Abstract: A human-powered vehicle power augmentation system produces a signal variable in response to applied force. The signal, transmitted to a control system, produces a motor-control signal which adds boost power to the human input in proportion to the amount by which the human input exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Below the threshold value, vehicle drive power is derived solely from the human input. Above the threshold value, boost power is added to the human input in proportion to the amount by which the applied force exceeds the threshold value. In one embodiment of the invention, a boost threshold control establishes the amount of human input above which boost is applied, while a boost max control establishes a slope of boost augmentation above the boost threshold. When the amount of boost applied approaches or reaches the maximum that is available, a shift indicator is actuated to inform the rider that the time has come to shift to a lower gear.

Abstract: A slope-measuring device is calibrated in terms of the gear in which a multi-gear apparatus should be engaged for negotiating the slope. For example, in a multi-gear bicycle, the calibration may indicate the gear range and specific gear in a bicycle. In a motor vehicle, the slope measurement may indicate the vehicle gear which should be engaged. In order to prevent oscillation of the indication, a high viscosity fluid is employed in connection with a rotating shaft to substantially reduce the response frequency of the indication.

Abstract: A cadence meter senses acceleration pulses of a pedalled vehicle resulting from individual pedal strokes and produces an indication of the timing or frequency of pedalling.

Abstract: A cyclic power monitor measures a cyclically applied force applied by animal muscle power to a device and calculates the work done by the application of the force. The time between cyclic applications of the force is calculated to produce a value which may be used to divide the calculated work to calculate applied power. An indicating device may be employed to indicate departure in applied power from a predetermined value. A cadence alarm may be employed by itself or in combination with the cyclic power monitor to indicate departures in cadence of the pedalling effort from a predetermined value of cadence. In addition, departures in the force applied to the device from a predetermined force may also produce an indication for the operator.

Abstract: A record handling tool employs a retractable spindle for engaging and gripping the spindle hole of a recording disc. The retractable spindle is positioned coincident with the spindle hold by contact of two spaced-apart grooves on guide arms on a record handling tool with the circular rim of the recording disc. The retractable spindle is left in its retracted position while a support arm of the tool is inserted into a dust jacket between the dust jacket and the recording disc. When contact is made between the guide arms and the edge of the recording disc, thus positioning the retractable spindle coincident with the spindle hole of the recording disc, the retractable spindle is extended from the support arm thus passing through and gripping the recording disc by its spindle hole. The recording disc remains clamped in a three point grip including two spaced-apart points of contact on the circular edge of the recording disc as well as the single point of contact at the spindle hole.

Abstract: Thermostatically controlled valves and acoustic transducers are energized by thermostats in individual zoned heated areas of a structure. The thermostatic valves or dampers permit heated fluid to convey heat to their respective zoned heated areas and the acoustic transducer couples an acoustic signal to a feed or return duct or line. The acoustic signal is transmitted on the duct or line to an acoustic receiver in the vicinity of the furnace which, upon receiving the acoustic signal transduces the acoustic signal to an electric signal which is effective to control a controller. In one embodiment of the invention, periodic listening pulses are employed in the operation of the furnace and/or circulator to avoid interference with the communication system due to noise of these components.

Abstract: Each heating zone in a structure includes a thermostat controlling a valve feeding one or more heat delivering devices in a heat controlled zone in a structure. A controller periodically attempts to flow a fluid through the control valves and a flow sensor determines whether or not the attempt is successful. If the attempt is unsuccessful, indicating that all control valves are closed, the controller terminates the attempt to flow fluid. If the attempt is successful, indicating that one or more of the control valves are opened by their respective thermostats, the controller provides the circulation of heated fluid therethrough which results in the delivery of heat into the temperature controlled zones. When the last temperature controlled zone has received sufficient heat to cause its control valve to turn off, the flow sensor, sensing this condition, produces a signal which causes the controller to discontinue the flow of fluid.