Abstract: In the vehicle power steering system, a first assist torque component is computed based on a steering torque and a vehicle speed. A target steered angle is computed based on the first assist torque component and the steering torque, and a second assist torque component is set based on the target steered angle and an actual steered angle. Then, the vehicle power steering system assists a steering operation by applying an assist torque Tas corresponding to the first assist torque component and the second assist torque component. Further, an ideal steered angle at which a vehicle is able to keep travelling in a lane is set based on image information on the lane captured by a camera, and a correction value is computed based on the deviation between the ideal steered angle and the actual steered angle. Then, the target steered angle is corrected by the correction value.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to determining by what degree a driver is gripping a steering wheel. In one example, a computer may send an electrically assisted power steering system (EPS) motor an excitation command to move. The EPS motor may respond by moving a flexible coupling between the steering wheel and the EPS motor. This may cause a corresponding movement at the steering wheel. A torque sensor may generate pattern data by monitoring the flexible coupling during the movement. The EPS motor may generate system position data for the entire steering system, for example, from the tires to the steering wheel. The pattern data and the system position data may be compared by the computer to determine the degree of grip. In this regard, the computer may determine the degree of a driver's grip without the need for additional sensors.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for calibrating a backup assist system for a trailer attached to a vehicle. The method includes driving the vehicle forward substantially straight above a threshold speed, sensing a yaw rate of the vehicle, and sensing a measured hitch angle of the trailer. A yaw sensor continuously senses the yaw rate of the vehicle and a hitch sensor continuously measures the hitch angle for determining an angle rate based on the measured hitch angle. Further, a controller determines an offset between the measured hitch angle and an actual hitch angle when the yaw rate and angle rate are substantially zero or otherwise the same.

Abstract: A vehicle system for estimating a trailer length is disclosed and includes a first sensor for measuring a wheel steer angle and a second sensor for measuring a hitch angle. A processor is in communication with the at least one sensor and is operable to determine a ratio between the wheel steer angle and the hitch angle, generate a running average of the ratio, and calculate the trailer length based on an average ratio between the wheel steer angle and the hitch angle.

Abstract: A hitch angle monitoring system and method are provided. A display shows an imaged scene of a hitch connection between a tow vehicle and a trailer. A processor is configured to superimpose an overlay on the imaged scene, wherein the overlay indicates a hitch angle position limit. A hitch angle position indicator is shown on the display and visually relates a current hitch angle position to the hitch angle position limit.

Abstract: A steering angle zero point detection unit 102 detects a zero point of a steering angle of a steering wheel. A zero point history holding unit 104 records a detection history of zero points. A characteristic change determination unit 116 determines whether or not a characteristic change occurs in the steering transmission system based on a width in the detection history of the zero points.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a method comprising providing a first design or a first reusable casting die for producing a vehicle rear rail having multiple pre-determined datum features; producing a first vehicle rear rail and a second vehicle rear rail from the first design or the first reusable casting die; wherein the first vehicle rear rail and the second vehicle rear rail are identical; using the first vehicle rear rail to make a first vehicle having a first wheelbase and using the second vehicle rear rail to make a second vehicle having a second wheelbase; and wherein the second wheelbase is longer than the first wheelbase.

Abstract: A structure of an engine room includes an FEM (front end module) disposed at a front side, a dash panel disposed at a rear side, and housing panels disposed at both lateral sides between the FEM and the dash panel, respectively. The structure may include a housing member including a transverse portion which is disposed to be substantially parallel to the dash panel, and longitudinal portions which are bent forward from both ends of the horizontal portion, respectively, and disposed side-by-side with the corresponding housing panels. The housing member is formed with an open interior.

Abstract: It is a subject of the present invention to ensure foot space for an occupant and lower a side portion of a floor portion.

Abstract: A vehicle body lower structure includes a gadget that couples a cross member and a center pillar to each other. The gadget has a first extension portion that is extended along a vertical direction, and a second extension portion that is extended from an upper end of the first extension portion toward a center axis of the center pillar, and is connected to the center pillar in the vehicle width direction. A ridgeline that extends from the cross member toward the center pillar is formed between the first extension portion and the second extension portion. The first extension portion is located only at one of a vehicle body front side of the center pillar and a vehicle body rear side of the center pillar. The second extension portion is extended at least from the upper end of the first extension portion to the center axis of the center pillar.

Abstract: Plug for sealing orifices, particularly for plugging and sealing orifices made in plates of vehicle bodies, basically comprising a body in the form of a pan whose outer wall is peripherally provided on its outer face with an upper flange and a lower flange that are opposite each other and diverge in opposite directions, said flanges defining an intermediate space for receiving the annular segment of the plate that surrounds the orifice to be sealed, and centering ribs to simplify the positioning of the plate and therefore simplify the installation operation, reducing the time needed for this operation.

Abstract: A structural member includes one or more walls that define a cavity. A system for reinforcing the cavity includes a substantially rigid carrier configured to reside in the cavity. The carrier includes a pathway disposed in the carrier that provides an aperture between an exterior surface of the carrier and an interior surface of the carrier. An adhesive is disposed in a gap between at least a portion of the exterior surface of the carrier and the wall of the structural member. The adhesive is disposed proximate to the pathway.

Abstract: A beam sub-assembly for a vehicle includes a beam member and at least one carbon-fiber prepreg bonded to a first portion of an exterior surface of the beam member so as to cover an entire length of the beam member along the first portion.

Abstract: A trailer is provided with a fixed height and length. The trailer has a frame with a hitch located at a front area and wheels mounted to axles at a rear area. The frame has a middle section that has an unobstructed opening where a middle floor rests below a top surface and is surrounded by the middle section. The middle floor is located below an upper floor to form a two-story trailer. A rear floor is located at an elevation between the middle floor and the upper floor.

Abstract: A portal trailer for a tugger train, consisting of a front, rear and middle trailer section, between which respectively a receiving area for a dolly to be carried along is provided, wherein the front is connected with the middle and the middle with the rear trailer section each via a portal-shaped arch and the middle trailer section has a pair of rollers or wheels.

Abstract: A trailer combination and trailer components are designed to provide dual functionality in terms of hauling a very high tonnage piece of heavy equipment and the ability to continue to haul more typical pieces of heavy equipment. To accomplish this task, a trailer auxiliary is provided that is adapted to connect to a typical low boy trailer. The trailer auxiliary is equipped with mechanisms to provide a bed assembly that is designed to link to the low boy trailer so that the bed assembly and bed of the trailer auxiliary receive the high tonnage piece of equipment. The trailer auxiliary can be equipped with ramps to interface with the trailer and auxiliary to facilitate the loading of the heavy equipment. The trailer combination also includes a hauling vehicle for each of the low boy trailer and auxiliary, with a spacing bar assembly mounted to one of the vehicles to link the vehicles together when hauling the trailer and the auxiliary.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a personal tracked vehicle comprises a first swing arm pivotally connectable to a frame of the vehicle. The first swing arm has a first end and a second end. A second swing arm is pivotally connectable to the first swing arm. The second swing arm has a first end and a second end. At least one spring member is connected to the first and second swing arms. At least one first wheel is rotatably connected to the first end of the first swing arm. At least one second wheel is rotatably connected to the first end of the second swing arm. The at least one first and second wheels are adapted to be in contact with the same track of the vehicle. The first and second wheels are one of an idler wheel and a drive wheel. Suspensions and personal tracked vehicles are also presented.

Abstract: A track link for a ground-engaging track includes an elongate link body having a lower hardness material forming a lower mounting surface for mounting a track shoe, and a sacrificial higher hardness material forming an upper rail surface for contacting rotatable track engaging elements. The lower hardness and higher hardness materials transition at a material interface within the elongate link body, and the material interface is longitudinally non-uniform, such that the sacrificial higher hardness material has a varying depth from the upper rail surface to retard scalloping.

Abstract: Providing a crawler core member that can be coupled in a simple operation without employing dedicated coupling components, and that can suppress deformation due to input from a road surface. Coupling can be achieved by a simple operation without employing dedicated coupling components, and deformation due to input from a road surface can be suppressed in a crawler core member 20 that configures an endless crawler belt 13 when plural of the core members are disposed at uniform intervals along a peripheral direction S and the peripheral direction adjacent core members 20 are coupled together. The core member 20 includes a pin portion 22 extending in the width direction, a hooking groove 34 integrally formed to the pin portion 22 and hooking onto the pin portion 22 of an adjacent core member 20, and a pair of wing portions 30 integrally formed to the pin portion 22 and respectively disposed at both width direction sides of the pin portion 22, extending towards the width direction outsides.

Abstract: A locomotion system for use with a robotic device is provided. The locomotion system includes a first micropillar array including at least a first micropillar, a second micropillar array including at least a second micropillar, a control circuit associated with each micropillar of the first and second micropillar arrays, and a controller operatively coupled to each control circuit. The controller is configured to selectively activate the first and second micropillars in a sequence that causes the robotic device to move in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A self-propelled device determines an orientation for its movement based on a pre-determined reference frame. A controller device is operable by a user to control the self-propelled device. The controller device includes a user interface for controlling at least a direction of movement of the self-propelled device. The self-propelled device is configured to signal the controller device information that indicates the orientation of the self-propelled device. The controller device is configured to orient the user interface, based on the information signaled from the self-propelled device, to reflect the orientation of the self-propelled device.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes an axle member movable between a first position and a second position, mounting brackets adapted to couple to a vehicle frame assembly, trailing arms pivotably coupled to mounting brackets and pivotably coupled to the axle member, a lift arrangement including a pair of diaphragm chambers each having a push plate and a flexible bladder, the push plate of the diaphragm chamber dividing the associated diaphragm chamber into a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment of each diaphragm chamber being adjustably pressurized to move the push plate of the associated diaphragm chamber, and at least one push rod defining a single longitudinal axis and connected to each push plate such that pressurization of the diaphragm chambers cause a translational movement of the at least one push rod, thereby causing the axle member to move between the first and second positions.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, an improved pump is provided to inflate and deflate a bladder of a seat. The pump has a base, a stem, a valve, a bulb, an O-ring and a cover. The O-ring holds the bulb to the base in a recess defined by two lips. The bulb has a hole in one end that can be covered by a user's finger during inflation, wherein the user compresses the bulb while covering the hole to create pressure within the chamber. Then, when the user contacts the plunger, the pressure causes air to enter the bladder. To deflate the bladder, the user contacts the plunger without covering up the hole in the bulb. The stem has a flange. The pump can connect to a seat by connecting to a seat tab and securing the tab between the flange and the base.

Abstract: A bicycle and light assembly has wheels, a frame support by the wheels, a bike light supported by the frame, and a mounting system coupling the bike light to the frame. The mounting system includes a socket secured to one of the frame and the bike light, a post secured to the other of the frame and the bike light, and a releasable securing mechanism that secures the post in the socket. The mounting system can further include a mounting bracket coupling the post to the frame, wherein the mounting bracket facilitates rotational adjustment of the post about the post axis. The releasable securing mechanism can include a detent member positioned in a side opening of the socket and in engagement with a recess in the socket to secure the rotational orientation of the post in the socket.

Abstract: A protective cover for uncovered vehicles comprising a pair of poles, where the pair of poles intersect each other to create a domed structure over an uncovered vehicle; a waterproof tarp attached beneath the pair of poles; a closure in the waterproof tarp, where the closure opens the waterproof tarp; at least one window on the waterproof tarp, where the window enables a user to see through the waterproof tarp; a set of openings on pair of poles, where the set of openings anchor the pair of poles to the uncovered vehicle; and a plurality of fastening means on the pair of poles, where the plurality of fastening means fasten the waterproof tarp to the pair of poles. The protective cover provides a temporary shelter to shield the user from rain, snow and hail until the weather passes.

Abstract: A motorcycle foot anchor includes a foot anchor including a base, a body and an end portion. The base of the foot anchor is coupled to a motorcycle frame. The foot anchor protrudes from the motorcycle frame. A plurality of concentric grooves including pointed edges are disposed on the foot anchor. The pointed edges of the concentric grooves point toward the motorcycle frame. The end portion of the foot anchor has a larger diameter than a diameter of the body of the foot anchor.

Abstract: A straddle electric vehicle (e.g., electric motorcycle) comprising a driving motor and an electric power control unit for controlling electric power supplied from batteries to the driving motor, a case of the electric power control unit is mounted to the battery box from outward, and electrode terminals protruding outward from the case are inserted into insertion holes of the battery box. The electrode terminals protruding into inside of the battery box are connected to electrodes of the batteries via electric conductors such as bus bars. In this structure, electric connecting work between the batteries and the electric power control unit can be easily carried out, high-voltage lines can be minimized in length, and the high-voltage lines are not exposed to outside.

Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a head tube rotatably supporting first and second handlebars, and the handlebars each selectively pivot to a tow position extending away from the head tube. The bicycle frame includes first and second primary wheel mounts receiving first and second wheels, respectively, in a riding configuration of the bicycle frame, and one of the primary wheel mounts includes a first drive system coupling operably engaging one of the wheels with a bicycle control and power system. The bicycle frame further includes first and second secondary wheel mounts receiving the first and second wheels, respectively, in a towing configuration of the bicycle frame, and one of the secondary wheel mounts includes a second drive system coupling operably engaging one of the wheels with the bicycle control and power system.

Abstract: A durable, full-sized, transformable bicycle that is capable of being comfortably ridden in outdoor or other rougher riding environments and that is capable of being transformed into a cart or the like capable of carrying heavy or awkward loads when transformed.

Abstract: A bicycle chain stay coupling apparatus includes a first bracket component coupled to a seat tube of a bicycle frame, a connecting component of a chain stay of the bicycle frame, and a coupling component encasing the connecting component and coupled to the first bracket component. The coupling component is relatively more elastic than the first bracket component and the connecting component, and the coupling component is positioned in series between the first bracket component and the connecting component with respect to a common axle of the first bracket component, the connecting component, and the coupling component.

Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle may include a rear cushion that extends upward while one end thereof in a longitudinal direction is connected to a swing arm and that elongates and contracts in the longitudinal direction according to swinging of the swing arm to generate damping force with respect to the swinging of the swing arm, and a rear cushion supporting portion that is provided to a center upper cross frame provided in an upper portion of a vehicle and that supports the other end of the rear cushion in the longitudinal direction. The center upper cross frame is positioned on an extension line of the rear cushion in the longitudinal direction, an opening that penetrates through a horizontal direction is formed in a pivot plates, and in a side view, a rear cushion supporting portion is positioned inside of the opening.

Abstract: A suspension element for a vehicle may comprise a damper including a cylinder, a piston in the chamber, and a rod mounted on the piston such that the piston moves with the rod. A air spring support frame may comprise a first support element movable with the cylinder, and a second support element mounted on the rod to permitting rod movement with respect to the second support element. A air spring assembly may include a first air spring mount mounted to move with the rod, a second air spring mount on the second support element, and a tubular air spring mounted on the first and second air spring mounts and defining a air spring interior to hold a quantity of air. The air spring support frame may include at least two connector elements connecting the support elements and being spaced from each other and substantially rigid to maintain a predetermined spacing between the support elements.

Abstract: A brake assembly for a hydraulic brake system of a handlebar-steered vehicle, the brake assembly including a housing mountable to a handlebar of the vehicle and having a chamber formed therein. The brake assembly is provided with a variable rate linkage. A piston assembly is received and axially guided within the chamber and is provided with a piston adjustment mechanism that does not affect the function of the variable rate linkage.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are configured to receive forces generated by a user moving their appendages, and convert the force into mechanical force and/or energy. More specifically, embodiments may convert axial and/or tangential force into rotational force. The rotational force may be utilized to power devices, drivetrains, vehicles, such as bicycles, tricycles, kayaks, boats, etc.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal includes a pedal axle, a rotatable main pedal body, a first cleat securing member pivotally coupled about a first pivot axis between first and second positions, a sub member pivotally coupled to move about a second pivot axis, and at least a first biasing member disposed on the second pivot axis. The second pivot axis is farther from the pedal axle than the first pivot axis. The first biasing member is operatively disposed between the main pedal body and the first cleat securing member to bias the first cleat securing member toward the first position. The first cleat securing member and the sub member rotate together about the second pivot axis until the sub member abuts against the main pedal body, and the first cleat securing member subsequently rotates toward the second position about the first pivot axis independently from the sub member during a step-in operation.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur is provided that basically includes a base member, a movable member, a chain guide, a biasing element and a rotational resistance structure. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle. The movable member is movably coupled to the base member. The chain guide is pivotally coupled to the movable member to rotate around a rotational axis with respect to the movable member. The biasing element biases the chain guide in a first rotational direction around the rotational axis with respect to the movable member. The rotational resistance structure is operatively arranged between the movable member and the chain guide to frictionally provide rotational resistance to the chain guide around the rotational axis in a second rotational direction. The rotational resistance structure applies the rotational resistance at an area disposed radially outward of the biasing element with respect to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur includes abase member configured to be attached to a bicycle frame, a chain guide configured to engage a chain, a connecting structure that connects the chain guide to the base member such that the chain guide can move relative to the base member, and an attachment structure detachably attaching the chain guide to the connecting structure and/or the connecting structure to the base member.

Abstract: A hydrofoil includes a body, an even number of wings disposed at the opposite sides of the body and an even number of floats disposed at both sides of a bottom of the body. Each float is a hollow and flat structure. At a rear edge of the float portion is provided a float propeller. With the design of the float structure, the counterforce caused by the water waves impacting on the floats can be reduced, so that the float can move more stably to improve safety and comfortableness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for maintaining or replacing a tether line (22) anchoring a buoyancy unit to an underwater or seabed anchoring installation, characterized in that a pull down line (12,12a, 12b?) is connected to the buoyancy unit and the line is guided through a block (21) fixed to the lower anchoring installation, and then the buoyancy unit is pulled down to slacken the tether line (22), and the sufficient maintenance or replacement is performed. A device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Control device (10, 20) for controlling the position of an instrumented cable towed in water, such as a marine seismic streamer, and/or an instrumented towed cable array (streamer array), which control device (10, 20) is provided with buoyancy means (30) for retrieving the control device (10, 20) and instrumented cable to the surface, at least sections of the instrumented cable, which means (30) are arranged for providing the control device (10, 20) with buoyancy.

Abstract: A deck hook capable of accepting loading forces in multiple directions and of distributing such forces over an increased deck surface area thereby reducing the risk of damage to the deck, particularly when the deck is formed of a non-steel material.

Abstract: A vessel (4) includes a crane (1) connected to a deck (5) of the vessel. The crane (1) includes a frame (10) which is rotatable about a horizontal hinge axis (H), a rotation mechanism (20) connected to the frame (10) at a position away from the horizontal hinge axis (H), arranged to rotate the frame (10) about the horizontal hinge axis (H) from an upper position to a lower position and vice versa, and a swivel member (30), which is with a first end (31) rotatable connected to the deck (5) and which is with a second end (32) rotatable connected to the rotation mechanism (20). The swivel member (30) is rotatable between an inward position associated with the upper position of the frame (10) to an outward position associated with the lower position of the frame (10).

Abstract: By mooring or slowly moving the catamaran in a current through which a garage patch formed of disused plastic particles over than 90% is drifting, a heap of the marine debris flows into the bow of the catamaran and then is smashed. While the disused plastic particles that have been smashed at the bow of the catamaran is moving from the bow toward the stern by way of the tunnel between hulls of the catamaran, the plastic particles are first classified by differences of densities. These first classified plastic particles are collected and then transferred into a narrow and long inside of the catamaran, being finally classified by a triboelectrostatic action. Thereafter, these finally classified plastic particles are made to be pallets which are to be transported to a land facility for recycling or abandoning them.

Abstract: An apparatus for a water vessel, wherein the water vessel includes at least one container configured to transport at least one vehicle, wherein the at least one container is configured to transport the at least one vehicle while the at least one container is in a body of water. The water vessel includes one or more buoyancy floats configured to maintain the at least one container afloat in the body of water. The water vessel includes a propulsion unit configured to navigate the at least one container and the at least one vehicle through the body of water.

Abstract: A water walking apparatus having two inflatable pontoons, each with respective holes in their top surfaces for a footwell and for platform support sleeves. Footwell supports may be provided within the pontoons. A platform support may expand and contract when in use so as to accommodate variable spacing between the pontoons, a platform upon which a user may sit may be connected to the platform support by a neck received into a hole in the bottom of the platform. The platform may include a backrest member, and a strap that may serve as a ladder step when the backrest member is rotated rearwardly and down, into the water to allow a user to step on the continuous strap and climb up onto the platform.

Abstract: A traction pad system for use on a stand-up paddleboard contains an integrated seat feature that may be easily raised by the user at any desired time. The system includes a paddleboard mounting pad, a seat, a bracing mechanism, and an adhesive. The paddleboard mounting pad contains a seat-receiving hole, a first surface, and a second surface; the adhesive is superimposed over the second surface and is used to fasten the system to the top of a paddleboard. The seat fits inside the seat-receiving hole in a flush manner and is hingedly attached to the paddleboard mounting pad; the seat therefore does not interfere with the operations of the user when not in use. The seat is structurally supported by the bracing mechanism in the raised state.

Abstract: Described herein is an adjustable marine fender holder comprising: a cylindrical body comprising a hole, the hole sized to receive a rope connected to a marine fender; a rope jam coupled angularly to the cylindrical body, the rope jam comprising a channel, the channel comprising a plurality of teeth configured to grip the rope.

Abstract: A carriage-on-base system for use in winched movement of a load, the carriage shaped to support a load to be winched along the base, the carriage having a plurality of depending housings, a plurality of slider of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fixed in respective housings, the base having rails engaged by the sliders with lower surface profiles of the sliders matched to upper surface profile of the rails which they engage, the profiles of the rails and the sliders at their interengagement preventing any movement of the carriage relative to the rails other than sliding movement of the carriage along the rails.

Abstract: An underwater crane is provided with a float ball including arc member on a bottom, and a ring attached to the arc member; and a plurality of weights each including a rope having a hook member at an open end, the hook member being secured to the arc member. In a salvaging operation, a diver may temporarily secure the ring to a structure sunk to, for example the sea floor, the diver may disengage the hook members from the arc member, and finally, the weights are rested on the sea floor and the float ball and the structure together move upward until the float ball reaches the surface of the sea due to buoyancy of the float ball.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator having a locking system (27) that ensures the ballast (25) not to drop unexpectedly during diving and to removable by one hand of a scuba diver. The locking system (27) includes a releasing unit (30), a female locking unit (50) and a male locking unit (70). The releasing unit includes a turn leg (32) that is to be interposed between the female locking unit and the male locking unit. When the turn leg is forcedly turned at a certain angle clockwise or counterclockwise, an engagement of the male locking unit to the female locking unit is released.