Abstract: An improved joining process interlocks parts together and avoids breakthrough in joints that would otherwise be infeasible. The process is used to join a relatively thin rear part to a relatively thick front part. A dedicated backer plate is joined to the front and rear parts such that the rear part is sandwiched between the front part and the backer plate. The front part, rear part, and backer plate are plastically deformed to establish interlock by insertion of a self-piercing rivet, clinching, or insertion of a flow drill screw.

Abstract: A vehicle panel joint structure comprises a pair of vehicle panels formed of a first vehicle panel and a second vehicle panel that have different linear expansion coefficients to each other; a hemming portion that is formed by folding over an end portion at an outer edge portion of the first vehicle panel; a rib portion that is formed at a leading end of an end portion at an outer edge portion of the second vehicle panel, that projects out toward the hemming portion of the first vehicle panel, and that contacts the hemming portion; and an adhesive layer that is formed between the outer edge portions of the pair of vehicle panels, and that joins the outer edge portions together.

Abstract: In one aspect, an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The system includes a first component having a first alignment member and a second alignment member extending outwardly away from each other, and a second component having an inner wall defining an alignment aperture, the inner wall having a first wall and an opposite second wall. The first and second alignment members are an elastically deformable material such that when the first and second alignment members are inserted into the alignment aperture, the first and second alignment members elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning the first component with the second component in a desired orientation.

Abstract: In one aspect, an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The system includes a first component comprising an alignment member having an inner wall defining a retention aperture, and a second component comprising an inner wall defining an alignment aperture. The inner wall includes a first wall and an opposed second wall, and the first wall includes a retention tab configured for insertion into the retention aperture. The alignment member is fabricated from an elastically deformable material such that when the alignment member is inserted into the alignment aperture, the alignment member elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning the first component with the second component in a desired orientation.

Abstract: In one aspect, an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The system includes a first component comprising a tubular alignment member, a second component comprising an inner wall defining an alignment aperture, the alignment aperture configured to receive the alignment member to couple the first component and the second component, and a third component comprising a locking member configured for insertion into the alignment member. The alignment member is an elastically deformable material that elastically deforms to an elastically averaged final configuration to facilitate aligning the first component and the second component in a desired orientation. The locking member is an elastically deformable material such that when the locking member is inserted into the alignment member, the locking member elastically deforms and forces the alignment member outward toward the inner wall to facilitate securing the first component to the second component in the desired orientation.

Abstract: A reinforcement received between facing surfaces of adjacent panels that may be part of a hinge pillar of a vehicle such as a pickup truck and the panels may be aluminum. The reinforcement may be a one-piece molded structure. The reinforcement includes ribs that extend between the facing surfaces in a lattice arrangement defining a plurality of cells. The cells may have a number of transverse walls defining a perimeter of a polygon. The polygonal cells may have a facing wall on one side of the cell closing the cell. The facing wall may have an adhesive that is applied to the reinforcement and expanded in a paint bake oven to secure the reinforcement to the adjacent panels.

Abstract: One of more cross members of a pickup bed structure include a hole in a flange in a location that is advantageous for installation of aftermarket accessories. The hole does not extend through the floorpan itself. When customers install aftermarket accessories that require holes through the floorpan, the customers are encouraged to align the new holes with the holes in the cross members. Consequently, loads applied by the aftermarket accessories are efficiently transferred to the frame rails.

Abstract: A cargo bed assembly for a pickup truck includes an aluminum truck bed above a pair of frame rails. A plurality of roll-formed 6000-series aluminum cross-members extend along a width of the truck bed and contact the underside of the truck bed. The cross-members include longitudinal channels. Each cross-member contacts a pair of extruded 6000-series aluminum spacers underneath the cross-member at spaced locations to align with the frame rails. The spacers contact the frame rails and at least partially surround a portion of the outer surface of the cross-members to separate the cross-members from the frame rails.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes front and rear ground-engaging members configured to contact a ground surface, a drivetrain assembly operably coupled to the ground-engaging members, and a frame supported by the ground-engaging members and extending along a longitudinal axis of the utility vehicle. The utility vehicle also includes a rear cargo bed assembly supported by the frame and extending over a portion of the rear ground-engaging member. The rear cargo bed assembly has a rear platform with at least a first seating position. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes a rear cab frame assembly with an upright position and a collapsed position. The vehicle has a first height from the ground surface when the rear cab frame is in the upright position and a second height from the ground surface less than the first height when the rear cab frame is in the collapsed position. The second height is 72-84 inches.

Abstract: A pick-up truck tailgate is disclosed that is constructed of components made of aluminum alloys. A hinge reinforcement and hinge plate reinforce a lower corner of the tailgate. A transversely extending reinforcement, including a U-shaped body, is provided within the tailgate that reinforces the central portion of the tailgate. An access panel is provided on the inner panel of the tailgate and includes a hem and fasteners that are assembled to the inner panel through holes formed inboard of the hem.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of longitudinal frame rails and a bed above the frame rails. A plurality of roll-formed aluminum cross-members contact the bed and are disposed between the bed and the frame rails for additional support of the bed. Extruded aluminum spacers are disposed between and in contact with the one of the cross members and one of the frame rails. A crush tube is spin-welded to the spacer and contacts the underside of the bed for additional support to inhibit downward relative movement of the bed. The crush tube is formed with a longitudinal hole extending therethough to receive a fastener that extends from above the truck bed, through the crush tube hole, through the cross-member and spacer, and into the frame rail.

Abstract: A mounting member for securing a vehicle body to a chassis frame includes a horizontal base wall defining a mounting hole used to assemble the body to a receptacle on the frame. The mounting member further includes a plurality of side walls extending from the base wall to connect to a floor panel of the vehicle body. A boss protrudes from the base wall to the floor panel and includes a bore aligned with the mounting hole. The mounting member also includes at least one gusset extending from the boss to the base wall. The base wall, side walls, boss, and the at least one gusset are integrally formed as a single unitary body.

Abstract: A sill reinforcement assembly is provided for a sill area of a pick-up truck bed that is supported on and connected to a pair of frame rails. A unitary one-piece aluminum reinforcement is secured to the frame rails below the pick-up truck bed by a frame bolt fastener. The unitary reinforcement includes a continuous tubular receptacle for the frame bolt. One or more transverse walls of the reinforcement are connected by one or more bridging walls to the tubular receptacle. The transverse walls are connected by one-sided fasteners to a laterally extending wall of transverse beams. The frame bolt extends through the truck bed floor, the tubular receptacle, the transverse beam and is secured to the frame rails below the pick-up truck bed.

Abstract: A vehicle floor structure includes a cross member having a substantially constant cross section shape. A spacing member is disposed beneath the cross member for securing to a chassis frame. The spacing member is positioned relative to the cross member to define an enclosed cavity between the spacing member and the cross member. The floor structure also includes a first collar affixed within the enclosed cavity. A fastener extends through the spacing member and the cross member, and compresses the first collar when the floor structure is secured to the chassis frame.

Abstract: A spoiler device includes a movable spoiler for a vehicle, the movable spoiler being movable between a retracted position and a deployed position, a link mechanism supporting the movable spoiler, a torsion bar connected to the link mechanism, and an actuation portion rotating the torsion bar.

Abstract: Provided is an aerodynamic drag reduction apparatus for reducing aerodynamic drag on an over-the-road vehicle while underway. The aerodynamic drag reduction system includes a frame assembly that is adapted to cooperate with a cargo-carrying portion of the over-the-road vehicle to couple the drag reduction apparatus to the over-the-road vehicle. First and second skirts are adapted to be supported beneath opposite lateral sides of the cargo-carrying portion of the over-the-road vehicle by arcuate rails. The first and second skirts are coupled to the frame assembly in a manner that allows thermal expansion and contraction of the first and second skirts relative to the frame assembly without warping of material forming an air-deflecting surface of the first and second skirts to an extent that would otherwise occur if the first and second skirts were fixedly connected to the frame assembly.

Abstract: An upper wheel fairing for increasing the propulsive efficiency of a wheeled vehicle having wheels otherwise exposed to headwinds, comprising a deflector panel or skirt assembly mounted upstream in front of a rearward wheel set, extending downward not lower than the axle, and arranged to deflect headwinds from impinging upon the high drag-inducing upper wheel surfaces downward onto the low-drag lower wheel surfaces.

Abstract: A self-propelled robot having a protective guard, at least one tool designed for the treatment of a surface, movement means comprising at least two motor-driven wheels to allow the movement of the self-propelled robot on a travel path, at least one mechanical power transmission designed to actuate the self-propelled robot and in which the one mechanical power transmission comprises at least one motor element and at least one driven element which are operatively associated by a magnetic field. The mechanical power transmission is operatively associated with at least two motor-driven wheels of the movement means.

Abstract: A track shoe for a track drive system, which comprises a shoe base, one or more drive lugs attached to the shoe base, and a wear plate attached to the shoe base. The shoe base and drive lugs may be formed from a prehardened engineering steel, such as MECASTEEL 145. The wear plate may be formed from MECASTEEL 145 or an advanced abrasion-resistant steel, such as Creusabro 8000. The drive lugs may be replaceably attached to the shoe base, preferably by welding. The wear plate may be replaceably attached to the shoe base, preferably by fasteners such as bolts.

Abstract: A drive unit for driving a robot along an inclined surface is disclosed. An endless tread engages a pair of wheels to define a planar bottom surface of the endless tread. A vacuum motor pulls air through holes in the endless tread when the holes are aligned with a vacuum opening.

Abstract: A system for removing a pin connecting adjacent tracks of a track assembly is disclosed. The system includes: a bracket member, a holder member, a guiding member, a stop member, a pusher member, a plurality of inserts, a top member, a spring member and a cylinder assembly. The cylinder assembly can be adapted to sequentially push one insert of the plurality of inserts disposed on the stop member through the actuation opening to move the pin with respect to the adjacent tracks.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a track of a track assembly with respect to another track a link is provided. The track assembly includes a link that further includes a pad portion defining a top surface and a bottom surface. The apparatus includes a first tube, a pair of upper connecting members, a second tube, a pair of hitch members, and a pair of lower connecting members. A projecting portion of each of the pair of upper connecting members and an extending portion of each of the pair of lower connecting members are adapted to removably retain the first tube on the pad portion of the track.

Abstract: A pneumatically powered, fully untethered mobile soft robot is described. Composites consisting of silicone elastomer, polyaramid fabric, and hollow glass microspheres were used to fabricate a sufficiently large soft robot to carry the miniature air compressors, battery, valves, and controller needed for autonomous operation. Fabrication techniques were developed to mold a 0.65 meter long soft body with modified Pneumatic network actuators capable of operating at the elevated pressures (up to 138 kPa) required to actuate the legs of the robot and hold payloads of up to 8 kg. The soft robot is safe to handle, and its silicone body is innately resilient to a variety of adverse environmental conditions including snow, puddles of water, direct (albeit limited) exposure to flames, and the crushing force of being run over by an automobile.

Abstract: An aluminum pickup bed is assembled from a stamped headboard, a stamped floorpan, and a roll formed front sill. The headboard, a floorpan flange extending downwardly from the floorpan, and a front wall of the front sill form a three piece sandwich structure. Flow drilled screws are installed into the sandwich structure from the headboard side. The front sill includes a closed front flange and an open rear flange, each of which is welded to the floorpan.

Abstract: A passenger handle bar for a passenger of a motorcycle may include a support bracket to be connected to the motorcycle or passenger seat and a backrest for the driver of the motorcycle connected to the support bracket. The passenger handlebar may be connected to the support bracket or backrest.

Abstract: A foldable bicycle includes a frame, a front wheel assembly, and a rear wheel assembly. The frame defines a pivot axis. The front wheel assembly is disposed on the frame and configured to rotate about the pivot axis. The rear wheel assembly is disposed on the frame and defines an opening for receiving the front wheel assembly when the bicycle is folded.

Abstract: A folding kick scooter includes a quick release clamp on top of a head tube and including a lever; a neck having a front end secured to the head tube and including two opposite slot members; a footboard having an upwardly bent front portion pivotably secured to the neck and including two front, opposite cavities; a brake member at a rear portion of the footboard; a lock device including a seat in the neck, the seat having a through hole, and a spring biased pin through the slot members to have two ends releasably anchored in the opposite cavities respectively; a cable extending from the lever and passing through the neck and the through hole of the seat to secure to the pin; a brake member including a hole and a slot element communicating with the hole; and a lever fastening device moveably secured to the brake member.

Abstract: The invention provides cardboard-based structures comprising two or more, generally elongated elements angled with respect to one another and being cut out of a multi-layered cardboard-based piece that comprises at least two layers of a single cardboard sheet folded about a longitudinal reinforcing member. The invention further provides frames, preferably human-powered vehicle frames, constructed from structures of the invention, as well as methods for producing structures of the invention.

Abstract: A motorcycle suspension that includes a fork hinged to a portion of a frame of a motorcycle, a damper unit positioned between the frame and the fork, that damper unit having at least one spring and at least one damper so as to permit a relative rotation of the fork in relation to the frame around at least one hinge pin. The suspension including a load sensor to measure the load weighing on the damper unit, and a control unit operatively connected to the load sensor. The control unit is operatively connected to a regulation means of the damper unit so as to vary the setting of the regulation means depending on the load signal received from the load sensor, so as to adapt a pre-loading of the spring and the damping of the damper to the load effectively weighing on the damper unit.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for an electric bike includes a hollow housing body, an internal ring gear fixed to the housing body, and a main shaft. At least two motor units are mounted in the housing body. Each motor unit includes a support bracket and a number of motors mounted on the support bracket. Each motor drives the internal gear through a transmission mechanism to rotate the housing body about the main shaft. The motors share one controller. Peaks of the motor cogging torque can be staggered.

Abstract: Provided is an food packing material, manufacturing method. A battery pack and a electrical bike having the same are further provided. In particular, the battery pack may include a battery pack, battery array, a protecting circuit module, and a connection terminal section. The battery case may be formed as cylindrical or polygon. The battery array may include a plurality of batteries formed as multi-stage within the battery pack. The protecting circuit module may be provided between an upper portion of the battery array and an upper surface of the battery pack. A connection terminal portion may be formed at the lower stage of the battery pack and may include a power terminal and a control terminal. By providing the battery pack as bottle shape, the electrical bike can selectively accommodate the bottle for the bike and the battery pack.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a frame having side walls and a support platform. The side walls cooperate with the support platform to define a tunnel. The snowmobile further includes an endless belt assembly supported by the frame, a motor supported by the frame, and a running board removably coupled to the tunnel.

Abstract: An anchor apparatus including a base comprising a first portion that is positioned at a first level and a second portion that is positioned at a second level that is elevated from the first level, wherein the base includes a back plate that covers a portion between the first level and the second level.

Abstract: A mooring apparatus using a submerged pontoon that does not interfere with floaters and sailing vessels, is not affected by oceanic weather conditions by being submerged at a constant depth, easily separates the floater such as FPSO from the submerged pontoon, in order to cope with an emergency such as stormy weather and avoids collision, and, upon the emergency being terminated, enables the floater such as FPSO to return to the operation area and moor to the submerged pontoon and start the operation. An apparatus for mooring a floater using a submerged pontoon including a submerged pontoon that is placed and fixed at a constant depth below the bottom of the floater, wherein the submerged pontoon is fabricated with buoyant pipes, assumes a planar polygon, is lashed by ropes that are connected to weights or anchors on the seabed and is lashed by ropes that are connected to the floater.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is a method of transporting equipment between sea-surface and seafloor by providing a structure with equipment mounted thereon. The equipment may be liquid storage tanks, pumps, compressors, separators, metering systems, energy sources, communication systems, buoyancy tanks, and the like. The structure is used for disposal and installation in a subsea environment by changing the volume of buoyancy material within at least one buoyancy tank.

Abstract: A sealed and thermally insulated tank arranged in a bearing structure (1) to contain a fluid, said tank comprising walls fixed to said bearing structure, a tank wall having a primary sealed barrier, a primary insulating barrier, a secondary sealed barrier and a secondary insulating barrier, the tank comprising a through-element arranged through the tank wall, in which tank the tank wall around the through-element comprises: secondary insulating blocks arranged on the wall of the bearing structure around the through-element and being covered by a first sealed layer forming the secondary sealed barrier, a circular plate arranged parallel to the tank wall at the same level as the first sealed layer forming the secondary sealed barrier, a second sealed layer (723a-d) fixed in a sealed manner straddling the first sealed layer and the circular plate all around the circular plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring an object from or to a marine transport vessel to or from a construction or vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates broadly to a offshore facility. The offshore facility comprise a floating platform; a metal processing apparatus disposed on the floating platform; and a power management module adapted to manage and provide a stable power supply to the metal processing apparatus.

Abstract: A water propelled flying board has a left and a right thrust nozzle. Each thrust nozzle has a knuckle joint attachment to a pressure water manifold. The thrust nozzles can be independently swiveled forward, backward, sideways or other directions relative to the rider. A left foot and a right foot platform are independently secured to the respective nozzle inlet to allow the rider to go toe up of toe down, they can rotate 360 degrees independently with each foot. This enables trick flying maneuvers including spinning like a top. The knuckle joint can be either a hose segment or a bearing. The left and right foot platforms or center blocks can be locked together. The base of the Y joint central housing can have a bendable hose segment.

Abstract: A personal flotation device includes a hard outer shell, a seat, a centered leg straddle support, and a water ballast valve. The flotation device is fully submersible and has adjustable buoyancy that allows the user to sit upright on the device, floating at approximately armpit level in the water with the user's arms free and feet dangling down. The user can use his or her arms and legs to propel through the water, or perform other activities while floating because his or her hands are free to do so.

Abstract: An apparatus for towing a water sports performer includes a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate, and a tower. The first mounting plate is adapted for attachment to a port gunwale of a boat. The second mounting plate is adapted for attachment to a starboard gunwale of the boat. The tower is pivotably and detachably secured to the first and second mounting plates. Each of the first and second mounting plates includes a retractable tower connector that, when retracted, is positioned at or below a substantially flat upper surface of the mounting plate, and, when not retracted, extends above the upper surface of the mounting plate to pivotably and detachably secure the tower to the mounting plate.

Abstract: A computer program for compensating for motion of a boat as it floats on water includes computer code for causing a processor to receive motion measurements of the boat floating on water relative to another element in an area surrounding the boat, and generate driving signals for driving actuators operatively associated between the boat and at least one carrier based on motion of the boat, wherein the actuators hold the at least one carrier substantially stationary relative to the element based on the driving signal.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide wind sensor motion compensation for wind sensors mounted to moving platforms. A wind sensor motion compensation system may include a wind sensor, a wind sensor accelerometer, one or more additional sensors, actuators, controllers, user interfaces, and/or other modules mounted to or in proximity to a vehicle. The wind sensor motion compensation system may be implemented with one or more logic devices adapted to receive sensor signals and determine a sensor-motion compensated wind velocity. The logic devices may be adapted to receive a wind sensor acceleration and a relative wind velocity from a wind sensor, determine a wind sensor velocity from the wind sensor acceleration, and determine a sensor-motion compensated relative wind velocity from the wind sensor velocity and the relative wind velocity.

Abstract: A watercraft with outboard stabilizing members on a hull with a bow wrap and port and starboard side sheets with one or more longitudinal channels. The port and starboard stabilizing members comprise buoyant members in a sheath having one or more longitudinal keepers that are configured to be received into the side sheet channels. Tension members extend through the keepers, and are attachable near the aft end of the watercraft, and releasably engage tensioning mechanisms in the bow wrap, for releasably attaching the stabilizing members to the side sheet. Deck access plates through the side walls provide access to the tensioning mechanisms, which may be, for example, crank or electric winch mechanism.

Abstract: A garment for the practice of water sports includes lumens for containing air. The garment is made of two superimposed neoprene sheets forming one or more lumens limited on their periphery by winding or angled welding lines.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide apparatus and method for stand-off deployment of UUVs utilizing self-directed projectiles that include guidance kits. One embodiment is a projectile that includes a guidance kit that directs the projectile in flight. The projectile further includes a shell and a hollow nose cone. The shell mates with the guidance kit and the nose cone couples with the shell. The nose cone includes an interior surface configured to house a UUV. The projectile further includes a controller that identifies a condition for deploying the UUV in flight, and detaches the nose cone from the shell in response to determining that the condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A marine transmission located within drive housing includes a torque transmitting year set and a clutch mechanism. The torque transmitting gear set includes top and bottom bevel gears and opposing side idler bevel gears mounted to a pinion shaft. The pinion shaft is mounted on a carrier and the clutch mechanism engages the carrier to rotate with the input shaft to drive the output shaft in the forward direction and engages the carrier to a reaction plate fixed to the drive housing to drive the output shaft in the reverse direction.

Abstract: Lighter-than-air systems, methods, and kits for obtaining aerial images are described. For example, various methods for determining planned ascent, drift, and/or descent of a lighter-than-air system are described. In addition, various structural arrangements of lighter-than-air systems for accomplishing planned ascent, drift, and/or descent and obtaining aerial images are described.

Abstract: An elongated structure comprising a web extending along a length of the elongated structure and a flange comprising a first flange portion, the first flange portion extending away from an area of the web. The first flange portion comprises a variable width along at least a portion of the length of the elongated structure. The first flange portion of the elongated structure may comprise the variable width the length of the elongate structure. The first flange portion may comprise a constant width along at least a portion of the length of the elongated structure. The elongated structure may further comprise a second flange portion. The second flange portion may comprise a variable width along at least a portion of the length of the elongate structure. The first flange portion may comprise a first top flange portion.

Abstract: A panel assembly that includes a front skin having a front surface, a back surface and at least one crush section portion, a core assembly that includes first, second, third, fourth and fifth layers laminated together, and at least a first crush section. The first, second, third, fourth and fifth layers each include a front surface, a back surface and at least one crush section portion. The front surface of the first layer of the core assembly includes a plurality of scores defined therein. The second layer includes a plurality of elongated voids defined therein and the fourth layer includes a plurality of elongated voids defined therein.