Abstract: A joint for positioning between first and second elements includes an outer member and an inner member. The first and second elements are arranged for linear motion along a common axis. The outer member is configured for movement relative to the first and second elements along a first axis perpendicular to the common axis, and 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 and for movement relative to the outer member along the second axis. The outer member is restrained from movement along the second axis. The outer member defines first and second parallel flat sides. Each flat side defines a plane perpendicular to the common axis. The outer and inner members each defining an opening for receiving a drive arm.

Abstract: A coupling device for equipment implements is described, which coupling device does not impair the lubricity of bearing sections when the equipment is in service, does not cause seizure during rotation of bearings, does not need frequent feeding of grease to the bearing sections from outside, and provides good noise absorbability. The coupling device has such a structure that a metal based contact material 7 capable of storing a lubricating oil and/or lubricant is interposed between an implement bushing 1 made from steel and implement pin 4 of an implement for construction equipment.

Abstract: A steering column rotary tilt locking mechanism. The mechanism includes a rod pivotally interconnecting upper and lower column members and a sleeve supported about the rod. The rod and sleeve have selectively engageable surfaces. The sleeve has opposed slots with one end of each slot having axis offset from the other slot. Upon rotation of the sleeve, the sleeve moves out of perpendicularity relative to the shaft such that the slots bind against the shaft and the sleeve moves off center relative to the rod and binds thereagainst.

Abstract: An assembly unit for a motor vehicle is provided with a lever arm arranged in a bearing block pivotably around an axis on a bolt fixed in mounts of the bearing block. The bearing block has at least one section opening or expanding in case of an accident as a consequence of force acting on the assembly unit. The bolt disengages the mounts as a consequence of the acting force. After the assembly of the assembly unit, the bolt, which has an at least two-part design, has at least one connection area, on which the individual bolt parts are engaged with one another in a positive-locking and nonpositive manner.

Abstract: An improved articulated pin joint for a track chain used on track laying work machines is provided. The articulated pin joint includes a plug positioned in a central cavity of a track pin. The plug includes an axial passage in which a needle can be inserted to inject grease into the central cavity. The invention facilitates replenishing grease in the field without removing the track chain from the track laying work machine.

Abstract: A panel clip assembly for use with skylight or roof panel systems and having allowance for reduced movement of panels both parallel and perpendicular to the seam formed by adjoining panels, together with improved allowance for rotational and pivotal movement of said panels. The panel clip includes a base member with a base plate and upward extending flanges; an interim mount member movably attached to the upward extending flanges of the base member by a pin assembly; and an upper clip assembly for receiving and constraining the panels. The upper clip member is movably attached to the mount member such that said clip member can slide in a direction parallel to the seam formed by adjoining roof panels. In addition, the mount member is capable of rotational movement in the plane of the panels and pivotal movement about the axis of the pin assembly.

Abstract: A joint assembly for limiting an extension of the joint in the direction of a load path derived from an impact comprising a first member having a portion and a second member having a portion, the portions overlapping one another and arranged generally parallel to one another and secured together via securing means disposed through corresponding holes defined therein. One of the overlapping portions further defines, sequentially in the direction of extension, a shear neck, a pocket and a catcher portion. In the event of a worst-case impact load the securing means shears through the shear neck and the pocket and is arrested by the catcher portion, thereby the extension of the joint assembly is limited and the joint assembly remains integral.

Abstract: A pivot pin assembly is provided including a rotatable member having a hole therethrough with tapered ends, a pivot pin including a cylindrical portion and a conical portion engagable with a corresponding end of the tapered ends of the rotatable member, a pivot bearing engagable with the pivot pin to aid in rotation of said pivot pin; and a nut and bolt to lock said pivot pin to said rotatable member. The pivot pin is typically a conventional bearing having an inner race, an outer race, and bearings located between the inner and outer race. Optionally a washer is utilized to hold the bearings in place. In a preferred embodiment, the angle of the tapered end and the angle of the conical portion of the pivot pin are equal to each other and the angle is 20 degrees.

Abstract: A joint (52) for connecting arm portions (40, 42) of a ceiling or wall mounted support system includes housing members (60,62) with an annular bearing (64) interposed between opposed surfaces (82,84) thereof. The housing members are clamped together on an axle (98) such that a braking force generated between the bearing and the housing member surfaces opposes rotation of one arm portion relative to the other. A variable braking force is generated between the bearing and surfaces (206) of the housing members which are generally perpendicular to the opposed surfaces (82,84). The variable braking force is generated by a spring (182) and is greatest when the arm supporting a piece of equipment (24, 26, 28, 56) is at its lowest point, relative to the horizontal. This overcomes the increased forces in the spring which otherwise tend to cause the arm portion (42) to drift upward.

Abstract: A pivot pin assembly is provided including a rotatable member having a hole therethrough with tapered ends, a pivot pin including a cylindrical portion and a conical portion engagable with a corresponding end of the tapered ends of the rotatable member, a pivot bearing engagable with the pivot pin to aid in rotation of said pivot pin; and a nut and bolt to lock said pivot pin to said rotatable member. The pivot pin is typically a conventional bearing having an inner race, an outer race, and bearings located between the inner and outer race. Optionally a washer is utilized to hold the bearings in place. In a preferred embodiment, the angle of the tapered end and the angle of the conical portion of the pivot pin are equal to each other and the angle is 20 degrees.

Abstract: A joint having a metal or plastic core and a metal or plastic outer shell. The core has two studs extending in a direction of an axis of rotation and arranged vertically at 180° from each other. The outer shell consists of two half shells, each having a reinforcing segment. A bore with a bore base is provided on each reinforcing segment. Two cup-shaped elastomeric pads are located between the core and the outer shell and are insulated from one another. The elastomeric pads surround the studs which penetrate the bore in the reinforcing segments. A ratio of the stud diameter to the pad thickness is specified.

Abstract: A coupler includes one or more pairs of ears each having an orifice, a lever having one end engaged between the ears and having an aperture aligned with the orifices of the ears for receiving a locking pin. The locking pin includes a head formed on one end and having an inner flat peripheral surface for solidly engaging with the ears, and includes an opening formed in a peripheral wall which may be expanded radially outward to engage with the ears, for solidly securing the locking pin to the ears. A retaining ring may solidly secure the locking pin to the ears.

Abstract: A windshield wiper for motor vehicles, having a support bracket (1) for connection to a wiper arm secured to a motor vehicle, wherein the support bracket (1) has an essentially U-shaped cross section and at least one support bracket detent recess (7); at least one lower bracket (2) for connection to a rubber wiper blade, wherein the lower bracket (2) has an essentially U-shaped cross section, has at least one lower bracket detent recess (11), and is at least partly embraced by the support bracket (1); and a joint (3) for pivotably connecting the at least one lower bracket (2) to the support bracket (1), wherein the joint (3) has a joint base body (12) at least partly embraced by the lower bracket (2), at least one lower bracket detent body (13), connected to the joint base body (12), for locking onto the at least one lower bracket detent recess (11), and at least one support bracket detent body (16), provided on the at least one lower bracket detent body (13), for locking onto the at least one support bracket

Abstract: Joints for joining together limb members of mannequins and forms, and methods of assembly of joints and mannequins are provided. The joints and mannequins of this invention provide natural anatomical shape and ease of assembly. This is accomplished using one or more assembly fixtures, located within or on a limb member to be joined, that contain elements of a locking mechanism to hold the limbs together and other elements for creating tension or friction between joined limb members. The assembly fixtures also comprise a disc (or tab) that provides a natural appearance to the joint and allows for ease of assembly.

Abstract: A coupler includes one or more pairs of ears each having an orifice, a lever having one end engaged between the ears and having an aperture aligned with the orifices of the ears for receiving a locking pin. The locking pin includes a head formed on one end and having an inner flat peripheral surface for solidly engaging with the ears, and includes an opening formed in a peripheral wall which may be expanded radially outward to engage with the ears, for solidly securing the locking pin to the ears. A retaining ring may solidly secure the locking pin to the ears.

Abstract: A method for reducing the incidence of piston pin failure by providing a retainer assembly for piston pin plugs such that the plugs cannot be removed or shaken lose during operation. A plastic rod is inserted into the piston pin, and the rod is ultrasonically welded to the stems of mushroom-shaped plastic piston plugs such that the plugs cover the open ends of the pin and are held in place by the cooperation of structure between the plugs and the rod. In an alternate embodiment, the stem of each pin plug is hollow and a respective internally threaded brass insert is disposed in the stem and ultrasonically welded therein. An externally threaded rod is then engaged with the two internally threaded inserts to hold the plugs on the piston pin.

Abstract: In a connecting device for binding or lashing having a connecting part (1) and at least one fixing part (2), a number of spacing cams (7) are disposed on the outer surface (6) of the fixing part (2). The position of the spacing cams is selected so that, without regard to the position of the fixing part (2) relative to a base, a minimum clearance is maintained between the base and the fixing part (2) to enable a perfect connection of the fixing part (2) to the base by a root weld.

Abstract: A device (22) fitted with ribs is placed on a cylindrical rod (20) so that it is fixed to it in bending. The device (22) is formed of at least three ribs connected to each other at their ends, and at least one pair of elements in the form of a star connecting the ribs together, at least close to its central region. This device enables the rod (20) to apply an approximately radial force to the center of the rod through an actuator onto webs (24) bearing on its ends, minimizing the mass for a given spacing of the webs (24). The device is particularly applicable to the control of aircraft control surfaces.

Abstract: A grease hold extends in an axial direction from one end of a rotary pin to an eccentric portion, and a pair of grease injection holes communicating to the grease hole is open on the outer circumferential surface of the eccentric portion. These grease injection holes are arranged so as to be axially separated on both sides from a central portion C of the eccentric portion by L/4 when L is an length of the eccentric portion.

Abstract: A method for reducing the incidence of piston pin failure by providing a retainer assembly for piston pin plugs such that the plugs cannot be removed or shaken lose during operation. A plastic rod is inserted into the piston pin, and the rod is ultrasonically welded to the stems of mushroom-shaped plastic piston plugs such that the plugs cover the open ends of the pin and are held in place by the cooperation of structure between the plugs and the rod. In an alternate embodiment, the stem of each pin plug is hollow and a respective internally threaded brass insert is disposed in the stem and ultrasonically welded therein. An externally threaded rod is then engaged with the two internally threaded inserts to hold the plugs on the piston pin.

Abstract: A method for reducing the incidence of piston pin failure by providing a retainer assembly for piston pin plugs such that the plugs cannot be removed or shaken lose during operation. A plastic rod is inserted into the piston pin, and the rod is ultrasonically welded to the stems of mushroom-shaped plastic piston plugs such that the plugs cover the open ends of the pin and are held in place by the cooperation of structure between the plugs and the rod. In an alternate embodiment, the stem of each pin plug is hollow and a respective internally threaded brass insert is disposed in the stem and ultrasonically welded therein. An externally threaded rod is then engaged with the two internally threaded inserts to hold the plugs on the piston pin.

Abstract: A self retaining elongated pin for use in a polymer clevis is disclosed. The pin has a generally cylindrical shaft diameter with an enlarged head at one end. Knurling is provided on either the shaft or head to resist axial rotation of the pin. Axial translation of the pin is restrained by the head in the direction toward the head and by fetters in the direction away from the head. The fetters engage the clevis in an interference fit. The fetters are angulated such that the fetter tip is directed toward the head to preferentially favor insertion and resist removal.

Abstract: A fastening of a tube mounting (10) for a wiper system on a vehicle body has at least one fastening bore (58), extending transversely through a mounting tube (12), into which bore a rubber-elastic coupling element (42) with a hole (56) for a screw is inserted. The contour of the coupling element (42) conforms to the internal contour of the mounting tube (12) in the region of the fastening bore (58), protrudes through openings (60) in the fastening bore (58) by a projecting length (44) and, on the inside, covers the openings (60) axially on both ends.

Abstract: An arm assembly for supporting a surgical lighthead of a surgical light apparatus. The arm assembly includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally coupled to the first arm about a main pivot axis. A rod extends within an interior region of the second arm. A link is coupled to the rod to the first arm for pivoting movement about a link pivot axis that is spaced apart from the main pivot axis. A spring extends within the interior region of the second arm. The spring exerts a force on the rod and the link to counterbalance the surgical lighthead. A space filler includes an outer cover coupled to the first arm and formed to include a first slot and an inner cover nested within the outer cover and formed to include a second slot.

Abstract: A improved tilt rotor aircraft comprising an airframe, at least one wing member coupled to the airframe, and at least one tilt rotor assembly carried by the at least one wing member. The improved tilt rotor aircraft includes a low-height tunable downstop assembly for isolating static and dynamic lateral loads between the tilt rotor assemblies and the wings. The low-height tunable downstop assembly comprises a pivotable striker assembly having an adjustable stiffness, and a cradle assembly adapted to releasably receive the striker assembly. The low-height tunable downstop assembly isolates yaw loads while providing a stiff vertical support.

Abstract: A coupling comprises blade flexures that connect two end members through which control rods extend to cross members that are attached near the mid-points of the blade flexures, providing stable-linear load reaction means for use as end pivots for linkages where stick-slip motion is undesirable. The blade flexures are housed in a rigid cage comprising four separators that are attached to end members, and the flexures are attached to the end members by the separators.

Abstract: A joint pin lock system or mechanism for a pivotal pin joint which connects one mechanical structural member between a pair of bracket portions of another mechanical structural member pivotally relative to each other by means of a joint pin passed through a connecting end portion of one mechanical structural member and the bracket portions of the other mechanical structural member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a V-configuration torque rod has an apex joint assembly and a pair of end pivotal joint assemblies. The apex joint assembly is attached to each end pivotal joint assembly using a rod. The rod includes a headed end which increases the radial distance at which the rod is welded to the joint assembly. The attachment of the rod to the apex joint assembly can be by welding or by using a clamp. The rod can either be a solid rod or it can be a tubular rod. In another embodiment, the torque rod is a straight torque rod which includes a rod connecting two end pivotal joint assemblies. Both ends of the rod include a headed end which increases the radial distance at which the rod is welded to the joint assembly. The rod can either be a solid rod or it can be a tubular rod.

Abstract: The connector device of the arched poles of a tent is remarkable in that it includes two components (4-5), (9-10) which are able to be coupled into each other in a configuration and connection in the form of a knee permitting a positioning of said components either in a vertical plane or in an extension corresponding to the assembly and placing under tension of the segments of an arch, or by being folded corresponding to a folded position of said segments, and in that a male component (4-9) has on either side of its median portion a part receiving the end of the upper segment and opposite an arm of great length equipped with means permitting its articulation on the second component (5-10) and its locking into position, and in that a female component (5-10) has on either side of a median portion on the one hand means permitting the attachment of a lower segment, and on the other a fork shape (5b-10d) having a V configuration with inside an oblong port having a V configuration and permitting the positioning, th

Abstract: A pivot joint includes two mounting plates respectively fixedly fastened to two parts of an apparatus and coupled together by a rivet for enabling the two mounting plates to be turned relative to each other, an axle sleeve mounted on the rivet between the two mounting plates, a first washer and a second washer respectively mounted on the rivet and attached to one mounting plate at two opposite sides, wherein the axle sleeve has an embossed end edge at one end disposed in contact with the second mounting plate and a recessed coupling hole at an opposite end; the rivet is a stepped rivet having a shoulder from the head thereof and fitted into the recessed coupling hole at the axle sleeve, an annular groove at the head around the shoulder, and a plain end axially extended from the shoulder and inserted through the axle sleeve and the first and second mounting plates and hammered down to form another head; the second washer is made of friction rubber and mounted in the annular groove at the head of the rivet, hav

Abstract: A pivot joint includes two mounting plates respectively fixedly fastened to two parts of an apparatus and coupled together by a rivet for enabling the two mounting plates to be turned relative to each other, an axle sleeve mounted on the rivet between the two mounting plates, a first washer and a second washer respectively mounted on the rivet and attached to one mounting plate at two opposite sides, wherein the axle sleeve has a recessed hole at one end, and the second washer is made of friction rubber, having a first part received in the recessed hole at one end of the axle sleeve, and a second part stopped against one mounting plate at one side.

Abstract: In many pinned connections between the frames of a machine such as an articulated construction machine, the forces passing through the pin connection caused flexing of the various bolted connections which ultimately could cause the loosening or failure of the bolts. The present invention provides a retainer member for a pin member that has a groove positioned in an engagement surface to divide the engagement surface into radial inner and outer portions. A plurality of fasteners are positioned in the radially inner engagement surface to secure the retainer member to the pin member. The radially outer engagement surface, having a reduced cross-section and no fasteners, is allowed to flex to accommodate the forces passing from one frame to the other, thus maintaining the integrity of the bolted connection.

Abstract: The present invention is a pin assembly used with a quick coupling device for attaching a work implement to a machine. The pin assembly has a pair of pins each circumferentially surrounded by a bushing which has a pair of seals therein. The seals are positioned between the inner surface of the bushing and an outer surface of the pins for retention of lubricating fluid across a portion of the pins during operation to limit pin wear.

Abstract: A quick connect system for attaching excavator buckets and other tools to the arm of a hydraulic excavator. The excavator bucket has a first and second mounting plate connected thereto in a spaced parallel relationship. Each mounting plate has a front and rear mounting assembly aligned to receive the front and rear pins respectively of the arm of the hydraulic excavator. Each mounting assembly has a "U" shaped opening formed therein for receiving one end of one of the respective front and rear pins. A pair of locking pads are mounted to the exterior side of each of the mounting assemblies. One end of each of the front and rear pins has a locking head fixed thereto which is adapted to engage one of the locking pads. A pair of retaining clamps receive the other end of each of the front and rear pins after they are positioned within the "U" shaped opening of the mounting assembly. The retaining clamps secure the other ends of each pin to the mounting assembly.

Abstract: To anchor a chain clip to the casing of a radio pager, a generally C-shaped plastically deformable metal fitting has its opposite ends rotatably fitted in a hole formed in the casing. The metal fitting is fully received in a recess also formed in the casing when rotated about the hole to a position substantially flush with the surface of the casing. When the chain clip is used, the metal fitting is pulled out of the recess, and then the chain clip is anchored to the fitting.

Abstract: Wrist pin for a two-piece piston, having a cylindrical external surface (41) and an internal surface with an internal diameter, throughout the length of the pin (40). The end portions of the pin have a reduced internal wall thickness between the outer half of the supporting face of the bosses (50), where there exclusively occur bending moment and shearing force applied by the inertia of the skirt (20) and of the moving assembly (100). The reduction in the internal wall thickness is obtained by the increase in the internal diameter of the pin (40) at the end portions, through two different end revolution surfaces (43, 44) each having respective a generatrix which is at least substantially straight.

Abstract: An inline skateboard comprised of a board body, a pair of downwardly depending mounting rails integrally formed and smoothly merging from the bottom surface of the board body along a medial position thereof, a plurality of mounting shafts extending transversely across and through the mounting rails and ground engaging, interchangeable transit arrangements mounted on the mounting shafts in at least one of an inboard position between the mounting rails and an outboard position disposed to the outside of the mounting rails. An optional ball wheel is positioned at one end of the board body to define a pivot point about which a rider may attain improved stability, balance and turnability.

Abstract: A pivotable joint usable, for instance, with a multi-legged machine tool, is disclosed. The basic design of the joint includes a central block to which is connected a first yoke pivotably mounted for motion about one axis. A second yoke is also pivotably mounted to the central block for motion about a second axis. The central block includes an opening extending therethrough between two surfaces, and the cross-sectional area of the opening decreases towards the central region of the block. This type of opening permits the use of an extensible mounting leg having a rod that moves through the opening during pivoting of the joint.

Abstract: The deployable door of a passenger-side vehicle airbag restraint system is simultaneously fastened into an instrument panel opening and into engagement with the airbag module reaction canister. A spring clip on the canister receives a probe which is secured to the door through a pivoted breakaway connection. The probe is easily inserted into the clip but can be withdrawn only with difficulty. Airbag inflation thereafter separates the breakaway connection preferentially to the spring clip connection.

Abstract: A pivoting joint assembly that includes a first portion formed with a first aperture and a second portion formed with a second aperture, the first and second apertures being alignable. A recess is formed about the second aperture. There is a shaft insertable through the first and second apertures. A bearing surface is formed adjacent one end of the shaft and a retaining member is releasably mountable to the other end of the shaft. A spacing member is insertable between the first and second portions to separate the portions to an extent such that the bearing surface of the shaft engages and retains the first portion on the shaft and the retaining member mounted to the shaft is positioned within the recess of the second portion to define a second bearing surface that engages and retains the second portion on the shaft. The first and second portions are releasably and rotatably locked together for rotation with respect to each other about an axis defined by the shaft.

Abstract: Arched arms fit over the contour of the chest cavity. Retractor blades are attached to the arms at one end by pivot pins allowing complete rotation vertically of the arms relative to the blades. The blades are attached to the pivot pin by joints which are slightly rotatable in a horizontal direction. Opposite the blade end, a rack bar is rigidly secured to one arm and slides through a slot in a housing at the end of the other arm, A pinion and handle in the housing moves the rack to separate the blades at the other end and bring them together again.

Abstract: The design and construction of past piston assemblies having a wrist pin retained by a pair of snap rings positioned in a groove. Other past piston assemblies have a stubpin or cap positioned within a bore of a piston member or the wrist pin. In these applications the stubpin or cap is in continuous contact along the interface between the bore and the stubpin or cap. The present invention provides a device for retaining a wrist pin within a pair of bores of a piston member during operation of an engine. The device includes a shank portion having an outer portion thereon and only the outer portion of the shank portion being in contact with an inner surface of the wrist pin. The device and the wrist pin forming a wrist pin assembly. Thus, the device remains positioned within the inner surface and properly positioned the wrist pin assembly within the bores during operation of an engine within a bore of a cylinder liner.

Abstract: A wiper blade for a windshield wiper system of a motor vehicle is described, in which wiper blade a pivot pin, that is cylindrical all along its length, is non-rotatably fixed onto a secondary yoke and engages into bearing bushes by way of its ends, which bearing bushes are non-rotatably fixed into the side walls of a primary yoke. This articulated connection is advantageous with respect to corrosional behaviour and thus with respect to the lifetime in comparison to known articulated connections with an articulated rivet that is non-rotatably connected with the primary yoke.

Abstract: The invention is an improved assembly of a bracket and pin for connecting a hock absorber to the road arm of a vehicle.

Abstract: An arrangement for locking a shaft or an axle to a machine member. The shaft has a cylindrical part which is intended to carry a bearing. The arrangement includes two expander sleeves which have a control internal shape and each of which is intended to be mounted on a respective end of the shaft of similar conical shape. The expander sleeves function as annular wedges with the apex of the wedge facing towards the cylindrical part of the shaft or axle and when tightening a nut are caused to expand against the machine member and lock the shaft.

Abstract: A hollow ceramic piston pin has a pair of ribs in the form of partition walls axially separating the inside thereof. The piston pin has the ribs in the axial positions where it mates diameterially opposed inner ends of piston pin bosses of a piston and opposite ends of a small end portion of a connecting rod when attached to the piston and the connecting rod.

Abstract: A crosshead piston bearing assembly is disclosed. The piston bearing comprises a part-cylindrical upper bearing segment, or slipper, and a pair of spaced part-cylindrical lower bearing segments, or ears, engageable with the upper segment to form a pair of spaced continuous circular bearing surfaces and having an anti-rotation projection on either the slipper or the piston bore. The slipper has an arcuate extent of less than 180.degree. to facilitate replacement of the slipper. The ears have a complementary arcuate extent. The slipper includes axially-spaced notches formed in the ends of the slipper to engage the ears to prevent the ears from moving inwardly into contact with the connecting rod.

Abstract: Wrist pins for use in pistons are described. The wrist pin comprises an elongate, substantially hollow member having two spaced-apart convex surface portions of substantially cylindrical or oval curvature, the two convex portions being connected by two walls of different curvature. Because the connecting walls are more nearly in compression and bending loads are minimised a lighter wrist pin for a given application may be produced.

Abstract: A universal joint for use in an automobile tilt wheel assembly includes a first (12) and second (28) shaft. The end of the first shaft (12) includes a pin (20) extending on opposite sides of the first shaft (12). A pair of caps (22) having a circular outer periphery are rotatably disposed on the pin (20). Two socket member halves (34) interconnect the first shaft (12) and the second shaft (28). The socket members (34) define a circular pocket (36) for receiving the first end of the first shaft (12). The socket members (34) mate in a plane containing the axis of the pin (20). The socket members (34) define an outwardly flared recess (40, 41) to accommodate the sides (17) of the first shaft (12) during rotational movement of the cap members (22) in the circular pocket (36) and to accommodate movement of the first shaft (12) about the axis of the pin ( 20).

Abstract: A piston rod for pistons of reciprocating piston machines is I-shaped in cross-section. In order to effect a reduction in weight that flange of the piston rod which is nearer to the connecting rod and is enbraced as by claws by the forked and hook-shaped end portion of the connecting rod has a smaller width than the flange which is nearer to the piston head.