Abstract: A mounting structure for a pickup bed cover includes two mounting rods and a folding cover plate. The two mounting rods are in parallel, and the cover plate is fixed with the mounting rods together. The mounting structure for the pickup bed cover further includes a supporting rod, a first hinge seat and a second hinge seat. The first hinge seat is arranged on one of the mounting rods and the second hinge seat is arranged on the cover plate, one end of the supporting rod is fixedly hinged with the first hinge seat, and the other end of the supporting rod is detachably hinged with the second hinge seat. With one end of the supporting rod being fixedly hinged and the other end of the supporting rod being detachably hinged, a stable mounting structure is obtained and it is more convenient to mount.

Abstract: An insulating wall fixing device for liquefied natural gas storage tanks includes: a base socket; and a securing stud inserted into the base socket. The base socket is formed on an upper surface thereof with an insertion hole through which the securing stud is inserted into the base socket and has an interior space in which one end of the securing stud is settled. The securing stud includes an insertion portion inserted into the interior space of the base socket through the insertion hole and a fastening portion protruding from the insertion portion outwardly of the base socket. The insertion portion includes a spherical shape and multiple leg members divided by a groove formed from one end of the insertion portion to the other end of the insertion portion. The multiple leg members of the insertion portion are retracted toward the groove.

Abstract: An orientation assembly includes a platform and a locking assembly engageable with the platform and positionable in a first state in which the platform is permitted to rotate about a lateral axis and inhibited from rotating about a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the lateral axis, and a second state in which the platform is permitted to rotate about the longitudinal axis and inhibited from rotating about the lateral axis.

Abstract: A pedal assembly comprises a pedal arm; a pedal plate provided on a second end of an elongated lever structure of the pedal arm; a vehicle mounting bracket; and a retainer. The retainer is installed on the pedal arm and is configured to operatively connect the pedal arm and an end portion of an operating member so as to transmit the movement of the pedal arm between a first and a second arm position to a functional system. The retainer is in an open position for insertion of the end portion of the operating member therein. The retainer is configured to move or to be movable from the open position to a closed position in which the retainer retains the end portion of the operating member received therein. The retainer is movable from the open position to the closed position by insertion of the operating member therein.

Abstract: A closed-head polyaxial screw for use in spinal instrumentation for spinal fusion, treatment of deformity, or the like. Polyaxial screws may have a two-part design, with the screw fitting into an aperture in the closed head. One or more clamps may secure the bone screw in the aperture. A closed-head polyaxial screw having a one part design is also disclosed. In addition, a one-part monaxial screw is described.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor has a magnet (M1) that produces a magnetic field with a magnetic field axis (f), has a magnet axis (a) and is held in a component (4) that can move about at least one axis and has a component axis (b). Also a method for mounting a magnet (M1) of a magnetic field sensor. The magnet (M1) is held in the component (4) in such a manner that the magnetic field axis (f) coincides, as closely as possible, with the component axis (b). A deviation of the magnetic field axis (f) from the magnet axis (a) is measured, and the angle of deviation (?) is corrected during the mounting of the magnet (M1) in the component (4).

Abstract: A stabilizer (1) for a chassis of a vehicle. The stabilizer has a curved stabilizer body (2) that forms a torsion spring, a pendulum support (5, 6) and a connecting element (7, 8). The connecting element (7, 8) connects the stabilizer body (2) and the pendulum support (7, 8) to one another. To reduce the cost and complexity of assembly. The stabilizer is characterized in that a first end (11) of the connecting element (7, 8) is injection-molded onto a pendulum support end (9).

Abstract: The invention relates to a ball joint (10) for a wiper system, comprising a ball shell (12), a ball head (14) within the ball shell (12), a hinged rod (16) into which the ball shell (12) is inserted, and a securing means (18), wherein the securing means (18) engages around the hinged rod (16), in order to reduce an opening (20) in the ball shell (12) to a blocking distance (d), such that the ball head (15) can be removed from the ball shell (12). The invention further relates to a method for assembling the ball joint (10).

Abstract: Systems, devices, and associated methods for correcting spinal column deformities that help minimize a number of attachment anchors utilized for correction, facilitate use of straight or contoured rods, and/or help promote a more natural, physiologic motion of the spinal column.

Abstract: A socket grommet formed from fiber-reinforced material, for attaching a stud pin with a head portion to a bracket, includes a body member; a first supporting member for supporting one side of the head portion; and second supporting members for supporting another side of the head portion. The first supporting member includes a supporting portion on one side of the body member and connecting portions connecting the supporting portion to the body member. Each connecting portion includes a breaking portion having a thickness less than a remaining portion thereof to be breakable upon a predetermined force. Each second supporting member includes a first connecting piece extending from the body member to another side of the body member, and a second connecting piece extending from the first connecting piece to the one side of the body member and having a supporting piece for contacting the another side of the head portion.

Abstract: A flow path component assembly includes a carrier that has at least one radially extending tab. A flow path component has a base portion and a first wall that extends radially from the base portion. The first wall has an aperture. A pin extends through a hole in the radially extending tab and the aperture. The pin has an ellipsoid portion between a first end and a second end.

Abstract: A ball joint has a ball stud, a housing and a ball seat. The seat is an elastic body in a tubular shape with the top and the bottom being open, and has a spherical space to accommodate a ball portion. The housing has a spherical inner face that is close to an outer periphery of the ball portion, to accommodate the ball portion in the inner face via the seat so as to support the ball stud. A clamped portion arranged at a peripheral end of the housing is clamped to press the seat so that the ball stud can be swung and rotated.

Abstract: An end fitting connector assembly includes an end fitting having a first end, a second end and a through opening that extends in a direction that is transverse to an end fitting axis extending through the first and second ends and in which the through opening is defined by a peripheral wall. An elastically deformable race fitted into the through opening of the end fitting includes an exterior surface that engages the peripheral wall and an interior surface configured to provide snap fitting engagement with a spherical ball mount. At least one feature retaining the race within the end fitting creates an increased disassembly force, which may prevent disassembly without employing a release tool or release feature. The interior and exterior surfaces of the race can include spherical surfaces for conforming to the spherical ball and the peripheral wall of the end fitting.

Abstract: This ball joint is provided with: a ball stud, one end being fastened to a suspension device/stabilizer, and the other end having a ball part; a housing that rotatably supports the ball part of the ball stud; and a ball seat provided so as to be interposed between the housing and the ball part, the ball seat having an inner spherical part for accommodating the ball part. The ball seat is provided to the housing by insert injection molding. The inside diameter dimension of the inner spherical part formed by separate injection molding is set to a dimension corresponding to the anticipated amount of molding shrinkage of the resin during the insert injection molding.

Abstract: An end cap for a gas assist strut according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a body providing a socket, a spring clip having ends projecting into the socket, and a lever. The lever is arranged such that application of pressure to the lever draws the ends of the spring away from one another. This disclosure also relates to a motor vehicle including the subject end cap. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A component connection has a first component, a second component with a through hole, and a connecting element, by which the two components are connected to each other. The connecting element has at least two balls connected to each other, of which a first ball extends, at least over part of the diameter thereof, through the through-hole. A second ball of the connecting element is pressed into the material of the first component such that the second ball is connected to the first component in a positive-locking manner.

Abstract: A driving control device for a vehicle, comprising a handle bar interconnected with a brake bar having attachment means for attachment to a brake pedal, the attachment means comprising a locking mechanism comprising an engagement head with a shaft portion and a bail portion having a flat portion, the latter locking mechanism further comprising an engagement socket having a spherical compartment fitting the ball portion and a wall portion in the opening of the socket allowing the engagement head to enter the spherical compartment when the flat portion slides over the wall portion. The driving control device is intended for handicapped drivers and for safe and easy attachment to a vehicle brake pedal.

Abstract: A guiding device for a seat belt system has a guiding ring, a moving seat, and an elastic member. The moving seat is slidably mounted on the guiding ring and is moveable upward and downward. The elastic member is connected between the guiding ring and the moving seat for providing an elastic force to the moving seat. When a webbing of the seat belt system is pulled, the moving seat is pulled by the webbing and moves downwardly. The elastic member is stretched to generate a cushioning resilience to reduce the pulling force. The structure of the guiding device is compact, so the guiding device is low-cost in manufacture and small in volume without occupying much space.

Abstract: The invention includes a handlebar grip, a binding ring, a rod and a mirror. The handlebar grip has a main body and a tubular seat extending from an end of the main body. An outer diameter of the tubular seat is less than an outer diameter of the main body. The binding ring is a C-shaped body around the tubular seat. Two ends thereof are separately formed with a positioning hole and a threaded hole. The rod has a first end and a second end. The first end is formed with a positioning bar being inserted into the positioning hole. The positioning bar has a through hole. A screw passes through the through hole and the positioning hole and is screwed into the threaded hole to make the binding ring fasten the tubular seat. The mirror is pivotally connected to the second end of the rod.

Abstract: The tie rod end includes a housing with an inner bore that extends along a central axis. A stud is partially received in the inner bore and has a shank portion which extends out of the inner bore for attachment with a gearbox. The tie rod end further includes an elastic boot body which extends from a first boot end, which is sealed with the housing, to a second boot end. A boot bearing, which is made of a plastic material, is secured with the second boot end. The boot bearing is in a dynamic sealing engagement with the shank portion of the stud. The boot bearing presents a plurality of radially inwardly extending and annularly-shaped ribs that contact the shank portion.

Abstract: A ball joint having alignment guides to ensure correct assembly of a directional bearing into the internal chamber of a housing, the directional bearing having an elliptical external surface engaging a mating elliptical alignment surface of the internal chamber such that the ball end of the ball joint stud is pivotally mounted for angular motion within a major swing plane and a minor swing plane relative to the housing axis.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using an ergonomic fore grip/gun handle with a concealable and collapsible bipod. One version can have a tubular recess consisting of a first cylindrical cutout housing the bipod legs when concealed and a sliding piston that deploys the legs and a second cylindrical cutout housing a release mechanism and a void space for other accessories. The release mechanism has a compression spring positioned between the piston assembly and the bottom of the first cylindrical cutout and the compression spring. The legs are connected to the bottom of the piston assembly via a hinge and spring that when released from confinement within the fore grip, causes the legs to expand outward until fully deployed. Telescoping legs allow adjustment of leg length for use on uneven terrain. The grip portion has an outer surface with a flat surface on sides of the grip to provide a more stable grip, assist in orienting the mounted weapon and support pressure pads for lights.

Abstract: A pivot bearing (1) for a hydraulic clearance compensation element (2), especially of a valve train of an internal combustion engine, is provided in which the pivot bearing (1) has a first part (3) projecting in an axial direction (a) with a surface (4) that is convex at least in some sections and also a second part (5) with a surface (6) that is concave at least in some sections for at least partially holding the first part (3). To optimize the production of such a pivot bearing and to minimize the associated costs, the invention provides that the first part (3) is constructed at least partially as a ball, wherein the second part (5) surrounds the ball (3) with undercut in the axial direction (a).

Abstract: A stabilizer link of the present invention includes connecting parts that has a housing which supports a ball stud to be connected to the first or second structure so as to be swingable and rotatable, wherein the ball stud has a stud part extending from a spherical part and the housing houses a support member to support a spherical part of the ball stud in a spherical space so as to be slidable, wherein the support member includes: an opening where the spherical space is open for the stud part; a lubricant receiving part in a concave shape that faces the opening; and a wall surface that forms the spherical space for the spherical part to slide thereon and has recessed grooves formed on both sides or one side of a portion of the wall surface having the maximum inner radius about the central axis of the spherical space.

Abstract: A device wearable upon a head of a user with an adjustable assembly is provided. The device may comprise a first assembly including a wearable portion, an arm having a first end portion and a second end portion positioned at an end of the arm opposite to the first end portion, and a first connector connected between the first assembly and the first end portion of the arm, the first connector including a detent assembly configured to releasably hold the arm in an in-use position at a first distance from the head of the user and in a stand-by position at a second distance greater than the first distance. The device may further include a second connector connected to the second end portion of the arm, and an output display connected to the second connector.

Abstract: A transmission shifter assembly includes a shifter and a shifter bezel. The shifter includes a shifter body and a shifter handle movably coupled to the shifter body. The shifter bezel includes a bezel body and defines a handle opening extending through the bezel body. The handle opening is sized to partially receive the shifter handle. The shifter handle extends through the handle opening. The transmission shifter assembly further includes a plurality of locating features, such as shock absorbers, interconnecting the shifter bezel and the shifter body in order to align the shifter bezel relative to the shifter.

Abstract: A ball joint connector for connecting an elongated element to a ball pin includes a socket having a cylindrical cavity for receiving a ball of a ball pin with an opening at one end and a dome-shaped end wall at the opposite end, and a clip disposed at least partially within the cavity and dimensioned to encompass more than the upper hemisphere of the ball, the clip being moveable between a locking position and a retracted assembly/disassembly position characterized in that the clip is arranged to extend, in its locking position, in abutment with the surface of a ball received in the cavity on opposing sides of the ball on each side over a portion of the upper hemisphere and with its lower end portion over an adjoining surface portion of the lower hemisphere.

Abstract: A camera mount for mounting a camera inside a windshield of a vehicle. The camera includes a lens mount and a camera housing. The front tip of the lens mount is constrained to be in close proximity to or constrained to contact the inside of the windshield for different rake angles of the windshield.

Abstract: A stanchion includes storage for a linkage member. The stanchion includes a hollow pole and a cap piece inserted into the top portion of the pole. Vertical movement of the cap piece may provide clearance for a linkage opening to allow the linkage member to be pulled from or pushed into the interior of the hollow pole.

Abstract: An engine cover for covering an engine including: a cover body configured to cover the engine from above; and at least one fixing part projecting from the cover body toward an engine side and being configured to be attached to the engine side, wherein the cover body and the fixing part are integrally formed of an urethane foam, and the fixing part has an infirm portion formed at a periphery thereof so that the fixing part is configured to be deformed toward a specific direction due to the infirm portion upon input of a load to the cover body.

Abstract: A powered prosthetic thigh can have a proximal portion configured to couple to a prosthetic hip socket and can have a distal portion attached to the proximal portion. The distal portion can have a distal connector configured to couple to a prosthetic knee. The powered prosthetic thigh can also have a computer controlled actuator configured to rotate the prosthetic thigh relative to the prosthetic hip socket.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor apparatus (101) has a generator device which comprises at least two parts and which has at least two magnets (106, 108) for generating at least two magnetic fields (332, 334) and a detection device for detecting the magnetic fields (332, 334). The magnets (106, 108) of the generator device are arranged so as to be movable relative to one another and with respect to the detection device. The detection device has at least two sensors (110, 112) for generating at least two sensor signals which depend on the magnetic fields (332, 334). The sensors (110, 112) are arranged adjacent to one another in a detection area in an intersection area of the magnetic fields (332, 334) of the at least two magnets (106, 108).

Abstract: A dynamic DNA model and DNA model kit that is based on the atomic coordinates of double-stranded DNA, but can be easily untwisted to form a flattened 2-D ladder structure. Once untwisted, the two strands of DNA can be easily “unzipped” to create single-stranded DNA templates that can be used to demonstrate the processes of DNA replication and transcription. The model and kit include two joints that allow the DNA model to be dynamically transformed from its helical arrangement into a straight ladder-like arrangement, with parallel base pairs and anti-parallel “backbones.” One joint is a pin joint, having rotation about one axis, and translation along that axis. The second joint can be a “compound” joint having multiple degrees of freedom at different points; or, it can be simplified to a single rotation axis with a separate translation axis.

Abstract: A shear pin connection for use in a difficult to access location has a bolt head to be positioned at an inner end of a bearing. A bushing is received between the bolt and an inner periphery of the bearing. A lock member is positioned between an inner end of the bushing and the bolt head. The lock member is radially expandable, and has a free radially outer dimension that is smaller than an inner dimension of the inner bore. The lock member is expandable to have an expanded radially outer dimension that is greater than the inner dimension of the inner bore. A nut is tightened on the outer end of the bolt. The nut causes the bushing to move relative to the bolt, and causes the lock member to expand radially. A shackle connection for a gas turbine engine and an aircraft are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a spindle drive for an adjustable element of a vehicle, wherein the spindle drive has a substantially tubular spindle drive housing and two connections for diverting driving movements, wherein at least one connection of the spindle drive has a connection head which is connected to the spindle drive via a connection neck which is thinner than the connection head. A sealing cap for the spindle drive housing is provided with a sealing opening, in order to install the sealing cap, the sealing cap is pulled with the sealing opening thereof over the connection head of a connection of the spindle drive, and the peripheral region of the sealing opening is elastically deformed by the engagement with the connection head and is therefore widened, and that the peripheral region of the sealing opening is subsequently deformed back elastically in frictionally sealing engagement with the connection neck.

Abstract: A ball joint, in particular, an axial joint, having a ball stud, which is enclosed in a ball socket. The ball socket is enclosed in a joint housing and is integrally formed having at least one spring element in a region of the ball socket that faces away from the opening of the joint housing. The spring element has discontinuities, in particular in the form of slots, so that wear compensation is created by the spring element within the ball joint.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a ball and socket joint and a joint manufactured according to that process are provided for a simple manufacture of a completely assembled ball and socket joint with a low torque and overturning moment. The joint housing is manufactured in an injection or casting process, in which the joint ball with the bearing shell placed on it is surrounded by a metallic material or a plastic. The joint shell is provided with a bulge, which behaves elastically with respect to the pressure acting during the injection or casting process and arches slightly outwardly after the conclusion of the injection or casting process. It is achieved as a result that the joint shell does not lie over its entire area on the joint ball after the injection or casting process.

Abstract: An electric lighting arrangement including a plurality of lighting units each containing a plurality of LED lights, to form a strip of lights. The units are adapted to be joined together by means of a ball joint arrangement, which comprises two conjoined balls, each ball being adapted to be mounted in a retaining bail cup in a lighting unit, ball cups being provided on opposed ends of the units to enable the units to be pivotable one relative to the other in all planes. Each lighting unit includes a main body incorporating a heat sink in the form of head conducting fins.

Abstract: A replacement ball joint assembly (10) adapted to be pressed into a previously used and possibly distorted receiving hole (26) in a suspension component such as a control arm (28). A socket housing (12) of the assembly (10) includes a plurality of generally annular, concentric knurls (36) each having a respective crest portion (38) and separated one from another by intervening relief grooves (40). The crest portions (38) of the knurls (36) may be tapered so as to provide a lead-in feature to minimize misalignment during a press-in installation operation. The knurls (36) are preferably softer than the control arm material so that they yield during press-in rather than further disfiguring or enlarging the receiving hole (26). Displaced material from the crest portions (38) of the knurls (36) flows into the relief grooves (40).

Abstract: A swaged bearing assembly includes a flange mounted thereon. A bearing inner member has an outer surface at least a portion of which defines an outer engagement surface. A bearing outer member is swaged around the inner member and the inner member is misalignable and rotatable in relation to the outer member. The outer member has an outer surface and an inner surface at least a portion of which defines an inner engagement surface. An area of engagement is defined by an interface of the inner engagement surface of the outer member and the outer engagement surface of the inner member. A flange is mounted on the outer surface of the outer member.

Abstract: A ball joint comprising: a housing having an inner cavity defined inward of a seat end, a side wall and a closure end having an opening, an edge about the opening in an assembly position extending upwardly; a ball stud having: a lower ball end with an outer convex spherical surface, a middle portion, and a connector end; a first bearing, slidably housed within the cavity, having an inner concave spherical surface; a retention plate, housed within the cavity inward of the edge about the opening, wherein the edge of the opening extends inwardly engaging an outer surface of the retention plate in a closed position; and a first disc annular recess in at least one of: an outward surface of the first bearing; and an inward surface of the retention plate.

Abstract: A security apparatus includes a mount and a sensor body with a socket recessed into the sensor body at a first angle from a functionality plane. The mount includes a stem and a base adapted to be affixed to a wall. The stem extends from the base at a second angle from horizontal. The functionality plane is set at an angle from horizontal equal to the first angle plus the second angle if the stem is inserted into the socket with the first side of the stem in close proximity to the first wall of the socket, and the functionality plane of the sensor body is set at an angle from horizontal equal to the first angle minus the second angle if the stem is inserted into the socket with the first side of the stem in close proximity to the second wall of the socket.

Abstract: A spindle drive for an adjusting element of a motor vehicle includes a drive motor with a spindle-spindle nut gear arranged downstream for producing a drive force along a geometric spindle axis. Two connectors are provided for transferring the drive force and at least one connector includes a ball joint with a ball socket and an assigned ball. The ball socket includes a ball socket housing with a connecting piece. It is proposed that the ball socket in the ball socket housing has a damping shell and a bearing shell in the damping shell for the positive engagement with the ball so that the flux of force for the drive force passes via the damping shell and the bearing shell.

Abstract: A joining element for connecting a first component to a second component, wherein the joining element includes a connection member for the pivotable mounting of the first component, and part of the connection member is receivable in at least one aperture of the second component in a predetermined orientation. A fixing mechanism is provided for directly fixing the connection member to the second component when the part of the connection member received in the aperture.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight hitch-coupling tool is designed to lift, move, and align a hitch-head assembly via two or more points/regions of contact with a hitch ball. When a user moves a hitch-head assembly via the hitch-coupling tool of the present invention, the assembly's mass is evenly distributed through the center of the head of the tool allowing a user to easily maneuver large hitch-head assemblies with one hand.

Abstract: Embodiments for retaining the spherical ball of a piston connecting rod within a socket in a bore in a drive plate of a bent-axis pump/motor comprise swaging material at the periphery of the socket cavity toward the ball, to an outer diameter such that the swaged region is fully supported against pullout by the cylindrical wall of the bore. Alternatively, a retention ring which is fully supported by the walls of the cylindrical bore retains the ball within the socket and is in turn retained by a snap ring extending into a groove within the bore.

Abstract: A bearing seat for a ball joint which simplifies the process of joining a housing and a bearing seat and makes it easy to guarantee the stiffness necessary for a ball joint as a whole by making it easy to fill the interior of an undercut groove with a softened or molten material and a ball joint having this bearing seat for a ball joint are provided. The ball joint 100 has a bearing seat in the form of a ball seat 130 which receives a ball portion 113 of a ball stud 110 inside a cast housing 120 so that the ball portion 113 can slidably rotate. The ball seat 130 has an undercut groove 140 in its outer peripheral surface which contacts the inner peripheral surface of the housing 120. The undercut groove 140 is formed so that the inner width W2 of its bottom portion 142 is greater than the opening width W1 of the opening 141 and so that its depth D is shallower than the opening width W1 of the opening 141.

Abstract: The kinematic platform is a spherical-prismatic-spherical kinematic platform providing six degrees of freedom with controlled braking at each joint. The kinematic platform includes a base and an upper platform plate, with the upper platform plate having opposed upper and lower surfaces. The upper surface thereof provides a mounting surface for an external article to which controlled three-dimensional movement is to be imparted. A plurality of linear actuators are further provided, with each linear actuator having opposed upper and lower ends. A plurality of upper and lower spherical joints are provided for pivotally mounting the linear actuators between the upper platform plate and a lower base. Each spherical joint provides selective and controllable braking, allowing for the controlled rotation of each end of each linear actuator with respect to the respective upper platform plate or base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spindle drive for an adjusting element of a motor vehicle comprising a drive motor with a spindle-spindle nut gear arranged downstream for producing a drive force along a geometric spindle axis, wherein two connectors are provided for transferring the drive force and wherein at least one connector comprises a ball joint with a ball socket and an assigned ball, wherein the ball socket comprises a ball socket housing with a connecting piece. It is proposed that the ball socket in the ball socket housing has a damping shell and a bearing shell in the damping shell for the positive engagement with the ball so that the flux of force for the drive force passes via the damping shell and the bearing shell.

Abstract: A mount that is useful for mounting electronics equipment such as audio or video equipment such as a microphone or a camera in a desired orientation has first and second interconnected body members that retain a swivel adapter that is movable in a ball and socket swivel joint relative to the body members. The body members rotated on threaded connections to thereby adjust the tightness of the swivel adaptor retained between the body members. A stop prevents inadvertent disassembly of the assembled mounting apparatus.