Abstract: An elevated bicycle-based transportation system comprises a bicycle, a front suspension member, connected to a front portion of the bicycle and having on the upper end a rolling, sliding, or gliding member, a rear suspension member, connected to a rear portion of the bicycle and having on the upper end a rolling, sliding, or gliding member, and an overhead track, which is a supporting member substantially horizontal in orientation, on which the rolling, sliding or gliding members of the suspension members rest. When suspended in this way, the bicycle can be ridden along the overhead track. When the suspension members are not suspended from the overhead track, the bicycle can be used in the normal manner, and at least one of the suspension members can be retracted, collapsed, folded, pivoted, detached, or otherwise modified by a simple operation, to be made less prominent.

Abstract: An elevated bicycle-based transportation system comprises a bicycle, a front suspension member, connected to a front portion of the bicycle and having on the upper end a rolling, sliding, or gliding member, a rear suspension member, connected to a rear portion of the bicycle and having on the upper end a rolling, sliding, or gliding member, and an overhead track, which is a supporting member substantially horizontal in orientation, on which the rolling, sliding or gliding members of the suspension members rest. When suspended in this way, the bicycle can be ridden along the overhead track. When the suspension members are not suspended from the overhead track, the bicycle can be used in the normal manner, and at least one of the suspension members can be retracted, collapsed, folded, pivoted, detached, or otherwise modified by a simple operation, to be made less prominent.

Abstract: A coupling between a direct drive valve and a rotary valve for providing a rotary-to-rotary coupling therebetween. A shaft carried by the rotor of the motor defines a re-entrant bore having a plurality of flat surfaces. A rod having a plurality of flat faces on the exterior surface thereof and which is connected to the rotary valve is received in mating engagement with the bore. The shaft is slotted to provide a plurality of flexible fingers for receiving the rod.

Abstract: A coupling between a direct drive valve motor and a spool for converting rotary-to-linear motion. A bushing is coupled to the spool and defines an opening therein. An end of a shaft carried by the rotor of the motor is received within an opening in the busing. The bushing is outwardly expandable upon the receipt of the end of the shaft to couple the shaft to the spool with minimal frictional forces and near zero backlash.

Abstract: A coupling between the motor of a direct drive valve and a spool for converting rotary-to-linear motion. The coupling includes a split bushing with spring means encircling the same and urging it together. The end of a shaft carried by the rotor of the motor is inserted into an opening in the split bushing to urge it outwardly against the spring.

Abstract: A direct drive servovalve wherein rotational motion of a drive motor rotor is converted into linear motion of a spool valve. The drive motor is mounted upon the valve housing through utilization of the outer surface of a bearing which supports the rotor shaft of the drive motor. The bearing fits within a recess provided in the surface of the housing and protrudes above the housing to be received within an additional recess defined within the drive motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a direct drive servovalve which includes a drive motor mounted upon a housing for a reciprocally disposed spool valve wherein the rotor of the drive motor engages the spool valve. The rotational motion of the rotor is converted into linear motion in the spool-valve. The rotor of the drive motor carries a cam shaped flat washer which has surfaces engaging stop means defined by the valve housing.