Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame having a seat tube, a rear wheel including a drive plate, and a drive system configured to drive rotation of the rear wheel. The drive system includes at least one shaft operably extending in a direction between the seat tube and the rear wheel and arranged to interact with the drive plate. A pair of drive assemblies are located near or at least in part inside the seat tube and are arranged to operably interact with the drive shaft. The at least one drive shaft converts linear motion of the drive assemblies into rotation of the rear wheel without a chain or chainring.

Abstract: A bicycle apparatus is basically provided with an ABS unit which is driven by an assist motor which adds an assisting force to a manual drive force inputted from a crankshaft of a bicycle, and which controls a braking force that is applied to a wheel of the bicycle.

Abstract: A wheel hub assembly of a bicycle wheel is disclosed that include a wheel axle, a rotary pump that may be composed of a pump housing, a pump rotor, a first fluid port configured for fluidly coupling to a pneumatic tire and a second fluid port configured for fluidly coupling to a fluid reservoir. The assembly allows for conveniently and efficiently modifying the tire pressure in bicycles at will while riding, in as many cycles as desired and without contaminating the air inside the tires.

Abstract: A hydraulically-powered bicycle having a frame, handle bars, a front tire, and a hydraulically powered drive wheel. The drive wheel is powered by oil from a sump which is pressurized by a pair of foot-operated pumps. An accumulator selectively stores and releases energy stored in a spring under the control of a control valve. When released the stored energy provides an energy boost to the bicycle. The pumps are dual piston devices that selectively couple a second piston to a first piston. The pumps implement a power control using the dual pistons. Coupling the pistons together is performed by a linkage assembly having linkage arms and linkage pivots.

Abstract: Bicycle single-acted gear-shifting device (12), comprising one front or rear derailleur (10, 20) coupling a ratchet indexing mechanism (13) acted by only one single-acting slave-connector (110, 120) attached to said ratchet indexing mechanism (13), operated by a unidirectional operator mechanism (15) with optional multiple unidirectional handle operator units (30). Said ratchet indexing mechanism (13) removably defines and holds a plurality of predetermined working stable positions of the derailleur's cage-plate (102,202) for each gearshift, and it comprises a ratchet-gear (1) with a pawls' system.

Abstract: A forward and reverse pedaling system for a bicycle with automatic gear change replacing the derailleur and clutch operating at a very low speed using an engagement wheel (16), all enclosed within a housing case filled with oil. The two wheels (11) and (13), which are themselves driven by rods (9) and (10), make a reciprocating to and fro motion of less than a half turn regardless of the direction of rotation of the drive wheel (1) and drive the wheel (12) followed by the driven wheel (2) via the low speed clutch between the wheels (15) and (16). This system can be applied to any mechanical assembly in which it is required, and is not limited to use in bicycles.

Abstract: A transport apparatus including a rotary portion for providing a source of a rotary motion; a motion transfer portion for mechanically transferring a rotational force of the rotary portion; a battery pack; and a cooling portion for receiving the rotation force transferred from the motion transfer portion and cooling the battery pack by moving a fluid.

Abstract: A transport apparatus including a rotary portion for providing a source of a rotary motion; a motion transfer portion for mechanically transferring a rotational force of the rotary portion; a battery pack; and a cooling portion for receiving the rotation force transferred from the motion transfer portion and cooling the battery pack by moving a fluid.

Abstract: A personal transportation device, consisting of a wheeled transportation attachment, a foot platform situated above the transportation attachment, and a linkage mechanism connecting the foot platform with the transportation attachment with a driving mechanism. The linkage mechanism has an X shape configuration to allow the foot platform to move from higher to lower positions. The driving mechanism transforms the downward movement of the foot platform, caused by the weight of the user, to rotational movement, and then stores it in a spring that drives the front wheel. The foot platform can be tilted backward to brake the back wheel. The transport device is powered by the repeated vertical movement of the user's feet.

Abstract: A personal transportation device, consisting of a wheeled transportation attachment, a foot platform situated above the transportation attachment, and a linkage mechanism connecting the foot platform with the transportation attachment with a driving mechanism. The linkage mechanism has an X shape configuration to allow the foot platform to move from higher to lower positions. The driving mechanism transforms the downward movement of the foot platform, caused by the weight of the user, to rotational movement, and then stores it in a spring that drives the front wheel. The foot platform can be tilted backward to brake the back wheel. The transport device is powered by the repeated vertical movement of the user's feet.

Abstract: A propulsion mechanism for propelling a bicycle forward, which is composed of two complex lever machines designed to amplify energy, wherein each machine has the ability to be moved in a reciprocal motion, wherein each machine has an approximate “L” shape, wherein the shorter side is in the approximate vertical position and the longer side is in the approximate horizontal position, wherein the transmission chain is pulled from a vertical point on the lever machine in a pivotal motion, while a separate, but connected hydraulic machine pulls the same transmission chain in a linear motion due to the downward pedaling pressure pulling the master piston, which pushes out hydraulic fluid from the piston chamber against a larger slave piston in its own separate chamber, which causes hydraulic force to be multiplied, which would result in multiplied traveling range per pedal with a sufficient amount of torque.

Abstract: A bicycle hub having a fluid automatic transmission receiving power input from the rider which uses drag to transfer power from an outer shell being rotated by the drive train to a stator and using applied torque to automatically control mechanical advantage in a limited manner by changing drag, this with flow restriction to limit the amount of shear possible thus the device is a fluid couple with torque-converter qualities. The ability to respond to torque in a way that changes mechanical advantage in a manner that the rider considers normal bicycle operation over varied terrain is what makes the device a fluid automatic bicycle transmission. The apparatus is appropriate to small and fractional horsepower applications in general.

Abstract: A fluid automatic transmission for bicycles and other human powered vehicles that dynamically regulates torque thus changing mechanical advantage for the rider or engine. Similar in principle to using an automotive torque-converter that is never locked-out, the design is unique in applying that concept to the bicycle drive train.

Abstract: A Tread Wheel Frame System drives a human-powered cycle by a tread wheel driving a tread of a drive wheel of a cycle rather than driving a drive wheel hub, as conventional cycles do. Most of the driving mechanism, including the tread wheel, a speed ratio mechanism, shifting device, and a power unit device, are safely located above the level of a cycle's axles where they are less likely to encounter accidental impact. The tread wheel with the power unit device also does the braking, which eliminates the need for caliper brakes or hub brakes. Accordingly, a drive wheel is lighter, without the need for a heavy hub, or a heavy rim to withstand the wear and heat of friction of caliper brakes. The tread wheel frame is uniquely designed and engineered to be light, yet strong where needed.

Abstract: A family of new bicycle shifting systems incorporate improved derailleur designs that are controlled by sealed hydraulic actuators. The shifting systems (i) a hydraulically-actuated, manually-powered front and rear derailleur shifting system, (ii) a hydraulically-actuated, power-assisted front and rear derailleur shifting system with manual control, and (iii) a hydraulically-actuated, power-assisted front and rear derailleur shifting system in which the shifting sequence for the rear derailleur is controlled automatically by pedal speed. Each of these shifting systems utilize a totally sealed, inclined linear shifting path. Environmental contaminants are prevented from entering any of the critical derailleur or control elements. The linear, inclined shifting path provides precise chain shifting, more uniform chain wrap on the rear bicycle drive sprockets, and lower chain and sprocket wear. Several different shifting control units are disclosed. An integrated shifting and braking module is also disclosed.

Abstract: Energy storing bicycle comprises: a fluid reservoir accommodating a fluid having a predetermined viscosity compressible for storing pressure energy, to which at least one supply pipe and at least one return pipe are connected; at least one pressure pump whose inlet being connected to the supply pipe, after being compressed, the fluid in the pump is pressurized to a certain pressure and deliver the high pressure fluid out of the exit of the pump; pressure reserving cylinders with the same units as that of the pressure pumps each with an inlet connected to the pressure pipe; the cylinder being able to reserve pressurized fluid with an exit connected to a transmission pipe and having a gate valve so as to control the high pressure fluid to be able to continuously output therefrom for a long time; fluid turbines with the same units as that of the pressure reserving cylinders each with an inlet connected to the transmission pipe, and having a turbine rotor driven by highly pressurized fluid, an exit thereof being

Abstract: Efficient human-powered or human-power assisted energy generation and transmission system adapted for use with vehicles. The present invention can be utilized to achieve overall energy transmission efficiency superior to mechanical drives that utilize chains and sprockets or other mechanical drive mechanisms. The present invention can completely eliminate the need for multiple sprockets and the associated shifting mechanisms presently used in most bicycles. By utilizing high efficiency, light weight, direct-drive generators and motors, and an input controller, coupled with an efficient energy storage device, the present invention can reduce the overall weight and complexities of mechanical power transmissions, while, at the same time, offer higher overall efficiencies. In addition, the energy output to the output drive device can be controlled, through profiling and with an output controller, to maintain constant output, independent of instantaneous input.

Abstract: A vehicle frame is constructed of a frame body including a head component for supporting a front wheel, a seat supporting component for supporting a seat, and a frame component coupled to the head component and to the seat supporting component. The frame component defines a sealed space that is hermetically sealed from the head component and the seat component. The frame component includes a gas opening disposed on a side surface thereof and displaced from the head component and the seat component so that the sealed space may be charged with a compressed gas. If desired, the frame component may include a separate opening for supplying compressed gas to another component mounted on the bicycle.

Abstract: A gas actuated derailleur for a bicycle includes a base member, a movable member supporting a chain guide, a coupling mechanism coupling the base member to the movable member so that the movable member moves relative to the base member, and an actuation mechanism responsive to compressed gas for causing the movable member to move relative to the base member.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a bicycle comprising a pump unit driven by the rotation of the bicycle pedals, a hydraulic motor driven by the pump unit, a conduit system creating a closed hydraulic system for circulating hydraulic fluid between the pump unit and the hydraulic motor, and a pressure regulator for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump unit to the hydraulic motor and thereby controlling the speed at which the bicycle is propelled. The pump unit has a first gear assembly having teeth with a face width w.sub.1 and a whole depth d.sub.1 and the hydraulic motor has a second gear assembly having teeth with a face width w.sub.2 and a whole depth d.sub.2. The teeth upon the respective gear assemblies mesh together to form inter-tooth pockets which facilitates hydraulic fluid transfer about the closed hydraulic system. The rotary motion relationship between the first and second gear assemblies of the present invention, as defined by their respective teeth, may vary from approximately 2.

Abstract: A device for transmitting power between mechanical movements which includes a fluid pump coupled to a first mechanical movement for pumping a fluid, a fluid motor coupled to a second mechanical movement and a manifold connecting the fluid pump and the fluid motor capable of conducting fluid output from the fluid pump to the fluid motor to drive the fluid motor and recirculate the fluid back to said fluid pump. Either the fluid pump and/or the fluid motor incorporates a conjugate drive motion translator. The power transmission is suitable for use on a bicycle replacing the typical gears and chain and preferably includes a shunt to permit the motor to override the pump, an apportionment valve to control the ratio of movement between a first and second mechanical movement, and a brake valve for stopping the second mechanical movement. Either the fluid pump and/or fluid motor may be of a variable output design incorporating a crankshaft of variable stroke, adjustable on-the-fly.

Abstract: A hydraulically controlled bicycle drive system for variably transferring rotational motive power from a rider to the chain of a bicycle. The bicycle comprises a chain drive, a plurality of hydraulic clamps, and a plurality of roller clamps; a rotatable disk driven by the pedals of the bicycle received in the hydraulic clamps and roller clamps; and a control mechanism controllable by the rider for applying a variable pressure to the hydraulic clamps.

Abstract: A device for transmitting power between mechanical movements which includes a fluid pump coupled to a first mechanical movement for pumping a fluid, a fluid motor coupled to a second mechanical movement and a manifold connecting the fluid pump and the fluid motor capable of conducting fluid output from the fluid pump to the fluid motor to drive the fluid motor and recirculate the fluid back to said fluid pump. Either the fluid pump and/or the fluid motor incorporates a conjugate drive motion translator. The power transmission is suitable for use on a bicycle replacing the typical gears and chain and preferably includes a shunt to permit the motor to override the pump, an apportionment valve to control the ratio of movement between a first and second mechanical movement, and a brake valve for stopping the second mechanical movement.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for bicycles and the like comprises a casing adapted for enclosing a hanger portion of the bicycle, planetary gear type speed up gears including a carrier integral with a crankshaft for increasing the number of rotations of the crankshaft, an eccentric cam assembly including an outer eccentric cam and an inner eccentric driven by a sun gear of the speed up gears and a variable displacement hydraulic pump having plungers driven by the cam assembly and provided at an input portion of the driving system, the speed up gears, the eccentric cam assembly and the variable displacement hydraulic pump being housed in the casing.

Abstract: An hydraulic drive mechanism for tricycles and the like comprises a variable volume, positive displacement hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor. The pump is dual chambered with each chamber operating a separate hydraulic system for separate drive wheels. Each chamber has three curved pivoting vanes around a central crankshaft. Each chamber also has two reservoirs which momentarily store hydraulic fluid. This temporary storage of fluid changes the volume output of the pump. Changes in pump volume output change drive ratios. The amount of fluid stored is controlled by the operator. Consequently, the drive mechanism changes drive ratios hydraulically. Also, the pivoting vanes in each chamber can be forced down by back pressure. This back pressure is generated by the hydraulic motor on each rear wheel. During cornering the outer radius wheel will rotate faster than the inner wheel and consequently will drive the hydraulic motor and generate back pressure and that pushes down the vanes.

Abstract: A pedal driven vehicle is provided wherein up and down movement of a pair of pedals is converted into rotary motion of a drive wheel to provide vehicle locomotion. A chain or belt connected at the ends thereof to the pedals is movable back and forth in opposite directions in response to the up and down movement of the pedals and a power transmission mechanism, driven by the chain or belt, converts the back and forth motion thereof into rotary motion used in providing rotation of the driven wheel.

Abstract: A bicycle or motocycle that can be driven either by compressed air or pressurized hydraulics in which either an electric motor operated from a battery source drives a pump or the rider manually provides pedal power for driving the pump in compressing either air or pressurizing hydraulic fluid that is fed through pipelines to a cylinder motor having a piston and rod mechanically connected to a series of clutches that are connected to a series of rectangular or square gears operatively arranged for rotating a series of worm screw gears to the reciprocation of the piston rod whereby the screw gears are connected to an output shaft having a gear operably connected to a second gear that is fixed to the drive axle of the two wheel vehicle for its rotation thereof.

Abstract: A drive device for a rotating part, in particular a vehicle axle, has at least one digital mechanical drive having an active wedge and associated drive devices which produce, structurally predetermined or optionally from different forms of energy, pulses which are direct-driving or, via energy buffer storage, proportional to path or angle. Such a drive device is useful in vehicles which are driven by human force or in stationary installations. It includes a mechanical pulse drive which, depending on the design, is driven optionally either by human force and/or pressure fluid. A pumping device (6) diverse a part of the drive energy for filling a ppressure accumulator. A control valve (19) and a working member permit pulse-wise connection of a force amplifier (18). This pulse drive of digital character represents a direct drive with human force in the form of mechanical pulses. It stores surplus energy which has been fed in, and then, as a force amplifier, makes it available as needed.

Abstract: An improvement in a pedal-operated polycycle including a hydraulic cylinder in fluid and pressure integral communication with piston means depending from such pedals. Further included is a hydraulic line in substantial co-alignment with the mainframe of the polycycle, an input of the hydraulic line being in communication with the hydraulic cylinder. Further provided is a rear wheel drive secured in rotational relationship with both an output of the hydraulic line and a tangent surface of the rear wheel of the polycycle. Upon reciprocation of a hydraulic piston, hydraulic amplification of the pressure of the pedaling action is transmitted through the hydraulic line to the rear wheel drive means thereby applying a rotational force to the tangent surface of the rear wheel causing the resultant rotation of the wheel and a consequential translational movement of the polycycle.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven bicycle frame with two axle members coupled to the bicycle frame and front and rear wheels mounted on such axles for rotation about the axis of the respective axle and a pair of pedals mounted on a pedal drive shaft coupled to the bicycle frame for rotation for applying manual power for operating the hydraulic system of the bicycle. The hydraulically driven bicycle has a hydraulic pump mechanism and a hydraulic drive mechanism. The hydraulic pump mechanism is operated by rotational movement of the pedal drive shaft. The hydraulic pump mechanism includes a pump housing having two sectional pump housing members that form a pump chamber between them. The two sectional pump housing members are capable of relative movement with respect to each other so that the pump chamber is capable of being varied in size for varying the flow of fluid through the pump mechanism.

Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle such as a bicycle includes a variable displacement fluid pump such as a radial plunger pump provided at a crankshaft of pedals and a fixed displacement fluid motor such as a gear motor at a rear wheel or a front wheel. The fluid pump and motor are connected through hydraulic passages. Plungers of the radial plunger pump are driven by a cam assembly whose eccentricity is adjustable by means of an eccentricity control means dependent upon the load acting upon the vehicle in a stepless manner, so that the speed of the vehicle can be changed in a stepless manner. Moreover, the vehicle includes automatic speed change means which automatically change the eccentricity of the eccentric cam assembly according to hydraulic pressure of the variable displacement fluid pump, so that the speed of the vehicle can be automatically changed.

Abstract: A bicycle drive means comprising a bicycle having a main frame and air passageway throughout a substantial portion of the main frame, an air intake means in fluid communication with the air passageway, an air compressor engaged with the front sprocket assembly of the bicycle and in fluid communication with the air passageway of the main frame for directing air flow into the main frame, a hollow rear frame member engaged with the main frame and the rear wheel of the bicycle for receiving the air flow from the main frame passageway and a turbine directly engaged with the rear axle of the bicycle and in fluid communication with the hollow rear frame member whereby driving forces imparted to the bicycle provide air flow from the air intake to the turbine.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system and a bicycle having such system as its drive train, the system including a pump, preferably a vane pump, operably connected to the bicycle pedal crank, the pump delivering pressurized fluid to a hydraulic motor operably connected to the wheel or mechanism to be driven, e.g., the bicycle drive wheel. The pump has an impeller eccentrically disposed in a housing, and a piston-cylinder mechanism is provided to change the eccentricity of the pump impeller with respect to the pump housing as a function of hydraulic system pressure, to thereby maintain a constant input force, e.g., pedal pressure, and rotation rate, for a wide range of speeds. The motor also has an impeller eccentrically disposed in a housing, and a spacer bar connected between the pump and motor housings automatically adjusts the motor impeller eccentricity with changes in the pump impeller eccentricity, thereby further maintaining constant pedal pressure and rotation rate for a wide range of speeds.

Abstract: This invention resides in a closed system, with permanently fixed end plates, which permits the pump-motor of the present invention to operate either as a combined pump-motor, or as a pump only, or solely as a motor. Rotators of this invention have parallel axes normal to the end plates which they intersect at fixed coordinates. That makes possible direct drive to or from a rotator shaft extension or the enclosing cylindrical rotator.In the device of this invention, the end-plates are non-rotary, but the cylindrical shell or housing always rotates. The plurality of rotators within the cylinder define a plurality of fluid pressure zones. Some of the rotators have a relatively smooth surface; the others have relatively gear-like surfaces. When the unit operates as a pump, a shaft extension of one of the rotators protrudes through one of the end plates and is coupled with an input power source such as the crank or pedals of a bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle employing a hydraulic multi-speed drive mechanism in which the speed at which the bicycle is driven is determined by the volume of fluid pumped to a hydraulic motor connected to the rear wheel of the bicycle. Provisions are included to permit the rear wheel to be removed from the bicycle frame when required for servicing without the necessity of interrupting the hydraulic circuit leading to the motor.

Abstract: The fluid-power converter of the present invention is a pump-motor having matched rollers and matched gears arranged to provide seals and displacement paths. The pump-motor includes a plurality of rotators in series-contact to define a plurality of fluid-pressure zones. At least one of the rotators has a smooth surface and at least another of the rotators has a gear-like surface. A smooth rotator and a gear-like rotator are in contact with each other to define therebetween a displacement path whereby fluid is transferred from one zone to another zone, and at least one pair of similar rotators are in contact with each other to provide therebetween (and between the pressure zones) a seal to insure fluid-flow in only one direction between the zones at a given moment. A pair of the converters, one operating as a pump and the other as a motor, provide the motive power with free-wheeling and coaster-brake features for small vehicles such as bicycles, wheelchairs, and golf carts.

Abstract: A bicycle that is powered by a hydraulic motor operatively associated with the rear wheel of the vehicle, with the actuation being by fluid under pressure delivered to the motor by a first rotary pump actuated by the feet of the rider, and a second pump that is energized by reciprocal up and down movement of the handle bars of the vehicle. The first and second pumps may be operated either independently or jointly. The bicycle includes a reservoir for hydraulic fluid and an accumulator for hydraulic fluid that is maintained in a pressurized condition therein. A manually operated, multiposition valve mounted on the vehicle permits the rider to control the flow of the hydraulic fluid. When the valve is in a first position and either the first or second pump actuated, hydraulic fluid is drawn from the reservoir, discharged through the motor to rotate the rear wheel of the vehicle, and the fluid thereafter discharged back to the reservoir.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven, two-wheeled pedicab constructed with an enclosed cockpit for inclined positioning of a solo rider. The pedicab includes a reciprocating piston pump hydraulically connected to a hydraulic, rotary motor for powering at least one of the wheels, and, a power reserve having a rotary converter for selectively converting hydraulic fluid energy into a stored, compressed gas potential energy, the stored energy being selectively cycled into fluid energy when desired for assisting in the propulsion of the pedicab.

Abstract: A three wheeled amphibian vehicle operated by pedal power and including an air blower coupled to a disk turbine. The turbine is a flat circular rotatable structure having blade cavities on both upper and lower faces. Twin nozzles, connected to the blower, direct air streams toward the blades and form a coupling means which can be controlled to provide a variable speed ratio between the pedals and the driving wheel, thereby acting as a gear box including Drive, Neutral and Reverse. A spring coupled by a clutch mechanism to the driving shaft may be used to store energy while coasting down hill and then deliver the stored energy to the shaft when climbing up hill. Retractable pontoons are provided for traveling on water.