Abstract: A bicycle steerer assembly that includes a stub tube, a steerer tube that extends upward from the stub tube, a pair of forks, and a fork crown or crown cap. A key and keyway are formed between the stub tube and a crown portion of each fork. The crown cap overlies the crown portion of each fork thereby preventing dissociation of the key and keyway between each of the pair of forks and the stub tube when the crown cap is positioned thereabout.

Abstract: A fork assembly for a bicycle includes a pair of forks and a steerer tube that extend in generally opposite directions from a fork crown. The assembly includes first and second means for securing the steerer tube to the fork crown. Preferably, the steerer tube is threaded and bonded to the fork crown. The fork crown includes a pair of cavities that each slidably receives a respective fork. Preferably, each fork is formed of a carbon fiber material and has an end whose shape substantially matches a shape of a respective cavity formed in the crown. The forks and crown cavities cooperate to efficiently communicate loads between the forks and the fork crown while maintaining a lightweight and robust fork, fork crown, and steerer tube assembly.

Abstract: A bicycle frame having a cavity constructed to receive a sensor device. The cavity has a shape and a contour that generally matches a shape and a contour of the sensor device. Such a configuration maintains the aerodynamic contour of the frame when the sensor device is positioned in the cavity. An optional plug occupies the cavity when the sensor device is not positioned therein. Preferably, the sensor device is constructed to wirelessly communicate bicycle operation information to a receiver that is remotely located relative to the sensor device. More preferably, the cavity is formed in a fork of the bicycle and the sensor device is configured to monitor operation of a front wheel and wirelessly communicate the operation information to the remote receiver.

Abstract: A fork assembly for a bicycle includes a pair of forks and a steerer tube that extend in generally opposite directions from a fork crown. The assembly includes first and second means for securing the steerer tube to the fork crown. Preferably, the steerer tube is threaded and bonded to the fork crown. The fork crown includes a pair of cavities that each slidably receives a respective fork. Preferably, each fork is formed of a carbon fiber material and has an end whose shape substantially matches a shape of a respective cavity formed in the crown. The forks and crown cavities cooperate to efficiently communicate loads between the forks and the fork crown while maintaining a lightweight and robust fork, fork crown, and steerer tube assembly.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention comprises a computer implemented method comprising: (a) determining an average monthly cost of long term care for a consumer; (b) determining an estimated total cost of long term care for the consumer; (c) receiving and storing in a computer readable medium data describing the consumer's preferences regarding long term care resources; (d) calculating with a processor an initial benefit amount for the consumer; (e) adjusting with a processor the initial benefit amount based on the data describing the consumer's preferences to determine a total benefit amount; and (f) recommending a long term care policy providing the total benefit amount to the consumer, wherein the processors may the same processor or different processors. Other aspects of the invention comprise related method, computer system, and software embodiments.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a carrier network provider, a request from a requestor's mobile device to locate an instant messaging (IM) friend from the requestor's IM friends list; authenticating the request for use of location-based services on the carrier network; receiving geographic location coordinates from the requestor's mobile device; adding random error to the geographic location coordinates; sending the request to locate an IM friend and the geographic location coordinates with random error to an IM portal; receiving a list of the requestor's IM friends within a particular region near the geographic location coordinates with random error; and sending to the requestor's mobile device the list of IM friends within the particular region near the geographic location coordinates with random error.

Abstract: A method for controlling a transmission in a motor vehicle during acceleration from an idle condition begins when the vehicle is stationary, the engine is at idle, and the transmission is in the first gear range or ratio. When the vehicle begins to accelerate, the method includes the steps of monitoring the rate of vehicle acceleration and comparing the rate of vehicle acceleration to a rate of vehicle acceleration threshold. If the rate of vehicle acceleration is less than the acceleration threshold, then the transmission allows one of the currently engaged clutches to slip. This clutch slip reduces the torque load on the engine. The method then monitors the engine output speed. If the engine output speed exceeds an engine output speed threshold, then the clutch is fully applied.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar assembly having a stem portion constructed to engage a stem tube that is rotationally supported by a frame and a handlebar that is co-molded to the stem portion. Preferably, the stem portion and the handlebar are constructed to dissimilar materials. More preferably, the stem portion is constructed to a metal-type material and the handlebar is constructed of a carbon-fiber material. The stem portion and the handlebar are constructed such that the handlebar engages the stem portion and is secured thereto during formation of the handlebar assembly by co-molding. Such a construction provides a bicycle handlebar assembly that is lightweight, robust, and can be efficiently produced.

Abstract: A fork assembly for a bicycle that includes a fork crown with an integrally formed steer tube and a pair of fork receiving pockets. The crown and the steer tube are preferably forged of an aluminum material. Each of a pair of fork blades includes a crown end that has a contour that substantially matches a contour of a respective receiving pocket such that each of the pair of fork blades can be bonded to the crown thereby providing a lightweight and robust fork, fork crown, and steer tube assembly.

Abstract: A bicycle frame having a cavity constructed to receive a sensor device. The cavity has a shape and a contour that generally matches a shape and a contour of the sensor device. Such a configuration maintains the aerodynamic contour of the frame when the sensor device is positioned in the cavity. An optional plug occupies the cavity when the sensor device is not positioned therein. Preferably, the sensor device is constructed to wirelessly communicate bicycle operation information to a receiver that is remotely located relative to the sensor device. More preferably, the cavity is formed in a fork of the bicycle and the sensor device is configured to monitor operation of a front wheel and wirelessly communicate the operation information to the remote receiver.

Abstract: In a coiling apparatus for measuring cutting and optionally marking a succession of lengths of an elongate flexible such as wire or cable, the leading edge of each of the elements are clamped in the same angular position in a rotary coiling assembly.

Abstract: A plunger 20 which moves in and out relative to an illuminated panel 10 to operate a switch 18 is assembled from the front of the panel by pushing a shaft 24 with radial extensions 28 through a socket. The extensions yield to allow the shaft to pass through the socket and spring out once the shaft has passed through. A compressible gasket 32 is positioned between a shoulder 34 on the knob and the front face of the panel 10, to prevent light leaking from behind the panel, and to provide a restoring force to return the plunger to its start position after operation.