Abstract: A swivel chair joint utilizing a tapered roller bearing assembly to substantially transform the seating load to the tapered roller bearings and thereby reducing frictional resistance to swiveling.

Abstract: A scissor-type connection for the roof support of a collapsible tent, having two rails rotatable relative to each other around an axle, one of the rails having a spring body that lockably engages an opening in the other.

Abstract: A surgical system having a cassette latching mechanism having two pivoting latching rails. The rails are connected to a rotating latching wheel by spring-loaded latching arms. The latching wheel is connected to a motor by a latching pushbar. The cassette is pressed into the rails which initiates the rotation of the rails, which close onto the cassette. The motor next rotates the latching wheel, producing cam-like movement of the latching arms and thereby further pivoting the latching rails to the fully closed and locked position.

Abstract: A folding joint arrangement, which is adapted for incorporating with a foldable furniture constructed by a plurality of first and second frame tubes, includes an angle joint body, a pivot arm integrally extended from the angle joint body to define a first axis, wherein the pivot arm is adapted for pivotally connecting with one of the first frame tube such that the first frame tube is capable of rotating about the first axis of the pivot arm, and a connector arm integrally extended from the angle joint body to define a second axis perpendicularly to the first axis wherein the connector arm is adapted for pivotally connecting with one of the second frame tube such that the second frame tube is capable of rotating about the second axis of the connector arm, so as to pivotally connect the first and second frame tubes in a two-plane directional movement.

Abstract: An interlockable element for a structure assembly set includes an at least partially planar body and a connector edge having associated therewith a first A-type and B-type connector pair disposed about a first axis of rotation and a second A-type and B-type connector pair disposed about a second axis of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation are disposed on opposing sides of a generally rectangular quadrilateral of a specified dimension. Each of one pair of diagonally opposite vertices of the quadrilateral are situated internally to each of the A-type connectors and each of the other pair of diagonally opposite vertices of the quadrilateral are situated internally to each of the B-type connectors; and the quadrilateral is generally disposed in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the plane of the body of the interlockable element.

Abstract: Tubular body, especially for the joint eye of a piston-cylinder unit, where the tubular body is formed from a flat sheet-metal blank having at least two stamped sleeve parts connected to each other by a connecting web. In the final fabrication state, the sleeve parts are axially aligned, one next to each other, with their end surfaces facing each other.

Abstract: A swiveling fitting for multi-directional movement is disclosed including a housing having a bore there through to accommodate a button shaft, a ball housing for receiving at least a portion of the button shaft, the ball housing having at least one ball recess to accommodate at least one ball, a locking sphere for receiving at least a portion of the ball housing, the locking sphere having at least one groove to accommodate the at least one ball, and a base plate for moveably securing the locking sphere, wherein the base plate is releasably securable to a substrate.

Abstract: A pivot assembly particularly adapted for pivotally interconnecting a pair of relatively thin parallel walls spaced an appreciable distance from one another. A stud with a pivot joint on one end is interposed between the walls.

Abstract: A pivoting joint for pivotally joining a brake head to a brake beam of a railway car allows the brake head to modify its radial and lateral direction with a controlled degree of rotation with respect to a bogie wheel, allowing the brake shoe to adapt to the wheel contour, and achieving an adequate force distribution along the brake shoe, and thus optimizing the utilization of the brake shoe material.

Abstract: A fastening device for pivotably fixing one end of a linear drive to a support part includes a first fastening half disposed at an end of the linear drive and a second fastening half arranged on the support part. The linear drive has an installation position and a functional position, the installed position being inclined at an angle with respect to the functional position. One of the fastening halves includes a U-shaped or L-shaped section. The U-shaped or L-shaped section includes a bolt extending transversely with respect to an axis of the linear drive. The bolt has two mutually parallel, flat outer surfaces, the outer surfaces being disposed on two opposite sides of the bolt and extending parallel to a bolt axis. The other fastening half includes a cylindrical bolt socket having a radial bolt-insertion opening in an insertion direction.

Abstract: A scissor-type connection for the roof support of a collapsible tent, having two rails rotatable relative to each other around an axle, one of the rails having a spring body that lockably engages an opening in the other.

Abstract: Adjustable prostheses and related methods provide a wide range of adjustment along or about multiple axes. The prostheses and related methods make possible a straightforward, yet robust way of securing, e.g., a humeral head prosthesis in a desired position and maintaining the prosthesis in the desired position during use.

Abstract: A joint having a metal or plastic core and a metal or plastic outer shell. The core has two studs extending in a direction of an axis of rotation and arranged vertically at 180° from each other. The outer shell consists of two half shells, each having a reinforcing segment. A bore with a bore base is provided on each reinforcing segment. Two cup-shaped elastomeric pads are located between the core and the outer shell and are insulated from one another. The elastomeric pads surround the studs which penetrate the bore in the reinforcing segments. A ratio of the stud diameter to the pad thickness is specified.

Abstract: A thin, firm material base (10) with a slotted tube (20) and attached clip (40) assembly inserted through the base and secured to the base (10) with bolt retainers (30). The bolt retainers (30) keep the tube (20) secure within the base (10). The base (10) is encased in a split cylindrical foam material to provide for support, shape and proper alignment when used in an internal application such as a puppet wrist. In addition a rod with a ground end can be temporarily inserted into the tube (20) and attached clip (40) assembly, providing a temporary, yet secure connection while allowing for rotational movement of the rod (60) within the tube (20). The temporarily secure connection is a result of the friction of the inserted rod (60) coming into contact with the straight side of the clip (40) within the interior diameter of the tube (20).

Abstract: A pivot assembly for a swiveling chair is provided. The pivot assembly includes an elongated rod received in a tubular element, the elongated rod being capable to pivot by the intermediary of bearing assemblies such as to allow the chair to swivel. Each bearing assembly includes two segments mechanically engaged with one another. Each bearing assembly is responsive to pressure tending to urge the segments toward one another such as to close itself on the elongated rod and thus reduce or eliminate any clearance that may develop between the elongated rod and the bearing assembly. This arrangement is useful because it eliminates or at least it reduces free play that may develop in the components of the pivot assembly over time.

Abstract: A steering column support includes a bearing block with guide rail and a guide part for the steering column, the guide part having a slide section. A sliding block, sliding in the guide rail, is arranged between the slide section and guide rail. A high efficiency factor, inexpensive production and freedom from play may be ensured by the following features without reworking/adjustment: the sliding block is made of flexible material and is dimensioned such that it compensates for the play between the slide section and the guide rail; the slide section and the guide rail are made of sheet-steel molded parts; the sliding block is surrounded by one of the parts in such a way that an additional securing and retention in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail is dispensable; the slide section and the guide rail intermesh in such a way that a mutual emergency guidance without derailment remains, even if the sliding block is destroyed; and the sliding block is swing-mounted in the slide section.

Abstract: A portable shelter is disclosed. The portable shelter includes a canopy and a frame supporting the canopy. The frame of the portable shelter includes a plurality of support poles and a plurality of cross poles. Each cross pole of the portable shelter is pivotally coupled between adjacent support poles for rotation about an axis parallel to the support poles. Each support pole moves between an extended position in which the support pole extends perpendicular to the cross poles and a collapsed position in which the support pole extends along the cross poles.

Abstract: A thin plastic material base (10) with a tube (20) and clip (40) assembly inserted into said base and secured to said base. Said base (10) may be encased in a foam material to provide for support, shape and proper alignment when used in an internal application. In addition a wire with a ground end which can be inserted into said tube (20) and clip (40) assembly to provide for a secure connection while allowing for rotational movement.

Abstract: A pivot joint has a tail portion and a head portion securely affixed thereto wherein the head portion of the pivot joint has at least an engaging slot for pivotally connecting a guest tube frame of the foldable furniture and the tail portion of the pivot joint is adapted for rotatably affixing on a host tube frame of the foldable furniture in such a manner that the guest tube frame is adapted to rotate in various directions with respect to the host tube frame.

Abstract: A joint for rotatably connecting a distal part to a proximal part of a testing and training target the joint including a first member attachable to one of the distal part and the proximal part of the target, a second member attachable to the other of the distal part and the proximal part of the target with the first and second members being rotatable relative to each other and engageable with each other such that the first member may be rotated with respect to the second member between first and second positions and upon the application of a predetermined force rotated past the second position to a third position. A detent communicates with one or both of the first and second members preventing movement of the members past the second position to the third position until at least the first predetermined force is applied to one or both of the members.

Abstract: Tubular body, especially for the joint eye of a piston-cylinder unit, where the tubular body is formed from a flat sheet-metal blank having at least two stamped sleeve parts connected to each other by a connecting web. In the final fabrication state, the sleeve parts are axially aligned, one next to each other, with their end surfaces facing each other.

Abstract: For a truss, a hinge assembly for connecting truss members that form the truss. The hinge assembly may include a first hinge plate having a first boss formed thereon and a second hinge plate having a second boss formed thereon. The second boss defines an opening for pivotal receipt of the first boss. The hinge assembly also includes a retainer for maintaining the pivotal receipt of the first boss in the second boss. When the first hinge plate is attached to a first portion of a truss and the second hinge plate is attached to a second portion of a truss, the first and second truss portion can be pivoted relative to each other to enable portions of the truss to be collapsed for transporting purposes.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that provides a flexible, collapsible canopy that is capable of flexing and moving, in whole or in part, between a raised position and lower positions having a reduced profile from the raised position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible framework mounted on the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. Truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.

Abstract: A seismic brace for fastening to a support rod at one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end. The brace is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it. The brace arm part is bent at an angle of 45° to form a base bracket that connects to the support rod. A locking bracket is hinged to the brace arm to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle, the slots are arranged so that they form an aperture when the locking bracket overlays the base bracket part of the brace arm to completely enclose the support rod.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a seismic brace to a support rod, such as for a cable tray, to inhibit movement of the rod during seismic activity. The connector comprises a metal connecting member having an upper portion and a lower portion joined at a juncture. Openings in the juncture, upper portion and lower portion define a slot for entry of the support rod into the slot. The connector further comprises a retainer inserted in a gap between the upper and lower portions. The retainer bridges the slot to retain the support rod in the slot. The connector permits bracing to be added without removal of the support rod from the tray and ensures that the brace remains attached during seismic activity, even where a retaining nut holding the connector to the support has become loosened.

Abstract: A guitar stand has a rear support frame, a first front leg, a second front leg, an adjusting seat, an upper block connected to the rear support frame, the adjusting seat connected to the upper block, the first front leg and the second front leg, a first bracket disposed on the first front leg, and a second bracket disposed on the second front leg.

Abstract: A coupler for a sport practice net rack includes a first angular tube having a first flat section and a first angular section, and a second angular tube pivotally mounted on the first angular tube and having a second flat section and a second angular section. The second angular section of the second angular tube is detachably received in the first angular section of the first angular tube.

Abstract: An improved structure of the measuring end of a clinical thermometer having a body and a measuring end, characterized in that an pivotal actuating articulation is formed at the junction connecting the measuring end and the body such that the measuring end can be turned and positioned at an angle, thereby the user can hold the thermometer in a comfortable position in measuring the body temperature. The positioning of the pivotal actuating articulation is attained by having a protrusion in engagement with a cavity or an embossed mark. The entire surface of the thermometer is covered with a soft material outerjacket such that the articulation is hidden.

Abstract: A dual swivel saddle spacer assembly for use in securing and spacing a first bundle to a second bundle in angular crossing relationship to another. The assembly includes at least one saddle support member supported by and rotatable relative to a pivot pin member. Two saddle supports may be interposed between a rotatable pivotal pin. The pivot pin may comprise a separate structure or it may be integral to one of the saddle support members. The assembly includes one or more elongate slotted openings for receiving a securing device such as a conventional cable tie.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a spaced relationship between two energetic sources is disclosed, which system including in a preferred embodiment a clamping means securable to the energetic sources, spacing means disposed between these sources, a pivot mechanism coupled to the spacing means and pivotally engageable to the clamping means, and a shock absorption mechanism coupled to the spacing mechanism and adapted to resiliently deform.

Abstract: A connector for a vehicle steering system for attachment between a steering link such as a track rod and a steering arm on a wheel to accommodate vertical movement and swivelling of the wheel in use. Such connectors are usually provided by ball joint connectors. In the present invention these ball joints are essentially replaced by a connector in which opposite ends of the connector are rotatable relative to each other using only single axis pivots.

Abstract: A hinge engages a cam such that the hinge first rotates relative to the cam, then linearly engages the cam. Preferably, the hinge includes a guiding post that rides along a raised arched surface on the cam during the rotary motion of the hinge. Linear motion between the hinge and the cam preferably begins when the guiding post rides off the end of the arched surface. The rotary motion of the hinge is constrained by one or more engagement assemblies. In a preferred embodiment, one or more cams are mounted on a receiving structure and one or more hinges are mounted in corresponding locations on a detaching structure, where said detaching structure is physically separable from the receiving structure. Engagement between the one or more cams and the one or more corresponding hinges allows the detaching structure to first rotate relative to, then linearly engage, the receiving structure, providing for reliable blind mating between connectors on the detaching structure and connectors on the receiving structure.

Abstract: An anchoring structure for a folding keyboard includes a first base, a second base and a linkage means. The first base has an upper surface which has a first key zone located thereon and an inner edge which has a first pivot joint located thereon. The second base has an upper surface which has a second key zone located thereon and an inner edge which has a second pivot joint located thereon. The first and second pivot joint engage respectively and pivotally with two edges of a linkage means so that the first and second bases and the linkage means may be folded and extended. The first and second bases have respectively a lower surface which has a slide channel located thereon and corresponding to each other to form a sliding path when the keyboard is extended. A slide block is located in one of the slide channel and movable reciprocally on the slide path.

Abstract: It is often necessary to unfold the integral carrying case of a device such as a portable electronic instrument comprising an upper and lower module. However if it is necessary upon unfolding the case to move apart the modules a limited distance while maintaining their relative alignment the common scissor-slider mechanism will not suffice inasmuch as the scissor mechanism does not latch on retraction and rotation. The disclosed invention provides a scissor-slider mechanism that extends without constraint in the usual fashion, but upon retraction and rotation about the slider axis required for folding the scissor-slider mechanism self-latches, keeping the upper and lower modules from separating.

Abstract: The planar flexible pivot is constituted by an axial stacking of unitary modules each forming a monolithic unit comprising two coplanar, rigid linking elements positioned substantially so as to face each other and being connected diagonally by an essentially rectilinear flexible band. Application to elastic hinges, especially cross-band pivots.

Abstract: The planar flexible pivot is constituted by an axial stacking of unitary modules each forming a monolithic unit comprising two coplanar, rigid linking elements positioned substantially so as to face each other and being connected diagonally by an essentially rectilinear flexible band. Application to elastic hinges, especially cross-band pivots.

Abstract: A seismic brace having a brace arm for fastening to a support rod on one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end, is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it by a base bracket hinged to the brace arm and a locking bracket hinged to the brace arm or the base bracket to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle with one slot offset form the other by ninety degrees (90°). The base bracket is bent at an angle of 45° from the horizontal which provides extra strength and resistance to lifting from the horizontal according to I.C.B.O. tests. The locking bracket has a conforming bend.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and a canopy framework that provides a flexible, collapsible canopy that is capable of flexing and moving, in whole or in part, between a raised position and lower positions having a reduced profile from the raised position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting a flexible framework mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. Truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.

Abstract: An improved connection between articulated bodies for agile vehicles is disclosed. It features independent bodies which are connected to each other with concentric sleeves serving as the pivot to allow the bodies to rotate in a plane parallel to the direction of forward movement. The concentric bushings are preferably made of graphite/epoxy and secured to the chassis body sidewalls. Each of the body segments remains uninterrupted by the bushings which are principally disposed between the facing interior sides of the two bodies. The bearing assembly, which is preferably graphite/epoxy, is self-lubricating as it wears over time. Lateral movement is easily controlled, and relative rotation is also controlled by a collar which serves a dual function to control lateral movement of the bodies as well as relative rotation.

Abstract: The invention is a box hinge comprising a pair of identical hinge members pivotably secured by a sequestered pin captured within a bore in each hinge member. The identical hinge members are cylindrical with a rounded end from which a spherical quadrant has been removed and which has been partially and centrally bored. Each bore extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hinge member and perpendicular to the plane defined by the flat surface of the remaining spherical quadrant. The pin box hinge is formed by inserting one half of the sequestered pin in the bore of each hinge member such that the flat surfaces of both spherical quadrants are coplanar. In an alternative embodiment, the pin sequestration bores are coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the hinge members, which rotate about that longitudinal axis. Jigs for preparing boxes and lids to receive the hinges, and methods of installation, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pivot joint includes two mounting plates respectively fixedly fastened to two parts of an apparatus and coupled together by a rivet for enabling the two mounting plates to be turned relative to each other, an axle sleeve mounted on the rivet between the two mounting plates, a first washer and a second washer respectively mounted on the rivet and attached to one mounting plate at two opposite sides, wherein the axle sleeve has an embossed end edge at one end disposed in contact with the second mounting plate and a recessed coupling hole at an opposite end; the rivet is a stepped rivet having a shoulder from the head thereof and fitted into the recessed coupling hole at the axle sleeve, an annular groove at the head around the shoulder, and a plain end axially extended from the shoulder and inserted through the axle sleeve and the first and second mounting plates and hammered down to form another head; the second washer is made of friction rubber and mounted in the annular groove at the head of the rivet, hav

Abstract: A pivot joint includes two mounting plates respectively fixedly fastened to two parts of an apparatus and coupled together by a rivet for enabling the two mounting plates to be turned relative to each other, an axle sleeve mounted on the rivet between the two mounting plates, a first washer and a second washer respectively mounted on the rivet and attached to one mounting plate at two opposite sides, wherein the axle sleeve has a recessed hole at one end, and the second washer is made of friction rubber, having a first part received in the recessed hole at one end of the axle sleeve, and a second part stopped against one mounting plate at one side.

Abstract: A rotary flexure is designed to exhibit very high radial and axial stiffness and to exhibit virtually no movement in its center of rotation. The flexure, which is formed from a single billet of material, includes an outer ring from which three thin flexure blades extend. The flexure blades extend toward the centerpoint of the rotary flexure, where they join to form a centerpiece. Three lobes also join at the centerpiece, one between each pair of flexure blades. The lobes extend toward the outer ring, and are free to rotate about the pivot axis with respect to the outer ring and the flexure blades. During rotation, the pivot axis exhibits virtually no movement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positioning hinge for use in a portable computer or an electronic dictionary having a main unit and an LCD display, the hinge comprising a pivotal member for mounting the hinge to the main unit; a substantially disk-shaped cam block non-rotatably provided around the pivotal member; a pivotal base rotatably for mounting the hinge to the LCD display. By biasing against the cam block, this invention allows the LCD display of a portable computer to pivot with respect to the main unit so as to adjust the orientation of the LCD display e. This invention can be simply assembled, includes a low number of components, and is of a relatively compact size.

Abstract: A kingpin assembly for heavy duty vehicles having upper and lower yokes of a steering spindle knuckle straddling upper and lower sides of an end portion of an axle. The upper and lower steering spindle yokes have respective bores in registration with a bore in the axle end portion. A kingpin has a central portion fixedly secured within the axle bore, and has opposite, accurately machined and polished end portions disposed within respective upper and lower steering spindle yoke apertures. There is an annular gap between the peripheries of the kingpin end portions and the interior surfaces of the steering spindle yoke bores. An annular sleeve resides within the gap. A pair of roller bearings are mounted in spaced relation internally of the sleeve, with a grease reservoir being defined in the space between adjacent roller bearings. The roller bearings have an outer race mounted in a stationary position on the internal wall of the sleeve.

Abstract: A shifter assembly for a vehicle transmission includes a base with a mounting structure having inwardly facing, opposing pivot-defining apertures defining an axis of rotation, and access channels that extend upwardly and forwardly at about 35 to 40 degrees into the opposing pivot-defining apertures in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation when the base is in a vehicle-installed position. A shift lever includes cylindrically-shaped pivot bosses configured to slide along the access channels into operative rotational engagement with the pivot-defining apertures. The pivot bosses and the pivot-defining apertures have diameters that characteristically are about equal to a width of the access channels, such that the shift lever can be assembled to the base by sliding the pivot bosses along the channels snap-lockingly into the pivot-defining apertures.

Abstract: A device for positioning a spring-loaded or sliding mechanism includes a oting lever and a fixed support arm in a substantially parallel and adjacent relationship to the spring-loaded or slide mechanism. The lever incorporates a hollowed-out portion that receives one end of the spring-loaded or slide mechanism and a portion of the support arm therein. The spring-loaded or slide mechanism is hingedly coupled to the lever at the hollowed-out portion. The hollowed-out portion is further sized to allow the support arm to pass therethough. A latch mechanism is incorporated in part on the support arm and in part on the lever at the hollowed-out portion. In use, the lever moves the spring-loaded or slide mechanism between a first position and a second position as the lever is supported by the support arm passing through the hollowed-out portion. The latch mechanism can be engaged to maintain the spring-loaded or slide mechanism in at least one of the first and second positions.

Abstract: A seismic brace having a brace arm for fastening to a support rod on one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end, is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it by a base bracket hinged to the brace arm and a locking bracket hinged to the brace arm or the base bracket to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle with one slot offset form the other by ninety degrees (90.degree.).

Abstract: A piece of furniture of modular build-up comprises as basic structural elements a frame and an insert plate to be mounted in the frame compartment by corner fittings. The comer fitting is detachably mounted on the insert plate and comprises at least one laterally accessible receptacle parallel to the plane of the plate for a retaining pin mounted on the frame as well as a locking mechanism for the retaining pin to be arrested in the receptacle.

Abstract: A seismic brace having a brace arm for fastening to a support rod on one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end, is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it by a base bracket hinged to the brace arm and a locking bracket hinged to the brace arm or the base bracket to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle with one slot offset form the other by ninety degrees (90°).