Abstract: A pedal-type driving device suitable for a bicycle, including a main shaft rotatable about a central axis and a chain sprocket mounted about the main shaft for rotation therewith. There are two power transmission units mounted at opposite ends of the main shaft and each has a non-rotating first sprocket connectible to a support structure of the bicycle, a rotatable planetary second sprocket spaced radially outwardly from the first sprocket, a pedal, a crack connecting the pedal to the second sprocket, and a flexible drive member such as a timing belt extending around the first and second sprockets. The distance of each pedal from the central axis varies substantially as the pedals are moved about the central axis and this provides greater rotational torque to the shaft on the downward stroke of each pedal.

Abstract: A pedal-type driving device suitable for a bicycle, including a main shaft rotatable about a central axis and a chain sprocket mounted about the main shaft for rotation therewith. There are two power transmission units mounted at opposite ends of the main shaft and each has a non-rotating first sprocket connectible to a support structure of the bicycle, a rotatable planetary second sprocket spaced radially outwardly from the first sprocket, a pedal, a crack connecting the pedal to the second sprocket, and a flexible drive member such as a timing belt extending around the first and second sprockets. The distance of each pedal from the central axis varies substantially as the pedals are moved about the central axis and this provides greater rotational torque to the shaft on the downward stroke of each pedal.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake system for a bicycle having a frame, a handlebar, and front and rear wheels, includes a master hydraulic cylinder mountable on the handlebar and a handle mechanism operatively connected to the master hydraulic cylinder in order to actuate same. A first hydraulic cylinder actuator is mountable on the frame adjacent the rear wheel and is operatively connected to the master hydraulic cylinder. A rear wheel brake pad is connected to the hydraulic cylinder actuator and is operable thereby. There is a second hydraulic cylinder actuator mountable on the frame adjacent the rear wheel and connected to the rear wheel brake pad. A third hydraulic cylinder actuator is mountable on the frame adjacent the front wheel and is operatively connected to the second hydraulic cylinder actuator so as to be operable by the latter and a front wheel braking device is connected to the third actuator. This braking device brakes the front wheel when the rear wheel braking device is in its braking position.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake system for a bicycle having a frame, a handlebar, and front and rear wheels, includes a master hydraulic cylinder mountable on the handlebar and a handle mechanism operatively connected to the master hydraulic cylinder in order to actuate same. A first hydraulic cylinder actuator is mountable on the frame adjacent the rear wheel and is operatively connected to the master hydraulic cylinder. A rear wheel brake pad is connected to the hydraulic cylinder actuator and is operable thereby. There is a second hydraulic cylinder actuator mountable on the frame adjacent the rear wheel and connected to the rear wheel brake pad. A third hydraulic cylinder actuator is mountable on the frame adjacent the front wheel and is operatively connected to the second hydraulic cylinder actuator so as to be operable by the latter and a front wheel braking device is connected to the third actuator. This braking device brakes the front wheel when the rear wheel braking device is in its braking position.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for finish machining brake components. The apparatus includes an electrode ring adapted to be secured to a rotatable shaft. The electrode ring includes at least one plurality of circumferentially spaced apart electrodes adapted to be electrically connected to a power supply. Each one of the at least one plurality of electrodes are arranged adjacent each other around the circumference of the electrode ring. The apparatus further includes a positioning mechanism for positioning a rotating, electrically grounded rotor adjacent the electrode ring until sparks are formed between the electrode ring and the rotor. The sparks vaporize a portion of the rotor surface thereby creating a finished surface on the rotor having the desired dimensions.

Abstract: The invention is a brake rotor. The rotor includes a radially inner mounting section with a central mounting face for attaching the rotor to a wheeled vehicle. The mounting face has a plurality of fastener apertures and a central aperture. A hat wall extends axially from the periphery of the mounting face. The rotor also includes a radially outer annular friction section. The friction section has a pair of opposite friction surfaces machined to predetermined dimensions. Each machined friction surface is non-directional in that it does not include directional indentations. The non-directional friction surfaces include non-directional indentations such as dimples or pits.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for finish machining brake components. The apparatus includes an electrode ring adapted to be secured to a rotatable shaft. The electrode ring includes at least one plurality of circumferentially spaced apart electrodes adapted to be electrically connected to a power supply. Each one of the at least one plurality of electrodes are arranged adjacent each other around the circumference of the electrode ring. The apparatus further includes a positioning mechanism for positioning a rotating, electrically grounded rotor adjacent the electrode ring until sparks are formed between the electrode ring and the rotor. The sparks vaporize a portion of the rotor surface thereby creating a finished surface on the rotor having the desired dimensions.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method for producing aluminum MMC rotors. The method comprises the steps of initially casting an aluminum MMC rotor casting having a central pilot aperture, cold forming the friction section, cold forming the mounting section, punching the central pilot aperture to remove excess aluminum MMC material, and then forming fastener apertures in the mounting section. In the step of cold forming the friction section a plurality of cylindrical rollers are pressed against each side of the friction section and the rollers are moved in a circumferential direction around the friction section to finish the friction section to the desired dimensions. In the step of cold forming the mounting section a plurality of cylindrical rollers are pressed against each side of the mounting section and the rollers are moved in a circumferential direction around the mounting section to finish the mounting section to the desired dimensions.