Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting biological characteristics of a wearer of a biometric sensor unit and converting the biological characteristics into simulated gaming control signals. These simulated control signals can correspond to any type of conventional gaming controller input. By providing video game control seeking to teach breathing control and heart rate lowering techniques, physiological stress indicators of the wearer can be reduced.

Abstract: An electronic device (210) is provided for simulating launch activation of a missile. The missile has a rocket motor and a payload. The device connects to a launch controller (380) for the motor and an ordnance controller (390). The device includes a direct current (DC) power supply (220); a circuit board (440); a payload jack (340); and data jacks (350, 360). The circuit board (440) includes a voltage regulator (570, 580), a thrust vector control (TVC) circuit (510), input, output and power plugs (550, 560, 590). The power plug (590) connects to the power supply (220). The payload jack (340) connects the output plug (560) to the ordnance controller (390) and to the TVC circuit (510). The output data jack (350) connects the circuit board (440) to the ordnance controller (390). The input data jack (360) connects the circuit board (440) to the launch controller (380). The circuit board (440) receives a signal from the launch controller (380) to which said ordnance controller (390) responds.

Abstract: An engagement mechanism is provided within the rear hub of a bicycle to allow drive sprockets attached to the rear hub to transmit drive motion from the crankset to the rear wheel. The assembly uses a pair of engaging face gears with saw tooth-shaped teeth to accomplish the torque transfer/freewheeling. While one gear is in a fixed axial position, the other is allowed to move axially along a helical spline. A light spring backs up this moveable gear to hold it against the other. When the moveable gear is rotated in one direction, the teeth having their faces parallel to the axis push against each other squarely, transferring the rotating motion from one to the other. Yet in the other direction of rotation, the faces of the teeth are askew to the axis forming ramps by which the fixed gear pushes the moveable gear away from it along the axis. This allows the teeth of the moveable gear to jump over the teeth of the fixed gear causing no rotating force to be transferred to the other and thus freewheeling.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal crank bearing system has a hollow axle within which expandable cone shaped discs are flattened so as to expand radially outward and expand the axle into locking engagement with a thrust sleeve surrounding the axle. Since the thrust sleeve can not move axially relative to the bearing, the axle is likewise axially positioned, but is still free to rotate. The chain path is, thus, easily aligned and access to the bearings for maintenance is made easier.

Abstract: In bicycles that have the front fork and handle bars attached to a steering tube that rotates within a frame mounted head tube, a bearing system wherein a compression ring slides over and about the steering tube to trap the bearing against the head tube. Lock nuts surround the tapered compression ring so that when they are threaded together they squeeze the ring against the steering tube. Threads or barbs on the inside of the ring dig into the steering tube to resist movement away from the bearing and allow the ring to be moved against the bearing and establish a proper bearing end load. Further tightening of the lock nuts holds the ring permanently in place.

Abstract: A battery charging system is disclosed wherein there is control means connected with a battery charger responsive to the temperature of a temperature sensor connected with a battery to sense its temperature whereby to switch off the charging when the battery temperature is at or above a predetermined temperature unsuitable for charging. The control means includes a signal transmitter and a signal receiver. The signal transmitter applies a pulsed signal to the charging leads when the temperature of the battery is at or above the predetermined temperature and the receiver detects this and switches off the charging. A signal transmitter and temperature sensor, and a battery fitted therewith is also disclosed.