Abstract: A chain shifting apparatus senses bias of pre-set peak pedal force to incrementally move a derailleur cable in a first direction, and to store spring energy. A governor apparatus senses peak cadence to move the cable in a second direction. A cam action from a pedalled-sprocket communicates a timing instant for shifting under low chain transmitting force. A derailleur cable motion distributor communicates single cable up-shift and down-shift instruction from a finger shift and from spring-loaded automatic collet actions to route chains onto available front or rear sprocket sets.

Abstract: Arcs of segmented spoilers generate a ring on intake airfoil surface of cantilever-suspended jet engines. Strain and temperature sensors on sides of a cantilever connecting structure feed data to a stress-limiting computer whose output communicates with actuator motors of spoiler segments. This stress-feedback network selects and actuates segmented spoiler surfaces to release radial forces that normally are balanced within the engine intake zone. The stress-limiting computer also takes autopilot data of anticipated attitude change patterns and forecasts anticipated strain patterns of an aircraft. An output communication is integrated with an electric power conditioning that actuates motors to position the segmented spoiler barriers.

Abstract: The derailleur cable-collet system is an automatic pedal-rate to wheel-rate adjusting system. Pedal pressure is sensed at the crankshaft hub and electronically compared to pedal-pressure threshold values entered by the rider into an electronic circuit. Pedal velocity is sensed at the front sprocket and electronically compared to velocity threshold values. Shifting decision logic is relayed to feed battery current into solenoid-driven collets that move derailleur cables. An arc-jaw collet moves derailleur cable in one direction, and employs spring-forms for structure and bias. A distribution circuit senses travel limits of derailleur arms and redirects cable travel to another derailleur chain-guiding apparatus. A pedal-position sensor contributes to a pedal shifting time circuit that minimizes chain force during sprocket-shifting actions.

Abstract: Segmented spoilers are parallel arrays of individually-extended barrier surfaces, such as rotatable eccentrically-mounted disks. The overlapping surface areas extend through a slot on a aircraft surface. When actuated, a segmented array generates a stiff, extendable, profiled spoiler-barrier. The individual surface areas are power-activated from below the airfoil surface according to motor commands from autopilots, operators, sensors and computers. Disk spoiler systems provide very rapid generation and retreat of controllable height barriers. The management of Bernoulli lift phenomenon with disk spoilers has unique use on an aircraft's nose, along the top of its wings, on the forward surfaces of horizontal and vertical stabilizers and within the intake sections of gas turbine aircraft engines. Disks are rotated by electric rotor-positioning motors and aircraft-powered axial force systems.

Abstract: Spoilers, mounted on vertical stabilizer tail surfaces of large aircraft release controllable Bernoulli forces to augment rudder and aileron aircraft controls. Data from surface pressure sensors, also mounted on vertical stabilizer tail surface, is computer-interpreted to minimize tail drag and structural flight-stress. The spoilers suitable for this role include parallel lines of controllable height barriers, located on the fore part of each side of symmetrical airfoils of airplane tails.

Abstract: Spoilers on the forward top and bottom elevator tail surface of large aircraft offer an independent backup for pitch control. The placement of spoilers in a line along the forward portion of an aircraft pitch-control structure offers direct upward or downward "lift" from a spoiler-induced unbalance of Bernoulli forces on a near-symmetrical airfoil. Combined with a temporary bypass valve and channels between the "up" and "down" hydraulic actuators, a spoiler's forward-mounted torsion force on the elevator surfaces can also rotate the elevators in a controlled fashion. Preparation for hi-risk aircraft missions would install gate-spoiler surfaces into spoiler-actuating subsystems as a temporary safety-of-flight hedge against the loss of hydraulic elevator control.

Abstract: A pedal-force chain-shifting apparatus senses a rider's peak force within each half revolution of a pedal set. A shift-down pedal pressure is set to match a rider's weight, strength and stamina objectives. A displacement mechanism compares the peak force with the pressure setting, and uses a portion of chain energy to actuate derailleur chain-shifting mechanisms to guide chain onto larger rear wheel sprocket size. A digital force-averaging mechanism measures a series of less than full pressure cycles to sense a cycle in which a portion of chain energy pulses the derailleur to shift-up by guiding the chain onto a smaller sprocket. This apparatus replaces need for a bicycle rider to anticipate and select appropriate sprockets at front and rear derailleur apparatus.

Abstract: When individual cylinders of an internal combustion engine are disengaged from their power-consuming, power-producing role, engine efficiency at small to medium engine loads is improved significantly. This improvement is measured in enhanced fuel economy and reduced air pollutants from the engine's remaining active cylinders. Cylinders change from active to an inactive role as typical push rods and rocker arms of the valve trains are replaced with mechanisms which can hold selected intake valves closed and companion exhaust valves open continously. Convertible valve trains change the power characteristics of cylinders in response to the remote operator's sensed conditions of load changes, special desired engine performance and desired fuel conservation.

Abstract: When individual cylinders of an internal combustion engine are disengaged from their power-consuming, power-producing role, engine efficiency at small to medium engine loads is improved significantly. This improvement is measured in enhanced fuel economy and reduced air pollutants from the engine's remaining active cylinders. Cylinders change from active to an inactive role as typical push rods and rocker arms of the valve trains are replaced with mechanisms which can hold selected intake valves closed and companion exhaust valves open continuously. Convertible valve trains change the power characteristics of cylinders in response to the remote operator's sensed conditions of load changes, special desired engine performance and desired fuel conservation.