Abstract: A steering knuckle of a utility vehicle has a main body, a steering knuckle bearing for receiving in a rotating articulated manner a vehicle axle, a hub-type, cup-shaped receiving portion, open towards a rim of a vehicle wheel, in which portion an anti-friction bearing and a bearing journal can be received. The main body has an opening for receiving a drive shaft. The opening leads into the hub-type receiving portion. An axle assembly and a vehicle axle of a utility vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: A closure element (1, 28) for a ball joint (16) in a vehicle. The closure element has a receptacle (2, 29) for accommodating an electronic component (6). To be able to reduce the effort and cost of creating an interface, between the closure element and the electronic component, the closure element (1, 28) has a receptacle (2, 29) which is made of a plastic material and is injection-molded onto one side (3) of the closure element (1).

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a multi-function side handle including a handle body, a hand grip, a locking connector, and a fixing assembly configured to fix a solid state drive. The handle body is clamped in the hand grip, the handle body defines a plurality of through holes with each of the through holes provided with a bolt, and the bottom of the locking connector passes through any one of two avoiding holes of the hand grip to connect with the bolt. The bottom of the handle body is defined with a receiving groove for accommodating the solid state drive, and the fixing assembly is arranged under the receiving groove. The side handle is comfortable for holding and direction adjustable in using, and can connect with auxiliary accessories and carry solid state drives.

Abstract: A turntable structure, a mopping device, and a robot are disclosed. The turntable structure comprises: a cleaning turntable, an adjusting component, and a pressure unit; one side of the cleaning turntable is connected to a cleaning piece; the adjusting component is slidably connected to the cleaning turntable along a target direction, and is located on the side of the cleaning turntable opposite to the cleaning piece, and the side of the adjusting component away from the cleaning piece is connected to a driving mechanism of the robot; the pressure unit is provided between the cleaning turntable and the adjusting component.

Abstract: This application relates to a suspension housing configured to provide a movable connection between a razor blade assembly and a razor handle. The suspension housing comprises a connector being movably attached to the razor blade assembly and a suspension device operably coupled to the connector. The suspension device is configured to allow axial movement of the connector along a main axis, and rotational movement of the connector about the main axis.

Abstract: An axisymmetric injector hold-down load ring includes an annular body and an odd numbered plurality of resilient arms integrally extending from the annular body. Each resilient arm has a curvature concentric with the annular body and extends in a first circumferential direction along an outer periphery of the annular body an equal circumferential distance from a connection with the annular body to a free end. The free end of each resilient arm includes a contact surface facing axially opposite a first surface of the annular body, the contact surface of each resilient arm is axially offset from the first surface of the annular body an equal axial distance. This configuration positions the connections and contact surfaces in radial alignment so that force is transmitted along the resilient arms between the circumferentially spaced connections and contact surfaces when the load ring is in use.

Abstract: A turntable structure includes a cleaning turntable having one side connected with a cleaning piece; an adjusting component slidably connected with the cleaning turntable along a target direction, and located on another side of the cleaning turntable opposite to the cleaning piece, the adjusting component having a side far away from the cleaning turntable and connected with a driving mechanism of a robot to rotate the cleaning turntable, the target direction being parallel to a rotating shaft of the cleaning turntable; a pressure unit provided between the cleaning turntable and the adjusting component and for pressing against the cleaning turntable; and a first limiting structure configured to limit a sliding distance of the cleaning turntable relative to the adjusting component along the target direction.

Abstract: A remote control for cameras, having a grab handle unit that may be received in a first hand by a user along a handle axis and a first operating element operable using a second hand of the user and rotatable about a first axis of rotation, wherein the first axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to a principal axis of the remote control and spans a principal plane with the principal axis, wherein the handle axis is rotated out of the principal axis within the principal plane, whereby an angle between handle axis and the first axis of rotation is higher than 90 angular degrees, wherein the remote control has an operating body with additional display means and/or operational elements within the area that is present due to the rotation of the handle axis thereout.

Abstract: The assembly includes a housing that has an inner bore and a ball stud that has a ball portion with opposing first and second hemispheres. A bearing assembly is disposed in the inner bore of the housing and presents a curved first bearing surface that is in slidable contact with only the first hemisphere of the ball portion. The ball socket assembly also includes a curved second bearing surface that is presented on a different component from the bearing assembly and is in slidable contact with the second hemisphere of the ball portion. The bearing assembly has a plastic portion and a plurality of metal segments. The metal segments collectively define the first bearing surface and are fixedly attached with the plastic portion. The plastic portion allows the metal segments to individually move relative to one another to seat against the ball portion of the ball stud.

Abstract: A stereolithography apparatus comprises a build platform (8) connected to a movable frame (11) via a ball joint (12). The ball joint (12) permits a limited range of movement of the build platform in all directions. A locking mechanism (13) is configured to lock the ball joint (12) stationary for calibration of the orientation angle of the build platform (8) in relation to the exposure arrangement (6), so that the lower surface (9) of the build platform is parallel with the second upper surface (7) of the exposure arrangement (6). The ball joint (12) comprises a ball member (14) attached to the build platform (8) and a socket member (16; 16-1, 16-2) connected to the frame (11). A vertical guide (18) is arranged in the frame (11). The socket member (16) is arranged movable vertically inside and along the guide (18) to permit a limited vertical movement of the socket member (16) in relation to the frame (11).

Abstract: A rotating assembly is provided and is adapted to be assembled on a foot stand. The rotating assembly includes a limit ring, a base, a spherical friction part, and a pressing module. The limit ring is adapted to be fixed on the foot stand. The base is movably assembled on the limit ring along an axis. The base and the limit ring form a space. The spherical friction part is rotatably disposed in the space between the limit ring and the base. The pressing module is adapted to be fixed on the foot stand. The pressing module is configured on one side of the base along the axis, and pushes the base to a direction of the limit ring to compress the space formed by the base and the limit ring, so that the spherical friction part is in contact with the limit ring and the base. The spherical friction part is temporarily maintained at a specific angle by friction between the spherical friction part and the limit ring and friction between the spherical friction part and the base.

Abstract: Various implementations include a device for assisting with and controlling stretching of a limb of a patient. The device includes a limb support for receiving the limb, a base, and a coupling that rotatably couples the limb support and the base. The coupling allows the limb support to rotate through various axes of rotation individually, depending on the range of motion expected for the limb. For example, for a device designed for the foot, the coupling allows a foot support to rotate about a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis, wherein the three axes are orthogonal to each other. In other implementations, the device may be designed for other portions of limbs, such as the hand, the forearm, the upper arm, the lower leg, and the upper leg.

Abstract: A socket joint device includes a first and a second joint component (2, 6). The first joint component (2) has a spherical surface element (10) with a convex or concave exterior (11). The exterior (11) of the spherical surface element (10) is part of a spherical surface. An engagement mechanism (14) engages over the spherical surface element (10), so that the engagement mechanism (14) and the spherical surface element (10) contact one another via a first contact surface (22). A spherical cap-shaped receptacle (24) in the first or second joint component (2, 6) and an associated convex spherical cap (26) in the respective other joint component result in a second contact surface (28) that has a smaller radius of curvature R2 than the radius of curvature R1 of the spherical surface element (10).

Abstract: A lateral glide elliptical exercise apparatus includes a frame defining a center line, a pair of pedal units disposed at two opposite lateral sides relative to the center line each including a pivoting block and a pedal shaft pivotally connected to the pivoting block, a damping unit for providing a damping resistance to the pedal units, and a pair of gliding guide units respectively mounted at the frame, each gliding guide unit includes a gliding guide, an actuation block and a linkage arranged so that the actuation block can be driven by the associating linkage to slide smoothly between an inner end portion and an outer end portion of the associating gliding guide when the pedal units are being alternately pedaled by the user.

Abstract: In order to provide a seal for sealing a sealing gap between a first component and a second component, comprising a seal body with at least one sealing portion and at least one spring element for biasing the sealing portion against at least one of the components to be sealed, the spring element being at least partially arranged in a receiving space of the seal body, which seal is simply constructed and easily producible and nevertheless ensures a secure retention of the spring element in the receiving space, it is proposed that the spring element has at least one claw element, by means of which the spring element is interlocked with the seal body.

Abstract: An actuator comprises a rotatable nut arranged to be driven for rotation by a motor, an axially translatable shaft cooperable with the nut and arranged such that rotation of the nut drives the shaft for axial movement, and a steering rack coupled to the shaft by a coupling arrangement so as to be driven for axial movement by the shaft, wherein the coupling accommodates limited relative lateral movement between the shaft and the steering rack.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bearing shell assembly for a ball joint includes the following steps: a) a bearing shell having a plastic extension is produced; b) a spring element is arranged in a region of the plastic extension; and c) the spring element is fastened to the bearing shell by deformation of the plastic extension. The invention further relates to a bearing shell assembly for a ball joint, including a bearing shell and a spring element, the spring element being non-detachably connected with the bearing shell.

Abstract: A ball joint, particularly a radial ball joint, includes a housing, a bearing shell which is arranged in the housing, and a ball pin having a ball head which is arranged in the bearing shell, the housing having a mounting opening to receive the bearing shell and the ball head, the mounting opening being closed by a housing cover which is fastened to the housing. The bearing shell is deformed by the ball head and the housing cover such that the restoring force resulting from the deformation urges the ball head away from the housing cover and prestresses it against the housing.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint, especially for tie rods and steering rods of utility vehicles, has a housing, a ball pivot with an essentially spherical bearing section that is mounted in the housing, a cover that is installed on the housing, and a spring element that has a support section and a spring section. The spring section lies radially outside of the support section and the spring element rests on the cover and on the bearing section.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint for a motor vehicle is provided with a ball pivot (1), which is accommodated rotatably and pivotably in a one-part or multipart bearing shell (4) fixed by a closing ring (2) in a housing (3). A metallic deformation element (5), which assumes a sealing function in the assembled state of the ball and socket joint, is arranged between the closing ring (2) and the housing (3). The deformation element (5) is elastically deformed during the assembly of the ball and socket joint and is arranged at the housing (3) and/or at the closing ring (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a joint having a male unit and a female unit. The external surface of the male unit is of complementary shape to the internal surface of the female unit. The units cooperate and have shapes allowing rotational movement in at least one degree of freedom of the male unit within the female unit. The female unit has two socket parts. According to the invention biasing means is provided for biasing each of the socket parts towards the male unit.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint, especially for tie rods and steering rods of utility vehicles, has a housing, a ball pivot with an essentially spherical bearing section that is mounted in the housing, a cover that is installed on the housing, and a spring element that has a support section and a spring section. The spring section lies radially outside of the support section and the spring element rests on the cover and on the bearing section.

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

Abstract: A 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: Ball-and-socket joint includes a joint housing (1) and a ball head (2) with a ball pivot (3). A bearing shell (4) is disposed between the ball head (2), the joint housing (1), and a housing cover (5). A compressive force is produced between the housing cover (5) and at least a portion of the bearing shell (4). The compressive force acts in an axial direction of the ball pivot (3). The compressive force permanently acts on the portion of the bearing shell (4) and presses the portion of the bearing shell (4) into a gap between the ball head (2) and the joint housing (1).

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint (1) is provided with a housing (2) closed by a cover (3), with a bearing shell (5, 6) and a joint ball (4) accommodated therein rotatably and tiltably with a ball pivot. The bearing shell (6) provided with projections and offsets on its outside as well as an entropy-elastic, pretensioned spring element (7) are fixed by the cover (3) in the housing (2). The bearing shell is formed by lower and upper bearing shells (5, 6), both of which are closed, and the lower bearing shell (5) extending partially over the upper bearing shell (6) is provided on its overarching inside (5b) and the upper bearing shell (6) is provided on its outside (6a) with the projections and offsets (20, 21; 11, 12) with which the entropy-elastic spring element (7) cooperates in a positive-locking and/or non-positive manner under the action of the cover (3) in its closed position and nonrotatably couples the two bearing shells (5, 6) with one another.

Abstract: A spring element exerts a radial force on a pivotable ball head and thereby prestresses it in a ball cup, the spring element being formed by a leaf spring which extends along the lengthwise axis of the ball head and whose active line of force is directed toward the ball cup below the equator of the ball head.

Abstract: The invention concerns a ball joint, in particular for motor vehicle steering, comprising a housing (1), a spherical mounting (2) engaged inside the housing, formed by a spherical mounting head integral (20) with a rod (2a) emerging through an opening (16) of the housing, a lower bearing (3) defining a lower supporting surface enclosing the spherical head on the housing opening side and an opposite upper mobile bearing (24) defining an upper supporting surface, said upper bearing being urged by spring (5) against the, spherical mounting head (20), so as to be able to move towards the lower bearing (24) while the spherical mounting head (20) or the lower bearing wears away, wear indicating means (7, 7′, 7″) being adapted to provide information concerning wear according to the movement of said upper mobile bearing (24) or of the head.

Abstract: A surface working apparatus includes a surface working head arrangement having a frame member and a plurality of surface working members arranged to depend therefrom in the direction of the surface to be worked, each of the plurality of surface working members being mounted resiliently relative to the frame member by one of a plurality of respective resilient mounting arrangements having a resilient member; and a surface working device with a support plate from which a surface working element is to depend from a lower surface thereof, the support plate includes an upper surface which has a central region with a recess provided for the receipt of a drive member for rotating the device, the recess including a formation for receiving a resilient member for engagement by the drive member.

Abstract: A ball joint (10) includes a socket (40) with a housing (42) and a stem portion (44). The housing (42) defines a chamber (60). A ball stud (80) has a ball portion (82) in the chamber (60) and a stud portion (84) extending from the ball portion. The ball portion (82) has a center (90) and the stud portion (84) has an axis (86) intersecting the center. The ball portion (82) has an equator (92) extending perpendicular to the axis (86) and dividing the ball portion into first and second hemispheres (94, 96). First and second bearings (110, 120) are located in the chamber (60) and engage the first and second hemispheres (94, 96), respectively, of the ball portion (82). First and second dampers (130, 132) act between the socket (40) and the respective first and second bearings (110, 120) and bias the first and second bearings toward the equator (92) and provide first and second clearances (131, 133), respectively, between the socket (40) and the first and second bearings.

Abstract: A ball joint, particularly a steering joint for motor vehicles, with a joint housing (1) having a spherical ring-shaped bearing surface (1b), in which a ball (2c) arranged on a ball pin (2) is seated so as to be able to rotate and tilt to a limited extent and which is closed off by a lid (3) which is formed in the initial state with an outer diameter exceeding the inner diameter of a smooth-walled cylindrical drillhole (1a) of the joint housing (1) and which in the installed state is supported at its rim (3c) in a force fit on the inner surface of the smooth-walled cylindrical drillhole (1a) in the joint housing (1), characterized in that the lid (3) is formed with a spherical ring-shaped bearing surface (3a) for the ball (2c) on the side of the ball equator away from the spherical ring-shaped bearing surface (1b) of the joint housing (1).

Abstract: A ball joint (10) comprises a socket (60), a bearing (100), and a stud (80). The bearing (100) supports a first end portion (82) of the stud (80) in the socket (60) for movement relative to the socket. The stud (80) has a second end portion (84, 86) projecting from the socket (60) for connecting the 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) relative to the stud (80) and the first suspension member (14). The bearing (100) includes first and second relatively movable bearing elements (110, 130). The first bearing element (110) is movable with the first end portion (82) of the stud (80) in the socket (66), and has a pivot center (118). The second bearing element (130) is disposed between the first bearing element (110) and the socket (60), and supports the first bearing element and the stud (80) for pivotal movement relative to the socket about the pivot center (118).

Abstract: The universal joint is provided for use with power drive tools. A driving member (12) is provided having a bore (16) at one end for receiving a drive member and a cavity (18) at the other end. A driven member (14) is provided having a quadrified ball (20) at one end and a socket receiving member (22) at the other end. The quadrified ball (20) has quadrified sides (40), a spherical head (42) and spherical corners (44). The quadrified side (40) contains sloped portions (46). The cavity (18) contains a base (54), a square cross-sectional area (48), radius corners (56) and a spring groove (66). The quadrified ball (20) is held in place in the cavity (18) by means of a "C" spring (68). The "C" spring (68) fits in spring groove (66). Disposed at the base (54) of the cavity (18) is a plug compression washer (60) made of a compressible polymer. Disposed between plug compression washer (60) and the head (42) of quadrified ball (20) is a plug tension washer (62).

Abstract: A ball joint generates play when wear of a ball sheet reaches a predetermined allowable amount so that the end of service life of the ball joint can be recognized by a simple inspection. A spherical portion of a ball stud is interposed between an upper sheet and a lower sheet. The upper sheet is displaced toward the lower sheet when the upper sheet or the lower sheet has been worn due to sliding of the spherical portion. The displacement of the upper sheet is restricted so that the upper sheet is supported at a predetermined position relative to the lower sheet.

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: The invention pertains to a ball joint, having a ball joint socket (1), inside of which the ball (3c) of a ball-ended spindle (3) is arranged in a rotatable and tiltable manner by means of a bearing shell (2) that supports the ball (3c) below its largest diameter on a bearing surface that has the shape of a ball race, namely under the influence of spring force generated by a spring element (4) that simultaneously forms the upper bearing shell and is supported on the underside of a cover (5) that closes the ball joint socket (1). In order to entirely eliminate all manufacturing tolerances during assembly of the ball joint and provide defined spring forces that compensate for the wear-related elasticity of the ball joint until a defined wear is reached after assembly, the cover (5) which is realized in such a way that its outer diameter exceeds the inner diameter of the ball joint socket (1) in the initial state is nonpositively supported in the ball joint socket (1) with its edge (5c).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spherical joint for transmitting rotating and rocking motions between an inner member and an outer member in sliding contact with each other, and provides a spherical joint which is excellent in the mechanical strength and capable of achieving smooth rocking or rotating motions, and a process for manufacturing the spherical joint. In order to achieve this object, according to the present invention, there is provided a spherical joint comprising: an internal member having a convex-spherical surface; an outer member cast by using the inner member as a core and so connected to the inner member as to rock and rotate relative to the inner member; and a bushing sandwiched between the inner member and the outer member and having a concave-spherical surface for sliding contact with the convex-spherical surface of the inner member. When the outer member is to be cast, the bushing made of a thin metal is partially fused to and rigidly unified with the cast outer member.

Abstract: A pitman arm incorporates a preloaded pivot joint that has a stud that rotates and angulates. The preloaded pivot joint is designed so that different internal components transfer the respective lateral loads, axial compression loads and angulation loads of the stud.

Abstract: A ball joint has a housing forming a cavity, a ball in the housing, and a stem fixed to the ball and extending downward out of the housing. A rigid cover fixed in the housing upwardly closes the cavity over the ball and a metallic lower ball cup in the cavity traversed by the stem is engaged between a lower portion of the ball and the housing and is complementarily fitted to the lower portion of the ball. A metallic plate-like upper ball cup between the ball and the cover is separate from and out of contact with the lower ball cup and has cutouts defining at least one portion bearing resiliently upward on the cover and at least one portion bearing resiliently downward on the ball.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a pivot joint with a housing (4) in which a ball pivot (1) is mounted via its ball race-shaped bearing surface (1a) by means of an inset bearing shell (3) to be free from play within a delimited range and, set against a restoring force, to be twistable and horizontally sweepable. In order to create the pivot joint, in which the defined restoring force of the spring (5), independent of respective tolerances, increases with deflection according to the spring characteristic and form, the ball pivot (1) is provided with an end surface (1b) located opposite pivot shank (2), and a conical countersink (7) extending to the edge is configured in this end surface (1b), in which the ball sits closely on the conical surface (7a) of this conical countersink (7), with the ball (6) being acted upon by the force of a spring (5) supported by the cover (8) which seals the housing (64).

Abstract: A ball joint has a stud with a ball end disposed in a housing in abutting engagement with an improved bearing. The bearing has a plurality of segments disposed in a circular array. A plurality of flexible connector sections interconnect the segments. As originally formed, the bearing has generally cylindrical outer side surface with a diameter which is less than the diameter of an inner side surface of the housing. This facilitates insertion of the bearing into the housing during assembly of the ball joint. The ball end of the stud applies force against a circular array of bearing segments to expand the circular array of bearing segments outwardly into engagement with the inner side surface of the housing. The bearing segments are interconnected by flexible connector sections which are deflected, as the bearing segments move outwardly, to accommodate expansion of the circular array of bearing segments.

Abstract: A ball joint resiliently positions a portion of its hard-plastic bearing seat a short distance from a load-receiving portion of its housing. A compression load is capable of urging the bearing seat and the load-receiving portion into contact with each other to limit the load absorbed by the resilient member. This permits the resilient member to apply an appropriate bearing preload to overcome manufacturing tolerances in the parts, without requiring the resilient member to support large compression loads.

Abstract: A ball joint comprises a socket having a chamber with a main portion and a recessed portion extending radially outward from the main portion. The socket has an opening into the chamber, and a seam bordering the recessed portion of the chamber. First and second bearing members having surfaces in sliding contact with the ball end a stud support the ball end of the stud for pivotal movement in the main portion of the chamber. The first bearing member has a flange extending in the recessed portion of the chamber. An annular sealing member extends in the recessed portion of the chamber between the flange and the socket. The annular sealing member is formed as flange on the second bearing member.

Abstract: A ball joint uses a single-piece ball seat of hard plastic that has high rigidity, high load durability and elasticity, to prevent premature fracture of the ball seat caused by manufacturing imperfections in the socket of the ball joint. A preload contact surface is resilient supported at the top of the ball seat to enable uniform distribution of preload of the ball to the socket. At assembly of the ball joint, a cylindrical lower portion of the ball seat cylinder is reshaped into an inwardly bowed surface to envelop the lower portion of the ball. A thin annular wall at the periphery of the preload contact surface of the ball seat defines a thin annular space between itself and the upper portion of the ball seat cylinder to provide the preload contact surface with expansion space. Additional elasticity can be built into the ball seat by providing slits at the junction of the preload contact surface periphery and the base of the thin annular wall.

Abstract: A ball joint has a folded, stamped metal housing with increased strength and a seal to contain a liquid lubricant from leaking out through the housing seam. An annular steel support seat member reinforces the stamped housing structure and has an outer flange received in a recess in the housing to cover the seam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ball joint, especially for steering or transmission rods of motor vehicles. The ball joint includes a bearing shell (3) made of plastic which has a lower shell (5) and an upper shell (6) for the support of a ball head (2) in a joint housing (4). The lower shell (5) is turned toward a housing opening (8) for a ball stud (1) and the upper shell (6) is supported through a spring element (11) against a housing cover (9). The lower shell (5) is connected elastically with the outer rim of the upper shell (6). To produce a technically improved ball joint of which the mounting is facilitated, of which the lower shell (5) and the upper shell (6) are secured from rotation in relation to each other, and of which has better operational properties, it is proposed that the lower shell (5) and the upper shell (6) be joined in one piece by at least one connection stop ( 12).

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint comprising: a housing having an open end at its upper end, the upper end having an inner peripheral surface which inclines upward and radially inward; a bearing element disposed in the housing; a ball stud having a ball end retained in the bearing element and a shank portion extending from the ball end freely through the open end of the housing; an end cover plate secured in a lower end of the housing; and a resiliently yieldable member compressed between the bearing element and the end cover plate for urging the bearing element against the ball end of the ball stud. The inner peripheral surface of the housing is locally hardened by a high frequency hardening.

Abstract: A preloaded steering ball joint assembly provides a system wherein relatively constant torque may be realized over the useful life of the joint. In a preferred form, the joint assembly includes a housing having a ball socket cavity, and a ball and a shaft integral with the ball. Top and bottom bearing seats are disposed for positioning and retaining the ball within the housing. The bottom seat includes an aperture for permitting passage of the shaft, while the top seat includes both an aperture as well as radial passageways for permitting access of lubricant into a lubricant chamber portion of the socket cavity. A preferred method of manufacture includes insert molding an elastomer disc over the top bearing seat by a pre-measured amount of overfill, then after its formation compressing the elastomer disc by means of a second disc made of metal by peening the latter metallic disc over the elastomer disc.

Abstract: A joint device comprising a housing having a bearing for a headed stud, a concave element engaged on the stud head in close fitted position with the internal surface of the housing, and a spun over lip of the housing deforming the concave element on the stud head to exert a desired preload on that stud head while forming its own stop groove in the housing internal surface to prevent lock-up of the headed stud in the housing.

Abstract: A body of a camera supporting device according to the present invention is provided with a grip which is shaped so as to permit a one-handed hold, and which incorporates a trigger. A shoe mounting surface is formed on the top of the body, and a shoe is mounted rotatably and detachably on the mounting surface. The shoe is fitted with a camera screw. A ball is fixed on a fixed base which is mounted on a tripod, and is rotatably housed in a cylindrical ball case. The ball case and the body are connected to each other. The ball is held beween an edge of the ball case and a ball retainer by means of the urging force of a compression coil spring. The ball retainer can be moved away from the ball, by means of a link mechanism, by squeezing the trigger, thereby permitting orientation in all directions of a camera mounted on the shoe mounting surface. The camera is locked in position when the trigger is released.