Abstract: An exemplary rotary bracket system includes at least one rotary bracket (10) and at least one anti-vibration system (20). The rotary bracket has a rotary shaft (12). The anti-vibration system includes at least one fixture member (21) and at least one shock-absorber assembly (23) connected to the at least one fixture member. The at least one fixture member fits around the rotary shaft of the at least one rotary bracket such that the rotary shaft is rotatable in the at least one fixture member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for continuous treatment of a textile web of fabric (1) which has free longitudinal edges (2) and is stretched in the longitudinal direction (3), the longitudinal edges (2) of the web of fabric (1) being prevented from turning back by staples (8). In order to mechanize the application of the staples (8), a staple gun (17) comprising a staple magazine (15) is associated with the respective longitudinal edge (2) at a point on the installation at which the edge is not normally turned back yet.

Abstract: A printing arrangement includes a driving station configured to drive print media along a path. The driving station includes a pair of opposed pinch rollers between which the print media can be pinched when driven. A printing station is operatively arranged with respect to the path to print upon the print media. The printing station includes a pair of opposed printheads between which the print media can pass to be printed on opposite sides. An adhesive application station is operatively arranged with respect to the path to apply adhesive to the print media. A binding station is operatively arranged with respect to the path to collect the printed media in a stack and press the stack to facilitate adhering of the printed media together.

Abstract: In an image forming device, images of originals up to an upper limit number of stapling are read (S1 to S5) and image data thereof are processed (S6 to S8). If a paper sensor has detected a subsequent original even when the number of pages of the read images reaches NS0 (S1, S2), a finisher discharges a bundle of printed papers without stapling. Consequently, the number of the printed papers included in the discharged bundle is made less than the upper limit number. In a case where the number of the printed papers sent to the finisher (S12, S13) is less than a set number NS1 (S15), the bundle is discharged without being stapled after the number of the printed papers reaches NS1 (S17).

Abstract: A feeder module for feeding envelopes into a mail handling machine, which feeder module has, from upstream to downstream relative to a direction of advance of the mail items, a tray for receiving a stack of envelopes, a device for selecting said envelopes one-by-one, a separator having an active separation zone formed by a sharp cutting portion for separating the envelop flaps from the envelope bodies, and a moistener for moistening the flaps separated in this way.

Abstract: In a stacker, a mail item to be stacked is propelled against a stop wall at a stacking point by a stacking roll. A controlled driven underfloor belt and a stack support are displaced from the stack as the stack grows. The mail item to be stacked meets the preceding, already stacked item at an acute angle. Before it is stacked the mass of each item is determined. Stacking forces are measured with a measurement device in a preceding test phase the target values for the stacking pressures and the braking curve of the stacking roll up until the mail items have reached the stop are defined and stored based on statistical analyses in accordance with the mass of the mail items to be stacked. The speed of the respective mail item is reduced according to the braking curve assigned to the determined mass of the mail item.

Abstract: A store for storing value sheets such as banknotes in a stack and for dispensing the value notes from the stack. When more than a single value sheet is dispensed from the stack, the store returns all but one of the value sheets to the stack while moving the stack to reduce friction between the returning value sheet and the topmost value sheet of the stack. Means for securing the stack are also provided: a support for the stack is anchored and/or extra pressure is applied to the stack. The store includes means for indicating when the stack contains more than a predetermined number of value sheets and means for preventing securing of the store when the predetermined number of value sheets is exceeded. A value sheet store with part of a sidewall integrally formed with the lid. A value sheet store which includes a lid attached to a housing by a hinge located on an edge of the housing. Apparatus and a method for determining the height of a stack of value sheets.

Abstract: A printer for feeding the sheet intermittently with high precision while preventing a decrease in the print rate is provided. A printer has a feed-in roller for feeding a sheet into a printing region, a feed-out roller for feeding the sheet out of the printing region, a motor for rotating the feed-in roller and the feed-out roller, and a controller for controlling the motor. The controller controls the motor so as to start intermittent sheet feed with a first line-feed-time that specifies a time period for one line feed and vary the first line-feed-time to a second line-feed-time that is longer than the first line-feed-time before the sheet is fed by only the feed-out roller. The sheet is fed intermittently with a shorter line-feed-time while being fed by the feed-in roller which is precisely controlled. On the other hand, the sheet is fed intermittently with a longer line-feed-time while being fed by the feed-out roller which is not controlled as precisely as the feed-in roller.

Abstract: A feeding tray is detachably mounted on a base member and includes a bottom portion. The bottom portion has a first side that is configured to hold a recording sheet and a second side opposite the first side. An image forming unit forms an image on the recording sheet. A feeding roller is configured to rotatingly contact the recording sheet held in the feeding tray, thereby feeding the recording sheet toward the image forming unit in a conveying direction. A roller arm has one end that rotatably supports the feeding roller and another end opposite the one end. The roller arm is configured to swing about the another end, thereby generating a pressing force for pressing the feeding roller against the recording sheet. A supporting member is provided at the second side of the bottom portion and is configured to support the bottom portion against the pressing force.

Abstract: In an automatic document feeder (ADF) paper feed tray, in a state where a sheet is placed, a center portion of the sheet in the width direction is supported by a first support portion, an outside portion of the sheet in the width direction is supported by a second support portion, and both side portions of the sheet in the width direction hang down substantially uniformly. By this arrangement, the ADF paper feed tray can be made small. As a result, in the case where the sheet is discharged below the ADF paper feed tray, the confirmation of the discharged sheet can be facilitated.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for singulating flat articles which are transported on-edge as a stack (12) on a controllably driven conveyor (3) with a stack support (4) to the take-away station where the frontmost article (1) is taken away horizontally in a plane perpendicular to the feeding direction. The conveyor (3) and the stack support (4) are driven in a separately controlled manner. Detectors at different heights for determining the position of the frontmost article (1) can be individually moved horizontally in a plane perpendicular to the take-away reference plane in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An image forming device includes: a housing; and a sheet feeding cassette that stores a stack of sheets. The housing includes: a cassette accommodation portion that is provided at a lower part of the housing; an insertion slot from which the sheet feeding cassette is detachably inserted in the cassette accommodation portion in an insertion direction; a first support portion that is formed on a bottom part of the housing on a side near to the insertion slot; a second support portion that is formed on the bottom part of the housing on a side remote from the insertion slot; and an opening that is formed between the first support portion and the second support potion to expose the bottom face. The sheet feeding cassette includes a roller that is disposed at the bottom face of the sheet feeding cassette at a downstream side end in the insertion direction.

Abstract: An overlap detection apparatus mounted to a printing press includes a sheet detection sensor for detecting whether a portion of the sheets passing a given position is a non-overlapping portion or an overlapping portion; a signal output section for outputting an overlapping signal on the basis of the detected results of the sheet detection sensor, in which the overlapping signal takes a first form for the overlapping portion and takes a second form for the non-overlapping portion; and a determination section for determining that the sheets of paper are being correctly conveyed while each being displaced by a given amount from an upstream sheet of paper in the conveying direction and overlapping the same when a portion of the overlapping signal taking the first form is equal to a given reference portion, and determines that the sheets of paper are not being correctly conveyed when the portion of the overlapping signal taking the first form is not equal to the given reference portion.

Abstract: A method for introducing instructions/commands within or acting on the content material of a mail run data file. The method comprises the steps producing an object-oriented data file of the mailpiece content material and displaying a visual image thereof to the user. The visual image displayed spatially corresponds to the object oriented data file. Through the use of a graphical user input device, such as a point-and-click input device, the user defines a region of the visual image. Further, the user creates or selects a rule or expression indicative of a desired instruction/command in connection with the defined region. The rule or expression is represented in computer program code and operates a signal processor to perform the selected instructions/commands.

Abstract: A sheet medium adjustment apparatus, e.g., in an image forming system, includes: an ejector to eject a conveyed sheet; a stacking device to stack each sheet ejected from the sheet ejector into a stack on a tray; a moving device to shift the stacking device in a movement direction perpendicular to a sheet-ejecting direction; a sheet aligning member to align ends of the sheets in the stack that are parallel to the sheet-ejecting direction; a stepping motor to move the sheet aligning member; and an evacuation device to evacuate the aligning member by an amount representing an evacuation displacement in the movement direction at a timing of aligning the sheet, the evacuation displacement being determined adaptively according to at least one of an attribute of a given sheet in the stack, an attribute of the stack as a whole and an attribute of the tray.

Abstract: Document storage trays are disclosed that may be stacked in at least two different configurations including a “nesting” stack where an upper tray fits within the storage area of a lower tray and, in turn, is also able to receive a tray within its own storage area so that multiple trays can be stacked nested together. The document storage trays may also be stacked in a vertical configuration and the trays include appropriately placed slots, detents, bosses and legs for a stable vertical stacking configuration so that multiple trays may be stacked one on top of another and form a stable structure. At least one embodiment further enables the trays to be stacked in a cascaded form so that front edges of the trays are staggered laterally from the bottom tray to the top tray. At least one embodiment includes a built-in collating function so that each tray is able to receive documents from one of two different and perpendicularly oriented sides.

Abstract: A method of playing a board game comprising the steps: providing players each given money and starting at a first rank; providing dice; providing a game board having a plurality of playing spaces, that are either owned or available businesses, arranged around the outside of five connected boroughs of New York City; performing alternating player turns comprising the steps of: rolling dice; moving the player around spaces in a number corresponding to the roll; determining the ownership status of the space. If the space is owned and the owner of the space is of a higher rank the player must pay the owner, if the owner is of the same or less rank the player pays nothing. The owner may also offer the space for sale. If available, the player may purchase the space. The purpose is to purchase spaces or properties to move up to the highest rank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a board game. The board game includes a spinning device and an inner and outer ring of characters. The characters include at least one of a plurality of numbers or a plurality of letters located in one or more rings. Each player activates the spinning device. After the spinning device has stopped a master scorecard and the scorecard associated with the player who performed the activation of the spinning device are marked to identify what letter or number the spinning device is pointing to. The players rotate spinning of the spinning device until the master scorecard indicates that the game is over.

Abstract: A game of skill and chance for two, a game board, and method for play requires a chess board imprinted with an alternating pattern of card suites, a set of chess pieces, and euchre cards. Play follows chess rules, euchre rules, and a new set of rules. In one embodiment play begins with chess moves but when a piece is attacked a euchre trick must be played to determine winner of attack. The role of dealer rotates between the two players every time a hand is played. Trump suite identity changes with every attack and is determined by the card suite imprinted on the site of the attacked piece. One variation requires the king to be removed from the board as is any other piece. Another variation is that the game board is rotated during play to equalize the chances of winning for two players of varying levels of skill.

Abstract: The present invention is a board game. In a preferred embodiment, a competitive board game for two to nine players is disclosed. The game board is initialized by placing markers on the game board in a specified fashion. Distinct markers are distributed, and play progresses in turn by each player placing a marker on the game board such that each row, column, and box does not contain two identical markers. In an alternative embodiment, a board game for team play is disclosed. The board game may also be implemented in a computer or other electronic device.

Abstract: A game, toy or article of manufacture includes a set of rules and at least one model. The model has multiple movable parts, where under the rules of play, the model begins in an assembled configuration. As the model loses points under the rules of play, at least some of the parts are removed from the model, or replaced with substitute parts. The model may be formed from a panel or other substantially planar member, with the individual pieces formed therein. Methods of game play, computer-implemented games, and other aspects of the invention are described herein. Many other options are possible, as described above.

Abstract: A method of playing a bonus for a Hold'em-type poker game wherein at least one card is dealt to each player hand and at least one card is dealt as community cards. A player wagering on the bonus wins if a subset of the community cards has a predetermined combination. Preferably, there are five community cards. In one embodiment, the bonus is determined from three of the community cards. In another embodiment, the bonus is determined from all five community cards.

Abstract: A method for playing a modified blackjack game between at least a dealer and one player. The method comprises the steps of providing at least one standard deck of playing cards, having at least one player place a wager, wherein the outcome of the wager is determined by conventional blackjack rules of play, allowing the player to place at least a first ante, dealing a first and a second card to the player and the dealer, the player's cards being face down, allowing the player to decide to forfeit his first ante and discard his first and second cards and dealing the player a second set of two additional face down cards, and completing the blackjack game according to conventional blackjack rules of play.

Abstract: A casino game which can combine games of blackjack and poker. A player's blackjack hand can be resolved. A player's poker hand can also be made from the player's blackjack cards by dealing additional cards (if necessary) so that the player has five cards. The player can be paid on a poker wager for the player's cards only. A dealer's poker hand can also be made from the dealer's blackjack cards by dealing additional cards (if necessary) so that the dealer has five cards. A further poker wager can be resolved by pitting the player's poker hand against the dealer's poker hand.

Abstract: The TARGET ROPE is a new and innovative target holder for shooting sports that enhances the pleasure of casual, informal, and rural target shooters, by reducing the effort and increasing the satisfaction shooters derive from their hobby. The TARGET ROPE employs modern synthetic materials to create the first new idea in target holders in decades. The inventor has conducted extensive testing under actual field conditions with a dozen or more witnesses. The shoot-through polyethylene sticks and the range of motion of the TARGET ROPE are an improvement over other target holders in terms of capacity, portability, durability and affordability. Capacity The TARGET ROPE has the capacity to hold multiple targets (sixty or more) on the standard twelve stick model. Portability The lightweight structure and portability of the TARGET ROPE, which weighs less than a pound, is so evident that the inventor feels obliged to demonstrate the durability of his product.

Abstract: A ball return game where a player is to throw a ball at a backboard. The game is to utilize a plurality of backboards located spaced apart but proximate. There is to be a single player on a single team for each backboard. Each player is to align himself or herself with a player determining location from a plurality of such locations. Depending upon the particular location the player is aligned with, the level of difficulty for the play will then be determined. Each backboard includes a plurality of spaced apart target areas with each target area to include a shock or vibration sensitive sensor. There is to be utilized a scoring display for each backboard with all scoring displays to be readily observed by all players therefore imparting a competitive environment between the players. Each target area is to include specific indicia which can function to be educational to the player.

Abstract: A portable support or goal assembly includes, among other things, a top frame portion, a base frame portion, two or more post frame members, and a plurality of releasably lockable hinge connectors. The portable support assembly provides support for a user and includes a U-shaped top frame portion configured to be gripped by the user and a U-shaped base frame portion having wheels or low-friction feet to facilitate mobility on a support surface. The goal assembly provides a U-shaped goal opening defined by an aligned top frame portion supported at each end by vertically extending side post members, the latter of which are attached to a U-shaped base frame portion. In one example, the top and base frame portions, the post frame members, and the hinge connectors are reconfigurable between the support assembly, the goal assembly, and a collapsed orientation. Also discussed is a method for assembly reconfiguration.

Abstract: A collapsible net for stopping flying balls and for installing on a floor includes a collapsible center coil loop, collapsible first and second side coil loops, a vertical fabric portion, top and bottom fabric portions, and top and bottom straps. The collapsible center coil loop includes a top part, a bottom part, and first and second side parts. Each side coil loop includes a top part, a bottom part, and inner and outer side parts. Each inner side part is connected to each side part of the collapsible center coil loop. The vertical fabric portion covers the openings of the coil loops for stopping the flying balls. The opening angle of the side coil loops are controllable. The propping device includes pecks and strings to fix the net to the floor.

Abstract: A piston ring for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The piston ring includes a surface formed at an edge portion between a butt end edge surface and an outer peripheral surface of the piston ring such that the width of the surface in the peripheral direction is larger than the width in the radial direction.

Abstract: A seal is formed of a material including about 80.0% to about 95.0% by weight fluoropolymer, about 1.0% to about 10.0% by weight aromatic polymer, and graphite fiber.

Abstract: A spiral wound gasket (10) with increased resistance to an inward buckling while sealing flanges at low stress levels, in which an outer guide ring (14) for positioning the gasket within the bolt circle of a bolted flange connection connects to a sealing element (12) having a core (16) that contributes to gasket recovery and made of a spirally wound, chevron-shaped band overlaid by a layer (20) of sealing material covering at least a portion of opposing sides of the core to conformably seal contact faces of flanges to be sealed.

Abstract: The central component of the chuck supports jaws that can be moved between a tool clamping position and a released position. Each jaw comprises a seat that is open towards the axis and has a back and lateral faces. A roller is fitted against the back of the seat and is rotatable about its axis parallel to the axis and translationally movable between the two lateral faces of the seat. The back of the seat forms a very flat V, in the center of which the roller positions itself when an operator tightens the jaws on the tool. Then, when the chuck is rotated, to the right, the roller rolls without sliding on the jaw and on the tool until it is wedged against the straight lateral face of the seat. Excellent clamping of the tool is thus obtained.

Abstract: Active anti-roll device to be fitted to a wheel set (4) of a motor vehicle (1), the said wheel set including two wheel supports (8b, 9b) coupled, with mobility in a so-called vertical direction (Z), to a frame (2) of the said vehicle, the said anti-roll device including a torsion bar (10) linked to the frame and the free ends of which are intended to be coupled respectively to the said wheel supports, characterised by the fact that it includes at least one actuator (13, 16) presenting a first zone connected to an eccentric point, relative to the median axis of the said vehicle, of the said torsion bar, by an actuator-bar linkage (14), and a second zone connected to the said frame by an actuator-frame linkage (15), the said at least one actuator presenting actuation means to create a relative displacement between the said first and second zones, the said at least one actuator being so arranged as to adjust a substantially vertical distance between the said eccentric point and the said frame as a function of a

Abstract: Conventional slow gliders seat only one to maximum two people. The two-seaters are very big and difficult to transport. Binding the sleighs or bobs together involves the risk of injuries, as children can be caught in the ropes and strings when they fal and there is a serious danger of pulled muscles or ligaments and similar injuries. This problem is solved by the inventive snow glider which has a modular set-up. The snow-glider comprises two plate-shaped, circular deepened structures that are disposed in front and in the rear of the snow glider. The deepened structures have the same shape or have at least approximately the same shape and are interlinked via a center part. The front plate-shaped deepened structure is placed in the rear deepened structure of a structurally identical second snow glider or is slid underneath it.

Abstract: A method, including a system and apparatus for achieving said method, for towing a user on land including providing a motorized vehicle, mounting a tower device to the motorized vehicle, and attaching one end of a tow rope to the tower, wherein the opposite end of the tow rope includes a handle for towing the user.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for at least carrying and supporting the lower back of a supine oriented user engaged in plumbing related activities, at least includes: a substrate member; a padding layer coupled to the substrate member and adapted to cushion the support of the user; and at least three caster wheel members coupled to the side of the substrate member opposite the side of the padding layer. The effective height of the apparatus is adapted to substantially match the height of vanity or kitchen cabinets.

Abstract: A shopping cart or transport container includes a combined hydrophobic or superhydrophobic and/or ion-releasing surface. The shopping cart or transport container therefore does not provide an environment that permits the survival of pathogens.

Abstract: Improvements to a known convertible barrow for ground level loading with a pivotable wheel carriage (36) for either resting on the ground for loading or pivoted under the barrow platform (20) for transporting a load. The improvements locate the pivot points (48) of the wheel carriage equidistant from the wheel carriage when it is adjacent the inclined rear wall (18),when it passes the heel end (24) during pivoting and when it is adjacent the midpoint of the platform to obtain a minimum, tilt angle during conversion. A pivotable gate (36) provides a closure member (56) for retaining the load at the time of tilting the barrow and is pivotable about pivot points (55) on arms (58, 60) to an open position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile device for a deformable container, comprising: a frame, wheels arranged on the frame for moving the device, fastening means arranged on the frame for fastening the top part of the container, at least one support member for supporting the container, wherein the device comprises tilting means for tilting the support member relative to the frame. The frame preferably comprises engaging means for releasably engaging the support member.

Abstract: A vehicle including a frame; a rider support platform supported by the frame; a pair of first wheel units pivotably supported by the frame; a pair of second wheel units supported by the frame; first and second handlebars pivotably supported by the frame; a first linkage connecting the first handlebar to one of the first wheel units so that pivotable movement of the first handlebar causes wheel of the one of the first wheel units to turn relatively to the frame; a second linkage connecting the second handlebar to the other of the first wheel units so that pivotable movement of the second handlebar causes wheel of the other of the first wheel units to turn relatively to the frame; and a movement coordinator which connects the first and second linkages to each other so that pivotable movement of one or both of the first and second handlebars in one direction causes the wheels of both first wheel units to turn in the same direction.

Abstract: A trailer may include a suspension system connected to a frame. The suspension system desirably includes a leaf spring and a connector that connects the axle to the leaf spring. The connector may include a unitary, one-piece bracket with a first flange that is sized and configured to contact a first side of the leaf spring and a second flange that is sized and configured to contact a second side of the leaf spring. Preferably, the bracket has a generally U-shaped configuration. In addition, the bracket preferably has a length that is generally equal to or larger than twice or three times a width of the axle. Advantageously, the connector may help prevent the wheel from undesirably twisting while the trailer is being towed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-wheeled vehicle comprising a frame with engane, drive gear and at least one driven wheel at the rear, and two front wheels which are used in part to steer the vehicle. The vehicle can also be steered in that the frame with engine, drive gear and the driven rear wheel can be banked over to the side like a motorcycle. The present invention relates in particular to a design which helps to move the centre of gravity when such a vehicle is tilted to the side so that, inter alia, it is easier to right the vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible to affect and determine the driving characteristics of the vehicle by varying different design parameters within the scope of the present invention. The invention also relates to a special design for the mounting of footboards on which the driver of the vehicle can place his/her feet when driving the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bar pin attachment for bush assembly. The assembly comprises a longitudinally extending control arm, a bush eye clamp, and a hanger bracket. The control arm has a bush end, a mid-region, an axle mount formed opposite of the bush end. A bush, having an integral bar pin molded laterally therethrough, is inserted in the bush eye and retained therein. The hanger bracket is attached to, and depends from, the chassis and includes two spaced-apart, downward oriented flanges between which the bush eye clamp is positioned. The bush end is pivotally attached to the hanger by fastening the bar pin ends directly to each adjacent hanger flange.

Abstract: An independent rear suspension for a vehicle having a chassis and a pair of rear wheels including a pair of IRS units. Each IRS unit includes an X-shaped lower control arm with a forward pivot connection to the chassis in front of the centerline of the driven sprocket and a rearward pivot connection behind the centerline, and a camber link connected to the chassis at a single pivot connection behind the centerline. Each IRS unit also includes a shock absorber coupled with an anti-sway bar to the lower control arm at a mount, and including a secondary spring in series with a main spring.

Abstract: A suspension structure is configured to ensure a large stroke of a shock absorber in a suspension device without moving an upper end supporting position of a damper upward relative to a conventional mounting position. The suspension structure includes a rear suspension for suspending left and right rear wheels. The rear suspension includes left and right lower arms for supporting the left and right rear wheels by way of knuckles, and left and right rear shock absorbers interposed between the respective lower arms and a sub-frame of a vehicle body frame. A lower end connecting portion of the rear shock absorber is cantilevered to a front side of the lower arm.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a pair of left and right arms attached to the vehicle frame and extending from the left and right sides of the vehicle frame, a pair of left and right ground contacting parts respectively attached to the pair of left and right arms, and a stabilizer bar for correcting a torsion on the pair of left and right ground contacting parts. The stabilizer bar is provided with a support member capable of changing a position at which the stabilizer bar is supported.

Abstract: An articulated step system for an automotive vehicle includes a step housing attached to the vehicle frame by means of at least one standoff bracket and a tension strut extending generally downwardly from a first end attached to a vehicle body to a second end attached to the step housing. The articulated step has a stowed position generally underlying the body, and a deployed position extending generally outwardly from the body. Movement of the step may be either translational or rotational with respect to the step housing. In one embodiment, the step extends for the full length of the cab of the vehicle, and partially under a load carrying body at the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A cycle for sailing on land comprising a recumbent tricycle with a first wheel and seat positioned aft of second and third wheels. A frame boom extending anteriorly of the front wheels engages a tricycle sprint to support a sailing system. The jib sail of the sailing system may be adjusted during use through swing of the jib boom. The mast and combination of forestay, rear stay, mast sidestays and sprint sidestays cooperatively support attachment and use of jib sail to recumbent tricycle allowing application of wind force to stably motivate the land cycle. Further improvements disclosed and claimed include an electrical system including an electrical generator in cooperation with the rear wheel to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy for storage and use with accessories as well as an electrical motor which may be controlled to allow application of mechanical force in addition to wind force for vehicle motivation.

Abstract: A power transmission system for a wheeled personal transportation device such as a bicycle comprises a sequence of at least three operably interconnected sets of gearwheels, a first set in the sequence for receiving rotational force and a last set in the sequence for transmitting rotational force for a driven wheel of the device. The first set and the last set each comprise user-selectable gearwheels. At least one intermediate set in the sequence comprises an input gearwheel subset and an output gearwheel subset, at least one of the input gearwheel subset and the output gearwheel subset comprising a plurality of user-selectable gearwheels. A frame for a personal transportation device comprises a base and a steering shaft on the base for supporting a steering column. Crank connection means are provided on the base for operably receiving a crank/pedal combination and an associated first set of user-selectable gearwheels.

Abstract: Motorcycle having a steerable front wheel and a steering damper filled with a rheological fluid provided for damping steering movements of the front wheel.