Abstract: A hand operated hydraulic brake system includes a manual, lever operated master cylinder control which transfers hydraulic pressure from the master control to one or more hydraulic slave actuating cylinders. The system transfers force through the use of rolling diaphragms in a completely sealed hydraulic containment system. Actuated by the lever, the applied force is transmitted through a hydraulic line, or lines against piston rams to force brake pads against a rim, disk or other braking surface of a wheel.

Abstract: A hub assembly for a bicycle or other human powered vehicle. The hub assembly provides a unique design for use with straight pull spokes having enlarged retention ends with no bends that can be dropped into retention cavities and retention slots in a spoke ring of the hub assembly. The hub assembly is also universally adaptable to any wheel employing standard rim brakes or any wheel with a disc brake rotor attached, and/or with all existing sprocket drive lines (freewheels, cassette bodies), in any configuration, by simply replacing or slightly modifying one or a few components. The novel hub assembly provides a quick-release feature without the need for a quick-release skewer, but can still readily be adapted to use a conventional skewer.

Abstract: A tandem bicycle drive train system includes a continuously variable transmission installed around each crank spindle driving an input crank spindle journalled in a continuously variable transmission unit whose output is connected to a drive sprocket which is journalled between the input crank spindle and the transmission unit. A manual ratio control assembly is suitably mounted to the frame member and positioned around the input crank spindle and suitably coupled with the transmission unit in a manner that provides a smooth, continuously variable change in the input to output rotational speed ratio. Each rider's ratio control is preferably coupled to a manual twist-grip on each rider's handle bar and can be adjusted independent of the other rider's control. The front unit output drives a single sprocket which drives one of two sprockets mounted on the rear unit. A second sprocket on the rear unit drives the rear wheel.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes a power input driving a sun gear which in turn drives a plurality of planetary gears. Within each planetary gear is mounted an over-rolling clutch. The planet gear is free to rotate about its raceway in one direction and is locked from rotation in the opposite direction. The shaft mountings for each planetary gear are suitably journalled in a carrier ring rotatably mounted within the housing. An internal gear, integrally mounted within the output housing, meshes with the planetary gears and is driven by them. An eccentric system, comprised of two nested eccentrics within the housing and anchored to an axle, controls the degree of oscillation imparted to the planetary gear raceway shafts. The eccentric system is continuously positionable so as to increase the rotation of the input sun gear from a one-to-one ratio up to the maximum designed output.