Abstract: A lean-induced steerable wheel assembly has a pair of parallel wheel hub carriers arranged on either side of a leanable chassis spine. A linkage connects the wheel hub carriers to the chassis spine so that the wheels lean in unison with the chassis spine. A steering mechanism couples the wheel hub carriers to the chassis spine so that an induced lean on the chassis spine steers the wheel hub carriers through a steering angle dependent on the angle of induced lean.

Abstract: A lean-induced steerable wheel assembly has a pair of parallel wheel hub carriers arranged on either side of a leanable chassis spine. A linkage connects the wheel hub carriers to the chassis spine so that the wheels lean in unison with the chassis spine. A steering mechanism couples the wheel hub carriers to the chassis spine so that an induced lean on the chassis spine steers the wheel hub carriers through a steering angle dependent on the angle of induced lean.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder, a crankcase, a crankshaft rotatable in the crankcase, a piston, and a connecting rod supporting the piston for reciprocating movement in the cylinder and mounted on the crankshaft. A barrier member extends around the connecting rod to sealingly separate the cylinder from the crankcase. The barrier member is laterally displaceable to provide for angular motion of the connecting rod as the piston reciprocates in the cylinder.

Abstract: A linear actuator has a drum, a stiff flexible ribbon wound on the drum, a device for rotating the drum at least to partially unwind the ribbon thereon, a guide funnel for gradually forming the ribbon into a tubular configuration as it comes off the drum, and an attachment device at a free end of the ribbon for connection to an object to be moved in a linear path. The actuator converts rotary motion to linear motion without the need for complex mechanical linkages.

Abstract: A transportation system comprises a continuous stationary track having a pair of opposed rigid bearing surfaces, and a plurality of discrete cantilevered load-carrying vehicle units movable beside said track. Each vehicle is coupled to the track by a bogie having a linear arrangement of bogie wheels running between the bearing surfaces. The bogie wheels are mounted on mutually articulated frames and have a diameter slightly less than the separation of the opposed bearing surfaces to allow limited pivoting movement of the frames within the track. The adjacent articulated frames are forcibly urged to pivot in opposite directions within the track between the bearing surfaces such that bogie wheels carried thereby forcibly and alternately engage the respective opposed bearing surfaces at at least three points to ensure a pro-loaded positive coupling between the bogie and the track.

Abstract: A sole arrangement for footwear or the like comprises an insole and an outsole. On the side of the outsole which faces the bearing surface, the insole is provided with a support system comprising a plurality of webs and channels and which is substantially arranged in the metatarsal region. The tread surface of the outsole which faces the ground has two web-like profile parts and a flat support part and is subdivided into individual support regions which are separated from one another substantially by a recess oriented in the longitudinal direction of the tread surface and are provided with channels and webs arranged approximately at right angles to a longitudinal axis of the sole arrangement.

Abstract: The invention provides a sports shoe comprising a sole, and an upper having flaps with opposed edges adapted to be drawn together over the instep of the wearer with a shoelace, said opposed edges substantially meeting in a region extending from the leg opening of the shoe towards the toe to a point where they part to define an aperture extending across the shoe to impart increased flexibility to the toe region.

Abstract: This invention provides a continuous flow elevator system wherein a plurality of cabs or cars are contained in a single shaft with means for switching the cabs from a set of continuous flow rails to a set of alternate rails associated therewith. There is also disclosed a supporting apparatus or bogie system permitting rotational movement of cabs in the above-mentioned elevator system.

Abstract: A closed loop transport system capable of acceleration and deceleration during the transportation operation in any continuous operating cycle comprising a carrier belt formed of a plurality of carrier belt segments, the system having varying speed drive belts adapted to support and drive the carrier belt segments such that the carrier belt segments are capable of sliding along each other when passing from one constant speed drive belt to a further different constant speed drive belt, whereby the carrier belt segments have a greater inclination with respect to a perpendicular plane passing through the drive belts when on a higher speed drive belt than when on a lower speed drive belt.

Abstract: A transport system having a collapsible support body, flexibly coupled loop segments forming a continuous loop disposed above the collapsible support body, and air-bearing space intermediate the continuous loop and support body, means for supplying pressurized air to the support body and hence to the air-bearing space, drive means and side-sealing means. The system provides a portable transport system which may be easily assembled, disassembled, and stored in a minimum of space. According to a further aspect, there are provided for side-sealing means comprising first and second means disposed on the continuous loop and support body, these means minimizing the loss of air from the air-bearing space and entailing very little friction.