Abstract: An adjustable link for kinematic mounting systems. The adjustable link is a low-cost, passive device that provides backlash-free adjustment along its single constraint direction and flexural freedom in all other directions. The adjustable link comprises two spheres, two sockets in which the spheres are adjustable retain, and a connection link threadly connected at each end to the spheres, to provide a single direction of restraint and to adjust the length or distance between the sockets. Six such adjustable links provide for six degrees of freedom for mounting an instrument on a support. The adjustable link has applications in any machine or instrument requiring precision adjustment in six degrees of freedom, isolation from deformations of the supporting platform, and/or additional structural damping. The damping is accomplished by using a hollow connection link that contains an inner rod and a viscoelastic separation layer between the two.

Abstract: Device for absorbing lateral forces generated as a result of a linearly reciprocating pin causing rotation of a scotch yoke, the device including a guide block guided along a guide rod, the guide block carrying a yoke engaging pin as well as having opposed connector-receiving cavities; connectors linking each cavity with opposed rod members, each connector having opposed curved surfaces and one or more flats intermediate adjacent such surfaces, the guide block positioning a plurality of annular members each having an arcuate surface slidably receiving one such curved surface, said block also including a locking device for engagement with each connector flat.

Abstract: A ball joint link includes a center tube and a ball stud. A one-piece, thermoplastic, molded housing extends around the ball to form a ball joint and is secured to the tube. The tube and the ball of the ball stud are both insert molded in the housing in a single molding operation, and the housing is formed of a glass-filled nylon that forms the bearing surface for the ball joint.

Abstract: Each pivotal shaft normally urged in one direction by the urging means drives the movable barrel to push the pressure spring, so that the clutch disposed either to the inner ball or to the outer ball in each joint is brought into press contact with the other ball to lock the joint. Accordingly, once the holding arm holds a tool, the holding force of the arm does not decline with time. Since the pressure applied to the pressure spring by the movable barrel is released by turning the pivotal shaft in the opposite direction by the driving means, each joint assumes an unlocked state. Thus, the tool held at the free end portion of the holding arm can be moved to a desired position, and also the holding position can be changed very easily.

Abstract: A double ball joint assembly for use with a windshield wiper system. The double ball joint assembly includes a first ball affixed to a second ball such that a first drive link is retained between them. A first socket is coupled to the first ball and includes an annular groove for retaining a second drive link about its circumference. A second socket is coupled to the second ball and includes an annular groove for retaining a motor crank arm that is coupled to a wiper motor assembly. This double ball assembly produces a shorter overall double ball joint.

Abstract: An adjustable optical element mount having a pair of ball elements, respectively attached to a base and optical element, within a pair of sockets positioned at opposite ends of a spindle which supports a screw actuated cam element positioned within the spindle and between a pair of plungers which simultaneously engage and clamp the both ball elements against the sockets in response to rotation of the screw to hold the ball elements in a desired position.

Abstract: A fluid friction clutch includes a driving element and a driven element which is rotatably supported on the driving element and which is entrained by the driving element with fluid friction by a drive disk in a working space. A locking device is disposed between the driving element and the driven element, and includes a coupling rod having first and second ends. First and second joints are provided for rigidly connecting the first and second ends of the coupling rod to the driving element and the driven element, respectively. A balance weight or another coupling rod is arranged diametrically opposite the coupling rod on the driven element.

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 synthetic resin connecting rod is disclosed having a ball socket integrally formed with an opening on one side and a concave spherical surface extending from the opening at each end of the rod. In order to increase the strength, the connecting rod has a rib as a reinforcement on the connecting line between the centers of each spherical surface, the connecting line intersecting a transverse cross section of the rib. A ball joint using the preferred synthetic resin connecting rod is lighter than one using a metal rod and is strong enough to be used as a ball joint for a stabilizer in an automobile.

Abstract: A flexible, articulable column having a central cable tensioning member with a series of ball and socket members strung on the cable forming articulable joints. Each socket member has at least one conical opening with internal teeth engagable with a ball which is made of an elastomeric polymer. When the cable is tensioned, the sockets move toward each other and the balls are indented by the teeth of the socket. The column thus becomes rigid. Releasing the tension returns the column to the flexible state.

Abstract: A torque transmission tool is arranged to direct torque application from a torque wrench to an associated fastener. To this end, an elongate housing is arranged to receive torque from a first end of the housing and direct such torque through gear inter-engagement to a driven shaft having a through-extending polygonal bore arranged to receive various inserts therewithin for directing torque transmission to various tools and fasteners.

Abstract: A vehicle stabilizer bar end link includes a force absorbing and force transmitting arm having a ball stud connector at each end. The force transmitting arm portion is fabricated by crimping together two similarly configured stampings to provide a rigid torsion resistant arm. Each ball stud connector is secured between the stampings during assembly to form a ball and socket joint and includes a threaded portion extending generally at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the arm. The invention may be used in one form as a connecting link between various suspension components of a vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A double knuckle joint comprises a hollow shaft provided at its two ends with ball members and two ring nuts surrounding the ball members for connecting the joint to a feed pipe as well as to a distributor such as a shower head which can then be moved or swivelled through a large angle relative to the feed pipe.

Abstract: An articulated stand, in particular for lever gauges, having two articulated arms pivotably connected with each other at a central joint. Each articulated arm has on its end a ball joint. Each articulated arm has a clamping device for rigid clamping of all joints, which can be activated with a handle. At least one ball of the ball joints adjoins on the side of the articulated arm a support surface which is fixed with respect to the articulated arm.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system, particularly a front wheel suspension system for a motor vehicle, having upper and lower wheel suspension members which are hinged to the wheel carrier and guide it around a turning swivel axis. The lower wheel suspension member and a spring strut are supported in a hinged manner in lower joints of a common bearing element of the wheel carrier. The swivel axis, which is guided through the wheel-carrier-side joint of the upper wheel suspension member, extends through the center axis of the upper joint and of the lower bearing element.

Abstract: A universally articulable supporting sheath comprises an interconnected series of links, each having a convex spherical surface at one end, and a concave spherical surface at its opposite end. The concave and convex surfaces mate with one another to form the sheath. Special links having branch openings may be provided. Various forms of waterproofing seals are provided, including O-rings, axially compressed rings, flexible belts, and ridges on the spherical surfaces. The links can be fitted together by thermal expansion. However, an axially split link is also described, which comprises two parts which snap together. The split parts may be molded as a unit with an integral thin wall hinge. The bending characteristics and bending radius of a sheath can be modified by insertion of spacers between the links at selected locations, or by the insertion of pins into radial holes provided in the links.

Abstract: A portable sunshade comprising a disc having a surface area sufficient for shading a particular portion of a user's body, which disc is supported at its edge by a flexible extension that is connected to a rigid extension that in turn is connected to a lamp or suitable supporting device. The flexible section of the extension comprises innerconnecting, individual units; similar to pop beads, that provide a rotating, bendable gooseneck connection that may be lengthened and/or shortened, or that may be connected directly to the clamp. The clamp, clamps the sunshade to a lounge chair or the like, allowing the disc to be positioned to shade the user's face.

Abstract: Presented is a method and apparatus for incrementally varying the frictional forces along an articulable column having succesive joints formed of alternate ball and socket members. Friction is varied by varying the contact angle between said ball and socket members along the length of the column and by supplying a compressive force to said joints via a tensioned means throughout the column. The effect of varying the frictional forces along the column is to vary the stiffness of individual column joints creating a structural member which can be tailored to the load requirements of a specific application.

Abstract: A complex, load bearing structure which is formed from a series of steel links of a standard design which are joined to one another end to end. Each link has a ball portion on an end of an elongate central portion and a socket portion on the other end of the elongate central portion. The ball portion has a spherical or part-spherical outer surface and the socket portion has a part-spherical inner surface, and the ball portion and socket portion are so sized that the ball portion will fit snugly within the socket portion of a similar link for limited universal movement of the link and the similar link relative to one another. When the link and the similar link have been positioned in a proper relationship to one another, they are joined together by welding, soldering or adhesively. Preferably, each link is made integrally, in a single piece, from a steel tube which is copper plated on its exterior.

Abstract: An instrument-supporting, articulated device has a distal end capable of supporting an instrument in the region of a surgical operating site. The device has at least one joint that supports a movable distal support element relative to a proximal support, the joint being associated with a mode selector. The joint has structure capable, upon selection of a first mode of operation by the selector, of enabling relatively free motion of the joint for achieving a desired position of the instrument and the joint has structure capable, upon selection of a second mode of operation by the selector, to set the position of the instrument in space with lightly loaded restraint. The lightly loaded restraint is of a value that, while the second mode continues to be selected, the user may adjust the position of the instrument by application of a light force to the instrument and upon release of such light force by the user, the instrument will remain in the newly adjusted position.

Abstract: An adjustable arm having a plurality of sections joined together by a ball and socket joint comprising a housing, a ball retained within the housing, a concave cup slidably mounted within the housing with clearance between the cup and the ball, a locking member slidably mounted in a recess in the ball so that one end projects beyond the ball and bears against the concave face of the cup a push rod passing through the section so that one end bears against the cup adjacent one end of the section and the other end bears against the locking member of the joint adjacent the other end of the section and means for applying a compressive force to the push rod to simultaneously lock all joints against relative movement.

Abstract: Two spherical self-aligning bearings are interconnected by a collar or housing for the transmission of push and pull forces for obviating misalignment problems that arise, particularly in aircraft. In a modification the collar or housing itself may be formed so as to be a part, i.e. the outer race member of one or both of such bearings.

Abstract: An intermediate shaft is provided which achieves a sliding connection between an outer part (17) and an inner part (18) inserted into the outer part. Two Cardan joints are formed of axial bores (22, 31). The joint heads (48, 49) are inserted into the axial bores (22, 31) and include grooves (53, 52) which are open on one side. Dog driver bolts (44, 45) engage the open grooves. A helical spring (19) tensions the intermediate shaft (15) between the joints.

Abstract: A device is provided for connecting two cables together, comprising a short linking rod having a partially spherical member at each end thereof, a first pair of sockets, each socket of said first pair receiving a respective one of said spherical members and forming a ball and socket joint therewith, and a second pair of sockets, each socket of said second pair being detachably connected to a respective one of the sockets of said first pair and having an axial passage receiving one end portion of one of the two cables to be connected, wherein each socket of the second pair has a generally cylindrical outer shape and its axial passage is also cylindrical with a diameter corresponding to that of the end portion of the cable received therein, and each socket of the second pair is secured to the end portion of the corresponding cable by constricting said socket of said second pair through a constricting die.

Abstract: A device for producing an installation template for conduits, especially conduits for hydraulic or pneumatic switching or operating circuits. The device includes a plurality of relatively short articulated elements that are connected or connectable to one another. Adjacent articulated elements can be respectively moved relative to one another about a common geometrical point of rotation and within a predetermined spatial angle, and can be fixed in any possible position relative to one another. In addition, the device has end pieces that are associated with the articulated elements and are connected or can be connected to the latter, with these end pieces being provided with connectors for rod elements. Finally, the device has rod elements that are several times longer than the articulated elements, and that are provided with connectors that correspond to the connectors on the end pieces.

Abstract: To interconnect a first member (19) and a second member (12) so that each of them may turn around two axes, a first axis (47) and a second axis (48) intersecting the first axis at a predetermined angle, a socket (29) having a bowl-like portion (32) defined by concentric hemispherical inner and outer surfaces (30, 31) and having an elongated opening (34) in the bottom is fixed to the first member, while an insert (25) having a spherical head portion (26) adapted to fit the hemispherical inner surface (30) and a shaft portion (27) radially extending from the spherical head portion is fixed to the second member with the shaft portion (27) extending through the elongated opening.

Abstract: Detachable links are formed by a first link having a part-spherical end joined to a cylindrical first intermediate portion and a second link having a receiving end with spaced, generally U-shaped arms defining a slot. The arms resiliently spread apart to receive and then snap back to capture the part-spherical portion, leaving the cylindrical portion in the slot. The joined links may be freely relatively pivoted through substantially 180 degrees and may be freely relatively rotated through a full 360 degrees about the axis of the cylindrical portion. The part-spherical portion may have one upstanding cylindrical stub or a diametrically opposed pair which are positionable either between the legs of the arms or in the slot between arms. These stubs limit the free rotation between links by resisting same except as permitted by forcible rotation in 90 degree steps due to spreading apart and snapping back of the arms.

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 novel mechanical hip joint for attaching a robotic leg to a body member is described, which comprises, a housing adapted for connection to the body member, a spherical socket defined within the housing, a ball joint received by the socket for rotational movement about a first horizontal axis, a bearing member rigidly interconnecting the leg and the ball joint and presenting a bearing surface confronting the housing and socket, and a motor interconnecting the housing and bearing surface for selectively imparting rotary movement to the leg, about a second horizontal axis transverse of said first axis, between first and second angular limits.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the position of a mineral mining machine, such as a coal plough, guided for movement back and forth along a guide employs inclined piston and cylinder units coupled via ball-and-socket joints to brackets on a conveyor supporting the guide and to connectors which are pivotably connected to the conveyor. Assemblies have parallel elongate beams which are guided on roof supports and linked to the connectors. Each connector is of multi-part construction with a main skid resting on the floor of the working and connected to the conveyor and to the associated beams. A further complementary component fits onto the main skid and the parts of the connector have curved recesses which combine to form a socket for receiving a ball of the associated unit.

Abstract: An accommodating linkage device which operates in three modes to provide, upon command, either: (1) a standard, resetable, rigid linkage between two objects; (2) a flexible linkage which responds to relative motion (forces) between two objects; (3) or an arbitrary, rigid linkage between two objects. The device includes two ball joints which connect to the two objects, a pair of locking pistons, and a pair of alignment pistons. Operation of the device is in response to either control signals or to forces generated by the relative motion of the two objects, depending upon operating mode.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a ball joint assembly which includes a ball stud received in a swivel socket of a supporting body. Some of such assemblies are classed as quick disconnects, meaning that the ball stud may be conveniently assembled and disassembled as desired. In another class, the bodies are substantially cylindrical with the sockets forming a pair of diametrically opposed feather edges. In drilling the sockets, it is not uncommon for a burr to be formed about the perimeter, and for this burr to be bent inwardly thereby obstructing the free insertion of the ball stud into the socket. Also it is not uncommon for the feather edges to be bent inwardly resulting in the same problem. By counterboring the socket, the burr is removed and the feather edges are flattened which not only solves the obstruction problem but may also provide other advantages.

Abstract: A novel pivot joint connector for a strut assembly which utilizes a pivot ball and socket construction in conjunction with a clip to insure a smooth operating environment and ease of assembly.

Abstract: A payload retention system for securing and retaining a payload in a fixed docked position on a platform in a cargo bay of a space vehicle is disclosed which includes a plurality of latching assemblies 16 carried by platform 10 each of which includes a latching member A having a contoured spherical latch element 24. A plurality of payload latching elements B are carried by the payload having a complementary contoured spherical latch element 18. The latching elements 18 are carried in interlatching alignment with the latching members 24 of the latching assemblies 16 defining latch couplings C. Spherical latch element 18 has a convex latching surface 19 and spherical element 24 has a concave latching surface 25 which mate and couple with one another when interlatched. The spherical latch elements 18, 24 having their axes aligned with one another when interlatched whereby the payload is retained in a fixed docked position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow divider for carrying out a load-ipendent division of a stream of hydraulic fluid, comprising a basic body including an internal bore, a central main connection and two outer consumer connections leading to said internal bore, and further comprising two approximately coaxial control pistons which are displaceably guided in said internal bore and which are each provided with a flow orifice and with at least one radial control opening, said control pistons being adapted to be moved towards each other and away from each other to a limited extent via a coupling device connecting said pistons. In the case of known flow dividers the coupling device consists of interengaging hooks which are rigidly formed on the control pistons, said hooks producing, however, eccentric forces for the control pistons in said internal bore, and said forces impair the control characteristics and the operating behaviour of the flow divider.

Abstract: The jointed stand comprises two joint or swivel heads coupled to each other and two arms each extending from a related one of the joint heads and terminating in a respective ball-and-socket joint. Each ball-and-socket joint is operatively associated with a push or thrust rod which slidably extends through the related arm and cooperates with a related transmission or transfer member in the associated joint or swivel head. Each transfer or displacement member has two oppositely inclined surfaces on opposite sides thereof which are supported at an associated end of the related push rod and at the joint head, respectively, by means of roller bodies. A hinge pin extends through the transmission members with clearance. A tightening element coacts with the hinge pin in order to be able to cam the transmission members at the roller bodies, so as to be able to selectively positively lock in place the arms and ball-and-socket joints and, when desired, to quickly release such locking action.

Abstract: An external fixation apparatus for the reduction and immobilization of the proximal end segments of a fractured bone is disclosed. The fixation apparatus includes a turnbuckle device, a ball joint device attached to the respective ends of the turnbuckle device, a locking mechanism for the ball joint devices, and a plurality of clamps which are located on tubular members extending from the ball joint devices and in which a pin embedded at one end in the fractured bone segment is received. After the pin is immovably clamped to the tubular member, the subsequent manipulation of the two tubular members relative to one another and adjustment of the turnbuckle device causes the fractured bone segments to be aligned and reduced so that the locking of the ball joint devices and turnbuckle device holds the fractured bone segments in a proper healing orientation relative to one another.

Abstract: A harness connector includes a link connected to a harness with a first ball joint and to a sulky shaft with a second ball joint permitting horse leaning and lateral motion relative to the sulky shafts.

Abstract: In a rack and pinion type steering mechanism of a vehicle having a steering wheel and road wheels steered by the steering wheel, a structure for effectively transmitting the movement of the rack member to two tie rods liked to the road wheels. A male member formed on an inside end of one tie rod is slidably received in a female member formed on an inside end of the other tie rod. The movably coupled male and female members are held through a bearing device in a holder which is fixed to the rack member.

Abstract: Improved constructional building set comprising as its basic elements a plurality of linking units, each linking unit comprising at least one connecting rod with a generally ball shaped head portion at each end thereof. A plurality of coupling members engage the head portions to couple the linking units. These coupling members have a clamping construction which tightens such that a pair of clamping members are urged toward each other about the rod head portions. Thus provided is a building set which is easy and inexpensive to manufacture and affords numerous possibilities of assembling stable structures. Such structure is useful not only as construction toys, but also for the construction of articles for everyday use.

Abstract: An articulated stinger attachable to a pipelaying vessel and constructed of a plurality of elongated multi-leg segments arranged in end-to-end relationship and interconnected by flexible joints. Each flexible joint is comprised of at least three components: two sockets, each in abutting ends of the multi-leg segments, and a socket-filling member. The stinger may be arranged inclined to the horizontal as in conventional pipelaying practice, or vertically for J-method pipelaying. A resilient element may be carried within the sockets to yieldably restrain relative movement between the socket and the socket-filling member.

Abstract: A retaining device for fixedly holding a surgical instrument in a predetermined spatial orientation during surgery comprising an arm having a ball-and-socket joint for grasping the surgical instrument, another arm having a ball-and-socket joint for securing the device to a stationary base and an intermediate pin joint which connects the arms and acts in conjunction with the ball-and-socket joints to allow placement of the surgical instrument in a desired position. The retaining device further comprised a means at the pin joint for simultaneously tightening all joints of the device after placement of the surgical instrument and thereby fixing the position of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Two facing walls have portions 1 and 2 connected together by a tie rod comprising a central section 4 and two end sections 5 and 6 joined to the central section by two bars 3 each with a ball head 7 at its opposite ends. The ball head in section 5 or 6 is disposed in a respective socket 8 or 33 attached to the wall portion 1 or 2. Central section 4 is essentially a turnbuckel comprising an outer tube with internal threads engaging sockets 25 for the ball heads in the central section.

Abstract: A rear-view mirror mounting apparatus for attaching a rear-view mirror to a windshield includes a substantially flat, receiving member and a hollow, inserting member which is slidably received within the receiving member. The receiving member includes a tapered, dovetail-like receiving channel which is symmetrical about the longitudinal centerline of the receiving member. The inserting member is contoured at one end with a spherical element suitable for receipt by a pivot mechanism or similar interconnection means and the opposite end is contoured with a flared, conical shape. The bottom edge of this flared, conical shape includes a leading edge portion, a trailing edge portion and two side edge portions. The two side edge portions are disposed in a first plane and the leading and trailing edge portions are disposed in a second geometric plane parallel to the first, the two side portions are suitably sized and spaced so as to fit beneath the undercut side edges of the receiving channel.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint for a multiarticulate arm includes two cylindrical bodies forming phalanges each ending in a pair of jaws which contact a hollow sphere limited by two parallel planes essentially equidistant from the center of the sphere, with the hollow central part of the cylindrical bodies and of the sphere serving as a passage for the device for synchronizing the movements of the phalanges.

Abstract: Apparatus for the external setting or securing of the parts of a fractured bone, comprising an elongate central body member comprised of two parts mutually displaceable parallel to the longitudinal axis of said member, whereby each part of the central body member supports a clamping device for the pins to be inserted into a part of the bone. The two mutually displaceable parts are engaged by a pressing and tensioning device causing the mutual longitudinal displacement of the part. When the pins are inserted in the bone parts to be pressed together, the pressing and tensioning device is actuated until the two bone sections abut against each other at the required pressure. Then the securing devices fix the two parts of the central body member into their position. Subsequently, the pressing and tensioning device is removed from the central body member since it is no longer required.

Abstract: A device at a brake actuator for permitting thrust force transmission between an axially movable push rod (4) of the actuator and a brake block holder (6) moving out of line with the push rod.In order to ensure force transmission irrespective of the brake block holder movements and to avoid any slippage between the members a transmission part (5) is arranged between the push rod (4) and the brake block holder (6) and has spherical surfaces in engagement therewith, these surfaces having a common center.

Abstract: An articulated joint for an articulated vehicle. Upper and lower pivotal connections, each employing a ball and socket, allow pivoting of two vehicle sections about a vertical axis. The ball of the lower joint is attached to one section while the socket is attached to the other section of the vehicle. The socket and ball of the upper joint are attached to a support member free to move along a shaft in a transverse direction between two stops. The ball of the upper joint is free to move along a vertical shaft joined to the other section of the vehicle. The transverse shaft provides a bearing surface to transmit loads between the two vehicle sections. Seals along the support member prevent entrainment of dirt along the shaft and bearing. The stops are part of the structure attaching the transverse shaft to the vehicle.

Abstract: A joint unit which provides a cluster of up to six ball-and-socket joints. The balls of the ball-and-socket joints are arranged as, or as part of, a substantially close-packed cluster, and a binder supports the balls in position and provides a socket for each ball.The joint unit provides multiple ball-and-socket joints concentrated into a small volume, and is useful for many different applications, but especially for making crystallographic, geometric or molecular models.

Abstract: Apparatus for the external setting or securing of the parts of a fractured bone, comprising an elongate central body member comprised of two parts mutually displaceable parallel to the longitudinal axis of said member, whereby each part of the central body member supports a clamping device for the pins to be inserted into a part of the bone. The two mutually displaceable parts are engaged by a pressing and tensioning device causing the mutual longitudinal displacement of the part. When the pins are inserted in the bone parts to be pressed together, the pressing and tensioning device is actuated until the two bone sections abut against each other at the required pressure. Then the securing devices fix the two parts of the central body member into their position. Subsequently, the pressing and tensioning device is removed from the central body member since it is no longer required.