Abstract: There is provided a method for installing a liner plate mounted on an interface surface of a load-bearing portion of mobile earth-moving machinery. There is also provided a liner plate which includes at least two openings and at least one grout strip, with the at least one grout strip being along a perimeter of the liner plate.

Abstract: A motorcycle seat assembly with enhanced traction to prevent a rider from sliding on the seat while operating a motorcycle comprises a base layer with a first fastener affixed to an outer edge of the base layer, the base layer being coupled to the motorcycle, a foam member disposed on the base layer and having a plurality of second fasteners affixed to a plurality of grooves on a top portion of the foam member, and a cover with a plurality of third fasteners affixed to a bottom portion of the cover and a fourth fastener affixed to an outer edge of the cover. The cover is oriented such that the plurality of third fasteners engages the plurality of second fasteners and the fourth fastener engages with the first fastener thereby securing the cover around the base layer and the foam member when placed in the motorcycle.

Abstract: A light-projecting device for use on a vehicle comprises a laser unit and a light source, wherein the laser unit comprises a laser source and an image forming means configured for acting on laser light produced by the laser source and projecting a predetermined image onto a surface external to the vehicle in use, and wherein the light source produces a visible light beam in use.

Abstract: An article storage section is formed without involving an increase in weight in a motorcycle which includes a vehicle body frame having a head pipe steerably supporting a steering handlebar and a main frame extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe. A riding seat is supported by the vehicle body frame with a fuel tank disposed between the steering handlebar and the riding seat. The riding seat is supported by the main frame. An article storage section is disposed in front of the riding seat, and further outwardly relative to the fuel tank. A pair of left and right side bags are openably and closably supported by the fuel tank in a way so that the article storage section is formed between each side bag and an outer side surface of the fuel tank.

Abstract: To form an article placing part without a weight increase for a motorcycle including a vehicle body frame having a head pipe on which a steering handlebar is steerably supported and a main frame which extends rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe. A riding seat is supported on the vehicle body frame with a fuel tank disposed between the steering handlebar and the riding seat and supported on the main frame. An article placing part is arranged on an outer lateral side of a fuel tank in such a way so as to be supported on the fuel tank.

Abstract: In a windshield device of a saddle-ride type vehicle, a guide rail is fixed to a vehicle front portion; a moving assembly is movably provided on the guide rail; and a windscreen is supported on the moving assembly. The moving assembly includes a slide member movably attached to the guide rail, a screen supporting member configured to support the windscreen, and a link mechanism arranged between the slide member and the screen supporting member. The link mechanism is configured to increase a movement amount of the screen supporting member to an amount greater than a sliding length of the slide member. Such configuration of the windshield device for the saddle-ride type vehicle reduces the size of a moving mechanism including a moving assembly for the windscreen.

Abstract: A step structure for being disposed on left and/or right sides of a saddle riding type vehicle includes a base portion connected to the vehicle and forming at least part of a first footrest, and a movable portion rotatably coupled to the base portion so that the movable portion is movable between first and second operative positions thereof by being rotated relative to the base portion. The movable portion forms a second footrest disposed at a position different from the first footrest when the movable portion is at the second operative position thereof and jointly forms a first footrest with the base portion when at the first operative position thereof.

Abstract: Bicycle (1) provided with a saddle (2) and a reflective surface (12) that enables a user of the bicycle (1) to look backwards or forwards, characterised in that the reflective surface (12) is affixed in such a location on the bicycle (1) that it is lower than the highest point of the saddle (5).

Abstract: The invention discloses a steering device of scooter and a scooter.

Abstract: A vehicle body frame manufactured by welding is configured for weight reduction, and includes first and second frame members. The first frame member has a predetermined thickness including a first flat surface portion wider than the predetermined thickness. The second frame member includes a second flat surface portion touching the first flat surface portion. The first and second frame members are joined by bringing the flat surface portions together and welding the first and second flat surface portions together with laser beams parallel to the first flat surface portion. In this way, the laser welding can be performed with a reduced gap between the two members. Welding using laser beams applied from directions parallel to the flat surfaces allows the weld area to be significantly larger than conventional fillet welding.

Abstract: A hollow main frame extends rearwardly from a head pipe. An air cleaner includes a filter element disposed in the main frame forming a dirty side and a clean side. The main frame includes a front opening for introducing intake air. The main frame includes an inner wall surface having a first rib extending peripherally and projecting inwardly into the space in the main frame. A second rib is disposed upstream or downstream of the first rib with respect to an intake air flow and projects inwardly into the space in the main frame. The filter element has an engaging member extending substantially along the inner wall surface and engageable with the second rib. The first rib peripherally surrounds the filter element to provide a division wall with the second rib engaging the filter element to support the filter element.

Abstract: A frame for a motorcycle has good flexibility in a left-right direction. The frame includes left and right main frames extending from a head pipe, pivot frames extending downwardly from respective rear ends of the main frames; and a down frame extending downwardly from the head pipe below the main frames. A reinforcement frame connects the down frame and the main frames together. The frame supports an engine, and the pivot frames swingably support a swing arm thereon. The left and right main frames curve so that a gap formed between the left and right main frames in a vehicle width direction increases from the head pipe toward the rear, while a section height of each of the main frames, in a direction orthogonal to an extending direction of the main frame, decreases from the head pipe toward the rear.

Abstract: To provide a vehicle body frame for a motorcycle which includes a head pipe having good dimensional accuracy. A head pipe includes a left half which is obtained by die forming, a right half which is obtained by die forming, and beads with which the right half is integrated with the left half by laser welding. The head pipe is formed by joining the left half and the right half to each other with the first and second beads which are laser weld beads. Laser weld beads are significantly smaller in bead width than arc weld beads, and therefore their shrinkage after their solidification is significantly smaller. As a result, a head pipe having good dimensional accuracy is obtained.

Abstract: An operating device of a straddle type vehicle has a controller for selecting a plurality of function menus of components mounted on the straddle type vehicle. Controller supporting portions support the controller, and are disposed in the front direction of a switch box. The controller has a controller operating portion which a rider can operate. The controller operating portion is positioned in the front direction of a grip portion.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a locking hinge for a tubular frame.

Abstract: A vehicle body frame for a saddle-ride type vehicle is manufactured by laser welding, and has good dimensional accuracy in a vehicle length direction. A pivot frame includes a grooved member, a lid member put on an opening of the grooved member, and laser-weld beads with which this lid member is joined to the grooved member. The molten metal shrinks during its solidification, and shrinkage occurs in the vehicle width direction. However, no shrinkage occurs in the vehicle longitudinal direction. As a result, the distance between a head pipe and a pivot shaft is maintained properly.

Abstract: A steering structure for a saddle type vehicle includes a head pipe which forms a steering axial line offset to a front side with respect to a steering axial line of a handlebar, a steering member supported for pivotal motion on the head pipe and configured to pivot around the steering axial line integrally with a front wheel, and a link member connected at a first end portion thereof for pivotal motion on the steering member and connected at a second end portion thereof for pivotal motion to the handlebar. The steering structure also includes a pivotal member provided between the first end portion of the link member and the steering member and supported on the steering member for rotation around a pivotal axial line extending along a center axial line of an axle of the front wheel.

Abstract: In a switch case of a handle switch of a vehicle, first to fourth operation elements are disposed on a case below an axial line of a handlebar of the vehicle. The first to third operation elements overlap with each other, when viewed in rear view, and are each disposed in such an accessible range as to be operable by a rider with a thumb in a state in which the rider puts a left hand on a handle grip attached to the handlebar. The fourth operation element is provided on the center side of the vehicle body in the direction along the axial line. Such vehicle handle switch allows improvement in the operability for a rider.

Abstract: An operation device of a straddle type vehicle includes a controller used to select multiple function menus of equipment incorporated in the straddle type vehicle. The controller has a rotary selection controller constituting a part of a grip portion, and provided adjacent to a switch box. A rotation detection portion is provided in the switch box, and detects rotation of the selection controller.

Abstract: An operation device of a straddle type vehicle has a controller used to operate at least two or more kinds of functions of equipment mounted on the straddle type vehicle. The controller includes a controller operation portion capable of rotary and other freely moving operations. A rotary shaft of the controller inside the controller operation portion is arranged lower than a lower wall face of a switch box.

Abstract: A front suspension structure includes a head pipe; an upper arm portion having a front end portion connected to the head pipe rockably about a first coupling axis and a rear end portion connected to a vehicle body frame rockably about a second coupling axis; and a lower arm portion disposed below the upper arm portion, and having a front end portion connected to the head pipe rockably about a third coupling axis and a rear end portion connected to the vehicle body frame rockably about a fourth coupling axis. The structure includes a cushion unit making a lower end portion perform a stroke as the lower arm portion rocks; the lower end portion supported in front of a middle point of a segment connecting the third coupling axis to the fourth coupling axis, and an upper end portion supported in a rear of the second coupling axis.

Abstract: A front suspension structure includes a head pipe radially internally supporting a shaft portion forming a steering axis such that the shaft portion is rotatable about the steering axis; a front fork connected to a lower end portion of the shaft portion on a lower side of the head pipe, the front fork supporting an axle of a steering wheel; a link member having one end portion connected rotatably on an upper side of a turning member having the shaft portion, and having another end portion connected rotatably on a side of handlebars; the head pipe disposed so as to be separated frontward from a vehicle body frame; and a rocking arm having a front end portion rockably supported by the head pipe, and having a rear end portion rockably supported by the vehicle body frame.

Abstract: A saddle type vehicle wherein restrictions in the weight and the layout are reduced for slimmer and lighter vehicle. Pivot plates are provided as separate bodies from seat rails. An upper end of a shock absorber is received by a cross member located between left and right seat rails. The cross member is a separate body from the seat rails. Both ends of the cross member are supported by recesses provided in the left and right seat rails at inner sides of the seat rails so as to face each other. The cross member is fastened to the seat rails by cross member fastening members. The seat rail is attached to a main frame at its one front-side end and to the pivot plate at its other front-side end. The main frame and the seat rail are fastened to each other in the vertical direction by a first fastening member.

Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic operation device includes a bracket configured to be attached to a bicycle part. A hydraulic cylinder is provided on the bracket, and a piston is located within the hydraulic cylinder. An attachment bore provided on the bracket, and the attachment bore is connected with the hydraulic cylinder. The attachment bore includes a step. At least part of the attachment bore is arranged in an area that radially surrounds the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly having a rotational center axis is basically provided with a crank member and a sprocket member. The crank member includes a support portion that extends in the axial direction and an arm portion that is integrally rotatable around the rotational center axis with the support portion. The sprocket member includes a sliding portion that extends in the axial direction that is integrally rotatable with respect to the support portion and that is displaceable in the axial direction. The bicycle crank assembly is constructed to achieve high strength and to suppress the decrease in the efficiency of the rotation transmission from the crank member to the sprocket member in a crank assembly in which the sprocket member is movable in the axial direction.

Abstract: A saddle type vehicle to improve the workability in fastening a frame and an engine together and thereby to enhance productivity. The saddle type vehicle includes a head pipe, a main frame extending rearwardly from the head pipe, and a seat rail located rearwardly of the main frame for supporting a seat. The main frame is fastened to the engine by fastening members being directed from an outer side toward an inner side in the vehicle widthwise direction. A knock pin is provided between the main frame and the engine, in a position in the vicinity of at least one of the fastening members.

Abstract: An actuator device for a bicycle gearshift, comprising an actuation kinematic mechanism adapted to be deformed in order to move a derailleur of the gearshift; a driving member adapted to control the deformation of the aforementioned kinematic mechanism, the driving member comprising a motor and a threaded drive shaft put in rotation by the motor; a nut associated with the aforementioned kinematic mechanism and with the drive shaft. The actuator device comprises a snap mechanism that, in a first operative configuration, holds the nut in an engaged condition with the drive shaft such that the rotation of the drive shaft causes the deformation of the actuation kinematic mechanism and that, when the actuator device is subjected to a force greater than a predetermined threshold force, defines a release configuration in the nut, such that the rotation of the drive shaft does not cause the deformation of the actuation kinematic mechanism.

Abstract: A shifting assembly for shifting a roller chain between a plurality of front chain wheels for a bicycle that includes a smaller chain wheel, a larger chain wheel and a chain derailleur having a channel on an inner guide plate. The channel has an elevation that comes into contact with a chain rise rivet on the larger chain wheel in the state of starting to shift the roller chain from the smaller chain wheel to the adjacent larger chain wheel, viewed in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the chain wheels.

Abstract: A saddle-type vehicle that allows common use of a handle switch with a vehicle having no advancing-backing function and can suppress increase in the number of switches and the lowering of the layout efficiency of the switches. A saddle-type vehicle has a reverse mode setting input part that sets a reverse mode in which backing driving of the saddle-type vehicle is permitted and a control system that disables shift operation of a transmission by a shift-down switch and a shift-up switch and causes the saddle-type vehicle to advance through operation of the shift-down switch and to back through operation of the shift-up switch when the reverse mode is set.

Abstract: An improved boat hull is described. The new hull includes a bow, a stern and a lower longitudinal keel extending between the bow and stern. The hull includes a first V hull formed at the bow and a second V hull formed aft the bow. The second V hull is defined by a bilaterally symmetrical indention having a forward end and a rearward end. The indention is directed rearwardly and outwardly from the lower longitudinal keel, and the rearward end of the indention is above the water line for displacement of water toward the stern on both the portside and starboard side of the boat. The new hull provides a smooth, less jarring ride, a reduction of drag forces, and an improved load along with increased deck area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof module for a land and/or water vehicle (10) having an accommodation facility comprising a kinematic unit (3) with two lateral guide rails (30), at least one roof segment (2) which is mounted in the guide rails (30) such that it can be moved between a closed position and an open position, and a circumferential load-bearing frame (4) with four profiled strips (40) which are connected to form a rectangle, which load-bearing frame (4) can be fastened to a vehicle roof (100) which has an opening (101) so as to surround the opening (101) or can be fastened in the opening (101) with the formation of a water barrier, the load-bearing frame (4) at least partially supporting and/or partially forming the kinematic unit (3).

Abstract: A flexible lifting tether system for lifting a marine vehicle or object is described which is capable of significantly improving the primary characteristics of an existing cable by enhancing load-carrying capabilities (e.g. in air), modifying the tether to have altered specific gravities in water, and relieving torsional stresses when in operation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a self-directed (i.e., autonomous), steerable gravity-embedded anchor. This anchor free-falls through the water column, accelerates due to gravity and uses its kinetic energy to embed itself into the seafloor so as to function as an anchor for mooring of both floating vessels and other underwater structures. Unlike existing gravity-embedded plate anchors, this device can steer itself to its intended target location on the seafloor, enhancing placement accuracy and allowing release directly from an installation vessel on the water surface, thereby greatly simplifying installation.

Abstract: According to some aspects, a tug and barge arrangement is provided that is configured with an articulated conduit system for transferring fluid between the tug and the barge. In some embodiments, an articulated conduit system is provided that comprises a plurality of conduits fluidically interconnected by rotatable joints configured to permit positional alterations of the fluid conduits that result from differential movement between a tug and barge.

Abstract: Disclosed adjustable seat systems that provide a self-contained height-adjustable seat system for sit-on-top kayaking that allows the seat to be adjusted into various height and angle positions, while maintaining independent adjustment to the fore/aft position of the seat in the kayak. Some of the adjustable seat systems include a seat upper that includes a seat bottom and a seat back; a seat base adapted to slidably engage a flat surface in the watercraft; and at least two pivot mechanisms coupling the seat upper to the seat base, wherein the at least two pivot mechanisms allow the seat upper to be raised and lowered relative to the seat base. Some of the adjustable seat systems further include a front seat axis, a rear seat axis, a front base axis, and a rear base axis, a front pivot mechanism that pivotally engages both the front seat axis and the front base axis, and a rear pivot mechanism that pivotally engages both the rear seat axis and the rear base axis.

Abstract: A method of laying a pipeline from a laying vessel into a body of water includes guiding the pipeline along a supporting structure of a laying ramp. The method also includes acquiring a first data item correlated to a position of the pipeline at a free end of the laying ramp using an optical sensor or an acoustic sensor. The method further includes determining whether the acquired first data item is within an acceptance range predetermined as a function of a configuration of the supporting structure and a size of the pipeline. Additionally, the method includes emitting an control signal when the acquired first data item is not within the acceptance range. Determining whether the acquired first data item is within the acceptance range includes processing the acquired first data item to compare it the first data item to an information stored in a memory.

Abstract: A surfboard leash apparatus is disclosed. The surf leash apparatus includes a cuff for attaching to a limb of a surfer, the cuff having an inner surface, the inner surface of the cuff having a pattern of compressible grips disposed thereon. The surf leash further includes an attachment mechanism for attaching to a surfboard, and a leash cord connected between the cuff and the attachment mechanism. The leash cord includes an elastic fiber rope core having a predetermined amount of stretch, and an extruded thermoplastic urethane cord surrounding the elastic fiber rope core. The extruded thermoplastic urethane cord has an elasticity corresponding to the predetermined amount of stretch of the elastic fiber rope.

Abstract: A sailboat which uses hydrofoils either immersed or planning on the water's surface to resist heeling. The boat uses two hydrofoil assemblies, one for the starboard side of the boat and one for its port side. Each part can generate either positive or negative lift. The attack angles and depths of immersion of each hydrofoil are adjustable. The struts which hold the hydrofoils are designed so that the leeway forces produced by the struts are much lower than the lifts produced by the hydrofoils so there is little or no conflict between the hydrodynamic force produced by the hydrofoil and its supporting strut.

Abstract: A maritime navigation light apparatus comprising a pole element, a base, and a light assembly with one or more light emitting elements is presented. The pole element may comprise a hollow core and may be permanently or temporarily coupled to the base and/or to the light assembly. The light emitting elements may be housed on a circuit board and encased in an impact resistant encasement and electrically connected to electrical wires. The electrical wires may be inserted through the hollow core or the pole element and may also comprise electrical plug members which may terminate on the exterior or interior of the apparatus.

Abstract: A boat launch for the pillars of offshore installations includes fender pipes extending substantially perpendicularly to sea level and a ladder being positioned closer to the pillars than the fender pipes, The fender pipes have an inner pipe consisting of steel that is not resistant to seawater and an outer pipe consisting of a seawater resistant metal alloy.

Abstract: A boat hoist control switch apparatus for a boat hoist control having first and second toggle switch controlled winches, winch cables, and a boat cradle. The switch apparatus has a vertical rotatable control shaft mounted on upper and lower bearing brackets, a switch control lever, a plurality of horizontal handles attached to the control shaft, a first pivoting link between the switch control lever and the first hoist toggle switch, and a detachable second pivoting link between the first and second hoist toggle switches. Rotation of the control shaft by a selected handle will pivot the switch control lever and simultaneously move the pivoting links and the attached first and second toggle switches actuating the boat hoist winches to raise or lower the boat cradle. The detachable second pivoting link allows for independent control of the toggle switches.

Abstract: A movement system for submarine-atmospheric interface devices comprises fixed guides integrally connected to a conning tower of a submarine, a lifting apparatus slidable in the fixed guides, at least one electric motor for driving the lifting apparatus and a motion transmission mechanism whereby motion is transmitted from the electric motor to the lifting apparatus and comprising flexible transmission means.

Abstract: A propulsion system includes at least one permanent magnet motor, the magnet motor including an outer housing structure. In the housing structure, a stator and a rotor are arranged in such a way that a gap is formed between the stator and rotor, the stator being fixedly connected to the housing structure, whilst the rotor is connected to a motor shaft extending through the housing structure. A plurality of coils/windings are arranged around an inner circumference of the stator, whilst a plurality of permanent magnets are arranged around an outer circumference of the rotor. Through a coupling, the motor shaft is connected to a propeller shaft including a propeller. A thrust bearing and a propeller pitch control system are integrated into the permanent magnet motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to vessel (1) comprising a hull (3) and a deck (2), a substantially cylindrical rotor (6) having a peripheral wall (8) rotatable with respect to the deck (2) around a longitudinal center line (20), the rotor (6) being mounted on the deck (2) in such a manner that in an operational state the rotor (6) is substantially vertically oriented, characterized in that a flap (18) is arranged near the rotor (6) extending substantially in a plane which is parallel to the rotational axis of the rotor (6), and the length of the flap chord (Rfc) is between 20%-90% of the rotor (6) diameter (Dr), wherein the position of the flap (18) can be adjusted with reference to the longitudinal center line (20).

Abstract: An aerodynamic wingsail and mast assembly, which does not utilize a boom or gaff, and which is simply designed to include a singular sailcloth and resilient bow rod which are removably attached to a free standing mast. The bow rod includes a pair of open-ended brackets to engage the mast, and is positioned in a curved sleeve on the trailing edge of the sailcloth. The sailcloth includes a forward sleeve for receiving the mast. Flanges on the mast engage the brackets, and the sailcloth is simply slid off the mast by releasing the brackets and tension of the bow rod. Alternative embodiments are described for 3 dimensional wingsails.

Abstract: A trim and tilt device includes: a cylindrical cylinder; a partition member provided in contact with the cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction of the cylinder and partitioning a space inside the cylinder; a rod member to which the partition member is attached on one end side of the rod member and which moves relatively in the axial direction of the cylinder together with the partition member thereby adjusting a tilt angle of a marine vessel propelling machine body with respect to a hull; and a rod guide member electrically connected to a sacrificial anode and having a hole so that the rod member passes through the hole, and the rod guide member has a conductive portion disposed at a position, where the hole is formed, so as to electrically connect the rod member and the rod guide member.

Abstract: A power system is provided for a marine or petroleum drilling vessel. The power system may have a plurality of power sources, at least one power consumer, and an input device configured to generate a signal indicative of a desired output. The power system may also have a load manager associated with the at least one power consumer and configured to create a power demand for the plurality of power sources based on the signal and an actual output, and a controller. The controller may be configured to determine a plurality of performance goals for the plurality of power sources, determine a priority of the performance goals, retrieve from the plurality of power sources at least one performance map corresponding with each performance goal, and selectively apportion the power demand between of each of the plurality of power sources based on the at least one performance map and based on the determined priority.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boat with an electric drive that comprises electric components, especially an electric motor and an electric storage unit. The components are interconnected via an electric grid. At least one of the components is connected to the grid by means of a first connection means, the first connection means comprising first connection means main contacts for connecting the at least one component to the grid, and a second connection means being provided for connecting the electric storage unit to or disconnecting it from the grid. According to the invention, the first connection means comprises at least one pair of auxiliary contacts for connecting the at least one component to a monitoring line and said monitoring line is operatively connected to the second connection means.

Abstract: A wind-based power generating system provides a wind energy converter for converting wind energy into another form of energy using a lighter-than-air craft configured to produce a positive net lift. The net lift includes both a net aerodynamic lift and a net buoyant lift. A tethering mechanism is configured to restrain the lighter-than-air craft with respect to the ground. The lighter-than-air craft defines an interior volume for containing a lighter-than-air gas, and the lighter-than-air craft has a fore section and an aft section. The tethering system has at least one attachment point on the fore section of the lighter-than-air craft and at least one attachment point on the aft section of the lighter-than-air craft. The lighter-than-air craft provides a stable aerodynamic moment with respect to a yaw axis about a center-of-mass of the lighter-than-air craft. The craft can be formed in a variety of aerodynamic profiles/shapes.

Abstract: Fuselage assemblies, over-frame blanket assemblies, and methods of installing over-frame blanket assemblies are provided. A fuselage assembly for an aircraft includes a fuselage skin, a cabin liner, and an over-frame blanket assembly. The cabin liner has an outer side facing the fuselage skin. The over-frame blanket assembly is disposed between the fuselage skin and the cabin liner and has a first blanket piece. The first blanket piece includes a first sound barrier layer that defines a first outer surface of the over-frame blanket assembly and a first sound absorbing layer that defines a second outer surface of the over-frame blanket assembly facing the fuselage skin. A method of installing the over-frame blanket assembly includes positioning the first blanket piece in an orientation such that the first sound barrier layer is directly adjacent the cabin liner.