Abstract: A bicycle derailleur system is applied to a bicycle and includes a controller, a camera, a derailleur assembly, and the memory device that are electrically connected to the controller. The camera records a real-time video of a road ahead. When the derailleur assembly is operated to shift, the derailleur assembly sends a chain shifting signal to drive the controller to process the video captured by the camera to obtain a section of video between a predetermined time before and after the chain shifting signal. The controller stores the section of the video along with information in the chain shifting signal to the memory device, to establish a basis for image similarity comparison. When the bicycle derailleur system is operated automatically, the image similarity comparison between real-time video recorded by the camera and the sections of the videos stored in the memory device is conducted to determine whether to shift.

Abstract: An electric bicycle assembly for propelling a bicycle includes a bicycle that includes a first chain sprocket and pedals coupled to the first chain sprocket for rotating the first chain sprocket to propel the bicycle. A second chain sprocket is coupled to the first chain sprocket such that the second chain sprocket is rotated when the first chain sprocket is rotated. A generator is coupled to the bicycle and the generator is rotated to generate electrical energy when the pedals are pedaled. A motor is coupled to the bicycle and the motor is in mechanical communication with the rear wheel. The motor rotates the rear wheel when the motor is turned on for propelling the bicycle.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle for a rider standing with one foot in front of the other, having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel. Load sensing means for sensing the amount of weight on each of the rider's feet are attached to or incorporated into the surfaces upon which the rider stands. An electronic control system detects when the distribution of weight between the rider's front and rear feet deviates from a certain ratio, and directs the motor to accelerate or decelerate in order to correct the change and restore the desired weight ratio. In this way the rider can control the speed of the vehicle by shifting her weight forward or backward. The front wheel is steerable by the rider's front foot. Leg contact surfaces facilitate stability as well as precision and control. Another control method is also described.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a bicycle are provided comprising a bicycle frame having a front wheel support section, a rear wheel support section and a center section. The bicycle includes a rear wheel rotatably coupled to the rear wheel support section. The bicycle further includes a front wheel having a hub rotatably coupled to the front wheel support section, the hub being configured and integrated with an energy coil system that stores energy during a forward revolving movement of the front wheel, and when the energy is fully stored, the energy coil system is locked until selectively released.

Abstract: A scooter having a foot platform, front and rear wheels at the forward and rear ends of the foot platform, and comprising; a swingable bearing at the forward end of the platform; a steering column mounting sleeve attached to swingable bearing, a front wheel drive shaft in said steering column mounting sleeve and being telescopically slidable therethrough; a hub extension at the lower end of the steering column mounting sleeve for mounting the front wheel; a drive extension on the lower end of the front wheel drive shaft; a drive member at the lower end of the drive extension; a drive pinion coupled to the front wheel and engaged with said drive member, and, hand bars at the upper end of said steering column mounting sleeve, operable to slide the front wheel drive shaft downwardly and upwardly, through the steering column mounting sleeve for driving the front wheel.

Abstract: An energy transduction and conservation system has a rotatable primary driving arrangement and a rotatable driven arrangement, the driving and driven arrangements cooperating through an energy storage arrangement. The driving arrangement supplies energy to the energy storage arrangement through a one-way driving system which blocks energy release from the energy storage arrangement back to the driving arrangement. Relative rotation of the driving arrangement is transferred to the energy storage arrangement through a first releasable clutch acting on a one-way rotatable hub whereby energy stored is released only through the driven arrangement. A further one-way clutch is actuated by a differential angular rotational speed to disconnect the first releasable clutch and drive the hub at the same time the energy storage arrangement drives the driven arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention is applied to pedal vehicles, or mixture of electric and pedal vehicles, or combination of electric and pedal vehicles, especially to a bicycle capable of being pedaled bidirectionally and driven to move in unidirectional.

Abstract: A powered cycle vehicle having an adjustable mounting system for a power unit is described. A power unit is attached to a wheel mounting bracket which is affixed to the vehicle frame and carries the cycle wheel. The wheel mounting bracket may be a unitary structure that defines a wheel mount location and a power unit mount location. Adjustment of the power unit can be made independently of adjustment of the cycle wheel.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a bicycle are provided comprising a bicycle frame having a front wheel support section, a rear wheel support section and a center section. The bicycle includes a rear wheel rotatably coupled to the rear wheel support section. The bicycle further includes a front wheel having a hub rotatably coupled to the front wheel support section, the hub being configured and integrated with an energy coil system that stores energy during a forward revolving movement of the front wheel, and when the energy is fully stored, the energy coil system is locked until selectively released.

Abstract: A powered cycle vehicle having an adjustable mounting system for a power unit is described. A power unit is attached to a wheel mounting bracket which is affixed to the vehicle frame and carries the cycle wheel. The wheel mounting bracket may be a unitary structure that defines a wheel mount location and a power unit mount location. Adjustment of the power unit can be made independently of adjustment of the cycle wheel.

Abstract: An energy transduction and conservation system has a rotatable primary driving arrangement and a rotatable driven arrangement, the driving and driven arrangements cooperating through an energy storage arrangement. The driving arrangement supplies energy to the energy storage arrangement through a one-way driving system which blocks energy release from the energy storage arrangement back to the driving arrangement. Relative rotation of the driving arrangement is transferred to the energy storage arrangement through a first releasable clutch acting on a one-way rotatable hub whereby energy stored is released only through the driven arrangement. A further one-way clutch is actuated by a differential angular rotational speed to disconnect the first releasable clutch and drive the hub at the same time the energy storage arrangement drives the driven arrangement.

Abstract: A spring-based mechanism for saving labor of a bicycle rider is disclosed and in one embodiment includes an axle operatively connected to a chain wheel and a first set of bearings via a gear assembly; a housing for mounting a shaft therein wherein the first set of bearings is provided at one end of the shaft; a second set of bearings provided at the other end of the shaft; a spring in the housing and having one end attached to one end of the shaft and the other end attached to the other end of the housing; and a clutch provided externally of the other end of the housing, the clutch being operatively connected to the second set of bearings and including a lock lever. The mechanism can store elastic force by counterclockwise pedaling and release the stored energy by disengaging a clutch from the mechanism when riding uphill.

Abstract: A spring-based mechanism for saving labor of a bicycle rider is disclosed and in one embodiment includes an axle operatively connected to a chain wheel and a first set of bearings via a gear assembly; a housing for mounting a shaft therein wherein the first set of bearings is provided at one end of the shaft; a second set of bearings provided at the other end of the shaft; a spring in the housing and having one end attached to one end of the shaft and the other end attached to the other end of the housing; and a clutch provided externally of the other end of the housing, the clutch being operatively connected to the second set of bearings and including a lock lever. The mechanism can store elastic force by counterclockwise pedaling and release the stored energy by disengaging a clutch from the mechanism when riding uphill.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scooter that is self propelled with a uniquely designed spring winding propulsion system. Using a system of interrelated gears and sprockets, the propulsion system is automatically rewound as a user manually propels the scooter. Accordingly, when the propulsion system is sufficiently rewound, a release button transfers energy contained within the wound springs to a rear wheel thereby automatically propelling the scooter.

Abstract: A kinetic energy generating mechanism includes a driving part, a transmission part, and a driven part. The driving part includes front and rear rollers separately mounted on a vehicle, and an actuating belt wound around the front and rear rollers. The transmission part is a transmission gear mounted to an end of the rear roller to rotate along with the same. The driven part is a driven gear mounted on a rear axle of the vehicle and meshing with the transmission gear, or may include front and rear driven gears wound around by a chain to mesh with the transmission part and mount on the rear axle of the vehicle, respectively. When a user walks or runs on the actuating belt, the latter rotates the front and the rear roller counterclockwise, and the driven part meshed with the transmission part is rotated clockwise to move the vehicle forward.

Abstract: A pedaling force detection means can be simplified in arrangement, the number of assemblies thereof can be decreased, the pedaling force detection means can be made inexpensive and can detect a pedaling force reliably. A bicycle comprises a drive assist attached to a driving wheel (3), a driving power transmission means (20) attached between a sprocket (26) and a rear wheel, a pair of pedal levers (22), a crank lever (30R) for transmitting a rotation force of the pedal lever to the sprocket and a sliding portion (40R) serving as a swing fulcrum of the pedal lever. A slide pin (42R) at one end of the pedal lever slides within the slide portion in accordance with the rotation of the pedal lever to transmit a rotation force generated by the rotation of the pedal lever to the rear wheel through the sprocket.

Abstract: A vehicle with a caster (12) has a disconnectable steering system so the vehicle can be quickly and easily converted back and forth between rider-steerable and externally steerable configurations. The vehicle includes a frame (body) (20), the caster, and a steering mechanism (22, 24, 34) mounted on the frame. A disconnecting device (32) is mounted between the steering mechanism and the caster. When the disconnecting device connects the steering mechanism to the caster, the vehicle can be steered by the occupant since the steering mechanism and caster rotate as one unit. When the disconnecting device disconnects the steering mechanism from the caster, the caster is allowed to swivel freely (360°) about its vertical axis so that the vehicle can be pushed or pulled in any direction by an external operator. The vehicle may be a stroller, a toy vehicle, a scooter, a wheelchair, a cart, a dolly, etc., and it can have more than one caster.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A solar powered two wheeled vehicle having energy intensifying solar collectors includes a two wheeled moped type vehicle supporting a motor generator and pedal driven crank operatively coupled to a rear drive wheel, The vehicle further includes a rear body portion defining a pair of forwardly open air ducts having wind driven generators supported therein.

Abstract: A pedal operated vehicle such as a bicycle having an electric motor assist. The assist ratio provided by the electric motor may be varied in response to a variety of vehicle conditions such as speed so as to reduce the consumption of electrical energy and to avoid over speed conditions. Various control ratio options are depicted and an embodiment is also shown wherein the operator may select the assist ratio or assist ratio curve provided.

Abstract: An improvement to electrical bicycles is provided. The bicycle is improved by directly securing a one-way driving assembly to the left side of the driving wheel's hub and forming a one-piece unit with the hub. By having an inserting body protruding from a rotating body, a large bevel gear wheel of the driving assembly is joined with the rotating body. An output bevel gear wheel of a D.C. motor is engaged with the large bevel gear wheel to directly drive the hub in a forward direction. The hub may also be pedal driven so the function of the pedals is not changed.

Abstract: Several embodiments of pedal operated vehicles such as bicycles wherein electric motor assist is provided in response to the pedaling force applied by the rider. However, a number of embodiments of malfunction detection devices are disclosed and which will preclude the application of electric motor assist if the system has been disabled or if it is not operating properly. In addition, a start up routine is also disclosed that prevents the sudden application of electric power upon starting of the system.

Abstract: An electrical bicycle comprises a frame body, a battery and a rotation controller. Characterized in that a driving mechanism is disposed at the rear triangle supporter and one side of the spindle. The transmission collar and fly-wheel are disposed at both ends of the spindle respectively. The transmission collar is rotated by means of the DC motor, the first and second bevel pinions. The output of the DC motor is reduced by the combination of the first and second bevel pinions. No chain is needed, consequently the defects inherited thereof are omitted. This electrical bicycle is free from noise and pollutant emissions. The driving mechanism can be switched on easily as necessary.

Abstract: Several embodiments of electric power assisted bicycles wherein an electrical motor is employed for assisting in the pedaling of the bicycle. The embodiments all include an arrangement for changing the state of the electrical power in response to pushing of the bicycle. In some embodiments, the circuit for the electric motor is opened when the bicycle is pushed rearwardly so as to avoid undue resistance to the pushing as might occur due to the fact that the motor would operate as a generator under this condition and provide an electrical load. In other embodiments, the electric motor is energized upon pushing so as to assist in pushing the bicycle.

Abstract: A three-wheel exercise vehicle that may be operator pedaled by means of a crank assembly that is coupled by a transmission to a wheel. In addition, an internal combustion engine may power this wheel. The pedal-operated crank assembly is also coupled to a hydraulic pump that pumps fluid through a closed circuit including a restrictive orifice for acting as a brake on the speed of the vehicle when coasting and also providing a load for the operator to exercise when the vehicle is being powered by the internal combustion engine. An improved seating arrangement is provided that will afford great comfort for the operator.

Abstract: A variable ratio drive mechanism which operates to adjust the path of an endless drive belt in response to a remotely located control input. A plurality of circumferentially spaced sheave segments are respectively mounted in a plurality of radially extending elongated tracks with opposed tooth-like formations therein. Each sheave segment includes cam/bearing means with multiple camming surfaces and opposed engagement blocks intermediate the cam/bearing means and the tooth-like formations. The engagement blocks are mutually slidably engaged but spring-biased into engagement with the tooth-like formations to thereby detent the sheave segment against radial movement. Each sheave segment has a bearing surface which is engaged by the drive belt when the drive mechanism traverses through a predetermined arc of rotation but is disengaged from the drive belt when outside the predetermined arc of rotation.

Abstract: A spring drive and a spring drive scooter for use by an operator. The spring drive and spring drive scooter have a frame, a resilient member connected to the frame, a pedal, and a movement. The pedal is supported by the resilient member. The pedal is disposed to bear the operator. The pedal is capable, together with the operator, of oscillatory motion relative to the frame in response to at least roughly periodic impulses supplied to the pedal by the operator at a range of frequencies including a resonant frequency. The movement is connected to the frame and includes a final driven member. The movement is actuated by reciprocation of the pedal, the movement is capable of converting oscillatory motion of the pedal into circular motion of the final driven member.

Abstract: A device for cyclically enhancing driving torque in a mechanical assembly having a torque driven rotatable body, including a nonrotatable support carrying the body a drive means applying driving torque to the rotatable body fixed magnetic members, and a rotatable magnetic means arranged to react intermittently to enhance cyclically the driving torque applied to the driven body. The torque driven body exerts a flywheel driving effect on the magnetic members to rotate them between angular positions when the magnetic members are not enhancing the driving torque.

Abstract: An electrically assisted pedal power vehicle includes a rotation sensing arrangement sensing the direction of rotation of a rotary drive member in the pedal propulsion mechanism of the vehicle. The rotation sensing arrangement includes a pair of switches actuable by means on the drive member. The switches control a monostable circuit such that the circuit produces an output pulse only when the switches are actuated in the correct order. A frequency to voltage converter may be driven by the monostable circuit with a Schmidt trigger sensitive to the output of the converter controlling the electric drive motor.

Abstract: An electrically assisted cycle, particularly but not exclusively a pedal bicycle or tricycle, wherein there is provided an electric motor which can assist the rider in propelling the cycle, the frame of the cycle supporting batteries for powering the motor. In order that the rider can only obtain electrical assistance there is provided a sensing arrangement for sensing the speed at which the chain wheel of the pedal assembly of the cycle is being rotated. The sensing means controls operation of an electrical switch in turn controlling energization of the motor. Thus, in order for the motor to be energized the rider must be rotating the pedals at a speed in excess of a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A power drive system to augment pedalling of a bicycle including a reversible magnetically balanced electromagnetic field positioned in proximity to one wheel of the bicycle, at least one permanent magnet mounted on the wheel to pass through the electromagnetic field when the wheels are rotated by conventional pedalling, and a reversing switch responsive to the position of the permanent magnet to alternate the polarity of the electromagnetic field thereby alternately attracting the permanent magnet into the electromagnetic field and thereafter repelling the permanent magnet outwardly from the electromagnetic field. A reed type switch is positioned to respond to the movement of the permanent magnet to reverse the polarity of the electromagnetic field. A proximity switch is triggered by conventional pedalling to turn off the power when pedalling ceases. Thus, the power drive system assists in the pedalling but does not provide power when the cyclist is coasting.

Abstract: This is a unique arrangement for transmission of power, particularly for bicycles, and the like, in which arrangements are made through the use of roller clutch and ratchet arrangements or the like to provide for regular rotary leg motion or alternatively for reciprocating motion of pedals or power arms.

Abstract: A cycle according to the invention includes a rotatable pedal wheel coupled by a chain to the driving wheel of the cycle. An electric motor and associated power source are carried by the frame of the cycle and are coupled to the rear wheel whereby the electric motor can propel. An electrical switch is operable by tension in the chain resulting from pedalling action by the rider and the switch must be operated in order for the motor to be energized.