Abstract: A vane anemometer is disclosed in which a modular vane assembly is removably mounted within the case of the instrument. Within the modular vane assembly is a rotatably mounted impeller shaft. The impeller assembly preferably can be removed and inserted into a cavity of the anemometer without the use of tools. Consequently, if the impeller, bearings or other components of the impeller assembly should become damaged, the modular impeller assembly can be quickly and easily replaced. The modular impeller assembly is preferably mechanically insulated from the anemometer casing. This minimizes the effect of dynamic forces on the bearings and other components of the impeller assembly. A method of and the structure for precisely and reproducibly adjusting the axial clearance between a shaft and a bearing assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining the effective force generated by an athlete acting upon a rowing apparatus are disclosed. A flexural member attached to the rowing apparatus and a footboard hingably attached to the flexural member at its upper end and slidably attached to the rowing apparatus at its lower end are provided. The flexural member is fitted with strain gauges which produce a signal indicative of the strain in the flexural member, this signal can then be converted to a measure of the effective force applied to the oars. Most preferably, apparatus of the present invention substantially eliminates the effects of residual torque friction, thermal deformation and the like by isolating the flexural member from which strain data is taken.