Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a fastening system include an object with a securement structure and a mounting structure fastened with respect to the securement structure. The fastening system further includes a bearing member with a first portion for bearing against the bearing surface of the securement structure and a second portion for bearing against the bearing surface of the mounting structure. The bearing member may be biased such that the bearing surfaces of the securement and mounting structures both simultaneously receive compressive force from the respective first and second portions of the bearing member.

Abstract: A bi-directional damper valve is provided for connecting to a hydraulic line, to regulate fluid flow therethrough. The damper valve includes a main valve body having a flow passage formed therethrough, and the flow passage widens at central portion of the valve body to form a central chamber, which has valve seats formed at opposite ends thereof. The main valve body also has two bypass channels formed therein, which branch off the central chamber near the valve seats, and which selectively communicate with the flow passage. The damper valve also includes two poppets, oriented facing in opposite directions in the central chamber. Each of the poppets has a hollow bore formed therethrough, to always allow fluid flow through the damper valve at a first (minimal) rate. The damper valve also includes a spring extending between the poppets, and normally biasing them against the valve seats.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes spaced first and second lateral supports. The first lateral support includes a first mount and the second lateral support includes a second mount that is axially aligned with the first mount. All space between the first mount and the second mount is devoid of any structural component that directly interconnects the first and second lateral supports. The wheel assembly also includes a circumferential rim structure that is adapted to support a tire. The first and second lateral supports attach to the rim structure at first and second locations, respectively, that are radially spaced from the first and second mounts, respectively. Vehicles and swing-arm assemblies including exemplary wheel assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A method of representing spatial relations among objects in the environment uses a Delaunay triangulation as the data structure to store the spatial relations when the objects are represented in the form of simplified objects such as cuboids. The method receives image data corresponding to the environment and recognizes the objects in the image data, and updates the Delaunay triangulation so that the Delaunay triangulation is consistent with the recognized objects. Furthermore, a proximity query can be carried out using the Delaunay triangulation.

Abstract: A turn signal assembly for a vehicle includes a housing adapted for association with a radiator of the vehicle. A power connection is associated with the housing and is adapted to receive power. A light source is associated with the housing and is coupled with the power connection. The light source is operative to selectively provide illumination as a turn signal indication. Motorcycles including an exemplary turn signal assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A bed system for a pickup truck includes a first member adapted for securement to a first support component associated with a truck bed. The first member has a first surface for contacting cargo and a first edge portion extending at least partially along the periphery of the first member. A second member is adapted for securement to a second support component associated with a truck bed. The second member has a second surface for contacting cargo and has a second edge portion extending at least partially along the periphery of the second member. At least a portion of the second edge portion is oriented in at least a partially overlapping spaced relationship to at least a portion of the first edge portion at an interface. A cushioning element is located between the overlapping first and second edge portions at the interface. The cushioning element is resiliently compressible and permits relative movement between the first and second edge portions at the interface.

Abstract: A power equipment apparatus includes an internal combustion engine and a generator operatively connected to the engine, wherein the generator is configured to generate electrical power. A receptacle is configured to receive the electrical power from the generator and to provide a consumer with access to at least a portion of the electrical power.

Abstract: A light distribution plenum includes a shell having an interior surface substantially defining a cavity. A light source receptor is configured to receive light from a light source into the cavity in use. A first optical avenue is associated with the shell and is configured to direct a portion of the light to a first control device. A second optical avenue is associated with the shell, is spaced from the first optical avenue, and is configured to direct a portion of the light to a second control device. At least one selective optic is at least partially within the light distribution plenum and is configured to interact with at least some portion of the light. An illuminated control assembly including a light distribution plenum, a motor vehicle including an illuminated control assembly, and a method of illuminating first and second control devices are also provided.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a frame, a front wheel, a rear wheel, an engine and a plenum. The rotational axes of the front and rear wheels define a first plane that is perpendicular to a second plane. The engine includes an air intake port and an exhaust port. A first pipe transmits air from the plenum to the air intake port and has a first longitudinal section. A second pipe receives exhaust from the exhaust port and has a second longitudinal section. The first and second longitudinal sections have substantially identical cross sectional configurations and are located on opposite sides of the second plane such that they are, at corresponding longitudinal locations, substantially equally spaced from the second plane. Also, the first and second longitudinal sections are located such that they are, at corresponding longitudinal locations, substantially equally spaced with respect to the first plane.

Abstract: A power equipment apparatus includes an internal combustion engine and a generator operatively coupled to the engine, wherein the generator is configured to generate electrical power. A driven element such as a wheel is configured to be driven by an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to receive electrical power from the generator.

Abstract: A transfer device has an undercarriage with two or more carriage portions which are movable along a travel path between a first location and a second location. The carriage portions carrying at least one work piece support. A linkage extending between the carriage portions, where the linkage is operable to change the position of the work piece support when one carriage portion moves relative to another along the travel path.

Abstract: A truck bed for a pickup truck includes a metal support structure that is in a fixed position relative to a pickup truck. A shell is fixedly supported by the metal support structure and is configured to integrally define a portion of a first chamber and a portion of a second chamber. The first chamber is adjacent to the second chamber at an interface, and the first and second chambers are disposed substantially beneath a plane. The plane is defined by a cargo carrying floor that is integrally provided by the truck bed. A first closure member includes a first support surface and is associated with the shell. The first closure member is moveable between a first position in which the first support surface is substantially coplanar with the plane and is configured to support cargo directly above the first chamber, and a second position in which the first closure member is at least partially removed to provide access to the first chamber from above the plane.

Abstract: A fastening system with an object including a securement structure with an extension element adapted to be compressed by a fastener. A portion of the securement structure extends above a first end of a compression reinforcement device. The extension element is adapted to be compressed by a fastener such that the portion of the securement structure is positioned substantially level with the first end and wherein the compression reinforcement device and the securement structure both receive compressive force from a fastener.