Abstract: A display retract mechanism for moving a display between a retracted position and a deployed position is disclosed and explained. The display retract mechanism is useful, for example, in mounting a liquid crystal display within the cabin of a passenger vehicle, such as an aircraft or bus. A geared chain drive supplies torque necessary for rotating a pivot shaft on which the display is attached. The display is biased toward a retracted position by a gas spring with a substantially linear force curve between the retracted position and the deployed position. Also disclosed are an infrared sensor for detecting when the display is in the deployed position, a solenoid latch for holding the display in the retracted position, and an electromechanical clutch for maintaining the display in a particular position.

Abstract: An air pump for use with a chain-driven bicycle having a free wheel. The pump assembly comprises a pair of opposed cylinders and a double-ended piston rod mounted in a housing. The piston rod has a bearing slot, which engages a crank pin on a crankshaft driven by a sprocket. Rotation of the sprocket reciprocates the double-ended piston rod in the cylinders. The cylinders are each integrally formed with a manifold that uses an elastomeric band covering a passage from the cylinder interior to inside the manifold as a one-way valve. An enlarged diameter skirt on each cylinder allows air to enter the cylinder on each intake stroke. A cap defining the piston head is locked onto each piston and holds a seal in place on the piston. An integral clamp assembly allows the pump to be removably mounted on a bicycle chain stay. The lower run of the bicycle drive chain engages the drive sprocket of the pump assembly, and a chain retainer is used to maintain the engagement of the drive chain with the drive sprocket.

Abstract: An air pump for use with a chain-driven bicycle having a free wheel. The pump assembly comprises a pair of opposed cylinders and a double-ended piston rod mounted in a housing. The piston rod has a bearing slot, which engages a crank pin on a crankshaft driven by a sprocket. Rotation of the sprocket reciprocates the double-ended piston rod in the cylinders. The cylinders are each integrally formed with a manifold that uses an elastomeric band covering a passage from the cylinder interior to inside the manifold as a one-way valve. An enlarged diameter skirt on each cylinder allows air to enter the cylinder on each intake stroke. A cap defining the piston head is locked onto each piston and holds a seal in place on the piston. An integral clamp assembly allows the pump to be removably mounted on a bicycle chain stay. The lower run of the bicycle drive chain engages the drive sprocket of the pump assembly, and a chain retainer is used to maintain the engagement of the drive chain with the drive sprocket.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for computer modules or the like includes a pair of generally L-shaped slide members having defined therein internal grooves for receiving the edge portions of the printed circuit boards of the computer modules. Overlapping tabs secure the slide members upon the edge portions of the circuit board and a pair of opposed springs are compressively captivated between the slide members and the circuit board to urge the slide members outwardly. Each slide member defines a tapered lock tab which cooperates with corresponding recesses within the slide connectors receiving the computer module and providing a locking or latch mechanism.