Abstract: Plant growth structures and components of plant growth structures. The plant growth structure components provide the ability to customize the plant growth structure to suit the needs of different types of plants. The plant growth structures also provide improved water flow to the plants and a high density of plants in a relatively small growing area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for adapting a vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier to function as a stand for holding the bicycle to perform maintenance and repairs. A bicycle carrier attachment is provided which may be added to or manufactured as a part of a typical vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier. The attachment consists of a cradle with an open channel to receive and support an axle of the bicycle, an attachment device for attaching the cradle to the carrier, and a mechanism for elevating or lowering the cradle and thus the axle supported by the cradle. When the cradle is elevated, the bicycle is held in a position that allows the wheel surrounding the lifted axle to freely rotate, as is useful for maintenance functions.

Abstract: Embodiments of a front derailleur gear shifting system including various unique chain guides attached to and operating from a single pivot point. This derailleur system provides a simple, yet, elegant and robust improvement in shifting technique over conventional, lateral motion front derailleurs. Embodiments of open and closed annulus chain guides having specially shaped lifting and pulling surfaces for acting upon a bicycle chain during shifting are also disclosed. Additionally, as an optional enhancement, a dual-sided chain catcher that prevents unintended over-shifts in either direction is disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic derailleur control system for a bicycle has controller operatively connected to a derailleur of the bicycle and to at least one sensor of the bicycle, and a memory on which instructions are stored that are executable by the controller to control shifts of the derailleur. The system is receives feedback data from the sensor on a performance parameter of the bicycle, and analyzes the feedback data to evaluate performance conditions. The controller calculates adjustments to the derailleur shifts based on the performance conditions, with automatic iteration to repeatedly accept feedback and optimize the shift distance based on the feedback. The system can be activated by rider command or by satisfaction of pre-set performance conditions stored in the memory. A derailleur and a method for controlling shifts on this basis also are disclosed.

Abstract: A bicycle chainring for engaging a bicycle drive chain has a plurality of teeth formed around its periphery. The plurality of teeth includes a first group of teeth, and a second group of teeth. The teeth of the second group are arranged alternatingly between the teeth of the first group. A portion of each tooth of the first group extends outwardly on a first lateral side of the chainring, and a portion of each tooth of the second group extends outwardly on the second lateral side of the chainring. Thus, each tooth is arranged in a laterally staggered position relative to its neighboring teeth. A bicycle chain drive employs the chainring. This construction of the chain drive and chainring offer the retention advantages of Narrow-Wide chainrings, but also allow the chain to engage with the chainring at multiple orientations.

Abstract: Embodiments of a front derailleur gear shifting system including various unique chain guides attached to and operating from a single pivot point. This derailleur system provides a simple, yet, elegant and robust improvement in shifting technique over conventional, lateral motion front derailleurs. Embodiments of open and closed annulus chain guides having specially shaped lifting and pulling surfaces for acting upon a bicycle chain during shifting are also disclosed. Additionally, as an optional enhancement, a dual-sided chain catcher that prevents unintended over-shifts in either direction is disclosed.

Abstract: A front derailleur for shifting a bicycle chain between chain rings of a bicycle crank set. The front derailleur may include an attachment mechanism for securing the derailleur to a bicycle frame member. The front derailleur may further include a chain guide for enclosing a bicycle chain and contacting the chain during shifting. The front derailleur may further include a six link movement mechanism adjustably affixed to the attachment mechanism and chain guide for selectively moving the chain guide and enclosed bicycle chain during shifting.

Abstract: A front derailleur for shifting a bicycle chain between chain rings of a bicycle crank set. The front derailleur may include an attachment mechanism for securing the derailleur to a bicycle frame member. The front derailleur may further include a chain guide for enclosing a bicycle chain and contacting the chain during shifting. The front derailleur may further include a six link movement mechanism adjustably affixed to the attachment mechanism and chain guide for selectively moving the chain guide and enclosed bicycle chain during shifting.

Abstract: A rotary switch, used to select the operating range of an automatic transmission, controls solenoid-operated valves corresponding to the selected range to open and close a connection between a range valve assembly and a control pressure source. A forward range selection electric circuit includes a forward range high side driver, a solenoid-operated control valve, the rotary switch, a power source, and a current monitor. There is a similar circuit for the reverse range. A forward range valve and reverse range valve respond to control pressure produced by the circuit to open a fluid pressure source to a line that is pressurized to produce forward drive, a second position opens a connection between the fluid pressure source and a line that is pressurized to produce reverse drive and vents those lines to sump.

Abstract: A bypass pressure regulator valve, having first and second regulator ports connected to a sump and each port supplied from the output side of a first and second pump, regulates the magnitude of line pressure in response to a control pressure produced by a variable force solenoid. A high pump feed select valve alternately connects the output of the first pump and the sump to the inlet of the second pump. Output from the first pump is directed through a torque converter clutch pressure regulator valve and a converter charge pressure regulator valve to a first inlet of the torque converter causing the torque converter to open and to a second inlet causing the torque converter to close. Hydraulic fluid is directed to lubrication circuits and through a transmission oil cooler.

Abstract: A rotary switch, used to select the operating range of an automatic transmission, controls solenoid-operated valves corresponding to the selected range to open and close a connection between a range valve and a control pressure source. The valve has three positions and is centered by one compression spring. One position opens the fluid pressure source to a line that is pressurized to produce forward drive, a second position opens a connection between the fluid pressure source and a line that is pressurized to produce reverse drive, and a third position vents those lines to sump. The spring locates the valve at the center position and makes the valve insensitive to tolerances and spring variations. For example, the range valve will not move until a predetermined control force is applied at either end of the valve spool.

Abstract: A multi-directional planetary transmission mechanism adapted to establish plural torque flow paths between a driving member and a driven member including a one-way torque delivery clutch located in the torque flow path from the torque input element of the planetary gear system and a torque output shaft, and a friction brake means for anchoring the torque input element of the planetary gearing to establish a change in torque ratio wherein provision is made for disengaging the one-way clutch to interrupt torque delivery therethrough in either a driving direction or a coast direction and simultaneously anchoring said torque input element of said gearing to provide a torque reaction point.

Abstract: The reverse shift mechanism for a manual transmission includes a gear selector shaft driveably connected to a guide rail having a selector finger rotatable among several shift and axially displaceably to gear engagement positions within each shift plane. A reverse lever, pivotably supported on the transmission casing pivotally supports a camming pawl guided rotatably on a fixed post located within a slotted hole in the pawl. The lever is continually engaged with reverse idler which is moved between position of engagement and disengagement with a reverse pinion and reverse output gear the pawl defines a camming surface contacted by the selector pin and a recess for engaging the selector pin as it moves from the neutral position to the reverse drive position the selector pin disengages the recess and camming surface when it moves from the neutral position to the fifth speed position.