Abstract: A micro-mover system includes an information storage unit having multiple pairs of parallel plates closely spaced from each other to enable the exchange of information. A micro electromechanical system (MEMS) motor is associated with each pair of plates to move one of each pair of parallel plates in a plane parallel to the other plate in each pair to facilitate the exchange of information between each pair of plates. One pair of parallel plates is oriented to move in a direction opposite to another pair of parallel plates. Control circuitry is associated with each MEMS motors to coordinate the plate pair movements associated with that motor, so that the motion of one plate in one set of parallel plates occurs at the same time and in a direction opposite to the movement of the one plate of another set of parallel plates, thereby canceling a substantial level of total momentum arising from movement within the micro-mover system.

Abstract: A micro-mover system includes an information storage unit having multiple pairs of parallel plates closely spaced from each other to enable the exchange of information. A micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) motor is associated with each pair of plates to move one of each pair of parallel plates in a plane parallel to the other plate in each pair to facilitate the exchange of information between each pair of plates. One pair of parallel plates is oriented to move in a direction opposite to another pair of parallel plates. Control circuitry is associated with each MEMS motors to coordinate the plate pair movements associated with that motor, so that the motion of one plate in one set of parallel plates occurs at the same time and in a direction opposite to the movement of the one plate of another set of parallel plates, thereby canceling a substantial level of total momentum arising from movement within the micro-mover system.

Abstract: A programmable cycling computer including a display having at least a bit-mapped portion, the cycling computer having user-actuable means for permitting the user to specify the sequence, position and selection of displayed data for a plurality of user-selected functions.

Abstract: A specially designed, forceful, compact magnetic micro-mover includes at least one etched single crystal silicon plate having integral springs and stable, low internal stress. A structure of springs which support a rectangular plate are etched in silicon. The plate is driven by planar electromagnetic actuation. The micro-mover consists of a specific etched silicon spring in combination with a planar electromagnetic moving coil actuator that is capable of generating forces greater than 50 mN, while dissipating less than 1 W peak power. The micro-mover also includes a plate suspension system that facilitates the required plate motions and resolution, while preventing changes in plate spacing from effects such as external acceleration, temperature, humidity, and aging; and includes an actuator that appropriately moves the plates in response to electrical signals, such that there is only minimal cross-talk between axes of motion.

Abstract: An accumulating altimeter includes a programmable accumulator which selectively accumulates altitude changes from a reference altitude in accordance with accumulation thresholds. Altitude changes in the direction of interest, e.g. altitude gains, are accumulated once a non-opposing accumulation threshold has been reached. Opposing altitude changes which are less than an opposing accumulation threshold are used to offset non-opposing changes. Opposing altitude changes which are equal to or greater than the opposing accumulation threshold are used to re-establish the reference altitude, whereafter accumulation of non-opposing altitude changes resume after the non-opposing accumulation threshold has been reached.

Abstract: An improvement to a shoe primarily adapted for use in bicycling comprising a substantially non-elastic strap extending from a location proximate the upper heel of the shoe and extending substantially to the sole at a location proximate the ball of the foot to prevent stretching of the shoe from upward thrust during pedaling.

Abstract: A moving-medium XY plotter is provided with a platen which has a concave surface extending uniformly in the direction of pen motion. A drive roller and pinch roller assembly located near the bottom of the concavity provides the motion of the recording medium orthogonal to the pen motion, while at the same time curving the recording medium into the shape of a trough. This curvature stabilizes the motion of the recording medium by significantly enhancing its resistance to compressional buckling and ensures that the recording medium, as a result of its natural stiffness, will firmly contact the platen where writing is to occur.