For Bicycle Patents (Class 340/432)
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Publication number: 20100117811Abstract: A direction signal light for bicycle is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2008Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventor: Linming Liu
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Patent number: 7714704Abstract: A removable video safety system for a moving vehicle comprising: a display device and a video device, both adapted to be removably mounted on the moving vehicle, and an audio device in proximity to the display device. The video device and audio device are in communication with the display device. Computer instructions and data storage in the display device instruct a processor to receive a video stream from the video device, display the video stream on the display device, prevent operation of the audio device while the display device is not displaying the video stream, and permit operation of the audio device while the display device is displaying the video stream.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Inventor: Joshua Mellen
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Patent number: 7688187Abstract: A method and device for attaching directly to a high-profile and/or elongated item of cargo (10, 110) transported on the exterior payload area of a vehicle (16) prevents collisions with obstructions (36, 136). A detector (38, 138) remotely detects a distant obstruction (36, 136) in the path of the cargo (10, 110) using ultrasonic, infra red, or other sensing techniques. The detector (38, 138) is mounted directly to the cargo (10, 110) by a mounting member (42, 142) which releasably surrounds at least a portion of the cargo (10, 110) and provides an enveloping, frictionally constricting engagement so as to maintain the detector (38, 138) in a preferred operating orientation. The mounting member (42, 142) preferably includes a bracket (44, 144) configured to attach at multiple, spaced points on the cargo (10, 110).Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Inventors: Andrew J. Caird, Timothy G. Schuster
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Patent number: 7679494Abstract: A bicycle display device is configured to accurately verify an amount of adjustment occurring when performing a fine adjustment of a transmission position of a transmission device. The bicycle display device is mounted on a bicycle, and includes a mounting part and a display element. The mounting part is attachable to a brake bracket of the bicycle. The display element is supported by the mounting part, and is configured and arranged to display a fine adjustment display screen for indicating the amount of adjustment when adjusting the transmission position of a transmission device such as a rear derailleur.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kazuhiro Fujii, Masahiko Fukuda, Ryuichiro Takamoto
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Patent number: 7677771Abstract: An instrument panel device includes an instrument panel incorporating a speed meter, an odometer, a main switch and a meter cover covering the instrument panel and the main switch. The main switch is provided with a key cylinder projecting inwardly from the side surface of the meter cover. An inclined surface is formed on the side surface of the meter cover so that the projecting direction of the key cylinder is oriented obliquely downwardly. The inclined surface is formed at a position lowered by one step from the outermost circumferential surface of the meter cover. The resulting configuration reduces the size of the instrument panel device by reducing the depth of the instrument panel device incorporating the main switch with the key cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takao Yamamoto, Katsumasa Ieda
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Patent number: 7667586Abstract: A multi-functional alert safety helmet assembly, comprises a safety helmet having a base plate, the base plate being installed with a wireless receiving module and a control unit; the safety helmet further installed with a display panel and indication lamps which are at the base plate; and the display panel is formed by light emitting elements; two sides of the display panel having the indication lamps; the light emitting elements flashing sequentially to present textures or patterns. The base plate is connected to the display panel and indication lamps for displaying signals from the wireless transmitting module; the flash of the indication lamps are controlled by the control unit; and display of the light emitting lights of the display panel; when turning right, right indication lamps will flash and when turning left, the left indication lamps will flash.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Inventor: Wen-Lung Cheng
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Patent number: 7661857Abstract: The light unit includes a lens, shadow-forming surface, and a shadow casting surface. Outside light entering the light unit is at least partially blocked by the shadow casting surface so as to cast a shadow on the shadow-forming surface. The shadow casting surface may be embedded within or on a surface of the lens or otherwise supported above the shadow forming surface. The shadow casting design is preferably spaced from the shadow-forming surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Gen Ohzono
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Patent number: 7649447Abstract: This invention proposes a wireless bike brake light that can respond to braking when bikes are in motion. The invention employs a MEMS (micro electro mechanical system)-structured accelerometer chip as sensor to detect related signals. A control circuits unit processes the signals, and then sends appropriate brake light to following vehicles based. The features of the invention are that (1) It can provide extra security when serving as a brake light with independence of braking system, (2) It is easily to install and durable, (3) It can be also applied to such sports as skiing, skateboarding, etc. that are not equipped with apparent brake devices, and thus hard to incorporate brake lights.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Inventor: Yen-Ho Lu
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Publication number: 20090315692Abstract: A wireless bicycle communication device includes a bracket, an electronic switch, an antenna, a wiring assembly and a radio communication unit. The electronic switch is coupled to the bracket and configured to generate switching signals. The antenna is supported to an antenna receiving portion of the bracket. The wiring assembly electrically connects the antenna and a first connector. The radio communication unit is disposed within a radio unit receiving portion of the bracket and has a second connector configured to detachably mate with the first connector. The radio communication unit is configured to process switching signals from the electronic switch and broadcast corresponding radio signals via the antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Yoshimitsu MIKI, Kazunori OOKUBO
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Patent number: 7612657Abstract: Disclosed herein is a back warning buzzer system for an automotive vehicle having a trailer mounted thereto, comprising: (a) a control unit; (b) a plurality of sensors equidistantly mounted to the back bumper of the vehicle; and (c) a buzzer operable by the control unit in response to signals from the sensors. Also disclosed is a back warning method therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jong Gyu Kim
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Publication number: 20090268478Abstract: A motorcycle safety device includes a housing and a mount for coupling the housing to a motorcycle. A light assembly is removably coupled to the housing, the light assembly including a casing, a light positioned inside the casing, a lens coupled to the casing, and a battery positioned inside the casing. An input is in communication with the light to selectively cause the light to illuminate an area in front of the housing. A processor, tilt sensor, timer, and speaker are coupled to the housing, the tilt sensor and timer being in data communication with the processor. The processor includes programming to actuate at least one of the light and speaker upon the tilt sensor detecting a tilt event for a predetermined amount of time measured by the timer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventor: Jesse L. James
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Patent number: 7586405Abstract: A motorcycle awareness system for use when a motorcycle is in operation in conjunction with vehicular traffic is disclosed. The motorcycle awareness system includes an infrared light emitter that is located on the front of a motorcycle, with the infrared light emitter having an internal oscillating motor that is attached to an emitter. The emitter continually emits infrared light in a forward manner once it is turned on and emits this light in a sweeping manner. Vehicles would be equipped with an infrared light receiver, which, when infrared light is received, would activate a number of lights that are attached to the receiver. The lights are preferably either yellow or blue to distinguish these lights from other vehicular lights. When activated, the lights signify the presence of a motorcycle in close proximity to the vehicle, thereby notifying the driver to pay extra attention while driving so as to not endanger the motorcyclist.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Inventor: Jerry D. Brandenburg
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Patent number: 7567166Abstract: The invention relates to a safety/security method and device for two-wheeled vehicles and similar. The inventive device comprises a processor which is connected to a geographic positioning centre (CL) and to a communication unit (UT) with a cellular telephone system which can communicate with a party. The aforementioned processor is also connected to a start/stop sensor (M/A), a movement sensor (AC) and an inclinometer (CV) and to means of identifying the vehicle and/or the driver. The processor is programmed so as to: centralise and store the data originating from the above-mentioned sensors; select a device state from numerous pre-determined states including one or more sensitive states; and, when a sensitive state has been selected, compose and transmit a message containing data relating to said state, vehicle and/or driver identification data and geographic positioning data.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2003Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Inventor: Laurent Bourgine De Meder
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Patent number: 7543846Abstract: An air bag, a control device and a rider or operator removal detecting part are disposed in an operator's jacket. An air bag device body includes air inflating chambers, an ECU, a battery, a radio receiver, a main switch and a warning device incorporated into the jacket. In response to a synchronizing signal transmitted from a vehicle-body-side radio transmitter, a vehicle-body-side electric wave signal generating part and a rider-side reference waveform signal generating part, respectively, generate an electric wave signal and a comparison signal in a synchronized state with a signal comparing part determining a phase difference between both signals. When a delay quantity or a change of the delay quantity of the electric wave signal from the electric wave signal generating part is increased, the ECU detects a removal of a rider for informing an air bag drive part.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takumi Makabe, Toshiya Nagatsuyu
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Publication number: 20090140847Abstract: A turning indication system for a two-wheeled vehicle includes a first unit connected to a two-wheeled vehicle and emits signals when the vehicle turns. The first unit includes a mode switch unit from which the rider can set different operation modes. A second unit is connected to a helmet and includes a first light unit, a second light unit and a power source which is electrically connected to the first and second light units. The second unit receives the signals from the first unit and activating the first light unit and/or the second light unit according to a command of the mode switch unit. The first light unit includes at least one light emitting diode and the second light unit displays in a form of a pattern or character. The system provides an obvious signal to the riders following.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventors: Te-Ching Yen, Sung-Yun Yen
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Publication number: 20090102628Abstract: A bicycle control system is provided with a switch device and a cycle computer. The switch device includes a switch operation member, a sensor arranged relative to the switch operation member to detect operation of the switch operation member, a processing unit operatively coupled to the sensor and a transmitter arranged to transmit an output signal. The processing unit of the switch device includes an identification code generating member, an operating signal generating member and an output member. The identification code generating member generates identification code related to identification of the switch device. The operating signal generating member generates an operation code indicative of operation of the switch operation member. The output member combines the identification code and the operation code as the output signal to be transmitted by the transmitter of the switch device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: SHIMANO INC.Inventor: Haruyuki TAKEBAYASHI
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Publication number: 20090102627Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatuses relating to bicycle turn signals. In one embodiment, a bicycle turn signal apparatus includes left and right switches, left and right turn lights, a controller, and a power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventor: Darren G. Russell
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Patent number: 7522033Abstract: A bicycle signal generating apparatus comprises an input unit and a signal generating unit. The input unit receives a first input signal and a second input signal, wherein the first input signal corresponds to a first operation of a bicycle device and the second input signal corresponds to a second operation of the bicycle device. The signal generating unit generates a first output signal having a first pattern from the first input signal, and the signal generating unit generates a second output signal having a second pattern from the second input signal. The first pattern is different from the second pattern.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Ryuichiro Takamoto, Satoshi Kitamura, Toshikuni Suzuki
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Patent number: 7498929Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented which are used by operators of trail vehicles to share information with each other about the number of vehicles in their group of trail users. A display module attached to a vehicle displays a number which indicates how many vehicles are in that vehicle's party. As oncoming trail users pass each other, they can read the value of the displayed numeral and know instantly how many vehicles to expect before the path is clear of traffic. The display module projects a number which is changeable, user determined, and has optical properties that allow the drivers of passing vehicles to readily convey information to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Inventor: William Pedrick
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Publication number: 20090054182Abstract: A bicycle component is basically provided with a base member, a movable portion, a magnetic element and a position sensing device. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle. The movable portion is movably coupled to the base member, the movable portion including a plurality of predetermined operating positions. The magnetic element is attached to one of the base member and the movable portion. The position sensing device is attached to the other one of the base member and the movable portion. The position sensing device includes a sensor element being sensitive to a presence of a magnetic field to generate an analog signal, and an analog-to-digital conversion unit configured to convert the analog signal from the sensor element into a digital signal to identify one of the predetermined operating positions of the movable portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Yoshimitsu MIKI, Bungo Sasaki, Hisayuki SATO
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Patent number: 7495549Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic system for use on vehicles. Some embodiments of the system use an integrated power supply to power all of the electronic components of the electronic system. The electronic system may include various microprocessors, sensors, communication systems, displays, lights, speakers, switches, power control systems, and expansion ports.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2004Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Inventor: John F. Acres
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Publication number: 20090033475Abstract: A device for warning a bicycle rider of an object approaching the bicycle rider from behind a bicycle with a rear view mirror mounted to the bicycle by a mounting assembly, a detector mounted to the bicycle and capable of detecting the object and determining if the object is approaching the bicycle rider from behind the bicycle, and an alarm in electrical communication with the detector, the alarm mounted on one of the mirror or the mounting assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Zbigniew Zuziak, Bozena Lasota
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Patent number: 7481560Abstract: A handgrip for bicycle includes a body including a first end, a second end, and a light reflection portion covering thereon between the first and second ends, a sheath mounted on the light reflection portion, a lamp device installed on an end of the sheath adjacent to the second end of the body, and a switch device installed to the body and electrically connected to the lamp device.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Inventor: Leo Jaw
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Patent number: 7477136Abstract: A vehicle theft deterrent system includes a smart card key system. The theft deterrent system is adapted to output a warning sound from a buzzer upon detection of a vibration of a predetermined value or larger by a vibration sensor. The buzzer prevented from operating at a time of unlocking a seat or unlocking a fuel lid. When an on-board device detects that a seat unlocking switch, for example, has been operated and upon success of mutual authentication after communication with a portable electronic key, the on-board device switches the state of operation of a buzzer into a non-operable state. Therefore, when a user who carries a regular portable electronic key does not want operation of the buzzer, the buzzer can be positively switched to the non-operable state.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Konno, Tadashi Onozuka
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Patent number: 7471191Abstract: An automatic cycle storage system comprising cycles, each of which carries a blocking device and an electronic circuit; a cycle storage area serving to receive the cycles while they are not being used; and a control device adapted to authorize, selectively, cycles to be borrowed from the storage area. The control device and the cycle are each provided with a respective short-range wireless communications interface, and the cycle includes an electrical lock device adapted to lock the blocking device in the blocking position.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: J. C. Decaux SAInventor: Jacques Le Gars
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Patent number: 7468667Abstract: A tamper and theft detection alarm system is provided for a motorcycle, bicycle or other two-wheeled vehicle. The alarm system is configured to detect vehicle movement or theft by monitoring the tilt angle of the vehicle, and once a change in the tilt angle is detected, notifying the rider or owner by wireless cellular telephone. In certain embodiments the motorcycle or bicycle alarm system is additionally provided with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver configured to receive signals from the United States govemment's Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites or other similar global position locating systems and then interpreting the satellite signals to calculate the vehicle location in global coordinates and then providing these coordinates via synthesized speech to the owner via wireless cellular telephony.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2006Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Inventor: Robert L. Moffett
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Publication number: 20080290999Abstract: A control device, either installed on a bicycle or carried by a user, communicates with the accessories via radio signals. The control device radiates control signals via its radio transceiver and the control signals are received by the radio transceivers of the accessories. Each accessory has a unique identification code which is encapsulated in the radio control signals so that the individual lamp or lock could be turned on and off or locked and unlocked. On the other hand, accessories such as speed sensor and body sensor could radiates their collected information to the control device which in turn calculates and displays readings such as the speed of the bicycle and the heart beat rate of the rider, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventor: Yu-Yu CHEN
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Patent number: 7417555Abstract: A device which can be used on rotating visible surfaces of, for example, machines, appurtenances, vehicles, and fans, utilizes N light sources, evenly disposed on a flexible substrate, and connected by means of a driver to a microcontroller with an independent power supply. A synchronization sensor is connected to the microcontroller. The light sources may be LEDs—one- or three-colored (RGB). The synchronization sensor responds to gravity when mounted on a rotating surface, whose rotation axis is not perpendicular to the Earth's surface, or is actuated at a position relative to a given immovable point, provided the rotation axis is perpendicular to the Earth's surface. A light sensor is connected to the microcontroller, which in turn is connected to a control panel. Sensors and the control panel are disposed on the substrate. The microcontroller has a serial interface.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Inventors: Stefan N. Chivarov, Joseph E. Shurance
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Publication number: 20080191852Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for setting the wheel size of a bicycle (1, 2) on a bicycle computer (3) using input means (4, 5) on the bicycle computer (3). The aim is to be able to set the bicycle computer to the correct wheel size in a simpler and more reliable, virtually automatic, manner. This is achieved in that the bicycle computer (3) has at least two input means (4, 5) for at least two wheel sizes, in that a transmission means (6, 7), which can be assigned to the bicycle (1, 2), is provided for transmitting the wheel size of the bicycle (1, 2), and in that the transmission means (6, 7) interacts exclusively with that input means (4, 5) of the bicycle computer (3) which corresponds to the wheel size of the bicycle (1, 2).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2006Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: Sigma Elektro GMBHInventor: Klaus Schendel
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Patent number: 7410278Abstract: A bicycle light assembly is electrically connected to a dynamo. The bicycle light assembly has a lamp housing mountable to a portion of the bicycle. An input portion is disposed on the lamp housing and electrically connected to the dynamo for inputting a dynamo output signal and for outputting an input signal. A regulator circuit is electrically connected to the input portion for regulating the input signal to a regulated signal. A light source is electrically connected to the regulator circuit for lighting the periphery and an output portion being disposed on the lamp housing and electrically connected to the regulator circuit for outputting the regulated signal. The output portion has at least one auxiliary electrical output connector for outputting the regulated signal to at least one auxiliary electrical device electrically connected to the at least one auxiliary electrical output connector.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Satoshi Kitamura
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Patent number: 7408447Abstract: A wireless, passive wheel-speed and detection system is provided for measuring the rate of rotation of a rotating component of a bicycle. The detection system includes a sensor arrangement having a first portion mounted on the bicycle and a second portion mounted on the rotating component. The sensor arrangement generates an input signal representative of a revolution of the rotating component. A transmitter circuit is operatively connected to the sensor arrangement for converting the input signal to a radio frequency signal and for transmitting the radio frequency signal. A controller receives the radio frequency signal and translates the radio frequency signal to a value indicative of a rate of rotation of the rotating component.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.Inventor: Edward M. Watson
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Publication number: 20080180233Abstract: A human-bicycle interaction device has an interface for a person to enter electronic commands and a display unit responding to the commands, wherein the interface has a directional button with a non-operating position and at least two operating positions. The use of the device is intuitive and requires few hardware connections and the display is tightly sealed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.Inventor: Federico Miglioranza
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Patent number: 7382235Abstract: A unit of a system for controlling the operating functions of a cycle is able to co-operate functionally with at least one complementary unit by at least one electrical connection. At least one of either the unit and the complementary unit is configured to be selectively removable from the cycle, so that the electrical connection is an electrical connection that can be decoupled by leaving exposed on the unit at least one distal contact part. Associated to the at least one electrical connection is a switch, which can be selectively actuated for electrically insulating the exposed distal contact part from the unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2004Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.Inventor: Gianfranco Guderzo
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Publication number: 20080122596Abstract: Device for measuring speed of a cycle having a frame, at least one wheel, a fastening axle about which the wheel is adapted to rotate, and a nut adapted to be threaded upon a threaded portion of the axle. The device includes a mechanism for detecting the rotation of the wheel, the device including a fixed sensor mounted on a portion of the cycle frame, adapted to detect the passing of an associated movable sensor element fixed for movement to the wheel, as well as a signal processor for processing the signal generated by the fixed sensor. At least one of, or both, the fixed sensor and the signal processor are housed in a casing fixed to the nut of the fastening axle for the wheel. The casing is fixed to an arm extending radially from the nut.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: SALOMON S.A.Inventors: Bruno MONTAGNON, Gilles PARQUET
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Patent number: 7379798Abstract: A bicycle display apparatus comprises a computing component and a separate display component. The computing component is structured for attachment to the bicycle, calculates cumulative information produced from a bicycle-related running condition, and includes an information output for outputting the calculated cumulative information. The display component includes an information input that receives the cumulative information calculated by the computing component, and the display component displays the cumulative information calculated by the computing component.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Kazuhiro Takeda, Haruyuki Takebayashi
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Publication number: 20080111668Abstract: A measuring device includes a speed sensor rotatably attached to a base member and having a reed switch detecting movement of a rear wheel of a bicycle, and a cadence sensor rotatably attached to the speed sensor and having a reed switch detecting movement of a gear crank of the bicycle. The speed sensor includes a transmission circuit transmitting signals detected by the reed switches to an outside of the speed sensor. The speed sensor moves rotationally with respect to the base member to vary a distance between the rear wheel of the bicycle and the reed switch, and the cadence sensor moves rotationally with respect to the speed sensor to vary a distance between the gear crank of the bicycle and the reed switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventor: Takashi Ueda
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Patent number: 7367701Abstract: A motorcycle headlight assembly that has simplified structure that cost less to manufacture and assemble than a conventional headlight. The headlight assembly may enhance the rigidity of the headlight assembly and decrease the number of components. The headlight assembly can include a headlight, a right indicator, left indicator and a bodywork cover. The bodywork cover is connected to the headlight cap and configured to overlay the front part of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chia-Hsien Lee
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Patent number: 7363873Abstract: A bicycle shift control device includes a shifter housing, a shift control mechanism and a bicycle light structure. The shift control mechanism is coupled to the shifter housing. The shift control mechanism is configured and arranged to control a bicycle transmission component. The bicycle light structure is coupled to the shifter housing. The bicycle light structure includes a bicycle location light that is arranged and configured to project light outwardly from the shifter housing at a location remote from a gear position indicator. Preferably, the bicycle light structure is also configured and arranged to illuminate the gear position indicator at a location remote from the light projecting outwardly from the shifter housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignees: Shimano Inc., Shimano (Singapore) Pte., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihide Iteya, Naoya Tokumoto, Kua Wei Hock
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Publication number: 20080088423Abstract: A control with display for RF wireless signal light includes a wireless remote control device and a sound-light warning device. The wireless remote control device further includes a light signal controller, a light signal switch circuit, a RF wireless signal emitter and a first battery set. The sound-light warning device further includes a RF wireless signal receiver, a light signal control circuit, a LED display, a buzzer and a second battery set. The RF wireless signal receiver receives the remote control signal from the RF wireless signal emitter. The remote control signal is treated as a turn signal or flash warning signal to be shown on the LED display and allow the buzzer producing warning sound with light.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2006Publication date: April 17, 2008Inventor: Yung-Lung Liu
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Publication number: 20080042811Abstract: An automatic cycle storage system comprising cycles, each of which carries a blocking device and an electronic circuit; a cycle storage area serving to receive the cycles while they are not being used; and a control device adapted to authorize, selectively, cycles to be borrowed from the storage area. The control device and the cycle are each provided with a respective short-range wireless communications interface, and the cycle includes an electrical lock device adapted to lock the blocking device in the blocking position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2004Publication date: February 21, 2008Applicant: JCDECAUX SAInventor: Jacques Le Gars
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Patent number: 7307516Abstract: An instrument viewing display system for motorcycles. The instrument viewing display system comprises one or more objects in which motorcycle display indicators for motorcycle systems (e.g., oil pressure, low fuel indicator, turn signals, high-beam, voltage indicator, neutral indicator, tachometer, speedometer etc.) are placed on a front, back, or in the objects. The display indicators are immediately viewable in a variety of weather and lighting conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Inventor: Thomas F. Wiegner
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Publication number: 20070272462Abstract: An instrument panel device includes an instrument panel incorporating a speed meter, an odometer, a main switch and a meter cover covering the instrument panel and the main switch. The main switch is provided with a key cylinder projecting inwardly from the side surface of the meter cover. An inclined surface is formed on the side surface of the meter cover so that the projecting direction of the key cylinder is oriented obliquely downwardly. The inclined surface is formed at a position lowered by one step from the outermost circumferential surface of the meter cover. The resulting configuration reduces the size of the instrument panel device by reducing the depth of the instrument panel device incorporating the main switch with the key cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2007Publication date: November 29, 2007Inventors: Takao Yamamoto, Katsumasa Ieda
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Patent number: 7274293Abstract: A cable lock device includes a housing, a tampering subsystem, and a cable having a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the housing and is electrically connected to the tampering subsystem and the second end is selectively attached to the housing. In addition, a switch is disposed within the housing and is electrically connected to the tampering subsystem. The switch is movable between an open state and a closed state to indicate when the second end is attached to the housing. The tampering subsystem includes control circuitry that monitors the position of the switch and the status of the cable to detect removal of the second end from the housing and/or severance of the cable. The control circuitry relays status information of the cable lock device to a control unit via a transmitter to alert a property owner of a security breach.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Robert Bradus, Lawrence E Milburn, James B Watson, Peter W Bressler, John D Coleman, David Schiff
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Publication number: 20070205885Abstract: This invention proposes a wireless bike brake light that can respond to braking when bikes are in motion. The invention employs a MEMS (micro electro mechanical system)-structured accelerometer chip as sensor to detect related signals. A control circuits unit processes the signals, and then sends appropriate brake light to following vehicles based. The features of the invention are that (1) It can provide extra security when serving as a brake light with independence of braking system, (2) It is easily to install and durable, (3) It can be also applied to such sports as skiing, skateboarding, etc. that are not equipped with apparent brake devices, and thus hard to incorporate brake lights.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2007Publication date: September 6, 2007Inventor: Yen-Ho Lu
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Patent number: 7253610Abstract: A bicycle signal output device comprises a magnet structured to be mounted to one of a first part and a moving part of a bicycle, a coil structured to be mounted to the other one of the first part and the moving part of the bicycle, and a signal generating unit that operates using electrical power generated by the coil in response to relative motion between the magnet and the coil.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventor: Masayoshi Nagae
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Patent number: 7221263Abstract: A lighting system adapted to mount on a motorcycle or bicycle helmet. The lighting system includes a one or more accelerometers coupled to the helmet and a processor adapted to process the signals from the accelerometers. The accelerometers may be mounted to the helmet, or the motorcycle or bicycle. The lighting system further includes a light mounted on the helmet that is responsive to the processed signal such that the light illuminates as result of a deceleration force. The system may also include filtering software to remove helmet motion artifact and other noise from the signal. Remote wheel speed indicators may also be used in conjunction with or in place of the accelerometers. Mounting tabs may also be included to releasably attach the lighting unit to the helmet.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Zero Nine Design, LLCInventors: David Moore, John D. Hebert, R. Benjamin Knapp, Richard Greene, Derek Loh
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Patent number: 7187270Abstract: Disclosed are a vehicle display device providing excellent visibility and does not obstruct a sight ahead of a driver, regardless of a frame, a seating position and the like of the driver. The device comprises a transparent light guide plate having first and second major surfaces, and an other side that can be seen therethrough from the first major surface. The light guide plate stands in such a position that the first major surface thereof faces a driver in a sight ahead of the driver. At the same time, the light guide plate is tilted rearward while an entrance end plane thereof comes at the bottom and an emission end plane thereof comes at the top. Luminous elements are placed on the entrance end plane of the light guide plate. In the light guide plate, a distance from the entrance end plane to the emission end plane is sufficiently long relative to a plate thickness. The emission end plane of the light guide plate may include a plurality of planes having different inclination angles or may be frosted.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazumitsu Kushida, Mutsumi Katayama
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Patent number: 7170402Abstract: An inertia-activated braking light (1) for attachment to pedal cycles and the like. A display of LEDs (15) is automatically illuminated on deceleration. This is achieved by an inertia mass closing a circuit on deceleration to provide electrical power to illuminate the light emitting diodes.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventor: Gerald Bracken
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Patent number: 7132931Abstract: A bicycle computer is provided that can be mounted between free ends of a handlebar to form an integrated part of the handlebar. The computer includes an elongated housing portion with first and second attachment portions disposed at first and second ends of the housing portion. The first attachment portion is arranged and configured to be coupled to one free end of the handlebar, while the second attachment portion is arranged and configured to be coupled to the other free end of the bicycle handlebar. Preferably, at least one of the attachment portions includes a retractable member receivable within a corresponding free end of the handlebar. Preferably, the bicycle computer is coupled to the free ends of the handlebar to form a closed loop.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Shigekatsu Okada
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Patent number: RE41194Abstract: A switch guide located between a pair of switches on a computerized bicycle control panel is disclosed for guiding a bicycle rider's thumb to a proper switch on a bicycle handle bar. The switch guide is preferably a protrusion dimensioned to be detected by the bicycle rider's thumb. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the height of the switch guide is greater than the height of the switch. In an alternative embodiment, the height of the switch guide is greater than the height of the switch, when the switch is activated. The switch guide is located in sufficient proximity to the switches to allow the rider's thumb to access one of the switches by moving the thumb to one side of the switch guide and the other switch by moving the thumb to the other side of the switch guide.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Naohiro Nishimoto, Takuji Masui