Abstract: Semi-submersible wind turbine platforms capable of floating on a body of water and supporting wind turbines, and a method of manufacturing the semi-submersible wind turbine platforms from advanced cementitious composite material are provided. The method includes determining at a first iteration topological outputs of the wind turbine platform including a plurality of modular sections consisting of an advanced cementitious composite (ACC) material, obtaining a second iteration from the topological outputs, the second iteration including a second model platform and a second model tower of the wind turbine platform, and obtaining addition iterations via simulation to attain a final model platform and a final model tower, the final model platform and the final model tower including a layout of the plurality of modular sections and connections for a platform and a tower of the wind turbine platform.

Abstract: A floor section for an insulated railcar includes a floor plate and a composite section coupled to the floor plate. The composite section includes a plurality of composite beams aligned parallel to one another. Each composite beam of the plurality of composite beams includes an inner core and an outer material surrounding the inner core. The inner core includes an insulating material and is configured to support the outer material. An upper surface of each composite beam of the plurality of composite beams, which extends along a length of the composite beam, is coupled to an underside of the floor plate.

Abstract: A dual mode current collector includes a mounting frame having a pivot shaft extending along a pivot axis. A first current collector includes a housing pivotally connected to the pivot shaft, a shoe arm connected to the housing, and a shoe attached to the shoe arm. The shoe has a conductor surface configured to engage a rail. A second current collector includes a housing pivotally connected to the pivot shaft, a shoe arm connected to the housing, and a shoe attached to the shoe arm. The shoe has a conductor surface configured to engage a rail. A first actuator connected to the mounting frame and the first current collector is configured to rotate the first current collector about the pivot axis. A second actuator connected to the mounting frame and the second current collector is configured to rotate the second current collector about the pivot axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a wheel cover that is coupled to a wheel of a vehicle utilizing a mounting assembly that has a bearing block. A retainer assembly in combination with the bearing block of the mounting assembly allows the wheel cover to be coupled to the wheel in a manner such that the wheel cover does not rotate with the forward and backward rotation of the wheel when the vehicle is being driven. The wheel cover covers the wheel and partially covers a gap or space between a tire of the wheel and a fender of the vehicle, which increases the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. The retainer assembly provides at least one degree of freedom such that the wheel cover may move with the wheel when steering the vehicle in a leftward direction and a rightward direction.

Abstract: A hybrid cable/rail transportation system comprising: at least one system portion configured as a cable transportation system comprising at least one cable; at least one system portion configured as a rail transportation system comprising at least one rail, wherein the system portion configured as a cable transportation system is upstream and/or downstream of the system portion configured as a rail transportation system; a plurality of transportation units, wherein each transportation unit comprises a cabin; wherein each cabin is configured for being moved along the entire system, respectively supported hanging from the cable along the system portion configured as a cable transportation system and supported resting on the rail along the system portion configured as a rail transportation system.

Abstract: A railcar anti-scissoring system includes a base controller positioned within a train locomotive that sends a launch initiation command to railcar-stabilizing units when detecting rapid deceleration indicative of a collision or derailment. The stabilizing units include a receiver secured to the rear end of each rail car and a coupling unit attached to the front end of each rail car. The coupling unit houses a deployable locking rod that is thrust into a mating cavity in the receiver upon receipt of the launch command. The deployed locking rod maintains the host railcar and the preceding railcar in a linear orientation during a rapid deceleration to prevent jackknifing.

Abstract: A composite wheel includes a rim, a connecting ring, a plurality of spokes and a flange all connected in sequence from the outside to the inside. One end of each spoke is provided with a thread, and the other end of each spoke is provided with a first mounting hole.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed a paddle, which includes a blade and a hollow lower shaft that connects to the blade. The hollow lower shaft is capable of receiving a rod and an upper shaft capable of entering and moving within said lower shaft; with one end of the upper shaft connected to the rod and able to move simultaneously with the upper shaft within the lower shaft. Wherein, the material of the rod within the hollow lower shaft is different from that of the hollow lower shaft, and the paddle is less likely to break instantaneously.

Abstract: A wheel end support assembly and method of assembly. The assembly may include a spindle, a brake torque plate, and a locator bushing. The locator bushing is received in a first locator hole of the spindle and a second locator hole of the brake torque plate and aligns the brake torque plate to the spindle.

Abstract: A compact braking system for zip-line that brakes a sliding car including an anti-return trapping device that traps the sliding car preventing its return by a zip-line cable and a braking device that transfers and dissipates the energy of the arrival impact of the slide car without the use of one or more cables and/or elements external to it and without the activation of any operator.

Abstract: A freecoaster hub system for a bicycle allows the bicycle to coast freely in either a forward or backward direction. The freecoaster hub system includes a hub assembly having a hub and an axle, wherein the hub is interconnected to the rim of a wheel of the bicycle by a plurality of spokes. The freecoaster hub system for a bicycle also includes a transmission assembly at least partially mounted in the hub and operatively interconnected to the axle and the hub. The transmission assembly comprising a drive assembly and an engagement assembly, each of which operatively engage the axle and or hub.

Abstract: A double-chambers inflatable kayak, including an upper chamber and a lower chamber which are fixedly connected to each other by a connecting portion and between which a cavity is formed, wherein the upper chamber includes a cockpit hole and a first air valve provided on the surface, the cockpit hole being in communication with the cavity, and the first air valve being used to inflate and deflate the upper chamber, and wherein the lower chamber includes a second air valve which is used to inflate and deflate the lower chamber.

Abstract: In water or on land, an innovative Dual Retractable Handlebar System with adjustable damping, allows the rider of Motorized Surf Boots to transition from a kneeling, to squatting, to standing, or vice versa, in one smooth articulated motion while keeping a continued grip on the handles and throttles. Each handlebar of the pair is firmly connected to each boot (or board) safely behind the rider, with each handlebar extending around the outside of the rider to a comfortable and ergonomic position to grasp with each hand, providing the rider with the ability to impart body English on the left and right sides independently, in order to effectively steer his or her Motorized Surf Boots on water or on land. Additionally, the pair of Handlebars of the present invention can be quickly locked in the retracted (or down) position, or quickly released for deployment in a range of up positions.

Abstract: A floor structure of a rail vehicle car body includes a supporting structure having a left and a right longitudinal beams and a plurality of transverse structural members using a low-heat welding process. A floor panel is directly and releasably attached atop the supporting structure using and a plurality of non-permanent, pressure interlocking fasteners.

Abstract: A gap blocking system includes a loading platform having a gap separating a first portion of the loading platform from a second portion of the loading platform. A ride vehicle is coupled to a transport extending through the gap. A guardrail assembly having a plurality of guardrail units is coupled to the first portion, where the guardrail units are configured to transition between a first position and a second position. The guardrail units are configured to block access to the gap when in the first position. The ride vehicle includes an engagement feature configured to interface with an individual guardrail unit of the guardrail units to selectively transition the individual guardrail unit from the first position to the second position. The individual guardrail unit is configured to permit the ride vehicle to occupy a guest-accessible position adjacent to or on the loading platform in the second position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an energy harvester proximate to a rotatable component of a vehicle's wheel are disclosed. In some embodiments, an energy harvester system includes: a substrate having a first surface configured to contact and interface with a surface of a wheel, and a second surface opposite the first surface; a piezoelectric component configured to produce energy in response to mechanical strain imparted on the piezoelectric component, wherein the piezoelectric component is configured to deform while experiencing the mechanical strain so as to contact at least a portion of the second surface.

Abstract: Water rescue of an individual whether they be a man overboard (MOB) from a boat or someone close to shore requiring a water rescue by shore lifeguards, can easily become a dangerous and life-threatening situation within a few seconds. The current invention offers a Compact Powered Rescue Apparatus (CPRA), a lightweight and compact powered watercraft that can be deployed from a moving boat in just seconds thanks to an innovative CO2 inflation system. CPRA can be stowed on-board a vessel and automatically inflated in just seconds much like the compulsory life-raft or pre-inflated and ready to deploy immediately from shoreline lifeguard stations. CPRA is a powered watercraft based on U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,029 Motorized Surf Boots (Powered Waterskis), a recreational watercraft. However, in this case the craft is made inflatable, configured with a portable stretcher for water search-and-rescue operations, and driven by battery powered electric marine thrusters.

Abstract: The vehicle wheel cover retention system comprises a wheel including a first hub hole provided therein which has a retention member formed in a generally axially extending portion thereof. The wheel cover includes a second hub hole provided therein. The second hub hole includes an annular axially extending segmented projection. The segmented projection includes a chamfered outer circumferential surface and a shoulder provided thereon. During assembly, the segmented projection deflects radially inward as the wheel cover is initially installed and moved toward the retention member and then as the wheel cover is further advanced the segmented projection moves radially outward to enable the shoulder to engage the retention member to thereby secure the wheel cover to the wheel. The center cap includes an annular axially extending projection.

Abstract: A holder for supporting at least one equipment, the holder configured to be secured to a top surface of a watercraft without requiring modifications to the watercraft, the holder including a plate including at least two anchors; at least two ties, each connecting one of the at least two anchors to a portion of the watercraft, securing the plate to the watercraft; and at least one receptacle disposed on the plate, the receptacle configured for receiving the at least one equipment.

Abstract: A vortex generating exhaust component is installed in-line within a marine exhaust system downstream of the water can whereby a mixture of hot exhaust gas and entrained cooling water flows there through and vortex flow is enhanced by the component to increase cooling of exhaust gas by increasing the mixing of hot exhaust gas with entrained cooling water thereby resulting in enhanced exhaust gas cooling.