Patents by Inventor Neal T. Saiki

Neal T. Saiki has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20150203167
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed towards systems for securely retaining an electric motor in a cycle fork, including: a surface feature and a slot, a motor with an axle positioned in the dropout, and a substantially flat insert disposed at least in part in the surface feature and including an opening into which the axle is at least in part positioned. Some embodiments may include a hub motor having an axle with a diameter of 12-14 mm with a non-round cross section with two flats on opposite sides, the axle being threaded; an aluminum fork including a dropout with a slot keyed to accept the axle, and a depression; a substantially flat metal plate 2-4 mm thick, positioned at least in part in the depression, and including an opening keyed to accept the axle; and a nut, threaded onto the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventor: Neal T. Saiki
  • Patent number: 7807290
    Abstract: A battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells. Each battery cell comprises a first end that is positively charged and a second end that is negatively charged. One or more flexible conductors are adapted to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells. A plurality of bands secures the one or more flexible conductors to the plurality of battery cells. The flexible conductors are configured to withstand a current on the order of 300 amps and a minimum temperature of 170° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Zero Motorcycles Inc.
    Inventor: Neal T. Saiki
  • Publication number: 20080131764
    Abstract: A battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells. Each battery cell comprises a first end that is positively charged and a second end that is negatively charged. One or more flexible conductors are adapted to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells. A plurality of bands secures the one or more flexible conductors to the plurality of battery cells. The flexible conductors are configured to withstand a current on the order of 300 amps and a minimum temperature of 170° F.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: ZERO MOTORCYCLES INC.
    Inventor: Neal T. Saiki
  • Publication number: 20040036249
    Abstract: A lightweight scooter with a pedal driven propulsion system incorporates a foot pedal mounted on a chassis that drives an idler sprocket to provide tension on a chain. The chain is coupled to a drive sprocket on the rear wheel to transmit the tension supplied by the foot pedal to a rotation of the drive sprocket, and consequently the rear wheel of the scooter. A one-way clutch permits counter rotation of the drive sprocket during the return of the foot pedal and the chain to the original position, which is aided by a return spring. The scooter is preferably also equipped with a folding mechanism including a linkage that locks in an open position to prevent inadvertent collapse of the scooter, and can quickly be manually disengaged to allow the scooter to fold compactly onto itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Mark J. McGuire, Neal T. Saiki