Abstract: There has been a drawback in that current command values need to be set for a current command unit of a power conversion device in accordance with efficiency, and thus the number of operation steps increases. In the power conversion device connected between a three-phase AC rotating machine and a DC power supply and configured to convert DC power into AC power, a DC voltage value, of the DC power supply, that is to be inputted to a current command unit of the power conversion device is corrected on the basis of an efficiency index, and a current command value to be outputted by the current command unit is changed on the basis of the corrected DC voltage value and a torque command value, whereby the efficiencies of the power conversion device and the three-phase AC rotating machine are controlled.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle incorporating a frame; a drive shaft mounted upon the frame, the drive shaft having rotary power input and output ends; a drive wheel mounted upon the frame; a rotary power output linkage operatively interconnecting the drive shaft's output end and the drive wheel; rotary power pedals mounted upon the frame; a rotary power input linkage operatively interconnecting the drive shaft's input end and the rotary power pedals; a spiral spring having a rotary power input end and a rotary power output end, the spiral spring being mounted over the drive shaft; a clutch and one way bearing combination for anchoring the spiral spring's rotary power input end upon the drive shaft and upon the frame; and a one way bearing and brake combination for alternatively anchoring the spiral spring's rotary power output end upon the drive shaft and upon the frame.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention disclose a bicycle propulsion system. The propulsion system includes a frame. The propulsion system includes a wheel rotably coupled to the frame. The propulsion system includes a drive wheel for rotating the wheel. The propulsion system has a pedal. The propulsion system includes a crank lever having a proximate end coupled to the frame and a distal end coupled to the pedal. The propulsion system includes a cam rotably coupled to the crank lever between the distal and proximate ends, wherein the cam comprises a pair of connecting members that when connected form a shaft positioned away from a center of the cam. The propulsion system includes a drive lever having a proximate end comprising a cam follower interfaced to the cam and a distal end coupled to the drive wheel.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a variable speed drive system comprising: a frame having front and rear wheels; reciprocating pedals rotatably attached to the frame for supporting the rider; a pedal cam attached to one of the pedals at a hub where a distance between the hub and a first sprocket of the pedal cam is less than a distance between the hub and a second sprocket of the pedal cam; a coupling cam attached at a front axle and operably connected to the pedal cam so that when the pedal cam rotates when force is exerted downward on the pedal, the coupling cam rotates in an opposite direction from the pedal cam; and a drive sprocket carried by the coupling cam and linked to a wheel sprocket by a drive chain so that when the coupling cam rotates, the drive sprocket rotates causing the rear wheel to rotate.

Abstract: A harvest aid machine and method of use is provided comprising a machine having a main chassis. The main chassis includes a roof, a lateral conveyor belt, a chute for storing empty harvest containers and worker stations. The harvest aid machine is powered by a motor and moves using a directional wheel and two rear wheels. Workers load empty containers onto the chute and after the containers slide down the chute, the empty containers rest in a storage station accessible by additional workers. When a worker is ready to harvest a crop, the worker removes the container from the chute and places harvested crops inside the container. The worker then places the harvested crop filled container onto a worker station. After the worker collects multiple harvested crop filled containers, the worker pushes the containers onto a conveyor belt system, adjacent to the worker station, that runs laterally on the machine.

Abstract: An auxiliary power device of a bicycle includes a driving member and a base member provided at a first section and a second section of the bicycle respectively. The first section and the second section are two parts of the bicycle, which has a relative motion therebetween in cycling. An input member is provided to the base member to be driven by the driving member when the first section moves relative to the second section. The input member turns a power storage member to store a power. A control member is provided for manipulation to release the power stored in the power storage member for moving the bicycle forward.

Abstract: A bicycle is equipped with an auxiliary power system to provide extra power for driving the bicycle forward. The auxiliary power system includes a base fixed to a frame of the bicycle, a power storage device connected to the base, and a ratchet device connecting the power storage device and a main transmission system of the bicycle. When pedals of the bicycle are turned in a forward direction, it may drive the bicycle forward but not the power storage device through the ratchet device. When the pedals are turned in a rearward direction, it may drive the power storage device through the ratchet device to store extra power in the power storage device. A rider may release the power stored in the power storage device to drive the bicycle forward through the ratchet device and the main transmission system.

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 bicycle driving assistance device includes a crank having two pedals and a first chainwheel unit is connected to the crank and a gear box which has its input shaft connected to a first chainwheel unit. A one-direction bearing is connected to the input shaft so as to rotate in the direction to store energy. A vortex spring is connected between the input shaft and the case to which a first gear of the gear box is connected. An output shaft of the gear box outputs the energy to the rear chainwheel unit via the second chainwheel unit to move the rear wheel of the bicycle. The rear chainwheel unit and the crank are separated by a one-direction bearing. When the force applied to the pedals is less than the energy stored in the vortex spring, the energy is released to assist the rider to move the bicycle.

Abstract: A personal transportation device, consisting of a wheeled transportation attachment, a foot platform situated above the transportation attachment, and a linkage mechanism connecting the foot platform with the transportation attachment with a driving mechanism. The linkage mechanism has an X shape configuration to allow the foot platform to move from higher to lower positions. The driving mechanism transforms the downward movement of the foot platform, caused by the weight of the user, to rotational movement, and then stores it in a spring that drives the front wheel. The foot platform can be tilted backward to brake the back wheel. The transport device is powered by the repeated vertical movement of the user's feet.

Abstract: A bicycle driving assistance device includes a crank having two pedals and a first chainwheel unit is connected to the crank and a gear box which has its input shaft connected to a first chainwheel unit. A one-direction bearing is connected to the input shaft so as to rotate in the direction to store energy. A vortex spring is connected between the input shaft and the case to which a first gear of the gear box is connected. An output shaft of the gear box outputs the energy to the rear chainwheel unit via the second chainwheel unit to move the rear wheel of the bicycle. The rear chainwheel unit and the crank are separated by a one-direction bearing. When the force applied to the pedals is less than the energy stored in the vortex spring, the energy is released to assist the rider to move the bicycle.

Abstract: A motorized bicycle includes a bicycle body, a rotation device, a chargeable battery and a control device. The rotation device includes a mandrel, a plurality of coils, a rotation member and a plurality of magnets. The control device includes a microprocessor and an adjusting switch. When the rotation device is disposed at the active state, the rotation device is driven by the electric power of the battery to move the bicycle forward, and when the rotation device is disposed at the passive state, the pedals are pedalled by the rider to rotate the front wheel, and the rotation device is driven by the front wheel to provide a generating function. The microprocessor can switch the active state and the passive state of the rotation device automatically to operate the electric power of the battery to the optimum extent.

Abstract: A personal transportation device, consisting of a wheeled transportation attachment, a foot platform situated above the transportation attachment, and a linkage mechanism connecting the foot platform with the transportation attachment with a driving mechanism. The linkage mechanism has an X shape configuration to allow the foot platform to move from higher to lower positions. The driving mechanism transforms the downward movement of the foot platform, caused by the weight of the user, to rotational movement, and then stores it in a spring that drives the front wheel. The foot platform can be tilted backward to brake the back wheel. The transport device is powered by the repeated vertical movement of the user's feet.

Abstract: An energy efficient biped robotic system with passive-dynamic locomotion includes a body having a frame. An energy recapture mechanism is suspended within the frame. The energy recapture mechanism includes a load, a mechanical energy storage mechanism that interconnects the load and the frame, and a guide means secured to the load and the frame. A mechanical energy input mechanism interconnects the load with an electric energy generating mechanism. An output means transfers the generated electric energy to an energy storage device. The robot also includes a leg connected to the body portion. The cyclical movement of the leg during passive-dynamic locomotion is transferred to the load through the mechanical energy storage mechanism, and the resulting oscillatory movement of the load is transferred by the mechanical energy input mechanism to the electric energy generating mechanism. The generated electric energy is transferred to the energy storage device for use by the robotic system.

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: A kinematic speed controller for a vehicle requires the constant deliberate movement of a rotary apparatus which is physically independent from the vehicle drive system. It does not require substantial operator muscle power since there is no direct mechanical connection between the kinematic controller and the vehicle drive system. The rotary apparatus which controls the vehicle speed may be a foot pedal and crank assembly. Additionally, the invention may include a variable degree of resistance to the rotary input device to enhance operator control or to provide muscle exercise for the operator if desired. Furthermore, the invention may include the variable setting of the relationship between the speed of the rotary input device and the amount of power provided to drive the vehicle and hence the speed of the vehicle. The components of the invention may be arranged to visually simulate a bicycle-type mechanical chain drive.

Abstract: An exercising bicycle is proposed, having a rear hub thereof being mounted with a spring seat, a coupling member, a spiral spring, a turning mechanism and a braking system. The spring seat is formed with a shaft for being sleeved with the coupling member. The spiral spring is placed between the coupling member and spring seat. The turning mechanism is operatably driven by body motion of a user, whereby the coupling member is urged to rotate with respect to the spring seat for twisting the spiral spring tight, and the spring seat is actuated to rotate by resilient force from releasing the twisted spiral spring. By this mode of operation as to urge the turning mechanism for making the spiral spring store kinetic energy, and then to release the stored energy for driving the bicycle to move, the user can be elicited with a large amount of whole body exercise.

Abstract: A coil spring is mounted in the hub of a wheel of a vehicle. One end of the coil spring is connected to a ratchet and the ratchet is engaged by a pawl which is connected to the hub. A brake is also mounted in the hub. The drum of the brake is connected to the other end of the coil spring and the brake pad is connected to the axle of the wheel. When the brake is activated, the spring deforms and applies a braking force on the wheel. When the brake is de-activated, the wheel is driven forward by the spring as it unwinds.

Abstract: A power generating device that includes a dynamo, a rack mounted on the frame of a bicycle to hold the dynamo, and a wheel attached to the rack. When the device is engaged, the wheel contacts the ground and rotates to drive the dynamo while the bicycle is in motion, causing the dynamo to generate electricity.

Abstract: A Tread Wheel Frame System drives a human-powered cycle by a tread wheel driving a tread of a drive wheel of a cycle rather than driving a drive wheel hub, as conventional cycles do. Most of the driving mechanism, including the tread wheel, a speed ratio mechanism, shifting device, and a power unit device, are safely located above the level of a cycle's axles where they are less likely to encounter accidental impact. The tread wheel with the power unit device also does the braking, which eliminates the need for caliper brakes or hub brakes. Accordingly, a drive wheel is lighter, without the need for a heavy hub, or a heavy rim to withstand the wear and heat of friction of caliper brakes. The tread wheel frame is uniquely designed and engineered to be light, yet strong where needed.

Abstract: A coil spring is mounted in the hub of a wheel of a vehicle. One end of the coil spring is connected to a ratchet and the ratchet is engaged by a pawl which is connected to the hub. A brake is also mounted in the hub. The drum of the brake is connected to the other end of the coil spring and the brake pad is connected to the axle of the wheel. When the brake is activated, the spring deforms and applies a braking force on the wheel. When the brake is de-activated, the wheel is driven forward by the spring as it unwinds.

Abstract: A spring-assist drive for a pedal-operated rider-propelled vehicle such as a bicycle which makes use of a wind-up coil spring mounted within the frame of the bicycle as auxiliary power. The spring is selectively wound by the rider operating the pedals to turn a spindle on which is mounted a sprocket wheel. A chain from the sprocket wheel drives a pivoting gear assembly comprising a ratcheting sprocket and attached drive gear. In a preferred embodiment, the tension on the chain will be adjustable by a chain tension adjustment mechanism. The drive gear releasably engages a power gear mounted on a common hub with the spring. A brake band and drum assembly holds the energy in the spring until the brake is released by the rider, whereupon the spring unwinds to drive a sprocket wheel mounted on the common hub, which sprocket wheel is connected to a sprocket wheel mounted on the spindle, turning the rear wheel drive sprocket wheel and the rear wheel.

Abstract: A rider propelled vehicle having a drive assembly including pedals and at least one drive wheel mounted on the chassis and operatively connected to the pedals for powering the vehicle. Left and right steering shafts are mounted forwardly of the seat generally at respective laterally opposite sides of the vehicle for pivoting about the longitudinal axes of the shafts. Left and right wheels are mounted on the left and right steering shafts, respectively, for turning about the longitudinal axes of the shafts. A steering assembly for turning the steering shafts about their respective longitudinal axes includes a steering actuator positioned for the rider to grasp and turn relative to the chassis while sitting in the seat to steer the vehicle. The steering assembly and the steering shafts are arranged in a generally inverted-U shape so that the rider's legs may extend through the inverted U to operate the pedals.

Abstract: A power assist device for use with a crank-operated drive mechanism including a pair of crank arms extending from opposite ends of a shaft mounted for rotation on a frame. The crank arms rotate the shaft about an axis with the crank arms revolving about the axis. The power assist device includes an energy storing mechanism mounted on the frame and operatively connected to the shaft for movement with the shaft. The energy storing mechanism stores energy during a first portion of a revolution of the crank arms, releases energy during a second portion of the revolution of the crank arms to assist in driving the rotation of the shaft, stores energy during a third portion of the revolution of the crank arms, and releases energy during a fourth portion of the revolution of the crank arms to assist in driving the rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A device for absorbing energy from a bicyclist's foot on the downward pedal stroke and releasing it shortly afterward into the drive chain to propel the bicycle is disclosed. The energy is stored in a coil spring which is connected between the sprocket wheel and an adjacent crank. The sprocket wheel is fitted to a bearing on the crankshaft and is free to rotate independently of the crank except as it is restrained by the connecting spring. If the crank and the sprocket wheel rotate relative to one another away, from the equilibrium position of the spring, the spring is compressed or stretched and the resulting force causes a restoring torque. When the magnitude and angle of the force stretch the spring on the pedal stroke, the invention allows the rider's foot to move quickly through the power stroke, where great force is exerted. Less time is spent by the rider in exerting force on the pedal; this saves muscle energy, since a muscle, unlike a spring, uses energy in exerting a static force.

Abstract: The present invention is an energy-storing bicycle sprocket drive system which includes a crank which rotates a shaft about the shaft's longitudinal axis. The crank moves through a point of minimum applied leverage and a point of maximum applied leverage in each rotational cycle. Journalled to the shaft is a drive plate having an outer surface with at least one opening. Each opening has an inner surface with at least one end wall. Facing the drive plate is a wheel which rotates freely on the shaft. At least one drive peg is mounted to the wheel such that it is in a position parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The drive peg extends from the wheel and into the opening of the drive plate. A spring is mounted within the opening between the end wall and the drive peg. As the shaft rotates and the spring is in a compressed state, it stores energy while exerting a first force on the drive peg causing the wheel to revolve as the crank rotates 90 degrees from the point of maximum applied leverage.

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 regenerative braking system provides braking by transmitting the spring force of a deforming elastic medium as a torque tending to oppose the forward rotation of a wheel being braked. A brake pad assembly, mounted concentrically with the hub of a ground-engaging wheel, is actuated upon braking to provide frictional engagement between the hub and a wrapping mechanism which reels in a cable attached to an elastic medium, thereby deforming the elastic medium and storing energy, while applying a decelerating torque to the wheel. The wrapping mechanism is engaged only upon braking, and does not interfere with wheel rotation during other vehicle operating modes. Energy is accumulated until the deforming elastic reaches a limit stop, at which point continued braking is provided by frictional slippage between the brake pad and the rotating hub.

Abstract: A spring assist drive for pedal operated vehicles such as bicycles and tricycles makes use of a wind-up spring in the train of power from the pedal operated power sprocket to the drive sprocket for the rear drive wheel. The wind-up spring is a coil spring, the inside end of which is anchored to an axle for a relatively smaller sprocket in chain driving engagement with the sprocket on the rear drive wheel. The outside end of the spring is anchored to a relatively larger sprocket and chain driven from the pedal operated power sprocket.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus for a wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The wheeled vehicle includes a rotatable driving member, to which power is delivered by rotating the driving member in a first direction, and a ground engaging wheel. The transmission apparatus includes a cylindrical spring which encircles an axle of the ground engaging wheel. A first end of the cylindrical spring is connected to the axle, and a second end is connected to a one-way clutch mechanism which periodically engages an inner surface of a hub of the ground engaging wheel to periodically deliver energy stored in the spring to the wheel. An engaging mechanism, which is mounted on the axle adjacent to the clutch mechanism, is capable of periodically engaging the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanism for a rider propelled vehicle having a frame and a ground engaging wheel mounted on it comprising two lever arms on opposite sides of frame, extending backwardly, with foot pedals on their extremities and mounted each on a cylindrical oscillating shaft on opposite sides of a drive wheel gear. When these lever arms are depressed by the rider they are spring biased upwards and set in motion the mechanism that via shafts and gears winds up a spiral spring mounted into a drum incorporated in the rear wheel of the vehicle. The spring unwinds on its outer end causing the drum to rotate forward and the drum to rotate the wheel journaled on it.

Abstract: A three wheeled amphibian vehicle operated by pedal power and including an air blower coupled to a disk turbine. The turbine is a flat circular rotatable structure having blade cavities on both upper and lower faces. Twin nozzles, connected to the blower, direct air streams toward the blades and form a coupling means which can be controlled to provide a variable speed ratio between the pedals and the driving wheel, thereby acting as a gear box including Drive, Neutral and Reverse. A spring coupled by a clutch mechanism to the driving shaft may be used to store energy while coasting down hill and then deliver the stored energy to the shaft when climbing up hill. Retractable pontoons are provided for traveling on water.