Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an ultra-light weight suspension fork for bicycles that provides smooth action of the suspension system that hitherto has been unachievable. This fork assembly contains a telescoping mechanism located in the head tube of the bicycle that uses linear roller bearings to reduce stiction and prevent torsional losses, but limits weight by only using two such bearings. Side-to-side load is eliminated by the use of two longitudinal members in close proximity to the inner tube of this telescoping mechanism. The telescoping mechanism is coupled to the wheel via an arched single-sided fork crown designed to maintain torsional and braking stiffness. The arched crown contains arches in two dimensions. The fork crown is coupled to the wheel via a shaped fork tube whose wall is thickened while the outside diameter is reduced so that the connection point to the axle mechanism has the same outside diameter as the fork tube thereby enabling significant strengthening of the assembly.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an ultra-light weight suspension fork for bicycles that provides smooth action of the suspension system that hitherto has been unachievable. This fork assembly contains a telescoping mechanism located in the head tube of the bicycle that uses linear roller bearings to reduce stiction and prevent torsional losses, but limits weight by only using two such bearings. Side-to-side load is eliminated by the use of two longitudinal members in close proximity to the inner tube of this telescoping mechanism. The telescoping mechanism is coupled to the wheel via an arched single-sided fork crown designed to maintain torsional and braking stiffness. The arched crown contains arches in two dimensions. The fork crown is coupled to the wheel via a shaped fork tube whose wall is thickened while the outside diameter is reduced so that the connection point to the axle mechanism has the same outside diameter as the fork tube thereby enabling significant strengthening of the assembly.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a light weight telescoping suspension seat mechanism for a watercraft seat pedestal designed to fit into an existing or new seat pedestal. This suspension seat mechanism contains a combination of roller bearings to allow the seat pedestal to move linearly, but not rotationally. An expanding bushing mechanism secures the seat assembly rigidly to the seat pedestal and floor, and another bushing connects the mechanism to the seat. Each are easily adjusted to allow for easy installation and removal of the suspension seat mechanism. Located inside the telescoping mechanism is a suspension damper with air rebound spring allowing the individual to tailor the suspension stiffness to individual preference. This suspension mechanism provides damping force on the seat. The rebound spring responds to seat movement so as to return the seat to its original position.

Abstract: An improved, lightweight suspension fork for a bicycle with variable travel capability that maintains excellent torsional rigidity. This suspension fork allows for adjustable suspension travel adjusted at the handlebars of the bicycle. The suspension system includes a travel adjustment knob located at the handlebars of the bicycle. The travel adjustment knob is keyed with the main shaft of the suspension system so as to allow turning of the main shaft. Located on the main shaft within the suspension system housing is a length adjuster mechanism. The length adjuster moves linearly with respect to the housing as the main shaft is turned pulling the inner tube member of the suspension housing up or down relative to the outer tube section of the suspension housing, thereby changing the stroke of the suspension system.

Abstract: An improved, lightweight suspension fork for a bicycle with variable travel capability that maintains excellent torsional rigidity. This suspension fork allows for adjustable suspension travel adjusted at the handlebars of the bicycle. The suspension system includes a travel adjustment knob located at the handlebars of the bicycle. The travel adjustment knob is keyed with the main shaft of the suspension system so as to allow turning of the main shaft. Located on the main shaft within the suspension system housing is a length adjuster mechanism. The length adjuster moves linearly with respect to the housing as the main shaft is turned pulling the inner tube member of the suspension housing up or down relative to the outer tube section of the suspension housing, thereby changing the stroke of the suspension system.

Abstract: A pressure cuff draw mode enhancement system for a blood fractionation system having a single-lumen phlebotomy needle, a flow-through plasma separation filter, and an in-process fluid reservoir, includes a pressure cuff in operative association with the donor. During an initial draw cycle of the system whole blood is pumped by an inlet pump through the filter to the in-process reservoir. When a predetermined volume of filtered plasma-deficient blood has been collected in the reservoir, as sensed by the weight of the reservoir, the system reverts to a return cycle wherein a portion of the plasma-deficient blood in the reservoir is pumped back to the phlebotomy needle by a return pump. Depending on the relative operating rates of the inlet and return pumps, an operator-controllable portion of the plasma-deficient blood from the in-process reservoir is returned to the donor through the phlebotomy needle, and the remaining portion is recirculated through the filter.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring trans-membrane pressure in plasmapheresis apparatus utilizing a microporous membrane type filter includes first and second pressure-to-frequency transducer circuits for developing signals frequency-indicative of the inlet and outlet pressures of the filter. The signals are digitally compared in a pulse subtraction circuit to produce an output signal frequency-indicative of trans-membrane pressure. The output signal is applied to a periodically reset display counter to develop a digital readout of trans-membrane pressure. Porous filter elements in the flow system and in the inlet port of each transducer isolate bacteria within the flow system, prevent contamination of the transducers, and provide a time constant for each transducer which prevents transient flow variations in the system from causing erroneous trans-membrane pressure readings.