Abstract: A viewing angle-controlling liquid crystal panel sequentially includes a first polarizing plate; a first liquid crystal panel; a second polarizing plate; a second liquid crystal panel; and a third polarizing plate, wherein an azimuthal angle ?P1 of the absorption axis of the first polarizing plate, an azimuthal angle ?1 of a director of liquid crystal molecules near the first substrate and an azimuthal angle ?2 of a director of liquid crystal molecules near the second substrate in the first liquid crystal panel, an azimuthal angle ?P2 of the absorption axis of the second polarizing plate, an azimuthal angle ?3 of a director of liquid crystal molecules near the third substrate and an azimuthal angle ?4 of a director of liquid crystal molecules near the fourth substrate in the second liquid crystal panel, and an azimuthal angle ?P3 of the absorption axis of the third polarizing plate satisfy specific formulas.

Abstract: A viewing angle-controlling liquid crystal panel sequentially includes a first polarizing plate; a first liquid crystal panel; a second polarizing plate; a second liquid crystal panel; and a third polarizing plate, wherein an azimuthal angle ?P1 of the absorption axis of the first polarizing plate, an azimuthal angle ?1 of a director of liquid crystal molecules near the first substrate and an azimuthal angle ?2 of a director of liquid crystal molecules near the second substrate in the first liquid crystal panel, an azimuthal angle ?P2 of the absorption axis of the second polarizing plate, an azimuthal angle ?3 of a director of liquid crystal molecules near the third substrate and an azimuthal angle ?4 of a director of liquid crystal molecules near the fourth substrate in the second liquid crystal panel, and an azimuthal angle ?P3 of the absorption axis of the third polarizing plate satisfy specific formulas.

Abstract: A loading apparatus is mounted on a frame which supports a rear wheel of a bicycle. The loading apparatus includes a resistive force generator which has a rotary shaft connected to a drive drum which is pressed against the tire of the rear wheel. The drive drum has a surface which contacts a plurality of circumferentially adjacent block patterns of a tire at each moment. The drive drum is also used as a flywheel for providing the rear wheel of the bicycle with inertial force.

Abstract: The loading apparatus includes a rotary disk that is rotated by a pair of pedals, in order to generate a desired resistive load. A rotary shaft is connected to the rotary disk, and applied the resistive load to the bicycle wheel. A pair of eddy current generating members generate a user controlled, variable eddy current on the rotary disk. Each eddy current generating member includes one set of magnets, such that these magnets are generally oppositely disposed with respect to the rotary disk. Each set of magnets includes a plurality of magnets of alternating polarities, there are concentrically continuously arranged around the rotary shaft.

Abstract: A loading apparatus is mounted on a frame which supports a rear wheel of a bicycle. The loading apparatus includes a resistive force generator which has a rotary shaft connected to a drive drum which is pressed against the tire of the rear wheel. The drive drum has a surface which contacts a plurality of circumferentially adjacent block patterns of a tire at each moment. The drive drum is also used as a flywheel for providing the rear wheel of the bicycle with inertial force.

Abstract: A shackle lock holder is provided. A support is attached to a stay of a load-carrying platform of a bicycle. The support includes an unmovable member and slider which engage both ends of a U-shaped shackle for holding a shackle lock. The member is secured to the support. The slider is slidable along the support, and urged toward the member by the force of a spring. The slider includes a through hole through which one end portion of the shackle is inserted.

Abstract: A collapsible bicycle stand that is supported in the upright position when in use. The stand includes a telescopeable and length-adjustable post. The post is extended when the stand is in use, and shortened when the stand is not in use. Support arms are located at the upper end of the post. The support arms are pivotally rotatable between a bicycle holding or retaining position, when the stand is in use, and a parallel position with respect to the post, when the stand is not in use. At least a pair of legs are connected to the bottom portion of the post. These legs are pivotally movable between a first position where the legs are opened in opposite directions with respect to the post, and parallel with respect to the floor when the stand is in use, and a second position where the legs are folded in parallel with respect to the post, when the stand is not in use.

Abstract: A method of guiding a strip (S) of material, e.g. steel, comprises feeding the strip between a pair of spaced guide members (15), through pinch rolls (13) and optionally on to a winder (12) to be coiled. When the strip passes the upstream end of the guide members (15), in a first stage of the method, the members are moved inwardly to narrow the gap between them to a predetermined size greater than the width of the strip. When the leading end of the strip enters the pinch rolls (13), in a second stage of the method, the members move together to further narrow the gap between them. The second stage may, be governed in response to the output from sensors (17, 18) which detect the width of the strip and the position of its centre. The positions of the guide members (15) may be continuously varied to accommodate the varying width of the strip.