Electrical-type Motor Patents (Class 180/220)
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Patent number: 6062329Abstract: A pedal bicycle is provided which includes an auxiliary power source such as an internal combustion engine or a DC electric motor. The bicycle further includes a clutch-transmission having an input shaft connected to the auxiliary power source and an output shaft. A bicycle chain wheel is mounted on the pedal assembly of the bicycle and is connected to a bicycle free-wheel mounted on the hub of the rear wheel. The bicycle further includes a second chain wheel mounted on the output shaft of the clutch-transmission for rotation therewith and a second free-wheel connected to the second chain wheel by a second chain. The second free-wheel may be mounted on the hub of the rear or front wheel of the bicycle depending upon the mounting location of the auxiliary power source and the clutch-transmission. The bicycle free-wheel and the second free-wheel are driven in the same direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Inventor: Kaoteh Chai
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Patent number: 6039137Abstract: A multi-terrain electric motor driven cycle (10) which is constructed around a monoplaner frame (12). Strategically located on the frame (12) are a front and rear damping assembly (94, 166), a rear shock absorbing assembly (180), a cycle drive assembly (240), a front and rear hydraulic brake assembly (256,274), and right and left battery housings (224,226). The two housings contain respectively a first and second battery pack (304,306) which supply power to an electric motor (200) which powers the cycle (10). The motor (200) is controlled by a motor control signal (344) derived from an electrical power control circuit (300). The circuit (300) which includes the battery packs (304,306), incorporates a built-in battery charger (312), a solenoid (326) that when energized by a manually operated power control switch (320) causes a power/speed control circuit (340) to produce the motor control signal (344).Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Inventor: Ely Schless
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Patent number: 6016882Abstract: A battery box and locking assembly for an electric power assisted vehicle, such as a bicycle. The battery box comprises a base portion having a cup shape and a guide portion and is adapted to detachably receive a battery carrier.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1997Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Satoshi Ishikawa
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Patent number: 6015021Abstract: An electrically assisted vehicle includes a vehicle body having a driving wheel driven by human driving power and electric driving power, a driving power applying section for applying the human driving power to drive the driving wheel, a torque detection section to detect the human driving power applied to the driving power applying section, a motor to auxiliarily drive the driving wheel by the electric driving power, a battery to supply power for the motor, and a control section to control the motor according to a result detected by the torque detection section, wherein the control section has a plurality of switchable assist modes relating to an assist ratio of the electric driving power to the human driving power.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1997Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuaki Tanaka, Toshihiro Suhara, Toshihiro Matsumoto, Hiroaki Sagara, Yoshihiko Maeda
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Patent number: 6012538Abstract: In a driving unit for an electric motor driven bicycle, a motor (31) has an output shaft coaxial with a crank shaft (39) of a pedal. A planet roller reducer (40) has a sun roller shaft coincident with the output shaft. Through the planet roller reducer (40) and a two-stage reducing gear mechanism (50) for further reducing the output of the planet roller reducer (40), a torque of the motor (31) is transmitted to a driving chain sprocket (4). Provided that the torque of the motor (31) exceeds a predetermined pedaling torque level, the torque is transmitted to the driving chain sprocket (4).Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1997Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Sonobe, Hisayoshi Takahashi, Katsuhiko Suzuki, Katsutoshi Ohta, Masashi Hirabayashi
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Patent number: 6011366Abstract: The invention provides an electric bicycle comprising an electric motor mounted on the body of the bicycle between the saddle and the outer periphery of the rear wheel, and a belt transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotation of the motor to the rear wheel on speed reduction. The belt transmission mechanism comprises a drive pulley provided between the saddle and the outer periphery of the rear wheel for receiving the power of the motor, a driven pulley having the same diameter as the rim of the rear wheel and rotatable with the rear wheel alongside the rim, and a belt reeved around the drive pulley and the driven pulley. These components realize a simple construction wherein the rotation of the motor can be transmitted to the rear wheel as reduced to the desired speed in a smaller number of stages.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1997Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seiji Murakami, Hideaki Aoki
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Patent number: 6006850Abstract: An electric-powered bicycle has a monitoring unit connected to a throttle detector, a bicycle torque detector and a bicycle speed detector so as to monitor the position of a twist grip throttle, the bicycle torque on a pedaling device, and the forward moving speed of the bicycle. The monitoring unit is further connected to a motor driver, and controls the motor driver to deactivate an electric driving motor when the twist grip throttle is in the non-operative position and the bicycle torque on the pedaling device is not over a preset limit while an electric power source for the electric driving motor is activated, and when the twist grip throttle is in the operative position, the bicycle torque is not over the present limit and the forward moving speed of the bicycle is not over a preset safety speed while the electric power source is activated, thereby resulting in enhanced user safety.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tung-Shiang Yu
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Patent number: 5992553Abstract: A human-powered vehicle power augmentation system produces a signal variable in response to applied force. The signal, transmitted to a control system, produces a motor-control signal which adds boost power to the human input in proportion to the amount by which the human input exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Below the threshold value, vehicle drive power is derived solely from the human input. Above the threshold value, boost power is added to the human input in proportion to the amount by which the applied force exceeds the threshold value. In one embodiment of the invention, a boost threshold control establishes the amount of human input above which boost is applied, while a boost max control establishes a slope of boost augmentation above the boost threshold. When the amount of boost applied approaches or reaches the maximum that is available, a shift indicator is actuated to inform the rider that the time has come to shift to a lower gear.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventor: Thomas R. Morrison
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Patent number: 5975551Abstract: A foldable bicycle designed so when the bicycle is folded, the front and rear frames bypass each other (non-overlapping) to permit a complete folding position and using a fold on or near the seat tube, and to maintain a rigid open riding position with simple standard fold restraining devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Montague CorporationInventors: David G. Montague, Harry D. Montague
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Patent number: 5971090Abstract: A torque limiting device for motors in electrically driven vehicles includes a control device for controlling an electric driving power supplied to a motor in an electrically driven vehicle; a detecting section for detecting a driven state of the motor and outputting an output signal of the motor; and an upper electric driving power limit setting device in which a plurality of restricting values corresponding to the output signal from the detecting section are previously set, wherein the upper electric driving power limit setting device gives a command to the control device to restrict an upper limit of the driving power on the basis of one of the plurality of restricting values when the output signal is outputted, thereby limiting a torque of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuaki Tanaka, Toshihiro Suhara, Hiroaki Sagara, Toshihiro Matsumoto, Yoshihiko Maeda
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Patent number: 5941333Abstract: A bicycle includes a pedal-activated spindle, a sprocket-mounting sleeve and a front sprocket sleeved fixedly on the sleeve. A planetary gear train interconnects the spindle and the sleeve, thereby rotating the sleeve at a speed larger than that of the spindle. When a pedaling torque applied to the bicycle is above a predetermined torque, a ring gear of the train rotates in a casing. The ring gear is limited to rotate between a non-pushing position and a greatest-displacement position, and is biased by a spring to the non-pushing position. When the ring gear rotates from the non-pushing position by a predetermined angle, a sensing unit activates a motor unit so as to drive an auxiliary electrical transmission, thereby transferring a torque from the auxiliary electrical transmission to the sleeve. A first one-way clutch interconnects the train and the sleeve so that the output of the train can be transferred to the sleeve while preventing the rotation of the sleeve from being transferred to the train.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1998Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chien-Ping Sun, Ing-Ren Chen
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Patent number: 5937964Abstract: An electric bicycle comprises a frame having a rider seat and propulsion controls positioned and thereon, a settable front wheel having an axle affixed to a front portion of said frame, and a hub spoke rear wheel having an axle with a woven spoke pattern affixed to a rear portion of said frame. A unitary power module, which may be a "kit" for use with a standard bicycle, is used as a propulsion system which includes a battery affixed to said bicycle, and an electric motor having a pinion sprocket affixed thereon. The electric motor is suitable to be connected to the battery by a battery cable. The unitary power module includes a target sprocket and a mounting frame, with the target sprocket comprising a disk shaped assembly having an center opening to allow the unitary member to be placed about the wheel axle. The target sprocket mates to the wheel pattern of either of the wheels to enable target sprocket to be concentrically attached to the wheel by engagement with the wheel by securing elements.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1998Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Currie Technologies IncorporatedInventors: Richard A. Mayer, Bruce S. Widmann, Seth A. Terr, Devin S. Bank, Malcolm R. Currie
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Patent number: 5934401Abstract: A power assist apparatus which includes a battery pack that connects with a motor housing with the battery pack being removably mounted on the frame of the bicycle and the motor housing being mounted on a mounting plate which is carried by one of the support wheels of the bicycle. The power assist apparatus is designed to not only assist in the manual operation of the bicycle but also as a sole source of power for the bicycle. The mounting plate is to be affixed to the frame of the bicycle upon the desired location being selected for the mounting plate. The motor assembly operates a drive gear, pulley or sprocket which connects to a driven gear, pulley or sprocket which is mounted in conjunction with one of the support wheels of the bicycle. The motor housing may be disconnectable from the mounting plate as also the battery pack is capable of being disengaged from the frame of the bicycle permitting the bicycle to be used as a conventional bicycle without the power assist apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Currie Technologies, IncorporatedInventors: Richard A. Mayer, Malcolm R. Currie
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Patent number: 5915493Abstract: Several embodiments of electric power-assisted manually powered vehicles such as bicycles. In these embodiments, the drive unit and control are mounted as a unit so as to minimize external wiring and to facilitate heat transfer from the control unit to the atmosphere while protecting the control unit. In some embodiments, sensors for the control unit are also mounted on the outer housing and cooperate with the internal components of the outer housing so as to provide the necessary signals for control. Several embodiments of improved torque sensors are disclosed that provide smoother operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hironori Nakayama
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Patent number: 5909781Abstract: A power-assisting device for use with a bicycle includes a hollow shaft which is adapted to be rotatably supported in a hanger lug of the bicycle. The hollow shaft is restricted to movement along a rotation center line thereof, and has (i) a first end portion adapted to be projected out of the hanger lug and detachably attached to a rear wheel drive gear, and (ii) a second end portion adapted to be projected out of the hanger lug and detachably attached to an input gear. A crank shaft is rotatably supported in a center hole of the hollow shaft. The crank shaft is restricted to movement along a rotation center line thereof, and has first and second end portions extending out of the hollow shaft and adapted to be detachably attached to a first and second ones of a pair of pedal-equipped crank arms.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1996Date of Patent: June 8, 1999Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TECInventors: Mitsuhisa Yonekawa, Atsushi Takayama
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Patent number: 5901807Abstract: An electrical drive includes a housing mounted on a crank axle for partially receiving the axle. A driven ratchet base is rotatably mounted on a first end portion of the crank axle and includes a first end portion fixedly engaged with a chain wheel and a second end portion formed with a driven bevel gear. A drive bevel gear meshes with the driven bevel gear for rotating the driven ratchet base. A drive ratchet base is rotatably mounted on a mediate portion of the crank axle and includes a first end portion engaged with the second end portion of the driven ratchet base for rotating the driven ratchet base along one direction only, and a second end portion formed with a first engaging bevel gear. A ring element is fixedly mounted on the mediate portion of the crank axle to rotate therewith, and two pivot axles each extend from an outer wall of the ring element and each have a second engaging bevel gear rotatably mounted and meshing with the first engaging bevel gear.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Merida Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Diing-huang Tseng
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Patent number: 5865267Abstract: A power assist apparatus, which includes a battery powered motor mounted on a manually operated vehicle, such as a bicycle, and is to be selectively usable by the rider of the bicycle to not only assist in the manual operation of the bicycle, but also conceivably as a sole source of operation of the bicycle. The power assist apparatus is fixedly mounted on the bicycle and is carried with the bicycle at all times. The power assist apparatus includes a motor assembly which is operated through a gear connection to drive a driven gear mounted in conjunction with a wheel of the bicycle. The rotational axis of the shaft of the motor is parallel to the rotational axis of the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1996Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Electric Bicycle CompanyInventors: Richard A. Mayer, Bruce S. Widmann
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Patent number: 5860487Abstract: An electrically assisted vehicle includes a vehicle main body having a driving wheel, a human drive system having a driving force applying part to which a human driving force for driving the driving wheel is applied and a torque detecting part for detecting the human driving force applied to the driving force applying part, and an electric drive system having a motor, a control part for controlling the motor and a battery for power supply, wherein the motor has an electric driving force characteristic such that it outputs the electric driving force only at speeds lower than a predetermined speed, and the control part of the electric drive system controls the motor with a predetermined ratio on the basis of detection results from the torque detecting part of the human drive systems thereby executing power assistance control while maintaining the assist ratio to be less than a predetermined value without providing a speed sensor for carrying out control based on the speed.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1996Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuaki Tanaka, Toshihiro Suhara, Toshihiro Matsumoto, Hiroaki Sagara, Yoshihiko Maeda
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Patent number: 5853062Abstract: A recumbent electrically power-assisted bicycle which permits a shortened wheelbase by positioning the rider in an adjustable seat above the rear wheel. The battery, motor, and controller comprising the power assist system are mounted at the front of the bicycle's frame so as to provide stability, and also provide power assist to the bicycle under startup and high pedalling load conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1995Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Roger Hulett
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Patent number: 5842535Abstract: An electric drive assembly for driving a bicycle includes an electric power pack containing a battery or batteries, an electric motor, a drive wheel, a control circuit, a recharger and an electric switch in a common housing. A rack is installed about the rear wheel of the bicycle to support the power pack either with an operating orientation or backwards in a non-operating orientation for transportation. When the power pack is supported in its operating orientation, the drive wheel is engaged with the rear tire of the bicycle so that the drive wheel may frictionally drive the rear wheel of the bicycle; and the electric switch is aligned with and engagable by a switch actuator mounted on the rack. A control lever, which is mounted on the handlebar of the bicycle, may be operated to cause a control cable to pivot the switch actuator into engagement with the electric switch to close the circuit between the battery or batteries and the electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1996Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Electric Transportation Company, LLCInventor: Warren E. Dennis
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Patent number: 5829546Abstract: An electrical drive is provided for a bicycle including a crank axle having a first end portion and a second end portion. The electrical drive includes a housing mounted around the crank axle and having a first end portion and a second end portion located adjacent to the first and second end portions of the crank axle respectively. A drive shaft is mounted around the crank axle. A single direction bearing is fitted around the drive shaft. A torsional ring is mounted on the single direction bearing. A torsional rod is movably mounted around the second end portion of the crank axle and driven by the crank axle and is movably mounted in the torsional ring. A sensing race is fixedly mounted around the torsional rod. A sensing unit is mounted on the second end portion of the housing and is located adjacent to the sensing race for sensing a rotational velocity of the crank axle and a torsion exerted on the crank axle by means of the sensing race.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Merida Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Diing-huang Tseng
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Patent number: 5826675Abstract: A security system for an electric motor assisted vehicle wherein the vehicle power unit has a controller that is preprogrammed with certain identifying data. The controller is not operative to provide electric power assist unless utilized with a security unit that has matching data. The security unit also can contain vehicle specific information for providing the operator-selected type of power assist.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1997Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Satoshi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 5819868Abstract: A retractable stand for an electric vehicle is connected to an electric running motor. A one-way clutch is disposed between an output shaft of the running motor and a continuously variable transmission. Upon forward rotation of the output shaft, the one-way clutch idles and power is transmitted through the continuously variable transmission to a drive wheel. Upon reverse rotation of the output shaft, the one-way clutch transmits power to a first gear but not to the transmission. The reverse rotation is transmitted through a gear box to a main stand which extends to a park position. The main stand is normally biased through a pair of compression springs to a retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignees: Seiko Epson Corporation & Tokyo, R&D Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshikazu Koike, Minoru Kozaki, Kunihiko Takagi, Kohichi Tadokoro
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Patent number: 5819867Abstract: An electrically powered bicycle that is driven by a main driving force generated by pedaling and an auxiliary driving force, including: a motor for generating the auxiliary driving force, a battery for supplying electric power to the motor, an acceleration sensor for detecting running acceleration of the electrically powered bicycle, and control device for controlling the electric power to be supplied to the motor so that the motor outputs the auxiliary driving force in accordance with the running acceleration thus detected.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1996Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshihiro Matsumoto, Tatsuaki Tanaka, Toshihiro Suhara
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Patent number: 5819864Abstract: An alarm device is provided in an electric vehicle for indicating an insufficient remaining charge in a storage battery. The operation of both a remaining capacity meter and insufficient capacity alarm are continuously operated for a predetermined amount of time after a turn-off of a main power switch by means of a timer that is activated by the turn-off of the main switch when the storage battery suffers an insufficient capacity. The capacity of the storage battery is determined after the surface charge of the storage battery is eliminated when a charging operation is complete.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignees: Seiko Epson Corporation, Tokyo R&D Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshikazu Koike, Minoru Kozaki, Kunihiko Takagi, Kohichi Tadokoro
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Patent number: 5816355Abstract: A power assist apparatus which includes a battery powered motor which is mounted on a manually operated vehicle such as a bicycle, which is to be selectively usable by the rider of the bicycle to not only assist in the manual operation of the bicycle but can be used as a sole source of operation of the bicycle. The power assist apparatus is normally fixedly mounted on the bicycle and is carried with that bicycle at all times. The power assist apparatus includes a housing and exteriorly mounted on that housing is a handle. Movement of the handle to various positions locates the power assist apparatus in either a disengaged position relative to a support wheel of the bicycle or to an engaged position relative to the support wheel of the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1995Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Electric Bicycle CompanyInventors: Christian I. Battlogg, Richard A. Mayer
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Patent number: 5806621Abstract: A secondary battery generates an assisting force for a bicycle. When the voltage of the battery drops, a driver can physically feel a variation in driving feeling to indicate a reduction in battery capacity and to also indicate the amount of capacity remaining. The variation in driving feeling is an increase in force required to pedal the bicycle. In other words, when charging is required, the assisting force which assists pedaling by human power will be reduced. A voltage drop detector compares data obtained by A/D conversion of the voltage of a battery with certain reference voltages set in advance and outputs voltage drop detection signals. When the voltage drop detection signal is received by an assisting force variation control, a variation assisting force is output to warn the user that battery charge is low. The variation assisting force is obtained by reducing or varying almost to zero an assisting force calculated by an assisting force calculator.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hajime Soda, Masahiro Kuroki
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Patent number: 5798702Abstract: An improved battery residual capacity meter or display device which is positioned on an electrically-assisted bicycle so as to enhance the visibility thereof. In addition, the battery residual capacity meter can measure residual battery capacity even when an electric motor associated with the bicycle is stopped. In one embodiment, the residual battery capacity meter includes a display unit having a plurality of lamps, a residual capacity measurement unit for measuring the residual battery capacity based on a voltage of a battery associated with the bicycle, and a display controller for controlling the illumination and flashing of the lamps so as to indicate a particular residual battery capacity measured by the residual capacity measurement unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventors: Yuichi Okamoto, Kenichi Higashi, Masahiko Akashiba, Yoshitaka Ijima, Kazuhiko Matsunami
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Patent number: 5788007Abstract: A working geometry is provided between an electromagnet and permanent magnet, and a method for using such geometry is also provided which allows for electrically driving the wheel of a vehicle such as a bicycle with enough power to eliminate the need for pedalling. A system for electrically propelling a bicycle or other vehicle by placing permanent magnets on or adjacent the rim of the wheel or wheels, and having one or more electromagnets placed adjacent to them to drive the wheel. The electromagnet or electromagnets may be U-shaped with opposite end poles of each electromagnet extending close to the permanent magnets on opposite sides of the wheel. A sensor such as a reed switch or Hall effect device is used to sense the position of the magnets and properly time pulses of electricity into the electromagnet thus driving the wheel. A transistor interface between the sensor and drive electromagnet allows for driving the wheel without the wear normally associated with brushes.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Inventor: Fred N. Miekka
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Patent number: 5775452Abstract: An electric powered scooter having a tubular frame extending between a front steerable wheel and a rear electrically powered wheel. The tubular frame extends below the wheel centers parallel to the surface of the ground between the front and rear wheels. A platform for the standing support of the scooter rider is mounted from frame mounted brackets so as to define between the upper portion of the tubular frame and the lower portion of the platform a spatial interval. Four batteries--with two on each side of the central frame member--are mounted to the underside of the platform which each battery supported by a case enclosing the battery at the bottom and mounting the battery flush to the underside of the platform at the top. An enclosed wiring channel is formed with the tubular frame at the bottom, the batteries on either side, and the bottom of the platform at the top.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Patmont Motor WerksInventor: Steven J. Patmont
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Patent number: 5758736Abstract: A power assist apparatus of a power assisted bicycle comprises a crank shaft extending in the transverse direction of the body of the bicycle and rotatably driven by a footpedal-propelling, an electric motor for generating an assist power, a power composition shaft rotatably supported and extending in parallel with the crank shaft, a footpedal-propelling power transmission mechanism for transmitting the footpedal-propelling power to the power composition shaft at a right angle to the axis of the power composition shaft, an assist power transmission mechanism for transmitting the assist power to the power composition shaft at a right angle to the axis of the power composition shaft in the direction opposite to the direction in which the footpedal-propelling power is transmitted, a power composition output mechanism for outputting the rotating power of the power composition shaft to a driven wheel, a moment sensor for sensing a moment difference between two moments acting on the power composition shaft from twoType: GrantFiled: March 20, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kosaku Yamauchi
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Patent number: 5755304Abstract: An electric motor operated wheel that contains the electric motor, the batteries and battery carrier, and controller in an area between the rim and hub of the wheel. These components are enclosed by a rotatable disk that spaces the rim from the hub and integrally connects them and a fixed cover disk disposed on the opposite side. The construction is such that the axial width of the wheel driving components is not substantially greater than the width of one of the hub and the rim. The electric motor drives the wheel through a flexible transmitter transmission, including a tensioning mechanism that maintains a tension on the driving belt that is related to the driving load.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1995Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Robert V. Trigg, Jeroen N. M. Kuijpers
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Patent number: 5749429Abstract: A power assist apparatus of a power assisted bicycle comprises a crank shaft to be driven for rotation by a pedaling force, an electric motor for generating an assisting power, a force composition device for composing the pedaling force and the assisting power to output a composed force thereof to a driving wheel side and at the same time for generating two thrust component forces having magnitude proportional to pedaling force and assisting power, a thrust component force magnitude difference detector for detecting the difference in magnitude between the two thrust component forces, and a controller for controlling an output of the electric motor so as to bring the difference in magnitude between the two thrust component forces to "0" and to an optional magnitude difference based on an input from the thrust component force magnitude difference detector.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1996Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kosaku Yamauchi, Shinobu Tsutsumikoshi, Hisao Nagai
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Patent number: 5735363Abstract: Auxiliary drive apparatus including a wheel having an axis of rotation, and first and second wheel engagement elements arranged for driving engagement with the wheel, at least one of the wheel engagement elements being coupled to a motor, for being driven thereby, the first and second of wheel engagement elements being arranged for rotation about respective first and second engagement element rotation axes, the first and second wheel engagement elements being mounted such that the effective traction of the engagement thereof with the wheel increases automatically with increased resistance to rotation of the wheel and decreases automatically with decreased resistance to rotation of the wheel, and wherein a mounting of the first and second wheel engagement elements is such that a separation between the first and second wheel engagement element rotation axes, the separation lying parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel, is variable.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: S.A.E.Afikim, U.S.A., Inc.Inventors: Danny Horovitz, Arie Becker
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Patent number: 5730243Abstract: An assist device for use in an electric vehicle capable of allowing a driver to walk the electric vehicle in power assistance at an extremely slow speed, preventing a sudden start of the vehicle, allowing the driver to monitor an insufficient capacity of a storage battery even with the main switch of the vehicle turned off, and determining an accurate charge capacity by eliminating the surface charge state of the storage battery when a charging operation ends. According to the present invention, firstly, the running motor of the vehicle is shifted to an extremely slow speed mode when the driver's dismounting is sensed and when the closed state of an accelerator is sensed. Secondly, a sudden start is prevented when the main switch is turned on with the accelerator opened. Thirdly, the reverse rotary motion of the running motor is transmitted to a stand mechanism via a one-way clutch.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Yoshikazu Koike, Minoru Kozaki, Kunihiko Takagi, Kohichi Tadokoro
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Patent number: 5704441Abstract: The driving controller of a electromotive bicycle is installed on a electromotive bicycle comprising a driving motor and a battery, wherein, the large gear is installed with an arc-shaped slot, compressing spring, and two graphite brushes, and the portions of the inside and outside of the large gear are installed with an inner cover, copper film PC, outside cover, variale resistor, extending spring and other components which are matched with the check plate of the foot pedal crank and convex segment of the crank to drive the frame body to present a rotary movement by two foot pedals, thus the driving controller of the present invention is constructed.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1996Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Inventor: I-Ho Li
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Patent number: 5671821Abstract: An electric propulsion system for a bicycle, comprising a mounting structure adapted for connection to a frame portion of the bicycle, a drive roller, and first and second motors coupled to the mounting structure. Each of the first and second motors includes an output shaft joined to the drive roller and a first resilient bushing around the output shaft. The first resilient bushings of the first and second motors allow for translational movement of the first and second motor output shafts together with the drive roller.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1995Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Inventor: James Robert McGreen
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Patent number: 5664636Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle wherein the electric power may be provided by an auxiliary electric motor with power assist being determined by a manual force applied by an operator for manually propelling the vehicle. The vehicle control includes a method for determining when the vehicle is being started from a stop and for providing a gradual application of electric power assist during such start-up. In addition, if the operator calls for an abrupt change in power assist, the actual power assist is applied only gradually to provide smoother operation. The system also has self-checking functions and the electric power assist is disabled in response to certain types of failures. However, the operator is warned in advance that the power will be shut down so as to avoid emergency situations. The self-checking provides an arrangement for checking when the speed sensor is inoperative by sensing certain output characteristics of the speed sensor and the force application.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1994Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsumi Ikuma, Sueji Nagai, Fumio Ito, Syoichiro Miyata, Yasuo Suganuma
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Patent number: 5662187Abstract: An electrically assisted pedalled bicycle that has a rear wheel mounted on a frame supported elongated axle, a modified freewheel that has an electric motor's brushes, frame, and field coil windings supported to its body, a commutator and armature that are stationarily fastened to the stationary axle, a battery that is controlled by a manually operable rheostat, and an electric circuit that includes a chain actuated on/off switch, so that when the rheostat is advanced, and the chain is actuated, the circuit goes on, and the rider's pedalling provides pedal torque to the freewheel sprocket, and while the bicycle is commencing to be propelled, the motor's brushes and field are rotated about and interact with the motor's commutator and armature and simultaneously provide a motor torque that is blended with the rider's pedal torque as it flows to the freewheel sprocket, to thereby assist the rider's pedalling as it propells the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1995Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Inventor: James Robert Mc Govern
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Patent number: 5657830Abstract: An electrically operated saddle type vehicle includes a vehicle frame having at least one front wheel supported on a front wheel supporting member mounted adjacent to a front portion of the vehicle frame and at least one rear wheel supported on a rear wheel supporting member mounted adjacent to a rear portion of the vehicle frame. An electric motor is supported on the vehicle frame between the front wheel and the rear wheel and includes a front portion positioned adjacent to the front wheel. A transmission member is operatively connected to the electric motor and at least one of the front and rear wheels for providing propulsion for the vehicle. Wherein air is directed to contact the electric motor while the vehicle is in motion for cooling the electric motor during use.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1995Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushini KaishaInventors: Yoshinori Kawashima, Atsuo Hojo, Masayoshi Ryu
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Patent number: 5647450Abstract: A battery charger for an electric vehicle having a built-in heatsink provided with an air passage, and a built-in battery charger cooling fan for producing an air current through the air passage of the heatsink to cool the heatsink. The heatsink need not be provided with fins and hence the battery charger can be formed in a comparatively small size.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1994Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masao Ogawa, Hiroyuki Sako, Kenji Kawaguchi, Masayuki Toriyama
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Patent number: 5613569Abstract: An electrically powered motor-scooter includes a scooter body having a step floor, a seat, a body cover mounted under the seat, and a storage compartment located below the seat. A battery case is mounted under the step floor which has at least one opening therein which is open to the surrounding air for allowing the flow of air therethrough. A rear compartment extends below and rearwardly of the storage compartment and extends rearwardly of the battery case. The storage compartment forms an upper wall of the rear compartment, and the body cover forms sidewalls of the rear compartment. A portion of the rear compartment is open to the surrounding air. A fan is mounted in a forward portion of the rear compartment for producing a movement of cooling air between the rear compartment and the battery case. The cooling air passes through the rear compartment and the opening in the battery case. A duct is connected between the fan and the battery case which forms a passage for the cooling air to pass therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1995Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kouichi Sugioka, Masao Ogawa, Hiroyuki Sako, Hidetoshi Takamatsu
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Patent number: 5603388Abstract: An electric powered bicycle having a dip sensor or switch and/or a gradient sensor or switch. The bicycle has front and rear wheels each rotatably supported by a frame; a chain slung between the wheels and a chainset for transferring manual power to the wheels; an electric motor coupled to one of the wheels for driving the wheel directly; and a power supply capable of supplying electric power to the motor. The dip gradient sensors are associated with a pulse width modulation circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1995Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha RikenInventor: Osamu Yaguchi
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Patent number: 5594411Abstract: An electromotive scooter comprises an electric drive motor and a power source indicator that provides a visual indication when the electric drive motor is in the on condition. An electric circuit supplies electric current to an acoustic device, causing it to emit an acoustical warning, when the electric drive motor is in the on condition and a seat load sensor does not sense a load on the rider's seat.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1994Date of Patent: January 14, 1997Assignee: Tokyo R&D Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masao Ono
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Patent number: 5581136Abstract: An auxiliary magnetic motor (AMM) comprises a fixed ring formed of a multi-layer flat silicon steel plate with a plurality of coils formed thereon, the fixed ring being fixedly supported within a motor case. The AMM also comprises at appropriate positions on the fixed ring at least three Hall effect IC sensors for sensing and producing a switching sequence signal for the fixed ring. The motor case center connects to one end of the axle of the bicycle wheel to be driven. The AMM further comprises a flat rotating plate having an outer ring portion having formed thereon a plurality of magnetic elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1994Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Inventor: I-Ho Li
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Patent number: 5577747Abstract: A battery cooling system which cools a plurality of battery units uniformly. The cooling system is provided in an electric vehicle with a longitudinal, hollow main frame provided with a plurality of branching ducts branching from the main frame to distribute cooling air to the battery units, a plurality of battery units arranged along the main frame, and a cooling fan connected to one end of the main frame. The flow passage area of the branch duct at a distal position with respect to an air flow inlet of the cooling air is smaller than those of the other branch ducts.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1994Date of Patent: November 26, 1996Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masao Ogawa, Toru Iwadate
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Patent number: 5570752Abstract: An improved electric power assisted bicycle including a electric motor and planetary transmission arrangement constructed to permit ease of assembly and maintain a low cost and an improved one-way clutch that eliminates the need for bearings for rotatably aligning the elements of the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1994Date of Patent: November 5, 1996Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Nozomu Takata
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Patent number: 5560266Abstract: A mechanism for driving a transporting device having a frame by at least one of human force and a mechanical driving source, comprises a first part (2, 4, 5) rotated relative to the frame by human force and a second part (17 or 18) rotated relative to the frame by driving the mechanical driving source. An outer ring (13), an inner ring (8) and spoke members (11, 12) are integrally formed with a resiliently deformable material so as to connect the first part and the second part. A first permanent magnet (23)and a second permanent magnet (24) are provided on the outer ring, in such a manner that reed switches provided on the frame senses the angular displacement between the first magnet (23) and the second magnet (24) and each revolution of the first magnet (24) and the second magnet (23). The mechanical driving source in response to the signals which relate to the revolutions and angular displacement and are generated by the reed sensors, are controlled by a controller.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1994Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Assignee: Yamaha Motor Europe, N.V.Inventors: Seiji Shikimori, Jeroen N. M. Kuijpers
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Patent number: 5524726Abstract: An electrically powered cycle has a frame, an axle, a drive wheel, an electric motor, a motor controller, an electric power supply, a power supply charger, and a swing arm pivotally mounts the electric power supply and electric motor on the cycle frame. The drive wheel is rotatably supported on the axle, which, in turn, is supported in the swing arm adjacent the rear end of the cycle. This end of the swing arm is coupled to the shock absorbers which connect the frame to the axle so that the drive wheel moves relative to the frame. The other end of the swing arm is pivotally mounted on the frame. The electric power supply and the electric motor are supported on the swing arm intermediate the ends thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1995Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: Tenergy L.L.C.Inventor: John R. Wright, Jr.
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Patent number: 5513721Abstract: A cover structure to improve a waterproof performance of a front surface of a battery storing case in an electric vehicle wherein subcovers are provided between a front fender covering a front wheel and a front surface of a battery storing case. In addition, a gap formed between the subcovers and the fender or the front surface of the battery storing case is formed like a maze so as to stop an upward flow of muddy water.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1994Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masao Ogawa, Hiroyuki Sako, Hiroyuki Shimmura