Abstract: A multi-speed system configured to increase the speed or decrease the pedaling effort of a lever propelled bicycle. The multi-speed system is composed of a manual control device 70, mounted on the frame close to the rider's hand placement on the handle bars, and other connected components configured to change wheel rotation per pedal. It has the ability to transfer manual force to the transmission means to change propulsion speed and effort. Depressing a control lever 2 down will allow the rider to increase in speed and lifting the control lever 2 up would allow the rider to decrease pedaling effort.

Abstract: A treading type vehicle driving device includes a substrate, a first transmission assembly, a second transmission assembly, a treadle structure, a gear assembly and a position limiting plate. The straight-cut gear A can move reciprocally along the trenches of the slant-cut gears C1 and C2 so as to drive the straight-cut gear A to engage with the straight-cut gear B2 of the first transmission assembly (treading forwards), or to engage with the straight-cut gear D of the second transmission assembly 2A (treading backwards). When the pedal is treaded forwards and backwards, the vehicle moves forwards rapidly with less power. The straight-cut gear A will separate from the engagement of the straight-cut gear B2 or straight-cut gear D of transmission assembly since the teeth trench of the slant-cut gears moves on the slant-cut fan gear(forwards is C1 and backwards is C2); thereby, wheels rotate continuously.

Abstract: The apparatus converts reciprocating motion of a rowing type exercise into single direction rotational motion of a shaft in a predetermined direction. A reciprocable arm of a rowing type exercise is pivotally mounted to a frame. A shaft, set for rotation in the frame has first and second one way clutches. First and second racks are mounted with respect to the reciprocable arm and engage one or the other of the one way clutches for driving the shaft in a predetermined direction of rotation as the arms are reciprocated. One or the other clutches freewheels against its respective rack when one of the racks is moved in to drive the shaft and thereby retains the driving rack in engagement with its respective one way clutch.

Abstract: A cycle that uses both arm and foot motions to drive it. Unlike other designs that connect the hand and foot movements to a single crank mechanism, the instant design uses two sets of gears that are stacked. Four straight toothed racks are positioned between the drive gears. The toothed racks are connected to the hand and foot levers so that as the levers are manipulated, the racks are moved back and forth. This reciprocating motion turns the gears, transferring energy to the main drive gear, which turns the wheels. The drive gears are paired so that one set is always providing power from each operating lever. The operating levers are designed to alternate--i.e., left hand forward left foot back at the same time as the right hand is back and the right foot is forward. Thus, with each stroke, power is transmitted to the wheels.

Abstract: The apparatus converts reciprocating motion of a rowing type exercise into single direction rotational motion of a shaft in a predetermined direction. A reciprocable arm of a rowing type exercise is pivotally mounted to a frame. A shaft, set for rotation in the frame has first and second one way clutches. First and second racks are mounted with respect to the reciprocable arm and engage one or the other of the one way clutches for driving the shaft in a predetermined direction of rotation as the arms are reciprocated. One or the other clutches freewheels against its respective rack when one of the racks is moved in to drive the shaft and thereby retains the driving rack in engagement with its respective one way clutch.

Abstract: A rotary tool, such as a screwdriver, in which a grip is grasped and released, so that the output shaft is rotated in the same direction during both actions comprises a motion converting mechanism wherein two sets of one-way clutch mechanisms are added to a mechanism for converting a rectilinear reciprocating motion into a rotary motion through a rack gear and pinion combination. The two sets of one-way clutch mechanisms include one that engages during the reverse movement of the rack gear, both of which rotate an output shaft in the same direction when they engage. With this arrangement, the motion converting mechanism according to the present invention rotates the output shaft in the same direction during both forward and reverse movements of the rack gear, thereby improving efficiency in converting the reciprocating motion into the rotary motion.

Abstract: A motion converting mechanism wherein two sets of one-way clutch mechanisms are added to a mechanism for converting a rectilinear reciprocating motion into a rotary motion through a rack and pinion combination. The two sets of one-way clutch mechanisms include one that engages during the forward movement of the rack and the other that engages during the reverse movement of the rack, both of which rotate an output shaft in the same direction when they engage. With this arrangement, the motion converting mechanism according to the present invention can rotate the output shaft in the same direction during both forward and reverse movements of the rack, thereby improving efficiency in converting the reciprocating motion into the rotary motion as compared with the conventional one. Thus, various rotary tools utilizing this motion converting mechanism can be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wheelchair having a pair of levers along its opposite sides connected with sprockets on drive wheels. In one form, each lever is connected to its sprocket by a rack. The drive wheels have a clutch enabling the power stroke of the lever to drive the wheels through the rack-and-pinion engagement, yet permitting the sprocket to rotate in the reverse direction freely upon the return stroke of the lever. The rack includes an arcuate extent void of teeth to enable disengagement of the drive connection between the lever and sprocket whereby the wheels may move freely in either direction. In another form, a chain interconnects the lever and a return spring connected to the wheelchair frame. The chain has an extent void of pins to enable disengagement of the drive connection between the lever and sprocket, whereby the sprocket and, hence, drive wheel are free to rotate in either direction. A speed change mechanism is employed to vary the torque applied to the sprocket by the lever.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reciprocating engine which has an improved reciprocating double ended piston which substantially reduces the size and weight of piston components. The double ended piston comprises a center portion between the two end portions. The center portion having at least one pair of racks located along the longitudinal axis either on the outside surface of a pair of flat surfaces or on opposed inside surfaces along a slot cut into the center portion. At least one crankless drive shaft having a gear or pair of gears mateable with the racks so that the crankless drive shaft (s) are continuously rotated.

Abstract: Device for transforming the alternating motion of a piston into a circular motion of a shaft with the possibility of predetermining the stop time of the piston at each of the two dead centers. It is comprised of an assembly of two pistons connected by two racks alternatingly in mesh with a toothed sector keyed on the shaft. On either side of said sector there is provided a cam of which the groove takes charge of the pistons, through rollers at the two dead centers.

Abstract: The conventional crank between the power piston and the crank shaft in a reciprocating engine is replaced by a fixed length moment arm during the power stroke and a scotch yoke during the return stroke.The motion of a power piston is converted to rotary motion at an output power shaft through the fixed length moment arm. The moment arm is the radius of a sector gear which is non-rotatably secured to the output shaft. The piston rod is modified to include a rack gear and a slot. The slot and the output shaft form the scotch yoke.The sector gear engages the rack only during the down stroke of the piston. The sector gear disengages just before the down stroke is completed. The piston is then timely returned to the precise position of its next stroke through the scotch yoke.The fixed length moment arm acts as a lever through the entire stroke of the pistion which reduces combustion pressure and temperature. The reduced combustion pressure permits a smaller combustion charge which saves fuel.

Abstract: Power generating apparatus comprising a float mounted on a support which is pivotally mounted to a base the support being secured to a beam extending rearwardly of the base to a vertically extending elongated structure carrying a pair of vertically moveable gear racks in guideways. Each rack is engaged by a gear wheel driven by movement of the racks and one-way drive means connects each gear wheel to an output shaft. Driving weights are secured to each rack to drive the racks in opposite directions under the action of gravity forces acting on the weights, the driving motion causing the output shaft to rotate in a given direction. The free end of the beam is connected to a cross-arm vertically moveable on a guide on the elongate structure, the cross-arm having motion transmitting means to raise each of the weights during vertical movement of the cross-arm resulting from movement of the float.