H.G. Heim Company

H.G. Heim Company was an American manufacturer of mechanical components, recognized for inventing and popularizing the heim joint (spherical rod end bearing) during the 20th century. The company’s name became synonymous with this component, and in North America the term "heim joint" is still widely used to describe rod end bearings.
History
The company was established in the early by Herman Gustav Heim, who patented one of the first designs of the spherical rod end bearing in the United States.
Heim joints were first applied in military aircraft during World War II, providing articulation in control where compact, high-strength joints were required. After the war, the design spread into car suspension systems, agricultural machinery, and various industrial applications.
Industry impact
The introduction of the heim joint marked a significant development in motion transfer and linkage (mechanical) systems. Its ability to allow both rotational and angular misalignment made it especially suitable for heavy-duty and performance applications.
The success of the product led to the company’s name being permanently associated with spherical rod end bearings in the U.S. market, even after other manufacturers began producing similar components.
Legacy
Although H.G. Heim Company no longer dominates the market, the "heim joint" designation remains a lasting contribution to engineering terminology. The trademarked term "Heim Joint" was later passed to successors, while the equivalent "rose joint" is commonly used in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.
 
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