Abstract: This invention provides a reciprocating linear prime mover, comprising a first roller, disposed on a first driving axis along with a second axis; a second roller, disposed on a second driving axis along with the second axis; a closed first linear driving element winded on and between the first roller and the second roller, comprising a first linear part and a second linear part between the first roller and the second roller, wherein the second linear part is above the first linear part along a (+) third axis; a first part disposed between the first roller and the second roller, wherein the first part is reciprocatingly moved along with the first axis, and the first part comprises a first one-way clutch nearby the inner side of the first linear part and contacting therewith, and a second one-way clutch nearby the inner side of the second linear part and contacting therewith.

Abstract: A linear powered input device that utilizes linear input from a user and converts the linear input to rotational energy to perform work. The linear input is generated by lever arms having a slotted attachment at a pivot point that allows a free end of the lever arms to move linearly rather than in an arcuate path. The lever arms are connected to a power transmission mechanism that wraps around one or more drive wheels having one-way bearings mounted on one or more output shafts. The output shafts can be connected to any type of auxiliary device to perform the desired work. Output wheels may be mounted on the output shafts and operatively connected by a transmission link that allows linear motion of any lever arm in any allowable direction to cause the output shaft to rotate in the same rotational direction so as to receive continuous input and/or generate continuous output.

Abstract: A pedaled vehicle includes a frame having a crank for receiving a power input from a rider, a wheel rotatably coupled to the frame, and a drive system. The drive system includes a first sprocket operatively coupled to the crank, a second sprocket operatively coupled to the wheel, and a power transmitting element operatively coupled to the first and second sprockets for transmitting the power input from the rider at the crank to the wheel for moving the pedaled vehicle. The power transmitting element forms a closed-loop configuration and is arranged relative to the frame such that the power transmitting element is configured to be assembled to the vehicle or replaced on the vehicle without having to break the closed-loop configuration of the power transmitting element.

Abstract: A multi-rider or occupant human powered vehicle permits at least one rider or occupant to contribute to powering the vehicle while being seated in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the vehicle. By way of example, tandem bicycles are provided accommodating rearward-facing aft cyclists or rearward-facing fore cyclists. Other vehicles, such as tricycles, four-wheeled carts, and human powered watercraft, such as paddle boats, are also contemplated by the present invention. In one embodiment, a tandem bicycle with a rearward-facing occupant contributing to powering the vehicle via a single drive chain, belt, or shaft is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a manpower driven device being able to do particular bi-directional pedaling to provide constant directional output for driving the loading wheel train, wherein its pedaling direction is selected by the rider according to his/her operating statuses of the muscles and joints, or the same directional outputs of different speed ratios is made further through the different driving directional inputs.

Abstract: A drive system for a bicycle includes first and second drive sprockets, with respective one-way clutches. The drive sprockets are mounted on opposite ends of the bike's drive shaft. First and second idler pulleys are mounted on an upper pulley shaft. The upper pulley shaft mounts on the bike's frame above the rotary drive shaft and at a right angle thereto. A chain is mounted on the drive sprockets and the idler pulleys. A first pedal is attached to the chain between the first drive sprocket and the first idler pulley. A second pedal is attached to the chain between the second linear drive sprocket and the first linear driven idler pulley. First and second linear chain guides are mounted on opposite sides of the frame and disposed next to the chain for guiding portions of the chain and the pedals as they are moved up and down on the bicycle.

Abstract: A multi-mode tandem bicycle includes a frame, a steering wheel, a directional wheel, a first pedaling member, a second pedaling member, a first seat, a second seat, a first transmission unit, and a second transmission unit. By pivoting at least one of the first seat and the second seat on the frame, direction of the first seat or the second seat can be changed and fixed on the aforementioned frame, and at least one of the first seat and the second seat is pointed toward and connected with the steering wheel, thereby resulting in a variety of riding modes.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a manpower driven device being able to do particular bidirectional pedaling to provide constant directional output for driving the loading wheel train, wherein its pedaling direction is selected by the rider according to his/her operating statuses of the muscles and joints, or the same directional outputs of different speed ratios is made further through the different driving directional inputs.

Abstract: A seated user-propelled vehicle (500) can be propelled using levers (1000) acting on the rear side wheels (595). The levers are disposed between the wheels and the sides (530, 532) of the vehicle and can be moved together, separately or in turn. The levers have curved drive ends (113), the faces of which include a length of roller chain (127) to mesh with freewheels (555) on the hubs of the wheel axles (560) and are held in sufficient co-operation against the freewheels due to tensioning. The levers can be raised through approximately 90° in each drive stroke. Smooth and effective propulsion is obtained. Other uses of the drive levers are disclosed, including a go-kart, power generator, watercraft and personal exercise machine.

Abstract: A multi-mode tandem bicycle includes a frame, a steering wheel, a directional wheel, a first pedaling member, a second pedaling member, a first seat, a second seat, a first transmission unit, and a second transmission unit. By pivoting at least one of the first seat and the second seat on the frame, direction of the first seat or the second seat can be changed and fixed on the aforementioned frame, and at least one of the first seat and the second seat is pointed toward and connected with the steering wheel, thereby resulting in a variety of riding modes.

Abstract: Manually powered propulsion apparatus includes two pedals mounted on an endless flexible member. Depression of either pedal will cause the other to move to a raised or retracted position. Two crank members are connected to the drive wheel of the cycle incorporating the propulsion apparatus and two additional endless flexible members are connected to the crank members. A one-way clutch mechanism interconnecting the pedals and the two flexible members connected to the crank members will cause rotation of the crank members when a pedal is depressed.

Abstract: A main landing gear system which employs Ackermann type steering utilizing kingpins and tierods wherein a plurality of paired wheels are employed and wherein each truck axle is adapted for independent steering. Electronic control means along with hydraulic directional valve means are utilized. A main landing gear having single wheel or king pin steering. Pivot pin tilting is utilized in truck type main landing gear, e.g. where a truck axle is adapted for independent steering or where single wheel or king pin steering is utilized.

Abstract: An element (14) of a swivelling aircraft landing gear, such as an element of the swivelling, rear or tail gear of a wide-body aircraft, equipped with a swivelling, front or nose gear and a non-swivelling, underwing gear, has a swivelling truck (16) carrying a swivelling, front axle (20) and a swivelling, rear axle (22). The orientation of each of these axles is respectively ensured by two linkages (44-49), which are independent of one another and connected to a non-rotary, fixed support (30) carrying the truck (16), in such a way that the axes (Y1, Y2) of the front (20) and rear (22) axles and the axis of the truck (16) intersect at the instantaneous rotation center of the aircraft.

Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame having front and rear sections. The frame includes a pair of guides that are disposed in a parallel relationship and carry a portion of the load generated by a seated rider. The guides define therebetween a pedal drive path that extends parallel to the guides. A rear wheel is rotatably mounted to the frame adjacent the rear section. An elongate flexible connector forms a loop. A seat is mounted to the frame for support of a rider. A drive mechanism is connected to the frame and includes a pair of pedals that are operably attached to the rear wheel by the flexible connector for powered rotation of the rear wheel. The pedals are slidably supported and guided between the guides for motion along the pedal drive path between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of power transmission, and more specially, to a torque responsive belt tensioner for a friction belt. Because of recent concerns for the ecology of our planet there has been a resurgence of interest in human powered vehicles (HPV). This category incudes two, three and four-wheeled vehicles. The invention answers the need-for a power transmitting apparatus that will:a) provide forward motion,b) provide a coasting mode,c) provide a braking action,d) provide a reverse.The belt drive tensioner of this invention is lightweight and simple. It includes a rigid backing plate and idler carrier positioned on a drive shaft adjacent to a drive pulley. Two belt engaging members, rollers, or perpendicular columns or projections of sufficient height to contact the exterior surface of the drive belt are carried by the rigid backing plate.

Abstract: A bicycle having pivotally mounted steps on alternate sides receives a rider straddling the bicycle frame while standing upon the steps. The rider shifts weight from side to side alternately driving each of the steps downward while the other step moves upward. A belt drive is attached to each step and through a pulley arrangement rotates a pair of drive pulleys on a rear axle to engage and alternately disengage the rear axle or the rear wheel for driving in a forward direction upon each down stroke.

Abstract: A device for disposing toe clips on bicycle pedals in upright positions when the toe clips are not engaged by the cyclist's shoes comprises a pivot member suspended from the crossbar of the frame of the bicycle centrally above the sprocket wheel connected to the bicycle pedals, a pulley mechanism swivelly connected to the pivot member, and an elastic line which is carried by the pulley mechanism and which has ends detachably connected to the tops of the toe clips at the open ends of the toe clips. The pulley mechanism pivots about the pivot member in response to the movements of the toe clips to substantially prevent the elastic line from becoming entangled with the bicycle or with the user and also anchors the elastic line which urges the toe clips in upright operative positions so that the user can quickly and conveniently put his/her shoes in the toe clips.

Abstract: An exercise cycle is propelled by a stair-stepping action of the driver's legs, with the feet placed on a pair of front-hinged footboards located along opposite sides of the vehicle. A novel cable and chain drive system delivers driving torque to the rear wheel assembly to propel the vehicle forward in response to the driver's weight being applied via the legs and feet to depress the footboards alternately: the driving mechanism is located in a lower forward portion of the cycle so as to keep the mechanism below the rear wheel height and thus provide a low profile.

Abstract: A pivoting drive system for the application of rectilinear drive force, wherein the rectilinear force is converted to a rotational force. The apparatus employs a frame on which are mounted pedals for rectilinear motion. The pedals are linked with a cable linkage and when moved along rectilinear paths cause the cable linkage to move. The cable linkage is wrapped several times around dual wrap spools which turn as the cable linkage is moved. A unidirectional clutching mechanism incorporated with the wrap spools causes a pivot axis to rotate unidirectionally on rotation of the wrap spools. The pivot axis may be connected with a sprocket and drive chain assembly to provide propulsion force, for example, to a bicycle wheel.

Abstract: A drive system for the application of rectilinear drive force, wherein the rectilinear force is converted to a rotational force. The apparatus employs power blocks which are slidably mounted upon opposing parallel rectilinear motion guides. The power blocks are connected together and are disposed at opposite ends of the apparatus. Connected to each of the power blocks is a power transference chain which rotates an idler sprocket and a power sprocket when force is applied to the power blocks. The idler sprocket rotates in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, while the power sprocket coupled thereto applies force in solely a clockwise direction and is disengaged from its mounting axle by a unidirectional clutch when rotated in a counter-clockwise direction. The power sprocket applies a force to the drive resistance point, which in the case of a bicycle comprises the rear wheel thereof.

Abstract: An arm and leg powered cycle using a linear reciprocating motion of arm and leg drive members to provide power. An elongated bicycle chassis has a forward and a rear wheel, a seat with a back rest for the operator, and lower and central support members. The arm drive member includes a rotatably mounted housing in which a plunger linearly reciprocates when an operator "rows" the plunger, using handlebars attached thereto. Pulling on the arm plunger tightens a cable attached at one end to the plunger and at the other end to a chain engaging sprocket, the sprocket being constrained to rotation in one direction by a one-way dog. The chain engaging sprocket engages a drive chain on the pulling or "drive" stroke, thereby pulling the chain through the stroke. This motion is transferred to drive the rear wheel through a series of gears and a transmission chain. Pushing on the leg drive member creates a drive stroke of the same type, also providing power to the drive chain.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel drive has a pair of pedals arranged for reciprocal motion at a slight angle from vertical beneath and forwardly of the seat of a bicycle. Sprockets on the bicycle at the opposite ends of the paths of the reciprocable pedals receive bicycle chains, at least one of which is also engaged on a sprocket on a wheel of the bicycle to be driven. Carriages movable in the reciprocable path of the pedals mount the pedals and one-way ratchets incorporating sprockets mounted on the carriages engage the bicycle chains so that alternate up and down movement of the pedals by a bicycle rider imparts a continuous rotary motion to the sprocket on the driven wheel of the bicycle. A flexible cable interconnects the carriages carrying the pedals and is trained over an idler pulley near the upper end of the reciprocal path of the pedals so that downward motion of one of the pedals imparts upward motion to the other pedal.

Abstract: A drive system for providing propulsion forces having predetermined characteristics for a bicycle or the like having a rear wheel manually operable by application of rider generated input forces through pedals mounted on crank arms operatively connected to a crank shaft with cam means operable by the crank shaft and the crank arms, the cam means being designed to variously modify the available input and/or effective output force characteristics in accordance with predetermined desired characteristics and being operatively connected to and driving an oscillator means with bike speed change means associated therewith to provide a substantially infinitely variable selectable range of bike speeds, and rear wheel driving means operatively connected to and driven by the oscillator means and operatively connected to and driving the rear wheel of the bike with bike speed ratio changing means associated therewith to provide for selective multiplication of the ratio of application of available bike speeds in the substa

Abstract: A chain seizing device responds to reverse movement of the driving chain to declutch the wheel hub from the multiple drive sprocket and apply the coaster brake to the wheel hub. Forward rotation of the sprocket moves a clutch member axially in one direction to release the brake and engage the clutch. Reverse rotation of the sprocket shifts the clutch member in the opposite direction to disengage the clutch and apply the brake. The sprocket is reversed by an arm on the chain seizing device acting through a pawl engagable with the sprocket.