Data processing: measuring – calibrating – or testing – Measurement system in a specific environment – Mechanical measurement system
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-22
2001-03-06
Hoff, Marc S. (Department: 2857)
Data processing: measuring, calibrating, or testing
Measurement system in a specific environment
Mechanical measurement system
C073S054410, C073S570000, C073S862321, C073S862322, C073S862381, C073S862391, C073S862410
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199021
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for measurement of power output of one powering a chain driven vehicle. More specifically, it relates to an apparatus and method for the measurement of power output of a bicyclist.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is often desirable to measure power output of a bicyclist or a rider of other human powered vehicle. Such information is useful both for the casual rider as well as the high performance trainer. A bicyclist can use this information, among other things, to monitor increases in cardiovascular fitness, quantify maximum output and power, optimize pedaling cadence, and determine maximum efficiency. Such measurements are also useful to those seeking to reduce body fat though exercise or to replenish food during extended rides. While power measuring devices are available on stationary exercise equipment commonly found in health clubs and the like, the size of currently available power measuring devices makes it impractical to install them on actual human powered vehicles.
In addition to human powered vehicles, power measurements would also be useful for motor driven devices. For example, in motor assisted bicycles, chain tension and/or human power output can be used to determine the relative instantaneous output of the motor. For motor-driven devices such as motorcycles, chain tension and power output can be used to monitor the load on the engine, which relates information on fuel consumption, mechanical wear, and efficiencies.
What is needed then, is a method and device which is compact in size and operatively arranged to measure power output of a bicyclist.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention broadly provides a method and apparatus for measuring the power output of one powering a chain driven vehicle. In a preferred embodiment described, the vehicle is a bicycle. The method of the invention comprises measuring the speed and tension of the drive chain and calculating the power output therefrom. The apparatus of the invention includes a chain speed sensor, a chain tension sensor, and electronic processing means to calculate and display the power output based upon the chain measurements.
The primary object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for measuring the power output of one powering a chain driven vehicle.
Another object of the invention is to display power output of a bicyclist in real time as the cyclist is riding.
These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become obvious to those having ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1107234 (1914-08-01), Morscher
patent: 2618970 (1952-11-01), Hitchcock et al.
patent: 4071892 (1978-01-01), Genzling
patent: 4141245 (1979-02-01), Branstetter
patent: 4434801 (1984-03-01), Jiminez et al.
patent: 5027303 (1991-06-01), Witte
patent: 5167159 (1992-12-01), Lucking
patent: 5426968 (1995-06-01), Mertens
patent: 5545982 (1996-08-01), Vlakancic
patent: 5585560 (1996-12-01), Goossens
Cote Alan
Cote Jean-Joseph
Croy John C.
CC Kinetics, Inc.
Hodgson Russ Andrews Woods & Goodyear LLP
Hoff Marc S.
Vo Hien
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for measuring power output of one... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for measuring power output of one..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for measuring power output of one... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2451368