Abstract: A self-propelled trailer may be attached to a bicycle. The speed of the trailer is adjusted based on a signal from a force gauge which indicates whether the bicycle is pulling the trailer or the trailer is pushing the bicycle. In the former situation, the force gauge indicates a tensile load, and in the latter situation, the force gauge indicates a compressive load. Based on the feedback from the force gauge, the speed of the motor attached to the self-propelled trailer is adjusted so that the trailer and bicycle are moving at the same speed or the bicycle is pulling the trailer.

Abstract: A bicycle may tow a trailer for the purposes of carrying a heavy or large object across great distances. A motor may be mounted to the trailer which drives a rear wheel of the bicycle. To this end, a transmission is added to the rear hub of the bicycle which is mechanically coupled to the output shaft of the motor. When the trailer is detached or not used in conjunction with the bicycle, the rider does not have to carry the weight of the motor. Also, this setup provides a stable configuration since the bicycle is pulling the trailer.

Abstract: Adapter rings for attaching automotive clutch assemblies to different types of flywheels are disclosed. A single adapter ring may be installed on different types of stock or aftermarket flywheels. In one embodiment, a multiple-disc clutch assembly may be mounted onto the adapter ring. The multiple-disc clutch unit may fit inside a stock bellhousing to enable the user to utilize the stock clutch release mechanism and simultaneously increase the holding power capability while maintaining light pedal effort. Aftermarket replacement OEM clutch units including the adapter ring may be used with higher horsepower engines in automotive vehicles with manual transmissions.

Abstract: The bicycle may have a frame and a seat post. A cross section of the seat post may have an airfoil shape wherein a leading surface is sharper (i.e. less round) compared to prior art airfoil shaped bicycle frames. Additionally, a maximum thickness of the airfoil shape may be located more rearward compared to prior art airfoil shaped bicycle frames and bicycle front forks. This configuration may provide for a reduction in drag. A battery pack may be mounted to a rear side of the seat post.

Abstract: A closed loop fluid cooling system for marine motors is described. The system includes a motor cooling circuit in fluidic communication with fluid cooling jackets about a motor. The system includes a heat dissipation circuit. The motor cooling circuit is in closed fluidic communication with the heat dissipation circuit. A cooling fluid variably circulates between the motor cooling circuit and the heat dissipation circuit. A heat dissipation member is in fluidic communication with the heat dissipation circuit to receive the circulating cooling fluid, and the heat dissipation member is submerged in the body of water in which the boat is traveling to transfer heat from the cooling fluid to the body of water. A temperature control valve is in fluidic communication with the motor cooling circuit and the heat dissipation circuit.

Abstract: An aerodynamic braking system is disclosed herein. In particular, the brake arms may define an aerodynamic leading portion or edge and may be integrated into the legs of the front fork. Also, the brake arms may be disposed behind the bottom bracket shell to take the rear brake out of the air flow path and reduce aerodynamic drag. The rear brake arms are tapered so that the brake arms remain sufficient stiff to provide sufficient brake response times. The rear brake arms may be matched to recesses formed on an underside of chain stays.

Abstract: A bicycle may tow a trailer for the purposes of carrying a heavy or large object across great distances. A motor may be mounted to the trailer which drives a rear wheel of the bicycle. To this end, a transmission is added to the rear hub of the bicycle which is mechanically coupled to the output shaft of the motor. When the trailer is detached or not used in conjunction with the bicycle, the rider does not have to carry the weight of the motor. Also, this setup provides a stable configuration since the bicycle is pulling the trailer.

Abstract: A bicycle front end assembly is provided which is configured to reduce aerodynamic drag. In particular, an axis shaft of a fork may be mounted to a head tube of a bicycle frame. A fork head may be disposed in front of the head tube for providing a front end assembly which is aerodynamically configured while providing an increased moment of inertia compared with traditional designs to reduce drag of the bicycle and increase steering stiffness. Also, the handlebar may be attached to the fork head such that when the bicycle is steered to the left, the fork head is rotated toward the left and when the bicycle is steered to the right, the fork head is rotated toward the right. In this manner, the fork head is alignable to the travel direction of the bicycle.

Abstract: The bicycle may have a frame and a front fork. A cross section of the frame or the front fork may have an airfoil shape wherein a leading surface is sharper (i.e. less round) compared to prior art airfoil shaped bicycle front forks and bicycle frames. Additionally, a maximum thickness of the airfoil shape may be located more rearward compared to prior art airfoil shaped bicycle frames and bicycle front forks. This configuration provides for a reduction in drag for headwind speeds of about twenty (20) to thirty (30) miles per hour and headwind angles of plus or minus fifteen (15) degrees.

Abstract: A bicycle front end assembly is provided which is configured to reduce aerodynamic drag. In particular, an axis shaft of a fork may be mounted to a head tube of a bicycle frame. A fork head may be disposed in front of the head tube for providing a front end assembly which is aerodynamically configured while providing an increased moment of inertia compared with traditional designs to reduce drag of the bicycle and increase steering stiffness. Also, the handlebar may be attached to the fork head such that when the bicycle is steered to the left, the fork head is rotated toward the left and when the bicycle is steered to the right, the fork head is rotated toward the right. In this manner, the fork head is alignable to the travel direction of the bicycle.

Abstract: An aerodynamic racing bicycle is provided. The racing bicycle may have a rear rim brake positioned below a drive portion of a chain and above a chain stay for reducing the aerodynamic drag on the bicycle.

Abstract: The bicycle may have a frame and a seat post. A cross section of the seat post may have an airfoil shape wherein a leading surface is sharper (i.e. less round) compared to prior art airfoil shaped bicycle frames. Additionally, a maximum thickness of the airfoil shape may be located more rearward compared to prior art airfoil shaped bicycle frames and bicycle front forks. This configuration may provide for a reduction in drag. A battery pack may be mounted to a rear side of the seat post.

Abstract: An aerodynamic brake booster stiffening plate is provided which attaches to pivot posts of a center pull brake system. The aerodynamic brake booster stiffening plate mitigates outward bending of the posts upon actuation of the brake to allow for faster brake response times. Additionally, a front surface of the aerodynamic stiffening plate may be aerodynamically shaped and blended with the fork or frame of the bicycle to encourage a laminar flow of air past the brake.

Abstract: An aerodynamic racing bicycle is provided. The racing bicycle may have a rear rim brake positioned below a drive portion of a chain and above a chain stay for reducing the aerodynamic drag on the bicycle.

Abstract: A bottom bracket assembly for a bicycle is provided. The bottom bracket assembly may comprise a left bearing, bottom bracket shell and a right bearing. The bottom bracket shell may be threadless and have beveled surfaces for mounting the left and right bearings onto the bottom bracket assembly. A spindle is inserted through the bottom bracket shell. Thereafter, the left and right bearings are preloaded to align the central axis of the spindle to the crankarm rotating axis such that the spindle or left and right crankarms do not wobble and yet do not bind when rotated.

Abstract: A bicycle front end assembly is provided which is configured to reduce aerodynamic drag. In particular, an axis shaft of a fork may be mounted to a head tube of a bicycle frame. A fork head may be disposed in front of the head tube for providing a front end assembly which is aerodynamically configured while providing an increased moment of inertia compared with traditional designs to reduce drag of the bicycle and increase steering stiffness. Also, the handlebar may be attached to the fork head such that when the bicycle is steered to the left, the fork head is rotated toward the left and when the bicycle is steered to the right, the fork head is rotated toward the right. In this manner, the fork head is alignable to the travel direction of the bicycle.