Abstract: A method for operating a steering apparatus of a motor vehicle includes detecting interference-induced vibrations which act on a torsion bar of the steering apparatus and analyzing a frequency and amplitude of the interference-induced vibrations. A steering-stabilization function of the steering-assistance device is activated when a limit value for the amplitude of the interference-induced vibrations is exceeded. A drive signal is provided, with the steering stabilization function, for an electric motor of the steering-assistance device, so that the electric motor generates a compensation torque Mbar which acts on the torsion bar and at least partially counteracts the interference-induced vibrations. An indicator is formed from the frequency and the amplitude of the interference-induced vibrations and the carriageway induced vibrations are distinguished from vibrations caused by instabilities in the steering apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a motor vehicle, in which, when at least one predefined driving situation is present, an assigned steering intervention is carried out by a driver assistance system. In advance of such steering interventions, predictions relating to the occurrence of the at least one predefined driving situation are produced as a function of at least one predefined criterion and, as a function of the prediction, at least one operating parameter of the motor vehicle, which is relevant for the steering intervention, is set, before the steering intervention takes place, to a predefined value which is necessary for carrying out the steering intervention. This ensures that when the driving situation takes place, the motor vehicle is in an operating state in which the steering intervention can be executed without interference.

Abstract: A vehicle control device includes: a travelable region detecting device configured to detect a travelable region of a vehicle; a travel control device configured to execute trajectory control based on a target vehicle behavior amount calculated for the vehicle to travel in the travelable region detected by the travelable region detecting device; and a control device configured to calculate a target lateral position correction amount and a target yaw angle correction amount such that a vehicle response to a steering member of a driver when the trajectory control is executed becomes a predetermined vehicle response and correct the target vehicle behavior amount by using a corrected target lateral position based on the calculated target lateral position correction amount and a corrected target yaw angle based on the calculated target yaw angle correction amount when the trajectory control is executed by the travel control device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an steering apparatus and, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, occurrence of noise resulting from slip between an inner surface of a fixing bracket and a side surface of a hinge pipe, which faces the inner surface, is prevented, thereby providing the driver with a comfortable steering feeling.

Abstract: A right front fender and a left front fender are displaceable relative to a vehicle body frame in accordance with an operation of a link mechanism. At least a portion of the right front fender is disposed above a center in the up-down direction between an upper end of a right front wheel and a lower edge of the link mechanism or a steering mechanism directly above the right front wheel, and is disposed below a right lower edge of a front portion of a link cover portion, as seen from a front in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body frame when the vehicle body frame is in the upright state. At least a portion of the left front fender is disposed above a center in the up-down direction between an upper end of a left front wheel and a lower edge of the link mechanism or the steering mechanism directly above the left front wheel, and is disposed below the left lower edge of the front portion of the link cover portion, as seen from the front when the vehicle body frame is in the upright state.

Abstract: A trailer target detection system includes a camera located on a vehicle and arranged to capture video images of a trailer towed by the vehicle. The system includes an image processor processing the video images to detect a gesture by a user indicative of position of target on the trailer and identifying location of the target based on the detected gesture. A vehicle trailer backup assist system includes a camera and an image processor for processing images to detect a gesture and determine a command based on the gesture. The processor controls backing of the trailer based on the command.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for determining target plausibility is comprised of an imaging device for imaging a scene and generating image data, sensors for generating hitch angle measurements, steering angle measurements, and vehicle speed measurements. A controller in communication with the imaging device and the sensors, wherein when a driving condition is satisfied, the controller calculates a hitch angle and selects a plausible target from the imaged scene based on the image data and the calculated hitch angle.

Abstract: The trailer backup assist system has a human machine interface coupled to a controller having a setup module, a calibration module, an activation module and a control module configured to receive trailer measurements, apply trailer measurements, activate and control vehicle systems to calibrate and implement a curvature control algorithm that controls the reverse movement of the vehicle-trailer combination in a manner consistent with a driver request. When incorrect trailer measurements have been entered, the trailer backup assist system recognizes the error, initiates a warning and requests corrective action to correct the trailer measurements. Default values for a maximum controllable curvature limit and a maximum controllable angle replace the limits calculated and applied by the calibration model that used incorrect trailer measurements, until corrected trailer measurements may be entered by the driver.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle sideslip control system for maintaining a non-zero value of sideslip while cornering. The system comprises a vehicle sideslip controller operable automatically to control the vehicle to apply a positive or negative torque to one or more wheels of the vehicle in such a manner as to maintain the non-zero value of sideslip.

Abstract: A discontinuous multi-overlapped vehicle body member may include a plurality of divided members. Each of the divided members may include a front connecting part with a predetermined width and a predetermined length and positioned at a front side in a longitudinal direction, a rear inserting part with a predetermined width smaller than that of the front connecting part and a predetermined length, and positioned at a rear side in the longitudinal direction, an impact absorbing part formed between the front connecting part and the rear inserting part and has a width varied in the longitudinal direction. The rear inserting part of one divided member in the plurality of divided members may be inserted into the front connecting part of an adjacent divided member in the plurality of divided members, and the rear inserting part of the one divided member and the front connecting part of the adjacent divided member may be connected by welding.

Abstract: A chassis of a motor vehicle including a mechanism for absorbing a frontal impact including two side rails mounted on a front portion of the chassis and arranged on either side of the chassis, a front crossmember mounted under a floor of a passenger compartment of the vehicle in contact with a transmission tunnel arranged on a central axis and extending from the front crossmember towards a rear portion of the chassis. Each side rail includes one end mounted to engage with the front crossmember.

Abstract: Vehicle structures for dissipating energy associated with a collision are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a side support that extends between a front suspension mount and a rear suspension mount of the vehicle. The side support includes a targeted energy absorption portion that defines a high-strength region of the side support. The vehicle also includes a cab mounting bracket coupled to the side support and extending outward from the side support. The cab mounting bracket includes a rearward attachment position on the side support and the rearward attachment position of the cab mounting bracket is positioned proximate to the high-strength region of the side support. The vehicle further includes a wheel assembly that is coupled to the front suspension mount and is positioned forward of the cab mounting bracket in a vehicle longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body is provided. The motor vehicle body includes a plate-like, three-dimensionally shaped cross member, of which a first flange supports a front, lower edge region of a windshield, and a second flange is supported against a structural element of the body. The cross member further encompasses a spacer that joins the two flanges and is elongated in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and which exhibits a sectional profile that extends horizontally along a straight line over the entire length of the cross member.

Abstract: A longitudinal frame for the chassis structure of a motor vehicle is provided. The frame includes at least two longitudinal sections, which are joined together to form a shared longitudinal structure by having the longitudinal sections at least partially overlap each other in an overlap region. One of the longitudinal sections of the frame has a side panel, which in the overlap region exhibits a connecting section for attachment to a floor panel, and the other longitudinal section exhibits a counter-panel in the overlap region that at least partially abuts against the side panel. The abutment of the counter-panel against the side panel remains outside of the connecting section. The frame includes at least one longitudinal structure, and the longitudinal structure and at least one of the longitudinal sections together extend over a longitudinal section of the longitudinal frame.

Abstract: A front floor panel for an automotive body as a lightweight sheet can be reliably press-formed without a press forming loads becoming excessively large, can have desired stiffness, and noise and vibration characteristics for all directions since there is little stiffness anisotropy. The front floor panel includes a floor tunnel formed in a center in an automotive width direction to be oriented to a longitudinal direction, upright flanges disposed left and right formed at a left and right end portions in the automotive width direction to be joined to side sills, and a left and right plane portions formed between the upright flanges disposed left and right and a left and right longitudinal wall portions of the floor tunnel. In loop-shaped areas including outer edge portions of the plane portions, convex-concave parts in specific shapes are formed, and remaining areas excluding the loop-shaped areas are formed into flat sheet shapes.

Abstract: A vehicle upper body structural brace apparatus includes a first member having a first end in a rear region of a vehicle and second and third members each coupled to a second end of the first member. The second and third members are configured to couple lower and upper unibody vehicle structural components, respectively. The first, second and third members transfer impact forces at the first end of the first member from the first end, around first and second vehicle interior regions, and to the lower and upper unibody vehicle structural components.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy vehicle structural component defining an out-of-plane aperture with its main portion. A recessed portion is inset from the main portion having a bed sub-portion out-of-plane with the main portion that defines the aperture. The recessed portion also provides a strain hardened sub-portion, or stiffened ring of material, around the aperture. When the main portion is subjected to in-plane tension due to bending, the strain primarily concentrates along the strain hardened sub-portion (the stiffened ring) and by-passes the aperture. As a result the perimeter of the aperture undergoes less straining than if the aperture was in-plane with the main portion. The out-of-plane aperture, the bed sub-portion surrounding the aperture, and the strain hardened sub-portion surrounding the bed sub-portion may improve the overall structural robustness of the aluminum alloy structural component when subjected to in-plane tension.

Abstract: A flexible trailer fairing for reducing aerodynamic drag on an over the road trailer is disclosed. A fourfold flexible fairing system may be used to reduce drag from both the trailer landing gear and wheel assembly. Numerous systems for keeping the flexible fairing taught while in continued use are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a substantially flat vehicular surface on the rear of a vehicle so as to create at least one surface which operates to reduce aerodynamic drag, comprising: at least one surface adapted to be moveably attached to the rear surface of a vehicle; at least one surface operating to move from deployed position extending from the rear of a vehicle to a retracted position; whereby the apparatus operates to reduce aerodynamic drag in the deployed position and does not interfere with vehicle parking in the retracted position.

Abstract: A chassis for a roof bolter includes a first plate positioned on a first side of the chassis and having a first mating surface, a second plate positioned opposite and substantially parallel to the first plate on a second side of the chassis and having a second mating surface substantially parallel to the first mating surface, and a plurality of openings positioned on the first plate and the second plate for receiving one or more fasteners, including wheel attachment openings for coupling the wheel assembly to at least one of the first plate or the second plate when the roof bolter is in a wheel configuration, and crawler attachment openings for coupling the crawler assembly to at least one of the first plate or the second plate when the roof bolter is in a crawler configuration.

Abstract: A roller collar is provided in a roller assembly of a machine, such as a track carrier roller of a track-type undercarriage. The roller assembly includes a roller mounted on a shaft and having a seal retaining lubricant between the roller and the shaft. The collar and an inner surface of the roller form a seal cavity placing the seal in fluid communication with an ambient atmosphere surrounding the roller. The roller collar extends over an opening into the seal cavity, such as with an outwardly extending flange or teeth or with an outer surface configured to increase a distance to be traveled to enter the seal cavity, and to reduce the amount of abrasive material entering the seal cavity and potentially compromising the integrity of the seal.

Abstract: There is provided a bicycle saddle (1) with two identical portions (2, 3) arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the saddle, the portions being mutually separated, at the upper part by a substantially dove-tail-shaped inlet (4) and mutually connected by a depression (11), after which a channel-shaped-hole (5) open from top to bottom is provided. The inlet (4), the depression (11), and the channel (5) are arranged at the median longitudinal axis of the saddle. Due to the configuration, the user using the saddle during cycling does not feel the pressure of the structures on the floor of the perineum, does not feel the temporary prostatic congestion and it does not bruise the coxal bone.

Abstract: A helmet holder assembly releasably supports a helmet on a rear end of a vehicle, such as a motorcycle. The assembly includes a mount having a first surface, a second surface and a perimeter surface coupled to and extending between the first surface and the second surface. The second surface of the mount is configured for mounting to a vehicle. A holding member has a bottom perimeter edge and a peripheral wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom perimeter edge. The holding member has a size and shape such that an outer surface of the holding member is configured to contour to and support an interior of a helmet thereon.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel hub assembly having a number of light emitting diodes (LED's) that are powered by rotation of the wheel during use of the bicycle. The hub assembly includes a magnet and a coil that are both internal to the hub. The light emitting diodes are powered by current induced in the coil and controlled so as to preferably prevent illumination of discrete LED's when the respective LED's are directed toward a user during rotation of the hub. The LED's are supported by the hub and rotate with the hub during rotation of the wheel. In some embodiments, the LED's are attached to the hub at locations that are both laterally inboard and laterally outboard relative to a spoke flange of the hub assembly.

Abstract: A hands-free signaler can include a gesture-detection sensor configured to detect a change in state associated with movement of a portion of a user's body other than one or both of his hands. A controller can be configured to assess whether a change in state detected by the gesture-detection sensor resulted from an intentional or an unintentional gesture by the user. The signaler can have an illuminable indicator. The controller can be further configured to selectively activate the illuminable indicator in a manner corresponding to a detected change of state assessed by the controller to have resulted from a respective intentional gesture.

Abstract: In a carrier rack adapter kit for adapting a luggage carrier rack of a bicycle, a fastening bolt is extending via a first passageway through an auxiliary luggage carrier structure, via a second passageway through a first rod clamping head, and via a third passageway through a second rod clamping head. In reaction to a tightening action on the fastening bolt, shear forces along first and second inclined outer surface portions of the first and second rod clamping heads are urging the rod clamping heads to move towards one another. The carrier rack adapter kit allows for universal, easy and quick mounting of an auxiliary luggage carrier structure above luggage carrier racks of various configurations and various dimensions.

Abstract: A three wheeled scooter comprises a chassis having forward and aft ends with a front wheel non-pivotally mounted to the forward end and a pair of rear wheels coaxially mounted to the aft end. The chassis defines a longitudinal axis and includes a support assembly and a handle assembly extending upwardly from the support assembly. The rear wheels are configured to be angularly yawable relative to the longitudinal axis between a neutral position and a yawed position. Steering of the scooter is thereby effectuated by angular yawing of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal axis such as by asymmetric loading of one of opposing sides of the support assembly.

Abstract: A straddle electric vehicle comprises a battery case accommodating a battery which is an electric power supply for an electric motor; and an air box attached to an upper portion of the battery case, and the air box includes a ram air inlet through which ram air flows into the air box, and a ram air supply port through which the air is supplied from inside the air box to the battery case.

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 human-propulsion-system utilizing an arm lever assembly and a pedal assembly to be adapted to or incorporated into other mechanisms including, but not limited to, wheelchairs and vehicles. The arm lever assembly is reciprocated to provide power and rotated left or right to provide a movement for (steering) control. Both the arm lever assembly and the pedal assembly are operatively connected to a converter, utilizing gears and clutches, that receives the reciprocal movements of the arm lever assembly and the rotational movements of the pedal assembly and converts them into a combined unidirectional output configured to be utilized in combination or independently. The arm lever assembly is further telescoping and offers a range of various leverages by changing the length of the force end when extended and retracted.

Abstract: A device is temporarily attached to one side of the stern of a boat in order to modify the wake pattern of the boat by effectively making one side of the boat longer than the other side. The delayed wave on the opposite side of the boat from the wake shaping device allows the wave to crest over the natural wave on the side where the device is installed. In one example, the device has a frame with a side surface angled outwardly 12 degrees from the side of the boat, a mounting surface shaped to match the mounting area of the boat stern, and one or more vacuum cups. A wedge shape utilizes water pressure to distribute the load evenly across the fastening side of the device, thereby allowing for a tight fit to the back of the boat.

Abstract: An apparatus configurable as a back support and as a boarding ladder for use with an inflatable boat is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first frame configured for mounting on an inflated tube of the inflatable boat and a second frame, pivotally coupled to the first frame, the second frame having a transverse element. The second frame is moveable, with respect to the first frame, between a raised position, where the transverse element provides a back support, and a lowered position where the transverse element provides a rung of a boarding ladder. The apparatus may also include one or more third frames that extend below the second fame when the second frame is in the lowered position, the one or more third frames providing one or more additional rungs of the boarding ladder.

Abstract: Provided is an arctic drill ship an arctic drill ship which includes a weather tight structure protecting a drill floor from air, and a side strake supporting the weather tight structure around a drilling work area. It is possible to economically and easily manufacture the weather tight structure which minimizes the influence of outside air on the drilling operation in the polar regions, and it is possible to efficiently support the hull longitudinal strength and the weather tight structure with the use of the side strake structure solely. Therefore, a structure which may cause a disturbance in the drilling work area is minimized, and it is unnecessary to install a separate structural reinforcement member for a drilling workspace in the polar regions. In addition, the drilling workspace in the polar regions can be effectively ensured, and a spatial limitation in an upper portion of a moonpool can be solved.

Abstract: A life vest with a rescue handle located on the back side thereof. The rescue handle has a flange located at the lower end thereof, the flange being attached to the back side of the life vest with the rescue handle extending substantially vertically upwards. The rescue handle is attached to the back side of the life vest in a manner adapted to support the weight of a user. The rescue handle has a non-loop shape that eliminates the potential for entanglement with objects in the water.

Abstract: A weight system for divers employs both an interior and an exterior weight pocket. The interior weight pocket is secured at the interior distal end of the exterior weight pocket. The attachment point is a post at the interior end of the weight pocket. The weight pouch hangs from this post and is secured in the exterior weight pocket. The release force is more precisely controlled with a coil spring. More control of the opening force translates to reliability of operation and safety of the weight releasing mechanism. The weight pouch is also more precisely guided into and out of the exterior weight pocket and the lock mechanism is self-centering, allowing easy assembly or disassembly of the weight pouch into and out of the exterior weight pocket.

Abstract: A one-piece diving weight with openings to quickly add and remove the invention from a user's weight belt.

Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling a boat equipped with an outboard motor mounted on its stern and having an internal combustion engine, a propeller to be driven by the engine and a propeller pitch changer adapted to variably change a pitch of the propeller, an opening of a throttle valve installed at an air intake system of the engine and its change amount are detected, and based on the change amount of the detected opening of the throttle valve, it is determined whether or not the pitch of the propeller is to be changed through the propeller pitch changer.

Abstract: A vegetation cutter attachment system for a trolling motor to aid in cutting water weeds and grass that wrap around the propeller or motor housing of the trolling motor during use. The attachment system includes a plate affixable to the motor housing and conformed to the motor housing's shape and at least one corner with a cutting surface.

Abstract: A trolling motor is provided. The trolling motor includes a base assembly with a steering module mounted to the base assembly. The steering module includes an internal drive arrangement for providing an output torque. The steering module also includes a trim module rotatably mounted to an upper portion of the steering module. A motor shaft assembly including a motor shaft, a head unit attached to an upper end of the motor shaft, and a motor power unit attached to a lower end of the motor shaft is also provided. The motor shaft extends through the base assembly, steering module, and trim module. A torque transfer arrangement is mounted between the trim module and the motor shaft of the motor shaft assembly for transferring the output torque provided by the steering module to the motor shaft to rotate the motor shaft assembly about a rotational steering axis.

Abstract: A marine vessel includes an outboard motor mounting portion provided at a stern of a hull, an outboard motor locating hole provided rearward of the outboard motor mounting portion and near the outboard motor mounting portion and penetrating vertically through the stern, a platform provided rearward of the outboard motor locating hole, and an outboard motor located in the outboard motor locating hole and mounted to the outboard motor mounting portion. This structure enables an occupant of the marine vessel to freely move in a space around the outboard motor on the platform and use the space.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes an engine including a cylinder body and a crank case, an engine holder configured to come into contact with both the cylinder body and the crank case along a second bonding surface, a power transmission shaft passing through a hole between the engine holder and both the cylinder body and the crank case, and a first sealing member between a portion of the power transmission shaft above the second bonding surface and above both the cylinder body and the crank case to separate an oil region above the first sealing member from an external water entering region below the first sealing member.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes an exhaust pipe that includes an outer wall section, an inner wall section, a coolant passage, and a constricted section. The inner wall section is arranged inward of the outer wall section. The coolant passage is arranged between the outer wall section and the inner wall section. The constricted section is configured to constrict a flow cross section of the coolant passage. A catalytic converter is housed in the exhaust pipe. A temperature sensor is installed in the constricted section and measures a temperature of a pipe wall of the exhaust pipe.

Abstract: In a spacer case for an outboard motor, a rear portion includes an upper fastening hole opening to the upper surface of the spacer case, into which a first fastening member is inserted, and a lower fastening hole opening to the lower surface of the spacer case, into which a second fastening member is inserted. At least one of the upper fastening hole and the lower fastening hole connects to a lateral opening inside the spacer case.

Abstract: An airship is presented having a plurality of resilient gas bags and gas containers, a straight fuselage tubular hull, with an inner air passageway and propulsion system located therein, and, connecting air inlet, and outlet funnels fore, and aft, with air deflector cones axially positioned therein. The ship also contains propulsion, reverse, and directional rocket thrusters, in addition to typical airship components.

Abstract: A balloon having a balloon envelope formed with a plurality of adjacent envelope gores sealed together at their respective edges to form an edge seam between each of the adjacent envelope gores, a tape comprised of fibers applied to a centerline of each of the envelope gores, wherein the envelope gores are constructed such that the edge seam between each of the adjacent envelope gores is longer than the centerline of each of the envelope gores, and wherein a load caused by pressurized lifting gas within the balloon envelope is carried primarily by the fiber tapes on the centerlines of the envelope gores, rather than the edge seams between the adjacent envelope gores.

Abstract: A system for terminating flight of a balloon having a balloon envelope is provided. The system includes an apparatus attached to the balloon. The apparatus includes a flexible tube that has first and second ends with a hollow tube portion disposed there between and a device attached to the flexible tube. The first end of the tube is sealed around a preconfigured opening in a balloon envelope and the second end is sealed shut. The device includes a main body that has an opening holding an actuating member that has a cavity and a cutting element. The cavity is arranged to hold at least a portion of the flexible tube. When activated, the device causes contact between the actuating member and the cutting element so as to cut open the partial portion of the flexible tube for allowing lift gas to escape the balloon envelope through the hollow tube portion.

Abstract: According to the invention a main-load bearing skin shell for a structural component is provided, wherein the skin shell for being affixed to a support component comprises an outer edge section with an outer edge and comprises: a connection region that does not comprise a core layer, which connection region extends along the edge with the inner skin section and the outer skin section, wherein in an end region of the core layer along the outer edge section of the skin shell reinforcement devices are integrated that project through the shear-force-absorbing core layer.

Abstract: An aircraft having an opening therein, the aircraft including a door member moveable relative to the opening between at least an open position and a closed position, and a biasing assembly operatively connected to the door member to bias the door member to the closed position, the biasing assembly including a torsion spring.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing the structure includes an imaging device installation process in which a camera that obtains an image of a target hole formed in an upper panel is installed on the rear spar, and a positioning process in which relative positions are positioned by relatively moving the upper panel and the rear spar while the image of the target hole obtained by the camera and displayed on a monitor screen is aligned with a target line preset on the monitor screen.

Abstract: A symmetrical rib structure and methods are presented. A structural web comprises a web center plane and a plurality of web stiffeners, and is symmetrical about the web center plane. A flange is configured on a periphery of the symmetrical rib structure, and a fastener hole is configured in the flange and comprises a fastener hole centerline aligned with the web center plane. A cutout is configured in the structural web around the fastener hole, and two support columns are coupled to the flange on opposite sides of the cutout.