Abstract: A rack drive assembly adapted for use in the vehicle electric power steering assembly includes a steering member operatively connected to a vehicle steering wheel; an electric motor for effecting axial movement of the steering member upon rotation of the vehicle steering wheel; a planetary gear assembly operatively coupled to the electric motor; and a pinion assembly operatively disposed between the planetary gear assembly and the steering member whereby operation of the electric motor is operative to effect axial movement of the steering member, wherein the electric motor includes an output shaft which defines a motor axis and the pinion assembly includes an output shaft which defines a pinion axis, wherein the pinion axis is coaxial with the motor axis and perpendicular with respect to an axis of the steering member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ball screw (20) comprising a ball nut (21), a roller bearing (22) and a belt pulley (23) arranged on the roller bearing (22). The ball nut (21) is arranged in the roller bearing (22) such that there is no reduction in tension between that of the belt pulley (23) and an assisting engine arranged to the side of the ball screw (20).

Abstract: The turning amount of a turning unit is controlled according to the steering amount of a steering unit mechanically uncoupled from the turning unit. A steering reaction force characteristic such that the larger the self-aligning torque, the larger the steering reaction force is set on coordinates with the self-aligning torque and the steering reaction force as coordinate axes. When a steering reaction force corresponding to the self-aligning torque is applied to the steering unit based on the steering reaction force characteristic, the steering reaction force characteristic is offset on the coordinates in such a direction that the larger the integral value of a yaw angle, the larger the absolute value of the steering reaction force, the yaw angle being an angle formed by a white line and a traveling direction of an own vehicle.

Abstract: In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a system to control switching between a two wheel steer mode and a four wheel steer mode. The system may have a sensor device that monitors an operational value indicative of vehicle speed and emits an operational signal corresponding to the operational value. A controller is provided in the system, which receives the operational signal and selects between the two wheel steer mode and the four wheel steer mode based on the operational signal.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing member 18a comprises combined held sections 33 that are located at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction and that comprise paired held sections 25a, 25b that each have a mirror symmetry about an imaginary plane that passes through the center axis of the shock-absorbing member 18a and that are inclined in a direction toward the imaginary plane with respect to the radial direction as going toward the outside in the radial direction.

Abstract: A crawler work vehicle includes an engine, left and right travel devices, a power transmission device, left and right steering clutches, left and right steering brakes, a rotation speed detecting device, a brake hydraulic pressure obtaining device, and a brake protecting device. The rotation speed detecting device detects an output rotation speed of the steering brakes. The brake hydraulic pressure obtaining device obtains a brake hydraulic pressure supplied to the steering brakes. The brake protecting device refers to the output rotation speed and the brake hydraulic pressure to compute a heat rate of the steering brakes, and executes a protection process of the steering brakes by reducing the engine output upon determining the heat rate that was computed is equal to or greater than a preset first threshold.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle (5) with a drive engine (1) for providing mechanical drive power, with a gearshift transmission (2) coupled to the drive engine (1) and with at least one steering gear system (6) coupled to the final drives (12, 12A) of each track (10, 10A). At least one pump (3) supplies hydraulic power to at least one hydraulic motor (4, 4A) of the steering gear system (6). The drive engine (1), the gearshift transmission (2) and the pump (3) are arranged as a drive unit (16) separately from the steering gear system (6).

Abstract: A driver assistance system for a motor vehicle includes: a longitudinal guide controller; a transverse guide controller; at least one operating element via which the transverse guide controller is able to be activated only in common with, or in addition to, the longitudinal guide controller; a steering sensor which detects an operation of the steering wheel by the driver, the transverse guide controller being able to be deactivated by a signal of the steering sensor without the longitudinal guide controller being deactivated; and a brake pedal sensor which detects an operation of the brake pedal of the vehicle, the transverse guide controller and the longitudinal guide controller being able to be deactivated by a signal of the brake pedal sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a subframe for a motor vehicle, in particular a front axle subframe, including a first shell element and a second shell element which is rigidly connected to the first shell element and defines a cavity therewith, and at least one bodywork connection sleeve for inserting a screw therethrough. The bodywork connection sleeve is attached at one of its ends to a through-hole in the first shell element and extends within the cavity towards a through-hole in the second shell element.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure is provided with: a floor for forming the floor surface of a vehicle body rear section; a rear panel raised from the rear end of the floor; left and right roof side rails extending in the front-rear direction on the upper left and right sides of the vehicle body; and left and right rear pillars extending downward toward the rear of the vehicle body from the left and right roof side rails. The lower end of the left rear pillar is joined to the outer left side section of an intersection section in the widthwise direction of the vehicle body, the intersection section being that at which the floor and the rear panel intersect.

Abstract: A rear frame includes: a first inclined part having a rearward rising incline, a trailing arm attachment part extending horizontally at the rear side of the first inclined part, and a second inclined part having a rearward rising incline at the rear side of the trailing arm attachment part. An upward-convex first protrusion, in which at least a portion of the front end section of a trailing arm is accommodated, is formed in the trailing arm attachment part, a downward-convex second protrusion is formed in the front section of the first inclined part, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion are disposed so as to mutually overlap in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A side rail of a floor assembly of a trailer, such as a flatbed trailer, including a channel formed in a top wall of the side rail and an aperture formed in the top wall of the side rail at a location spaced-apart from the channel. The channel extends along a length of the side rail and is configured to receive a first cargo restraint device therein. The aperture is configured to receive a second cargo restraint device therein.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a roof structure having a roof panel formed of aluminum or an aluminum-based alloy and a vehicle body formed of steel or a steel alloy supporting the roof structure. The vehicle body includes a pair of laterally spaced side panels, a front roof rail and a rear roof rail. A bracket formed of steel or a steel alloy secures the roof structure to the vehicle body. The bracket has a first portion fastened to the roof panel and a second portion extending away from the roof structure and welded to the vehicle body. An adhesive located inward of the connection of the vehicle body and second portion of the bracket bonds the second portion to the vehicle body. The adhesive seals the connection of the roof panel and bracket first portion and reduces thermal distortion of the attached roof panel relative to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a formed aluminium alloy automotive structural part or a body-in-white (BIW) part of a motor vehicle, including the steps of: providing a rolled aluminium alloy bare or composite sheet product having a gauge of about 0.5 mm to 4 mm, wherein the sheet product includes at least one layer an AA7xxx-series aluminium alloy, the sheet product having been subjected to solution heat treatment and quenching followed by at least 1 day of natural ageing; subjecting the naturally aged sheet product to reversion annealing treatment, namely a heat treatment at a temperature between 100° C. and 350° C. during 0.1 to 60 seconds; optionally subjecting the heated sheet product to forced cooling operation; within 2 hours, preferably within 30 minutes, from the reversion annealing treatment, forming the sheet product to obtain a three-dimensionally formed automotive structural part or body-in-white (BIW) part.

Abstract: A semitrailer comprising a main frame having a hitch, an axle assembly connected to the main frame, the axle assembly including at least two wheels for rotation relative to the main frame, a fairing connected to an underside of the semitrailer intermediate the hitch and the axle assembly, the fairing including a pair of lateral surfaces, a bottom surface spaced from the underside of the semitrailer, and a leading surface, wherein the leading surface includes an intake opening, and wherein at least one of the bottom surface or the lateral surfaces includes an exit opening, and a flow path fluidly connects the intake opening and the exit opening.

Abstract: The drive unit includes a watertight elongated housing extending along a longitudinal axis and defining an inner chamber, two juxtaposed tracks disposed around the housing along its longitudinal axis and enabling the drive unit to move when the tracks are rotatably driven around the housing, and at least one track-driving motor. The motor is located within the inner chamber of the housing and includes an output shaft mechanically connected to the corresponding track. The unit can also include a ventilation circuit for the interior of the inner chamber of the housing, and a generator for producing electricity. The drive unit can be manufactured from a single housing or with the housings of two apparatuses that are juxtaposed and rigidly paired.

Abstract: A suspension system for a tracked work vehicle is provided that includes an undercarriage beam and a roller wheel beam assembly having a plurality of roller wheels and a roller wheel beam having a front clevis and a rear clevis. The suspension system also includes a front bushing mount coupled to the front clevis and a rear bushing mount coupled to the rear clevis. Moreover, the front bushing mount and the rear bushing mount are rigidly coupled to the undercarriage beam and configured to damp roll of the roller wheel beam relative to the undercarriage beam. Additionally, the suspension system includes at least one vertical mount disposed between the roller wheel beam and the undercarriage beam. Each of the at least one vertical mount is configured to provide vertical support for the roller wheel beam and to damp vertical movement of the roller wheel beam relative to the undercarriage beam.

Abstract: An endless track for a track assembly providing traction to a work vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle, a construction vehicle, etc.). The endless track comprises an elastomeric carcass having an inner side for facing wheels of the work vehicle and a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground. The endless track has a lug replacement capability to facilitate replacement of one or more drive/guide lugs on the inner side and/or one or more traction lugs on the ground-engaging outer side or portions of these lugs.

Abstract: An undercarriage system for a tracked work vehicle is provided that includes a tensioning system configured to provide tension to a continuous track. Additionally, the undercarriage system includes an undercarriage beam having a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is located on an upper face of the undercarriage beam and is configured to enable insertion of the tensioning system inside a cavity of the undercarriage beam. The second opening is located at one longitudinal end of the undercarriage beam and is configured to enable a portion of the tensioning system to extend through the second opening. Furthermore, the tensioning system pivotably couples to an idler wheel via a pivot assembly, and the idler wheel is configured to engage the continuous track.

Abstract: A modular industrial vehicle having one or more modules that communicate with a managing controller to provide an operating mode for the modular industrial vehicle based configuration and technical specifications of the one or more modules.

Abstract: A method for increasing the robustness of a mechanism for a vehicle including the steps of determining a primary function of the mechanism, identifying components of the mechanism used during the primary function, analyzing each component under in-specification conditions, analyzing each component under decreasing out-of-specification conditions during performance of the primary function to determine a lower failure value for each component, analyzing each component during performance of the primary function under increasing out-of-specification conditions to determine an upper failure value for each component, determining a modified robustness value for each component, wherein the modified robustness value is between the lower and upper failure values and modifying each component in the vehicular mechanism to have a robustness that is approximately the modified robustness value of the respective component.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an aluminum-intensive vehicle body by geometry setting major sub-assemblies together and spot welding aluminum panels to set the geometry of the vehicle body. Adjacent sub-assemblies are then joined together with cold-formed joints, such as self-piercing rivets and clinch joints. Resistance spot welds are used to geometry set component parts in the sub-assemblies that are subsequently joined with cold-formed joints to provide structural integrity within the sub-assemblies.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable support stand for holding a parked vehicle such as a motorcycle, bicycle or similar vehicle which is otherwise unstable in an upright position. The support stand has the ability to be locked into place without the need for fixed locking positions by means of a tilted plate locking mechanism that can be operated by the operator using only one foot irrespective of the orientation of the support stand. The support members may include an outer telescoping member pivotally attach to the vehicle frame, an inner support member, a support pad, a running clutch mechanism that automatically locks the telescoping members, and a refraction spring to automatically return the stand to the minimum length when the clutch mechanism is disengaged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bicycle storage device for use with a bicycle having a removable front wheel that is rotatably mounted to a pair of front fork legs. The storage device comprises a mounting bar that extends between the front fork legs, and the mounting bar includes a mounting bracket having an opening for receiving and temporarily retaining an end of the front wheel's axle. The opening has an axis that is oriented at an angle with respect to the mounting bar. Preferably, the axis of the opening and the mounting bar are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A seat structure with function of suspension includes a seat tube and a cushion body installed on the seat tube. The seat tube and cushion body are made of carbon-fiber materials. The cushion body includes an integrated seat and a bracket. The bracket is installed on the seat tube. The bracket is an arc piece. The front end of the bracket and the front end of the seat are integrally molded and connected to form a first angle. The rear end of the bracket and the rear end of the seat are integrally molded and connected to form a second angle. The first angle and the second angle are less than 90°, thereby enabling the seat being good elasticity relative to the bracket, which can effectively reduce the vibration transferred from the seat tube. The seat structure has larger elasticity coefficient and better effect of damping.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle-use information providing device which has an improved human-machine interface and, by having a configuration for carrying out provision of information taking into account the level of available attention of a user while driving, is capable of providing suitable amounts of information when various types of information from an external device are to be provided to the user of the vehicle via a vehicle mounted device. The vehicle-use information providing device is provided with: a vehicle mounted device comprising a first notification means for notifying a user of various states of the vehicle, and a first control means for activating the first notification means; and an external device that is connected to the vehicle mounted device via a connection means and comprises a second control means for outputting information from outside the vehicle to the first control means.

Abstract: A motorcycle footrest mount includes a support arm that is length adjustable and pivotally adjustable. The mount attaches to a motorcycle structure and includes a helical ramp. One end of the support arm is pivotably mounted to the helical ramp and is spring biased against the mount in a first, home position. The other end of the support arm is mounted to a footrest. The support arm is able to pivotally move downward along the helical ramp upon application of force by a motorcycle operator's legs and feet on the footrest, and to return to the home position when the operator removes his or her feet from the footrest by virtue of the spring biasing.

Abstract: A motorcycle of the present invention comprises a main frame, a fuel tank, and a bracket for fastening a front end portion of the fuel tank to a front portion of the main frame. The bracket includes a bracket body of a flat plate shape, and frame joining portions which partially swell from the bracket body toward the main frame on a reverse surface of the bracket body, wherein the reverse surface is configured to contact the main frame. The frame joining portions are configured to contact the main frame such that a gap through which a throttle cable extends is formed between the bracket body and the main frame. This makes it possible to place the cable such that the cable does not extend around an outer periphery of the bracket provided to fasten the fuel tank to the vehicle body frame.

Abstract: A rehabilitation device includes a wheeled platform with first and second pedals, the first and second pedals engaging drive mechanisms for first and second rear wheels of the device, respectively. First and second braking mechanisms provide independent braking of the first and second rear wheels of the device. The independent braking mechanisms of the rehabilitation device provide a method of steering the device.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper is described. The vehicle suspension damper includes: a pilot valve assembly; a primary valve; and an adjuster, wherein the pilot valve assembly meters fluid to the primary valve, and the adjuster moves the primary valve.

Abstract: A bicycle brake arm includes a sleeve, a brake arm body, first and second abutments and first and second bearing members. The brake arm body has a mounting portion and is rotatably arranged with respect to the sleeve. The first and second abutments are axially arranged with respect to each other on the sleeve. At least a part of the brake arm body is disposed between the first and second abutments. The first bearing member is disposed axially on a first outside of the mounting portion of the brake arm body. The second bearing member is disposed axially on a second outside of the mounting portion of the brake arm body. The first bearing member is axially disposed between the first and second abutments. One of the first and second bearing members includes a roller bearing and the other of the first and second bearing members includes a dry bearing.

Abstract: Device for driving a common shaft by pushing and pulling hand movements, that comprises respective driving bars for the left and right hands, and a mechanical unit that converts both the forward and backward movements of the pushed, respectively pulled driving bars to rotate a driven shaft, wherein respective biased rope drums (28, 29; 61, 62) are provided at both sides of the driven shaft, and on the rope drums respective ropes (30, 60) are arranged as windings, and the driving bars (15, 16; 51) are interconnected and pivoted around a common shaft (17, 52), the ropes are coupled to the respective driving bars in such a way that at one of the two sides an assembly is provided that reverses the direction of the rope displacement to become opposite to the direction of the displacement of the associated driving bar (16).

Abstract: A bicycle includes: a frame that supports a front wheel and a rear wheel; a pair of up-and-down links that are respectively provided on a right side and a left side of the frame in a front view; a pair of pedals that are respectively supported by the pair of up-and-down links; and a drive unit that drives the rear wheel. A front end of each of the pair of up-and-down links is pivotally attached to the frame, and a rear end of each of the pair of up-and-down links is respectively connected to each of the pair of pedals. The drive unit includes a pair of crank arms that are arranged point-symmetrically at an angle of 180° in a front view, and a force that depresses each of the pair of pedals so that the pair of pedals alternately swing is transmitted to the pair of crank arms through the pair of up-and-down links. The bicycle further includes a horizontally-holding mechanism that holds each of the pair of pedals approximately horizontally while rotating of each of the pair of up-and-down links.

Abstract: A bicycle comprising a front wheel and a rear wheel supporting a frame. A bottom bracket of the frame defines a first axis, a second axis and a third axis. A pedal crank assembly is supported for rotation about the first axis and includes a first driven gear and a first drive gear. A second gear is supported for rotation about the second axis. A third driven gear and a third drive gear are supported for rotation about the third axis. An electric motor drives the first driven gear and the first drive gear rotates in response to rotation of the first driven gear. The first drive gear engages and rotates the second gear, which drives the third driven gear. The third drive gear rotates in response to rotation of the third driven gear. The third drive gear is rotationally coupled to the rear wheel.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket comprises a sprocket member and an attachment member. The sprocket member comprises a first annular portion, sprocket teeth and a first engaging portion. The first engaging portion is provided on an inner peripheral part of the first annular portion. The attachment member is configured to be bonded to the sprocket member and comprises a second annular portion and a second engaging portion. The second annular portion is provided radially inwardly of the first annular portion. The second engaging portion is configured to engage with the first engaging portion. One of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion includes a protrusion. The other of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion includes a groove extending in the circumferential direction. The protrusion is configured to be fitted in the groove.

Abstract: A watercraft can include a foil configured for movement between an undeployed position and a first deployed position in which the foil raises the relative position of the watercraft relative to the water line as the watercraft moves forward through the water, thereby facilitating planing of the watercraft. The foil can be configured for movement to a second deployed position in which the foil lowers the relative position of the stern end of the watercraft as the watercraft moves forward through the water, thereby modifying the wake produced by the watercraft.

Abstract: Embodiments described generally relate to methods for assembling a modular floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. A cargo module section, a forward module, and a rear module can be positioned and aligned with each other such that the cargo module section can be disposed between the forward module and the rear module. A plurality of connectors can be coupled together to secure the forward module and the cargo module section together and another plurality of connectors can be coupled together to secure the rear module and the cargo module section together. A first topside module can be installed onto or over an upper surface of the forward module and can include a flare tower, a turret, hydrocarbon production equipment, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A towed vessel suitable for containing and transporting various liquids is disclosed. The vessel further comprises various features useful in the transportation, navigation, and storage of the towable vessel, both when in use for transporting fluids and when transported in an emptied state. Such features include navigational and positioning devices and methods, power supply devices and methods, and means for filling, inflating, emptying, and deflating a non-rigid, towed vessel. Aspects of embodiments of the present invention further include features useful for purifying or preserving the purity of the fluid to be transported.

Abstract: A method is described for the lowering, of a load (18) to the ocean floor from a vessel (10) that floats on the ocean surface, comprising the features: to couple a first lifting line (20) from a load holding winch (12) to the load (18), to connect a second lifting line (22) from a positioning winch (14a) to the load (18) and to adjust the positioning winch (14a) so that a fraction of the weight of the load (18) is taken up.

Abstract: A surfboard with a forward curved fin that extends forwardly of the nose of the surfboard. The curved fin supports a platform for an action camera usually pointed at a board user. At least one adjustable strut between the platform and curved fin can provide a desired elevation or angle to the platform and camera for action filming of a user of the surfboard.

Abstract: A light altering rub rail comprising (1) an elastic, semi-rigid translucent polymer base having at least a body portion with proximal and distal ends, top and bottom ends and front and rear faces; (2) an access flap forming the majority of the base front face creating a gap in the base; (3) a light source embedded within the gap in the base; (4) a plurality of mounting lobes at the proximal and distal end portions; and (5) a plurality of linear light refractors embedded within the base wherein the gap in the base may be sealed to create a fully enclosed water-proof housing.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a rotatable object including obtaining a flexible line having a plurality of cleaning elements disposed along the central portion and further including engaging the cleaning elements disposed along the central portion with a rotatable object and affixing a first line end to a first support having a fixed location proximate a first end of the rotatable object and affixing a second line end to a second support having a fixed location proximate a second end of said rotatable object; and rotating the rotatable object to clean the rotatable object with the plurality of cleaning elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides an emergency evacuation apparatus comprises: an annular floating body (1) having a hollow chamber of watertight construction, a midsection thereof having a circular or oval cross-section; a support (2) on which the annular floating body is placed; and guiding means (3) for passing through a central space in the annular floating body so that there is play therebetween and vertically guiding the annular floating body, the guiding means being secured to the support, whereby the floating body capable of accommodating people and possessions floats during a flood or tsunami, and the floating body can return to an original installation location when the flood or tsunami ends.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting and providing user access to a touch sensitive device underwater, comprising a waterproof casing comprising an inner cavity configured to receive the touch sensitive device, the casing comprising: a first area of the casing for providing user access to the touch sensitive device; a transparent first membrane arranged to cover at least part of the first area of the casing, the inner cavity configured to receive the touch sensitive device so that user interface of the touch sensitive device being arranged adjacent to the membrane of the first area; a pressurized non-conductive fluid arranged to the inner cavity to provide a gap between the user interface of the touch sensitive device and the membrane; a pressure control membrane arranged to cover at least part of a second area of the casing; and a pressure control element operationally connected to the pressure control membrane, configured to flexibly bend the pressure control membrane to change pressure of the pressurized non-conduc

Abstract: This invention relates to a design of a ship hull, and more particularly, to cargo ship or submarine configurations featuring flow channels on the hull surfaces, and multihull structure, and improved diving and surfacing properties, and reduced hydrodynamic resistance, and improved hull damage resistance, and further comprising underwater hub cargo loading and unloading, and relates to manned or unmanned or semi-autonomous sea vessels. A hull design consists of a curvative hull form transversally and symmetrical about its center line CL and design water line, and consists of ballast and storage tanks and cargo compartment within the hull portions and operable to adjust the draft and the depth of the vessel according to the loaded weight, and provides detachable installation options. The invention relates to a ship hull design with reduced block coefficient (Cb) values.

Abstract: THIS invention relates to a propeller and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a propeller for use with inboard and outboard boat engines. The propeller includes a hollow hub and a plurality of primary blades extending substantially radially outwardly from the hub, with each primary blade including a blade face, a blade back and a root section. The propeller is characterized in that a set of secondary blades are provided inside the hub, and that an inner volume of the hub is in flow communication with a volume radially outwardly of the propeller hub.

Abstract: THIS invention relates to a propeller and more particularly but not exclusively, to a propeller for use with inboard and outboard boat engines. The propeller includes a hub, and a plurality of blades, each blade having a blade face, a blade back and a blade peripheral zone comprising a leading edge, a trialing edge and a blade tip zone extending between the leading edge and the trialing edge. The propeller is characterized in that a flow guide is provided on the blade back of each blade.

Abstract: A propulsion apparatus for underwater driving comprising a driving unit housing having a motor embedded therein. A propulsion unit housing connected to the driving unit housing, having a plurality of inlet holes formed therein in a radius direction, and having a driving shaft for rotating a propeller using power received from the propeller and the motor.

Abstract: An aerospace vehicle comprising an airplane or spacecraft, operatively coupled to an airship balloon containing lighter than air gas adapted to elevate the vehicle. A control system adapted to deflate the balloon upon reaching a specific altitude by directing the gas to a propulsion system and high pressure gas chambers for powering the vehicle at a greater speed or to a greater altitude. The balloon can be retracted into the vehicle to achieve a better aerodynamic shape and further re-inflated for decreasing the speed of the vehicle upon reaching a destination.