The purpose of the power take-off is to provide multifunctional uses of the bicycle without removing the transportation factor. By incorporating a power take-off, the bicycle can be ridden to where it is needed and then set up to power a belt-driven device. The design is adapted and modified from Job S. Ebenezer’s Dual-Purpose Bicycle.
The power take-off can be removed and placed on other bicycles that have a horizontal top tube. The final power take-off design is based on the availability of parts at D Acres farm in New Hampshire, making the use of old parts and reducing costs.
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The power take-off in motion. It is currently being used by D Acres of New Hampshire. In the picture above the power take-off is seen attached to a custom stationary bike consisting of a 10-speedroad bike welded to a metal frame. A belt runs from the take-off to a flywheel and another belt runs from the flywheel to an altered hand-powered apple crusher. A pulley was adapted to fit the place of the original hand turn. The flywheel assists with momentum of the crushing device; otherwise, the ride would be choppy.
Initial sketches of desiging the power take-off.
Flywheel sketches.
To make the power take-off a scrapped bicycle was cut down and a pulley and sprocket replaced the original crank arms.
The initial single speed sprocket did not provide a good ratio for power output so a larger one was taken from a reclaimed mountain bicycle. Chain tension also became an issue for the length of chain being used. A rear derailleur was welded to the power take-off to provide the necessary tension.
A closer look. U-bolts were used to make it easy to remove the power take-off and place on other bicycles.
Hose clamps acted as extra stabilizers.
Foot pedal straps were added for extra gripping power and a taller handlebar was added for a more comfortable ride.
The power take-off being used at the Common Ground Fair in Maine to crush apples for cider pressing.
