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This was Larry Brown's second
bicycle drive invention utilizing a cam.
See
BioCam
Updated 10.30.2011 |
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"HOUDAILLE INDUSTRIES, INC., Fort Worth, Texas, one of America's largest privately
held companies, was founded over 60 years ago providing industrial applications for
new inventions. It is today an international manufacturer of a wide spectrum of products for
industrial use. Operating on a decentralized basis through 14 divisions with 50
manufacturing facilities, Houdaille products can be found throughout the world, from the
depths of the sea on the Trident submarine, to the heights of outer space on the Columbia
space voyager. " |
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The
POWERCAM
device could be retrofitted to any standard bicycle (unlike BioCam) and used very large
chain rings and a cam at the center of the cranks facing the bottom bracket cup. This
device theoretically allowed the effort to be reduced where the muscles were weakest and to
alternately be increased where the muscles were strongest..
not
altogether unlike the purpose of the Shimano Bio Pace chain rings.
From a 1986 advertisement:
"Our unique can design reduces fatigue and improves leg development without
overloading your knees and ankles. The POWERCAM is excellent for training, recreational
riding, touring, commuting, time trials, triathlons and distance racing. Judge for
yourself at your local dealer. (Also available on our chrome-moly 14-speed Custom
bicycle.)" |
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Ad for the Complete bicycle... |
Papers showing technical features and
how to retro-fit the unit to a bicycle
Scans courtesy Karl Swanson and Ray
Brandes
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The ROAD MACHINE
This indoor training accessory worked very well however
it was expensive and not "quick 'n easy" to install bicycle. Simpler, easier to
use (although not necessarily better) devices won out in the marketplace. |
