Abstract: This invention is related to glasses for use as substrates in flat panel display devices, more specifically to a family of aluminosilicate glasses in which less than 0.2 mole percent and preferably no As.sub.2 O.sub.3 is used as a fining agent and the .beta.-OH of the glass is maintained below about 0.5.

Abstract: The forming tool with a special structuring surface includes a reusable ceramic base tool and a replaceable metallic forming member releasably attached to the base tool and provided with a structuring surface for forming a structure in the plate glass. When the comparatively rapidly wearing forming member must be replaced, especially when structuring to form structures with sharp edges, only replacement of the metallic forming member is necessary. This two-component structure also provides additional freedom regarding selection of materials for the base tool and the structuring surface. Thus the base tool can have a comparatively smaller thermal expansion and/or conductivity and the forming member can have a comparatively higher thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A non-phase separable glass material for fabricating a GRIN lens comprises 5-20 mole % boron oxide and ratio R of network modifiers in mole % to the network former boron oxide in mole % is in the range of about 1-1.5. The melted preform of such glass material is extruded through an opening to form a glass rod where the extrusion process eliminates bubbles that may be present in the preform. Neodymium oxide may be added in the frit material for forming the preform to reduce friction forces in the extrusion process and reduces the stress in the glass rod. Centerless grinding may be performed to control the diameter and roughness of the surface of the rod to control the diffusion parameters during the subsequent ion-exchange.

Abstract: A method for controlling a bore diameter of an optical fiber ferrule is disclosed. The diameter of the bore is controlled by collapsing the ferrule around a rod inserted in an over-sized bore formed therein. The diameter of the rod is selected to match the diameter of the optical fiber to be supported by the ferrule. Thus, after the rod is subsequently immersed in liquid nitrogen removed from the ferrule, the ferrule has a bore diameter which is defined by the diameter of the rod. Suitable materials for the ferrule and the rod include glass and metal, respectively.

Abstract: Improved single-mode optical waveguide fibers having a central core region, surrounded by an inner cladding region through which light at a chosen signal wavelength will propagate to an appreciable degree along with propagation of same in the central core region, the inner core region further surrounded by an outer cladding region, the improvement comprising germanium dioxide in the inner cladding region at a concentration within the range of about 0.005 percent by weight to about 1 percent by weight of said inner cladding region, effective to significantly reduce the concentration of oxygen atoms in the inner cladding region which are available to form defects that cause hydrogen-induced attenuation. Also provided are core preforms, overclad preforms, and processes for making the fibers, core preforms and overclad preforms.

Abstract: A multi-component fiberizing disk for fiberizing a molten fiberizable material in a rotary fiberization process includes: an annular sidewall having fiberizing holes therein through which a molten fiberizable material passes to fiberize the molten fiberizable material; an upper annular flange; and a base having an annular outer peripheral edge. The annular sidewall, the upper annular flange and the base are made from at least two separate components and, preferably, from three separate components. The separate components are secured to together as the fiberizing disk by fasteners, such as bolt and nut fasteners, that permits the separate components of the fiberizing disk to be disassembled after service. The different components can be made of different metal alloys and a distribution manifold can be incorporated into the fiberizing disk for distributing the molten fiberizable material(s) within the fiberizing disk and to make bi-component fibers.

Abstract: A patterned pile fabric with uncut and severed pile loops is manufactured on a circular knitting machine in which pile elements (1) are arranged in a cylinder (C) provided with an upper and a lower pile forming ledge divided by a holding hook. For the knitting and pile forming action the pile elements (1) are individually selected and actuated at least to two different positions in which one of the alternative pile forming ledges is arranged between the needles (N). Pile loops drawn out over the upper pile forming ledges are cleared from the pile elements in the subsequent feeder by an additional clearing movement while pile loops formed over the lower pile ledge will remain on the pile elements. Those pile loops will slide downwardly along the stems of the pile elements by the subsequent knitting.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for laundering textiles (e.g., clean room garments) within a clean room facility. The textile laundering system may be used to launder clean room garments. The system includes a washing machine, a dryer, and means for measuring the number and sizes of particulates present within laundered textiles. The washing machine has two opposed sides, a loading side and an unloading side, and at least one portion which allows access to mechanical and/or electrical equipment (i.e., an equipment access portion). The washing machine is positioned within a sealed opening in a vertical partition separating a first laundering area from a second laundering area such that the loading side is located within the first laundering area and the unloading side is located within the second laundering area. The washing machine uses only "ultrapure" water, substantially free of ions, minerals, and organic material, to launder the textiles.

Abstract: An anti-shoplifting seal is constituted by a rigid body provided with a flexible and/or elastic cord, the cord being provided at the end thereof with a spike. The spike after going through an opening formed in the product to be marked is inserted in a non-removable manner within the body. The seal comprises two half-bearings placed one in front of the other and joined one to the other in a manner to form an internal cavity within which there is placed a plate of a ferromagnetic material or any other material sensitive to apparatuses marking magnetic fields, radio frequency signals and other similar sources well known at the present state of technology.

Abstract: An adjustable interconnected lockset adapted to be secured to a door which includes a mounting plate assembly having a vertically extending mounting plate having an operator bracket proximate the bottom thereof with the operator bracket having screw receiving holes. The lockset also has an exterior operator assembly including internally threaded posts, first screw holes extending through the mounting plate and screws which extend through the mounting plate and threadedly engaging with the threaded posts to clamp the door between the exterior operator assembly and the mounting plate assembly. The mounting plate has a central opening extending vertically upwardly from a location proximate the operator bracket and defining mounting plate side panels on either side thereof and the mounting plate assembly further has a dead bolt bracket which includes a central door engaging portion, a pair of opposed side portions adapted to engage the mounting plate side panels, and screw receiving holes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that provides a multiple-stand stretch reduction mill. A single master controller monitors and controls the roll speed at each roll stand in the mill, automatically and simultaneously maintaining each stand's roll speed at a pre-determined, calculated roll speed.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for forming a metal work piece into a target shape, the apparatus comprising: (a) an male mold portion having a mold side and a back side; (b) a female mold portion having a mold side and a back side; the mold side of male mold portion and the mold side of female mold portion adapted to mate incompletely so as to deform a work piece disposed therebetween into a precursor shape, so as to leave at least one precursor area of the work piece to be further or finally formed; (c) at least one of the mold portions comprising at least one electromagnetic actuator so as to be capable of further forming the at least one precursor area. The invention additionally may comprise: (d) a current power source adapted to produce a current pulse through the at least one electromagnetic actuator, so as to produce a magnetic field in the at least one precursor area so as to deform the at least one precursor area into a target shape.

Abstract: A bulging device and a bulging method for bulging a workpiece into an accurate shape, and preventing the generation of cracks therein. High pressure liquid is supplied to the interior space of a workpiece and from an external pressure supply mechanism to the outer space of the workpiece in cavity. An internal pressure detection sensor or an external pressure detection sensor is controlled according to the detected pressure, thereby controlling the pressure of the interior space of the workpiece or the pressure of the outer space of the workpiece in the cavity. Alternatively, position sensors for detecting displacement of pushing dies are provided such that the pressure of the interior space of the workpiece or the pressure of the outer space of the workpiece in the cavity is controlled according to the detected displacement.

Abstract: A method and an installation for shaping metal strip in a hot strip rolling mill which includes a finishing train, a cooling line, a pinch roll unit, and a coiling unit, wherein, after emerging from a cooling line, the strip material is alternatingly conducted over and under at least two successively arranged stretcher-leveller work rolls which form a stretcher-leveller zone, and wherein the stretcher-leveller work rolls are arranged offset relative to each other in such a way that the metal strip is deflected at each stretcher-leveller work roll.

Abstract: A method of rolling rod in which at least first and second strands are jointly rolled in a mill line having at least one final multistrand stand operating at a rolling speed which is variable as a result of predictable rolling events. Downstream of this stand the strands are separated and passed through single-strand mill stands and loops are provided upstream of the first single-strand mill stand in each line. Each loop has a loop length which can vary between a minimum and a maximum value. Before each of the rolling events occur at least one of the loop lengths is changed to an event optimizing value.

Abstract: A roll train includes a plurality stands positioned in series, wherein the stands are of at least two different types, one stand type being alternated with the other one. Each one of the stands has four rolls, opposed to each other in a two by two disposition, and at least one stand has two driven rolls opposed to each other wherein two stands in sequence have a rotational displacement angel of 45.degree. about the axis of the rolls of the stands.

Abstract: The present invention provides an unified folding system for processing in one work line all working processes needed in cutting and folding a cutting blade in a shape suitable to a sheet matter molding. A cutting blade supplied from a transferring unit of the cutting blade is cut in a length suitable to a sheet matter molding configuration in a cutting molding unit adjacent thereto, simultaneously the cutting tip used in cutting is transferred together with the cutting blade to a folding device side through a guide member set which is to be contacted with the cutting molding unit, the cutting blade transferred to the folding device is folded in a predetermined shape by a folding member which performs a going-straight movement and a rotating movement, and thereby, at this time, the cutting tip is detached outside by a tare. Accordingly, a working efficiency and a productivity in the cutting and folding of the cutting blade are improved and increased.

Abstract: A pipe bending machine includes a horizontal pipe support platform defining a horizontal pipe feed channel. A first pipe engaging member is positioned on a first side of the pipe feed channel. A second pipe engaging member and a third pipe engaging member are arranged in spaced relation on a second side of the pipe feed channel. Either the first pipe engaging member or the second pipe engaging member and third pipe engaging member are movable into the pipe feed channel, thereby exerting a bending force upon a pipe positioned in the pipe feed channel.

Abstract: A bending machine for bending and straightening tubing and plate metal includes a base, a bed mounted to the base, a sliding panel mounted to the bed, and a bending apparatus mounted to the sliding panel. The bending apparatus further includes a bending apparatus frame, a mounting arm, and hydraulic systems for moving the mounting arm and the bending apparatus frame. A limiting die is mountable to the bending apparatus frame and a bending die is mountable to the mounting arm of the bending apparatus. The mounting arm is adjustable relative to the bending apparatus frame to secure an object to be bent between the mounting die and the limiting die. The bending apparatus frame is adjustable relative to the sliding panel for further securing the object to be bent between the sliding panel and the bending apparatus frame. An adjustable pair of stop pegs are positionable to extend outwardly from the bed such that the sliding panel is passable through the stop pegs.

Abstract: The present invention is an adjustment mechanism for both hand and production tools of any capacity. An eccentric pin mechanism provides the pivot between two handles or other load transferring members. The rotation of the pin moves the two members closer or farther apart, indirectly controlling the final position of the blades or jaws. This adjustment can be used to compensate for wear or to provide adjustment for a specific use. The eccentric pin is locked into position by means of a pressure pin mechanism. For light duty tools, this pressure pin mechanism would consist of a spring loaded pin which resists rotation of the eccentric pin during normal operation of the tool. The spring loaded pin would allow rotation of the eccentric pin when a tool is used to rotate it. For heavy duty applications, the pressure pin mechanism would consist of a solid set screw.

Abstract: An apparatus for bending malleable metal rods comprises a base plate having a plurality of holes arranged in rows and columns; a locking cam member having an ovoid configuration, with a camming surface at its broad end and a locking cam member pivot axis near its narrow end; and a a force application member. Each of the locking cam member and the force application member has a handle member; and each is adapted so as to be removably and pivotally mounted on the base plate, with their respective pivot axes each being aligned with one of the plurality of holes. At least two pins are adapted to be received in any two of the plurality of holes. A workpiece of malleable metal rod may be locked in place by being forced against two pins when they are received in two spaced apart holes, and the camming surface of the locking cam member is forced against the side of the workpiece remote from the side which contacts the two spaced apart pins.

Abstract: A metal oxide semiconductor is subjected to a temperature change, and signals measured at two timings in the course of the temperature change are used to define a two-dimensional topological space. In the topological space, two axis, an axis indicating the concentration of the gas to be detected and an axis corresponding to drift are defined, and the topological space is represented by an oblique coordinate system. The gas concentration is determined from projection of measured data onto the gas concentration axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for on-line detection of leaky emergency shutdown or other valves in a fluid transport system having an upstream pipe, a downstream pipe and the valve connected between the upstream pipe and the downstream pipe for controlling fluid flow through the system. The valve has at least one upstream seal and at least one downstream seal and an inner cavity effectively isolated by the seals from the fluid flow stream through the system. The apparatus comprises a first transducer in fluid communication with the fluid flow stream at at least one of: a predetermined distance upstream of the upstream seal; and a predetermined distance downstream of the downstream seal. The first transducer is for sensing pressure pulsations resulting from at least one of: dynamic energy due to fluid flow through the transport system; and transient energy within the fluid in the transport system after the valve is closed and for generating representative electrical signals as a function of time.

Abstract: An apron for indicating a leak from the joinder of a toilet with an underlying closet flange and soil pipe includes a compliant impervious thin sheet having flat upper and lower surfaces. A circular aperture is centered in the sheet. A colorant-emitting disc is attached to the upper surface of the sheet in surrounding annular relationship about the aperture. The dimensions of the disc are chosen so as to interact with the closet flange and intercept any leaks.

Abstract: A method for monitoring engine coolant warm-up behavior utilizing a model-based algorithm which provides a moving threshold for accumulated air or accumulated fuel entering into the engine. The algorithm allows for coolant temperature monitoring under a wide range of transient and steady state driving conditions while maintaining safeguards that prevent a false detection. The accumulated air (or fuel) delivered to the engine during the warm-up interval is used to represent the total heat generated by the engine during the warm-up interval. A time-varying moving calculated accumulated air threshold is therefore defined which can deliver accurate pass-fail decisions in conjunction with a predetermined target temperature.

Abstract: An improved method of fluid analysis in the borehole of a well. A fluid sampling tool is fitted with a pumpout module that can be used to draw fluids from the formation, circulate them through the instrument, and then expel this fluid to the borehole. It has been determined that certain measurements would be most valuable to implement down hole, such as the formation fluid bubble point and dew point. Accurate bubble point and dew point measurements are made by forming bubbles or a liquid drop in a measured sample, and detecting same.

Abstract: A device which can be used to test heavy coil springs, which is of simple low-cost construction, but which is so designed that the spring can be readily mounted thereon for testing and can be readily removed when testing is completed, and will effectively retain the spring in proper position during testing, using: two containment plates, a cage made of 5 rods that pass through equi-distributed holes in the plates to contain a spring under test, and a central push rod which passes through the center of the assembly to move the containment plates together or apart as required to test the spring. A conventional spring test gauge may be fixed to either the push rod of one of the containment plates to measure the pressure generated by the spring during the test. The containment rods form a cage that expands as the containment plates compress the spring to permit the testing of long springs, and for safe testing of all springs.

Abstract: An onboard system for use in measuring, computing and displaying the weight and center-of-gravity for aircraft, while keeping aircraft movement to a minimum. Pressure sensors are mounted in relation to each of the landing gear struts. An onboard pump and reservoirs are attached to each of the landing gear struts and are activated by a computer/controller, while landing gear strut pressures are monitored in the determination of strut stiction. The computer/controller calculates the stiction of each landing gear strut and compensates for the pressure distortions caused by landing gear strut stiction. Additional features include reducing strut stiction, measuring landing gear strut fluid levels, monitoring landing gear strut health, weight adjustments for external ice and de-icing fluids, weight adjustments for wind, monitoring aircraft landing gear strut movement.

Abstract: A tire balancing material made of glass beads and methods to balance tire using the same are disclosed. The glass bead material either in a loose format or a sealed pressurized package is introduced into an imbalanced tire. The motion of the imbalanced tire encourages the glass bead material to migrate to areas of the inside tire lining so as to correct the imbalance. Once the tire is balanced, the glass bead material migration comes to a general stop and generally remain there on the inside tire lining despite the vehicle coming to a stop and/or recommencing motion. The invention utilizes a dielectric material, such as glass beads, which charges and remains in place against the tire lining by electrostatic attraction.

Abstract: This invention provides a dynamical quantity sensor having a novel structure, wherein first beams 3, 4, 5, 6 are extended from side walls of a recess 2 of a substrate 1, and an intermediate support member 7 is disposed on the first beams 3, 4, 5, 6. Second beams 8, 9, 10, 11 extending in a direction crossing substantially perpendicularly the first beams 3, 4, 5, 6 are disposed on the intermediate support member 7, and a weight 12 is disposed on the second beams 8, 9, 10, 11. Opposing electrodes 17 and 19 and opposing electrodes 18 and 20 are used as electrodes for excitation, and opposing electrodes 13 and 15 and opposing electrodes 14 and 16 are used as electrodes for detecting an angular velocity. The movement of the weight 12 resulting from the application of the angular velocity is detected.

Abstract: A motion sensor having a sensing ring and electrodes formed on or in a surface region of a substrate, such as a silicon chip. The sensing ring is supported above the substrate by a number of spring members extending radially from a hub, so that the ring has an axis of rotation through the hub. The electrodes are formed to closely surround the ring, with some of the electrodes being adapted to induce vibration in the ring, while others detect angular and radial deflections of the ring. Finally, the spring members are substantially S-shaped with substantially C-shaped first and second portions having different radii of curvature. Configuring the spring members to have two portions of different radii of curvature substantially produces in the sensing ring the elliptical vibration mode shape of an ideal ring.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring a motion of a rigid body, using the least possible accelerometers that are simply arranged. One-axis uni-directional accelerometers 1 through 6 are each fixed to the rigid body through a base 12. Thus, no Coriolis force is developed even though an external force is applied thereto. The six one-axis uni-directional accelerometers 1 through 6 are mounted to three or more different positions relative to the rigid body. Consequently, a processing unit 21 can perform processing so that centrifugal and angular effects included in each one-axis uni-directional accelerometer may be separated. As the one-axis uni-directional accelerometers 1 through 6 are arranged on the same plane, you have only to consider two-dimensional positional relationship among the accelerometers for the accuracy of the arrangement thereof.

Abstract: A pendulous accelerometer wherein the active reaction mass is pendulously mounted to a fixed support structure and includes sensor cover or covers in the total active reaction mass.

Abstract: A pendulous accelerometer wherein the active reaction mass is pendulously mounted external to a fixed support structure and may include sensor cover or covers in the total active reaction mass.

Abstract: Architecture for driving a ultrasound phased array. The architecture includes a series of amplifiers which produce discrete driving signals. The amplifiers number less than the number of transducer elements in the array and an integrated circuit multiplexer chip is coupled to each transducer and to all the amplifiers. A controller provides first control signals to the amplifiers causing the amplifiers to produce their discrete driving signals. The controller further provides second control signals to each multiplexer chip and these signals cause the multiplexer chips to pass a specified one of the driving signals to a selected one of the transducer elements. The result is that a focused ultrasonic beam is formed on a selected target volume.

Abstract: A diagnostic driveline vibration analyzing tool for measuring and characterizing the torsional vibrations in a vehicle driveline. An electronic control unit and sensor cooperate to measure speed fluctuations occurring between the passing of adjacent teeth of a rotating gear. These time measurements are the basis for displacement, velocity and acceleration calculations which, combined with driveshaft rotational order information, can be used to pinpoint the source of excessive driveline torsional vibrations.

Abstract: A test fixture for the vibration testing of pole-mounted apparatus includes a short length of pole hingedly supported on a vibration shake table, with the apparatus undergoing testing being secured to the pole. The end of the pole opposite its hinged mounting is coupled via a spring assembly to a rigid member secured to the shake table. Adjusting the spring constants "tunes" the response of the pole section to simulate a full size pole.

Abstract: A microelectronics deformation sensor including at least one stress sensor directly integrated on at least one of an extremity of a supported deformable structure and a support of the deformable structure, the deformable structure being constructed of a single crystal material, the at least one stress sensor sensing a stress in a vicinity of the extremity and thereby sensing a deformation of the deformable structure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for three-phase fluid flow measurement that operates reliably and accurately over a wide range of gas cut. The system uses a fluid conditioner to separate the three-phase fluid flow into a liquid rich component and a gas rich component. The gas flow rate of the gas rich component is controlled by a valve to maintain the gas cut at a predetermined level. The valve is responsive to control signals generated by a measurement apparatus that measures oil, gas, and water cuts. The system configuration includes a pipeline for carrying the liquid rich component, a gas line for carrying the gas rich component, and a measurement line in parallel with the pipeline.

Abstract: A flow sensing device for measuring the rate of a gas flow. The flow sensing device includes a flow restrictor having at least one air flow annulus extending between the first and second end of the flow restrictor. Gas entering the flow sensing device at the inlet passes through the airflow annulus and exits the flow sensing device at the outlet. The flow restrictor causes a pressure drop between the inlet and outlet while promoting laminar flow therethrough. By measuring the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet, the flow rate of the gas can be determined.

Abstract: A torque transducer comprising a shaft (1) with a circularly polarized ring (2) which, when loading the shaft with a torque, generates an axial static magnetic field in the shaft and wherein the ring is concentrically surrounded by a stationary tubular shell (3) which is freely arranged in relation to the shaft and which is provided with at least one winding (4, 8, 9) for magnetization of the shaft with a given frequency. A phase-sensitive detector (5) connected to the winding supplies a signal corresponding to the content of those voltages with even harmonics which are induced in the winding to the frequency of a controller (6). The controller generates a direct current which is proportional to the signal and is connected to the winding with such a polarity that it counteracts the static magnetic field generated in the shaft. This direct current constitutes a measure of the torque with which the shaft is loaded.

Abstract: An inexpensive mechanical indicator for measuring low pressure in an inflating bag includes a pair of sides connected to each other at one edge and pivotally connected at spaced parallel locations on the bag. A spring biases the sides towards each other in opposition to tension in the inflating bag. The distance between the sides is indicative of the pressure in the bag. The device is accurate at pressures below 0.05 psi.

Abstract: An inspection equipment is provided by which the endodontic file is examined and judged as to if it reaches to its critical strength. When an appropriately selected endodontic file out of the endodontic files 11, 12, 13 in the kit case 1 is set at the file sample holding portion 5 in the kit case 1 and data corresponding to the endodontic file is input from the data input portion 22, the electric resistance value on the file portion of the endodontic file measured by the resistance measuring portion 20 and the resistance value on the critical strength with correspondence to the data on the file read-out from the RAM 23 are brought together and compared by the inspection unit 30. If the calculating judgement portion 25 makes a judgement to the file to reach its critical level of strength in the cumulative damage, the alarm 19 issues an alarm sound, so that an endodontist or dental assistant knows that the file is not usable any more and should be discarded.

Abstract: A connector is provided for detachably connecting a level transmitter to a container. The container has a first connector portion fixed to the level transmitter and a second connector portion fixed to the container. In order to reduce the risk of damage to the level transmitter, the first and second connector portions are engaged without the need for relative rotation between the first and second connector portions.

Abstract: A constant-pressure mechanism includes: a pressure transmission member being linearly movable in a predetermined direction and being urged by an urging member; a rotary member being rotatable around a central shaft located in a case receiving the pressure transmission member; a follower member supported to the case so as to be movable linearly; and a displacement conversion mechanism interposed among the pressure transmission member, the rotary member and the follower member. The displacement conversion mechanism has a first link arm pin-connected between one end portion of the rotary member and the pressure transmission member, and a second link arm pin-connected between the other end portion of the rotary member and the follower member.

Abstract: A hybrid gear drive suitable for the transformation of motion and power between an involute worm and a face gear wherein the axis of the face gear and the worm may be crossed or intersected. The gear drive includes a multi-thread involute worm in meshing engagement with a face gear having helical teeth. The multi-thread involute worm threads each have a driving surface and a coasting surface formed in the profiles of the involutes of a pair of base circles having different radii. The gear drive allows practical gear ratios up to about ten for high speed, high load applications such as helicopter or automobile gearboxes.

Abstract: A manipulator having six degrees of freedom includes a moving plate having six moving points arranged with substantial equal angles therebetween, an upper fixed plate having six upper fixed points arranged with substantial equal angles therebetween, the upper fixed plate being positioned above the moving plate and being spaced apart from the moving plate, a lower fixed plate having six lower fixed points arranged with substantial equal angles therebetween, the lower fixed plate being positioned under the moving plate and being spaced apart from the moving plate.

Abstract: A control device for a machine has a control lever operative to rotate about two axes. The control lever is rotatably mounted on a shaft within a frame and is in communication with a first rotation sensor to detect movement of the control lever about the first axis. A first pair of adjustable abutment members are operative to center the control lever within the frame. The control lever and frame are operative to rotate about the second axis. A second rotation sensor is operative to detect movement of the control lever about the second axis. A second pair of adjustable abutment members are operative to center the control lever and frame within a stationary housing.

Abstract: A twin mass flywheel for a vehicle comprising two coaxially arranged relatively rotatable masses interconnected by a plurality of pivotal linkages. Each linkage comprises a first link pivotally connected to one flywheel mass, a second link pivotally connected to the other flywheel mass and a pivot joining the links to move radially outwardly. A resilient torque member in each common pivot operable after a predetermined rotation between the flywheel masses to resist said relative rotation. A variable hysteresis friction damping assembly, whose resistance to relative rotation changes as the relative angle of rotation is altered, acts between the flywheel masses. The damping assembly can be provided by two friction damping plates which operate at different stages of rotation. The relative rotation may be limited by a stop member on at least one of the flywheel masses which abuts an abutment surface on the other flywheel mass. The abutment surface can be resilient for cushioning abutment by the stop member.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal system with adaptable pedal thread surfaces includes a pedal (3) having a first tread surface (4) and an adapter (5) attachable to the first tread surface. The adapter defines a second tread surface (7) opposite to a surface thereof facing the first tread surface when the adapter is attached to the first tread surface. The first and second tread surfaces provide different use modes. The first tread surface (4) includes a cleat engaging device (4a) for engaging a cleat, and the second tread surface (7) defines an antislip device (16) suited to treading by a shoe. In an alternative pedal system, the first tread surface (14) defines an antislip device (16) suited to treading by a shoe, and the second tread surface (19) includes a cleat engaging device (20, 21).