Patents Assigned to Gyro-Precession Stability Systems, LLC
  • Patent number: 7597337
    Abstract: This invention provides a stabilizing system and method for two-wheeled vehicles (typically small, human-powered bicycles) that affords the rider no restriction on the full range of movements (banks, leans, etc.) common to bicycles, but that provides greater stability during turns and other maneuvers so that an unintentional bank or tilt (potentially causing a fall) is less likely, even at relatively slow speeds and startup. A rotating mass of predetermined mass-value and radial mass-distribution is provided coaxially with the front axle. The mass is supported on bearings so as to freewheel with respect to the rotation of the front wheel. As such it can be induced to spin significantly faster than the front wheel thereby generating a gyroscopic effect at the front wheel about the axle. This gyroscopic effect influences the steering of the wheel by the rider. Due to precession, the wheel tends to follow any excessive bank by the bicycle, ensuring that the rider can “steer-out-of” an unintended tilt or bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Gyro-Precession Stability Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Hannah Murnen, Augusta Niles, Nathan Sigworth, Deborah Sperling
  • Publication number: 20080100031
    Abstract: This invention provides a stabilizing system and method for two-wheeled vehicles (typically small, human-powered bicycles) that affords the rider no restriction on the full range of movements (banks, leans, etc.) common to bicycles, but that provides greater stability during turns and other maneuvers so that an unintentional bank or tilt (potentially causing a fall) is less likely, even at relatively slow speeds and startup. A rotating mass of predetermined mass-value and radial mass-distribution is provided coaxially with the front axle. The mass is supported on bearings so as to freewheel with respect to the rotation of the front wheel. As such it can be induced to spin significantly faster than the front wheel thereby generating a gyroscopic effect at the front wheel about the axle. This gyroscopic effect influences the steering of the wheel by the rider. Due to precession, the wheel tends to follow any excessive bank by the bicycle, ensuring that the rider can “steer-out-of” an unintended tilt or bank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: GYRO-PRECESSION STABILITY SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Hannah Murnen, Augusta Niles, Nathan Sigworth, Deborah Sperling