Electrical-type Motor Patents (Class 180/220)
-
Patent number: 7285896Abstract: The device includes a housing and an outer shell including tightly wound wire coils fitted within the housing. Rotatable armatures including associated commutators are disposed at outer end portions thereof. The armatures further include spring loaded brushes and a plurality of wire coils wrapped intermediately spaced adjacent to the commutators. The device further includes a drive shaft having bearings selectively spaced therealong that defines a fulcrum axis for the armature coils and output shafts connected to the drive shaft. A power supply source is electrically coupled to an A.C. or D.C. motor and disposed external of the housing. The armatures define an epicyclical train for connecting the drive shaft in a linear path so that a driving force can be equally divided between the vehicle wheels to thereby permit one vehicle wheel to revolve faster than another vehicle wheel.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Inventor: Eugene R. Mallory
-
Patent number: 7270210Abstract: A body frame for a motorcycle includes a main frame having a reinforcing member, which is a forged product, and a portion that requires a high strength against a shock load transmitted from a road surface. A pair of sidewalls and a connecting wall for connecting the sidewalls are also provided. The sidewalls create spaces opened outward in cross-section such that the connecting wall has an external face positioned in the portion that requires high strength.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushi KaishaInventor: Takehisa Katsura
-
Patent number: 7267193Abstract: A frame structure for a motorcycle includes a front fork which journals a front wheel and that is capable of being steered and supported by a head pipe. Front end portions of a pair of right and left pipe members are connected contiguously to the head pipe and extend downwardly and rearwardly from the head pipe. The pair of right and left pipe members each have a substantially prismatic cross sectional shape and are each bent at their longitudinally intermediate portions so as to be outwardly convex with respect to the sides of the motorcycle frame. An engine is disposed between lower portions of both pipe members in an engine mounting space. The present invention narrows the distance between the upper portions of the right and left pipe members and effectively increases the space between the lower portions of the pair of right and left pipe members.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshihisa Nagashii, Jun Hariu
-
Patent number: 7267190Abstract: To efficiently arrange a plurality of batteries in a large-sized electrically-driven vehicle. An electrically-driven vehicle includes a vehicle body frame including a head pipe for supporting a steering shaft, upper frames which project in the vehicle-body lateral direction therefrom and extend in the rearward direction, lower frames, and rear frames which are connected with the lower frames. The vehicle body frame is configured in an approximately U-shape as a whole in a side view. In a space which is surrounded by the vehicle body frame, a plurality of batteries are arranged like stairs in parallel in the vehicle-body longitudinal direction along the approximately U-shape of the vehicle body frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akinori Hirano
-
Patent number: 7261175Abstract: A power assisted bicycle (10) which modifies an existing manually powered bicycle (12) by replacing the left pedal crank arm with a motor-driven sprocket and left pedal assembly (32). An electric motor (34) is attached to the bicycle's frame (20) and has attached a motor drive sprocket (35) and a one-way clutch (36). A motor roller chain ring (38) is connected in concert to the motor drive sprocket (35) and motor driven sprocket (32), such that the electric motor (34), provides a power assist to the manually powered bicycle, with the one-way clutch (36) permitting unassisted pedaling without resistance of the motor when de-energized. An electrical power source (40) interfaces with an electrical control system (42) for supplying electrical energy to operate and control the electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Inventor: Todd Fahrner
-
Patent number: 7258186Abstract: There is provided a vehicle frame structure for a motorcycle having an appealing appearance, which structure can be assembled lightweight and compact in size and at a reduced cost. The vehicle frame structure includes a head block (2) including a head tube (3), a main frame (11) forked leftwards and rightwards from the head block (2) to form a pair of main frame half portions (11a, 11b) extending rearwardly thereof, and swing arm brackets (8) extending downwardly from rear ends of the main frame half portions (11a, 11b). An inner frame portion (21) of the main frame (11) and the swing arm brackets (8) in their entirety or respective inner portions of the swing arm brackets (8) are integrally formed by an inner member (19) prepared from a metal casting, and at least an outer frame portion of the main frame (11) is formed by an outer member (20) prepared from a sheet metal.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhisa Okabe, Nobumasa Taniguchi, Ryo Iwata, Takeshi Moritomo
-
Patent number: 7255188Abstract: In order to do away with the need for a power source switching operation, and to improve motor regeneration charge efficiency in a hybrid vehicle, a one-way clutch is provided between an internal combustion engine and an electric drive motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2004Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiaki Tsukada, Masahiro Kuroki, Takashi Ozeki, Takashi Tsutsumizaki
-
Patent number: 7255191Abstract: A vehicle frame that includes first and second frame portions. The first frame portion has a plurality of struts associated with each other to form a first framework. The second frame portion is associable with the first frame portion in a stiffening association for significantly increasing the stiffness of the first frame portion. The associated first and second frame portions are configured to support a rider sitting on the vehicle frame. The associated frame portions also define an interior cavity dimension for housing a component of the propulsion system for propelling the vehicle. The associated frame portions also comprise attachments for supportedly connecting two wheels of the vehicle, a seat disposed on the frame, and other vehicle accessories and systems.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Vectrix CorporationInventors: James Daniel Baldwin, Steven R. Cox, Peter S. Hughes
-
Patent number: 7249643Abstract: The invention provides a hub motor for a wheeled conveyance having a stationary electric motor encased in a rotating, multi-part housing, at least one of the parts of the housing constituting a wheel disk and a wheel rim, and a reduction gear internal or external to the motor, the output member of which is adapted to drive at least one part of the multi-part housing, wherein the rim portion of the multi-part housing carries, and is in direct contact with, a wheel tire.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2003Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Tzora Active Systems Ltd.Inventors: Yoel Etzioni, Philip Solomon, Michael Glazman
-
Publication number: 20070169973Abstract: Two-wheel vehicle (10) with an integral electric wheel-drive characterized in that it comprises two electric driving motors, a front wheel electric motor (11) and a back wheel electric motor (12) respectively, fed by at least one electric accumulator group.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2007Publication date: July 26, 2007Applicant: Piaggio & C. S. p.AInventors: Lucio Masut, Mario Donato Santucci
-
Patent number: 7234551Abstract: To provide a fuel cell vehicle in which a fuel cylinder and a fuel cell stack are arranged so that the barycentric position is kept low and load is appropriately shared between the front and rear wheels. The fuel cylinder is mounted further forward than a seat, at a recumbent attitude inclined such that the shut-off valve side faces to the rear and the shut-off valve end is higher than the other end. The fuel cell box is positioned below the fuel cylinder between the pair of left and right lower frames and is fixed by being suspended from brackets provided at two places on the left and right upper frames, so as to overlap and run along a line connecting a rotational axis of the front wheel FW and the rotational axis of the rear wheel.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiyuki Horii
-
Patent number: 7210550Abstract: A motorcycle with a seat frame and seat attached to a seat post. The seat frame is covered with the seat as viewed from above and is structured so as to hold an article in an exposed state thereon to form an article accommodating space below the seat. The rear wheel of the motorcycle is driven by a motor to which power is supplied from a battery. The voltage of the battery is converted by a charging and voltage conversion section to supply power to electrical equipment. The charging and voltage conversion section is attached in an exposed state to a vehicle body frame. A battery for supplying power to a motor is provided with a charging and voltage conversion apparatus for charging the battery. A charging cable for energizing the charging and voltage conversion apparatus is disposed in a hollow portion of a vehicle body frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Yonehana, Masao Ogawa, Yutaka Murata
-
Patent number: 7210548Abstract: An electric powered vehicle which is powered by an electric motor via a battery, includes a front frame which extends diagonally downward toward the rear of the vehicle from the head pipe, an intermediate frame which is bent toward the rear of the vehicle at the bottom end of the front frame and which is substantially horizontally extending toward the rear of the vehicle, and a rear frame which extends from the intermediate frame diagonally upward toward the rear of the vehicle. A front portion of the intermediate frame includes a partition plate extending diagonally upward toward the rear. The battery is retained within the intermediate frame, and restrained from motion in the longitudinal direction, by the partition plate and the rear frame. This structure provides an electric powered vehicle whose battery is effectively and removably mountable on the body frame in a limited space thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Yonehana, Taku Okuda
-
Patent number: 7201390Abstract: A scooter includes a main body, a rear wheel mounted on a rear end of the main body, and an operation mechanism mounted on the main body and connected to the rear wheel to move the rear wheel. When in use, the rider steps on the two pedals to move the scooter forward manually. Alternatively, the scooter is moved forward automatically by operation of the motor. Thus, the scooter is operated manually by the user's feet or operated automatically by an electric power. In addition, the operation mechanism is detachably mounted on the main body, thereby facilitating the rider using and folding the scooter.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2004Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Inventor: Hung-Shen Chang
-
Patent number: 7191861Abstract: A wheeled vehicle is disclosed where that vehicle includes at least one disk, i.e. wheel, and a plurality of permanent magnets disposed around that wheel. The vehicle further includes a frame, where the wheel is rotatably connected to that frame. The vehicle further includes a source of electric power, and one or more electromagnet assemblies, each assembly comprising a first electromagnetic pole and a second electromagnet pole, where the first electromagnet pole and the second electromagnet pole are separated by a gap, and where one or more electromagnet assemblies are disposed on the frame such that each of the plurality of permanent magnets sequentially passes through the gaps in each assembly as the wheel rotates. The vehicle further includes a control unit capable of receiving power from the power source and selectively providing power to the one or more electromagnet assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Inventor: Phuong Bui
-
Patent number: 7193376Abstract: A control unit controls a vehicle having a body to allow its user to step on, a power generator arranged to generate power that drives the body, and a load sensor unit arranged to output a load value representing a load that has been applied to the body. The control unit preferably includes a first memory arranged to store a load threshold value, a second memory arranged to store a plurality of data, which respectively correspond to different types of control processing to control the power generator, and a processor arranged to change to a type of control processing among the different types of control processing according to a result of a comparison between the load value and the load threshold value. The processor controls the power generator based on one of the plurality of data corresponding to the type of control processing.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masanori Negoro, Nobuo Hara
-
Patent number: 7185726Abstract: A bicycle is fitted with rear panniers that provide electric motor assist and a power supply for the bicycle when desired. In a preferred embodiment the bicycle has a power coupling permanently attached at the rear wheel, for receiving an output drive shaft or power coupling from the motor pannier when that pannier is installed. The drive coupling may have gear reduction. To accommodate relative up and down motion between the pannier-supporting rack and the rear tire in a rear suspension bicycle, the motor drive unit in the motor pannier articulates, or the final drive unit on the bicycle can articulate, but this is more difficult because the rear suspension motion can be complex. Both panniers are secured by a quick connect device, for both mechanical attachment and electrical connection. The bicycle functions as a normal unpowered bike when the panniers are removed.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Inventor: Grant E. Young
-
Patent number: 7165641Abstract: A bicycle power supply apparatus comprises a battery unit; a bicycle condition detecting unit that detects when a bicycle is in a selected condition that ordinarily does not require drawing current from the battery unit for powering a current drawing element; and a current drawing unit that causes current to be drawn from the battery unit when the bicycle condition detecting unit detects the selected condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Satoshi Kitamura
-
Patent number: 7150337Abstract: A personal transport vehicle includes a frame with front and rear suspensions. The front suspension supports a front wheel and the rear suspension supports a rear wheel for up and down movement relative to the frame. A manual drive assembly is operably connected to the frame, and a separate power drive assembly forms a part of the rear suspension. The vehicle can be used by pedal power only, motor power only, or a combination of pedal and motor powers.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2005Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Biketoo, IncorporatedInventors: J. Andrew Phillips, III, J. Andrew Phillips, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7150339Abstract: An electrically powered bicycle is disclosed including a rear fork assembly having a pair of structures extending from a frame, a wheel attached between the structures of the rear fork assembly, an electric motor mounted adjacent to the wheel, and a drive mechanism disposed between the electric motor and the wheel. The drive mechanism includes a first gear connected to a shaft of the electric motor and a second gear connected to the wheel. The first gear has a first set of teeth meshed with a second set of teeth of the second gear such that when the shaft of the electric motor turns, the second gear provides a rotating force to the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: HL CorporationInventors: Hsueh-Chin Liao, T'sui Hsiao Hung
-
Patent number: 7121366Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle is provided in which a fuel cylinder and a fuel cell stack are arranged so that the barycentric position is kept low and load is appropriately shared between the front and rear wheels.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiyuki Horii
-
Patent number: 7117968Abstract: A motor driven vehicle includes an electric motor that drives wheels through a power source and an electric motor control unit that drives the electric motor. When a voltage of the power source is a predetermined value or greater, the electric motor control unit controls the electric motor such that rotational speed-torque characteristics that the electric motor has are maintained when the voltage of the power source is at the predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2003Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomohiro Ono, Junji Terada, Atsushi Kurosawa, Hiroaki Yagi, Koushi Sasaki
-
Patent number: 7104351Abstract: An improved motor mount adjustably tensions the chain in a chain and sprocket driven vehicle. The vehicle has a frame, at least one driven wheel rotating from a wheel rotation point on the frame, a driven sprocket driving the driven wheel. A motor is mounted to the frame and has a driving sprocket at a motor sprocket rotation point on the motor. The driving sprocket is disposed in a plane including the driven sprocket, and powers a chain. An improved mount for mounting the motor from the frame relative to the driven sprocket includes a motor mount for fastening to the engine for disposing the driving sprocket from the engine overlying the driven sprocket powering the driven wheel. A motor mount pivot is provided on the motor mount for pivoting the driving sprocket along the plane including the chain and driven sprocket. A keeper slot is configured within the motor mount, the keeper slot being coaxial about the pivot to enable a keeper to slide relative to the keeper slot during pivot of the motor mount.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Patmont Motor Werks Inc.Inventor: Jim Robbins
-
Patent number: 7077229Abstract: A folding and portable electric scooter assembled from structural members including a body member, a cover member, a seat frame and handles. When the electric scooter is not in use, a user needs only employ three simple actions to facilitate rapid folding away of a portable electric scooter, namely to fold down handles into the cover member, and fold away the cover member and the seat frame into the body member, whereupon, the user can pull a pull rod configured atop the cover member to easily pull along the electric scooter by means of auxiliary wheels connected to the body member, similar to the pulling of a baggage.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Inventor: Shuei-Yuan Lee
-
Patent number: 7040440Abstract: An electric assisted bicycle of simple structure is provided which is superior in the stability, reliability, and certainty of operation, and is provided with an electric power regenerative function and a brake assist function. A pedal force transmitted from a crank shaft is transmitted to an axle shaft via first transmission means, and the output of a motor as an assistant motive power is transmitted to the axle shaft via a clutch unit, which can switch a lock direction in conjunction with brake operation by a cyclist, and second transmission means.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Masahiro Kurita, Hiroji Fukuoka, Naoki Obita
-
Patent number: 7040443Abstract: A scooter having a fuselage with a front portion and a rear portion that includes a rear wheel rotatably mounted at the rear portion. The scooter also includes a standing platform supported by the fuselage for supporting a rider and a transmission system mounted under the standing platform in the rear portion of the fuselage. The transmission system having a motor with a wheel engagement element being operatively coupled with the rear wheel to allow the wheel engagement element to rotate the rear wheel when the wheel engagement element is engaged with the rear wheel. Another embodiment of the transmission system includes a motor, a first drive cone coupled the motor; and, a drive cone engagement mechanism configured to allow the first drive cone to be operatively coupled with a wheel to rotate the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Go Sporting Goods, LLCInventors: David Roth, Lawrence Diener, David R. Goetz
-
Patent number: 7032696Abstract: A method for carrying out a boosting operation includes detecting that a boosting operation has been carried out for making a current value of an electric motor larger than a normal full open throttle value, detecting that an electric motor has not rotated, detecting that a predetermined time period has elapsed since the detection that the electric motor has not rotated; and after the detection that the predetermined time period has elapsed, controlling the current value of the electric motor to be equal to or smaller than a limit value that is smaller than the normal full open throttle value.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomohiro Ono, Junji Terada, Atsushi Kurosawa, Koushi Sasaki, Hiroaki Yagi
-
Patent number: 7021978Abstract: A human-powered generator system for electric watercycles with a control means whereby the perceived mechanical properties of the pedal mechanism and electric pedal-powered generator are adjustable by the operator. The invention provides a means whereby the rotational inertia and damping of the input pedal mechanism, including generator, as perceived by the operator can be increased or decreased as desired. The control means with further properties such that the input pedal mechanism as perceived by the operator can be made to mimic that of bicycle; i.e., with large inertia when pedaling in the forward direction, a very low inertia when pedaling in the reverse direction, and a freewheeling clutch mechanism whereby the large inertia is disengaged when not pedaling in the forward direction with a forward torque. The control means further enable the electric watercycle to be perceived as coasting through the water when the operator takes a momentary break from pedaling, much like that of a bicycle coasting.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventor: Patrick Lee Jansen
-
Patent number: 7017694Abstract: An electronically controlled compact motor and planetary transmission system including a compact control unit and wiring for an electrical vehicle or electric motorcycle. The compact motor and integrated transmission system enables the operator to enjoy a powerful, conveniently sized, lightweight vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hideki Shirazawa
-
Patent number: 6994179Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle. The ride-on vehicle includes a frame adapted to support a child, and a drive assembly with a battery-powered motor assembly. The ride-on vehicle further includes one or more steerable wheels and one or more driven wheels. In some embodiments, the ride-on resembles a full-size motorcycle. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a free-floating wheel, which is unbiased and travels within a defined range of positions with respect to the ride-on vehicle's frame as external forces are imparted to the wheel. In some embodiments, the ride-on includes a high-speed switch positioned for momentary high-speed travel of the ride-on vehicle and a user-manipulable portion may be provided to enable a child to select such a high-speed configuration. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a simulated shock absorber and/or a passenger sidecar. Finally, in some embodiments, the ride-on may include wheel assemblies that simulate inflatable wheels.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, John L. Jones, Jr., William R. Howell, Karl D. Lerch, Brian L. Bienz
-
Patent number: 6965206Abstract: An electric device includes a motor and a motor drive for commanding a torque generated by the motor. A fault control circuit detects a fault condition associated with the motor drive. Upon detection of the fault condition, the fault control circuit adjusts the torque commanded by the motor drive.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2002Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, John B. Morrell, David W. Robinson, Ronald K. Reich, John David Heinzmann, Philip LeMay, Steven R. Meyer, Jason M. Sachs, J. Douglas Field
-
Patent number: 6964313Abstract: A personal transport vehicle includes a frame with front and rear suspensions. The front suspension supports a front wheel and the rear suspension supports a rear wheel for up and down movement relative to the frame. A manual drive assembly is operably connected to the frame, and a separate power drive assembly forms a part of the rear suspension. The vehicle can be used by pedal power only, motor power only, or a combination of pedal and motor powers.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Biketoo, IncorporatedInventors: J. Andrew Phillips, III, J. Andrew Phillips, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6948472Abstract: To improve the degree of freedom in attachment of an ignition switch apparatus, and to make the ignition switch apparatus less likely to be influenced by heat from an engine and by electrical noise interference, an ignition switch apparatus is provided including an antenna which performs radio communication for authentication with a transponder built in a key. The ignition switch is operatively attached to a pivot plate of the vehicle frame, on which a rear wheel is supported. In order to assure good communication with the key, the antenna is situated such that it projects from an outer face of a recessed portion of the pivot plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Suzuki, Yoji Kanaoka, Kenji Morita
-
Patent number: 6920953Abstract: An improved electrically assisted bicycle has rear wheel, right and left, propulsion elements, each side having a modified freewheel that carries a hand operated electromagnetic-mechanical pawl, deployed along a pedal bar by a tape connected to a pawl positioning control box lever, a freewheel wheel with radian oriented grooves in its inboard face, and the equivalent of a motor back plate on its outboard face, said grooves being compatible with a ratcheting motion by said pedal bar pawl, said back plate supporting an electric motor's field coils, current rings, and motor brushes, that collectively compliment a motor armature, commutator, and current ring brushes, where wheel ratcheting torque is applied to one side, and motor torque to the other, said bicycle also having a battery, a controlling rheostat, and a pedal actuated circuit current on/off switch, so that a rider can manually deploy ratcheting pawls to selected pedal leverage points on said wheel, while combining therewith, mixed-in applications of vType: GrantFiled: May 21, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Inventor: James Robert McGovern
-
Patent number: 6866111Abstract: A system for the proportional propulsion assistance by a DC motor propulsion secured to a wheel of a bicycle propelled by a user person who provides an effort. The system has a strain gauge for the detection and measurement of a flexion of a stationary shaft of a rear wheel of the bicycle. The gauge is disposed on a vertical face formed on the shaft. An amplifier amplifies a measurement signal coming from the gauge. A filter is connected at the input of the amplifier. An analog to digital converter is connected at the output of the amplifier. A digital processing circuit digitizes the signal at the output of the amplifier to compensate for any deviation of the signal to calculate, in real time, the effort provided by the user person on the gears secured to the rotor housing of the DC motor secured to the fixed shaft and to control the assistance effort provided by the DC motor of the rear wheel of the bicycle to give a progressive assistance to the user person.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Inventors: Jean-Yves Dubé, Guy Lafond, Benoit Quirion
-
Patent number: 6866275Abstract: A support assembly for a ground-engaging component of a vehicle which includes a base section, a column which is mounted for movement relative to the base section between a traveling position and a storage position, and a locking assembly for holding the column. The locking assembly is capable of locking the column in the traveling position or in a storage position. The assembly also includes an actuator which, when the column is in the traveling position, is movable from a rest position along a release path to initiate a release of the locking assembly, and thereby allow the column to be moved from the traveling position to the storage position.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Inventor: Michael Roydon Puzey
-
Patent number: 6832660Abstract: A motorized retrofit kit for lightweight collapsible mini scooter is a complete conversion for a lightweight push scooter to a motor driven unit. Owners of existing scooters can install a mini electric motor battery system, wiring and on/off button with limited skills and equipment to drive the rear wheel of the scooter.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Inventor: Leonard Allan Dodd
-
Patent number: 6814172Abstract: An electric power unit for two-wheel vehicles comprising a batteries housing, from which current is supplied to a DC magnetic motor that is connected to a controller assembly, and a chain transmission driven by the DC magnetic motor, which is adapted to actuate a driven wheel of a two-wheel vehicle. The latter has a frame to which the electrical power unit for two-wheel vehicles is attached. The batteries housing incorporates a structure having two outwardly open compartments between which a hollow zone is interposed. Each of the two outwardly open compartments is divided in several partitions. Each of the several partitions is adaptable to receive one of several rechargeable batteries that are provided with terminals for contacting a wiring. Each of the two outwardly open compartments is provided with air channels air for heating the several rechargeable batteries.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Inventor: Oanh Ngoc Vu
-
Patent number: 6806608Abstract: A bicycle driven by a brushless motor. The vehicle has at least one wheel with a plurality of ferromagnetic steel elements annularly disposed on the rim. Three C-shaped electromagnets are connected to the body of the vehicle to alternatively attract the steel elements, maintaining wheel rotation.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2003Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Delta Electronics Inc.Inventor: Chin-Ming Chen
-
Patent number: 6805214Abstract: Disclosed is a breather system for a fuel tank reliably performing a function of a breather when a vehicle is inclined to the right or to the left and a straddle-type four wheeled all terrain vehicle comprising the breather system in which the fuel tank is provided below a seat, and a fuel inlet and a tank cap covering the fuel inlet is protruded from a rear fender laterally of the seat. The breather system has two breather openings provided in the fuel tank, breather hoses respectively connected to the breather openings, a T-shape joint integrally connecting the breather hoses, and a check valve connected to an ambient side of the T-shape joint, and the two breather openings are provided on the right and left sides of the fuel tank so as to be spaced apart from each other.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhiro Maeda, Gaku Yoshimura
-
Patent number: 6802385Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle has a motor, controller and power supply contained within a wheel compartment. A cylindrical stator frame is fixed on the wheel axle, with an inner surface of the stator frame defining a space for housing the power supply and controller circuitry. A plurality of electromagnet stator segments are mounted on an outer surface of the stator frame. A cylindrical rotor frame is coupled to the axle through bearings. An inner surface of the rotor frame supports a plurality of permanent magnets that surround the stator segments to form a radial air gap therebetween. Mounted to the outer surface of the rotor frame by appropriate supporting structure is a vehicle tire.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2002Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Wavecrest Laboratories, LLCInventors: Alexander V. Pyntikov, Mark A. Benson
-
Publication number: 20040182625Abstract: This electric motor vehicle is unique because it has just two wheels parallel to one another. Steering is achieved by the differential rotation of the two wheels with respect to one another—reducing the turning radius of this vehicle to the mere distance between the centres of the ground contact areas of the two tyres. Traction is by two permanent magnet AC motors—the stators on the axle circumference and the rotors on the inside of the wheel hubs. The outer circumference of the hollow axle which doubles up as the vehicle shell; is more than half of the maximum outer circumference of the tyre on the wheel. The heavy-weight electrical energy storage devices, mostly electrical accumulators, are positioned at the bottom of the hollow axle-shell. This brings down the centre of gravity well below the common geometrical centre of the two parallel wheels; providing inertial stability to the vehicle shell, when torque is applied by the wheel motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2001Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventor: Anadish Kumar Pal
-
Publication number: 20040163870Abstract: An electrically powered bicycle is disclosed including a rear fork assembly having a pair of structures extending from a frame, a wheel attached between the structures of the rear fork assembly, an electric motor mounted adjacent to the wheel, and a drive mechanism disposed between the electric motor and the wheel. The drive mechanism includes a first gear connected to a shaft of the electric motor and a second gear connected to the wheel. The first gear has a first set of teeth meshed with a second set of teeth of the second gear such that when the shaft of the electric motor turns, the second gear provides a rotating force to the wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventors: Hsueh-Chin Liao, T?apos;sui Hsiao Hung
-
Publication number: 20040144584Abstract: A personal transport vehicle includes a frame with front and rear suspensions. The front suspension supports a front wheel and the rear suspension supports a rear wheel for up and down movement relative to the frame. A manual drive assembly is operably connected to the frame, and a separate power drive assembly forms a part of the rear suspension. The vehicle can be used by pedal power only, motor power only, or a combination of pedal and motor powers.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventors: J. Andrew Phillips, J. Andrew Phillips
-
Patent number: 6767308Abstract: A simplified method is provided for controlling a motor of a bicycle component, especially a power assisting apparatus for a derailleur or a suspension. The method of controlling a motor of a bicycle assembly, basically comprising the steps of supplying current to the motor to move a bicycle component between a first position and a second position, and monitoring current flow to the motor during movement of the bicycle component. Then, stopping flow of current to the motor upon detection of an overcurrent to the motor due to the bicycle component reaching one of the first and second positions after being driven from the other of the first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2001Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Satoshi Kitamura
-
Patent number: 6755265Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle. The ride-on vehicle includes a frame adapted to support a child, and a drive assembly with a battery-powered motor assembly. The ride-on vehicle further includes one or more steerable wheels and one or more driven wheels. In some embodiments, the ride-on resembles a full-size motorcycle. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a free-floating wheel, which is unbiased and travels within a defined range of positions with respect to the ride-on vehicle's frame as external forces are imparted to the wheel. In some embodiments, the ride-on includes a high-speed switch positioned for momentary high-speed travel of the ride-on vehicle and a user-manipulable portion may be provided to enable a child to select such a high-speed configuration. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a simulated shock absorber and/or a passenger sidecar. Finally, in some embodiments, the ride-on may include wheel assemblies that simulate inflatable wheels.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, John L. Jones, Jr., William R. Howell, Karl D. Lerch, Brian L. Bienz
-
Patent number: 6752229Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame on which are mounted a front wheel, a rear wheel, an engine, a battery-powered motor, and a transmission connecting the rear wheel with the engine and the motor. The motor can be used as a generator so as to transform motive energy produced via the engine into electric energy for storage in the battery. The engine may include a crankshaft, a pulley connected with the transmissions, and a first clutch arranged between the crankshaft and the pulley which does not transmit power therebetween until its angular speed reaches a pre-determined value. The engine includes an automatic starter connected therewith. A second clutch arranged between the automatic starter and the motor switches between a neutral position and an active position whereby the automatic starter is selectively engaged for and disengaged from operation responsive to the motor.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Inventor: Chien-Chang Ho
-
Patent number: 6739421Abstract: A frame 3 is divided at a substantial center portion thereof into a front frame part and a back frame part. The two frame parts are joined by a hinge portion 25 so that the divided frame can be folded in two. The frame 3 is provided with detection device 30 for detecting whether or not the frame 3 has been folded at the hinge portion 25. The motor 2 becomes inoperable when the detection device 30 detects the folding of the frame 3.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Takara Co., Ltd.Inventor: Naoki Miya
-
Publication number: 20040089489Abstract: An electric motor driven cycle having front and rear wheels, a monocoque frame suspended between the front and rear wheels, and an electric motor coupled to one of the wheels, the electric motor being a load-bearing member of the frame. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: The Electric Cycle CompanyInventor: Ely Schless
-
Publication number: 20040074681Abstract: A motor driven vehicle includes an electric motor that drives wheels through a power source and an electric motor control unit that drives the electric motor. When a voltage of the power source is a predetermined value or greater, the electric motor control unit controls the electric motor such that rotational speed-torque characteristics that the electric motor has are maintained when the voltage of the power source is at the predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tomohiro Ono, Junji Terada, Atsushi Kurosawa, Hiroaki Yagi, Koushi Sasaki