Yamaha's CrossPlane Cooling System

Looks like Yamaha is taking the asymmetrical CrossPlane technology to a new level in its next engine. According to this patent application, Yamaha has developed a cooling system that will keep the engine narrow by placing it slightly out of forward alignment. A diagram from the application is below

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Sony Ericsson's Newest Phone Camera

Looks like Sony Ericsson will be taking the cameras in its newest phones to the next level. According to this patent application, Sony Ericsson has developed a trick slide cover that can conceal a shutter based cell phone camera with a flash. A diagram from the patent application is below.

Honda Bringing Brake By Wire To Motorcycles

The days are numbered for that little tea-cup of fluid by your front brake lever. According to this patent application, Honda has developed a brake-by-wire system and may bring it to market soon. This may make moving the bike around in the garage a little more challenging, but - with the integrated ABS Honda also plans to incorporate into this system - it should also significantly improve braking performance. An image from the patent application is below.

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.