Abstract: A lightweight heavy duty bushing assembly for use in a vehicle suspension system and being low cost and having a high assembly tolerance is disclosed. A metal bar pin is press fit into a bushing formed from a metal sleeve bonded to an elastomeric housing. The metal sleeve is deformable such that exact tolerances of the metal sleeve and the bar pin are not required. The metal bar pin has extended ends with a hole in each end for attachment of the metal bar pin to vehicle suspension components, mounting brackets, or to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A socket assembly including a housing having a bore; an insert member disposed in the bore, the insert member defining a socket; and a cap attached to the housing proximate an inlet of the bore and having an opening to receive a connecting member that extends into the socket.

Abstract: Provided is a ball joint which enhances a sealing performance between a boot seal (4) and a ball shank (1) and which can maintain this sealing performance even during swinging motion of the ball shank (1) with respect to a holder (2), making it possible to completely prevent intrusion of dust and muddy water into a ball reception portion (20) of the holder (2) The ball shank (1) is provided with a flange portion (13), with a tapered surface (16) inclined with respect to an axial direction of the ball shank (1) being formed on the flange portion (13). The boot seal (4) is constructed of an annular fixation portion fixed to the holder (2), an annular seal portion (42) tightening a shaft portion (10) of the ball shank (1) and held in press contact with the flange portion (13).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a mounting assembly for mounting an electronic device to a surface. The mounting assembly generally includes a base including a mounting ball and a socket assembly operable to frictionally engage the ball to removably couple the socket assembly to the base. The base may be removably coupled with the surface and the socket assembly may be removably coupled with the electronic device. Such a configuration enables the electronic device to be easily positioned in confined environments by first attaching the base to the surface, then attaching the socket assembly to the base and positioning the socket assembly in a desired orientation, and finally attaching the electronic device to the socket assembly.

Abstract: A ball and socket housing incorporating a thick housing wall of deformable material adjacent a central bore opening to provide a closure system utilizing a deformable cover-plate. The deformable cover-plate is formed to a desired configuration within the central bore to achieve a consistent internal socket preload. The cover-plate is deformed into the housing opening beyond an elastic limit to control resiliency or spring-back characteristics, thereby achieving a high-degree of repeatability and precise control of the ball and socket preload during the assembly process. The deformed cover-plate is retained in the socket housing at the cover-plate seat by swaged or rolling the perimeter of the housing to capture the perimeter of the deformed cover plate within the housing central bore opening.

Abstract: A swivel bearing assembly consists of an outer housing, a ball and a shaft, a cover, and ball bearings, wherein a free-zone channel. A free-zone channel allows the ball bearings to roll freely in the assembly as they follow the motion of the ball and shaft. The ball bearings eliminate friction between ball and outer housing. The ball and shaft can have simultaneous rotational and angular motion. Only unidirectional load can be applied to the bearing in the direction of the mounting surface.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint for a motor vehicle, especially for the chassis of the motor vehicle, has a ball and socket joint housing (1), which has a joint opening and in which a bearing shell (5) made of an insulating material is arranged. A ball pivot (4), which is made of an electrically conductive material, has a joint ball (2) and a pivot (3), and which is mounted with its joint ball (2) rotatably and pivotably in the bearing shell (5) and projects from the ball and socket joint housing with its pivot (3) through the opening of the joint. An electrode (14) is arranged in the wall of the bearing shell (5) at a distance (?) from the joint ball (2), and the electrode (14) and the joint ball (2) are electrically insulated against each other via the bearing shell (5). Furthermore, between the joint ball (2) and the ball and socket joint housing (1), the wall has at least two layers (12, 13) arranged one after another, between which the electrode (14) is arranged.

Abstract: A bearing shell for a ball and socket joint has a core made of plastic, which is jacketed by a film at least in some areas.

Abstract: A structure for a ball-and-socket joint connector is provided, including a connecting element, an encasing unit and a fastening unit. The connecting unit includes a ball-shaped connecting element at one end. The connecting element is placed inside the encasing unit to form a ball-and-socket joint structure. The fastening unit is engaged to the outer circumference of the top of the encasing unit to fasten the connecting unit and the encasing unit after the adjustment. The connecting element includes two layers of materials with different hardness. The outer layer is softer than the inner layer so as to increase the friction between the connecting element and the encasing unit after the fastening unit is applied to fasten the connecting unit and the encasing unit.

Abstract: A ball and socket housing incorporating a thick housing wall of deformable material adjacent a central bore opening to provide a closure system utilizing a deformable cover-plate. The deformable cover-plate is formed to a desired configuration within the central bore to achieve a consistent internal socket preload. The cover-plate is deformed into the housing opening beyond an elastic limit to control resiliency or spring-back characteristics, thereby achieving a high-degree of repeatability and precise control of the ball and socket preload during the assembly process. The deformed cover-plate is retained in the socket housing at the cover-plate seat by swaged or rolling the perimeter of the housing to capture the perimeter of the deformed cover plate within the housing central bore opening.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint is provided, for example, for an axle system of a motor vehicle. The joint has an essentially ring-shaped or pot-shaped joint housing (2). The ball (7) of a ball pivot (1) is received in the interior space of the joint housing (2) in a slidingly movable manner. The joint housing (2) includes a ball pivot-side and a housing cover-side housing half (4, 5). The two housing halves (4, 5) have an essentially circumferential axial stop (9). Based on the axial stop (9), the housing halves (4, 5) can be brought into contact with one another in the axial direction in an exactly defined manner. The reproducibility of tolerances in manufacture can be carefully controlled allowing manufacture at a low cost. The specific load-bearing capacity of the ball and socket joint can be increased or the dimensions of the ball and socket joint can be reduced.

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

Abstract: A ball joint assembly (28) for a vehicular steering or suspension application includes a cap-like housing (42) in which is captured the articulating ball portion (32) of a stud (30). A shank (34) extends from the ball portion (32), outwardly from the housing cap (42), to provide a connection and anchoring interface for the suspension member (16) or other anchoring component. The connection interface with the anchoring suspension member (16) is characterized by a specially designed surface which is convenient to machine, provides increased surface-to-surface contact area, and provides additional advantages such as improved stress distribution and NVH benefits. A washer-like cone adaptor (54) mates with a specially formed adaptor interface region (48) on the stud (30). On its outer surface, the adaptor (54) has a broad tapering feature (56) designed to seat in a complementary-shaped receiving flare (58) in the anchoring suspension member (16).

Abstract: A ball and socket joint for a motor vehicle, especially for a rocker pendulum of a motor vehicle, has a housing (1), which is open on at least one side, and into the interior space of which a bearing shell is inserted, which in turn accommodates a joint ball of a ball pivot in a slidingly movable manner. According to a first variant, the interior space has elevations along its inner jacket surface, which said elevations mesh with the bearing shell in a positive-locking manner. The elevations are designed as triangular webs (13). According to a second variant, the interior space has depressions along its inner jacket surface, which said depressions mesh with the bearing shell in a positive-locking manner, said depressions being designed as undercuts.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint for a motor vehicle, especially for the chassis of the motor vehicle has a ball-and-socket joint housing (i), which has a joint opening and in which a bearing shell (5) made of an insulating material is arranged. A ball pivot (4) is made of an electrically conductive material and has a joint ball (2) and a pivot (3) mounted rotatably and pivotably with its joint ball (2) in the bearing shell (5) and protrudes with its pivot (3) from the ball-and-socket joint housing (1) through the joint opening. An electrode (14) is arranged in the wall (12) of the bearing shell (5) at a spaced location from the joint ball (2), and the electrode (14) and the joint ball (2) are electrically insulated against each other via the bearing shell (5).

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 ball-and-socket joint has a pivot pin accommodated rotatably and tiltably with a spherical joint area in a bearing shell. The bearing shell is in turn arranged in the recess of a joint housing. A closing ring fixes the bearing shell in the joint housing in the axial longitudinal direction of the pivot pin by at least one surface pair. Corresponding to a first solution variant, an intermediate element made of an elastic material may be arranged between the corresponding contact surfaces of the surface pair on the bearing shell and the closing ring. As an alternative an insert element may be arranged between the outer contour of the bearing shell and the bottom area of the recess, wherein at least one intermediate element made of an elastic material is arranged between the outer surface of the insert element and the corresponding inner surface of the recess.

Abstract: A rocker pendulum for a motor vehicle, has an elongated, especially hollow basic body (1). The basic body (1, 11, 21, 31) has at least one section (1a, 11a, 21a, 31a), which forms or has a bearing shell of a ball and socket joint.

Abstract: A cover includes a cover body, a grommet, and a projection. The cover body includes a socket disposed on one of the front and rear opposite surfaces. The grommet is deformable, is held in the socket, and includes a fitting hole. The projection projects from an installation member to which the cover is installed, and is fitted into the fitting hole of the grommet, whereby holding the cover body detachably to the installation member. The grommet further includes convexities disposed on the outer peripheral surface at least, protruding in radial directions, and contacting with the inner peripheral surface of the socket at least. By the elastically deforming convexities, not only the cover is improved in terms of the attachment and detachment operability but also is enhanced in terms of the stability when being installed to the installation member.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint for a motor vehicle, and especially for the chassis of the motor vehicle, with a ball-and-socket joint housing is provided with a joint opening (6), in which housing there is arranged a bearing shell (5). The ball-and-socket joint has a ball pivot (3) with a pin (2) and with a joint ball (1), which is rotatably and pivotably mounted in the bearing shell (5), in which case the pin extends out of the ball-and-socket joint housing (4) through the bearing shell (5) and the joint opening (6). The bearing shell (5) is made at least partially of a plastic mixed with an anti-adhesive material and reinforced with fibers.

Abstract: An elastomer joint, in particular for chassis parts of motor vehicles, comprising a housing (6), an elastomer body (2) arranged in the housing (6), and a joint body (1) that is arranged in the elastomer body (2), is characterized in that the housing (6) has a cylindrical inner wall, and a spacer (4) is provided that is arranged at an axial end of the elastomer body (2) between the latter and the inner wall.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a mounting assembly (100) for mounting an electronic device (D) to a surface (S). The mounting assembly (100) generally includes a base (102) including a mounting ball (110) and a socket assembly (104) operable to frictionally engage the ball (110) to removably couple the socket assembly (104) to the base (102). The base (102) may be removably coupled with the surface (S) and the socket assembly (104) may be removably coupled with the electronic device (D). Such a configuration enables the electronic device (D) to be easily positioned in confined environments by first attaching the base (102) to the surface (S), then attaching the socket assembly (104) to the base (102) and positioning the socket assembly (104) in a desired orientation, and finally attaching the electronic device (D) to the socket assembly (104).

Abstract: A slidably movable member such as an adjusting shim used in a valve operating mechanism of an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle. The slidably movable member is used in contact with lubricating oil and comprises a substrate. A hard carbon-based film is coated on a surface of the substrate. The hard carbon-based film has a surface section which contains at least one of nitrogen and oxygen in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 30 at % and/or hydrogen in an amount of not more than 10 at %.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for portable electronic devices includes a mount (12) with a mounting ball (16) that mates with a socket assembly (22) formed in a housing (18) of an electronic device (20). The socket assembly includes an orifice (32) formed in the back of the housing, a seat (34) positioned in the orifice for matingly receiving the ball, and a spring element (36) partially surrounding the seat. The seat includes a concave center portion (38) and a plurality of flexible, interconnected arms (40,42,44) extending from the concave center portion. The spring element substantially encircles the flexible arms to allow the flexible arms to flex outward when receiving the ball and to then contract inwardly to contact the ball when the ball is seated fully in the seat.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint for motor vehicles provided, with a joint ball and a pivot pin, a housing part formed of a shaped metal tube having a top end with an opening and having an opposite end with a pivot pin opening through which the pivot pin protrudes and with a molded material molded on a portion of the housing, the molded on material forming functional surfaces on each of an inside and an outside of the housing part.

Abstract: A plug-in coupling for removably interconnecting a first structural member and a second structural member comprises a resiliently deformable female coupling part adapted to be inserted into a socket at the first structural member such that it is retained therein. The female coupling part comprises a ball-shaped cup, an intermediate annular wall integral with said ball-shaped cup and serving as a guide portion, and a tubular external wall integral with said annular intermediate wall. The external wall surrounds at least a part of the ball-shaped cup in spaced relation thereto and engages a peripheral wall of the socket when the female coupling part is inserted into the socket. A male coupling part comprises a ball-shaped head and a fixing portion for securing the male coupling part to the second structural member. The intermediate annular wall of the female coupling part is of an undulated shape at least in a certain area thereof.

Abstract: An elastic chassis bearing in utility vehicles is provided as a joint as such for the elastic mechanical connection of two machine parts especially in the construction of vehicles, having a claw (connection part) 1 and a housing (13, 14). The claw (1) has a middle area (4) and two end areas (2). The claw is a rotationally symmetrical turned part, and the housing (13, 14) includes at least two bushes 5, 6, 7; 7, 15 inserted concentrically one into another, which together define a hollow cylinder and an intermediate space (8, 9, 16). The intermediate space is filled with an elastic material, so that the claw 1 enclosed by the innermost bush 5, 15 is cardanically movable in relation to the bush 7 or the other bushes 6, 7 of the housing 13, 14.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing element for maintaining a composite glass pane. Glass components are assembled and a fixing element is provided for fixing by force or positive engagement to a support structure. The safety elements form a receiving plane.

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: There is provided a ball joint provided with a ball stud having a spherical head portion in an end portion, a ball seat to which the spherical head portion is slidably fitted, thereby pivoting the ball stud universally, and a housing receiving the ball seat, the housing being structured such that a closed-end cylindrical main body portion and a flange portion extending outward in a radial direction from an edge portion of the main body portion are formed in accordance with sheet metal processing. The flange portion is formed thinner than a thickness of the main body portion.

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 ball-stud joint having a flange on a stud thereof, the flange having a sloping side for making it easy to locate centrally the stud relatively to a lower die jig. The ball stud is comprised of a ball fit for pivoting movement into a major body, a stud having a plain end adapted to be formed into a rivet head to joint the stud with any counterpart, and a flange formed integrally around the stud to provide a surface coming into abutment against the counterpart. The flange has a sloping side extending radially outwardly from a flat surface facing on to the ball to an outside periphery of the flange in such a way that the sloping side comes into engagement with a slantwise bearing area on a lower die jig when the plain end of the stud is formed into rivet head.

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: 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-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: A ball joint assembly (10) comprises a socket (12) with a chamber (18), an opening extending through a first axial end (20) of the socket (12), and electrically conductive structure (60) closing the second axial end (22) of the socket (12). An electrically conductive ball stud (30) has a head portion (32) that is received in the chamber (18) and a shank portion (34) that extends through the opening. An electrically conductive bearing member (40) is received in the chamber (18) and provides an electrical connection between the structure (60) and the ball stud (30). An electrically non-conductive biasing member (50) is interposed between the structure (60) and the bearing member (40) and urges the bearing member away from the structure such that, in response to a predetermined amount of wear, the electrical connection between the structure (60) and the ball stud (30) is discontinued.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element for the releasable connection of a first part with a second part, in particular a bowden cable with a lever wherein the connecting element comprises a housing which is rigidly mounted to the first part, an engaging element mounted to the second part and a slide having a receiving element complementary shaped to the engaging element for the releasable connection of the engaging element with the receiving element. The slide can inside the housing slide from a first position into a second position for latching the releasable connection between the engaging element and the receiving element. The connecting element further comprises at least one latching means for fixing the slide in the second position and at least one releasing means for manually acting onto the at least one latching means in order to release the slide from the second position for the unlatching of the releasable connection between the engaging element and the receiving element.

Abstract: A ball joint includes: a ball stud having a spherical ball part and a shank part extending from the spherical ball part; a bearing cupping the spherical ball part of the ball stud; and a housing holding the bearing therein. The housing is provided with a recess in an inner surface thereof. The bearing deforms to enter into the recess of the housing in such a manner that a space is formed between the bearing and the spherical ball part.

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 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: The present invention provides a connecting element for releasably connecting a first (10) and a second component (20) particularly a lever with another lever or a brake pedal with the plunger rod in a motor vehicle. The connecting element comprises a connecting means (40, 60) which is attached to or part of a second component (20) and a dome shaped sledge (50) attached to a first component (10) wherein the dome shaped sledge (50) is latched in the connecting means (40, 60) by sliding from an assembling in a fastening position. Additionally, a connecting element is provided comprising preferred a two-piece connecting means (40, 60) attached to a pedal (20) and a modulator (10), respectively, wherein a sledge frame (60) is releasable latched in a housing (40). The connecting element enables a load transmission parallel to the assembling direction.

Abstract: A steering triangle (1) is provided for the axle suspension of motor vehicles for the articulated connection of a vehicle axle with a vehicle chassis with two control arms (2, 3). The control arms are connected to each other in a joint housing (6) formed by the control arms (2, 3) together for a rubber-metal bearing (11) for fixing the steering triangle (1) on the vehicle axle. The rubber-metal bearing (11) has a pivot axis (12) provided with a spherical surface and an elastomer body (14), which extends around the pivot axis (12) at least in the area of the spherical surface and which is accommodated in a recess (16) located within the joint housing (6), in which steering triangle two pressing rings (17, 18) are arranged within the recess (16) of the joint housing (6) on the axial outer sides of the elastomer body (14). The pressing rings can be moved toward each other by a tensioning device via the intermediary of stop faces (22) of the joint housing (6).

Abstract: A steering shaft universal joint assembly for motor vehicles as provided. Shaft ends are fastened against rotation in the joint, the ends being held in a housing joint adjoining the two joints with interposition of a ball joint so that the ball of the ball joint is mounted for rotation about its center point in a socket of one shaft end and is slidingly movable in a direction of the shaft axis of the other shaft end. The ball is resiliently mounted in the socket and the socket receives a slide bushing.

Abstract: A headlight for motor vehicles is provided that includes an optical element, which is connected to a support element by at least one ball-and-socket joint. The ball-and-socket joint has a spherical ball and a spherical socket. The socket encloses the ball with socket segments and is inserted together with the ball into a receptacle, and contacts, via its socket segments, the inside of the receptacle. The socket contacts the bottom of the receptacle with a base, and has on the other side freestanding elastic socket segments that enclose the ball. Elastic detent elements of the receptacle engage behind the base of the socket and retain the socket axially in the receptacle.

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: An adjustable support apparatus for, e.g., supporting an instrument. The adjustable support apparatus may include a supporting member, an adjustable member engaging with the supporting member, a fastening member engaged with the adjustable member and an elongated member engaged with the adjustable member and adapted to interact with an instrument.

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: An angle joint for connecting two components in articulated fashion includes a joint ball, a cup at least partially surrounding the joint ball, and a liner positioned in the cup. The joint ball has a first mounting element for mounting the joint ball on a first component, while the cup has a second mounting element for mounting the cup to a second component. The second mounting element is rotatable about a preferred axis at least through an angular range, and is pivotal relative to the second mounting element. The liner has a nest with a nest opening for receiving the joint ball, at least one sliding surface for slidable mounting of the joint ball, first integrally molded form-fit elements for securing the liner in the cup, and second integrally molded form-fit elements for securing the joint ball inside the liner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ball joint (10), particularly for chassis parts of motor vehicles, comprising a joint housing (12), at least one bearing seat (14) and one pivot pin (18) with a joint ball (16), which is mounted inside the bearing seat, and comprising a sealing cup (22) between the pivot pin and the housing, whereby the pivot pin is made of steel and the housing is made of a material having a low modulus of elasticity. Reinforcements (32, 34) made of a higher strength material, particularly also of steel, are placed inside the housing in order to provide the ball joint with a stronger construction.