Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a vehicle for off-road use with an improved frame, rear suspension, fuel tank, air intake, and four-stroke engine. Preferably, the vehicle has four wheels and a rider sits astride thereon. The frame has twin spars and is formed of aluminum. The frame further includes a removable engine frame. In one embodiment, one spar is used as an oil tank and the other spar is a cooling fluid reservoir. A swing arm pivotally connected to the frame and rotatably supports an axle assembly. The swing arm is connected to the frame by a rear shock that is disposed on the central plane of the vehicle. The frame supports a front body panel that includes an engine, air intake that is high and forward on the vehicle. The fuel tank is configured and dimensioned to be disposed beneath a seat, and has a rear portion with a T-shaped cross-section. The engine of the vehicle has and electronically controlled fuel injectors, and has a forward air intake and a rearward exhaust.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved frame construction for transmitting in-plane and out-of-plane loads between a plurality of components and maintaining the components in spacial relation. The frame is comprised of a plurality of node members for interconnection with the components and a plurality of beams and skin members interconnecting the node members. The beams include two channels on opposing sides for receiving the outer edges of the skin members. Preferably, the node members and beams form a perimeter channel that extends substantially around the entire perimeter of the frame and the skin members are secured thereto.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved frame construction for transmitting in-plane and out-of-plane loads between a plurality of components and maintaining the components in spacial relation. The frame is comprised of a plurality of node members for interconnection with the components and a plurality of beams and skin members interconnecting the node members. The beams include two channels on opposing sides for receiving the outer edges of the skin members. Preferably, the node members and beams form a perimeter channel that extends substantially around the entire perimeter of the frame and the skin members are secured thereto.

Abstract: Adjustable bicycle handlebars comprise a mounting member adapted to be attached to a bicycle frame and right and left handlebars that are mounted on the mounting member to swing between standard positions in which they extend generally downwardly and laterally outwardly in opposite directions from the mounting member and aero positions in which they extend generally forwardly from the mounting member in closely adjacent relation. The handlebars are interconnected for coordinated swinging movement between the standard and aero positions so that when either of them is moved between the positions the other moves with it. Each handlebar has an armrest portion adapted to support a portion of the forearm of a rider when the handlebar is in the aero position. Also, each handlebar has an elongated body portion adjacent the mounting member and a handgrip portion remote from the mounting member that extends generally vertically when the handlebar is in the aero position.

Abstract: A cable guide for affixing a cable or the like to a tube of a bicycle frame comprises a body including at least one base portion adapted to seat on the frame member and having at least one hole, a ferrule portion extending up from the base portion and adapted to receive the cable, and a split sleeve portion extending down from the base portion in alignment with the hole and adapted to extend through a hole in the frame tube. A mandrel is received through the hole in the base portion, extends through the split sleeve and expands the legs of the sleeve outwardly into tight engagement with the wall of the hole in the tube and expands the ends of the sleeve outwardly within the tube, whereby the expanded and extended split sleeve retains the guide on the frame tube.

Abstract: A shifter boss mounting assembly includes a member threaded at each end and extending diametrically at least partway through a bicycle frame downtube formed with openings therein, a pair of shifter boss bases with inward surfaces conforming to the downtube outer surface, and a pair of shifter studs that extend through the base and a respective opening in the downtube and thread onto the corresponding threaded ends of the member. A projection on each base cooperates with an opening or indentation in the downtube to restrain the base from rotational movement. A lock washer or a plate keyed to cooperate with the base and the stud restrain the stud against unthreading when the shift levers are pivoted. Once mounted, the boss assembly is standardized in its external configuration to bosses adapted to receive standard commercial shift lever assemblies.

Abstract: A carrier rack for bicycles comprises a load-supporting platform composed of a peripheral frame and at least one cross piece that has internal threads at each end. The upper end of each of a pair of struts is clamped between the cross piece and the respective side of the frame by a screw that passes through holes in the side portion and the upper end of the strut and is threaded into the end portion of the cross piece. A rear carrier rack includes a pair of front end connecting bars attached to the platform for adjustment fore and aft. Each connecting bar is a flat metal band, the major portion of which is oriented flatwise to the platform. The front end portion of each connecting bar is twisted approximately 90.degree. so that it lies flatwise to the seat stays. Each connecting bar is connected to a seat stay by an offset ring clamp.

Abstract: An orientation maneuver for a bias momentum stabilized spacecraft is carried out on a spacecraft initially spinning about a minimum moment of inertia axis. With the spacecraft spinning about that axis, it is precessed until the angular momentum vector points to the south along the orbit normal. The spin rate is then reduced until the angular momentum remaining in the spacecraft is substantially equal to the nominal angular momentum of the momentum wheel in an in-orbit operation. The momentum wheel is then energized and gradually spun up until it contains its nominal angular momentum. As the wheel accelerates, the angular momentum will be redistributed between the wheel and the body, with the total system angular momentum remaining constant. When the wheel has reached its final speed, the spacecraft will have re-oriented itself such that the body of the spacecraft is spinning about the positive pitch axis, coning about the angular momentum vector in a nutational motion.