Ford's 4 Cylinder Multi-Spark Engine

According to this patent application, Ford is working on bringing a multi-spark four cylinder engine to market. What is interesting is that the patent application suggest the system will also work in conjunction with cylinder deactivation technology. Combine this with a hybrid power-plant and 100mpg should be an easy feat. A diagram from the application is below.

Kawasaki Developing Its Own "Cross Plane" Engine

Looks like Yamaha is going to have some technological competition in the liter bike segment. According to this patent application, Kawasaki is well along in bringing an engine with unequal stroke lengths to market. Given the continued trickle down of MotoGP technology, we are not far off from having stock 200bhp liter bikes. An image from the application is below.

Bamboo Bicycles Coming Soon

Carbon started replacing metal in lugged bicycle frames about 30 years ago. Now a Taiwanese company is looking for the next great lightweight material for use in frames - and it may be bamboo. According to this patent application, bamboo has many benefits over carbon, including being lightweight, inexpensive, and renewable. We at SWDELAW think biking is great thing to do for the environment, and now you can have a biodegradable bike! An image from the application is below.

Continental's Motorcycle ABS System

Continental, the German company best known for its high performance tires, is working on a new ABS system for motorcycles that incorporates a roll-angle sensor. According to this patent application, the system will be able to modulate the application of braking pressure on each wheel based on the lean angle of the motorcycle. An image from the patent is below.