Abstract: A brake actuating master cylinder unit for bicycles and the like comprising a unit mountable upon the handlebars of a bicycle, a master cylinder having a piston mounted therewithin, a bellofram secured to the inner surface of the master cylinder at one end thereof and at the piston engaging closed end thereof secured to the piston by means of a plurality of projecting tits extending through complementary apertures in the piston. A snap ring preferably is used to positively secure the tits with the piston. A two-part piston rod is employed between the piston and the brake actuating handle to allow same to return to the normal, non-actuated position freely and without withdrawing the piston therealong. This two-part slidable connection permits positive actuation of the piston during braking operation, but yet permits free separation and non-positive return upon completion of the brake actuation.

Abstract: A braking device for bicycles and the like comprising a double pair of yoke elements stamped of sheet plate material having appropriate lightening holes and component element mounting holes provided therewith. A pair of suitably mounted brake pad structures are adjustably mounted from slots in the main body portion of the respective pairs of yoke plates. One of said brake pads can be mounted on a suitable hydraulically actuated slave unit and/or the other operator controlled brake actuation mechanism. The other brake pad is mounted on a slidable movable shaft which is spring biased in the released or non-actuated position. An off-center cam lever moves the parking brake pad into actuated position with a bicycle wheel, or disengages same therefrom.

Abstract: A hand operated hydraulic bicycle brake includes a brake pad holding unit which is actuated by a rolling diaphragm. A flexible fluid line couples a master cylinder located on the handlebars of the bicycle to the rolling diaphragm which controls a slave cylinder located adjacent to the rim of the front wheel of the bicycle. Actuation of the slave cylinder forces the brake pad into contact with the rim, and further actuation of the master cylinder causes the unit to pivot to bring a second brake pad into contact with the wheel rim.

Abstract: Apparatus for alerting the fisherman includes a movement sensing means, such as a strain gauge, to sense the amount of deflection undergone by a fishing rod. The apparatus includes a housing removably attached to the fishing rod.

Abstract: Apparatus for alerting the fisherman includes a strain gauge to sense the amount of deflection undergone by a fishing rod. The apparatus includes a housing removably attached to the fishing rod.

Abstract: A hand operated hydraulic bicycle brake includes a brake pad holding unit located in back of the front fork of a bicycle. A flexible fluid line couples a master cylinder located on the handlebars of the bicycle to a slave cylinder located adjacent the rim of the front wheel of the bicycle. Actuation of the slave cylinder forces the brake pad into contact with the rim, and further actuation of the master cylinder causes the unit to pivot to bring a second brake pad into contact with the wheel rim.

Abstract: A device for use with a fishing rod for signalling when a fish has struck the hook. The device is protected from damage and is extremely accurate and reliable. One form of the invention comprises a plurality of strain gages mounted on the rod and controlling circuitry located inside the rod to signal when the rod flexes a predetermined amount. A method of teaching casting is also described wherein the strain gages closely monitor rod flexure and the signal from the circuitry is used to identify proper rod flexure.

Abstract: A device for use with a fishing rod for signalling when a fish has struck the hook. The device is protected from damage and is extremely accurate and reliable. One form of the invention comprises a strain gage mounted inside the rod and controlling circuitry located inside the rod to signal when the rod flexes a predetermined amount. Other forms of the invention include a strain gage mounted on the outside surface of the rod, and a magnetically operated reed switch mounted inside the rod.

Abstract: A brake for bicycles and the like, comprising a finned shoe having a pad of friction material thermally bonded thereto. The fins provide improved heat dissipation from the brake shoe, and the bonding provides improved heat transfer to the shoe. The pad is free on at least three sides so that heat is transferred away from the braking interface efficiently.

Abstract: Apparatus, method and system to check the operability of an electrical service line, such as a telephone service line or other low voltage service line, between a test station and a telephone service installation or other electrical equipment connected to the line, even in the absence of any telephone set or other electrical equipment connected to the line at the service installation, including an electrical device connected to the line at the service installation to receive a signal transmitted thereto from the test station and to modify the signal returned to the test station to indicate the operability of the line and to modify the signal to indicate the presence or removal of any telephone set or other electrical equipment connected to the line at the service installation.