Abstract: The ball socket assembly includes a housing that is made as a monolithic piece and has an inner bore. The ball socket assembly also includes a ball stud that has a semi-spherically curved portion, a cylindrical portion, and a shank portion. The ball socket assembly further includes a backing bearing and an exit bearing. A third bearing is received on the cylindrical portion of the ball stud. The third bearing has a curved outer surface which cooperates with the curved inner surface of at least one of the exit and backing bearings for allowing the ball stud and the bearing to articulate and rotate relative to the housing. The third bearing is also in slidable contact with the cylindrical portion of the ball stud for allowing the ball stud to more freely rotate relative to the housing about the central axis.

Abstract: The socket assembly includes housing with an inner bore which extends along a central axis from a closed first end to an open second end. A ball portion of a ball stud is disposed in the inner bore of the housing, and a shank portion of the ball stud projects out of the housing through the open second end. A backing bearing is disposed in the inner bore and slidably supports the ball portion of the ball stud. A roller bearing or a pair of thrust washers is disposed in the inner bore of the housing and operatively supports the backing bearing to allow low friction rotation of the backing bearing relative to the housing.

Abstract: A damping bearing (20) including an inner ball portion (34) attached to an end of a support shaft (32), and an outer collar portion (30) attached to a housing (22) for rotation of the housing relative to the support shaft about a center point. A chamber (28) for a damping fluid such as grease is defined by clearance between the end of the shaft and the housing. The fluid chamber has opposed bounding surfaces (29, 37) that are non-spherical about the center of rotation so that the chamber changes shape upon rotation of the bearing, thus shifting damping fluid across the chamber. The chamber may be a flat cylindrical void normal to a centerline (33) of the shaft. It may provide only enough clearance for less than ±10 of relative rotation between the housing and shaft. A set-screw (26) may pressurize the fluid in the chamber.

Abstract: A pair of guiding elements is characterized in that at least one of its elements is made of a steel containing at least 0.15 to 0.3% by weight of carbon, 2 to 5% (preferably 2 to 3%) by weight of chromium, at least 0.45% (preferably no greater than 0.9%) by weight of molybdenum, and at least 0.01% by weight and no greater than 0.5% (preferably no greater than 0.3%) of vanadium. This steel is nitrided after being shaped whereby obtaining a compound layer consisting of iron and nitrogen atoms of a thickness ranging from 5 to 50 micrometers. The steel can also contain 0.4% to 1.5% by weight of manganese.

Abstract: Disclosed is an attaching device for attaching stopping or lashing means to objects that are to be transported or tied down, comprising a fixing element (1), an attaching element (16), and a connecting element (15) which is rotatably mounted on a socket (4) wrapped around the fixing element (1) and connects the attaching element (16) to the fixing element (1). The connecting element (15) leans against ring flanges (6, 7) placed at the ends of the socket (4) via series of rolling bodies (12, 13) so as to allow said connecting element (15) to rotate without jerking and make is sufficiently tilt-proof.

Abstract: A method of producing a chassis component. The method including the steps of coating an outside of a structural component, coating an outside of a joint cartridge which has been preassembled as a joint, and permanently and securely connecting the structural component to the joint cartridge using a material bonding or joining process.

Abstract: The steering mechanism includes a center link which extends between opposite longitudinal ends. Each end has a bore with threads which are spaced from the end by an unthreaded portion. A tie rod includes a bore with threads that are spaced form an end of the tie rod by an unthreaded portion. A length adjuster threadedly connects one of the longitudinal ends of the center link with the tie rod. The length adjuster includes threaded sections and an unthreaded middle section. The unthreaded middle section overlaps with the unthreaded portions of the center link and tie rod bores respectively. A first clamp is clamped around the overlapping unthreaded portion of the center link bore and the unthreaded middle section of the length adjuster, and a second clamp is clamped around the overlapping unthreaded portion of the tie rod bore and the unthreaded middle section of the length adjuster.

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 ball-and-socket joint member includes an inner ring, of a general shape of revolution around a first axis, having an outer surface provided with an inner raceway, an outer ring, of a general shape of revolution around a second axis, having an inner surface provided with an outer raceway, and at least one row of balls aligned circumferentially, extending radially between the inner raceway and the outer raceway. The outer surface of the inner ring comprises a portion with a generally truncated sphere shape, forming the inner raceway. The inner surface of the outer ring comprises, for each row of balls, a groove of complementary shape to that of the balls of this row, said groove forming the outer raceway.

Abstract: A housing component for a ball joint which has an interior space (3) for mounting the joint ball (1) of a ball journal, an opening (4) for guiding the journal section (5) of the ball journal (2) adjoining the joint ball (1), a contact region (7) formed on an outer lateral surface of the housing (6) for fastening a sealing bellows edge (8) thereto and forming a seal, and a deformed section (9) which rotationally and pivotally fixes the joint ball (1) of the ball journal (2) in the interior space (3) of the housing (6). The deformed section (9) has a smaller material cross-section in comparison to the contact region (7) for the sealing bellows edge (8).

Abstract: A ball and socket joint, especially for the wheel suspension of a motor vehicle, with a ball pivot (1), which is equipped with a first spheroidal bearing surface (3) mounted pivotably and rotatably in a housing (2). A roller bearing (5) is present between the first spheroidal bearing surface (3) and another spheroidal bearing surface (4), which is mounted in the housing (2) and is connected to the ball pivot (1). The roller bearing (5) is a roller bearing transmitting radial and axial forces.

Abstract: A first linkage component including a ball socket having a concave profiling and a second linkage component including a projection having a convex profiling received in the concave profiling of the ball socket. A sliding plate carried between the ball socket and projection having a convex profiling conforming to the concave profiling of the ball socket and a concave profiling conforming to the convex profiling of the projection. The convex profilings of the projection and sliding plate have a larger radius of curvature than the concave profilings of the sliding plate and the ball socket. A connecting rod connects the first linkage component, the second linkage component, and the sliding plate together. Wherein the larger radius of curvature of the convex profiling of the sliding plate and projection causes the projection and sliding plate to be further received in the ball socket after abrasive wear to prevent play between components.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly and work holding device where the ball joint assembly provides a movable mount for different work holding devices that each provide for holding an item, such as a fire arm, archery bow and/or the like, where the ball joint assembly is for seating on, or mounting onto, a table top, bench, or like surface. The ball joint assembly includes a cylindrical housing slotted on opposite sides thereof from a center opening in the housing top and contains a ball that rests on a plunger top end of a jacking screw that is turned in a round nut by a lever arm, and the ball joint assembly is fitted into the housing.

Abstract: A variable angle standoff in accordance with an implementation of the present invention includes one or more bearing interfaces, which, in concert with other beveled components (e.g., beveled rings), fastens about a wide range of panel and/or object dimensions. In one implementation, a threaded fastener is inserted through a first bearing interface, which interfaces with a first beveled ring. The threaded fastener further threads through one or more panel and/or object eyelets, through a second beveled ring, through a second bearing interface, and ultimately into a standoff shaft. Despite relatively tight fastening of the threaded fastener to the standoff shaft, the first and second beveled rings can accommodate object curvature by rotating in any of an X, Y, and/or Z dimension, as needed.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint is provided, especially for the wheel suspension of a motor vehicle, with a ball pivot (1), which is equipped with a first spheroidal bearing surface (3) mounted pivotably and rotatably in a housing (2). A roller bearing (5) is present between the first spheroidal bearing surface (3) and another spheroidal bearing surface (4), which is mounted in the housing (2) and is connected to the ball pivot (1). The roller bearing (5) is a roller bearing transmitting radial and axial forces.

Abstract: A ball pivot (3) of a ball and socket joint for a motor vehicle, with a pivot (2) and with a joint ball (1) connected thereto. A recess (12) with a magnet (13) arranged therein is provided in the ball pivot (13). An intermediate space (17), which is filled with a nonmagnetic material (16) for fixing the magnet (13), is formed between the jacket surface (14) of the magnet (13) and the inner wall (15) of the recess (12).

Abstract: This novel ball joint has the advantage that the housing top can be removed for quick and easy replacement of a ball. It also has a grease zerk for easy maintenance. The removal of the cap is also convenient not only for the replacement of the ball but for inspection of the joint for wear or the amount of lubrication present within the housing. It also has the added feature of the snap compression ring to ensure the integrity of the part.

Abstract: A lift system having a modular backbone with two or more backbone sections being attached end to end to form the backbone. Also, a lift system with end to end modular attachment, using universal joints, between motor assembly(ies), shaft section(s), drum assembly(ies) and/or shaft end sections. Also, a lift assembly with a backbone having longitudinally adjustable lift component attachment hardware, such as an elongated slot with lips suitable for engaging a nut tooth.

Abstract: A rotating surgical stapler having a proximal end and a distal end includes a handle at the proximal end and an end effector at the distal end for selective rotation to improve access to tissue requiring treatment and ease of use of the present linear surgical stapler. A support shaft connects the handle to the end effector and includes a longitudinal axis. The end effector is coupled to the support shaft for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the stapler.

Abstract: A joint and/or bearing arrangement (1; 101; 201; 301; 401) with a joint or bearing body, which includes a joint pivot (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) and which can be held in a fixed manner in a mounting opening (6), for example, a pressing-in opening of a suspension arm (7), and has for this purpose at least one section (8) tapering in the direction of the pivot end (9) for support at least in some areas on a ring body (10; 10a; 110; 210; 310), especially a conical disk. The tapering section is joined towards the pivot end (9) by a parallel-walled or more weakly tapering area (11). A transition (14) is provided between the tapering section supported on the ring body (10; 10a; 110; 210; 310) and the section (11) that tapers more weakly towards the pivot end (9) or is cylindrical. The transition (14) is located outside the axial extension of the ring body (10; 10a; 110; 210; 310).

Abstract: A rolling bearing and a rod end bearing are provided with a tilt mechanism and a rotary mechanism that are mutually independent. The tilt mechanism has a non-lubricated type spherical sliding bearing structure. The rotary mechanism has a rolling bearing structure which may or may not be sealed. By means of the non-lubricated type spherical sliding bearing structure, a tilt of the shaft center is made possible, and by means of a sealed rolling bearing structure, problems such as a lubrication oil leak are avoided, and carrying out high speed rotation and continuous rotation become possible. Because the sealed rolling bearing structure of the rotary mechanism does not call for a shaft center tilt function at all, the material of the seal can be chosen such that it emphasizes sliding resistance and high durability.

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: This invention is directed to a split-socket ball joint comprising, a stud with a ball portion and attachment portion, an upper and lower socket capable of being attached to each other, and at least one race disposed with either the upper or lower socket, wherein the race comprises either ball bearings, roller bearings, or a combination thereof, and provides a spherical inner surface to mate with the ball portion of the stud. Furthermore, the split-socket ball joint may be fastened using a reversible fastening means, such as bolting the upper and lower sockets together. The ball joint of the present invention can be dismantled and is therefor repairable. The ball joint is useful for heavy duty applications.

Abstract: A joint with a pin (1) comprising an inner member (2), a center member (6), a housing body (8) and a flange ring (12) arranged in one another via rolling bearings (4,5,10,13,14,18,19,20) for pivoting or rotating about their rotational axis (3,7,15) which advantageously create a rolling bearing-mounted joint which has a high rigidity and a comparatively low frictional and pivoting resistance useful for achieving a high positioning precision in machine tools of a hexapod system.

Abstract: The object matter of the present invention is a swivel joint (1) mounted in the ceiling area of two hinge-linked vehicles having an arm (50) arranged on one of the vehicles, whereas the end of said arm may be rotatably seized by a claw (8), the claw (8) having two guide rods (10, 20) arranged in an angle relative to each other for the connection with the other vehicle, whereas the guide rods (10, 20) may be adjusted in length.

Abstract: At the top of an upside-down box as a retainer 20 a recessed portion 24 is provided, with which an outer ring 23 which is coupled spherically with the curved surface of the cubic body 22 is coupled, the holding plate 26 fixes the position of the outer ring 23, the hollow shaft 32 is inserted in the cable insertion hole 29 provided in the cubic body 22, the male screw portion of the tip end of the hollow shaft 32 is screwed in the female screw portion 36 to be unified while clamping the cubic body with the guide member 31 and the hollow shaft 32, the guide member 31 is provided with a horn like widened guiding hole 30, the cable 40 drawn out from the hollow shaft 32 is bent along the inside of the guiding hole 30 of the guide member 31, and the cable 40 is taken out through the outlet 41 provided on the side wall of the retainer 20, thereby the guide member 31, the cubic body 22 and the hollow shaft 32 follow the movement of the cable 40.

Abstract: A swivel connector for supporting a fixture and including a swivel socket, a spherically shaped hollow member located in the socket and forming with the socket a first universal joint, and two adaptors for connecting the swivel connector to a support and the fixture, respectively, with the support-connecting adapter being connected to the swivel socket and with the fixture-connecting adaptor having a spherical portion received within the hollow swivel member and forming with the swivel member a second universal joint.

Abstract: A tool fastening apparatus for industrial robots comprises a coupling unit attached to the arm of a robot and a coupling unit attached to a tool to be used with the robot. When the two coupling units are joined together, their relative position can be easily and accurately fixed by means of positioning couplings comprising ball rings carrying a set of annularly arranged balls slightly sticking out from the plane of contact between the two coupling units. Accurate positioning is achieved by bringing the balls on the two ball rings into engagement, which, in turn, is achieved by fitting each ball on one ball ring into between two adjoining balls on the other ball ring.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint for a vehicle steering control system, which includes an inner ball head received in a ball socket which simultaneously serves as an outer ball head and is received in a casing which has a shank connected to a drag link of a vehicle steering control system. The ball socket has a unitary connecting rod connected to a wheel steering knuckle arm. A holder plate and a spring are respectively set in the casing to support the inner and outer ball heads for free positioning of the inner ball head in the outer ball head so that steering control operation can be more smoothly performed.

Abstract: A ball joint including a socket defining a chamber and having an opening. The ball joint also includes a ball stud having a ball portion and a shank portion. The ball portion is located in the chamber of the socket. The shank portion of the ball stud projects through the opening in the socket. The chamber has a shape generally conforming to the shape of the ball portion of the ball stud. Electrorheological fluid is interposed between the ball portion of the ball stud and the socket for resisting relative movement between the ball stud and socket. The viscosity of the electrorheological fluid is variable as a function of the magnitude of an electric field applied thereto to vary the resistance to relative movement between the ball stud and the socket. The electric field applied to the electrorheological fluid is controlled to control the viscosity of the electrorheological fluid and thereby control the relative movement between the ball stud and the socket.

Abstract: A hydraulically-operated piston machine includes at least one cylinder and a piston axially movably guided in the cylinder. The piston is connected to a crankshaft or the like by means of a connecting rod. The connecting rod and the piston each have spherically-shaped bearing surfaces serving for connecting the connecting rod and the piston with each other in an articulated manner. The connecting rod defines at its end connected to the piston a radially outwardly facing spherical surface portion which is arranged concentrically with the spherical bearing surface of the connecting rod. The spherical surface portion rests against the surface of a recess defined in the piston, so that a hollow space is defined between the surface of the recess and the spherical surface portion. The piston defines a bore for effecting communication of fluids between the interior of the cylinder and the hollow space.

Abstract: A ball joint comprises a pin carrying a ball which is pivotally received in a house cup. The ball is supported both axially and radially on the pin by spaced apart sets of angular contact rolling bearings.

Abstract: A rigid stem dial gauge, such as a thermometer has an assembly which connects the thermometer stem to the pointer shaft and permits the two parts to be disposed at a range of angles to each other. The assembly comprises a pair of cylindrical housings, one mounted coaxially and rotatably within the other, the inner housing being connected to the thermometer stem shaft of the gauge and the outer housing being connected to the pointer shaft. The stem and the shaft are interconnected by a flexible drive accommodated within the housings.

Abstract: A wire bonding machine for wedge bonding fine wires to semiconductor devices is provided with a rotating bonding head which is mounted on a fixed machine frame and having a X-Y table mounted on the fixed machine frame opposite a vertically movable bonding tool mounted on the rotating bonding head. The bonding head is provided with means for articulating the bonding tool in a vertical direction and in a rotational direction. The rotational movement of the novel bonding head does not impart vertical movement to the bonding tool.