Patents Assigned to SRAM, LLC
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Publication number: 20250115328Abstract: A torque sensor includes a contact sensor and a contactless sensor. An electric drive system for a bicycle includes an electric motor having a rotor rotatable about an axis. An output component is coupled to the electric motor and is rotatable about an axis. An input component is rotatable about the axis and is concentric with the output component and the rotor. A one-way clutch is disposed between the input component and output component. The contact sensor is coupled to the output component. The contact sensor is configured to measure a torque applied to the output component by the input component and provide an input signal. The contactless sensor is disposed between the output component and a fixed component.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2023Publication date: April 10, 2025Applicant: SRAM, LLCInventor: SAGE HAHN
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Publication number: 20250115323Abstract: Height adjustable seat posts for bicycles are described herein. An example height adjustable seat post includes an upper tube and a lower tube configured in a telescopic arrangement. The height adjustable seat post also includes a shaft coupled to the lower tube and extending into the upper tube a piston assembly coupled to the shaft and disposed in the upper tube. The piston assembly includes a piston dividing the upper tube into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first and second chambers are filled with fluid. The piston assembly includes a valve operable between a closed state in which the fluid is blocked from flowing between the first and second chambers and an open state to enable the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers. The height adjustable seat post also includes a solenoid to control the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2024Publication date: April 10, 2025Applicant: SRAM, LLCInventors: RAFER CHAMBERS, CHRISTOPHER ERIC GOLKIEWICZ, CHI HUI SU, DONALD FREDERICK COFFMAN, ALEX KYLE MCGEE, CHARLES DUNLAP
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Patent number: 12269552Abstract: This disclosure discloses various brackets with various mounting interfaces for engaging (e.g., mechanically) with various surfaces that are correspondingly configured. For example, one of such brackets can clamp onto a bar (e.g., a handlebar of a vehicle) and then an electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a dedicated navigational unit) can removably secure (e.g., mate) to that bracket. This form of removable securing can be via that bracket having a latch configured to engage a detent of the electronic device (or vice versa) in order to linearly mount the electronic device onto the bracket (or vice versa) and disengage the detent in order rotationally unmount the electronic device from the bracket (or vice versa).Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2022Date of Patent: April 8, 2025Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Laurence John Wattrus, Evan Charles Huggins, Robert David Martinez, Zakery Allen Koster, Paul Thomas Reamey
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Patent number: 12269547Abstract: A seat post assembly includes a first tube moveable along an axis between a first position and a second position and a second tube telescopically moveable along the axis relative to the first tube between a retracted position and an extended position. A positioning assembly configured to adjustably position the second tube relative to the first tube. An electric actuator is adapted to be automatically electrically connected to a power source when the first tube is moved from the first position to the second position, and automatically electrically disconnected from the power source when the first tube is moved from the second position to the first position. The electric actuator is movable to actuate the positioning assembly in response to an electrical current adapted to be transmitted from the power source when the first tube is in the first position to adjustably position the second tube relative to the first tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2022Date of Patent: April 8, 2025Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Brian Jordan, Charles Dunlap, Sage Hahn
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Publication number: 20250108883Abstract: An electronic component for an electric bicycle is provided. The electric bicycle includes a transmission. The electronic component includes a processor configured to identify an operating condition of the electric bicycle, determine transmission losses of the transmission of the electric bicycle based on the identified operating condition, and control an assist motor of the electric bicycle based on the determined transmission losses.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2024Publication date: April 3, 2025Applicant: SRAM, LLCInventor: BRIAN JORDAN
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Publication number: 20250108882Abstract: An electronic component for an electric bicycle is provided. The electric bicycle includes a transmission. The electronic component includes a processor configured to identify an operating condition of the electric bicycle, determine transmission losses of the transmission of the electric bicycle based on the identified operating condition, and control an assist motor of the electric bicycle based on the determined transmission losses.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2023Publication date: April 3, 2025Applicant: SRAM, LLCInventor: BRIAN JORDAN
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Patent number: 12263911Abstract: A bicycle with an electric pedal assist motor capable of driving a chainring independent of cranks includes wheel speed sensors and crank cadence sensors. The wheel speed sensors and the crank cadence sensors measure wheel speed and crank cadence, respectively, and provide the measured wheel speed and crank cadence to controller of the bicycle. The controller activates motor overdrive based on the measured wheel speed and/or the measured crank cadence.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2022Date of Patent: April 1, 2025Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Sage Hahn, Brian Jordan, Kevin Wesling
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Publication number: 20250100639Abstract: Height adjustable seat posts for bicycles are described herein. An example height adjustable seat post includes an upper tube and a lower tube configured in a telescopic arrangement. The height adjustable seat post includes a piston assembly in the upper tube that divides the upper tube into a first chamber and a second chamber. The piston assembly includes a valve to control fluid flow between the first and second chambers. The height adjustable seat post also includes an actuator to operate the valve. The height adjustable seat post further includes a connector assembly connected to the lower tube. The connector assembly is to be connected to a mating connector assembly on the bicycle. The connector assembly includes a magnetic connector including a housing having an end surface with an opening, first and second electrical contacts in the opening, and a magnet disposed in the housing and spaced from the end surface of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2023Publication date: March 27, 2025Applicant: SRAM, LLCInventors: CHRISTOPHER SHIPMAN, SAGE HAHN, BRIAN JORDAN
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Publication number: 20250100648Abstract: A bicycle wheel hub includes a driver rotatable about an axis at a first rotational speed, wherein the driver includes a mating feature configured to engage a cassette. A shell is rotatable about the axis at a second rotational speed. A non-adjustable gear train is coupled between the driver and the shell, wherein the gear train defines a single fixed gear ratio greater than 1:1 between the driver and the shell. A bicycle drive train includes a drive unit having a user input component rotatable about a first axis at a first rotational speed, a chain ring rotatable about a second axis at a second rotational speed, and a gear train coupled between the user input component and the chain ring. The gear train defines a gear ratio less than 1:1 between the user input component and the chain ring. A method of propelling a bicycle is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2023Publication date: March 27, 2025Applicant: SRAM, LLCInventors: CHRISTOPHER SHIPMAN, BRIAN JORDAN, ANTHONY MEDAGLIA
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Publication number: 20250100640Abstract: Height adjustable seat posts for bicycles are described herein. An example apparatus includes a height adjustable seat post including a valve and an internal actuator to operate the valve to enable the seat post to expand or contract. The apparatus also includes a control device including a housing and a microcontroller in the housing. The control device is outside of the seat post. The microcontroller is to control power to the internal actuator based on wireless signals from a seat post actuator on the bicycle. The apparatus also includes a cable to electrically couple the seat post and the control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2024Publication date: March 27, 2025Applicant: SRAM, LLCInventors: CHRISTOPHER SHIPMAN, SAGE HAHN, BRIAN JORDAN
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Publication number: 20250100638Abstract: Height adjustable seat posts for bicycles are described herein. An example height adjustable seat post includes an upper tube and a lower tube configured in a telescopic arrangement. The height adjustable seat post includes a piston in the upper tube that divides the upper tube into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first and second chambers are filled with fluid. The piston defines a fluid passageway between the first chamber and the second chamber. The height adjustable seat post includes a plug and a seal carried by the plug. The plug is moveable in a linear direction between a closed position in which the seal is engaged with the piston to block fluid flow through the fluid passageway and an open position in which the seal is spaced from the piston to enable fluid flow through the fluid passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2023Publication date: March 27, 2025Applicant: SRAM, LLCInventors: CHRISTOPHER SHIPMAN, SAGE HAHN, BRIAN JORDAN
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Publication number: 20250083762Abstract: A seat post assembly for a bicycle includes a first tube having a first distal end, and a second tube having a second distal end. The first tube is movable relative to the second tube to establish a distance between the first distal end and the second distal end. The distance is at a maximum distance when the first tube is in a first position relative to the second tube. The seat post assembly includes a seal disposed within the second tube and connected to the first tube or the second tube. The seat post assembly includes a piston coupled to the seal when the first tube is in the first position. A position of the seal relative to the second distal end is adjustable, such that the first position of the first tube relative to the second tube is adjustable via the coupling between the piston and the seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2024Publication date: March 13, 2025Applicant: SRAM, LLCInventors: CHARLES DUNLAP, RAFER CHAMBERS
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Patent number: 12246795Abstract: An e-bike interface is a hybrid wired/wireless e-bike control system that integrates wireless bicycle components into operation of an e-bike. The e-bike interface provides a frame-mounted control and display that is wired to, for example, an assist motor and a battery, and provides a wireless communication bridge between wireless bicycle components and corresponding wireless controls located on a handlebar.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2020Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Sage Hahn, Sven Baumann, Dominique Fuss, Jochen Bierwerth
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Publication number: 20250074539Abstract: Brake mounts for bicycles are described herein. The brake mounts are for coupling a brake caliper to a bicycle. An example brake mount includes a bracket having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The bracket has bores to receive fasteners to couple the brake caliper to the bracket. The brake mount includes a sleeve extending from the first side of the bracket. An opening extends through the sleeve and the bracket. The opening is to receive an axle of a hub assembly of the bicycle. The sleeve is to extend into an axle opening in a frame of the bicycle. A distal end of the sleeve is threaded. The brake mount also includes a nut to be threadably coupled to the distal end of the sleeve when the sleeve is inserted into the axle opening in the frame e.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2024Publication date: March 6, 2025Applicant: SRAM, LLCInventors: SEBASTIAN HEYNA, HENRIK BRAEDT, CHARLES DUNLAP
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Publication number: 20250074107Abstract: A rim for a bicycle wheel includes a radially inner portion disposed along an inner circumference of the rim, a first sidewall, a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall, a radially outer tire engaging portion disposed along an outer circumference of the rim, and an opening. The first sidewall, the second sidewall, the radially outer tire engaging portion, the radially inner portion, or any combination thereof includes a composite laminate. The composite laminate includes one or more compressed layers of a first composite material, which includes a matrix of a polymer-based material and natural fibers for a reinforcing material, and one or more compressed layers of a second composite material that is different than the first composite material. The opening extends through at least one layer of the one or more compressed layers of the second composite material, such that the second composite material surrounds the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2023Publication date: March 6, 2025Applicant: SRAM, LLCInventors: RUAN TROUW, DAVID MORSE, BRIAN JORDAN
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Patent number: 12240555Abstract: A power supply for a bicycle component includes an energy storage unit positionable in an axle of the bicycle. The energy storage unit has a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact spaced apart from the first electrical contact. The power supply further includes a connector configured to electrically and mechanically connect the energy storage unit to the component of the bicycle, a first conductive path extending from the energy storage unit to the component of the bicycle via the first electrical contact and the connector, and, a second conductive path extending from the energy storage unit to the component of the bicycle via the second electrical contact and the connector.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2021Date of Patent: March 4, 2025Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: Miguel Navarro Baeza
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Publication number: 20250065984Abstract: A bicycle control assembly may be provided for operating an electromechanical gear shifting device. The control assembly includes a graspable housing mountable to the bicycle, a power supply connected to the control assembly disposed in the housing, a first operating member movably connected to the housing, and electronic componentry disposed on the first operating member. The electronic componentry may include an electrical switch, a controller in communication with the electrical switch and configured to generate a signal to change a shift position of the gear shifting device responsive to an input from the electrical switch, and an antenna in communication with the controller and configured to send the signal. The control assembly may also include a cable extending from the housing to the first operating member connecting the power supply and the electronic componentry.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2024Publication date: February 27, 2025Applicant: SRAM, LLCInventors: CHRISTOPHER SHIPMAN, MATTHEW C. MORRIS
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Patent number: 12233977Abstract: A bottle structure for a bicycle handlebar, includes a bottle body having an integrally-formed bottle and bottle coupling structure. The bottle coupling structure is directly connected to the bicycle handlebar, and is dissociable from the bicycle handlebar. The integrated bottle structure may include additional features such as a straw structure or other devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2021Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Ming Chang, Nathan Schickel, Benjamin Waite
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Patent number: 12227263Abstract: A wireless control system for a bicycle may include a base part attachable to a bicycle and a movable part. The control system may also include an electric motor disposed on the electromechanical component and a control unit disposed on the electromechanical component for operating the electric motor to operate the electromechanical component, the control unit including a wireless receiver. The control system includes a wake sensor connected to the control unit, the wake sensor configured to communicate a wake signal to the control unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2023Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Brian Jordan, Todd Squires
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Publication number: 20250050958Abstract: A seat post assembly for a bicycle has a first tube with a first distal end and a second tube with a second distal end. The first and second tubes are movable relative to one another to establish a distance between the first and second distal ends. A first pressure chamber has a loaded pressure proportional to a load applied along the tube axis. A second pressure chamber has a second pressure not proportional to the load. A flow path connects the first and second pressure chambers. A valve is disposed along the flow path and is configured to move between a closed position closing the flow path and an open position opening the flow path between the first and second pressure chambers. An isolator of the valve is configured to nullify any resultant force produced by the loaded pressure of the first pressure chamber acting on the isolator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2024Publication date: February 13, 2025Applicant: SRAM, LLCInventors: CHRISTOPHER SHIPMAN, BRIAN JORDAN