Abstract: In a vehicle comprising sprung and unsprung masses, rollout of the sprung mass on its support springs and away from the unsprung mass due to centrifugal force on the sprung mass in turns is eliminated and free independent movement of the wheels is permitted by pivoting the sprung mass at two locations on an axis passing through the center of gravity of the sprung mass and lying in a plane parallel to the centrifugal force vector. The centrifugal force acting on the center of gravity of the sprung mass has no direct overturning moment around this pivot axis. The resulting centrifugal force component on each axis pivot is transmitted to the wheels and ground without producing any rollout deflections of the main vehicle support springs. In particular the pivot force at the critical rear suspension is conveyed directly to ground by means of two independent torque tubes and torque arms.

Abstract: A non-hydraulic energy dissipating collision bumper that functions with surface-to-surface friction in a stacked assembly of one movable disc or ring interleaved between two stationary discs. This bumper has the optimum characteristic of constant force vehicle deceleration, independent of vehicle velocity, and is also capable of responding to oblique bumper impacts at an angle with respect to a bumper normal. It provides accurate lateral bumper centering with set-up springs, as well as automatic system reset after a collision.

Abstract: A disc brake with caliper mounted brake shoes and including the negative feedback of the brake shoe friction forces to oppose the applied hydraulic brake actuating force for the purpose of reducing variations in brake torque due to random variations in the coefficient of friction between brake shoes and brake disc. The brake shoe friction force feedback is accomplished by means of a fulcrumed lever at each shoe, and with the hydraulic piston actuating force applied to the shoe and lever assembly through a ball bearing mounted on the piston that permits the entire sliding friction force of the brake shoe to be converted, without diminution to a force acting in a direction opposite the applied brake actuating hydraulic force. Feedback embodiments are shown both for the rigidly mounted brake caliper with two opposed actuating pistons, and for the sliding or floating brake caliper with a single actuating piston and an opposed caliper reaction force.

Abstract: In a vehicle consisting of sprung and unsprung masses, rollout of the sprung mass away from the unsprung mass due to centrifugal force on the sprung mass in turns is eliminated and free independent movement of the wheels is permitted by pivoting the sprung mass at two locations on an axis passing through the center-of-gravity of the sprung mass and lying in a plane parallel to the centrifugal force vector. The centrifugal force acting on the center-of-gravity of the sprung mass has no overturning moment around this pivot axis. The resulting centrifugal force component on each axis pivot is transmitted to the wheels and ground without producing any rollout deflections of the main vehicle support springs. The anti-roll torsion bar is eliminated and softer body support springs may be used for improved isolation of road shocks and vibrations from the sprung mass.

Abstract: This invention relates to a drum brake with two internal expanding brake shoes pivoted at substantially diametrically opposite axes. It incorporates the negative feedback of the brake shoe sliding friction forces to oppose the applied hydraulic brake actuating forces for the purpose of reducing variation in brake torque due to random or uncontrolled variations in the coefficient of friction between brake shoes and brake drum. The required brake shoe friction force feedback is accomplished by eliminating the normally leading brake shoe with its undesirable lock-up prone positive feedback and replacing it with a brake shoe pivoted about an axis diametrically opposite the pivot axis of the normally trailing brake shoe. The location of the shoe pivots is chosen to establish the required feedback magnitude by use of lever ratios whose adequacy is verified by the force equilibrium equations of the brake system.

Abstract: An infinitely variable or stepless mechanical speed changing mechanism for transforming a rotary output shaft speed of lower or higher speed than the input speed and respectively higher or lower output torque than the driving input torque. Interleaved stacks of relatively thin flexible laminates are keyed to the respective shafts with some freedom of interleaving accomodation and developing the required tangential tractive effort in the planes of the laminations by means of substantially dry non-viscous Coulomb friction forces due to the loading forces applied normal to the planes of the laminations on the stack ends in a direction to pinch together the interleaved laminations, and with said normal loading forces applied to the outer laminations in either input or output stacks, or in both, by means of loading ball-bearing like wheels whose convex outer surfaces roll with substantially no slip on said outer laminations.

Abstract: A buoyant craft, such as a boat or raft, propelled by a water jet thrust of high efficiency. Such thrust is provided by a wedge shaped chamber, such as one including a substantially flat plate pivotally mounted forwardly and on the underside of the craft and having two vertical sides. Pedals are provided on an extension of the flat plate. A modification involves the use of two separate wedge shaped jet thrust chambers with a common central wall to permit better steering. Still another modification involves the use of a wedge shaped chamber made of rubber or other flexible elastomer which is squeezed by pivotal movement of the pedal-operated flat plate to effect jet propulsion.

Abstract: A convertible exercising bicycle enabling oscillating the bicycle seat and rider, substantially up and down so as to exercise the rider's body by subjecting it to accelerations such as when riding a horse or in jogging or running. Means are provided to convert the bicycle to a fixed exercising machine suitable for indoor use. Also additional means are provided to allow for less strenuous exercise for elderly riders and the like.

Abstract: A heat engine which the steady burning of liquid or gaseous fuel in a combustion chamber, external to the engine cylinders, is converted to mechanical work by means of expansion of the combustion gases in the engine cylinders. A pair of series inlet poppet valves is provided per engine cylinder so phased to provide a short interval period of gas admission to each cylinder for making the expansion ratio substantially equal to the compression ratio for maximum efficiency. The poppet valves, whose angular interval when they are both open are varied by an amount inversely proportional to the combustor pressure. The gas pressure forces acting on the poppet valves are counterbalanced to permit their actuation by conventional cams and valve gear without excessive cam loads and wear.

Abstract: A bicycle is provided with wheels whose axle hubs are eccentric with respect to the wheel geometric center. A bicycle with such wheels and in forward motion will cause its rider to also oscillate up and down as the wheel axles rise and fall due to the wheel eccentricity. The purpose of such motions superposed on the forward travel motion is to exercise the rider's body more effectively by subjecting it to accelerations similar to those experienced in riding a horse.