On Thu, 04 Aug 2005 03:17:05 GMT, steamer wrote:

--Can anyone put a name to this contraption? It's probably got a
nautical origin, but I don't have a clue what it, or its ilk might be
called. First three photos on this page:
http://www.nmpproducts.com/artcar0508.htm
--I'm thinking these things made smaller would be ideal for
robotic applications...

Patented claim of a sheep shearing machine. Feb 10, 1875. Described as
a universal joint with gear works.

http://patentsvictoria.net/002024.html