Abstract: Proposed is a portable self-power-generating apparatus which has small size and is capable of charging a battery by realizing self-power generation with high efficiency in emergencies in which normal electricity supply is not available, such as a military operation, a refugee village, a disaster caused by earthquake or the like, an emergency situation on ships, or an outdoor activity, and which can be used in combination with various smart modules.

Abstract: A device includes a transmission assembly having a first override clutch. The first override clutch is used especially for transmitting a torque between a first coupling partner and a second coupling partner. The first override clutch engages and disengages in accordance with a change in the load flow between the coupling partners. A freewheeling member which is associated with the first override clutch neutralizes the engagement between the coupling partners. The neutralization is, in particular, temporary.

Abstract: A reciprocating action drive is disclosed in which a pair of magnetically sprung over-running clutches, each in overrunning connection with a driven shaft, and attached to a reciprocating lever, are joined via a direction reversing mechanism. In one embodiment, the direction reversing mechanism uses bevel gears, two of which are connected to the outer shells of the overrunning clutches. One or more intermediate bevel gears, mounted orthogonally to the axis of the driven shaft, mesh with the others to form the reversing mechanism. In a further embodiment, the reciprocating action drive is used to power a bicycle using a standard chain ring and chain arrangement and a cadence equalizing 3× epicyclic gear train. In a still further embodiment, sprung limit stops limit the range of motion of the reciprocating levers to 60-degrees, and make stopping at the end of the tread less abrupt.

Abstract: Centrifugal compressors, methods of forming centrifugal compressors, and methods of designing diffuser vanes in centrifugal compressors are provided herein. In an embodiment, a method of designing diffuser vanes includes providing an initial two-dimensional diffuser vane layout including initial diffuser vane peripheries radially spaced about an axis. The initial diffuser vane peripheries are rotated using a computer processor to produce rotated diffuser vane peripheries having offset trailing ends relative to the initial diffuser vane peripheries. The rotated diffuser vane peripheries are circumferentially shifted about the axis to produce shifted diffuser vane peripheries. Leading ends of the shifted diffuser vane peripheries are offset from the leading ends of the initial diffuser vane peripheries. Diffuser vane surfaces are generated that connect the shifted diffuser vane peripheries to the corresponding initial diffuser vane peripheries to form diffuser vanes in a twisted configuration.

Abstract: Drive plates of a hydraulic torque wrench cartridge are thickened for extended surface contact with three pawls and a direct contact with the piston rod. The drive plates are held together and are additionally stiffened by dowel pins and shoulder screws. Snap pins are axially slide able and spring loaded connecting the piston rod with the drive plates in an easily disengage able fashion. Three pawls are arrayed in a pitch adjusted with respect to the ratchet teeth pitch in correspondence with an elastic deformation of the drive plates for a balanced force transfer across them. The pawl-tooth interfaces are also in an outward opening angle preventing them from snapping free under load.

Abstract: A wheelchair comprises a frame or chassis, a seat mounted on the chassis, a front wheel assembly mounted on the chassis, and a pair of rear wheels mounted on the chassis. A drive train assembly propels the wheelchair in a selectively forward or reverse direction. The drive train assembly comprises an arm lever which can be moved back and forth by the user, a drive member connected to the arm lever by means of a chain, and a rear wheel hub assembly connected to the drive member by means of a chain.

Abstract: A stepped lowering device includes a lifting/lowering link having a pivot on a base and on an ascending/descending body; a toothed link pivoted on the base or the ascending/descending body, includes a link ratchet and swings in association with the lifting/lowering link; an input member, supported by the ascending/descending body or the base; a first lowering prevention latch mechanism engaged with the link ratchet to prevent the toothed link swinging downward when the input member is in a neutral position and allows the toothed link to swing downward when the input member is swung in a lowering direction; and a second lowering prevention latch mechanism which allows the toothed link to swing downward by one tooth of the link ratchet and which is engaged with the link ratchet to prevent the toothed link further swinging downward.

Abstract: An oscillating power generator includes a base, an energy transforming device, and an oscillating transmission device. The energy transforming device is disposed on the base for generating electric energy. The oscillating transmission device is disposed on the base for driving a driven gear shaft of the energy transforming device. The oscillating transmission device includes an oscillating part, a first ratchet transmission mechanism, and a transmission mechanism. The oscillating part is disposed outside the base in an oscillating manner. The first ratchet transmission mechanism is engaged with the driven gear shaft. The transmission mechanism is connected to the oscillating part and the first ratchet transmission mechanism for driving the first ratchet transmission mechanism when the oscillating part is oscillating, so as to drive the driven gear shaft of the energy transforming device to rotate.

Abstract: A method for doing an upper body spinning exercise whereby the operator rotates hand pedals attached to crank arms resulting in the spinning of a wheel for the purpose of exercising the upper body. This may be done in a class or group setting under the direction of an instructor and may be done to the accompaniment of music or verbal direction. The rotation of the wheel may be resisted by a friction or magnetic device and each crank arm engages the wheel independently of the other crank arm such that the operator can pedal with one hand while the other hand rests. The operator may also rotate each pedal at a different cadence than the other pedal. The operator may rotate the pedals such that the orientation of the crank arms is 180 degrees apart, 90 relative to each other or any angle of separation relative to each other.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism is used in a bicycle having a frame. The transmission mechanism includes a quick assembly device including a central shaft, threaded collars, and a clip bracket, which is adapted to mount to a lower frame portion of the bicycle frame and a multi-mode mechanism, which is supported and fixed by the quick assembly device to provide the bicycle with multiple modes of pedaling.

Abstract: An oscillating power generator includes a base, an energy transforming device, and an oscillating transmission device. The energy transforming device is disposed on the base for generating electric energy. The oscillating transmission device is disposed on the base for driving a driven gear shaft of the energy transforming device. The oscillating transmission device includes an oscillating part, a first ratchet transmission mechanism, and a transmission mechanism. The oscillating part is disposed outside the base in an oscillating manner. The first ratchet transmission mechanism is engaged with the driven gear shaft. The transmission mechanism is connected to the oscillating part and the first ratchet transmission mechanism for driving the first ratchet transmission mechanism when the oscillating part is oscillating, so as to drive the driven gear shaft of the energy transforming device to rotate.

Abstract: A two directional traversing mechanism uses a ratchet bar moved by an actuator to oscillate. Notches in the ratchet bar engage a pawl pivotally mounted to a piece of equipment so that the pawl and equipment move in the first direction. When the direction of the ratchet bar is reversed either the pawl is moved forward to an adjacent notch, or the pawl swings due to a biasing force such that when the ratchet bar again reverses direction, the ratchet bar causes the bar to pivot the pawl in a direction opposite the first direction. When the ratchet bar again operates in the reverse direction the pawl now engages with a notch of the ratchet bar and moves the equipment in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A crank including a mechanism capable of connecting the crank arm to a shaft to drive the shaft in rotation in either a unidirectional drive mode or a bidirectionally driving mode, the mechanism being quickly adjustable between modes. A coupler in the mechanism may be slidable between a first position engaging the crank arm with a hub portion fixedly mounted on the shaft and a second position in which a unidirectional clutch can operate to allow rotation of the crank arm freely about the shaft in one direction but cause rotation of the shaft in the opposition direction. The coupler may be arranged to be coupled only when the shaft is in a selected angular position.

Abstract: An improved multifunctional pedaling motion bicycle, particularly to a transmission mechanism of bicycle includes a clutch member that is manually controlled to move between and selectively engage primary and secondary control blocks to perform different modes of operation of the bicycle, including regular pedaling, independent pedaling of cranks, same-direction upward/downward movements of the cranks. The transmission mechanism has a simple and light-weighted structure and thus low cost and low failure risk with extended service life. Further, a variety of different operation modes can be performed without dedicated rear hub.

Abstract: An apparatus permitting a user to perform an upper body spinning exercise is provided. The design includes a frame and a drive unit. A seat is connected to the frame and configured to support the user. A wheel is positioned in association with the frame and pedals are configured to interact with the drive unit and the drive unit is operatively connected to the wheel. Hand pedals, wide and narrow crank arms, and crank arms configured to rotate independently of each other, may be provided that enable further variation in muscle groups used and enhance the upper body exercise provided by the upper body spinning experience.

Abstract: An electric actuator, in particular for driving a gearbox selector shaft, the actuator comprising a coil guided in rotation between two flat permanent magnets carried by yoke plates, the coil being centered on the rotary spindle and having an angular stroke lying in the range 90° to 180°, its rotary spindle being connected by stepdown gearing to the gearbox selector shaft.

Abstract: An actuation device of an adjustment unit for automotive vehicle seats has a hand lever and a frame. The frame carries the hand lever and accommodates an output shaft. The hand lever adopts a central position when the actuation device is in a position of rest, and may be pivoted alternatively in the two directions of rotation against the action of an elastic means biasing it in the central position. The hand lever has a first driving region. An adjustment wheel having circumferential gear teeth is centred on the output shaft. A pivotal lever has a long hole surrounding the output shaft, has a left engagement region and a right engagement region substantially extending as a continuation of the long hole. These regions are both provided with teeth matching the gear teeth of the adjustment wheel and being disengaged from the teeth of the adjustment wheel in the position of rest of the actuation device.

Abstract: A tool for cutting/crimping a workpiece, such as a cable, includes an automatic rapid blade advance such that a blade on a movable jaw of the tool advances toward cutting the cable every time the handles of the tool are closed. The automatic rapid blade advance also advances the blade on the movable jaw toward cutting the cable every time the handles of the tool are opened up until the blade on the movable jaw first encounters a resistive force from the cable. The tool also includes an automatic blade return such that the blade on the movable jaw will automatically return to its original position after the blade has cut through or crimped the cable.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission comprising a lay shaft that rotates in response to the input power from the engine. A crank on the lay shaft and a drive rod translate the rotation of the lay shaft into linear motion. An output rod rotatably mounted at a transmission shaft translates the linear motion of the drive rod into rotational motion. A one-way clutch interconnects the output rod with the transmission shaft so that rotational motion of the output rod in one direction is coupled to the transmission shaft to rotate it while rotational motion of the output rod in a second direction is not coupled to the transmission shaft. The distal end of the drive rod is linked to the output rod at a selectable location along the output rod to control the speed of the output rod and hence the transmission shaft. The controllable linkage position therefore also controls the ratio of the transmission from input power to output power.

Abstract: A ratchet-type lever mechanism including two ratchet gear wheels and a bifurcated ratchet pawl member for selective meshed engagement with one of the two ratchet gear wheels. The bifurcated ratchet pawl member is simply bent from a plate material into such an offset configuration having a first toothed pawl portion and a second toothed pawl portion bent from that first one in an offset manner so that the two pawl portions are in correspondence with the respective two ratchet gear wheels. This ratchet-type lever mechanism has a simplified connection structure allowing both of the bifurcated ratchet member and an operating lever to be securely connected on an input shaft, whereby the input shaft is made short in length, thereby making thin a whole size of the lever mechanism. A restriction element for rotation of the bifurcated ratchet pawl member may also be mounted on that input shaft for that purpose.

Abstract: A mechanized scooter includes a frame, having a front wheel and at least one rear wheel rotatably attached thereto. A pair of steps are rotatably mounted in the frame and linked to a drive train to drive the at least one rear wheel. The drive train may include a number of gears and a drive element connected to a rack, or drive chains and sprockets secured to the at least one rear wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive acting on both sides for adjustment devices, including a rotationally mounted drive lever for producing a rotational movement that can be selectively effected in one direction of rotation or in the other direction of rotation, a drive wheel that can only be rotated when the drive lever is moved from a zero point position, at least a one-piece coupling element having two coupling areas for transmitting a torque to the drive wheel, in addition to a sliding block guide with areas for controlling the coupling element. The coupling element can be displaced radially and is tiltably mounted in a guide and coupled by both coupling areas in the zero point position of the drive lever to the drive wheel in an elastic manner so that the non-loaded coupling area is uncoupled from the drive wheel by the sliding block guide when the drive lever moves from the zero point position and remains uncoupled when the drive lever moves in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A transmission assembly comprising an overrunning clutch assembly comprising a race having an inner annular contact surface, a plurality of sprags provided along the inner annular contact surface of the race, and defining a drive space, means for retaining the plurality of sprags along the inner annular contact surface of the race, a shaft having a drive portion with a drive diameter sufficient to cause rotation of the shaft in response to a rotation of the race when the drive portion is positioned at least partially within the drive space and means for moving the drive portion of the shaft at least partially into and out of the drive space.

Abstract: There is provided an NC machine tool with tiltable spindle unit capable of being used both as vertical and inclined spindle type machine tools without restrictions on stroke and capable of easily carrying out tool measurement, alignment of a work piece with a tool, and truing. The NC machine tool includes: a spindle unit having a spindle serving both as a vertical spindle and an inclined spindle; and a tilting mechanism having a turning shaft for pivotably supporting the spindle unit on a vertical plane. The turning shaft has a center line of rotation which is arranged in the vicinity of a top end of a tool on a center line of the tool.

Abstract: A step-by-step ratchet mechanism has a mount, a hand lever carried on the mount and pivotable about an axis, and a ratchet provided with a toothed set wheel and with an output shaft rotatable about an axis of the ratchet in the mount. Two catches are provided, which a) are each hinged on the hand lever and are pivotal around an axis of the catch, b) are each provided with a toothed quadrant with several teeth that cooperates with the set wheel, c) have a supporting flank that neighbors an abutment of the mount and d) are provided with a spring pretensioning the two supporting flanks towards the abutment. Two mean position levers are carried on the mount and are each pivotal about an axis of the mean position levers, one mean position lever being assigned to each catch. The mean position levers have a stop flank.

Abstract: Provided is a power generating apparatus for obtaining a desired power source from elastic movement of an elastic tube into which compressed air is injected. The elastic pressure receptacle having compressed air is rotatably supported and pistons engaged with the elastic receptacle are installed in the vicinity thereof. Also, installed is a driving mechanism having circular plates having inclined protrusions for providing power to rotate the elastic pressure receptacle while inducing elastic movement for driving the pistons from the elastic pressure receptacle and a seesaw mechanism having rollers in contact with the inclined protrusions of the circular plate. The rotation power generated from the elastic pressure receptacle can be used as a desired power source through a driving shaft integrally installed on the elastic pressure receptacle.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission comprising a lay shaft that rotates in response to the input power from the engine. A crank on the lay shaft and a drive rod translate the rotation of the lay shaft into linear motion. An output rod rotatably mounted at a transmission shaft translates the linear motion of the drive rod into rotational motion. A one-way clutch interconnects the output rod with the transmission shaft so that rotational motion of the output rod in one direction is coupled to the transmission shaft to rotate it while rotational motion of the output rod in a second direction is not coupled to the transmission shaft. The distal end of the drive rod is linked to the output rod at a selectable location along the output rod to control the speed of the output rod and hence the transmission shaft. The controllable linkage position therefore also controls the ratio of the transmission from input power to output power.

Abstract: A transmission wheel comprises a gear having a hole and a pinion having a plurality of teeth and being removably mounted in the hole of the gear. The hole of the gear has at least one chord-shaped stop portion engaging two adjacent teeth of the pinion to prevent relative rotation between the pinion and the gear.

Abstract: A bicycle transmission assembly comprises a gear shifting device and a reciprocating pedal device that are mounted to a bicycle frame. The reciprocating pedal device comprises a reverse gear train consisting of a first reverse gear and a second reverse gear to make two pedal rods move horizontally and reciprocatingly. Swaying movements of the pedal rods drive a single direction gear mechanism. The gear shifting device comprises a first idler gear and a second idler gear that are meshed with each other. A follower gear and the first idler gear are coaxially mounted with each other. The follower gear is connected to a single direction gear of the reciprocating pedal device via a transmission element. Pivotal movements of a gear shifting lever cause rotational movements of the carrier member such that the first idler gear or the second idler gear is meshed with a transmission gear to thereby drive the wheels of the bicycle.

Abstract: A motorcycle transmission shifter assembly including a cam drum having at least two pins extending therefrom, and a shift mechanism engageable with the pins. The shift mechanism includes a tooth that is operable to engage a first one of the pins to rotate the drum in a first direction and a stop that is operable to engage a second one of the pins to prevent over-rotation of the drum in the first direction. Preferably, the shift mechanism includes a shift pawl and a shift lever and the stop is mounted on either the shift pawl or the shift lever. Additionally, the shift mechanism can include a second stop mounted on the other of the shift pawl or the shift lever, the second stop being operable to engage a third one of the pins to prevent over-rotation of the drum in a second direction.

Abstract: A gear engaging stepless speed variator having orientational ON-OFF properties of worm transmission for a gear transmission mechanism to realize ON-OFF orientation, so as to achieve stepless speed change of gear engagement. The variator has an orientational ON-OFF device having two sets of ON-OFF mechanisms, each set of ON-OFF mechanisms contains a driving worm, driven worm, a pair of driving gears, a pair of driven gears and a worm wheel. The power output device has two sets of differential gear composed of a frame and four bevel gears mounted in the frame, and an output shaft, and is provided with a speed adjustment device such that through an eccentric mechanism and the speed adjustment device it realizes output of rotary motion with stepless change of speed.

Abstract: A wheelchair is provided with a helical drive mechanism. A rectilinear input to the helical drive causes an output gear to rotate, thus providing power to rotate the driving wheels of a wheelchair. The helical drive may include, for example, a compound helix, a drive with a twisted flat bar, or a concentric helix drive. Add-on components may be provided to convert a conventional wheelchair to a wheelchair powered by a helical drive mechanism.

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism, in particular for seat adjusters in automotive vehicles, includes a drive member having a toothing and being movable in either of two mutually opposite directions. An actuating member is provided with two claws movably mounted on the actuating member such that, when the actuating member is moved out of a neutral position into one of two directions along the toothing of the drive member, one of the claws meshes with the toothing and the other claw is lifted away from the toothing by a guide contour. A switching member is movable along the toothing and is arranged to be entrained by the movement of the actuating member and to cancel the meshing engagement between the one claw and the toothing when the actuating member returns towards the neutral position.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a pedal-operated vehicle comprising: a frame; a front wheel and a rear wheel, the front and rear wheels being rotatably mounted to the frame; first and second independently operable pedals reciprocatingly mounted to the frame so as to be capable of upward and downward movement; and a drive mechanism which can be selectively placed in an engaged mode or a disengaged mode, wherein (i) in the engaged mode, downward movement of either pedal imparts torque to the rear wheel in a first rotational direction to propel the vehicle forward and upward movement of either pedal imparts no torque to the rear wheel, the rear wheel being substantially nonrotatable in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, and (ii) in the disengaged mode the rear wheel is freely rotatable in the second rotational direction as well as in the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A transmission utilizes oscillating torque to vary the mechanical power transmitted to a load. An arm assembly is rotatably coupled to a frame. At the ends of the arms are eccentric masses, rotatably coupled thereto. An input shaft rotates the masses about the ends of the arms. The rotating masses produce an oscillating torque that causes the arms to oscillate. The arms are coupled to an output assembly. The output assembly utilizes one way clutches, with one clutch reversed relative to the other clutch. The one way clutches convert the bidirectional rotation of the arms to unidirectional rotation for the load. The output speeds of the transmission are controlled by providing at least two side by side rotatable masses and varying the phase of one of the masses relative to the other mass. Varying the phase changes the center of gravity of the masses, thereby affecting the torque applied to the arms.

Abstract: A transmission utilizes oscillating torque to vary the mechanical power transmitted to a load. An arm assembly is rotatably coupled to a frame. At the ends of the arms are eccentric masses, rotatably coupled thereto. An input shaft rotates the masses about the ends of the arms. The rotating masses produce an oscillating torque that causes the arms to oscillate. The arms are coupled to an output assembly. The output assembly utilizes one way clutches, with one clutch reversed relative to the other clutch. The one way clutches convert the bidirectional rotation of the arms to unidirectional rotation for the load. The output speeds of the transmission are controlled by providing at least two side by side rotatable masses and varying the phase of one of the masses relative to the other mass. Varying the phase changes the center of gravity of the masses, thereby affecting the torque applied to the arms.

Abstract: The invention comprises a drive system for use in association with a wheelchair. The drive system includes at least one input gear system, a structure for powering at least one input gear system, at least one transfer gear system, a positioning member, and a structure for transferring movement of the transfer gear system to a wheel. The positioning member positions the desired one of at least two sets of gears of the at least one transfer gear with at least one of the two sets of gears of the at least one input gear system through slidable movement of the at least one of the transfer gear system and the input gear system along their respective axes of rotation. This, in turn, engages the desired gear of the transfer gear system to the desired gear of the input gear system during continuous rotation of these gears. Additionally, the invention includes a handle member for use with a linear conversion system.

Abstract: A bicycle shift control device includes a first member; a second member rotatably mounted relative to the first member for rotation in first and second directions; a third member rotatably mounted relative to the first member for controlling the pulling and releasing of a transmission control element; and a fourth member disposed between the second member and the third member. If desired, the first member may be structured to immovably fix the shifting device relative to the bicycle handlebar, and the fourth member may function as a takeup element for pulling and releasing a control cable. The fourth member rotates around the first axis integrally with the third member. The fourth member also moves in the direction of the first axis between an engagement position in which the fourth member engages the first member and a disengagement position in which the fourth member is disengaged from the first member.

Abstract: For a ratchet mechanism for driving adjustment devices for vehicle seats, in particular motor vehicle seats, with a control lever (4) that can be swivelled back and forth and a ratchet (6) movable by this, which cooperates with a gear ring (3) of a driven gear (1), a gear connection is provided between the control lever (4) and the ratchet (6) which engages the ratchet (6) necessarily with the gear ring (3) in an initial area of the swivelling movement of the control lever (4). Only with further swivelling movement of the control lever (4) does the ratchet (6) move on a track about the rotational axis of the driven gear (1) while positively carrying the same. Also the control lever (4) lifts the ratchet (6) from the gear ring (3) necessarily in the starting area of the isle return stroke movement of the control lever (4).

Abstract: The mechanism is to apply drive in both directions of rotation to a ring having an inside set of teeth, the drive being applied by means of a pivoting handle. The ring cooperates with two locking pawls mounted on a stationary cheekplate and with a toothed slug pivotally mounted on a cam and forming two drive pawls, the cam being pivoted by the handle, but with a certain amount of diametral clearance. When the handle is pivoted, the drive pawl corresponding to the pivot direction engages the toothed ring while the other drive pawl is held in a retracted position by a stationary slideway, and the locking pawl corresponding to the pivot direction of the handle is moved into a retracted position by the cam while the other locking pawl engages the toothed ring.

Abstract: A manual drive for producing rotary movement in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions includes a drive lever which has a neutral position from which it can move into a first or second rotary direction. Attached to the drive lever are a pair of detent elements, one controlling clockwise rotation of the drive wheel and the other controlling counter-clockwise rotation. The detent elements have teething elements on a free end for engagement with a drive wheel which has counter teething about its circumference. The detent elements engage the drive wheel in the neutral position. The detent elements slide in a slide guide which lifts one of the detent elements out of engagement with the drive wheel when the drive lever moves in the opposite rotary direction. Springs located on either side of the slide guide lift the detent element on the drive side out of engagement with the drive wheel as the drive lever returns to the neutral position.

Abstract: A unidirectional power drive mechanism operated by a plurality of crank arms and associated one-way clutches connecting the crank arms independently to a crankshaft arranged to provide a unidirectional power output. The crank arms are able to rotate through full revolution to drive the crankshaft in a forward direction with either one of the crank arms separately applying torque to the crankshaft, or with both crank arms together applying torque in a forward direction, but each crank arm is free to rotate rearwardly with respect to the crankshaft. This arrangement of and inclusion of the various components substantially improves many aspects of energy throughput of human powered machines.

Abstract: A machine translates torque applied to the input shaft at an input speed (RPM), first into kinetic energy, and finally to torque on an output shaft. The input power is first converted to kinetic energy by accelerating a mass or masses, so that the reaction force to this acceleration is an oscillating bi-directional torque or force. This torque or force is then converted to a unidirectional torque applied to an output shaft. This arrangement provides a continually variable automatic transmission, or torque converter in which output shaft speed is proportional to the input shaft speed and inversely proportional to the load applied, and in which transmitted torque corresponds to the input shaft speed.

Abstract: An adjustable member such as a seat back of a vehicle is connected to an adjustment mechanism which transfers an external mechanical or manual force to the seat back. The adjustment mechanism includes an actuating element which rotates the seat back in either direction in response to the application of the external force. An elastic return element stores energy during such movement to subsequently return the actuating element to a rest position. During such return, the actuating element is automatically disconnected from the seat back.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle speed change lever apparatus which is mounted near the handlebar of a bicycle. A lever apparatus is used for pushing a ratchet member, allowing the ratchet member to produce a positive or negative rotation, which further drives a cable-pulling member, thus allowing the cable to be tightened or relaxed by the cable-pulling member to accomplish an in or back shift. A position maintaining mechanism is also provided for effectuating the shift change, and the cable is allowed to maintain a certain amount of tension. The speed change lever apparatus eases the shifting operation and makes the in shift or back shift more precisely controlled.

Abstract: A drive mechanism provided with a forward and reverse input and a forward and reverse drive whereby a single output-member is caused to produce forward drive from forward-rotation, reverse-rotation and oscillatory-rotation applied to a single input-member whereby the reverse-rotation applied to the input-member is mechanically converted to usable forward drive through an arrangement of gears and one-way clutches and thereby doubling the efficiency of the input and drive while the single output-member can also be caused to produce reverse drive from forward-rotation, reverse-rotation and oscillatory-rotation applied to the input-member whereby the forward-rotation applied to the input is mechanically converted to usable reverse drive through an arrangement of gears and one-way clutches with forward drive being achieved by an identical pair of geared and spring-loaded pivotable selector mechanisms at the input and output end of the device pivotting into simultaneous engagement with the geared input member and a

Abstract: The apparatus has the form of a non-self-braking helical mechanism located inside casing (24) and having a driving member (2) and a driven member (1) connected to the driving member (2) through rolling bodies (3). The driving member (2) is connected to unit (5) for applying an axial force to ensure free axial displacement, free rotation, locking, and engagement with two surfaces, of which one is a locking surface, and the other is a sliding surface, with corresponding identical surfaces of the unit (5). The unit (5) is connected to a mechanism for generating an axial force in the form of a helical transmission (9, 11) ensuring generation of a torque to change the turning angle of the driven member (1), and has a mechanism (17) for varying the axial force. Driving member (9) of helical transmission (9, 11) is positioned coaxially with the driven member (1) and rigidly connected to unit (5) and to mechanism (17) for engagement with the driving and driven members (2, 1).

Abstract: A treadle drive system operates comfortably in a standing or seated position with two toe or heel end pivoting treadles. A flexible drive line (chain, cable, belt, etc.) from each treadle drives a pair of forward biased driving rings (having sprockets, pulleys, belt wheels, etc.) concentrically encircling and driving a hollow drive cylinder. Concentrically encircling the cylinder, a driven ring in turn drives a rotating device. A positive engagement clutch between the hollow cylindrical hub and the driven ring allows the driven ring to be engaged or disengaged from the drive cylinder. Opposing holes transversely through the hollow drive cylinder engage pins on outer ends of a V-shaped spring. The pins are normally engaged in mating openings on an interior surface of the driven ring. A push-pull shaft with a cup having a rigid rim pushes against the sloping sides of the spring to disengage the pins from the driven shaft only. Pulling the shaft releases the spring reengaging the pins in the driven shaft.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism for use on a conventional bicycle which permits independent actuation of both pedals and provides a driving force through 100% of a pedal stroke. The clutch is generally comprised of a single, outer, cylindrical rotor which extends between the two pedals, and two internal rotors, respective to each pedal, positioned within the outer rotor. The internal rotors each include respective longitudinally extending, annularly spaced webs and longitudinally extending V-shaped portions integrally positioned between successive webs. In addition, magnets are attached to each rotor and positioned at the vortices of the V-shaped portions. The clutch further includes a set of cylindrical rods positioned between the two rotors which become wedgingly engaged between the magnets and the outer rotor when the pedal is actuated by a user of the bike. In addition, each pedal is attached to the frame of the bike via a spring which prohibits the pedal from being rotated a full 360.degree..

Abstract: A motion converting mechanism according to the present invention is constructed such that pinions (10, 11) are engaged with a circular arcuate gear (8) for performing reciprocating circular arcuate motions about a pivot, and two sets of one-way clutch mechanisms (16-19) are provided in the transmission path from the pinions (10, 11) to an output shaft (1), thereby rotating the output shaft (1) in the same direction. With this arrangement, the output shaft (1) is rotated in the same direction during both forward and reverse movements of the circular arcuate gear (8).Further, a rotary tool according to the present invention is adapted to utilize the above motion converting mechanism, and a grip portion (6) of a reciprocating pivotal member is reciprocatingly pivoted relative to a lever portion (5) of a main body, so that an output gear (4) can be rotated in the same direction, thereby rotating a work to be rotated in the same direction.