Abstract: A method of operating a frozen beverage machine is disclosed that utilizes a short “burst” heating of the beverage machine's freezing chamber. The method includes monitoring a beverage mixture within the freezing chamber of the frozen beverage machine, and heating the freezing chamber for a predetermined time period in response to the beverage mixture reaching a first predetermined state. The freezing chamber is then refrigerated until the beverage mixture reaches a second predetermined state.

Abstract: A Machine and method for producing the illusion of snow is disclosed and described. It produces said product in a manner such that is easier to manufacture, operate, and produce than is currently available. Said machine is housed within a snowman or other winter themed housing.

Abstract: A refrigerator crisper drawer based on an increased nitrogen concentration. This nitrogen concentration necessarily depletes the oxygen thus reducing the opportunities for food to oxidize or “brown.

Abstract: A system for providing liquid refrigerant subcooling, subsequent to that subcooling accomplished by the primary condenser of an ice machine, by means of utilizing cold harvest and/or melt water discharge from said ice machine. The subcooler is connected in fluid communication with the output of a pump that pumps stored ice machine discharge water to directly flow through the subcooler from a bottom portion to a top portion in a counter-flow direction and then to discharge such that the subcooler utilizes the pumped and flowing cold discharge water from the ice machine for providing maximum available subcooling to the liquid refrigerant of said ice machine.

Abstract: A vapor compression system including a line for flowing heat transfer fluid, a compressor connected with the line for increasing the pressure and temperature of the heat transfer fluid, a condenser connected with the line for liquefying the heat transfer fluid, and an expansion device connected with the line for expanding the heat transfer fluid. The expansion device includes a housing defining a first orifice, and at least one blade connected with the housing, wherein the blade is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first orifice is larger in the first position than in the second position. The vapor compression system also includes an evaporator connected with the line for transferring heat from ambient surroundings to the heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: A Machine and method for producing the illusion of snow is disclosed and described. It produces said product in a manner such that is easier to manufacture, operate, and produce than is currently available.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for enhancing the carbonation efficiency of an ice-chilled beverage dispenser. The system includes a beverage dispenser having an ice bin, a pre-chill coil proximate a portion of a store of ice in the ice bin; and an under-counter assembly having a carbonator in fluid flow communication with the pre-chill coil, and a pump for pumping water through said system. Water flows through the pre-chill coil prior to flowing through the carbonator. The present invention provides various methods of converting existing ice-chilled beverage dispensers including installing a pre-chill coil proximate to a store of ice in the ice bin so that water flows through the pre-chill coil before it flows through the carbonator. Another method includes diverting the flow of water from a water chill coil to the carbonator, instead of a plain water valve to which fluid originally flowed from the water chill coil.

Abstract: A door cooling supply apparatus of a refrigerator with a double-acting door includes: a first cooling air separating duct and a second cooling air separating duct separated from a main cooling air duct; a door cooling air duct installed at the cooling compartment door to discharge cooling air from the cooling compartment door to the cooling compartment and connected to the first and the cooling air separating duct; a plurality of door opening sensing units for detecting an opening direction of the cooling compartment door; a controller for determining the opening direction of the cooling compartment door according to signals of the plurality of the door opening sensing units; and a cooling air switching unit installed at an area where the main cooling air duct is separated into the first cooling air separating duct and the second cooling air separating duct and selectively opening one of the first and the second cooling air separating duct controlled by the controller.

Abstract: A body ornament has first and second positioning arms that are pivotally connected together. The first positioning arm crosses the second positioning arm at first and second crossing points. A generally elongated loop is formed between the crossing points for receiving the body part. The size of the loop is adjustable by pivoting the positioning arms either toward or away from each other. The positioning arms are preferably biased toward each other so that a minimal loop size is initially formed. In one embodiment, the pivot joint between the first and second positioning arms includes a pivot pin. A loop is formed at one end of the pin for receiving a decorative item. In a further embodiment, the pivot joint is in the form of an integral hinge that biases the first and second positioning arms toward each other.

Abstract: When molten glass which is under an atmosphere of pressure P, is fed into a vacuum chamber capable of rendering a pressure to the molten glass to be in a range of 38 [mmHg]-(P-50) [mmHg] to perform degassing to the molten glass, a staying time of the molten glass in the vacuum chamber is in a range of 0.12-4.8 hours, whereby there is obtainable an effective degassing function to the molten glass.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to UV (ultraviolet) photosensitive bulk glass, and particularly to batch meltable alkali boro-alumino-silicate glasses. The photosensitive bulk glass of the invention exhibits photosensitivity to UV wavelengths below 250 nm.

Abstract: A drainage control device for washing machines is disclosed. This device controls the drain port, provided at the bottom of a washing tub, thus draining water from the washing tub in accordance with an operational mode of a washing machine. This drainage control device includes a first drive means containing a working fluid and operated in response to a change in volume of the working fluid, and a second drive means connected to the first drive means and controlling inflow and outflow of the working fluid relative to the first drive means. The first drive means comprises a first cylinder containing the working fluid, a first piston reciprocating within the first cylinder, a heating means used for heating the first piston, and an actuation rod operated in conjunction with both the first piston and the heating means to open or close the drain port.

Abstract: In a shift lever device of the present invention, when a lever is positioned at a “P” shift position and an ignition key is positioned at a “LOCK” position, a lock bar impedes swivel of a lock plate, and the lever cannot be shifted. If the lever is not positioned at the “P” shift position, the lock bar retains rotation of a cam, and the ignition key cannot be moved to the “LOCK” position. By forming a lock body integrally with the shift lever device, a shift lock mechanism can be used as an anti-theft device. Further, a key interlock mechanism serving as a safety device of the shift lever device can be provided easily.

Abstract: A mineral composite consists essentially of a naturally occuring glacial deposit comprising not more than 20 weight percent Si-containing compounds, 10-20 weight percent Ca-containing compounds, 2-10 weight percent Mg-containing compounds, 2-10 weight percent Fe-containing compounds, 1-10 weight percent K-containing compounds, 1-5 weight percent Al-containing compounds, 0-3.0 weight percent Na-containing compounds, 0-5.0 weight percent Ti-containing compounds, 0-1.0 weight percent Mn-containing compounds, 0-0.5 weight percent P-containing compounds, 0-0.01 weight percent Ba-containing compounds and 0-0.005 Cr-containing compounds; and wherein the mineral composite is in powdered form with a mean particle size of 2-20&mgr; and with a surface area of least of 0.8-1.5 m2/cm3 of the composite. Other additives may be added to the mineral composite to make it even more effective for treating soil. Methods of making and using the mineral composite are also described.

Abstract: A machine may produce a tube having textured internal and external surfaces in a single operation. Inner and outer knurling tools may form the textured surfaces. The texturing of the internal and external surfaces may be helical patterns of ribs and grooves. The height of the ribs formed in the internal and external surfaces may be less than about 35 mils. The angles of the patterns relative to a longitudinal axis of the tube may be less than about 45°. The angle of the helical pattern allows textured tubes to be used as heat exchanger elements wherein flow is directed substantially coaxial to the longitudinal axes of the tubes. The helical pattern formed in the external surface may be oriented in a right hand or left hand helical orientation. Similarly, the helical pattern formed in the internal surface may be oriented in a right hand or left hand orientation.

Abstract: A supply of continuous thin wall tubing which is drawn by a pair of opposed conveyor belts frictionally engaging the outside surfaces of the tubing first through a tube straightening device before the tube walls become engaged with the aforesaid conveyor belts so that straightened tubing is always subjected to engagement with the surfaces on the conveyor belts. The conveyor belts effect a longitudinal driving movement of the tubing into and through a tube cutting device and thence into a tube length control for accurately positioning the tube relative to the tube cutters in the tube cutting device and before the tube is cut. Once the tube length detection circuitry in the tube length control has been satisfied by the positioning of the tubing, the tube cutters in the tube cutting device is activated to sever the tubing.

Abstract: A rolling stand has a frame and a pair of support shafts centered on respective parallel shaft axes and each having an outer end projecting past the frame, inner and outer axially spaced bearing portions in the frame, and a gear between the respective inner and outer bearing portions. Each outer bearing portion lies between the respective inner bearing portion and the respective outer end. Respective rolls are carried on the outer ends outside the frame and respective eccentric sleeves rotatable in the frame about the axes engage the shafts at the bearing portions so that a spacing of the axes can be varied by rotating the sleeves in the frame. Respective pressure sleeves surround the shafts between the respective inner and outer bearing portions and are connected to a controller that pressurizes the sleeves and thereby bends the shafts in the frame between the inner and outer bearing portions.

Abstract: A die block apparatus for shaping workpieces by way of die stamping includes a die block (40), a first sliding block (10), a second sliding block (30), and a stopper block (50). The die block is dimensioned to receive the first and second sliding blocks and the stopper block. The first sliding block includes a body (11), a pair of inclined rails (16) extending from opposite lateral sides of the body, and a protrusion (17) extending outwardly from the body. The body has a vertical inner surface (12). A groove (14) is defined in the inner surface. The protrusion has a vertical outer surface (18). The second sliding block is a mirror image of the first sliding block. The stopper block includes a base (54) and a vertical beam (52). The stopper block has a vertical contact surface (56), for abutting the outer surface of the first sliding block.

Abstract: This hand tool for crimping ferrules, comprises a body (12) extended by a first branch (15) forming a hand grip, and a second branch (18) forming a hand grip, articulated to the body (12), a crimping chamber (27) being formed in the said body (12) and opening to the outside of the body (12) via a passage (25) for the introduction of one end of an electric conductor into the said crimping chamber (27), a channel (38) being formed in the said body (12) and/or the said first branch (14), a ferrule loader (33) arranged at least partially and removably in the said channel (38) so as to open into the crimping chamber (27).

Abstract: A system for monitoring concentrations of sterilant, such as hydrogen peroxide vapor, within a sterilization apparatus, includes a self-contained, sterilant monitoring assembly that is freely positionable within the sterilization apparatus. The assembly includes a gas-detecting sensor and associated temperature sensor mounted on a portable structure, as well as a suitable data collection circuit for receiving output signals from the sensors. The assembly also includes signals connectors, such as a physical data port or a remote transmitter, or both. Signals can be transmitted concurrently with data collection, or an electronic memory may be provided for subsequent transfer of the collected data. Collected data is transferred to a remote communication unit positioned exteriorly of the sterilization apparatus.

Abstract: A misfiring detection apparatus including a comparison unit 22 and a time counting unit 24 which accumulates periods of time during which the ion current flowing between the center electrode 10a and the ground electrode 10b of a spark plug 10 exceeds a predetermined current value; and an ECU 26 which judges that misfiring has occurred when a total of the accumulated periods is not greater than a predetermined value. The ion current is thus determined as a cumulative value of ion current generation periods. Therefore, even when the ion current contains a discharge noise component, the discharge noise component having a short duration accounts for only a small portion of the cumulative value, so that the influence of the discharge noise component on misfiring detection can be reduced. As a result, misfiring detection can be performed with improved accuracy.

Abstract: A corrosion sensor for sensing corrosion in a pipeline. The sensor includes a housing and a device for joining the housing to a wall of an enclosure that receives a fluid. The sensor also includes a rupture member which extends across a portion of the housing to define a sealed chamber in the housing. The rupture member, upon rupture, provides an opening to the sealed chamber. The rupture member is formed of a material and thickness such that the rupture member will fail from corrosion before the enclosure wall will fail from corrosion. The rupture member is arranged such that fluid received in the enclosure can contact the rupture member. The sensor also includes a sensory device which is connected to the housing at the sealed chamber to signal a rupture condition of the rupture member when the sealed chamber opens.

Abstract: A method and system of performing multiphase flow measurements. The method includes separating an incoming multiphase flow into a majority liquid component and a majority gas component. The majority liquid component comprises a water component and an oil component. The method further includes determining if the majority liquid component includes entrained gas. If the majority liquid component is substantially free from entrained gas, then the method further includes determining a water cut of the majority liquid component, determining a density of the majority liquid component using a Coriolis flowmeter, and processing the water cut and the density of the majority liquid component to determine a density of the oil component.

Abstract: An impression forming mechanism comprises; an arm with an indentor for forming an impression on a surface of a sample, and an arm operating part for operating the arm in order to apply a force to the sample, wherein the arm operating part is disposed below the arm.

Abstract: Method for the testing of an exhaust gas recirculation system of an internal combustion engine returning exhaust gas at an exhaust gas recirculation rate from the exhaust line to the intake line, in which a specific adjustment of the exhaust gas recirculation rate (&Dgr; EGR) is set, the NOx concentration in the exhaust gas is measured and in the absence of a differential concentration varying as a function of the adjustment of the exhaust gas recirculation rate a defect of the exhaust gas recirculation system is diagnosed.

Abstract: A sensor having an element responsive to a physical quantity to be measured and carrying conducting elements and having electronics for processing useful signals received from the conducting elements or sent to the conducting elements, which electronics is carried by a base; an interconnection circuit (17) secured to the base (8) of the responsive element has a shape adapted to that of the responsive element which surrounds it so that the conducting elements are brought essentially as close as possible, but without contact, to conducting tracks (18) of the interconnection circuit and locally parallel to the conducting elements of the responsive element; flexible conducting wires (19) are disposed, slackly, between the conducting elements of the responsive element (18) and respective first ends of the printed tracks (18); conducting connections are established between opposite second ends of the tracks (18) and respective sealed insulated feedthroughs (11) of the base (8) or conducting tracks of this base.

Abstract: When a cavity accommodating movable portion of an external force detecting sensor has a narrow structure, the external force detecting sensor is influenced by air damping, and therefore the cavity should have a wide structure. However, when a top surface and bottom surface of the cavity are positioned too high, the range of vertical movement of the movable portion is increased, and when an external impact force is applied to the external force detecting sensor, a movable interdigitated electrode rides on fixed interdigitated electrodes and stays there, thus the external force detecting sensor is rendered inoperable.

Abstract: A micro-opto-electro-mechanical transducer in which an optical element is angularly positioned by electrical field coupling. Movable electrodes of two orthogonally disposed, differential variable capacitors are coupled to the optical element constrained by structural means to angular displacement around two free-axes of rotation. Cooperating stationary capacitor electrodes with surface contoured regions facing the movable electrodes are affixed to the structural means. A thin dielectric layer of high permittivity material provides a region of fixed spacing between the capacitor electrodes. The surface contoured regions constrain the approach of the movable electrodes with angular displacement of the optical element. Both the open-loop gain and the equilibrium voltage-angle response of the transducer is largely independent of displacement. Electrostatic force feedback maintains the optical element at voltage programmed positions of static equilibrium over a wide angular range of tip and tilt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting anomalies, defects or electromagnetic properties of electrically conductive and magnetically permeable materials by using a magnet to partially saturate the material, thereby lowering its permeability, and sending a second, higher frequency oscillating electromagnetic wave into the material. The oscillating magnetic flux field permeating into the electrically conductive material induces eddy waves. As the apparatus passes over the material, the properties of the induced eddy currents, and the corresponding magnetic flux field induced by such eddy currents, changes as the properties of the material change. These changes can be the result of defects or anomalies in the material or in connecting welds.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a semiconductor pressure sensor which can be used even in an environment where there is contact with gasoline and the like. The pressure sensor of this invention comprises a base, a pressure-sensitive section which receives pressure and is mounted on the base, a pressure injection section which injects gas to be measured into the pressure-sensitive section, and a lead which is connected to the pressure-sensitive section and extracts a pressure detection signal. Furthermore, the pressure-sensitive section is affixed to the base by a flouric elastomer.

Abstract: An internal information detector is disclosed, which is capable of preventing the leakage of pressure from an attached portion to a pressure vessel, and also preventing the interference with the pressure vessel. This internal information detector comprises a pressure injection valve penetrating a partition wall of the rotatable pressure vessel, the pressure injection valve being fixed to the pressure vessel; and an information detection unit located in the pressure vessel to detect information inside the vessel, the information detection unit being united with the pressure injection valve. The position of a center of gravity is adjusted to cancel a rotation moment caused by a centrifugal force during the rotation of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: Rotary shaft axial elongation measuring method and device enable an accurate measuring of a rotary shaft axial elongation regardless of sizes of the elongation. Grooves (10, 12), arranged mutually opposing in a turned V shape along axial direction, are provided in a rotational surface of a rotary shaft (1), axial elongation of which is to be measured. A sensor (14) is arranged opposing the rotational surface of the rotary shaft (1). The sensor (14) generates pulses upon passing of the grooves (10, 12) following rotation of the rotary shaft (1). As a circumferential interval between the grooves (10, 12) differs according to the axial directional position of the rotary shaft (1), if the positions of the grooves (10, 12) at the position of the sensor (14) change due to the axial elongation, interval of the pulses generated by the sensor (14) changes. Thus, by the change in the pulse generation interval, the axial elongation is measured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of designing a high fatigue strength material in high tensile strength steel, comprising the steps of: obtaining the values of tensile strength &sgr;B (unit thereof is MPa) and Vickers hardness Hv of the steel; measuring the flaw area of inclusion, when the fracture origin is located only at the surface of the steel; and estimating, in designing the high fatigue strength material, that the fatigue limit &sgr;w (unit thereof is MPa) of the steel satisfies either &sgr;w≧0.5&sgr;B or &sgr;w≧1.6 Hv, when a square root of the flaw area, (area)½ (unit thereof is m), contained in the steel is no larger than 45.8/&sgr;B2 or 4.47/Hv2. According to the present invention, a method of evaluating high fatigue strength material in high tensile strength steel, in which method the relationship between the flaw dimension (area) of ODA and the fatigue strength is considered, as well as a high fatigue strength material, can be Provided.

Abstract: This method reduces the cost and complexity of the manufacture of an electromagnetic flow sensor having a measuring tube (1) with an insulating liner (12) having an open-pore reinforcing body (13) embedded therein. The liner is produced in situ in the prefabricated support tube (11) rather than inserting it therein as a prefabricated component. A sintering space (41) is formed in the support tube (11) by inserting a sintering mandrel (411) with a smallest diameter greater than the smallest inside diameter of the liner (12) into the support tube (11) and fixing it therein. The support tube (11) is closed, leaving one filling aperture (414) for a granular material to be sintered. The reinforcing body (13) is formed in the support tube (11) in such a manner that it fits its lumen, by introducing the material to be sintered into the sintering space (41), sintering the material and removing the mandrel (411).

Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter of the present invention has a pipe (2) through which a fluid to be measured flows, and measurement portions (3) separated on the pipe by a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction of the pipe. The measurement portions each comprises a transducer fixing member (4) having an arc shaped indentation (6) into which a part of the pipe can be fitted, and a piezoelectric transducer (5) fixed to the transducer fixing member. The pipe and the arc shaped indentation are closely fixed to each other by an adhesive (7) by fitting and pressing the pipe into the arc shaped indentation via the adhesive.

Abstract: A single-tube Coriolis mass flow sensor includes a stainless steel sleeve having an unplated interior surface and a titanium member having a cylindrical end inserted into the stainless steel sleeve. The exterior surface of the titanium cylindrical end forms a joint with the unplated interior surface of the stainless steel sleeve. The titanium cylindrical end is brazed to the unplated interior surface of the stainless steel sleeve at the joint, and the stainless steel sleeve exerts compressive stress on the titanium cylindrical end at the joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for safely aligning the mouth of a sample container with the sample needle of a liquid sampling device. A guidance ring holds the mouth of the sample container in position under the sample needle. The sample container and guidance ring slide inside the sleeve guide to allow the mouth of the sample container to slide up the sleeve guide so that the sample needle can pierce the septum of the sample container. The sample needle is recessed in the sleeve guide so that the likelihood of needle sticks is greatly reduced.

Abstract: Aroma chemicals emitted from an aroma-emitting source are obtained by an apparatus and process for obtaining the chemicals. The apparatus includes the use of one or more capillary tubes which have on their interior surfaces an absorbent material, a suction device for drawing the aroma chemicals through the capillary tubes, and a connecting tube which connects the capillary tubes and the suction device. A system for collecting and analyzing the aroma chemicals emitted from an aroma-emitting source is disclosed which has one or more capillary tubes, a suction device, a connecting tube, a thermal desorber which desorbs the aroma chemicals directly from the capillary tubes, a cryogenic focusing device, and a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry instrument.

Abstract: A double clutch transmission in connection with an electric unit, as well as a method for operating the transmission.

Abstract: An idler gear (7) is mounted in a variable speed gear transmission (1) on a rolling bearing crown ring (10) whose first and second rolling elements (12, 20) are guided in a cage (11) and have different diameters. The first and second rolling elements (12, 20) are of a same type, size ratios between the first and second rolling elements are defined so that, in an unloaded state, the larger diameter of the second rolling elements (20) is such as to become equal to a diameter of the first rolling elements (12) in an engaged state under radial loading, whereby a limit of elasticity of the second rolling elements (20) having the larger diameter in the unloaded state is not exceeded.

Abstract: A first helical gear (40) is supported by a first rotation shaft (4), and a second helical gear (13) is supported by a second rotation shaft (14). A rotation body (6, 7) comprising a third helical gear (7) which meshes with the first helical gear (40), and a fourth helical gear (6) which meshes with the second helical gear (13), is supported by an intermediate shaft (5). The rotation body (6, 7) is further supported by a thrust bearing (10, 11) in a direction along the intermediate shaft (5). The average radius R of the thrust bearing (10, 11) is determined according to the direction of the thrust load acting on the third helical gear (7), the direction of the thrust load acting on the fourth helical gear (6), and an angle &thgr;2 subtended by the application point of these thrust loads.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle having a sub shaft supported in casings via bearings, and an input gear, an output gear, and a boss of a clutch outer, etc. stacked on the sub shaft and retained by a cotter key. The input gear and the output gear are helical gears, and thrust forces acting on the two gears are generated in opposite directions. A rightward thrust force acting on the input gear is borne by the casing via an annular projection, the sub shaft and the bearing, and a leftward force acting on the output gear, which is separated from the cotter key by a gap, is borne by the casing via the bearing provided on the side face of the output gear. This arrangement eliminates any need for fixing gears supported on a shaft of a transmission by a nut or a bolt in the axial direction, thus saving space and reducing the number of parts.

Abstract: A structure for transmitting the power of a motorcycle engine includes an intermediate shaft arranged between a crankshaft and an input shaft of a transmission, and a method for making the structure. The structure and the method have the objective of shortening the distances between these three shafts, improving workability of assembling, and providing freedom of setting a speed reduction ratio. An intermediate shaft driven gear and an intermediate shaft driving gear having a diameter smaller than the intermediate shaft driven gear and are mounted in two steps, with the former overlaid on the latter, on an end of the intermediate shaft projecting outside a right case. Similarly, the intermediate shaft driven gear is engaged with a primary gear of the crankshaft, and the intermediate shaft driving gear is engaged with a primary driven gear of the input shaft at a location outside the right case.

Abstract: A bicycle shift control device includes a takeup element for pulling and releasing a shift control element, a first finger contact member, a second finger contact member, and an interconnecting member that rotates around a rotational axis. The interconnecting member interconnects the first finger contact member and the second finger contacting member so that the first finger contact member and the second finger contact member move in a same direction relative to the rotational axis. The first finger contact member has a first finger contact surface disposed on a first side of a plane, wherein the first finger contact member moves toward the plane when the takeup element moves in a pulling direction. Conversely, the first finger contact member moves away from the plane when the takeup element moves in a releasing direction.

Abstract: A bicycle shift control device includes a takeup element for pulling and releasing a shift control element, a first finger contact member, a second finger contact member, and an interconnecting member that rotates around a rotational axis. The interconnecting member interconnects the first finger contact member and the second finger contacting member so that the first finger contact member and the second finger contact member move in a same direction relative to the rotational axis. The first finger contact member has a first finger contact surface disposed on a first side of a plane, wherein the first finger contact member moves toward the plane when the takeup element moves in a pulling direction. Conversely, the first finger contact member moves away from the plane when the takeup element moves in a releasing direction.

Abstract: A cable connecting mechanism for a bicycle component includes a cable connecting unit having a fastener opening and a fastener disposed in the fastener opening. The fastener includes a head and a shank including a locking portion disposed in the fastener opening and a threaded portion disposed between the head and the locking portion so that a space for receiving a cable therein is formed between the locking portion and the head. A locking member is disposed at the locking portion of the fastener for locking the faster to the cable connecting unit.

Abstract: A cable connecting mechanism for a bicycle component includes a cable connecting unit having a fastener opening and a fastener disposed in the fastener opening. The fastener includes a head and a shank including a locking portion disposed in the fastener opening and a threaded portion disposed between the head and the locking portion so that a space for receiving a cable therein is formed between the locking portion and the head. A locking member is disposed at the locking portion of the fastener for locking the faster to the cable connecting unit.

Abstract: Cam follower includes a cantilevered stud, and a bearing unit mounted on a head portion of the stud and having rollers and an outer ring. The outer peripheral surface of the outer ring constitutes a cam-driven surface. The cam-driven surface includes a central load-bearing region substantially parallel to the axis of the cantilevered stud, and a couple of non-load-bearing regions indented radially inward from the central load-bearing region and located on opposite sides of the central load-bearing region axially symmetrically to each other. Mechanical stress acting on the inner surface of the outer ring, outer surface of the roller and outer surface of the stud's head portion presents a maximum intensity level at their respective points corresponding to a point of the outer ring which is subjected to maximum mechanical contact stress from a cam.

Abstract: Embodiments of a bicycle riding training system are disclosed. The system includes a crank assembly that is removable from the bicycle without disruption of the sprocket and chain. The invented system comprises coaxial shafts that rotate preferably together in a hub bearing assembly. The coaxial shafts preferably include an external shaft within the bearing retainer cups of a bicycle frame bottom hub assembly and an internal shaft that connects to the crank arms. The internal shaft preferably is made of two parts that connect at a midpoint within the external shaft using a bolt, screw or other connector. Removing the connector permits withdrawal of the internal shaft while leaving the external shaft and sprocket assembly intact. An additional feature of the connector in the internal shaft is that it may serve to expand or otherwise tighten the internal shaft inside the external shaft, and thereby fix the internal shaft to the external shaft.

Abstract: A quick change chain ring arrangement for use on a bicycle crank assembly includes a chain ring adapter that is connected to and rotates with the crank assembly about the crank assembly rotational axis. A removable chain ring support removably engages with the chain ring adapter. The chain ring support has a minimum inside opening formed into the chain ring support that is larger than the maximum cross sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the crank arms thereby allowing the chain ring support to be installed onto and removed from the crank assembly without requiring the removal of the crank arms or pedals from the crank assembly and without requiring the removal of the crank assembly from the bicycle frame.