3768results about "Optical signal" patented technology

Various phosphorescence charging systems are provided for charging a phosphorescent wheel. The wheel is attached to the frame of a vehicle with nighttime or low light operation capability. The phosphorescence charging system directs electromagnetic radiation, such as ultraviolet light, onto phosphorescent portions of the wheel so as to cause subsequent phosphorescent emission therefrom.

A light source includes a housing, an LED array of individual LED elements mounted in the housing, and a controller mounted in the housing and coupled to the LED array. The controller sequentially, intermittently pulses the LED elements of the LED array. The controller over drives the LED elements of the LED array with a current in excess of several times the continuous forward rating for the individual LED elements. The housing is a substantially closed, waterproof, tubular member and may include a power source in the housing. The light source may form a portable light source. The light source may include a fiber optic bundle coupling in the housing and a fresnel lens between the LED array and the fiber optic bundle coupling.

A vehicle encroachment warning system comprising at least one rearward oriented sensing circuit for identifying a positional relationship and velocity of an approaching object. The sensing circuit can be a digital image capturing system, such as video. The system integrates a controller functioning as a user interface. The controller provides alerts and other various information to the user. The controller maintains a history of metrics throughout the period of use. An application enabled on a Smartphone can be used as the controller. Features of the Smartphone enhance the system, enabling communication between the system and vehicles in the proximity, automatic dialing to e-911 or others upon sudden motions (such as an impact), etc. The system can employ a single stage sensing system, such as a computer vision analysis or a two stage, using video analysis, then transitioning to a higher resolution system, such as radar.

An electrically driven hub includes an electrical mechanism including an electrical motor and a planetary gear system connected to the electrical mechanism. A first fixed shaft is connected to the stator of the electrical motor and a second fixed shaft is connected to a second end of the stator of the electrical motor. The first and second fixed shafts are connected to the vehicle frame. A one-way clutch is connected between a cover of the hub and the planetary gear system so that the hub is rotated when the planetary gear system is activated by the motor.

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.

An integrally-formed single-piece flexible light strip includes a substrate populated with at least one LED light circuit. A clear flexible plastic housing is molded around the LED light circuit to completely encapsulate the light circuit. A flexible electrical cable and contoured strain relief for the electrical cable are also integrally formed as part of the light strip to maintain complete environmental and physical protection and eliminate any non-flexible portions of the light strip such as when a connector is used. The light strip is manufactured in a cost efficient manner, and is impervious to moisture penetration and highly resistant to physical damage, thereby allowing the light strip to be used in a variety of applications and environments. The shape of the illustrated light strip is specially designed for attachment to the round tubing of a bicycle frame. The light strip includes an electrical circuit allowing a reduction in the number of wires between the strip and its associated external control and power.

A recess is defined in one of the top tube, the down tube and the seat tube of a bicycle frame and a power supply unit is engaged with the recess. The power supply unit includes an engaging frame engaged with the recess and a battery is removably engaged with a main space defined in the engaging frame. The engaging frame includes a chamber defined in an end thereof and a control box is received in the chamber so as to be electrically connected with the control box. The top surface of the battery is in flush with the one of the top tube, the down tube and the seat tube. An ON / OFF switch is installed on a top of the engaging frame and an indication bulb is installed on a top of the battery for convenience of observation by the user.

There is proposed a spotlight, in particular a reading light in cabins of vehicles and craft, in particular aircraft, which has preferably white light-emitting light-emitting diodes (1) which are radially encased by a body, wherein a lens body (6) is fitted on the end light exit opening of the body, as the lighting source and a frame (9) which carries the lighting source and which is pivotable or rotatable about at least one horizontal and / or vertical axis and is adapted to be fixed in the respective selected position. The frame (9) can be received by a receiving body (13) and is supported therein pivotably or rotatably about at least a horizontal axis (14). The receiving body (13) is held in a fixing ring (21) and is rotatable about a vertical axis. The frame (9) with the receiving body (13) and / or the receiving body (13) with the fixing ring (21) are latchable respectively through a spring and in a resiliently latched manner.

A headlight for bicycle includes an insulative barrel and including peripheral openings; a lens mounted in the barrel; a heat sink including parallel grooves on its outer surface, and water resistant rings mounted thereon; a PCB fitted onto an end of the barrel; a reflector mounted inside the barrel; an LED bulb fitted in the reflector; and a conductor electrically interconnected the bulb and the PCB; and a power supply releasably secured to the barrel and including a switch. The switch is manually movable between on and off position and is adapted to electrically connect the power supply to the bulb when the switch is in the on position, and in response to disposing the switch in the on position, heat generated by the bulb is dissipated through the conductor, the heat sink, and the openings.

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.

An illumination apparatus is provided that can achieve light distribution towards the front, and light illumination in a direction other than the front direction, without using a light source other than the light source for frontward illumination. The illumination apparatus includes a light emitting diode located at the front side of the illumination apparatus, corresponding to one end, a side transmission unit having a surface exposed at a gap in the casing, located rearward of the light emitting diode to transmit light from the side, and a light path modification unit, located rearward of the light emitting diode to modify the direction of light output from the light emitting diode towards the side transmission unit.

According to the invention, a human-propellable luggage which converts motion of the luggage into conditioned electrical power is provided. The luggage may have a body, chassis, wheel, generator and power supply circuit. The body may be configured to support an object and to be moved by a force exerted by a user. The wheel may define an axis of rotation and be coupled with the body. The wheel may be configured to be in contact with a surface and rotate about the axis of rotation when the body is moved relative to the surface. The generator may be coupled with the wheel and may be configured to convert the rotation of the wheel about the axis of rotation into electrical power. The power supply circuit may be coupled with the generator and be configured to receive the electrical power from the generator and condition the electrical power for use externally.

Electric motor configurations are provided with Halbach arrays. In one example, an electric motor includes a first plurality of magnets arranged in a first Halbach array. The first plurality of magnets is configured to provide a first magnetic field that substantially exhibits a first Halbach flux distribution. A first plurality of electromagnets comprising a first plurality of coils are arranged in a second Halbach array. A controller is adapted to selectively direct current through the first plurality of coils to induce a second magnetic field to interact with the first magnetic field. The second magnetic field substantially exhibits a second Halbach flux distribution.

A modular light source system forms a plurality of distinct light sources with a common tubular metal housing, an LED based lighting element for each light source, and a pair of end caps on opposed ends of the metal housing for each light source. Each distinct lighting source is comprised of one of the LED based lighting elements and a given pair of the end caps, whereby distinct light sources can be formed through replacement of the LED based lighting elements and the end caps.

A rotor for an electrical generator and a generator incorporating such a rotor, the rotor consisting of a central hub, a radially spaced concentric rim portion with rotor magnetic elements mounted upon it, and a plurality of elongate tension members extending generally between the hub and the rim, maintained substantially in tension so as to maintain the rim substantially in compression. The hub is rotatably driven by an axially spaced power drive means such as a wind or marine current turbine.

A brushless permanent magnet electric machine with a fixed radial air gap is operated to a much higher speed than normal maximum speed by the reduction in effective magnet pole strength. Permanent magnets are supported on the inner surface of an axially movable cylindrical shell. A plurality of magnetic poles provided with wire coils are supported on a stationary cylindrical member cooperate with the permanent magnets on the axially movable cylindrical shell to either cause, or react to, rotation of the axially movable cylindrical shell. The axially movable cylindrical shell and cylindrical member are coaxial. The cylindrical shell is axially movable with respect to the cylindrical member.

The present invention is a signaling system for a motorcycle or bicycle providing a light indication to other motorists. An indication mechanism is attached to a garment of the rider. The indication mechanism has at least two banks of LEDs arrays and a wireless radio receiver. A signal interface is linked to the wiring system of the motorcycle light system. The signal interface intercepts signals transmitted on the wiring system of the motorcycle light system. The system also includes a wireless radio transmitter in communication with the signal interface. When the signal interface detects a signal sent through the wiring system of the motorcycle, the signal interface sends a signal via the transmitter to the receiver of the indication mechanism. The indication mechanism then illuminates the appropriate bank of LED arrays to provide a light indication to warn other motorists. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the indication mechanism may be worn by a cyclist. The signal interface may communicate with a sensing device which receives signals from a braking mechanism of the bicycle. When the braking mechanism is actuated, the sensing device senses the braking action and sends a signal via the transmitter to the receiver of the indication mechanism, which in turn illuminates the LED arrays. Alternately, rather than utilizing a signal interface, the indication mechanism may include an accelerometer to detect deceleration of the bicycle.

A brushless permanent magnet electric machine with a fixed radial air gap is operated to a much higher speed than normal maximum speed by the reduction in effective magnet pole strength. Permanent magnets are supported on the inner surface of an axially movable cylindrical shell. A plurality of magnetic poles provided with wire coils are supported on a stationary cylindrical member cooperate with the permanent magnets on the axially movable cylindrical shell to either cause, or react to, rotation of the axially movable cylindrical shell. The axially movable cylindrical shell and cylindrical member are coaxial. The cylindrical shell is axially movable with respect to the cylindrical member.

A system for enhancing the safety and functionality of a motorcycle or bicycle type helmet includes built-in turn and brake indicators, a transceiver for wireless communications with a corresponding transceiver mounted on a motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle, and a speaker and a microphone. The speaker and microphone permits two-way audio communications between the wearer of the helmet and others, either through a cellular network or through a wireless connection to the helmet of a passenger of the vehicle, and further permits such enhanced features as transmission of voice instructions to a navigation system and reception / playback of responsive navigation information, playback from a music system, and audio feedback that the turn signals are being operated, as well as anti-theft protection.

A three-wheeled vehicle for on-road use with a modular front headlight system that complies with both United States and European Community laws is disclosed. The modular system includes a headlight module, an air intake module, and a fairing module.

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.

A bicycle gearshift system is mounted on the rear part of the frame of the bicycle. The bicycle gearshift system includes an electrically powered rear derailleur, a rear hub, a charger part, and a gearshift control part. The electrically powered rear derailleur is mounted on the rear part of the frame. The rear hub is also mounted to the rear part of the frame. The rear hub has an electrical generator mechanism that generates electricity through the rotation of the wheel. The charger part is mounted on the rear hub and stores the electrical energy that was generated by the generator part. The gearshift control part is equipped on the electrically powered rear derailleur, where gearshift control of the electrically powered rear derailleur is performed through the energy that is stored in the charger part.

The present invention provides a wireless bicycle communication device, which 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.

The field of the invention relates to bicycle systems, especially to bicycle systems adapted for use with smartphones, to smartphones configured for use with bicycle systems, and to methods and to computer software for use with such bicycle systems or smartphones, and to servers configured to communicate with such bicycle systems or smartphones. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a bicycle system including a bicycle, the bicycle system including a processor integral to the bicycle, the bicycle system further including a battery integral to the bicycle, wherein the processor is powerable by the battery, the bicycle system including a smartphone holder configurable to receive a smartphone and to connect the smartphone to the processor, wherein in use the smartphone holder is attachable to, and detachable from, the smartphone. Advantages include that the smartphone can be charged by the battery, the smartphone can communicate with the processor so as to receive various information such as maintenance-related information of the bicycle system, the bicycle system can investigate the smartphone identity to check for unauthorized use of the bicycle system, the smartphone is held during bicycle system travel which reduces the risk of damage to the smartphone, and the bicycle system shape is more aerodynamic than that of a bicycle to which a processor and / or a battery has merely been bolted-on.

A hub unit for use in electrically assisted bicycles has an improved effect to radiate heat from a stator. A hub (7) has inner teeth (66a) meshable with planetary gears (65) and a fixing support shaft (57) projecting from opposite ends of the hub and provided fixedly relative to a motor housing (5). The motor housing (5) has no cylindrical wall (8) covering the outer peripheral surface of the stator (3) but leaves the stator outer peripheral surface exposed to effectively release the heat generated by the windings of the stator.

Headgear for increasing the visibility of a wearer of the headgear to other especially in low light or no light conditions. The headgear includes a shell for being worn on the head of the user. The headgear may also include a rear light transmitter on the rear of the shell, a forward light transmitter on the front of the shell, a top light transmitter on the top of the shell, and side light transmitters on each of the sides of the shell. The headgear may also include a message indicator mounted on the shell for displaying alphanumeric characters, and the display of the message indicator maybe oriented in a direction extending rearwardly from the shell for permitting a person behind the wearer to view the display.