Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint connection has a retaining part which has a fastening point for fixedly mounting the retaining part to a structure, and a rod part which is arranged pivotably in a pivoting-angle region in a pivoting plane via a ball-and-socket joint on the retaining part. The fastening point and the ball-and-socket joint are situated approximately in the pivoting plane and the rod part protrudes from the ball-like component out of a journal slot which extends radially to the ball seat in a sector-like or sectional manner at least corresponding to the pivoting angle and has a width at least corresponding to the thickness of the rod part to reduce a bending moment and loading on the retaining part.

Abstract: A magnetic mounting assembly for securely attaching a positionable object to be variably fixed in a desired selected position to a support, for universally moving the positionable object to the desired selected position, and for holding the positionable object in that position during operation is provided, including a positioning element with a ball that is attached to the positionable object. A support element includes a socket configured to movably engage the ball. One of either the ball or socket includes a magnetic material and the other includes a magnetically attractive material to hold the ball in the socket by magnetic as well as frictional forces. An adjustment collar controls the axial movement of the ball to increase or decrease the magnetic force holding the ball in the socket. This mounting assembly is particularly useful for supporting a camera on a tripod.

Abstract: There are provided an artificial joint device that can realize an artificial limb enabling twisting motion without a drive source, and when with the drive source, reduce the size and costs of the device, and a parallel linkage that can realize the device. The linkage connects a foot portion and a mounting plate spaced from each other. A fixed link has one end fixed to the plate, and the other end connected to the foot portion via a ball joint, making the angle of the fixed link relative to the foot portion changeable in any direction. Expansible links extend between the foot portion and the plate in an expansible/contractible manner and each have opposite ends connected to the plate and the foot portion via respective upper and lower ball joints, making respective angles thereof relative to the foot portion and the plate changeable in any direction.

Abstract: A catheter (2) is used in medical applications, for example for the retrieval of a sample from a patient or the insertion or retrieval of medical devices such as filters, stents (3) to and from the patient. The catheter (2) includes an expandable tip (6) at a leading portion of a catheter tube portion (5). This expandable tip (6) can retrieve or deliver samples, medical devices, etc. (3), which are slightly larger than the dimensions of a main catheter tube (5) inserted into the patient. The expandable tip (6) can also include extension members (10) which provide axial support to the expandable tip (6) but which still allow expansion in the radial direction.

Abstract: A mounting assembly includes a connecting subassembly having first and second exterior arms, and an interior arm having first and second ends disposed between the first and second exterior arms. The first end of the interior arm and a portion of the first exterior arm define a first socket. The second end of the interior arm and a portion of the second exterior arm define a second socket. First and second mounting members disposed in the respective first and second sockets.

Abstract: A method and modular mechanism are provided for protecting fiber optic cables. The modular mechanism includes an inner member for receiving the fiber optic cable, and an outer container receiving and retaining the inner member, such as, an inner tube and outer tube. The inner member and the outer container have predefined shapes to create an interference with each other, limiting a bend radius of the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a single pull horn with a control arm that may be used to control the movement of a component of a remote or radio-controlled vehicle having a center line. The control arm includes a threaded rod as well as a base member. The base member is positionable on the side of the component.

Abstract: A multi-positionable mounting device that provides a substantially stable, load-bearing but relatively adjustable ball and socket mounting device. An interior surface of the socket is formed of first and second opposing part hemispherical socket portions that are relatively orientable with one another for forming therebetween a part spherical cavity. The interior surface of one socket portion is formed with multiple facets at a predetermined radial distance from a spherical center point of the cavity. The first and second opposing part hemispherical socket portions are securable in a relationship which forms the part spherical cavity therebetween. A part-spherical coupler substantially fills the spherical cavity. The mechanical securing means applies clamping force that acts between the first and second opposing socket portions and secures the coupler therebetween in fixed orientation with one of the faceted socket portion.

Abstract: A stowable chair armrest for a seat assembly which includes a armrest portion connected to the seat assembly through a restricted movement rotating joint which has limited rotation about a horizontal X and Y axes, the Y-axis being parallel to the length of the armrest portion and positioned above the plane of the seat cushion whereby the armrest portion is rotatable about the Y-axis approximately 180° from an elevated position of the armrest to a retracted position. When the armrest is in its use position, it cannot rotate downward about its Y-axis. However, the arm rest can be lifted upward 10° about its X-axis, wherein a flat blade connecting the armrest to a spherical pivot becomes aligned in a longitudinal chamber having a circular cross-section thus permitting the armrest portion to rotate 180° about its Y-axis to its stowed position.

Abstract: The invention includes linkage assemblies comprising coupled links with metallic contact surfaces with improved stiffness. The inventors found significant mechanical problems with all previous descriptions of metallic contact links sufficient to preclude their commercial use. These metallic contact links are a significant improvement over existing plastic ball and metal joint, or all plastic beads as found in the prior art. The invention includes methods providing these links and high friction couplings between them, as well as the linkage assemblies and flexible arms resulting from these processes.

Abstract: A universal joint including a first tubular member, a second tubular member, and an intermediate tubular member for connecting the first and second tubular members, the intermediate tubular member having at one end an outer spherical part and at the other end a cylindrical part, the first tubular member having at one end an inner spherical part in which the outer spherical part of the intermediate tubular member is inserted to move universally, and the second tubular member having at one end a hole in which the cylindrical part of the intermediate tubular member is rotatably inserted, the inner spherical part having an axis oblique at an angle to an axis of the outer spherical part of the intermediate tubular member.

Abstract: An adjustment device of an adjustable canopy of a swing set includes a fixed part, an engaging part, and an adjustable part. The fixed part is joined to the frame of a swing set, and has locating hooks. The engaging part is securely connected to the fixed part, and has engaging protrusions on an outer side, which have convexly curved surfaces, and plasticity. The adjustable part, to which a covering part of the canopy is connected, has concavely curved sections spaced around an annular inner side. The locating hooks are connected to the adjustable part such that the adjustable part can turn relative to the fixed part. The concavely curved portions contact the convexly curved protrusions. The inner side of the adjustable part depresses the convexly curved protrusions when force is exerted on the adjustable part so that the canopy covering part can be adjusted.

Abstract: A positional arm device is a series of multiple rods connected to each other by a spherical housing and ball joint with a spring-loaded locking piston providing a multiple position holding device serving as an anchor to hold tools in a certain position, and also as a connector between two object where a certain secure fixed position between the two objects is desired. The arm device has a spherical terminal rod, a plurality of intermediate rods and a terminal housing rod connected together by a spherical housing adjustably positioned and locked by a spring-loaded piston shaft engaging a sphere end retained within the housing, the piston shaft lockingly engaging one of a multiplicity of grooved indentations on the surface of the sphere end.

Abstract: An accessory attachment device for a magnetic retrieval tool includes a ferrous base member having a substantially flat surface for magnetically securing to a magnetic tool and an accessory attachment member extending from the surface; and an accessory member connected to the attachment member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device/connection which can be used e.g. in a vacuum cleaner pipe, which thereby can be made bendable to facilitate vacuum-cleaning under beds, tables and the like. I one simple operation a moveable part (5) can be displaced inwards, whereupon a locking pipe (6) prevents a bendable hose (2) from being bent when the operator so desires, for instance during cleaning of open surfaces without obstacles. Cleaning under beds can however cause the operator to redraw the locking pipe (6) with the moveable part (5), whereupon the vacuum cleaner pipe becomes bendable again and the operator can vacuum-clean under the bed in standing position.

Abstract: A ball joint (10) connects a first vehicle part (12) to a second vehicle part (14) and enables relative movement between the first and second vehicle parts. The ball joint (10) includes a housing (30) that defines a chamber (40). A first stud (80) has a first portion (84) fixedly connected to the first vehicle part (12) and an opposite second portion (82) received in the chamber (40). A second stud (120) has a first portion (124) fixedly connected to the second vehicle part (14) and a second portion (122) received in the chamber (40). A spherical member (160) is disposed in the chamber (40) between the second portions (82 and 122) of the first and second studs (80 and 120) in mating and abutting engagement with the second portions of the studs. The first and second studs (80 and 120) each are movable independently in pivotal and rotational directions relative to the housing (30).

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a vehicle comprises a first steering link (30) having a first socket (54), a second steering link (34) having a second socket (70), and a steering knuckle (20) having a through hole (44). A stud (90) comprises first and second stud parts (92, 94). The first stud part (92) comprises a first ball portion (100) received in the first socket (54) to connect the first stud part for pivotal movement relative to the first link, and a shank portion (108) projecting from the first ball portion. The second stud part (94) has a second ball portion (132) received in the second socket (70) to connect the second stud part for pivotal movement relative to the second link. The second stud part (94) has an axially extending through opening (130). The shank portion (108) of the first stud part (92) extends through the through hole (44) in the steering knuckle (20) and through the through opening (130) in the second stud part (94).

Abstract: The invention comprises a flexible tightening device, especially for medical purposes, with one of several jointed element pivotable against one another existing arm, in which the arm can be locked into the desired position of the locking element by means of a tightening element. In order to create a simply constructed tightening device, which is also easy to clean, which can be adjusted on many sides and is lockable, the invention is suggested, in which each jointed element demonstrates a ball joint at one end and at the opposite end a socket joint to receive the ball joint and that each jointed element is constructed in the length direction in two parts, whereby the individual length pieces are adjustable against one another for locking purposes.

Abstract: A substantially stable but universally adjustable ball and socket mounting device formed of a base adapted for permanent mounting on a substantially flat surface and an interconnected equipment mounting element optionally interconnected by one or more rotatably interconnecting columnar ball and socket elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a joining system for fast assembly structures of variable size, with which different size spaces are covered, the structures of the present invention can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional; these structure magnitudes vary in a very wide range. The joining system for structures of the present invention is essentially integrated by: a tubular element in which a bushing penetrates; a spherical head screw and a node where the screw is screwed. The spherical head when coupling the bushing makes possible a more functional structure assembly and the degree of freedom the system has during its assembly stage increase considerably due to the angles in which the tubular element can be placed with respect to the node are very wide, the aforesaid allows the structure assembly in a very diverse size range.

Abstract: The invention includes linkage assemblies comprising coupled links with metallic contact surfaces with improved stiffness. The inventors found significant mechanical problems with all previous descriptions of metallic contact links sufficient to preclude their commercial use. These metallic contact links are a significant improvement over existing plastic ball and metal joint, or all plastic beads as found in the prior art. The invention includes methods providing these links and high friction couplings between them, as well as the linkage assemblies and flexible arms resulting from these processes.

Abstract: A flexible cable guide member and assembly, the assembly including first and second cable guide members each having a curved wall with open ends. The curved walls define first and second cable pathways respectively for receiving a telecommunications cable. A first end of the first guide member defines a socket. A second end of the second guide member is rounded to be received by the socket of the first guide member to produce a ball-and-socket joint between the first and second guide members. The second guide member is snap-fit into the socket of the first cable guide member. The guide members define longitudinal slots to allow cables to be added or removed from the assembly. The first and second guide members are preferably identical.

Abstract: A flexible joint assembly includes a joint assembly inlet, a joint assembly outlet, and a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid flow path includes a first pivot joint, a second pivot joint, and a central fluid conductor fluidly coupling the pivot joints. A method of servicing a fluid system includes transporting a fluid through a service device including the flexible joint assembly.

Abstract: A mechanical linkage for attaching a first load-carrying member to a second load-carrying member includes an elongated race that defines an axis and at least one ball. The elongated race is formed with an aperture that is surrounded by two opposed faces and two opposed semi-circular surfaces. Importantly, each face is formed with a channel that extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the direction of the axis of the race. The ball is formed with a cylindrical thru-hole that passes through the center of the ball to allow the ball to be attached to the first load-carrying member while disposed within the aperture of the race. The race holds the ball but allows for limited rotation of the ball and translational movement of the ball along the axis of the race. The race includes an extension for attachment to the second load-carrying member.

Abstract: A ball joint (10) connects a first vehicle part (12) to a second vehicle part (14) and enables relative movement between the first and second vehicle parts. The ball joint (10) includes a housing (30) that defines a chamber (40). A first stud (80) has a first portion (84) fixedly connected to the first vehicle part (12) and an opposite second portion (82) received in the chamber (40). A second stud (120) has a first portion (124) fixedly connected to the second vehicle part (14) and a second portion (122) received in the chamber (40). A spherical member (160) is disposed in the chamber (40) between the second portions (82 and 122) of the first and second studs (80 and 120) in mating and abutting engagement with the second portions of the studs. The first and second studs (80 and 120) each are movable independently in pivotal and rotational directions relative to the housing (30).

Abstract: A mounting arrangement includes a multi-functional arm mounted in a mounting receiver. The arm includes a forward enlarged section, an intermediate recessed section, and a rearward enlarged section. The mounting receiver includes a forward mounting portion, an intermediate open portion, and a rearward mounting portion. The arm is mounted by aligning the intermediate recessed section of the arm over a top opening in the forward mounting portion, lowering the arm and sliding it rearwardly. A pair of pins on the arm engage a pair of aligned apertures on the front surface of the forward mounting portion to minimize looseness between the arm and the mounting receiver. A latch mechanism engages the arm to secure the arm in the mounting receiver and provides a visual indication that the arm is properly engaged. When the latch mechanism is pivoted by an operator inwardly, the latch mechanism disengages the arm, allowing removal of the arm from the mounting receiver.

Abstract: A flexible cable guide member and assembly, the assembly including first and second cable guide members each having a curved wall with open ends. The curved walls define first and second cable pathways respectively for receiving a telecommunications cable. A first end of the first guide member defines a socket. A second end of the second guide member is rounded to be received by the socket of the first guide member to produce a ball-and-socket joint between the first and second guide members. The second guide member is snap-fit into the socket of the first cable guide member. The guide members define longitudinal slots to allow cables to be added or removed from the assembly. The first and second guide members are preferably identical.

Abstract: An integral tie-rod construction with application of polymer composites with fibers reinforcements, having a stem connecting two ball joints integrally formed at opposite ends. The tie rid and ball joints are integrally formed of a single piece of a fiber-reinforced copolymer. The ball joints may either directly engage a ball pin surface or include a bearing member disposed there between. The bearing member is also preferably made of a fiber-reinforced co-polymer.

Abstract: A dual spherical ball clamp is employed to allow for pivotal adjustment of a robotic arm to support an object in a desired position. The clamp is formed by a pair of clamp halves bolted together to form a pair of sockets. Each socket receives a spherical ball of an arm. The edges of the dual spherical ball clamp are slightly inclined outwardly with respect to the lower surface of the dual spherical ball clamp to provide for additional range of motion of the arms.

Abstract: A tie rod with application of polymer composite with fibers reinforcement, constituted by a stem that connects two ball joints, that in its turn are connected to its ends, the body of the ball pins of these ball joints being fixed to different parts or components of a mechanical system with the purpose of transmitting to them angular and rotational movements, supporting the strains that are concentrated thereon. The stem of these tie rods, that constructed based on polymer composite with fibers reinforcement diminish the final weight of the tie rod, increase their mechanical resistance, increase their resistance to fatigue and provide dimensional stability, resistance to corrosion and low concentration of strains.

Abstract: A segmented, ball jointed support, which is an improvement over other support devices which make use of ball joints to provide universal flexibility of the support. This support is made up of a plurality of individual hollow segments, each segment shaft having a male ball at one end that is received by an adjacent segment's female socket. The socket is sized to fit snugly over the received ball. A spring-detent arrangement within the segment shaft acts against a receiving hole at the top of the corresponding ball. The spring-detent allows the ball joint to be “snap returned” to a straight, axially aligned arrangement. The spring-detent also provides greater joint stability over a longer length of assembled support, without compromising useful flexibility of the support. A radial compression device around the segment socket maintains appropriate joint tightness and compensates for joint wear.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ball-and-socket joint connection, in particular for a holding arm system for holding surgical instruments, with a joint ball sitting in a seat of a joint casing and permitting rotation in several axes and with a ball-shaped joint socket which can be axially displaced to and from the joint ball in a cylindrical section of the joint casing. A magnet is provided which produces a magnetic force between the joint ball and the joint socket such that they are drawn to one another. An actuation element is provided for displacing the joint socket and with this the joint ball is fixable in the seat of the joint casing by way of retracting the joint socket, wherein the joint ball by way of the magnet force is pressed into the seat of the joint casing, and wherein the joint ball by displacing forwards the joint socket with the actuation element is separable from the seat.

Abstract: A mounting device adapted to be coupled to a portion of a bicycle to adjustably support at least one bicycle component thereon. The bicycle mounting device has a bar clamp and a support member. The bar clamp has a bar clamping portion adapted to be coupled to the portion of the bicycle and a support portion spaced from the bar clamping portion. One of the bar clamping portion and the support portion has a ball joint with a mounting bore formed therein. The support member is slidably coupled to the support portion and adapted to support at least one bicycle component thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the ball joint is formed in the support portion for adjusting the orientation of the support member relative to the portion of the bicycle. In the illustrated embodiment, gear indicators are supported on the support portion. Of course, the mounting device can be used to support a cycle computer, a speed indicator and the like.

Abstract: A link mechanism to determine the position and the direction is provided which mechanism has a high precision of position and direction determination, does not requires strong actuators, and is mechanically simple easy to maintain MR compatibility, cleanable and sterilizable. The link mechanism has: an axial rod; and two spherical bearings to support the axial rod, the two spherical bearings being capable of changing positions, wherein the motion of one of the two spherical bearings relative to the axial rod along the axis is constrained, and the other of the spherical bearings can travel along the axial rod.

Abstract: A mounting system having a first arm and a second arm adjustably held together. An upper portion of the first arm is pivotably mounted in a first clamp that is pivotably held in a second clamp. The first and second arm are rotatably secured to a pair of mounting plates, and include a top tray pivotably and rotatably mounted at the top end of the first arm, so that a switch, or the like, supported on the top tray, may be moved to any desired position.

Abstract: The joint assembly 1 for a car steering system has a first ball joint 11, a tubular collar 25, an elastic member 26 and a second ball joint 21. The first ball joint 11 has a stem 13 provided with a recess 13a. The tubular collar 25 has a protrusion 25a at an inside thereof and provided around the stem 13 in such a manner that the protrusion 25a confronts the recess 13a. The elastic member 26 is provided between the recess 13a of the stem 13 and the protrusion 25a of the collar 25. The second ball joint 21 has a hole 19 for accommodating the collar 25 covering the stem 13. According to the joint assembly 1, vibration generated at the wheel 71 is absorbed by the elastic member 26 and seldom gives the driver uncomfortableness or causes the driver to err in driving the car.

Abstract: A shifter for shifting a vehicle transmission includes a base adapted for attachment to a vehicle including a pivot-defining mount, and a shift lever having an elongated bottom section pivoted to the mount, and a top section slidably engaging the bottom section for movement between a normal operating position for shifting between gears and a depressed-position for shifting into reverse gear. A reverse lockout device including a stationary locking member is attached to the base and a movable lockout member is slidably mounted on the shift lever. A linkage connects a bottom of the top section of the shift lever to the movable lockout member, the linkage being elongated and extending closely adjacent the elongated bottom section for compact operation next to the elongated bottom section when the top section is depressed. In one form, the linkage comprises a pair of parallel links on opposing sides of the elongated bottom section of the shift lever.

Abstract: The half-ball type universally-movable tripod head for supporting cameras comprises a base (22), a platform (17) and a universally positioning means (23). The universally positioning means (23) comprises mainly an upper joint and a lower joint respectively having a half ball (3,4) with locking ball (1,2) in it and a socket (5,6), a supporting stand (15) between said two joints, a controlling handle (9), tension rods (7,8) having positive or negative thread respectively, and a nut (10) with positive and negative threads at opposite ends. The rod (7,8) is controlled by turning the handle (9) for tensioning or releasing the two half balls, so that the two joints can be locked or unlocked and the camera can be instantly immobilized as well as smoothly triaxially rotated.

Abstract: To provide a rotatable joint assembly in which connection is made so as to enable a click motion, a process for manufacturing such a rotatable joint assembly by molding as a unitary structure, a movable body including such a rotatable joint assembly, and a process for manufacturing such a movable body by molding as a unitary structure.

Abstract: An improved ball jointed link includes a male ball at one end which is received in a female socket in an adjacent link. A central aperture extends through each of the links between the male ball and the female socket. The male ball is preferably more resistant to radially inward deformation than the female socket. A clamp which secures adjacent links together may thus be tightened to support relatively great loads. The male ball may have a greater wall thickness than the female socket, or may be formed of hardened metal. In a further feature, the clamps used to secure adjacent links have a ledge which abuts an axially forwardmost edge of the female socket to ensure the clamp is properly positioned on the links.

Abstract: A tilt-adjustable steering column assembly, comprising in combination an upper housing pivotally attached to a lower housing along a generally horizontal axis transverse to the upper and lower housings, the pivotal attachment accomplished by a pair of pins, each having a threaded intermediate shaft received in a threaded opening extending through opposite sides of the lower housing, and further having generally hemispherical pins, each received in a complementary-shaped recess formed on opposite sides of the upper housing to form a hemispherical bearing surface and preloading the upper housing in compression.

Abstract: An articulating supporting bracket for a surgical tissue stabilizer comprises a series of elements joined to one another by articulating ball-and-socket joints. A flexible cable extends through passages in the elements, and, when tightened, causes the balls and sockets to lock together frictionally. The ball of each joint fits into its socket by an interference fit, whereby the ball and socket of each joint engage one another over an area of contact when the cable is tightened, thereby providing a strong, rigid support for the tissue stabilizer.

Abstract: A powered drywall sander and painter has a proximally located variable speed motor and a motor housing connected to a hollow lower handle. An upper handle telescopes into the interior of the lower handle. The motor rotates a drive shaft within the handles. The upper handle is fastened to an anti-rotation spring with an adjustable sleeve clamp. The upper end of the spring is clamped to a bottom slide to prevent rotational movement therebetween. A top slide having a sanding pad slidably engages the bottom slide. The rotation of the drive shaft is converted to lateral motion of the sanding pad at a distal end of the drive shaft. The sanding pad is free to swivel. The sanding attachment may be interchangeably replaced with a painting attachment. The painting attachment has a paint brush pad with bristles and a paint cup with a centrally located aperture which delivers paint to the paint cup. The painting attachment converts the rotational motion of the drive shaft into rotational motion of the paint brush pad.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a vehicle includes an antiroll bar (2) having a first opening, a vehicle part (3) having a second opening (3a), and a one-piece connecting rod (1) connecting the antiroll bar and the vehicle part. The one-piece connecting rod (1) has a first end portion (4) received in the first opening in the antiroll bar (2) and a second end portion (4) received in the second opening (3a) in the vehicle part (3). A first bearing (5) in the first opening supports the first end portion (4) of the one-piece connecting rod (1) for movement relative to the antiroll bar (2). A second bearing in the second opening (3a) supports the second end portion (4) of the one-piece connecting rod (1) for movement relative to the vehicle part (3).

Abstract: A coupling member for joining a first article to a second article comprising first and second elongate arms that are pivotally connectable to a main housing via ball and socket joints. Each arm has one end formed for connection to one of the articles and the other end adapted to be engaged in the ball and socket joint. A locking system is also provided to lock the arms in position with respect to the main housing after the arms have been connected between the first and second articles to create a rigid connection between the first and second articles. The pivotable nature of the coupling member allows for a connection to be made between the first and second articles to be joined without the articles being in perfect alignment whereupon the locking system is applied to create a rigid link.

Abstract: A system for coupling components of toy assemblages, educational models, hobby constructions, component attachments, or the like together using a compact single point snap together axial connector, which is configured or formed with a key like portion included as part of the male connector part, and a corresponding female connector configured to prevent rotational movement about the connectors axis, and/or to limit the selective attachment of the components.

Abstract: An internally sealed pivotal joint assembly for use on buses and other vehicles. The assembly includes an eyelet which has disposed therein a bearing socket for positioning a ball stud journal therein. The assembly includes a cap and a sealing ring provided to the socket in order to avoid ingestion of contaminants and obviate the need for repeated lubrication of the assembly.

Abstract: A swiveling handcuff comprises two generally conventional cuffs connected by one or more swivel links. Each swivel link has a pair of spherical lobes joined by a neck. The lobes are captured in respective cuffs. The swivel link provides three degrees of rotational freedom between the cuffs. The swivel links allow enough flexibility to reduce the possibility of injury to a restrained person but also provide enough rigidity to allow a good grip by a user when applying the swiveling handcuff. The swiveling handcuff provides protection for both the restrained person and the user.

Abstract: A joint, particularly for use with banister assemblies, comprises a ball (14) fixed into position within a socket (13). The balls (14) formed at either end of a plurality of balusters (12), and sockets (13), formed in a base rail (10) and hand rail (11) are preformed at a work shop or factory and subsequently used for construction of a banister assembly. During the construction of such an assembly, the base rail (10) is fixed into position and the hand rail (11) placed in parallel, vertically spaced-apart relation to it, supported loosely by newel posts at either end. Next, balusters (12) are inserted between the base rail (10) and hand rail (11) by inserting a bottom ball of each baluster (12) into the base rail sockets (13) and adjusting the hand rail (11) to enable insertion of the upper balls into the hand rail sockets (13). Once all balusters are in position, the hand rail (11) can be firmly fixed into place.

Abstract: A drive bearing for a windscreen wiper system wherein two actuator rods for actuating two wiper arms are driven by a motor crank. The two bearings are concentrically nested one within the other thereby allowing the driving forces of the two rods to extend in one plane. Other features include the association of the individual bearing elements to the actuator elements, and the design of the bearing faces.