Abstract: The subject of the invention is a tie rod joint for motor vehicles for the linking of the inner ends of two tie rods to a steering rod, actuated by a steering gear, the inner ends of the tie rods being shaped as formed joint parts, which project in each case between an outer and an inner bearing part, while between the joint parts and the outer bearing part on the one hand, and the inner bearing part on the other, inlays are arranged, and while the outer bearing part, the joint parts, the inlays and the inner bearing part are prestressed by at least one tension bolt fastened to the steering rod.

Abstract: A swivel base assembly for mounting radio apparatus or the like on a supporting surface includes a first support element for engaging the apparatus housing and a second support element for engaging the supporting surface. A spacing element in the form of a sphere allows relative movement between the support elements while maintaining a fixed minimum spacing. Locking means in the form of interlocking hook members draw the mounting plates into engagement with the spacer element to fixedly position the first plate with respect to the second plate and the supporting surface.

Abstract: A dynamic linear vibration damper consisting of a support member and an inertia member assembled by an elastomer for vibration damping purposes. An extension defined on the support member is received within an opening in the inertia member, and an elastomer interposed between the extension and the opening surfaces is installed under tension whereby the resiliency of the elastomer places the elastomer under compression as confined by the opening to frictionally maintain the assembly of the components.

Abstract: A vibration isolating coupling ideally suited for coupling the bobbin (31) of a linear actuator (23) to a flexure supported printer carriage (11) is disclosed. The two main sources of vibration in a system that includes a flexure (13, 15) supported carriage coupled to a linear actuator (23) are low-frequency vibration resulting from the pivot arc motion of the flexures (13, 15), and high frequency vibration resulting from the change in bobbin shape occurs as AC energy is applied to the bobbin (31). The first source of vibration is reduced by configuring the interface plane between the linear actuator and the flexure supported carriage such that contact occurs at spaced apart points located on either side of the flexure movement plane. Preferably, four contact points equally spaced from the flexure motion plane are used. The region between the contact points and the flexure motion plane is cut out so that no contact occurs in and on either side of the flexure motion plane.

Abstract: A shift lever for an automotive transmission includes first and second shafts. The first shaft has a hole and the second shaft partially extends into the hole so as to be spaced from the first shaft by a resilient member preventing transmission of vibrations between the shafts. In a method of manufacturing the shift lever, plastic rubber is provided in the spacing between the first and second shafts. The rubber is vulcanized so as to have a predetermined resiliency and adhere to both of the first and second shafts.

Abstract: A damping spacer for overhead conductors comprises at least two rigid spacing arms, with each arm having means for clamping the same to a respective conductor. Each arm is provided with an integral hub structure for holding a composite elastomer damping element, the hub structures and damping element being mechanically held together by a pin means extending through the hub structures and damping element. The damping element is comprised of an inner structure made of a relatively soft elastomer material and an outer structure made of a relatively hard elastomer material. The soft elastomer is effective to dampen low amplitude, high frequency aeolian vibration, while the relatively hard elastomer is effective to dampen high energy, wake-induced oscillations in a conductor bundle. The hard material also serves as a stop mechanism to limit relative motion of the arms and hub structures. This provides protection for the soft elastomer and prevents clashing of the metal parts of the spacer.

Abstract: A connector for joining structural components which may be subjected to bending, shear, tensional and/or torsional forces at the joint is comprised of a fixture member spanning the joint between the structural components for coupling the same along a longitudinal connector axis generally normal to the joint, socket members disposed within each of the components to be joined and through which the fixture member passes, the sockets defining a shear pocket configured to receive a resilient shear cushion. The fixture member is preferably a compressive fixture member and includes resilient compression cushion members disposed intermediate the length thereof outwardly proximate the shear pocket and inwardly proximate adjustable compression members for establishing a compressive force across the joint. A bending cushion may be disposed at the joint between the structural components.

Abstract: A collecting rope which is intended especially for collecting oil from the surface of water, the rope comprising a drive chain which is situated inside a cylindrical part, which is surrounded by a lightweight float layer, which is surrounded by another cylindrical part, oil-collecting bristles being attached to the outer surface of the outer cylinder. The cylindrical parts can rotate in relation to the drive chain, since the joint between them consists of resilient protrusions on the inner surface of the inner cylinder. The cylinders and the chain are, however, locked to each other in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A method of forming a fastener joint in a composite material work piece subject to an operating load comprising the steps of forming a hole of a prescribed hole diameter through the composite material work piece placing a tubular metal sleeve member with a compressible cushion layer around the outside thereof within the hole through the work piece; non-elastically expanding the tubular metal sleeve member radially and circumferentially to force the cushion layer into contact with the hole surface and compress the cushion layer; and placing a fastener in the tubular metal sleeve member to maintain the sleeve member radially and circumferentially expanded and the cushion layer compressed to a thickness to transmit the operating load from the work piece to the fastener through the cushion layer and sleeve member. The joint formed by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A connecting spike (16, 17, 18) is used for flexibly interconnecting two chain links (1, 2) of a track, specifically for tanks. The spike comprises a metal bolt (8) with a vulcanized-on rubber sheathing (13). On inserting spike (16) into bores (5) of chain links (1, 2), it is elastically deformed. Sheathing (13) is one-part developed and has thicker and thinner points (14 resp. 15), the material strengths of which are higher (S.sub.o) resp. lower (S.sub.2) than is the difference between the radius of bolt (8) and that of bores (5). This improvement provides increased life and reduced chain expansion because the connecting spike completely fills up the bores.

Abstract: A bar or straddle pin construction is disclosed for use in torque rods, the pin having an elongated metal inner member surrounded by a plastic outer member in which the plastic outer member tightly engages the inner member such that the two members are coaxially aligned. The inner member is configured to contemporaneously provide a means to aid in the bonding between itself and the plastic outer member and a means to aid in the external connection of the torque rod.

Abstract: An excavator tooth assembly with an adapter and retaining means comprising an elastomer insert with a longitudinal hole therethrough in which a retaining pin is located to resiliently bias the tooth against an adapter, the assembly being simple and inexpensive.

Abstract: A wheel support arrangement, for supporting a wheel axle in spaced relationship to a leg frame member, such as a leg of a baby carriage, has a resilient element which defines a support for an axle for one or more wheels, and which also defines a part, spaced from the wheel axle support, for its attachment to the leg frame. The resilient element is arranged to permit resilient deflection of the wheel axle support, relative to the leg frame attachment part, along three axes mutually at right angles.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis comprises two relatively inextensible primary components that are spaced apart from one another. Disposed between and spaced from both of the components is a pivot member. The pivot member is resiliently secured to each of the primary components so as to permit relative rotation between the primary components and the pivot member. As a result, the two primary components of the prosthesis can rotate toward and away from each other about an axis that is disposed at least adjacent to and at least approximately parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the pivot member. The pivot member and the primary components of the prosthesis are preferably secured together by one or more bodies of elastomer.

Abstract: A damping spacer for parallel overhead conductors in which at least two rigid spacing members are provided with integral hub structures having circular, integral raised wall portions and recesses. The thickness of the wall portions is considerably smaller than the width of the recesses, and the wall portions are opposed and radially offset, such that when the recesses and raised wall portions of the hub structures are placed together in mating relationship, and with the arms thereof located in a position to be clamped to two overhead conductors, the recesses in the hub structures permit the wall portions of the hub structures to move in the recesses, the wall portions of the respective hub structures serving to limit relative movement of the spacing members.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis comprises two relatively inextensible primary components that are spaced apart from one another. Disposed between and spaced from each of the primary components is a pivot member that is also fabricated of relatively inextensible material. When viewed in section taken normal to its central longitudinal axis, the pivot member has two discrete arcuate surfaces that are spaced apart from one another about the circumference of the pivot member. One of the primary components of the prosthesis is resiliently secured to one of the arcuate surfaces of the pivot member, while the other primary component of the prosthesis is resiliently secured to the other arcuate surface of the pivot member. The resilient connections between the pivot member and the primary components permit relative rotation between the pivot member and each of the primary components.

Abstract: A hinge pin including two substantially identical sections which when assembled form a cylindrical sleeve. Each section has a first end having a cross-section greater than a semi-circle which tapers along its length to a second end having a cross-section less than a semi-circle. When the two sections are joined together, they form a cylindrical sleeve for use as a readily removable hinge pin. Ready removal is effectuated by sliding one section away from the other along their tapered lengths, the taper enabling the average diameter of the sleeve to decrease as the two sections are so slid apart.

Abstract: Shock mount for protective structure for tractors, including an upstanding post affixed to the tractor to protect the operator in the event that the tractor rolls over or in the event something falls on the tractor. A post mounting member is affixed with the tractor chassis, and an assembly of an elastomer insert and a bushing and a bolt interconnect the post and the chassis, and actually the elastomer insert and the bushing are presented in duplicate in the assembly. The inserts have a tapered interior opening, and the bushing is received within the opening to urge the insert outwardly into snug fit with the mounting member.

Abstract: A joint between two bodies of limited relative mobility, such as the wheelbase and the chassis of a vehicle, comprises a male member or stem fastened to one body and a female member or socket fastened to the other body, the two members being interfitted with interposition of a resilient ring allowing universal elastic deformation. At least one member is secured to its body through a pivotal connection permitting a limited relative swing in a plane including the joint axis, the swing being resisted by a resilient cushion. This affords increased elastic deformability in a preferred direction, e.g. longitudinally of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tie rod end assembly for a motor vehicle steering linkage system and the method for making the assembly is disclosed. The tie rod end comprises first and second housing parts that are stamped of sheet metal and have substantially identical configuration. Each part has a semi-cylindrical stem portion and an eye portion. The eye portion has a generally channel shape in cross section with an inner frusto-conical wall and an outer curved wall that is a continuation of the wall forming the stem portion. The two housing parts are fitted together and welded along the abutting edges of the outer walls and stem portions. The inner walls define a convergent-divergent opening in which an annular elastomeric bushing is fitted. The stem portions of the two housings are internally threaded for attachment to a steering member and a fastener is fitted through the elastomeric bushing for attachment to another steering member.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a trailer hitch for coupling a draft vehicle to a drawn vehicle wherein the eye portion of the hitch includes a molded insert of flexible material having an axial bore extending therethrough adapted to receive the pintle portion of the hitch in coupling relation. The flexible insert completely surrounds the pintle and thus maintains the pintle in spaced relation from the eye for yieldingly restraining relative radial movement between the pintle and the eye during all phases of operation, including flexing in the vertical plane when the trailer is negotiating inclined ramps or the like.

Abstract: A spacer-damper for overhead power transmission lines wherein a rigid arm is provided for each sub-conductor mounted on a rigid frame by a damped resilient connection member which provides damped resilient movement in all directions of arm movement.

Abstract: A device for spacing overhead, parallel subconductors of a conductor bundle and for damping vibrations of the subconductors. The device comprises rigid, elongated arms pivotally connected together at one end of each arm and having a clamp at the other end of each arm for attaching the arms to respective subconductors. A resilient, viscoelastic pad or disc is disposed between the arms in opposed recesses provided in the arms at the location at which the arms are pivotally connected together, the pad or disc providing the primary damping mechanism for the device.