A spherical joint of the present disclosure includes a ball member and a socket having an inner circumferential surface configured to spherically contact the ball member. The socket includes a cage part forming the inner circumferential surface and having an opening, and a bar-shaped connecting part provided to the cage part. A fastening member is disposed at the cage part so as to reduce a space of the opening in the extending direction of the connecting part and such that a gap is formed between the fastening member and the ball member. The opening is formed in a part of the inner circumferential surface other than a part where the largest load is applied.

A device for fitting two components together by a clevis is improved by a seal including a deformable ring subjected to axial compression between one of the cheeks and a mobile washer which is brought closer to the cheek when a bolt passing through the clevis is tightened. This axial compression causes the rod to be clamped by the seal, eliminating all play and giving the assembly good cohesion while at the same time eliminating the transmission of vibration and noise.

A variable compression ratio engine is provided, which includes a connecting rod including a small end connected to a piston through a piston pin, and a big end connected to a crankshaft through a crank pin, a gear eccentric sleeve installed on at least one of the piston pin and the crank pin, and at least one rack engaged with a gear formed on an outer circumferential surface of the gear eccentric sleeve at one side thereof.

A variable compression ratio engine is provided, which includes a connecting rod including a small end connected to a piston through a piston pin, and a big end connected to a crankshaft through a crank pin, a gear eccentric sleeve installed on at least one of the piston pin and the crank pin, and at least one rack engaged with a gear formed on an outer circumferential surface of the gear eccentric sleeve at one side thereof

A device for fitting two components together by a clevis is improved by a seal including a deformable ring subjected to axial compression between one of the cheeks and a mobile washer which is brought closer to the cheek when a bolt passing through the clevis is tightened. This axial compression causes the rod to be clamped by the seal, eliminating all play and giving the assembly good cohesion while at the same time eliminating the transmission of vibration and noise.

A method for varying a compression ratio of an operating applied-ignition internal combustion engine having at least two cylinders and having a crank mechanism (1) comprising a crankshaft (2) which is mounted in a crankcase and which rotates at a crankshaft rotational speed .sub.crankshaft, is described. The method includes increasing an expansion phase of a cylinder cycle via rotation of the eccentric bushing (4).

A method for varying a compression ratio of an operating applied-ignition internal combustion engine having at least two cylinders and having a crank mechanism (1) comprising a crankshaft (2) which is mounted in a crankcase and which rotates at a crankshaft rotational speed .sub.crankshaft, is described. The method includes increasing an expansion phase of a cylinder cycle via rotation of the eccentric bushing (4).

A method for varying a compression ratio of an operating applied-ignition internal combustion engine having at least two cylinders and having a crank mechanism (1) comprising a crankshaft (2) which is mounted in a crankcase and which rotates at a crankshaft rotational speed .sub.crankshaft, is described. The method includes increasing an expansion phase of a cylinder cycle via rotation of the eccentric bushing (4).

A method for varying a compression ratio of an operating applied-ignition internal combustion engine having at least two cylinders and having a crank mechanism (1) comprising a crankshaft (2) which is mounted in a crankcase and which rotates at a crankshaft rotational speed .sub.crankshaft, is described. The method includes increasing an expansion phase of a cylinder cycle via rotation of the eccentric bushing (4).

A distributed load bearing including an outer flex ring, a load distribution spring, and a retainer. The outer flex ring is configured to be positioned radially outwards of a shaft. The load distribution spring is preloaded and positioned radially outwards of the outer flex ring. A radially inner surface of the load distribution spring contacts the outer flex ring. The radially inner surface is an arc defined by a first radius when the load distribution spring is in a lower load distribution mode, and a second radius when the load distribution spring is in a higher load distribution mode. The retainer is positioned radially outwards of the load distribution spring, and the retainer angularly and radially positions the load distribution spring.