Abstract: A drill bit for drilling subterranean formations includes a device to provide a "universal" effect between the shank and crown for self alignment of the crown with the bore hole in the formation. The bit is suitable for down-hole assemblies configured for straight drilling, directional drilling and navigational drilling. The device can be incorporated into both drag bits and roller-type "rock" bits. Preferred embodiments include a flexible sub connecting the crown to the shank portion and having reduced stiffness relative to the drill string. Alternatively, a spherical universal joint or trunnion type universal is used. Replaceable lugs increase durability and reliability of the universal. The device equalizes the loads on cutters while reducing wear, average loads, and impact loads on cutters. Bore hole diameter and chatter of the bit in the bore hole are reduced, promoting maximum efficiency and rate of penetration as wobble and precession are minimized.

Abstract: A sleeve member is positioned between an outlet pipe and a drain structure to form a fluid flow passageway isolated from the ambient atmosphere to confine fluid emissions from either the outlet pipe or the drain structure and prevent the fluid emissions from entering the ambient atmosphere. The sleeve member includes two sleeve ends of different diameters and an intermediate sleeve member segment having a truncated cone configuration flaring outwardly and downwardly from the uppermost sleeve end to the lowermost sleeve end.

Abstract: A conduit assembly, in particular for connecting a flue gas inlet of a gas turbine to a flue gas conduit discharging into a waste heat boiler, includes an outwardly insulated first conduit segment having a supporting inner casing, and an inwardly insulated second conduit segment having a supporting outer casing being radially outwardly offset from the supporting inner casing of the first conduit segment. The supporting casings each have a flange-like structure and are form-lockingly joined together in a connection region between the conduit segments. A connecting element for the conduit segments includes a shaped element surrounding the first conduit segment and being firmly joined to the supporting outer casing of the second conduit segment. The shaped element has a number of radially extending ribs with free ends being form-lockingly joined to the supporting inner casing of the first conduit segment.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for pipework comprises a rigid sleeve of circular section engaged coaxially around the ends of pipes to be coupled together and connected to each of said ends in sealed manner by means of respective annular gaskets of flexible and resilient material received coaxially in each of the annular gaps between the ends of the pipe and the ends of the sleeve. The sleeve is made up of an assembly of three rigid tubes in alignment along the same longitudinal axis and assembled together in sealed manner by connection means comprising annular gaskets analogous to the above-mentioned annular gaskets and by two sets of laminated blocks which hold the tubes rigidly in alignment on the longitudinal axis, but which allow limited amplitude mutual displacements thereof with resilient return along the axis and around the axis.

Abstract: An omni-directional yieldable joint for a vehicle exhaust stack includes an upper cylindrical member having a pair of elongated pivot sockets mounted on its lower end; a lower cylindrical member has a pair of elongated pivot rods mounted at its upper end for riding in the pivot sockets and making the upper and lower cylindrical members pivotable with respect to each other; a pair of springs attached between the upper and lower cylindrical members holds the two sections tightly together and, when the joint pivots due to the exhaust stack striking an overhead object, the stack will lean and the springs will stretch as much as necessary until the stack passes under and clears the obstruction, whereupon the springs will pull the upper and lower sections back into their normally vertical and axial alignment.

Abstract: A product withdrawal tube for use in a fluidized bed reactor is disclosed. The tube features a plurality of elongated tubular segments which are fitted together to obtain flexible and sealing engagement between the segments whereby the tube is durable despite the vibrations and shocks experienced by it due to the operation of the fluidized bed reactor.

Abstract: A novel quick disconnect, the nipple portion of which is provided with a unique spring seal comprising an elastomeric retainer and a multiple-turn wave-type spring contained within an annular pocket within the retainer. The nipple is provided with a body having a flanged portion which floats on the spring seal relative to an annular chamber within the wrench portion of the threaded member of the nipple. In addition, the wrench portion of the corresponding coupler is chamfered in order to automatically adjust the nipple body despite misalignment of radial, angular and axial type, thereby permitting secure leak proof interconnection of the quick disconnect members. Such capability is especially useful in accommodating coolant fluid flow through a plurality of serially interconnected electrical chasses wherein misalignment of quick disconnect flow connectors cannot be readily accommodated by manual adjustment means and must be accommodated by automatic adjustment of the quick disconnect components.

Abstract: An improved rotating pipe joint for use in the sootblower system of a rotary regenerative air heater employs a ball and socket type construction floating seal assembly. The ball and its associated seal rings rotates within the socket to allow a slide pipe of the sootblower system to deviate from the vertical position while maintaining sealing. The improved rotating pipe joint also accommodates rotary, axial and lateral motion between the moving and stationary parts of the air heater.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for installing an export production riser on an offshore production platform that moves in response to ocean waves, wind and currents. The riser is provided with a catenary shape between the near vertical connection on the platform and the horizontal position on the seafloor. The upper end of the riser is maintained at a nominal inclination from the vertical to control excessive bending stresses in the riser. A flexible joint is provided at the upper end of the riser to allow rotational movement between the riser and platform as the platform moves.

Abstract: A flexible connector has a plurality of bearings housed in a single housing to attenuate vibration and noise. In one embodiment, the bearings have a spherical configuration with the center point of the spherical segment of one of the bearings at a different location from the center point of the spherical segment of the other bearing thereby providing efficient and compact bearings and a smaller envelope for such bearings.

Abstract: A flexible joint 13 is employed to sealingly connect a pair of tubular members 16, 18 while still permitting limited articulated movement therebetween. The flexible joint 13 includes a housing 26 with upper and lower ring-like plates 32, 34 coaxially arranged about the tubular members 16, 18. A pair of annular elastomeric bearings 40, 42 are positioned within the housing 26 and act against shoulders 44, 46 of the tubular members 16, 18 to flexibly retain the tubular members 16, 18 within the housing 26. A bellows 20 sealingly couples the tubular members 16, 18 together while permitting movement therebetween. An annular chamber 56 formed between the bellows 20 and housing 26 is filled with a fluid, such as silicon or oil. Means is provided for adjusting the volume of the chamber 56 or volume of fluid in the chamber 56 to maintain an approximately zero pressure differential across the bellows 20.

Abstract: A connector for sealingly joining together lengths of tubing such as those used in automobile fluid conveying systems accommodates large angular bending and twisting motions as a result of a spherical shell which rotates inside guide/thrust circumferential bearings. Noise and vibration damping are achieved by an elastomeric pad of non-uniform thickness bonded between the spherical shell and an enlargement formed on one of the lengths of tubing.

Abstract: An airtight, flexible joint is disclosed for the interfacing of two pressure vessels such as between the Space Station docking tunnel and the Space Shuttle Orbiter's bulkhead adapter. The joint provides for flexibility while still retaining a structural link between the two vessels required due to the loading created by the internal/external pressure differential. The joint design provides for limiting the axial load carried across the joint to a specific value, a function required in the Orbiter/Station tunnel interface. The flex joint comprises a floating structural segment which is permanently attached to one of the pressure vessels through the use of an inflatable seal. The geometric configuration of the joint causes the tension between the vessels created by the internal gas pressure to compress the inflatable seal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing NO.sub.x emissions from premix burners by recirculating flue gas. Flue gas is drawn from the furnace through a pipe or pipes by the aspirating effect of fuel gas and combustion air passing through a venturi portion of a burner tube. The flue gas mixes with combustion air in a primary air chamber prior to combustion to dilute the concentration of O.sub.2 in the combustion air, which lowers flame temperature and thereby reduces NO.sub.x emissions. The flue gas recirculating system may be retrofitted into existing premix burners or may be incorporated in new low NO.sub.x burners.

Abstract: A universally articulable supporting sheath comprises an interconnected series of links, each having a convex spherical surface at one end, and a concave spherical surface at its opposite end. The concave and convex surfaces mate with one another to form the sheath. Special links having branch openings may be provided. Various forms of waterproofing seals are provided including O-rings, axially compressed rings, flexible belts, and ridges on the spherical surfaces. The links can be fitted together by thermal expansion. However, an axially split link is also described, which comprises two parts which snap together. The split parts may be molded as a unit with an integral thin wall hinge. The bending characteristics and bending radius of a sheath can be modified by insertion of spacers between the links at selected locations, or by the insertion of pins into radial holes provided in the links.

Abstract: A universally articulable supporting sheath comprises an interconnected series of links, each having a convex spherical surface at one end, and a concave spherical surface at its opposite end. The concave and convex surfaces mate with one another to form the sheath. Special links having branch openings may be provided. Various forms of waterproofing seals are provided, including O-rings, axially compressed rings, flexible belts, and ridges on the spherical surfaces. The links can be fitted together by thermal expansion. However, an axially split link is also described, which comprises two parts which snap together. The split parts may be molded as a unit with an integral thin wall hinge. The bending characteristics and bending radius of a sheath can be modified by insertion of spacers between the links at selected locations, or by the insertion of pins into radial holes provided in the links.

Abstract: A condensation-free, self-supported shower mirror assembly is heated by water dispersed into a temperature-control space behind the mirror. The water is supplied by a supply tube connected from a showerhead pipe to a dispenser which disperses the heated water in either liquid or spray form, preferably from holes in a tube mounted in such temperature-control space. The tube preferably has an oval shape with the holes are formed in one of its flat sides so that when it is bent to fit around the mirror, the holes will all face inward, toward the center of the mirror. Also the tube acts as a gasket to prevent the heated water from leaking through the front of the mirror. The back surface of the mirror is thereby heated to raise the temperature of the front surface of the mirror sufficiently to eliminate water condensation thereon. In one version, mirror adjustment is accomplished through a single flex-joint, such as a hinge or a ball joint which is physically separated from the supply tube.

Abstract: Several versions of a flex joint (10, 100, 200) are provided which provides for relative flexible movement between a first member and a second member about a pivot point. The pivotal motion is provided by the use of elastomeric assemblies which are placed in elastomeric shear as one member pivots relative to the other. With each of the flex joints, at least two concentric and separate passages are formed through the flex joint for carrying fluids and the like through the flex joint. The passages remain separate and essentially unchanging in cross-section throughout the entire range of pivotal motion of the flex joint.

Abstract: An improved fluid tight seal for connecting a tube to a housing member. A generally D-shaped opening is formed in the housing member. The opening has a flat open side where the housing member is secured to and abuts a flat surface. A groove or slot extends around the opening. The slot has enlarged corners adjacent the flat side. The tube is provided with an annular groove adjacent the end to be attached to the housing member. The tube groove receives a resilient seal which is shaped to slide into the housing member slot. The seal has corner tabs which fill the enlarged slot corners. Prior to securing the housing member to the flat surface, the seal extends slightly from the slot. When the housing member is secured to the surface, the seal is compressed to form a high pressure resilient seal between the housing member and the tube. The seal is particularly useful for connecting a compressed air outlet tube to the cylinder head of an air compressor.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for discharging a desired substance such as adhesives is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes a mechanism for discharging a substance. The discharge mechanism is associated with a supply source to introduce the substance into the discharge mechanism. A mechanism is associated with the discharge mechanism to provide the discharge mechanism with resilient movement in response to forces exerted on the discharge mechanism. The mechanism to provide resilient movement deflects in response to forces applied to the discharge mechanism. The mechanism to provide resilient movement returns the discharge mechanism to substantially the original position of the discharge mechanism before the forces were exerted on the discharge mechanism. The mechanism to provide resilient movement is substantially rigid when the assembly is in a non-deflected position.

Abstract: A novel quick disconnect, the nipple portion of which is provided with a unique spring seal comprising a retainer and a plurality of Belleville springs contained within an annular pocket within the retainer. The nipple is provided with a body having a flanged portion which floats on the spring seal relative to an annular chamber within the wrench portion of the threaded member of the nipple. In addition, the wrench portion of the corresponding coupler is chamfered in order to automatically adjust the nipple body despite misalignment of radial, angular and axial type, thereby permitting secure leak-proof interconnection of the quick disconnect members. Such capability is especially useful in accommodating coolant fluid flow through a plurality of serially interconnected electrical chasses wherein misalignment of quick disconnect flow connectors cannot be readily accommodated by manual adjustment means and must be accommodated by automatic adjustment of the quick disconnect components.

Abstract: A flexible pipe joint having an annular housing with a central cavity in which a nipple is partially submerged. The nipple has a flared end on the submerged portion thereof. An elastomeric ring, internally contoured spherically with reference to a common center point spaced from the flared end and located on the longitudinal axis of the joint, is adhered about its outer surface to the inner surface of the flared end. An elastomeric body having an assembly of embedded concentric spherical rings is adhered to the outer surface of the flared end. The spherical rings are contoured and positioned symmetrically with respect to the common center point. A flange (42 or 144, 146) is welded to the nipple at the end opposite the flared end. The flange is used to bolt the joint to the adjacent pipe sections and can be in two parts (144, 146). A collar welded to the housing encircles the nipple and engages the outer surface of the elastomeric body to maintain the body in position.

Abstract: In the environment of telescoping pipes, a collapsible member is placed between a fixed weld and a locking segment so that when extraordinary forces are applied which tend to cause the pipes to be pulled apart, the crushing element absorbs the excessive forces and prevents its disengagement.

Abstract: Proximal end connector units, by which medico-surgical tubes may be attached to breathing circuits or like fluid flow devices in a manner that mitigates interference with operations being performed on patients intubated with the MS tubes, comprising a straight, rigid, cylindrical distal end portion, a straight, rigid, cylindrical proximal end portion, a central tubular portion joining the distal end portion to the proximal end portion, the central tubular portion being bendable in an arc of at least 180.degree. without diminution of its effective lumen, such proximal end portion, distal end portion and central tubular portion all being integral and formed of the same thin, plastic material, the central tubular portion comprising a plurality of circumferential, angular segments each consisting of a pair of sides that are of unequal length, the central tubular portion being compressed lengthwise by having the shorter side in each segment folded back under its longer side.

Abstract: A dispenser for producing and dispensing beverages mixed of fruit syrup or oncentrate and water which has associated therewith a water jet injection device. The fruit syrup or the concentrate is provided in a refillable and/or removable and insertible storage vessel provided with a sliding bushing or a clamping device with the aid of which the water jet injection device can be brought into sealing communication with the storage vessel, with the necessary connections with the interior of the storage vessel and a pressurized water conduit, respectively, being simultaneously and automatically guaranteed in response to the movement.

Abstract: A male or female connector (1) is mounted with radial play in an opening (8) of a mounting plate (6) whose thickness decreases uniformly in opposite directions from the center axis (11) of the opening (8). The male or female connector (1) can be tilted about the edge thus formed, so that it can align with a complementary connector half whose insertion axis deviates from the direction of insertion.

Abstract: A seal assembly is provided for preventing excessive movement between two housings. Whenever two rotating shafts are coupled together, one shaft driving the other, there is generally some movement of the shafts and their respective machines relative to each other. It is preferable to cover the rotating shafts for safety and to provide lubrication. A flexible membrane is attached between a coupling guard adapter which is rigidly mounted to the housing of one piece of equipment, and a back-up ring. This assembly is then attached to a coupling guard which is itself rigidly mounted to a housing on the other piece of equipment. Finally, a membrane guard is attached to the coupling guard.

Abstract: A structure for connecting ends of exhaust pipes is disclosed. The structure for connecting is constituted by an annular elastic sealing member with heat resistance which is interposed between two overlapping surfaces of two cylinders in a temporally compressed manner, outwardly-projecting annular projection means each of which is disposed on the surfaces of the cylinders at the portions which do not overlap each other, a first coil spring member which is disposed at an adjustable interval above the surface of the cylinder, and two ends of which are secured to the annular projection means, a second coil spring member two ends of which are secured to two final coils of the first coil spring respectively, and which is disposed over the outer portion of the first coil spring in such a manner that the coil wire of the second coil spring is alternately disposed between the coil wire of the first coil spring.

Abstract: Several versions of a flex joint (10, 100, 200) are disclosed which provides for relative flexible movement between a first member and a second member about a pivot point. The pivotal motion is provided by the use of elastomeric assemblies which are placed in elastomeric shear as one member pivots relative to the other. With each of the flex joints, at least two concentric and separate passages are formed through the flex joint for carrying fluids and the like through the flex joint. The passages remain separate and essentially unchanging in cross-section throughout the entire range of pivotal motion of the flex joint.

Abstract: A multi-passage swivel joint for simultaneous transfer of a plurality of separate fluids between two groups of conduits, the second group rotating about the first group has a plurality of sliding contact seals with a bundle of flow passages in deformable sheaths providing segregation continuity on the one hand for large rotations by sliding of the seals and on the other hand for small alternating angular motions by elastic deformation of at least one deformable sheath defining the flowpaths. The stiffness of the deformable sheath compared with the force required for causing the seals to slide being such that the coefficient of friction of the seals has a value such that sliding occurs before the maximum allowable deformation of the sheaths is reached.

Abstract: A flexible connector for effecting fluid-tight flexible joints between fluid conduits which comprises a housing with a central bore, a pair of movable flanges extending one from each end of the central bore and means interposed between the flanges and the inner surfaces of the central bore so that a fluid tight seal is achieved therebetween and the flanges can undergo angular motion; additional means are also interposed between the flanges and the inner surfaces of the central bore which accommodates linear motion of the flanges along the axis of the housing while maintaining a fluid-tight seal therebetween; and means for holding the elements of the coupling in a functional relationship.

Abstract: A device for limiting the bending radius of a submarine cable portion. The device is composed of a plurality of turbular elements (5) connected to one another in an articulated manner. Each element (5) is formed by a tubular cylindrical body (10) having two end flanges (12, 13) provided with circumferential through-holes (21, 31) for the passage of connecting members (4). One flange (12) has semi-spherical projecting members (28) in diametrically opposed positions with respect to each through-hole (21). The other flange (13) has complementary semi-spherical projecting members (28).

Abstract: The invention relates to a retractable connector for interconnecting the ends of two flow lines in a releasable manner.

Abstract: Conventional endotracheal tubes are provided with improved proximal end connector units by which the endo tubes may be attached to breathing equipment or like fluid flow devices in a manner that mitigates interference with operations being performed on patients intubated with the endo tubes, such units comprising a straight, rigid, cylindrical distal end portion, a straight, rigid, cylindrical proximal end portion, a central tubular portion joining the distal end portion to the proximal end portion, the central tubular portion being bendable in an arc of at least 180.degree.

Abstract: This invention provides for an assembly of elements for conducting fluids where such fluids subject the interior of this assembly to a pressure greater than the pressure exerted on the exterior of the assembly by an ambient fluid. The assembly comprises a plurality of elements connected end-to-end by connecting means and at least one pair of such elements being connected by a flexible connector means. The flexible connector means includes a cylindrical housing that has a greater internal diameter than the external diameter of the elements that it is to connect, and is positioned such that these elements extend inwardly into said housing. A retainer means is employed at each end of the housing and it is adapted for retaining the elements in a fixed position relative to the housing and the flexible connector means.

Abstract: Flexible joint means for fluid conduits comprises an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member having an end portion positioned within the outer member and a bearing assembly acting between the outer and inner members. The bearing assembly comprises first and second bearings each of laminated construction comprising interleaving layers of elastomeric material and reinforcement material. The bearings are disposed on opposite sides of an annular collar associated with an inner member and act between the collar and a pair of axially spaced annular flanges associated with an outer member. Collar and flanges extend axially and radially such that one bearing is disposed radially inwards of the outer bearing. The radially inner bearing includes elastomeric material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the elastomeric material of the outer bearing such that the bearings have substantially similar axial stiffnesses.

Abstract: A flexible joint for deep-sea oil installations.This joint combines the two parts of a swivel joint, consisting of a spherical ring-shaped male adapter and a spherical ring-shaped female adapter, by using means of connection comprising a plurality of identical resilient devices, positioned in even numbers in two crowns, the far ends of these devices resting on two ring-shaped end-plates, the upper end-plate being integral and coaxial with the male adapter, and the lower end-plate being connected to the upper end-plate by a system that also attaches it coaxially to the male adapter, and the close ends of the resilient devices resting, by means of thrust-plates, either on one of two opposed shoulders associated to the male adapter, equidistant from the end-plates on which the far ends of the two crowns rest, or on one face of a ring-shaped flange integral and coaxial with the female adapter.Prestressing of the resilient devices makes this joint particularly suitable for use with riser pipes.

Abstract: A flexible connector for flat wall sheet metal ducting comprises an elongated sleeve duct of rectangular cross-section and a pair of connector ducts, each having an end portion telescoped into an end portion of the sleeve duct with the walls of the connector duct in widthwise parallel inwardly spaced relation to respective walls of the sleeve duct. A resiliently compressible gasket is secured in the sleeve duct near each end thereof, surrounding and compressed against the adjacent connector duct, which is slidable in the gasket so that the sleeve duct can swing in a pair of opposite directions relative to the connector duct. Each of a pair of opposite walls of each connector duct has an exterior surface defined by a false wall which is arcuately curved along its length concentrically to the axis about which the sleeve duct swings.

Abstract: An assembly comprising two components having different thermal coefficients of expansion. Each component is provided with means such as flanges and bolts for securing the components together. At least one of the components is provided with slots in the flange and end portion of the component to impart flexibility thereto. One of the components is provided with a bridging piece which covers the slots to prevent leakage of fluid through the slots, and the bridging piece has a seal that engages the other of the components to form an effective fluid seal.

Abstract: A constant motion pipe swivel joint having a greatly improved useful life without leakage of fluid from the joint. The swivel joint includes a plurality of sealing discs rotatably positioned between an outer joint member and an inner joint member. One side of each disc is coated with a material having a low coefficient of friction and the other side of each disc is bonded to a layer of elastomeric material such as rubber. The discs are pressed together by the inner and outer members to provide a seal which prevents leakage of fluid from the joint. The rubber stretches to allow small degrees of rotation of the joint without any slippage of one disc over another, and the surfaces of the discs are free to slip over each other to allow a large amount of rotation of the outer joint member relative to the inner joint member.

Abstract: Combination tension connector and flex joint for underwater tension elements, such as the tension elements of a leg of a tension leg platform. The flex joint is of generally ball and socket type, with the ball member connected to the lower end of the tension element and the socket member connected to an upwardly projecting annular portion of the male member of the connector.

Abstract: A flexible length of pipe is formed from at least two pipe sections joined by a flexible element such as a closed toroidal shell or open convoluted forms.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for coupling or joining pipes and tubes wherein an elastic force stored in said elastic coupling perpetually exerts a force that maintains a leak-proof connection between two ends of the pipes or tubes. Said elastic coupling comprises a plurality of the segments of an elastic ring having a cross section of annulus with an opening on the inward side of said elastic ring and a clamping collar of annular geometry with a groove on the inward side of said clamping ring, in which groove said plurality of the elastic ring segments are disposed in a confined fashion. The rims of two matching flanges built on each end of two pipes or tubes to be connected are received by said plurality of the elastic ring segments through said openings of the elastic ring segments.

Abstract: A flexible joint for connection of two pipes comprises a cup-shaped piece which can be connected to a first pipe, a tubular piece which can be connected to a second pipe, the tubular piece being coaxial with the cuplike piece and being arranged partially inside it, and two flexible spherical rings arranged between the cuplike piece and the tubular piece. The two flexible spherical rings are bolted together and arranged on opposite sides of the center of oscillation, the concave surfaces of the rings being directed towards the center of oscillation and being concentric with respect to this center.

Abstract: An articulated pipe line comprising rigid sections jointed together so as to allow a limited angular movement between adjacent sections, the axis of two successive articulations having different directions and a sealing device ensuring a tight separation between the outside and the inside of the pipe line at the level of the articulation. This device is particularly suitable for immersed pipe lines of large diameter.

Abstract: An expansion joint for connecting a pair of adjacent ducts or the like is made up from a material having improved properties. The material comprises a sheet of knit wire covered on at least one side with a vulcanized fluoroelastomer.

Abstract: A flexible fluid conductive coupling for use with fluid flow systems has short fluid conductive cylindrical sections having different diameters so chosen that the smaller diameter section may fit within, and well clear of, the larger. A pair of external mating flanges are provided at the end and near the end, respectively, of the larger and the smaller cylindrical section, and a combination coupling and seal laminated from alternating layers of resilient and rigid materials is held in compression between these two flanges. The facing surfaces of the flanges are shaped to provide for the desired motion or displacement. The slight extension of the smaller cylindrical section into the larger provides a stagnation region between the two cylindrical sections, thereby protecting the seal from abrasive injury which might be caused by particulate matter in the fluid stream.

Abstract: A seal (41 or 141) is provided at the pivot joint between a deflector (19) and a snow chute (18) which has spaced fingers (42 or 142) permitting the leading edge of the seal (41 or 141) to conform to a reduced linear dimension when the deflector (19) is pivotal to a forward position of adjustment about its pivot axis (22).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector for mechanically joining members having large force loading while enabling limited relative angular movement therebetween. The connector employs a plurality of stacked metal roll plates to provide rolling metal-to-metal contact while avoiding sliding movement of contacting members transmitting the force load between connector members. Each of the roll plates is provided with a concave and convex load carrying surface with the radius of the concave surface greater than that of the convex surface to provide rolling rather than sliding contact. To obtain universal angular movement, one embodiment of the connector employs a single stack of spherical surface roll plates while a second embodiment employs a plurality of roll plate stacks having substantially cylindrical load carrying surfaces.

Abstract: A bearing for carrying compressive radial loads comprising alternating bonded layers of a resilient material of a uniform modulus of elasticity and layers of a non-extensible material, all generally concentrically formed about a common center axis. The fatigue life of the bearing under torsional and compressive loads is enhanced by progressively decreasing both the length and thickness of each layer of resilient material with increasing radii, so that a substantially equal strain is carried across each layer of resilient material in response to each torsional load and the shape factor of each of the layers of resilient material remains substantially constant or increases with increasing radii.