Abstract: A rotatable ball joint is provided. The rotatable ball joint is adapted to enable an object to be rotatably assembled on a foot stand, where the foot stand includes a fixed hole. The rotatable ball joint includes a friction part, a shapeshifting sphere, and an assembly part. The shapeshifting sphere is adapted to be compressed from a first state to a second state. A size of the shapeshifting sphere in the first state is greater than a size of the fixed hole, and a size of the shapeshifting sphere in the second state is less than the size of the fixed hole. The shapeshifting sphere is adapted to be disposed in the fixed hole. The shapeshifting sphere is connected to the assembly part. The object is adapted to be assembled on the assembly part. The friction part is configured on an outer surface of the shapeshifting sphere.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a lower ball joint assembly for connecting a lower control arm to a steering knuckle of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the lower ball joint assembly comprises a plurality of components including a ball-head tapered ball joint pin (or stud), a ball joint housing and a securing ring configured to assemble together into a lower ball joint assembly. In an assembled configuration, a proximal, or ball-head, of the ball-head tapered ball joint pin may be housed within the ball joint housing. The securing ring may reversibly couple with a distal end of the ball joint assembly by a plurality of fasteners to complete the assembly. The ball joint assembly may have a hardness characteristic of between forty (40) and one-hundred (100) Rockwell.

Abstract: A first tooling component is positively secured to a second tooling component by one or more quick change locking couplers each including a cylinder secured to the first tooling component and having peripherally spaced holes supporting balls for radial movement. A stud is secured to the second tooling component and has an enlarged head portion projecting into the cylinder. A cup-shaped piston surrounds the cylinder and has a recess for receiving the balls in a released position, and a housing supports the piston for axial movement between the released position and a locked position forcing the balls to engage the stud. A compression spring moves the piston to the locked position, and air pressure moves the piston to the released position. A proximity sensor is supported by the housing and detects the piston in the locked position to provide an electrical signal to a remote visual and/or audio indicator.

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: Aircraft including a powerplant mounted on an airframe and a rotor/wing rotatably mounted on the airframe. The rotor/wing has multiple blades extending outward from roots adjacent the airframe to tips opposite the roots and having internal conduits extending between inlets adjacent the roots and downstream outlets. The aircraft also includes multiple intermediate ducts having upstream ends including flanges and downstream ends slidably and pivotally connected to corresponding blade inlets. Moreover, the aircraft includes a manifold having an upstream end in fluid communication with the powerplant and multiple downstream ends including flanges connected to upstream ends of corresponding intermediate ducts. The aircraft further includes multiple covers connected to corresponding manifold flanges and covering corresponding intermediate duct flanges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pins that may be selectably operated to engage and disengage socket bores in the assembly and disassembly of large structures, such as floating offshore platforms for deepwater applications. The pin connections can be engaged or disengaged robotically or under direct operator control. The construction and installation of structures utilizing the pin connections will typically use multiple sets of selectably operable pins to connect, support and stabilize the structural components of the structure.

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: A joint and/or bearing arrangement (1) has a pivot (2) with a separate joint head (4) part, which can be held thereon and surrounds the pivot (2) in some areas. At least one equalizing channel (15) connects a space (13) located between the joint head (4) and a surrounding joint shell (5) to a space (14) located on the other side of the joint head (4) in respect to the radial extension of the pivot (2).

Abstract: A pair of pivoting parts are held together with a pin, with a first part, such as a rod end of a hydraulic actuator, positioned between two flanges of a bracket, with the flanges having surfaces mating with sides surfaces of the rod end. A seal is placed in each of a pair of recesses on the opposite side surfaces of the rod end to provide an annular seal around the surface of the pin as the parts pivot, and also having a flange forming a side seal that seats on one of the mating surfaces of the bracket at a location spaced outwardly from the pin and extending annularly around the pin. The seal portion engaging the pin is spaced inwardly from the respective side surface of the bracket, and the outer annular lip seals a space surrounding the pin to form a pocket to receive grease that is used to lubricate the pin relative to the rod end.

Abstract: A swivel joint apparatus for supplying utilities to a rotating building rotatable about a central axis has an inner, fixed spindle for securing to a fixed base of the building to extend co-axially with a central axis of rotation of the building, and an outer casing rotatably mounted on the spindle for securing to the rotatable part of the building. The spindle has a series of spaced annular flanges defining a series of annular chambers and at least one ring seal mounted on the peripheral edge of each flange for rotatable sealing engagement with the outer casing so that the casing forms an outer wall of each of the annular chambers. A lower end wall of the spindle has a plurality of ports for connection to fixed utility lines in the base for fluid supply to and from the building, each port connected through the spindle to a respective annular chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking system for a rotating joint. In the device, the locking system (L) comprises a rigid locking means (12) movable in the axial direction (X1), provided with a first cogging (13) which can be moved for locking with the locking means (12) in a contact with a second cogging (14), to transmit the rotational movement, wherein said coggings (13, 14) are, for releasing the cogging, designed in such a way that a force effect releasing the locking is formed between them, and a third cogging (16) which is, during the locking, in a contact with a fourth cogging, to transmit the rotational motion, as well as a sealing element (21) for forming at least one closed hydraulic space (24) with a varying volume between the locking means (12) and the sealing element (21), wherein the locking means (12) is arranged to be moved for the locking and to be kept in the locking by the effect of a pressurized medium.

Abstract: Lubrication device for a ball joint bearing block. The device comprises at least one reservoir grease (30), a pump (34) capable of circulating grease between the reservoir and at least one bearing block lubrication groove (28), and a system (36) designed to actuate the pump (34) at every rotation movement of a hinge pin (16) of the bearing block. Preferably, there is a first groove (28) between the cage (24) and the ball (22) of the ball joint, and a second groove between the ball (22) and the hinge pin (16). Each rotation of the hinge pin (16) thus alternately controls injection of grease into one of the two grooves. One preferred application is lubrication of the hinge pins of aircraft landing gear.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint, preferably for motor vehicles, in which a joint ball formed on a pivot pin is mounted movably in a bearing shell consisting of a plastic, is presented. The bearing shell has recesses accommodating lubricant on its inner jacket surface facing the joint ball and is itself inserted into a housing. According to the present invention, the recesses may be grooves as a structural system with groove sections or depressions of microscopic size extending obliquely in relation to the central longitudinal axis of the ball-and-socket joint. Due to this novel design, a pumping effect is achieved during movements of the joint ball over the groove sections, and this pumping effect draws the lubricant present in the groove sections into the gap between the joint ball and the bearing shell, so that improved lubrication of the ball-and-socket joint compared with the state of the art is guaranteed under all operating conditions.

Abstract: A member for piping and wiring to an end effector of a robot is discharged from a first wrist element into a void area in a position displaced from an axis c, being bent and loosened, and then guided to a hollow path. Any variance in a length of the piping/wiring member 30 due to rotations of second and third wrist elements is absorbed in this void area, so that twining round or scratching by a wrist can be prevented.

Abstract: A cylindrical body has a first part-spherical socket portion in the top, fittingly receiving a ball. A ball retainer has a second part-spherical socket portion facing the first part-spherical socket portion and receiving the ball therein. A post has a proximal end fixed to the ball and extends radially outward from the ball and away from the body to a distal end, and has screw threads at the distal end to receive a fastener thereon for attachment of an object to the distal end of the post. The ball-in-socket mounting of the post enables freely swiveling the ball and thereby the swiveling the distal end of the post to an infinite number of loci in a spherical envelope centered at the center of the ball, as well as enabling the post, and any object mounted to the post, to be rotated on a radial line from the center of the ball to the location of mounting of the object to the post. The body has a hydraulic cylinder in the bottom receiving a piston.

Abstract: An improved socket liner for a ball and socket joint is adapted to be fixedly installed within a joint housing so as to encase the ball. The housing defines a longitudinal axis, and the liner, formed in two longitudinally extending mating halves that confront one another along surfaces parallel to the axis of the housing, are oriented to provide a theoretically tightest possible ball bearing-socket fit. Each liner half includes at least one protuberance on each longitudinally confronting surface. The protuberances not only facilitate location of the liner halves during assembly, but also assure a physical separation between the halves, creating an additional lubrication groove for enhanced operation of the joint during its useful life. In one preferred form, a compliant thin soft material cover is overmolded over the exterior socket liner structure, and exterior surface slots integrally provided on the cover interlock with protruding ribs fixed to the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A pivot structure for a vehicle wiper device is provided. The pivot structure prevents foreign matters from invading through a body exterior sheet into a dash board area, for example. The pivot structure may be used in both left-side-drive vehicles and right-side-drive vehicles. A first regulating rib and second regulating rib are formed on respective fixing pieces, which extend from the outside periphery of a pivot holder. The first and second ribs are formed symmetrically with respect to an imaginary line X passing through the center axis of the pivot shaft on the right side and the left side.

Abstract: Past pin joint assemblies attaching a lift arm to a construction machine have utilized grease lubricated pins. Deflection of the pins during operation caused damage to both the pin and surrounding structure. Additionally, the use of grease requires daily lubrication schedules. The present invention overcomes these and other problems by providing an oil sealed pin joint assembly which virtual eliminates daily lubrication needs. A pin is utilized with a variable profile including first and second end portions which diverge inwardly from a first predetermined diameter and terminate at a second predetermined diameter. The second diameter is in substantial axial alignment with a contact surface of a first and second collar with first and second bearing assemblies, respectively. The pin diverges outwardly from the second diameter and terminates at a third predetermined diameter. A plurality of radii blendingly interconnect the first, second and third diameters.

Abstract: A lubrication system is set forth for a universal joint. A cross of the universal joint has four trunnions extending therefrom along two mutually perpendicular lines. Bearing cups are rotatably received on the ends of the trunnions and the cups, in turn, are held by universal joint yokes. Lubrication passages extend from a central portion of the cross outwardly to cavities located at the ends of the trunnions. A passage extension extends substantially through each cavity from the lubrication passage toward the end of the trunnion. A lubricant retainer is of generally inverted U-shaped configuration and extends over the passage extension. The retainer has openings near the bottom of the cavity and is centered in the cavity by a flange on the passage extension or by an outer flange at the edge of the retainer. The retainer prevents air from being trapped in the bottom of the cavity so that the cavity will always be filled with lubricant.

Abstract: A spherical joint has an upper bearing assembly, a main supporting body, a lower bearing assembly, a linking body for linking the main supporting body and the lower bearing assembly, and an enclosing assembly. Four active hemispherical surfaces are defined. The upper bearing assembly has an active convex surface which, together with an active internal surface of the main supporting body forms an internal coupling. The external convex surface of the main supporting body cooperates with a concave active surface of the lower bearing assembly to define an internal coupling. The external and internal couplings compensate and adjust for wear and any deviation in concentricity between the couplings. The active surface of the lower bearing assembly is comprised a number of spring-loaded lobes equispaced from each other, and is covered with antifriction material.

Abstract: A tractor-loader-backhoe is disclosed wherein the loader mechanism is mounted on the frame of the prime mover by a tapered pivot pin or sleeve having a fastener extending entirely through the axis of the pivot pin or sleeve to effect a clamping load operable to seat the tapered pivot pin or sleeve in the conical hub affixed to the frame of the prime mover to assure a firm fastening of the loader mechanism on the prime mover. The backhoe mechanism is provided with a transport lock remotely actuatable from the operator's cab mounted on the prime mover and incorporating a locking pin having a concentric spring mounted thereon to urge the pin out of engagement with the frame whenever the transport lock is disengaged to permit operation of the backhoe mechanism. The boom and dipper members of the backhoe mechanism are constructed from a pair of opposing C-shaped channels having inwardly directed legs centrally located within the boom and dipper members.

Abstract: A torque-limiting clutch arrangement which comprises a cylindrical part (3) forming part of one clutch element and having shrink-fitted thereon a cylindrical sleeve (5) which forms part of the other clutch element. The clutch arrangement also includes a pump which when one clutch element (3) rotates relative to the other clutch element (5), when the torque on the clutch exceeds a given value, functions to pump oil into the domain of engagement between the cylindrical part (3) and the sleeve (5), so as to form a hydrostatic layer therebetween, the hydrostatic layer essentially negating the friction between the engagement surfaces while the relative movement continues.

Abstract: A hitching device for connecting the shafts of a racing sulky to a harness saddle which includes a harness pin affixed to and extending outwardly from the saddle and a normally locked, spring loaded retractable ball bearing locking devive on the harness pin. A connector assembly is attached to a shaft and retains a rotatable ball provided with an central aperture through the ball and a collar surrounding the central aperture on both sides of the ball. When in the unlocked position the connector assembly slides over the locking device and when in the locked position the connector assembly is positively locked on the harness pin. A spacer is positioned on the harnes pin to maintain the connector assembly at least a preselected distance from the saddle.

Abstract: This invention provides a ball joint and a manufacturing method of the same comprises a holder and a ball and rod which is rotatably and movably secured to this holder and a sealing member which is secured between the spherical body of the ball and rod and a sphere receiving portion of the holder. An oil basin to which a cover member is secured from outside is formed at the bottom portion of the sphere receiving portion of the holder, whereby smooth rotation and movement can be obtained.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint for motor vehicles includes a joint ball (1) provided on a pivot pin (2) mounted movably in a sliding shell (4) made of plastic. A zone of grooves (8) are provided for receiving lubricant on an inner surface of the sliding shell. The sliding shell is inserted into a housing (5) whose inner wall closely surrounds the outer wall of the sliding shell (4). In the zone of the grooves receiving the lubricant, flat recesses (9), which permit radial deformation of the sliding shell (4) in the direction toward the housing, are provided between the housing (5) and the sliding shell (4).

Abstract: A spline connection which comprises a spline boss having inward spline teeth; and a spline shaft engaged slidably with the spline boss and having outward spline teeth is disclosed. A header passage for a lubricant is formed along a core of the spline shaft and oil passages are further formed in the spline shaft in such a manner as to pierce therethrough radially from the header passage. At least one of the outward spline teeth of the spline shaft is provided at the top thereof with a groove crossing transversely the outer spline tooth so as to have the open end of the oil passage disposed in the groove.

Abstract: A socket bearing for use in a ball and socket joint includes a plurality of lubrication grooves, some having annular, others having helical, orientations over the interior surface thereof. In a preferred form, the socket is cup-shaped having a spherical interior surface, and includes three parallel radially oriented annular grooves intersected by three longitudinally oriented helical grooves. Each groove defines a radius, and each pair of adjacent grooves defines a land between the grooves. An interface boundary is defined by one side of one groove and the land associated with the side of that particular groove. The interface boundary is radiused, wherein the radius thereof has a value of at least fifty percent of that of the radius of the groove.

Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated joint for the articulating connection of two joint bodies, having a first bearing body disposed in a bore of one of the joint bodies for rotation therewith and provided internally with a first spherical bearing surface, having a second bearing body joined with the other joint body for rotation therewith and having a second spherical outer bearing surface in contact with the first bearing surface, and having at least two fluid pathways leading through the two joint bodies and the bearing bodies for at least one fluid and having gaskets for sealing off the fluid pathways. Each fluid pathway has a recess formed in the bearing surface of the bearing body, and a passage being associated to one of the recesses and formed in the bearing surface of the other bearing body.

Abstract: The rotary bearing assembles a first arm with a second arm (14) provided with a cylindrical throughway opening (20) which receives a journal constituted by a first cylindrical shoulder (22) projecting from the lateral surface (24) of the first arm and a second cylindrical shoulder (26) which projects from a member (16) forming a bearing plug, the two shoulders (22, 26) being mechanically interconnected by their confronting planar surfaces (30, 32) so as to trap the second arm. One of the shoulders (22) has an axial orifice (34) for introducing a lubricating agent and opening onto the planar surface of the shoulder (30) for supplying the lubricating agent to a distribution passage (38, 40) which is formed in at least one of the two planar surfaces (30, 32) and communicates with the periphery of the journal.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved hinge joint assembly for connecting linkage components on vehicles. The assembly includes a pin having a lubricant chamber therein with appropriate seals provided to prevent loss of lubricant and the entrance of deleterious materials into the pivotal parts of the joint. The pin is attached to one mounting bracket whereby when distortion between the mounting brackets occurs, all the axial loading is taken in the one bracket avoiding damage to the joint and maintaining the integrity of the seals.

Abstract: A magnetic valve for use with vacuum which has an improved junction between the stem and the valve disk which prevents detritus from impairing the seal of the valve. The valve has a magnetic drive coil outside a vacuum tight casing and an armature within the casing to which a valve stem is connected. A junction between the valve stem and the valve disk includes a head on one of the two components and a beaded margin enveloping the head on the other of the two components. An annular gasket is disposed between the head and the beaded margin.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a ball joint for motor vehicles comprising a bearing insert (4) located between a joint housing (1) and a ball head (3). The bearing insert is provided with meridionally extending slots (9) arranged in a half-portion gripping of the ball head over the equator. A clamping ring (5) located in the housing grips the tongues (10) of this bearing insert (4). To improve the elasticity of the bearing parts while retaining a good distribution of lubricant, the clamping ring (5) is provided with circumferential grooves (13) on its inner surface and with openings (15) in the outer end surface (14).

Abstract: A bearing assembly having bearing surfaces pre-loaded towards each other, the bearing surfaces being originally made in slightly non-conforming geometry and dimensions over the majority of their surface areas in sliding engagement, the areas of the bearing surfaces in engagement being thus less than the total available areas. During use, and through progressive wear-in of the bearing surfaces in engagement, the bearing surface areas in engagement are progressively enlarged with progressive conformity in geometry and dimension, the conforming surface areas being constantly kept in engagement by the elements in the assembly adapted to provide bearing pre-load.

Abstract: Sealed ball and socket joints having a spherical member capable of swiveling relative to a socket member. A bearing ring disposed with or without clearance in a housing has a concave spherical surface portion in swiveling engagement with the ball member, and a pair of symmetrically disposed resilient rings installed between the bearing ring and the inner surface of the housing constantly urge the bearing surface of the bearing ring in engagement with the spherical member surface to prevent rattle and to compensate for wear. A bellows seal, formed integrally with one of the resilient rings or, alternatively, formed separate, is fastened at one end in the shell. The bellows seal is held elastically at its other end around a portion of the spherical member.

Abstract: A sea anchoring system for anchoring floating sea stations to a sea bed floor such as on a foundation or a stay block comprises a tension member connected between a floating station and the sea bed foundation or block with a plurality of tension members connected between the bed foundation and the floating station through universal joints. The universal joints include an assembly comprising an inner spherical body and an outer spherical body arranged over and slightly embracing the inner spherical body. The outer spherical body includes an opening on one side and a pin connected to the inner spherical body and extends through this opening and is connected, for example, to the foundation or to the floating body. The outer spherical body has a connection for example to the tension member. The inner and outer spherical bodies have spherical surfaces facing each other and at least one of these surfaces has a lining of a material which permits sliding interengagement with a minimum friction and wear.

Abstract: A sealed bearing prepacked with lubricant, and provided with a sealing shell press-fitted over the bearing outer member or housing. The sealing shell has a radially disposed end flange holding the terminal flange of a bellows seal made of elastomeric material and having another end in the form of a garter flange resiliently engaged with the peripheral surface of the inner member of the bearing. Preferably, the sealing shell is made of two half-shells, for facility of assembly.

Abstract: The universal joint construction for use at the bottom of a connection between a surface platform and a foundation anchored on the bottom of the sea comprises an outer top ball cup which is adapted to be connected up to the platform and an inner bottom ball cup disposed within the outer top ball cup enclosing the bottom thereof. The inner ball cup has an exterior in slidable engagement with the interior of the outer ball cup and a bell forming an enclosed pressure space is defined between the exterior of the upper cup and the bottom cup. In addition a ring seal bearing is defined between the inner bottom ball cup and the outer top ball cup adjacent the edge of the outer top ball cup. The interior of the bottom ball cup carries a plurality of shoes which bear in sliding engagement with the interior of the top ball cup.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint having a ball provided with an integral stud projecting outwardly through an end of the socket, a portion of the peripheral spherical surface of the ball being in swivelling sliding engagement with a corresponding partial spherical bore in the socket, and a generally disk-shaped retainer member holding the ball in assembly in the socket and applying a pre-load bias to the ball urging the bearing spherical surfaces in mutual engagement, the retainer member having an integral or separate spherical recess in swivelling sliding engagement with a portion of the peripheral surface of the ball opposite to the stud. The ball is a full ball or alternatively a partial ball having a substantially hemispherical protuberance of smaller diameter in engagement with the spherical recess in the retainer member.

Abstract: Integrally sealed vibration dampening ball and socket joints having a spherical member capable of swivelling relative to a socket member. A split metallic or high strength plastic bearing ring disposed with clearance in a shell has a concave spherical surface portion in swivelling engagement with the ball member, and a pair of symmetrically disposed resilient rings installed between the bearing ring and the inner surface of the shell constantly urge the bearing surface of the bearing ring in engagement with the spherical member surface to prevent rattle and to compensate for wear. Normal loads are taken by the resilient rings, and overload and shock load are taken by the bearing ring. A bellows seal, formed integrally with one of the resilient rings or, alternatively, formed separate is fastened at one end in the shell. The bellows seal is held elastically at its other end around a portion of the spherical member.

Abstract: In radial piston fluid handling devices, such as for example pumps or motors, piston shoes are pivotable connected to the respective pistons. The invention improves the swing-member portion of the piston shoe in order to increase the efficiency and pressure bearing capability thereby, that the endface of the pivot portion is formed part-cylindrically by a radius which is a little bit shorter than the radius of the associated piston. The fluid pressure balancing pocket in the pivot member becomes formed accordingly, so that the pressure bearing capacity of the piston-piston-shoe pivot-assembly becomes considerably improved.

Abstract: A flexible joint construction such as is used in automotive steering linkages or the like wherein each housing is provided with an integral internal spherical bearing surface formed during the forging and inner cavity machining operations. The method is further characterized by the production of ball studs for such flexible joints which include integrally formed lubrication grooves.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint and method of making in which a piston, especially a compressor piston, and most particularly a piston for a compressor that pumps refrigerant, has a top wall and a depending skirt and is connected to the upper end of a connecting rod by a ball joint which is made by forming a spherical socket in the upper end of the connecting rod and riveting a ball to the underside of the top wall of the piston and forming the upper peripheral region of the socket of the connecting rod around the upwardly facing side of the ball. In practice, the ball is placed in the socket of the connecting rod and the rod is formed about the ball and then the ball is riveted to the piston.

Abstract: A plastic ball socket for a grease lubricated ball joint socket, having a hemispherical inner cup composed of thin, hard, elastic material; an outer cup composed of soft elastic material at least partially containing the inner cup and having elongated ribs disposed on the outer surface of the outer cup to support the outer cup in the ball joint socket, spaced apart from the ball joint socket whereby the plastic ball socket may be deformed during use to form grease lubrication grooves between it and an inserted ball.