Abstract: The invention relates to a ball-and-socket joint which is intended especially for vehicle chassis. The inventive ball-and-socket joint comprises a joint bolt (1) which is provided with a ball joint (1.1), and a plastic joint housing (2) into which a bearing shell (3) is introduced in order to mount the ball joint (1.1) in such a way that it can turn and so that it can tilt within certain limits. The aim of the invention is to ensure that the joint can resist considerable static and dynamic loads in the direction of the joint axis (L) without increasing the cost and to enable the ball joint to be used as a radial joint and as an axial joint. To this end, a metal ring (4) is injected into the joint housing (2). The bearing shell (3) is placed in the joint housing (2) with a positive fit using the end section (4.3) of said ring, which is radially bent inwards and which is located in the area of the opening of the joint housing (2).

Abstract: A process for controlling the shrinkage behavior during the original shaping of plastics during the manufacture of a plastic shell, especially a bearing shell for a ball-and-socket joint, wherein liquefied plastic is introduced between an inner mold (3) and an outer mold (2) in order to be cured therein, wherein the plastic is partially fixed on the outer mold (2) during the curing. This process can be preferably used in a device for controlling the shrinkage behavior during the original shaping of plastics, which has a casting mold, which accommodates at least one outer mold (2) and an inner mold (3) inserted into same, wherein the liquefied plastic (1) to be molded can be introduced between the mold parts (2, 3), wherein means for fixing the liquid plastic (1) are formed on the outer mold (2).

Abstract: A coupling member includes a body having a socket for receiving a mating ball with the body including a recess for receiving a cam member over which a generally C-shaped spring extends. The body includes slots for receiving the ends of the C-shaped spring which engage a ball for locking the coupling member to the ball. The cam includes a lever which is operator accessed for rotating the cam to move the spring from a locking position to an unlocking position with respect to the body and ball to which the body is coupled for allowing the end of the body attached, for example, to a gas assist strut to be removed from the mating ball.

Abstract: A process and a device are provided for mounting ball and socket joints with at least one connecting piece. A first ball and socket joint housing part (3a) is fed to a mounting device, a ball pivot (1), surrounded by a bearing shell (2), is inserted into the first ball and socket joint housing (3a). A second housing part (3b) closing the ball and socket joint is positioned at the first ball and socket joint housing part (3a). A connecting piece (4) is placed at the ball and socket joint housing (3a, 3b), and the housing parts (3a, 3b) are joined together and to the connecting piece (4) in a non-positive and positive-locking manner and/or connected via a corresponding connection (5).

Abstract: Support device for a liquid crystal flat screen (12), in particular for computer workstations, of the type including an arm (14) and an articulating mechanism (18) interposed between the arm and the screen. The articulating mechanism (18) includes a ball (36) having a general hemispherical shape (38) and adapted to be fixed to the screen (12), a cage (46) defining a housing (48) for receiving the ball and having an annular edge (50) which makes frictional contact with the ball, a tie rod (64) interposed between the cage (46) and the ball (36), while resting substantially at the center (C) of the ball, to exert an elastic restoring force of a selected value which causes the ball to rest against the annular edge of the cage, and a tie rod passage (74) formed of a widened recess produced in the ball (36) and opening on the hemispherical surface (38) of the ball to allow clearance of the tie rod in the ball, whatever the position of the ball with respect to the cage.

Abstract: A joint suitable for construction castings having a frame and a lid or cover, such as manholes, grates, trench drains, hatches and the like, and construction castings incorporating the same. No tools are necessary to separate the joint. A ball head located on a lid fits into a socket located on a frame or adjacent lid. To separate the ball head from the socket, the lid is lifted to a substantially vertical position and turned about ninety degrees. The lid can then be lifted away from the socket. When the joint is used in manhole or hatch assemblies, a latch may be used to hold the cover open and the cover may be opened and closed with a lever.

Abstract: Couplers for a cable trough system including a terminal end sized to receive a terminal end of a trough member along a longitudinal direction of the body. A spring may be coupled to the body for securing the terminal end of the trough member to the coupler, the spring including first and second spring arms extending generally in opposition to one another in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal direction. The spring may be received in a slot formed by the trough member. Also included may be a spring release mechanism coupled to the body, the spring release mechanism sliding in the longitudinal direction between a locked position, such that the first and second spring arms engage the terminal end of the trough, and an unlocked position, such that the first and second fingers release the first and second arms of the spring.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a ball-and-socket joint, especially for steering mechanisms and/or wheel suspensions of motor vehicles, with a ball pivot (1), which is accommodated rotatably and tiltably in a one-part or multipart bearing shell (4) within a joint housing (7), wherein the bearing shell (4) is fixed in the joint housing by a closing ring (9), wherein a metallic compressible element (18), which provides a sealing contact surface between the joint housing (7) and the closing ring (9) in the assembled state of the ball-and-socket joint, is arranged between the closing ring (9) and the joint housing (7).

Abstract: A ball-end pin with plastic flange is employed in steering or suspension systems of automotive vehicles, manufactured in two discrete parts, namely, the ball-end pin itself and the flange. The flange is made of plastic material by injection process, one providing its external circumference with a channel for the fixing of the smaller diameter opening of the protection cover of the ball joint, and it may be injected directly on the ball-end pin or injected separately, in which case its central orifice must have a certain conical shape and longitudinal protrusions. The ball-end pin is constructed by stamping process and during the process the same will be provided with a conical section with longitudinal grooves that eliminates the use of the machining process.

Abstract: A mounting assembly includes a connecting subassembly having first and second exterior arms, and an interior arm having first and second ends disposed between the first and second exterior arms. The first end of the interior arm and a portion of the first exterior arm define a first socket. The second end of the interior arm and a portion of the second exterior arm define a second socket. First and second mounting members disposed in the respective first and second sockets.

Abstract: A steering assembly is provided that incorporates a system for controlled damping of vibration between a steering knuckle and tie rod end. A bushing formed from a damping material is inserted within an aperture formed in a tie rod arm of the steering knuckle. The shank from a ball stud member of a tie rod end is then inserted through the aperture and through a spring washer. The combination of the bushing and spring washer reduces and/or eliminates transmission of vibration from the steering knuckle to the tie rod end.

Abstract: A ball joint restriction system provides a cylindrical extension in the end of the ball, and also provides an oblong housing in the closing cover of the ball joint to restrict movement of the extension. A positioning member positions the cover with respect to the box so that the oblong opening of the housing is provided in the same direction that the oblong opening in the other end of the ball joint box, through which pin or stem of the ball type pin passes. The ball joint will guarantee the maintenance of the connecting rod, whatever is its curve and weight, perfectly aligned with the other components of the system, as well as it will allow that the ball type pin to be always positioned in its designed geometrical axle.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint for a motor vehicle, especially for the chassis of the motor vehicle, is provided, wherein the ball-and-socket joint has a ball-and-socket joint housing (4) provided with a joint opening (6) as well as a ball pivot (3). The ball pivot (3) includes a joint ball (1) and a pivot (2). The ball pivot (3) is mounted with its joint ball (1) rotatably and pivotably in the ball-and-socket joint housing (4) and protrudes with its pivot (2) from the ball-and-socket joint housing (4). A separate closing element (10), which closes a mounting opening (9) provided in the ball-and-socket joint housing at least partially, and at which at least one electronic component (11) is arranged, is fastened to the ball-and-socket joint housing (4).

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible member to account for compression loads in excess of a predetermined load, such as 30 percent greater than a maximum load for the flexible member. The system utilizes a flexible pultruded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, yet relatively high elongation characteristics. The flexible arm bends to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a compressive load applied to the flexible member reaches a predetermined load as a result of a fatigue condition, such as snow or ice build up on the windshield. In one embodiment, the predetermined load is defined as: PCR=KE=1.

Abstract: An improved cane to assist walking, comprising a shaft, a base and an articulated connection allowing the base to pivot relative to the shaft, depending upon the slope of the surface below the base, the connection characterized in that articulation capability decreases as downward loading on the shaft is increased, and articulation capability increases as downward loading on the shaft is decreased. Articulation capacity may have a path of resistance that guides the user into selected patterns of therapeutic motion.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint, especially a wheel guide joint for motor vehicles is provided with a housing (1), in the cavity (2) of which, which is open on at least one side, a bearing shell (3) is inserted with a joint ball (4) mounted therein. The bearing shell (3) forms a assembly unit (3,4) together with the joint ball (4) accommodated therein. The assembly unit is displaceable in the cavity (2) along a axis (6). A first collar (7) and a second collar (8), between which a limited free path (5) of the displaceable assembly unit (3, 4) is defined, form end stops in the cavity (2) of the housing (1). The bearing shell (3) is a accomodated in the cavity (2) under a slight radial pretension and at least one compensating element (15) is arranged between the bearing shell (3) and the inner surface of the cavity (2).

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint, preferably for chassis suspensions and/or steering mechanisms of motor vehicles, is presented, which has a ball pivot pin (1), which is accommodated rotatably and tiltably in a joint housing (8) with one of its free ends with a spherical joint area (3). The other free end of the ball pivot pin (1) is fixed to a body part. The ball-and-socket joint has a stop device for limiting the tilting movement of the ball pivot pin (1) in the joint housing (8), which comprises a stop element, which is arranged in the bottom area (11) of the joint housing (8) rotationally symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the sphere and cooperates with the end-side joint area (6) of the ball pivot pin (1).

Abstract: A motion control device for controlling the movement of an operational member about a first axis and about a second axis includes a spindle having a socket and a control arm wherein the socket defines a first axis opening. The device includes a cylindrical pivot member inserted into the first axis opening concentric with the first axis. The pivot member defines a second axis opening and the device includes a cylindrical pivot pin inserted into the second axis opening concentric with the second axis. The spindle is designed to pivot in a first direction about the first axis and in a second direction about the second axis wherein the first and second axes are orthogonal to each other. In one embodiment, a hexagonal drag spring is inserted between the pivot member and spindle to influence the frictional drag for one of the two directions of movement.

Abstract: Couplers for a cable trough system including a terminal end sized to receive a terminal end of a trough member along a longitudinal direction of the body. A spring may be coupled to the body for securing the terminal end of the trough member to the coupler, the spring including first and second spring arms extending generally in opposition to one another in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal direction. The spring may be received in a slot formed by the trough member. Also included may be a spring release mechanism coupled to the body, the spring release mechanism sliding in the longitudinal direction between a locked position, such that the first and second spring arms engage the terminal end of the trough, and an unlocked position, such that the first and second fingers release the first and second arms of the spring.

Abstract: A tilting umbrella with an adjustable cover includes an adjustable cover and a shaft. An upper joint is provided centrally of the cover having a positioning ball to be received in an upper connector formed on top of the shaft. Hence, the cover is adjustable to have an oblique angle relating to the shaft as desired for sheltering sunshine from any directions effectively.

Abstract: Joints for movable toys, such as action figures, that use friction to maintain a fixed position. The toys include several body part members interconnected by a joint that includes a plug portion and a socket portion that receives the plug portion. The socket portion includes one or more protrusions, against which the plug portion is urged to create friction between the plug portion and the socket portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microphone support which includes a restriction groove 520 between a universal ball 50 and a mounting member 70 in order to restrict the rotating angle range of the universal ball 50 rotating with the axis line of a pipe through-hole 510 centered, so that the direction axis L of a microphone is restricted to have a designated swinging angle range with the talker side of the microphone centered. Therefore, no breaking wire by wire-twists is generated, and since the microphone is prevented from facing to loudspeakers owing to careless handling, no howling is also generated.

Abstract: A stamped ball socket for attaching a headlamp pod to a mounting bracket comprising a base having an opening which is adapted to accept a fastener. The ball socket further comprising at least two walls extending from the base and at least two lock-in fingers protruding at an angle from the walls. The lock-in fingers and the walls of the ball socket flex to allow a pivot ball to be inserted between the lock-in fingers such that when the pivot ball is fully inserted it is adjustably retained in the ball socket by the lock-in fingers. Additionally, the base, walls, and lock-in fingers of the present invention are integrally formed by stamping a single piece of metal.

Abstract: A low insertion force snap together automotive coupler for the suspension of a vehicle includes a spherical bearing insert having a first end, a second end, a pocket adapted to engage a ball stud that is integrally formed onto a suspension component, and an axially extending annular flange. The coupler further includes a receiver adapted to receive the spherical bearing insert after the spherical bearing insert has been placed to a ball stud and to engage the flange to secure the spherical bearing insert within the receiver. The pocket within the spherical bearing insert is shaped such that an axial force tending to pull the ball stud out of the pocket will result in a radial force exerted upon the flange, thereby causing additional force to keep the flange engaged within the receiver.

Abstract: A vehicle steering linkage member (40) comprises a socket (42), and a stud (10) having a ball end portion (48) received in the socket and supported for pivotal movement relative to the socket. The stud (10) has a longitudinal axis (52), with a shank portion (50) projecting from the socket (42) and centered on the axis. The shank portion (50) of the ball stud (10) includes a predetermined weakened portion (70). The predetermined weakened portion (70) buckles under a predetermined amount of force. The predetermined weakened portion (70) may have a cross-sectional configuration not centered on the axis (52).

Abstract: An improved ball and race connection assembly for use in connecting together adjacently disposed ends of railway vehicles is provided. This ball and race connection assembly is particularly useful as a connection member in slackless type drawbar assemblies. The improved ball and race connection assembly includes a race member which is formed from a polymeric and/or composite material, specifically a resin impregnated filament wound material which is wound on a polytetrafluoroethylene/polyester mesh sleeve and cured. The use of these materials enables the race member to have sufficient strength and to be self-lubricating, thus eliminating the costs of providing a lubricating material at the ball and race interface, as is necessary when using a metal race, as well as reducing the amount of friction at this interface resulting in lower L/V ratios.

Abstract: A joint (1) with a joint housing (2) and with a joint shell (3) is arranged therein with a ball (4) having a pivot pin (5) protruding from the joint housing (2) and surrounded by a rubber bellows (6) with a protective cap (7). A ring (8) for holding the protective cap (7) is connected to the edge area (6a) of the rubber bellows (6). The edge area (6a) concentrically surrounds the pivot pin (5). The ring (8) has a circular bead (8b, 8c) on its annular outer side (8a) and is vulcanized into the edge area (6a) of the rubber bellows (6). The protective cap (7) is provided on its inner side (7a) with a plurality of projections (9), which can be bent from the outside through openings (10) in the protective cap (7) by means of a tool (11) radially (arrow 12) in relation to the pivot pin (5) against the bead (8b, 8c) of the ring (8) in a non-positive and positive locking manner.

Abstract: A variable compression piston assembly includes a plurality of pistons, a transition arm coupled to each of the pistons, and a rotating member mounted for pivoting movement to slide along an axis of the drive member. Movement of the rotating member relative to the drive member changes the compression ratio of the piston assembly. An engine assembly includes first and second piston assemblies mounted back-to-back and 180° out of phase. A joint for positioning between first and second pistons includes an outer member and an inner member. The outer member is configured for movement relative to the pistons along a first axis perpendicular to the common axis of the pistons. The inner member is mounted within the outer member for rotation relative to the outer member about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and the common axis.

Abstract: A location control mechanism includes a striker having a preferably spherically shaped lock ball and a pair of mutually adjacent socket rollers, each socket roller having a complementing preferably hemispherically shaped semi-socket which collectively provide a single preferably spherically shaped lock socket when the rollers are appropriately rotated relative to each other. The striker is connected to a first component and the socket rollers are rotatably mounted to a second component, wherein the first and second components are positionally located relative to each other by action of the lock ball being trapped in the lock socket formed when the socket rollers have been appropriately rotated.

Abstract: A variable compression piston assembly includes a plurality of pistons, a transition arm coupled to each of the pistons, and a rotating member mounted for pivoting movement to slide along an axis of the drive member. Movement of the rotating member relative to the drive member changes the compression ratio of the piston assembly. An engine assembly includes first and second piston assemblies mounted back-to-back and 180° out of phase. A joint for positioning between first and second pistons includes an outer member and an inner member. The outer member is configured for movement relative to the pistons along a first axis perpendicular to the common axis of the pistons. The inner member is mounted within the outer member for rotation relative to the outer member about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and the common axis.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint for motor vehicles has a ball pivot with at least a joint ball (4) accommodated rotatably and/or pivotably in a bearing shell (2) of a housing (3) and a pivot section (5). A sealing bellows is provided with a first edge area (7) fastened to the housing (3) and withe a second edge area (8) has a sliding connection with a thrust ring (9), which is fixed on the pivot section (5) and comprises an axial shoulder (10) and a radial shoulder (11), wherein the radial shoulder (11) of the thrust ring (9) forms a wave-shaped contour.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of manufacturing a joint housing, in particular for vehicle track rods, having an integral shaft with an internal thread designed to hold a longitudinal pin, the housing being produced from a blank with a ball-like enlargement at one end. In order to ensure low manufacturing costs and low consumption of energy and materials, a longitudinal cavity with a diameter exceeding that of the internal thread and a length exceeding that of the threaded section is first produced in the shaft of the blank by rearwards cup extrusion and the diameter of the threaded section subsequently reduced to that of the thread core while at the same time shaping the surface of the wall to give a flat key face, the overall process being a cold-forming one. Finally, both the external and internal features of the housing are produced by heading, cupping, punching and forming to size perpendicular the to longitudinal axis in the region of the enlargement.

Abstract: A latching mechanism useful in the raising and lowering of luminaires mounted to a support ring and positionable at an upper end of a high mast, the invention comprehends a latch pin capable of articulating attachment to the support ring for preventing damage to latching structure and for reducing the potential for jamming as the latch pin engages latch cams on raising of the support ring. The latch pin is particularly configured with a ball-shaped swivel joint capable of reducing the potential for damage to the pin and associated structure by permitting the support ring to tilt if canted during a lowering operation. The latch pin is further configured with a nose portion of a diameter sufficient to center the latch pin relative to latch cams on raising of the support ring, thereby to reduce the potential for jamming.

Abstract: In a ball joint including a retaining ring to which a boot is mounted and which is press-fitted to a ball stud, the ball stud is formed with a press-fit portion to which a cylindrical portion of the retaining ring is press-fitted, and an annular projection having a tapered forming face rising with an up-grade from a press-fit terminal end of the press-fit portion. When the cylindrical portion is press-fitted to the press-fit portion, a particular cylindrical portion set at a tip end of the cylindrical portion is expanded by pressing the particular cylindrical portion against the tapered forming face, thereby forming a small flange. Thus, the small flange of the retaining ring can be simultaneously formed utilizing a force of press-fitting of the cylindrical portion of the retaining ring to the ball stud. This can contribute to a reduction in the number of assembling steps.

Abstract: The end connector assembly (12) for a gas spring (44) enables the connector body to be connected with and disconnected from a ball (14) on the end of a ball stud (16) by relatively moving the connector body (26) and ball along a path generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the gas spring (44) to which the connector body (26) is connected. The ball (14) enters the connector body (26) through an opening (32) in the body's front surface, that is, the surface generally perpendicular to the gas spring's longitudinal axis. A slot in the body's bottom surface, that is, the surface facing the ball (14), accommodates the shaft portion (22) of the ball stud (16), adjacent the ball (14), as the ball moves into or out of the connector body (26) through the opening (32).

Abstract: A D-ring assembly comprising a D-ring and a load limiting device. The D-ring has a slot therethrough for receiving a seatbelt webbing and for guiding the webbing from the retractor to the torso of a vehicle occupant. The load limiting device functions by absorbing kinetic energy of the vehicle occupant during a crash to control the deceleration forces experienced by the vehicle occupant. The load limiting device has a deforming member partially embedded in a swivel ball. When a predetermined amount of force is applied on the D-ring assembly, the swivel ball rotates causing the deforming member to create a channel in the load-limiting device.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint for motor vehicles is presented, which has a ball pivot (1), which comprises at least one joint ball (4) accommodated rotatably and/or pivotably in a bearing shell (2) of a housing (3), and a pivot section (5). A sealing bellows (6), whose first edge area (7) is fastened to the housing (3) and whose second edge area (8) has a sliding connection with a thrust ring (9) fixed on the pivot section (5), is used to seal the joint components. A protective cover (11), which is used to seal the thrust ring area as well as for shielding against damaging heat radiation and against the effects of splash water or corrosive media, is inserted between a surface of the thrust ring (9) and the surface of a motor vehicle component (10), which said surface faces the said surface of the thrust ring.

Abstract: A steering linkage assembly for a motor vehicle has a tie rod and a drag link connected to a steering knuckle in an over/under arrangement, with first and second ball joints for the drag link and the tie rod respectively on opposite sides of the steering knuckle and having a common axis that is located within an interior volume of a wheel supported by the steering knuckle. The coaxial, over/under configuration results in a ball joint assembly having a minimum axial dimension so that both ball joints can be located inside the inner rim of the wheel and as far outboard and as far forward as possible. The extreme outboard placement of the drag link ball joint maximizes the length of the drag link to reduce bump and roll steer sensitivity, and the forward placement maximizes the effective steering arm radius to reduce steering linkage loads while also improving packaging.

Abstract: A method of producing a ball-and-socket joint (1) between a slipper (3) and a piston (2) of a piston engine, which includes configuring the slipper (3) with a joint ball (4) at an end opposite a bottom surface (21); configuring the piston (2) with an overmeasure (x) on a lateral surface (2c), providing a hemispherical joint recess (5) with a recess edge (7) that protrudes beyond the maximum diameter (6) of the joint recess (5) for receiving the joint ball (4) and bringing together the joint recess (5) and the joint ball (4), and hot-beading the recess edge (7) into a form in which it grips the joint ball (4). Also provided is a joint formed by the foregoing method.

Abstract: A ball socket suitable for a headlamp adjustment assembly. The ball socket has a ring, a plurality of arches and outwardly directed tabs aligned with the arches. Panels between the arches each have outwardly directed ledges. Inwardly directed fingers are provided between the arches substantially aligned with the ledges.

Abstract: A joint ball (4) mounted movably within a bearing shell (5), is introduced into a joint housing (2.1 and 2.2), which is open on at least one side. At least one closing element (3.1 and 3.2) is connected with the joint housing (2.1 and 2.2) in a positive-locking manner. The positive-locking connection is established by the closing element (3.1 and 3.2) being placed indirectly or directly on the joint housing (2.1 and 2.2) and cold-formed in the edge area around a bead (8) of the joint housing (2.1 and 2.2).

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint, for example for use with an articulated support in an automobile, includes an essentially ring-shaped or cup-shaped joint housing and a bearing shell disposed in an interior space of the joint housing. The ball of a ball pin is slidingly received in the bearing shell. The inside contour of the joint housing and the outside contour of the bearing shell are essentially shaped as a truncated cone. The bearing shell can be essentially freely positioned in the joint housing in an axial direction of the ball pin. The position at which the bearing shell is anchored in the joint housing can then be precisely and reproducibly adjusted by way of the truncated conical surfaces. The service life, robustness and quality of ball-and-socket joints can be significantly improved during manufacture, while simplifying their fabrication and reducing their manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A D-ring assembly comprising a D-ring and a load limiting device. The D-ring has a slot therethrough for receiving a seatbelt webbing and for guiding the webbing from the retractor to the torso of a vehicle occupant. The load limiting device functions by absorbing kinetic energy of the vehicle occupant during a crash to control the deceleration forces experienced by the vehicle occupant. The load limiting device has a deforming member partially embedded in a swivel ball. When a predetermined amount of force is applied on the D-ring assembly, the swivel ball rotates causing the deforming member to create a channel in the load-limiting device.

Abstract: A boot is installed to a shaft portion of a ball pin and slidably engages a joint case to seal between the ball pin and the joint case. The boot includes a slidably engaging portion, a connecting portion and a flexible portion. The slidably engaging portion slidably engages the joint case. The connecting portion is attached to the shaft portion of the ball pin. The flexible portion flexibly connects between the slidably engaging portion and the connecting portion. The slidably engaging portion includes an arcuate section and a flange section. The arcuate section has an arcuate cross section on an inner peripheral side of the slidably engaging portion. The flange section projects on an outer peripheral side of the slidably engaging portion.

Abstract: A cover connector has posts which support a cover over an air intake manifold of an automotive vehicle engine, and also support fuel rails and ignited cable separator clips. Each post has a screw on the lower end adapted to thread into an anchorage of the air intake manifold, a clamping flange to clamp a mounting tab on one of the fuel rails down on the anchorage, a support flange to support an end of one of the cable separator clips, and a retainer to hold the end of the cable clip down on the support flange.

Abstract: An interlocking fastener assembly has an insertion member, a receiving member, and a fastener. The receiving member has a guide opening with pockets which receive a polygonal locking portion of the insertion member during assembly. The locking portion has tapered sides and apexes to self center the insertion member. The guide opening pockets and sides allow limited rotation of the insertion member in the receiving member until a mechanical lock is created preventing further rotation of the insertion member. The mechanical lock allows a fastener to be threaded onto the insertion member without the use of a backup tool.

Abstract: The invention provides a ball-and-socket assembly having a ball element including a ball portion and a socket housing including a socket formed by a flexible socket wall for receiving and releasably retaining the ball portion in the socket. The ball-and-socket assembly also includes a sleeve mounted on the socket housing and movable relative to the socket between an engaged position, in which the sleeve reinforces the flexible socket wall such that the socket wall retains the ball portion in the socket, and a disengaged position, in which the socket wall is not reinforced by the sleeve and the ball portion is receivable in the socket and releasable from the socket.

Abstract: A pivot joint has a first structure comprising a ball mounted in a receptacle, wherein the location of the ball is held with respect to the receptacle, and a second structure mounted on and movable with respect to the ball, wherein the second structure has at least one bearing surface which defines its position with respect to the ball. The ball may be held in location by contact with the receptacle at at least two positions. At least one of the positions of contact may be adjustable.

Abstract: An interlocking fastener assembly has an insertion member, a receiving member, and a fastener. The receiving member has a guide opening with pockets which receive a polygonal locking portion of the insertion member during assembly. The locking portion has tapered sides and apexes to self center the insertion member. The guide opening pockets and sides allow limited rotation of the insertion member in the receiving member until a mechanical lock is created preventing further rotation of the insertion member. The mechanical lock allows a fastener to be threaded onto the insertion member without the use of a backup tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to couplings for fluid flowlines and more particularly to couplings that can be dismantled comprising flanges and a static ball-and-socket joint for use with flowlines having a diameter lying in the range 40 mm to 200 mm and transporting fluids (gases or liquids) of high penetrability, at high temperature of up to 800° C., and at high pressure of up to 450×105 Pa. Teh device comprises a flanged coupling device with a static ball-and socket joint comprising a first coupling member (1) having a conical sealing surface (8), a second coupling member (3) having concave sealing surface (10) of spherical shape, a two-barrier metal gasket (2) disposed between the sealing surface (8, 10) of the first and second coupling members (1, 3), and assembly means (4) for assembling the first and second coupling members (1, 3) together so as to hold the gasket (2) between their respective sealing surfaces (8, 10).

Abstract: Fully imidized polyimidisiloxanes which are based on oxydiphthalic anhydride are soluble in diglyme which gives them particular utility in the micro-electronics industry. The polymers are prepared from oxydiphthalic anhydride, a difunctional siloxane monomer and an organic diamine that provides an assymetrical structure in the polyimidesiloxane polymer chain. The polyimide-siloxane can be prepared with functional groups which render them directly curable. The polyimidesiloxanes can also be prepared with functional groups which when reacted with an unsaturated compound renders the polymers curable. The products of the invention can be used in the form of solutions in the micro-electronic industry. The polymers can also be used in wire and cable coating and to prepare films, fibers, and molded and extruded articles.