pressurized water expands the elongated inner tube member longitudinally along a length of the inner tube member and laterally across a width of the inner tube member thereby substantially increasing the length of the hose to an expanded condition wherein the hose contracts to a substantially decreased length when there is a decrease in pressurized water.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a connection to a conduit may include a first part configured to be threadably attached to a second part. The first part can include a male threaded section spaced axially apart from a ratchet section having radially protruding teeth. The second part can be at least partly formed by an elastically deformable material and includes a female threaded section spaced axially apart from at least one pawl that is configured to engage the radially protruding teeth. When the at least one pawl is engaged with the teeth, relative rotation between the first part and the second part may be allowed in a tightening direction and prevented in a loosening direction or may be allowed in the tightening and loosening directions. When the second part is deformed by at least one radially inward force, the at least one pawl disengages the teeth of the ratchet section.

Abstract: Each of a flange and an end cap have at least two magnets or magnetic pieces arranged in complementary fashion to removably attached the end cap to the flange. The end cap removably seals an orifice of the flange by magnetic attraction between the at least two magnets or magnetic pieces of the end cap and the at least two magnets or magnetic pieces of the flange. This seal between the end cap and flange provides for pressure relief as pressure from within the orifice exceeds the force of magnetic attraction between the magnets or magnetic pieces of the end cap and the magnets or magnetic pieces of the flange.

Abstract: An insertion endpiece for connecting a part carrying the endpiece with another part provided with a bore for receiving the endpiece. The endpiece is provided with an outer groove in which there is received a cylindrical ring, that is free to turn and to slide. The ring has teeth projecting from its outside surface, the ends of the teeth being contained, in the free state, in a substantially cylindrical envelope of diameter that is greater than the diameter of the bore. The ring is received in the groove while being free to turn and to slide. The axial width (L) of the groove is greater than the axial width (L1) of the ring. When the ring is in abutment against a flank of the groove, the teeth are in register with a secondary groove formed in the bottom of the groove receiving the ring, and into which secondary groove the teeth are capable of penetrating elastically.

Abstract: A female coupler for a breakaway thread-lock quick disconnect coupling having a retainer wire positioned interiorly of an outer housing and a coupler support portion that prevents contamination of the retainer wire and a capture space formed by grooves in the outer housing and an inner housing, which may prevent degradation of performance and/or decrease the chances that the retainer wire is dislodged.

Abstract: A valved insert for insertion into a coupling body is disclosed. In one embodiment, the valved insert includes a housing and an internal valve slidably disposed within an internal passage of the housing. The housing can be configured to have a sidewall defining an internal flow passage, a first open end and a retaining clip recess. The sidewall has a first thickness at the first open end and a second thickness adjacent to the clip recess. In one embodiment, the retaining clip recess has a height that is greater than one half the first thickness and less than or equal to one half the second thickness. The internal valve and the housing can also be provided with corresponding stop surfaces to limit the inward motion of the internal valve into the housing. In one embodiment, the stop surfaces are angled to form ramped surfaces.

Abstract: A duct has: a first non-metallic member extending between a first end and a second end, at least at the first end having an outwardly-projecting flange portion; a metallic flange member having a sleeve extending between a first end and a second end and a flange extending outward from the sleeve and having a first face and a second face; and a second non-metallic member extending between a first end and a second end having an outwardly-projecting flange portion, the first non-metallic member flange portion mounted to the flange first face and the second non-metallic member flange portion mounted to the flange second face.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved diverter assemblies (10) designed for installation on liquid-conveying conduit sections (12) having one or more joints susceptible to leakage of liquid. The assemblies (10) include a plurality of mating housing sections (34, 36) which are releasably interconnected and in surrounding relationship to the conduit sections (12) on opposite sides of the conduit joint(s) to form an overall housing (35) defining anon-sealed enclosure. The housing (35) is equipped with a sump (72) which gravitationally collects escaped liquid. The sump (72) includes a drain outlet (74) for conveying the collected liquid away from the conduit sections (12) for collection or reuse.

Abstract: A pig launching system comprising a first pipe portion connected to a second pipe portion at a pipe intersection; a pig carrier located at the pie intersection; and the pig carrier comprising a plurality of pigs in a cylinder, an opening in the carrier aligned with the first pipe portion, and an indexing system adapted to move one of the pigs to the opening.

Abstract: A modular frame system for support of pressure vessels used in water treatment systems comprising a plurality of frame cells is disclosed, where each frame cell is releasably attachable to other frame cells in a variety of relationships. The frame cells may be attached horizontally, vertically, or side-by-side. The frame cells are designed to accommodate a variety of pressure vessels having different sizes and weights, and having different connections for connection to other pressure vessels.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable and adjustable arm support apparatus to be fastened to a user's body or user's apparel to support the arm of the user holding a rifle, bow, camera etc. In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable arm support platform includes an arm support and a first extension member connected to the arm support. The arm support is adjustable along at least a first dimension and is shaped to accommodate a shooters arm. A second extension member is rotatably connected to the first extension member, wherein the first extension member is rotatably adjustable relative to the second extension member. This flexibility of orientation means that the user's arm can be comfortably supported in virtually any reasonable orientation relative to the shooting platform.

Abstract: A self-balanced adjustable mounting system for a flat panel display. A display interface having a hollow, semi-spherical shell portion is attached to the flat panel display. The semi-spherical shell is formed with a generally constant radius of curvature. The center of the radius of curvature is disposed proximate the center of gravity of the flat panel display with the display interface attached. The display interface is received in a guide structure that has a bearing portion engaging the outer surface of the semi-spherical shell, and a second bearing portion engaging the inner surface of the semi-spherical shell through an aperture formed in the semi-spherical shell. The semi-spherical shell is guided between the first and second bearing portions so that the flat panel display and device interface are generally rotatable about the center of the radius of curvature of the semi-spherical shell.