Abstract: The joint assembly 1 for a car steering system has a first ball joint 11, a tubular collar 25, an elastic member 26 and a second ball joint 21. The first ball joint 11 has a stem 13 provided with a recess 13a. The tubular collar 25 has a protrusion 25a at an inside thereof and provided around the stem 13 in such a manner that the protrusion 25a confronts the recess 13a. The elastic member 26 is provided between the recess 13a of the stem 13 and the protrusion 25a of the collar 25. The second ball joint 21 has a hole 19 for accommodating the collar 25 covering the stem 13. According to the joint assembly 1, vibration generated at the wheel 71 is absorbed by the elastic member 26 and seldom gives the driver uncomfortableness or causes the driver to err in driving the car.

Abstract: A link assembly for a vehicle control system comprising a spacer molded of glass-filled nylon and a socket housing mounted on each end of the spacer, both socket housings also being molded of glass-filled nylon. Each housing comprises a male socket component and a female socket component which are mirror-image, identical to each other except for complementary male locator protrusions and female locator depressions formed in opposing relationship on mating faces of respective components. The components are ultrasonically welded together to capture opposite ends of the spacer and the ball ends of respective ball studs.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly is provided for use with a tube bender including a mandrel rod, a mandrel ball, and a coupler. The coupler is configured to couple the mandrel ball to the mandrel rod and includes a link, a first connector member, a second connector member, and a retainer. The link includes a body and a collar. The first and second connector members are positioned to lie over the second end of the body and cooperate to define a groove sized to receive the collar of the link and a socket sized to retain a projection of the mandrel ball. The retainer is positioned to lie over the first and second connector members and the link to secure the first and second connector members to the link.

Abstract: A ball and socket bearing assembly adapted to receive the vertical post of a rudder installed in the stern of a boat. The assembly consists of a molded journal box having a spheroidal cavity therein defining a socket in which is nested a ball-like bearing formed of UHMW polyethylene or of a material having similar non-stick properties, the post passing through an axial bore in the bearing. The assembly is produced by placing the preformed bearing in a mold to create an annular space between the bearing and the inner wall of the mold. This space is then flooded with a curable liquid resin monomer whereby when the monomer is polymerized and rigidified, it does not bond to the non-stick bearing. The bearing is therefore free to rotate in the cavity and align itself with the rudder post regardless of the degree to which the post deviates from the vertical as a result of hydrodynamic or other forces imposed on the rudder.

Abstract: A disengageable pivot connection includes a ball stud that is capable of being selectively removed from the corresponding socket. The ball stud includes an engagement head that has substantially flat faces or grooves that correspond to tabs extending from the rim of the socket into which the ball stud is engaged. To install, the ball stud is inserted into the socket such that the substantially flat faces or grooves on the head pass by the tabs extending from the rim of the socket. Then, the ball stud is rotated such that the head engages the tabs extending from the rim of the socket. Alternatively, the head of the ball stud is snap-fitted into the socket as is conventional in the art. As such, the head cannot be removed from the socket without additional rotation. The head remains free to pivot within the socket as required for the particular application. One particularly desirable application of the present invention is in automotive lamp assemblies.

Abstract: A metallic ball pin of a universal joint, preferably one with high load-bearing capacity, for motor vehicles, which is mounted movably in all directions in a bearing shell of a housing with a joint ball 2 designed at one end of a pin stump 1. To improve its functional properties and to reduce its manufacturing costs, a machined joint ball 2 with a through-hole 5 is nonrotatably attached to a fastening pin 4 of a pin stump 1 manufactured by cold forming in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pin stump 1, and it is held by deforming the fastening pin 4.

Abstract: A stabilizer link rod for linking to suspension arm the stabilizer rotatably fitted to the chassis of a car. The link rod comprises a rod, a socket provided at either end of the rod and having a bore with at least one opening, bearing provided in the bore of the socket, and a ball stud of which a spherical head is grasped in the bearing. Further, the rod and sockets at the opposite ends of the rod are integrally molded in a synthetic resin, and the bearing is molded in a synthetic resin having a good sliding property.

Abstract: A ball joint has a ball (10) mounted within a ball socket (14) in a body (16). The ball is normally retained in place behind a throat (30) of the socket, but the ball also has a radial projection (32) which will ensure that the ball is held captive in the socket, even after so much wear has taken place that the diameter of the throat is increased. If this does happen, the flange (32) will be retained behind a shoulder (44). In an unworn state, the ball (10) is retained between a bearing surface in the upper spherical part of the socket, between the throat (30) and the shoulder (44) and a pressure pad (48) on the inside of a cap (20) which closes the socket at one end. A pin (12) attached to the ball (10) can freely move within a substantially circular cone as permitted by the radius of the throat (30).

Abstract: A method for connecting a ball and socket joint to a control arm in a vehicle suspension system includes providing the ball and socket joint with a socket portion having a circumferential flange. The ball and socket joint is initially aligned with an opening formed through an outer portion of the control arm. Then, the ball and socket joint is moved upwardly such that the socket portion is received within the opening. The socket portion defines an outer diameter that is preferably slightly smaller than an inner diameter defined by the opening formed through the outer portion of the lower control arm. However, the flange defines an outer diameter that is preferably larger than an inner diameter defined by that opening. Thus, the engagement of the flange with the lower surface of the outer portion positively positions the ball and socket joint relative to the lower control arm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension assembly for a motor vehicle including a pair of end links which interconnect the opposite ends of a stabilizer bar to a pair of suspension members. Each end link has a first fastener adapted for connection to the end of the stabilizer bar and a second fastener adapted for connection to the suspension member. In addition, a locking mechanism is provided for securing the first fastener in a socket formed in the hollow end of the stabilizer bar.

Abstract: Several improvements relating to hexapods are described. The improvements relate to universal joints and ball and socket joints where two struts meet at a common focal point, two axis gimbals which are used for ballscrew drives in universal joints and a micro positioning device incorporating a hexapod structure. The universal joint (1) includes two part spheres (13, 14) connected to one strut (12) and a rotatable ring (15) connected to another strut (11). The two part spheres (13, 14) are secured together by fasteners (25) with the ring (15) secured therebetween so as to form a sphere. The ring (15) is preloaded and rotatable about a common axis (17) of the sphere.

Abstract: A composite stud having a shank with a recess at one end receives a stem formed on a ball. The stem and recess have any suitable shape and preferably a shape that prevents rotation of the ball relative to the shank. A further embodiment has a shank with an extension at one end for insertion into a bore in a ball. The extension is deformed to effect a positive connection.

Abstract: A ball joint (10) supports a first suspension member (14) for movement relative to a second suspension member (40). The first and second suspension members (14, 40) define a steering axis (30). The ball joint (10) comprises a ball stud (100) and a socket (60) having a chamber (74). A bearing (80) is located in the chamber (74). The ball stud (100) has a shank portion (102) for connecting the ball stud for movement with the first suspension member (14). The socket (60) has a mounting portion (64) for connecting the socket for movement with the second suspension member (40). The ball stud (100) has a ball end portion (110) received in the bearing (80) and rotatable in the bearing to provide for relative movement between the first and second suspension members (14, 40). The ball stud (100) and the bearing (80) are movable together in the chamber (74) relative to the socket (60) and the second suspension member (40) in a direction parallel to the steering axis (30).

Abstract: A foldable limb for a model includes two or more segments pivotally coupled together for forming the foldable limb and for allowing people to easily dress the model. One of the segments includes a ball and a pivot shaft engaged through the ball. The other segment includes a coupler having a socket rotatably engaged with the ball and a post extended from the socket for slidably receiving a hook. The hook is hooked to the pivot shaft and a spring may bias the hook to resiliently engage with the pivot shaft.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint includes a bearing set having an upper bearing and a lower bearing that have respective rim portions that are shaped for complementary overlapping engagement to create a radial and axial preload on a ball and socket joint assembly. The upper and lower bearings include generally spherical inner surfaces for contacting a ball stud outer surface. A socket housing includes a generally cylindrical inner wall for contacting outer surfaces of the upper and lower bearings. The upper and lower bearing rims overlap at a bearing to bearing interface that is preferably at the equator of the ball stud.

Abstract: In the ball pivot arrangement for a ball joint described in the specification, an essentially spherical upper region and an essentially bar-shaped lower region are joined by friction welding, the spherical region being capable of being mounted in a joint cup or joint socket to form a ball joint and the bar-shaped region constituting a joint rod. The costs involved in producing the ball pivot arrangement are reduced and the ball pivot arrangement is more effectively adaptable to different stresses because each of the components can be machined or hardened separately to provide required dimensions or hardness before assembly.

Abstract: A ball joint having a ball stud provided with an integral spherical portion at one end thereof. A unitary molded synthetic resin body forms a molded holder having a concavity in which the spherical ball portion is tightly held disposed rotatable omnidirectionally and tiltable therein. The concavity has an opening of a lesser diameter than a maximum diameter of the concavity so that the spherical portion of the ball stud can be pressure-fitted into the concavity with the ball stud extending axially laterally of the molded holder. A link rod having a circular annular end held by the molded holder extends laterally of the holder defining in assembly with the ball stud a ball joint. The annular end is embedded in the synthetic resin of the molded holder and has an internal diameter substantially coaxial with the ball stud and greater than the diameter of ball stud spherical portion so that the synthetic resin concavity and the spherical ball portion have opposed smooth surfaces.

Abstract: A ball joint (10) for interconnection between relatively movable parts (12, 14/16) includes a ball stud (70) having a central ball portion (24) and a pair of stud portions (40, 42) extending in diametrically opposite directions from the central ball portion. The stud portions (40, 42) and the central ball portion (24) have a central passage (54) extending axially through the stud portions and the central ball portion. A fastener (260) extends through the central passage (54) for attaching the ball stud (20) to the movable parts (12, 14/16). A housing (60) encloses the central ball portion (24) and has opposite openings (74, 88) through which the respective stud portions (40, 42) extend. First and second bearings (100 and 130) for the central ball portion (24) support the central ball portion in the housing (60) for movement relative to the housing. First and second seals (170 and 200) close the opposite openings (74, 88) in the housing (60).

Abstract: A ball stud (30) has a ball end (32) received in a socket (60) to form a ball and socket joint (20). A boot seal (10) has a first end portion (82) for encircling and sealingly engaging a portion (78) of the socket (60). The boot seal (10) has a second end portion (84) which defines an opening (94) through which the ball stud (30) extends. The second end portion (84) of the boot seal (10) has portions (140, 150, 160, 170) which permit relative angular movement of the ball stud (30) and the socket (60) in a first direction (A) and block relative angular movement of the ball stud and the socket in a second direction (C).

Abstract: A robotic device for operating a control pedal of a vehicle having a body and a pedal actuator mounted on the body. A telescoping connecting rod is coupled to the pedal actuator through a bell crank assembly, and further coupled to the control pedal for reciprocating motion thereto. The robotic device causes the pedal to be depressed and released when the pedal actuator reciprocates the telescoping connecting rod.

Abstract: A ball joint having a polymeric housing with an integral bearing seat for receiving a ball stud. A polymeric cap attaches to the housing and includes a bearing cavity for contacting the ball stud. The housing and bearing cap each have retention features that cooperate to securely assemble the joint. A pattern of reinforcing ribs are optionally provided on the outer surface of the housing to increase strength and dimensional stability.

Abstract: A process for preparing a low-friction ball joint and a ball joint prepared according to this process are presented, wherein a ball pivot with a joint ball made integrally in one piece with it is fitted into an insert ring via the intermediary of a bearing shell, which is cylindrical on the outside at least in some areas, the insert ring is subsequently screwed with its external thread into the internal thread of a housing in a self-locking manner, and the insert ring is then additionally tightened in the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a vehicle includes an antiroll bar (2) having a first opening, a vehicle part (3) having a second opening (3a), and a one-piece connecting rod (1) connecting the antiroll bar and the vehicle part. The one-piece connecting rod (1) has a first end portion (4) received in the first opening in the antiroll bar (2) and a second end portion (4) received in the second opening (3a) in the vehicle part (3). A first bearing (5) in the first opening supports the first end portion (4) of the one-piece connecting rod (1) for movement relative to the antiroll bar (2). A second bearing in the second opening (3a) supports the second end portion (4) of the one-piece connecting rod (1) for movement relative to the vehicle part (3).

Abstract: A ball joint with a ball (1a) that is arranged on a gudgeon (1) and situated in a ball socket in a rotatable and tiltable fashion. The ball socket consists of plastic and is closed on one side. The ball socket is arranged in a housing (3). The ball socket is sealed at its opening, which faces the gudgeon (1), by a sealing bellows (4) arranged between the housing (3) and the gudgeon (1). An edge (4a) of the sealing bellows (4) on the side of the ball is clamped in the axial direction between the housing (3) and an extension (2a) of the ball socket (2) on the side of the gudgeon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer aided design and manufacturing system. The system comprises a platform suspended by means of three pairs of supportive legs which are coupled at triangularly spaced-apart locations by means of three universal joints, each of which couples to one end of each of the two legs of a respective pair.

Abstract: A ball joint of the present invention joins a pair of members so that relative pivotal movement of the pair of members is permitted. The ball joint comprises a ball stud to be connected to one of the pair of members, a bearing support rod to be connected to the other member, and a cup-shaped bearing for supporting the ball stud on the rod. The bearing is formed of an elastic polymeric material and has an expandable open end to permit the ball of the ball stud to be put in and taken out of a hollow defined by the spherical inner surface of the bearing through the open end. The opposite ends of a rod forming the bearing support rod is bent in a ring-shaped heads, respectively. When the bearing is fitted in the ring-shaped head, the ring-shaped head compresses the bearing so that the ball of the ball stud is unable to come off the bearing.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly is disclosed which comprises a generally cylindrical housing having a recess at one end thereof with a circumferential lip, a ball element disposed in the housing, and a joint pin connected to the ball element and extending from the housing. The assembly further includes a polymeric bearing disposed over the ball element in the housing and a cover plate for sealing the ball element and bearing in the housing and preventing contaminants from entering the housing.

Abstract: An axial ball-and-socket joint for linkages in motor vehicles, comprising a metallic housing, which is open on one side and has a fastening pin opposite the open side of the housing. A likewise metallic joint ball, which is mounted in it in a bearing shell made of plastic and is provided at the end of a ball pivot. The ball pivot projects from the open side of the housing coaxially with the fastening pin, wherein the joint ball is held in the housing by deformation of the material of the open edge of the housing. The bearing shell made of plastic is supported on the housing side with the fastening pin with an oblique surface against an oblique surface on the housing and against a buffer made of a material having selected elastic characteristics, which is inserted between the bearing shell and a radial support surface provided on the housing.

Abstract: A preloaded pivot joint has a threaded ball seat that is screwed into an open end of the joint housing to adjust the axial load on the ball stud and consequent torque characteristics. The adjusted position of the ball seat is then maintained by swaging the joint housing inwardly to engage a hexagonal portion of the ball seat that is used to screw the ball seat into the housing.

Abstract: A ball socket connector particularly adapted for connecting a gas spring shaft with a vehicle so that the gas spring may be used to hold open the vehicle's truck lid, deck lid, hood, lift glass, hatch door (in hatch type vehicles) or the rear door or gate (in minivan or sports utility type vehicles). A manually slidable plate, which is mounted on and slidable with respect to the connector body, retains the ball on a ball stud in an internal cavity in a connector body. The ball stud projects from the internal cavity through an elongated open slot in the connector body so as to permit the ball socket connector to provide four degrees of freedom of motion between the gas spring and vehicle.

Abstract: This mechanism is applicable to terminals (1) of thrust-traction control cables formed by an articulating body (6) designed to receive and retain an articulating extension (12) of an actuating control, they being arranged orthogonally with respect to each other and being capable of rotation. The articulating body (6) is single-piece and has a housing (11) with two equal inlet mouths (A1, B1) of freely choosable alternative use situated one on either side. In the housing (11) there are retaining means formed by axial grooves (17) from the bottom (19) of which there emerge respective retaining tabs (18) which, capable of rotation in both directions, are designed so that the coupling force (F) is of lower intensity than the uncoupling force (F').

Abstract: A coupling for mounting and positioning photographic, motion picture and video accessories and the like. A receiving base couples the positioning head to an equipment stand shaft, the receiving base being rotatable about the axis of the stand shaft. A first terminus of the receiving base incorporates an axially oriented beveled surface which is disposed within a cylindrical bore disposed through the head housing. The receiving base is maintained within the cylindrical bore in the housing through the engagement of and the force imposed thereon by an impinging stud bearing upon the beveled surface. A support post is mounted within the cylindrical bore of the housing extending outwardly in opposition to the receiving base. The end of the support shaft extending from the housing is fully rotatable about its interface with the housing.

Abstract: An end link is provided for a stabilizer bar of a vehicle suspension system. The end link includes a rod having pairs of grommets generally at each end thereof. Each grommet includes a bushing and washer which are interengaged and rotatable with respect to each other. Each grommet further includes a central passageway that which the rod is disposed within and permits pivotal movement of the rod only substantially in a single plane relative to the grommets and permits substantially universal pivotal movement of the rod around the center of the grommets. The end link can also include a like rod having a pair of universal ball joint structures generally at each end thereof. Each structure includes a universal ball which is integrally formed with a spacer, a bushing and a washer. The bushing is rotatable with respect to the washer.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a length or inclination of a support for a percussion musical instrument, including an articulated ball formed of a plurality of sector members forming a central channel for receiving an adjusting rod-shaped member, clamping jaws having inner surfaces defining a socket for retaining the articulated ball and forming therewith a ball-and-socket joint, and a tensioning element for actuating the clamping jaws.

Abstract: A master cylinder for use in a hydraulically actuated clutch or brake system of a motor vehicle, includes a casing formed with a bore, and a piston unit axially displaceable within the bore. The piston unit includes a piston-shaft sleeve received in the bore and having one end formed with a bottom to define an interior, at least two retainer shells received in the interior of the sleeve free of play, and a piston rod having a spherical head swingably mounted to the retainer shells and provided to respond to a manual actuation of a pedal. The retainer shells are each formed at a pedal-proximate end of the piston-shaft sleeve with a spherical recess to define a ball socket in which the spherical head snaps in and is received in form-fitting manner.

Abstract: A joint comprising a body member defining an annular groove and a pair of tangential notches intersecting the annular groove at diametrically opposed positions. A socket member is comprised of a preferably semispherically shaped frame having an open side and a pair of diametrically opposed knob or pin member. Each knob or pin member is engagable with one of the tangential notches to snap fit the body member within the semispherically shaped frame and within the annular groove. The body member is secured to a mounting bar and the semispherically shaped frame has an elongated slot and the mounting bar passes through the slot. The arrangement is such that the slot defines one path of rotation of the shaped frame member relative to the body member and the annular groove defines a second path of relative rotation between the body member and the shaped frame.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint for motor vehicles with a lining (30) consists of an elastic plastic material that is inserted between a socket (40) and a ball (2) of a rotatable or tiltable ball-ended shaft (1) and braced in the socket (40) with its outer surface, whereby lubricating pockets (6) are formed on the inner side of the lining (30) under the influence of a joint prestress or load. In order to lower the release torque while simultaneously improving the lubrication effect and extending the service life of the ball-and-socket joint, the surface of the lining (30) that adjoins the socket (40) is provided with a number of flat portions (34) or elevations (35) that, in the assembled state of the ball-and-socket joint, form lubricating pockets (6 or 7) on the inner side of the lining (30) that faces the smooth ball (2) due to the grease filling.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for securing a bearing shell (2) of a joint, particularly for suspension systems of motor vehicles, in a retaining opening (3a), particularly of a suspension rod or stabilizer. In order to reduce the processing efforts necessary for securing the bearing shell (2) and thus the manufacturing costs, the bearing shell (2) is formed with a conical cover surface (2a), which narrows in the direction of the coupling pin (1), on which a clamp collar (6) with a correspondingly conical opposing surface (6a) is arranged which is supported with its cylindrical cover surface (6b) in the retaining opening (3a).

Abstract: A ball and socket joint (10) includes a socket (20) having a chamber (120). A ball stud (40) includes a ball end (50). The ball end (50) is movable relative to the socket (20) in a first direction (186) into the chamber (120) in the socket. The socket (20) has first portions (142, 144, 152, 154) engageable with the ball end (50) for blocking rotation of the ball end about a first axis (56) during movement of the ball end into the chamber (120). A resilient retainer (180) is deflected during movement of the ball end (50) into the chamber (120). When the ball end (50) is in the chamber (120), the retainer (180) straightens to rotate the ball end into an operating position in the chamber. The socket (20) has second portions (130, 146, 162, 166) engageable with the ball end (50) for blocking movement of the ball end out of the chamber (120) when the ball end is in the operating position.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a ball-and-socket joint, in particular, for a motor vehicle, having a ball pivot (1), the coupling ball (1b) of which is supported, by a bearing shell (2), in a joint housing (3) in a tilting sense, such that it can be twisted and tilted to a limited extent, with the bearing shell (2) being fixed in the joint housing (3) by a lock ring (6). For a simple design and a mechanizable assembly, even with the use of a plastic joint housing, for an axial tensile load on the ball pivot (1), a lock ring (6) is formed with a double-leg cross section, the radial inner leg (6a) of which forms a support surface for the section (2b) of the bearing shell (2) between the equator (1e) and the opening for the ball pivot (1) and the radial outer leg (6b) of which, in a mounted state, is supported at the edge of its free end (6d) by an approximately radial annular surface (3e) which is formed by an undercut in the joint housing (3).

Abstract: A pivot connection system includes an elongated member having a generally ball-shaped end. A rigid socket is sized to receive the ball-shaped end. The rigid socket has a first opening into which the ball-shaped end is inserted and a second opening. The ball-shaped end has a width greater than the width of the first opening. The ball-shaped end has a deformable hollow core. A core lock is sized to be received within the core to prevent the core from deforming after the ball-shaped end is inserted into the socket.

Abstract: For adjustably mounting an enclosure such as a loudspeaker to an architectural mass such as on a wall, a ball-and-socket swivel mounting mechanism is enclosed within a rear region of the enclosure, thus eliminating unsightly conventional external swivel-mounting apparatus. A mounting ball, at the end of a shaft cantilevered to the wall, enters the mounting mechanism through a circular opening in a central region of the rear panel of the enclosure. The ball is clamped between a fixed jaw and a movable jaw actuated by an adjusting screw via which the jaw-clamping force can be applied, adjusted and released by a tool inserted through an opening in the front of the enclosure and directed by an internal guide tube to engage the adjusting screw; thus all installation, orientation adjustment, clamping in place and removal of the enclosure can be performed conveniently from the front of the enclosure.

Abstract: A ball joint (12) is disclosed comprising a stamped sheet metal socket (14) and a ball end (18). The socket (14) comprises a base portion (40) and a conical portion (38) above the base portion (40) integral with the base portion (40). A wear tolerance compensator (44) is seated against the base portion (40). A plastic spherical bearing (46) is contained within the socket (14) and seats against the wear tolerance compensator (44). The ball end (18) is contained by the spherical bearing (46). An annular metal collar (48) fits over the spherical bearing (46). The collar (48) comprises a tapered end (82) which seats in the socket conical portion (38). The socket (14) comprises an annular lip (32) which clamps the collar (48) and presses the collar tapered end (82) into sealing engagement with the conical portion (38), under a predetermined load, sealing the socket (14) against environmental ingress.

Abstract: An improved joint assembly includes a housing (12) and movable member (24) having a ball end portion (26) which is disposed in the housing. An annular seal (42) is disposed between an inner side surface (16) of the housing (12) and the ball end portion (26) of the movable member (24). The annular seal (42) has bilateral symmetry about a central plane (46) extending perpendicular to a central axis (38) of the annular seal to enable the annular seal to be positioned in the housing (12) with either one of two sides (50 or 52) of the annular seal (42) facing the ball end portion (26) of the movable member (24). The seal (42) includes an annular metal reinforcing ring (72) and an annular body (74) of polymeric material which encloses the metal reinforcing ring.

Abstract: A connector assembly with a connector body molded directly about a captive ball formed on a separate shaft, where the shaft and connector are attached to separate bodies which move relative to each other. This assembly retains an essentially zero clearance fit between the ball and the connector so as to prevent rattling between the parts from vibrations. This zero clearance fit is achieved at a much lower cost than comparable quality connectors due to higher diametric tolerances for the ball component. Higher diametric tolerances do not affect the final fit because the connector is molded directly about the ball.

Abstract: A prepackaged ball joint subassembly is adapted to be installed into a final housing that is then closed to retain the subassembly. The subassembly comprises a bearing and a stud with stud head and a shank which are received in an encasement. The encasement is then sealed. In one preferred embodiment, the encasement includes an upper hood with a lower hook and a lower bowl with an upper hook. One of the hooks extends radially outwardly and the other hook extends radially inwardly such that the upper hood and lower bowl may be snapped together without using special tools.

Abstract: A joint-masking device (10) for joints in wall or floor coverings consists of a base profile (12) with a proud ball head (22) and a masking profile strip (14) with a socket pointing downwards which is formed from two coaxial walls (34, 36) curved into a circular cylinder. The walls (34, 36) extend around the ball head (22) by more than 180.degree., so that the two strips (12, 14) can lockingly engage. The masking profile strip (14) can be pivoted to a limited degree, so that inclined positions are possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a ball and socket joint including a body member having an aperture coupled to a resilient ball container with a side wall extending from a first side of the body member to form an end portion. The side wall is disposed about at least a portion of the aperture wherein a ball disposed through the aperture is receivable in the resilient ball container. The resilient ball container has a substantially arcuate shaped inner surface portion with at least a portion of its side wall diameter being less than the diameter of the ball, wherein the bail contacts and outwardly expands the side wall of the resilient ball container and draws the end portion of the resilient ball container toward the ball as the ball is inserted into and retained in contact with the resilient ball container so as to provide a strong, durable and tight fitting joint. A resilient retaining member disposed on the first side of the body member extends into the resilient ball container so as to constrict the aperture.

Abstract: An annular constant radial load ring is adapted to be received in an end portion of a dust boot for use with a ball and socket assembly. The ring includes an annular central body with a plurality of generally Y-shaped fingers circumferentially spaced about an inner periphery of the central body. The fingers are biased radially outwardly to promote sealing engagement between the dust boot and its mating component.

Abstract: An adjustable link for kinematic mounting systems. The adjustable link is a low-cost, passive device that provides backlash-free adjustment along its single constraint direction and flexural freedom in all other directions. The adjustable link comprises two spheres, two sockets in which the spheres are adjustable retain, and a connection link threadly connected at each end to the spheres, to provide a single direction of restraint and to adjust the length or distance between the sockets. Six such adjustable links provide for six degrees of freedom for mounting an instrument on a support. The adjustable link has applications in any machine or instrument requiring precision adjustment in six degrees of freedom, isolation from deformations of the supporting platform, and/or additional structural damping. The damping is accomplished by using a hollow connection link that contains an inner rod and a viscoelastic separation layer between the two.