Abstract: A multi-joint fixture including a proximal base unit, one or more arms serially connected by electromagnetically lockable ball joints, and a distal hub. The ball joints unlock when not powered. A centering mechanism biases the ball joints toward a neutral position. A control system activates the electromagnetic brake with a high-then-low voltage profile. A headpiece attaches to the hub and holds a drape that covers the fixture. A connector connects a surgical device to the headpiece. A switch on the hub can be actuated via actuators on the headpiece or connector.

Abstract: The spherical joint with internal brake has a controlled actuator that selectively brakes relative motion between interior members and an outer shell of the spherical ball joint. A shaft extending from the internal members can be stopped at any rotational position relative to the shell. The internal members may include a central spherical sectioned member sandwiched by a pair of symmetrically opposed peripheral spherical sectioned members, which selectively act as brakes when an actuator in the central member is energized. The energized actuator has a dual piston that pushes outwardly on the pair of opposed peripheral segments, which increases friction between the peripheral segments and an interior wall of the spherical shell to brake the system. The shaft extends from the central spherical sectioned member through an aperture in the shell. The size of the shell aperture determines the range of rotational motion of the shaft.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint assembly includes a stationary object, a movable object, and a mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus has first and second rigid link sections, each link section having an upper socket section and a lower socket section, so that an upper receiving space is defined by the two upper socket sections and a lower receiving space is defined by the two lower socket sections. The assembly further includes an upper coupler having an upper ball that is received for rotation inside the upper receiving space, with the movable object secured to the upper coupler, and a lower coupler having a lower ball that is received for rotation inside the lower receiving space, with the stationary object secured to the lower coupler. A link member secures the link sections together with the upper ball retained inside the upper receiving space, and with the lower ball retained inside the lower receiving space.

Abstract: A joint unit comprises a lock mechanism in which a ball-like joint section provided at the base end of an arm is housed in a holder formed at an end of a cylindrical case. As the joint section is brought into pressed contact against an inner surface of the holder, the lock mechanism locks a pivotal angle. In the lock mechanism, in response to a manual operation of a knob, a bolt is caused to project into the case and this pressing force is transmitted to a roller-like first pressing body and then to a second pressing body placed in contact therewith. Further, the pressing force from the first pressing body is transmitted to a pressure block and then the pressing force from this pressure block brings the joint section into pressed contact against the holder inner surface.

Abstract: An adaptable camera support includes a quick disconnect, panning ball clamp connectable to an adjustable clamp. The relative angularity and separation of the jaws of the adjustable clamp are independently variable to engage articles of widely varying size and shape. The quick disconnect panning ball clamp includes a rotatable panning base and a ball element rotatable on axes at an angle to the axis of rotation of the panning base. Hinged ball clamp housing sections enable rapid releasing and securing of the ball element and an article attached to the ball element.

Abstract: A pivoting ball mount provides four essentially equal and (generally) evenly spaced constraints on the ball, creating a ball and socket joint in which the “socket” is composed of four small constraining pads of equal size and equally spaced around the surface of the ball or sphere. If a sphere is constrained by four equidistant points, each point will exert the same amount of force on the sphere. If additional pressure is applied to one point, the pressure exerted by the other points will rise to match this increased pressure. The effect of constraining a smooth ball by four equidistant points is to create the equivalent of a ball and socket joint in which the force required to rotate the ball at a particular rate is about the same in any direction. The ball is constrained by four equidistant points such that the relative movement between the ball and housing is smooth and predictable in any direction.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint assembly includes a stationary object, a movable object, and a mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus has first and second rigid link sections, each link section having an upper socket section and a lower socket section, so that an upper receiving space is defined by the two upper socket sections and a lower receiving space is defined by the two lower socket sections. The assembly further includes an upper coupler having an upper ball that is received for rotation inside the upper receiving space, with the movable object secured to the upper coupler, and a lower coupler having a lower ball that is received for rotation inside the lower receiving space, with the stationary object secured to the lower coupler. A link member secures the link sections together with the upper ball retained inside the upper receiving space, and with the lower ball retained inside the lower receiving space.

Abstract: A sliding torque between a pivot portion and a fitting portion may be preferably secured. In an inner mirror device, pivot portions are arranged on both end portions in an axis line direction of a stay formed by a resin material. One pivot portion is fitted in a fitting hole of a holder main body, and the other pivot portion is fitted in a fitting hole of a device main body. In this manner, the holder and the device main body are connected to each other through the stay. In this case, plural notches are formed in the pivot portions, and outside dimensions of the pivot portions may be elastically expanded and reduced. A metal spring pin is pressed into the stay, and the spring pin biases the pivots in a dimension-expansion direction.

Abstract: A ball joint comprises a ball stud having a stud portion at a middle thereof, a ball portion and a screw portion at opposite sides of the stud portion, and a seat surface portion facing the screw portion between the respective portions, and a bearing member into which the ball portion is slidably fitted so as to universally pivotably-support the ball stud, so that the stud portion is inserted through a mounting member, and a nut is screwed with the screw portion projected from the mounting member, and the seat surface portion abuts and is fastened to the mounting member by fastening the nut to the mounting member. The seat surface portion abutting the mounting member is subjected to a co-rotation preventing process which prevents the ball stud from co-rotating along with the nut when the nut is fastened.

Abstract: The present invention provides four essentially equal and (generally) evenly spaced constraints on the ball. It is the equivalent of a ball and socket joint in which the “socket” is composed of four small constraining pads of equal size and equally spaced around the surface of the ball or sphere. If a sphere is constrained by four equidistant points, each point will exert the same amount of force on the sphere. If additional pressure is applied to one point, the pressure exerted by the other points will rise to match this increased pressure. The effect of constraining a smooth ball by four equidistant points is to create the equivalent of a ball and socket joint in which the force required to rotate the ball at a particular rate is about the same in any direction. The ball is constrained by four equidistant points such that the relative movement between the ball and housing is smooth and predictable in any direction.

Abstract: A mounting for an optical apparatus includes a joint ball (1), a mounting device (2) for the optical apparatus and means for fixing the mounting device to the joint ball (1). The mounting device has two rings (6, 7) which are arranged displaceable to one another and are also movable on the joint ball (1) and surround the joint ball. A fixing means (3) is disposed between the rings (6, 7) and connects them, the whole such that the rings can be moved simultaneously and jointly.

Abstract: The inventive technology, in embodiments, relates variously to item support apparatus that offer one or more of a variety of operational benefits, including but not limited to independently operable force enhancers whereby various retention forces may be enhanced independently of one another, and side-assembly. The inventive technology presents, generally, two different types of apparatus—one featuring a ball having a passage through which an item support rack member (e.g., a drum rack member) may be slidingly passed, and a second featuring a ball without a passageway therethrough.

Abstract: A paint roller including a shaft, a handle attached to a first end of the shaft, and at least one of (a) a frame with an axial protrusion, and (b) a flexure joint with one or more functional elements. The frame is configured and arranged to be rotatably secured to a second end of the shaft for operably engaging a paint roller head and rotating the paint roller head about an axis. The protrusion extends in a second axial direction from the distal end of the frame so as to prevent a distal end of a paint roller head operably engaged upon the frame from contacting a surface perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The flexure joint is configured and arranged to be interposed between and connect the second end of the handle and the first end of the shaft. The functional element is configured and arranged to be secured to a second end of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides four essentially equal and (generally) evenly spaced constraints on the ball. It is the equivalent of a ball and socket joint in which the “socket” is composed of four small constraining pads of equal size and equally spaced around the surface of the ball or sphere. If a sphere is constrained by four equidistant points, each point will exert the same amount of force on the sphere. If additional pressure is applied to one point, the pressure exerted by the other points will rise to match this increased pressure. The effect of constraining a smooth ball by four equidistant points is to create the equivalent of a ball and socket joint in which the force required to rotate the ball at a particular rate is about the same in any direction. The ball is constrained by four equidistant points such that the relative movement between the ball and housing is smooth and predictable in any direction.

Abstract: A support for sonographers provides a path of force transmission from an ultrasound probe to the sonographer's upper arm bypassing the wrist, and thus reducing wrist injuries that can come from the need to tightly grip and restrain an ultrasound probe for long periods of time.

Abstract: A double ball joint device comprises a housing, a first joint element having a first ball mounted in the housing, and a first shaft attached to a portion of the first ball protruding through an opening in the housing, and a second joint element having a second ball, which is mounted similar to the first ball and is provided with a corresponding second shaft. A locking washer is arranged between the first and second balls and has a first seat for receiving the first ball, and an opposite second seat for receiving the second ball. An operation member is operable between a released state, where the joint elements are pivotable, and a locked state, where it urges the locking washer to clamp lock the joint elements in a current position. When moving the operation member to the locked state it urges the washer to an off-centre position.

Abstract: A quick connect assembly having a female terminal exhibiting an interior passage communicating with a connecting end. The passage is defined by inwardly facing surfaces associated with a plurality of linearly extending and peripherally arrayed beams, the passage exhibiting an enlarged profile an inwardly recessed distance from the connecting end. A male terminal includes a projecting portion generally matching the enlarged profile. The male terminal is inserted into the female terminal, causing the beams to outwardly deflect, following which the beams inwardly retract concurrent with the projecting portion seating within the inner profile. A linearly displaceable and sleeve shaped covering cap is spring supported upon the male terminal and displaceable between a first anti-biased position permitting outward deflection of the beams and a second biased position seating over projecting ends of the beams to prevent inadvertent disengagement of the terminals.

Abstract: A device for a ball-and-socket-type connection of two members includes a first member having a head and a second member having a cavity that receives the head. The cross-sectional surface of the cavity is tapered at the lower end of the second member as a result of a constriction. The head and/or cavity is configured spherically with a center of articulation (Z). The ball-and-socket-type connection between the two members can be detachably fixed by means of a clamping element that can be connected to the second member. The head has a recess in which the front end of the clamping element can rest. The recess and/or the front end has an at least partially spherical surface with a center (C). In the clamped position of the device, the center of articulation (Z) and the center (C) are identical.

Abstract: An articulating surgical stapler having a proximal end and a distal end includes a handle at the proximal end and an end effector at the distal end for selective articulation to improve access to tissue requiring treatment and ease of use of the present linear surgical stapler. A support shaft connects the handle to the end effector. An articulation mechanism is positioned between the support shaft and the end effector permitting selective movement of the end effector relative to the support shaft.

Abstract: A lockable joint such as a lockable ball-and-socket joint comprising a first arm (14) having a swivel head (30) and a socket (32), the swivel head (30) being pivotably mounted to the socket (32), and a locking device (90) arranged for locking the swivel head (30) with respect to the socket (32), the locking device (90) having a piston (70?), a pressure gas source (64), and an actuating device (92) arranged for reversibly disconnecting the piston (70?) from the pressure gas source (64) where in the pressure gas source is a gas cartridge (64).

Abstract: An exemplary rotatable joint (100) includes a socket (10), a rotatable arm (20), and a connecting device (30) configured for being mounted in the socket. The connecting device includes a sub-socket (31), two elastic sleeves (33), and two pivot shafts (35) fixed to the socket. The sub-socket includes a first half (311) and a second half (312). A pivot hole (315, 316) is defined in each of the first half and the second half for engaging with an outer surface (331) of one of the elastic sleeves. An outer surface (351) of each of the pivot shafts engages with an inner surface (332) of one of the elastic sleeves. A through hole (317) is defined in the sub-socket for rotatably engaging with the rotatable arm. Each of the elastic sleeves abuts the rotatable arm.

Abstract: A cleaning device including a cleaning member and a handle connected to the cleaning member. The handle includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a ball member and the second member includes a socket. The ball member being disposed in the socket to couple the first member and the second member and enable the second member to pivot with respect to the first member.

Abstract: A hanger for a ceiling fan is formed with a conical receiving opening contracted downward gradually and having a hard hanging spherical member received therein. The hanging spherical member has its outer circumference annularly provided with a stop ring whose diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the receiving opening. A shock-absorbing cover is covered around the outer circumference under the stop ring of the hanging spherical member, having its inner circumferential camber matching with the outer circumferential camber of the hanging spherical member to enable the shock-absorbing cover to stably cover the hanging spherical member, and its outer circumference completely touching the inner edge of the receiving opening, avoiding the hanging spherical member dropping downward, preventing noises from produced and effectively elevating stability of the hanger.

Abstract: A glass pane connector comprises a pane holding assembly, a positioning assembly, a supporting assembly connecting the pane holding assembly and the positioning assembly, and at least one pivot assembly serving to changing an angle where the supporting assembly connects the pane holding assembly and the positioning assembly. The glass pane connector serves to position a glass pane at a predetermined installation site or to connect glass panes into a glass curtain wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a adjustable mounting assembly. There is a need for a simple adjustable and lockable mounting assembly. A mounting assembly adjustably supports a platform relative to a base. The assembly includes a plurality of adjustable length legs. Each leg has a first end pivotally coupled to the base and a second end pivotally coupled to the platform. An arm projects transversely away from each leg into the space surrounded by the legs. A locking or clamping device is located in the space surrounded by the legs and pivotally receives an inner end of each arm. The clamping device including a tension adjust member which can be tightened to prevent relative movement between the arms, and thus, the legs. The clamping device includes first and second plates which form a plurality of apertures therebetween. Each aperture pivotally receives a pivot ball on the inner end of each arm.

Abstract: A unified swivel snap device provides optional rotational motion for use as fishing tackle to couple lures, bait hooks, and weights to a main fishing line. Embodiments include a rod rotatably held within a housing and a snap configured to lock the swivel by attaching to both the housing and the rod. Embodiments of the swivel can be unlocked by attaching the snap to the rod alone and allowing the rod to swivel relative to the housing. The swivel snap can be used for enhancing a variety of fishing mechanisms including the shank of jigs and the spindle of lures and other apparatus attached to fishing lines. Embodiments of the locking swivel snap can be used in other applications which call for selective locking of swivel motion.

Abstract: A hanger assembly includes a hanger bracket and an adapter formed with a head and a down rod connector. The head has a lower face seated in a socket formed in the hanger bracket and an opposing upper face, and a first axis perpendicular to the upper face. The down rod connector depends downwardly from the lower face thereof to a free end adapted to be secured to a down rod, and includes a front face facing a front end of the socket, an opposing rear face facing a rear end of the socket, and a second axis extending longitudinally thereof. There is a salient angle of less than 180 degrees between the first axis and the second axis facing the front end of the socket, and the front end of the socket is received in a notch formed in the front face of the down rod connector.

Abstract: A torsion beam axle suspension is provided, in which a shock absorber is directly mounted on right and left trailing arms and is further mounted to the mount by a ball joint. Thus, it is possible to reduce the weight and production expenses, thus to enhance productivity. Further, it is possible to considerably decrease a friction caused by movement of the shock absorber even though the transverse force is applied, thus to enhance the riding comfort.

Abstract: A device for manipulation by hands of a user is provided. The device comprises a plurality of segments, each segment including a ball, a socket having a wall that at least partially defines a spherical hollow, and a connecting arm formed between the ball and socket wherein the connecting arm is attached to each of the ball and the socket at respective positions, at least one of the positions being offset from a longitudinal axis extending through a center of the ball and a center of the spherical hollow wherein the plurality of segments are arranged to include pairs of adjoining segments that are releasably interconnected to each other by ball-and-socket joints formed by the interconnection of a ball of a first segment and a socket of a second segment of the pair.

Abstract: An apparatus for a hydraulically locked accessory mounting device for attaching accessories to a boat, or vessel. The mounting device includes a base for attaching to the boat and a ball head that is attached to an accessory, which can be moved to a selected position and locked in that position by a hydraulic assembly. The hydraulic assembly includes a first piston moved by an operator. The first piston is in hydraulic communication with a second piston, which engages a shoe that locks the ball in position. In one embodiment, the hydraulic system includes a bleed valve connected to the channel between the first and second pistons. In one embodiment, the first piston is operated by a knob with a threaded shaft. In another embodiment, the first piston is operated by a cam on a shaft that is rotated with a lever or knob.

Abstract: A tripod head includes a cylindrical housing 1 having connection member at one end for a tripod, a ball joint (2) rotatably and pivotally arranged in the housing (1), a bearing element (4) for the ball joint (2), having a sliding surface (7) contacting the circumference of the ball joint (2) and arranged so as to be axially displaceable and rotatable in the housing (1), and a device (5) for fixing the ball joint (2) and having a support (6) for the bearing element 4 and an adjusting device (25) in operative connection with the support (6) in order to displace the bearing element against the ball joint to achieve the clamping action.

Abstract: A multi-sided bellows cover has panel sections formed of extruded plastic panels that are connected end-to-end by bead-in-slot connections. The panel sections can be made of one or more rigid wall sections that are connected at the fold lines by flexible web sections or by the bead-in-slot connection. The panel sections are integrally molded by extrusion, and many serial wall sections alternating with web sections may be integrally co-extruded with one another.

Abstract: A ball head assembly has a holding base, a clamping collar, a ball, a holder and an anti-escape mechanism. The anti-escape mechanism is mounted on the holding base, is connected to the ball and has a supporting rod, a supporting block, a dragging member and a nut. The supporting rod extends through the bottom of the holding base and has a spherical end rotatably connected to the ball and a threaded end. The supporting block is mounted around the supporting rod and rotatably mates with the bottom of the holding base. The dragging member is mounted around the supporting rod and has a first end abutting against the supporting block and a second end. The nut is screwed onto the threaded end of the supporting rod and abuts against the second end of the dragging member.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machine for improving the guide alignment base structure consisting of a guide alignment base having vertical threaded holes. Furthermore, the guide alignment base has axial adjustment holes that are respectively aligned with the vertical threaded holes, the diameters of the axial adjustment holes slightly larger than the diameters of the vertical threaded holes to enable the insertion of adjustment screws through the axial adjustment holes and fastening into the vertical threaded holes. With a spherical body in between serving as a center, the adjustment screws tilt the guide alignment base forward, backward, leftward, and rightward to adjust the perpendicularity of the guide. Horizontal adjustment screws through the guide alignment base secure the guide alignment base transversely such that the guide alignment base effectively achieves stable positioning to thereby prevent the vertical and horizontal deviation of the guide alignment base when it is impacted.

Abstract: In a universal joint arrangement between an apparatus holder and an apparatus support console including a receiver element mounted to the console, a ball joint element projecting from the holder, a ball element for engaging the ball joint element and the receiver element and a clamping mechanism comprising a bolt and a nut, the bolt extends through the ball joint element and the receiver element and the nut or the bolt head is retained in an operating wheel which is disposed adjacent the receiver element so as to be rotatable by the fingers of a user for adjusting the clamping force engaging the ball joint element between the receiver element and the ball element.

Abstract: An adjustable bearing composed of top plate, top seat, ball hinge, stud, locking nut, stud seat and locking screw, the adjustable bearing of the invention can be steplessly adjusted vertically and horizontally, making the installation, replacement and adjustment more convenient, it has the special feature of low compression deformation, high precision, low cost and maintenance-free.

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: An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a reflective mirror element and a first polymeric pivot joint allowing pivotal adjustment of the field of view of the reflective element. The assembly includes a polymeric support element, a polymeric rearview mirror mount, and a second polymeric pivot joint. The polymeric support element includes one of a first polymeric ball member and a first polymeric socket. The polymeric rearview mirror mount is adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle. The support element pivots on the second polymeric pivot joint about the rearview mirror mount. At least one of the pivot joints includes joint members generating increased frictional resistance to movement of a ball member in a socket, such joint members preferably comprising a textured surface on the ball member or socket.

Abstract: A device for a ball-and-socket-type connection of two members includes a first member having a head and a second member having a cavity that receives the head. The cross-sectional surface of the cavity is tapered at the lower end of the second member as a result of a constriction. The head and/or cavity is configured spherically with a center of articulation (Z). The ball-and-socket-type connection between the two members can be detachably fixed by a clamping element that can be connected to the second member. The head has a recess in which the front end of the clamping element can rest. The recess and/or the front end has an at least partially spherical surface with a centre (C). In the clamped position of the device, the center of articulation (Z) and the centre (C) are identical.

Abstract: An armrest assembly includes an armrest platform with hand and elbow extensions which is mounted to a swivel base unit that tilts, turns and rotates under the control of a single load control knob to permit placement of a patient's arm in several positions as needed to draw blood. The swivel base unit is mounted on the distal end of a cylindrical riser that can be raised and lowered to a desired elevation by a single load control lever supported by a base securing device that is adapted to be secured to different types of surfaces configurations.

Abstract: In one form of the invention, a rounded bicycle seat is provided. The seat has no front pommel that is a significant factor in causing most pressure and pain to the crotch area of a rider. As such, the bicycle seat is designed to relieve numbness. In one embodiment of the current invention, the seat is provided with a rounded dome portion that minimizes or makes no contact with the crotch area of the rider when the bicycle seat is in use. Further, the seat may pivot in multiple directions in connection with the rider's movement, giving the rider proper coordination and alignment with the seat and the bicycle pedals. The seat is anatomically correct and provides support for the rider with a snug comfortable fit, while at the same time improves balance, flexibility and improves body strength with the least amount of friction and pain experienced by the rider.

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 multi-sided bellows cover has panel sections formed of extruded plastic panels in which rigid wall sections are connected at the fold lines by flexible web sections. The web sections are integrally molded by extrusion with at least one adjacent wall section, and many serial wall sections alternating with web sections may be integrally co-extruded with one another. Intermittently, a bead of one of the flexible web sections of one of the panel sections is captured in a slot of one of the rigid wall sections of another panel section.

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: An organ-stabilizing element is covered with a layer of textile material such as cloth to enhance slip-free engagement with an organ such as a beating heart during surgery thereon. The organ-stabilizing element is supported on a stacked structure of successive ball elements and rings that can be selectively flexible or rigid in response to tensioning of a flexible cable within a central bore of the structure.

Abstract: Assembly for the defined support of a first object (6) on a second object (1), such as a director-mounted sight. In the top face of the director three pairs of steel balls (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) are fitted, positioned in a triangle. In a sole plate of the sight three steel balls (7, 8, 9) are fitted, positioned in an identical triangle. The three balls rest on the three ball pairs. The sight is then fastened using, for instance, a screw, a spring or a magnet.

Abstract: In a joint prosthesis the head cap is connected via a collar piece to the shaft piece which may be anchored in the bone. The collar piece is coupled to the shaft piece by a joint head in a ball-jointed manner. The articulation surfaces between the joint cavity in the shaft piece and the articulation head on the collar piece are embodied such that on pressing the articulation head to the base of the joint cavity, edges or projections on the one articulation surface digs into the other articulation surface lying on a virtual spherical surface. It is thus possible to achieve a ball-joint like articulation, whereby the spherical surfaces may have a relatively large production tolerance without the above affecting the clamping connection between the articulation surfaces.

Abstract: A ball-joint connection particularly for a braking system comprising a male element (2) and a female element (4), characterized in that a first end (14) of the male element (2) comprises means (28) that can be radially extracted automatically as said first end (14) of the male element (2) is mounted in a housing (16) of the female element (4. The extractable means (28) collaborating with the interior surface of the housing (16) in such a way as to produce a ball-joint connection between the male element (2) and the female element (4). The male element (2) forming one end of a piston of for a master cylinder and the female element (4) forms the actuating rod of the master cylinder.

Abstract: A retaining device comprises a holder for receiving an object and a clamp 4. The holder comprises a cylindrical sleeve 1 with three longitudinal cut-out slits 3 spaced 120° apart and a base 2 secured at one end. The inner surface of the clamp 4 has three lobes 11,12,13 also spaced 120° apart. The portions midway adjacent lobes contact the portions of the sleeve midway adjacent slits 3, resulting in a symmetrical force being applied to the circumference of the sleeve 1 when the clamp 4 is tightened. The clamp 4 is free from the base 2 of the holder and is not rigidly attached to the sleeve 1 and thus does not apply unequal forces to the holder when the clamp is tightened. Alternatively the sleeve 1 may have a thin continuous wall which deforms when forces are applied to it by the clamp 4. The object inserted into the sleeve may have a spherically shaped portion to allow is to be angularly adjusted in the sleeve before the clamp is tightened.

Abstract: An adjustable locking mount system permits rotation about at least one of x, y, and z axes. Methods provide for rotating and rocking the mount to obtain the desired position, fixing the mount in the desired position, and mounting an object onto the mount.