Abstract: In a car body or component thereof with at least one first component of sheet metal of a first aluminum alloy and at least one second component of sheet metal of a second aluminum alloy, the first and second aluminum alloys are of type AlMgSi and in the sheet metal of the second aluminum alloy a substantial part of the elements Mg and Si, which are required to achieve artificial ageing in solid solution, is present in the form of separate Mg2Si and/or Si particles in order to avoid artificial ageing. By reduction of the hardening capacity of the second component during artificial ageing of the body as part of the paint baking cycle, the car body has an improved impact protection for pedestrians in comparison with solutions according to the prior art.

Abstract: An integrated stepgate and handle assembly includes a tailgate, a displaceable ladder carried on the tailgate, a displaceable handle carried on the tailgate and a latch. The latch connects the ladder and the handle whereby the handle is partially deployed with the ladder. This partial deployment of the handle prompts the operator to fully deploy and use the handle.

Abstract: A master link mating surface cover is disclosed. The master link mating surface cover includes a first inclined portion for covering a corresponding first inclined portion of a master link mating surface, a second inclined portion for covering a corresponding second inclined portion of a master link mating surface, and a third inclined portion for covering a corresponding third inclined portion of a master link mating surface.

Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame; a main seat on which a rider is seated; a sub-seat on which a passenger is seated, the sub-seat being separate from the main seat and placed behind the main seat; a bracket which is separate from the main seat and to which the sub-seat is mountable; and a first fastening member which fastens the bracket to the vehicle body frame such that the bracket is detachable from the vehicle body frame, wherein the main seat includes a stay protruding rearward, and wherein the stay and the bracket are fastened together to the vehicle body frame by use of the first fastening member.

Abstract: Several different covers for a bicycle seat which can be stowed within the underside on the seat when not in use. Optionally, the seat covers are removable or detachable and may include auxiliary storage for other articles.

Abstract: An improved bottle holder may include a supporting board, which has a screw hole configured to connect with a screw to secure the bottle holder on the bicycle, and a lower portion of the supporting board has a supporting piece connecting with an arc-shaped elastic portion on each of both sides of the supporting piece. A limited hole and a through hole partially overlapped with each other are formed on the supporting piece, and the size of the through hole is larger than that of the limited hole, and a protruding edge is formed at a connecting portion of the limited hole and the through hole on each side thereof.

Abstract: The inventive concept is directed to hand-hold system applied to a driver of a conveyance device wherein the driver and the rider are moving on said device in a tandem fashion. Said hand-hold system includes a belt wherein the hand-holds are attached to the belt in several locations wherein at least two hand-holds are applied to a rear of the belt. Two more hand-holds each are applied to both sides of the driver. The hand-hold system can include a harness having shoulder straps passing over the shoulders of the driver. The hand-hold system may include a personal flotation device with the hand- holds being applied to the sides and the back of the flotation device. This arrangement assures that the driver is free of a personal contact with the rider and can perform the necessary functions in operating the functions of the conveyance.

Abstract: A self-balancing vehicle frame is mounted with two angle sensors and two wheels that are electrically and respectively coupled to the angle sensors, and includes a front frame assembly that includes two front frame units and a first connecting unit. The front frame units cooperatively define a connecting space therebetween. Each of the front frame units is mounted with a respective one of the wheels and a respective one of the angle sensors, and is operable to tilt the corresponding one of the angle sensors. The first connecting unit is located in the connecting space, and interconnects the front frame units such that the front frame units are rotatable relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Shock Absorbing Grip Assembly that has been designed to give a controlled floating action to the grip that can be adjusted by varying the different cushioning isolator mechanisms within the grip, or by varying the number of tuning washers. The Shock Absorbing Grip Assembly is comprised of one or more grip end clamps; one or more cavities in said grip end clamps; a grip sleeve having one or more protruding engagement members; one or more elastomeric isolator inserts housed within each of said one or more cavities in said grip end clamps, wherein said one or more protruding engagement members mates within said cavities housing said elastomeric isolator inserts; and an outer elastomer grip; whereby said grip sleeve is free floating and has torsional, rotational, linear and axial shock absorbing capacity. The isolator inserts may be elastomer inserts of varying durometer material.

Abstract: A multi-sprocket arrangement for a rear wheel hub of a bicycle may have improved gearshift characteristics, reduced vibrations during skewed running, and improved wear characteristics. The multi-sprocket arrangement includes a multiplicity of sprockets of different diameters, wherein at least one of the sprockets has a multiplicity of teeth. Also on the circumference of said sprocket, as viewed in a circumferential direction, at least one sequence of teeth is provided in which, with regard to their material thickness, a thin tooth is followed by a thick tooth which is followed in turn by another thin tooth. The sprocket has an impression and/or a passage recess which form at least one gearshift path and permit a shift between two adjacent sprockets.

Abstract: A bicycle drive unit includes a motor, which outputs assist force in correspondence with human-powered drive force applied to a crankshaft, and a housing, in which the motor is arranged. The housing includes a coupler, to which a derailleur can be coupled.

Abstract: A bicycle transmission control device is basically provided with a transmission controller that is programmed to switch between a first control state and a second control state. The bicycle transmission control device operates in accordance with the first control state for controlling a transmission based on a first signal that is input from a first detector, which detects a rotation of a crank. The bicycle transmission control device operates in accordance with the second control state for controlling the transmission based on a second signal that is input from a second detector, which detects a value reflecting a bicycle speed.

Abstract: A collapsible boat hull 10 has a pair of bottom panels 12, 14 with a first continuous hinge along an inner edge thereof 16 and a second continuous hinge 17, 19 along each outer edge thereof connecting to respective side panels 18, 20. A flexible material 30 forms the hinge line, supported either side by a support material 36, 38. The flexible hinge accommodates curvature of the panels when the hull is erected to its boat shape. The support material can be glass fibre or polymeric material, such as polyethylene, PVC or polypropylene. The hinge can be ‘W’ shape in cross section and can form a ridge 40 into the boat, and can be bonded to the respective panels e.g. by glass fibre to the panels. Hinge strengtheners/protectors can be provided, such as additional ribs 52, 54 bonded to or integral to the hinge protective material.

Abstract: Fall protection structures are disclosed relating to nautical vessels that include a nautical vessel, a precipice, a first and a second kevel adjacent to the precipice, a first post structure connected to the first kevel, a second post structure connected to the second kevel, a top railing connecting the first post structure to the second post structure, and a middle railing connecting the first post structure to the second post structure such that the top railing and the middle railing limit access to the precipice.

Abstract: Fall protection structures are disclosed relating to nautical vessels that include a deck with a kevel and timberhead positioned on the deck, a post mechanically attached to the kevel and rising above the deck having middle and upper attachment points on the post, another post mechanically attached to the timberhead and rising above the deck having middle and upper attachment points, a rail connecting the middle attachment points, and another rail connecting the upper attachment points.

Abstract: A Taut-Inverted-Catenary (TIC) mooring system may be implemented using only field-proven components. The mooring lines yield a positive uplift force on the anchors in all conditions. In the inverted-catenary configuration, geometric stiffness is provided by a subsurface spring buoy or distributed buoyancy elements on the line. The TIC system consists as much as possible of lightweight components, such as polyester fiber rope. Since the uplift force on the anchor is always positive, clearance between polyester rope and the seabed is provided. All geometric stiffness is provided by the spring buoy. Therefore, a ground chain between the seafloor anchor and the fiber rope is not necessary.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for utilizing commercial cargo containers. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. The containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, can move autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an offshore wind turbine on a floating support structure (1) comprising in combination: a main floater (1) comprising a part of substantially cylindrical shape, a concrete circular element (2) having a diameter greater than the diameter of the main floater, providing a stationary mass at the base of the floater and a damper, supplementary permanent ballast (4) arranged at the base of the main floater, dynamic ballast boxes (3) included in the main floater and distributed ringwise on the periphery of the floater.

Abstract: A personal watercraft or alternative motorized vehicle including a superstructure characterized by a unitary seat and hood assembly, which incorporates an integral steering mechanism therein. By providing a unitary seat and hood assembly, and integrating the steering mechanism therein, the height of the deck assembly, at which point it is in juxtaposed relationship with the seat and hood assembly can be substantially lower than in prior art devices. This design allows for raising of the unitary hood and seat assembly about a single pivot point, thereby providing an interface of juxtaposition which defines an extended singular engine compartment opening that enables unfettered access to the entire engine compartment. This extended singular engine compartment opening is of sufficient size and breadth to permit removal of the entire engine assembly.

Abstract: Described herein are floatation devices, surfboards, surfboard blanks, and methods of manufacture. The board or device design is altered by removal of a traditional stringer or stringers and instead form a composite of different foams to produce a board or device with improved strength and durability along with similar or even better board dynamics.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides in at least one embodiment a rotatable keel skirt assembly on a rectangular-shaped keel pontoon. The rectangular-shaped keel pontoon reduces the maximum hull width by a significant percentage compared to a circular-shaped keel pontoon while maintaining the same hull motion performance. The rotatable keel skirt assembly allows the size of the pontoon to define the width of the hull during some fabrication phases of the platform, rather than the additional width of the keel skirt assembly. Thus, the outreach of the crane and other equipment can be effectively used as if the keel skirt assembly was not present. After fabrication, the hull can be moved away from the quayside and the keel skirt assembly can be rotated into position for service. Various systems and methods are disclosed for articulating the keel skirt assembly about the hull.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a yacht or other vessel, such as a ship, comprising a hull and superstructure wherein, at least one of the hull and the superstructure comprises cladding elements thereon or therein, wherein at least a selection of the cladding elements comprise an at least partially transparent cover and at least one light source, wherein the light source is shielded by the cover. Furthermore, the invention relates to a cladding element containing light sources, to be in use arranged on the hull of a yacht, or in swimming pools and in particular side walls and/or bottoms thereof, as well as on surrounding structures, like a pool house or paths or pavements there around, in bridges, for example on bridge decks and/or against uprights and/or stairs and/or walls, or in ornamentation of public spaces and public structures.

Abstract: There is provided a navigation route generation device with which a host moving body can be navigated by offsetting it parallel to a line on the current travel direction of the host moving body by a simple operation, without changing the preset destination or bearing. A plotter that is part of an automatic steering system of a ship comprises a current route acquisition component, a parallel route generator, and a navigation route setting component. The current route acquisition component acquires the travel direction of the host ship. The parallel route generator generates a parallel route, which is a route that is parallel to the travel direction acquired by the current route acquisition component. The navigation route setting component sets the parallel route generated by the parallel route generator to the navigation route of the host ship.

Abstract: A propulsion assembly of a ship or floating platform includes a housing within a hull or platform. The housing is watertight except for an opening external to the hull. A stationary motor is arranged in the hull external to the housing. A thruster is external to the hull to generate thrust on the ship or floating platform. A telescopic driving shaft passes sealingly through a housing wall to connect the motor and the thruster and to transmit movement from the motor to the thruster. The thruster retracts within the housing through the opening. A separate submersible movable hatch is disconnectable from the thruster and the housing and passes externally to the hull, and seals the opening to form a watertight closed chamber. A fluid evacuation device evacuates fluid within the closed chamber so the thruster, when retracted in the housing and closed by the hatch, forms the closed chamber.

Abstract: A wide, flat-bottom, buoyant, amphibious hull with a powered articulating member mounted on the deck. The hull has a shallow draft and distributes its weight over a large area and is propelled by at least one engine-driven propeller rotating above the hull. These features cooperatively provide a vehicle capable of performing overhead work, such as installing or servicing power transmission poles, towers, or other structures located in environmentally sensitive wetlands, swamps, marshes, shallow water, or terrain which is not efficiently accessible by other means.

Abstract: Watercraft automation and aquatic data utilization for aquatic efforts are disclosed. In one aspect, an anchor point is obtained and a watercraft position maintenance routine is actuated to control the watercraft to maintain association with the anchor point. In another aspect, prior aquatic effort data is obtained in association with an anchor point. In yet another aspect, current aquatic effort data is generated in association with an anchor point. In still another aspect, circuit aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized for prediction generation. In yet another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized to obtain another anchor point for a watercraft.

Abstract: Liquid fuels are routinely used to provide energy for many different uses. Transferring and distributing liquid fuels have many challenges including providing safe and reliable transfers and distributions. Liquid fuels, for example, Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) may be transferred from a vessel at a relatively low flow rate. This system allows for leaks to be captured and contained to an area of a water based transfer platform rather than allowing the spill to spread out on the surface of the water.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements to redirect a forward thrust generated by a propeller of a watercraft to provide a non-forward thrust are disclosed. More specifically, embodiments comprise a control surface to redirect the forward thrust from the propeller. Based upon a position (i.e., distance and orientation) of the control surface with respect to the propeller, the redirection generates the non-forward thrust or thrusts. By redirecting a component of the forward thrust back toward the bow, the net forward or reverse, port or starboard thrusts and rotational thrust can be adjusted in fine increments. For instance, by adjusting the amount of prop wash hitting the control surface, the magnitude of the redirected thrust from the control surface can be adjusted. Further, adjusting the angle of the control surfaces adjusts the direction as well as magnitude of a reverse thrust component. The net thrust can be in any direction and rotational.

Abstract: A flight deck arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a window. The flight deck arrangement further includes a surface disposed proximate the window and positioned below the window. The flight deck arrangement further includes a rail mounted to the surface. The rail is disposed proximate the window and positioned below the window. The rail extends along the surface in a direction generally aligned with a lower portion of the window. The flight deck arrangement still further includes a visor mounted to the rail and selectively positionable along the rail.

Abstract: Aircraft, wing-to-body fairing assemblies, and air exchange systems are provided. An aircraft includes a fuselage, a wing secured to the fuselage, an outer skin panel, and an air exchange system. The outer skin panel is secured to the wing and/or the fuselage and at least partially defines a cavity. The air exchange system is secured to the outer skin panel and exchanges air between the cavity and an external environment. The air exchange system includes an air inlet, a diffuser, and a silencer. The air inlet is disposed in the outer skin panel and accommodates an air flow between the cavity and the external environment. The diffuser is attached to the air inlet and has a varying cross sectional area to change the speed of the air flow. The silencer is attached to the diffuser and communicates the air flow between the diffuser and the cavity and reduces noise.

Abstract: A powered aircraft wheel is provided that is designed to include multiple wheel sections configured to define a cavity within the wheel and to support completely within the wheel cavity an onboard non-engine drive means controllable to move an aircraft autonomously without reliance on aircraft engines during taxi and ground travel. Each part of the powered wheel may be constructed of a material specifically selected to emphasize a functional property of the material that is optimal for the function of the wheel part at a specific location. The selected combination of functionally distinct materials gives the powered aircraft wheel a unique optimal structural and functional capability.

Abstract: A nose wheel steering mechanism comprises a first, rotationally fixed nose wheel leg portion and a second, rotatable nose wheel leg portion arranged at least partially within and extending parallel to the first nose wheel leg portion. A toroidal electric motor is mounted to and extends around the first nose wheel leg portion. Toroidal gearing is mounted to and extends around the first nose wheel leg and has an input driven by the toroidal electric motor and an output coupled to and driving the second nose wheel leg portion.

Abstract: A steering valve includes a housing and a spool disposed inside the housing. The housing includes a top plane and a bottom plane, the top plane including an opening of a first port and the bottom plane including an opening of a second port. The spool includes a top plane including a first and second opening corresponding to a third port and a fourth port, one of which is configured to align with the opening of the first port depending on the orientation of the housing. The spool also includes a bottom plane including a first and second opening corresponding to the third port and fourth port, one of which is configured to align with the opening of the second port depending on the orientation of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft landing gear equipped with a steering device (7) for orienting the wheels (5), the steering device (7) comprising a body (8) in which is incorporated an electromechanical actuator (41) equipped with an electric motor (42). The landing gear is further equipped with damping means intended to limit the transmission of vibration from the wheel (5) to the rest of the landing gear (1) when the aircraft is on the ground. The body (8) of the steering device (7) is mounted with the ability to rotate with a limited amplitude of rotation. The damping means are mounted between the body (8) of the steering device (7) and the strut assembly (2) of the landing gear to damp the vibration between the body (8) of the steering device (7) and the strut assembly (2).

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-rotor aircraft frame structure, which is mainly the use of stainless steel tubes and engineering plastics has the rigidity and toughness, directly to the stainless steel tubes symmetrical inserted nailed in plastic sheet to constitute the main frame structure, and by connecting plurality support blocks and plurality support rods to construct a kind of peripheral support structure to obtain sufficient structural strength, thereby to constructing a light weight and low cost and practicality high-performance multi-rotor aircraft frame.

Abstract: A rotor blade system includes a hub assembly pivotally attached to a rotor blade, a mast attached to the hub assembly, and a swashplate engaged with the mast, the swashplate includes a non-rotating ring and a rotating ring. The method to raise the swashplate includes using an anti-drive link system pivotally engaged with a transmission top case and pivotally engaged with the non-rotating ring.

Abstract: The invention is an annular ducted lift fan system for a VTOL type aircraft. In detail, the invention comprises an annular duct, a lift fan set, engines, a central fuselage, a peripheral wing, and means for pneumatic coupling or mechanic coupling of engines and the lift fan set. The lift fan set is mounted in the annular duct and powered by the engines through pneumatic coupling or mechanic coupling. The annular duct is opened with the lift fan set working to provide high lift efficiency in VTOL mode and transition mode and is closed off to reduce drag in cruise mode.

Abstract: A vertical takeoff and landing aircraft is provided. The aircraft includes a fuselage having a first end, a second end, and a center of gravity in between the first end and the second end. Wings may extend from the side of the fuselage. The wings may include a canard at the first end, and a wing at the second end. The present invention may further include a pair of engines pivotally attached on either side of the fuselage and substantially aligning with the center of gravity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gyroplane comprising rotating wings with hydraulically-operated fan propellers. The rotating wing (6) with hydraulically-operated fan propellers comprises a radial hydraulic motor (6-2) and hydraulically-operated fan propellers (6-1). A wing rotating intermediate spar supported on a bearing (6-5) in a bearing support fixedly connected to a rotating wing fuselage (6-4) is fixedly connected with a wing rotating cantilever spar (6-3). A left wing rotating cantilever spar on the left side of the rotating wing fuselage and a right wing rotating cantilever spar on the right side of the rotating wing fuselage are fixedly connected to the wing rotating intermediate spar and distributed in bilateral symmetry. The wing rotating cantilever spar (6-3) is fixedly connected with the front end and the back end of a motor front connecting plate (6-2.2) and a motor back connecting plate (6-2.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to support accommodating safe integration of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUASs) into the National Airspace Structure in the United States and to augment previously untracked aircraft positions by opportunistically acquiring their position information and forwarding this information to other systems for display. The disclosed schemes integrate automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) capabilities in sUASs by providing an ADS-B receiver on the small unmanned aircraft or in association with a ground-based sUAS control and communication workstation. Processing of the ADS-B information is integrated with processing of acquired information on sUAS aerial platform operations. Processed integrated information is displayed locally on the workstation and transmitted to other facilities to be remotely displayed.

Abstract: Wearable unmanned aerial vehicles and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative unmanned aerial vehicle includes a wearable, flyable support structure, and a propulsion system carried by the support structure. The propulsion system can include a power source and a plurality of propellers. In particular embodiments, the support structure can include a wrist band.

Abstract: A cargo management system is provided comprising a slide bushing supported cargo shuttle, an actuator coupled to a bushing slide plate; an aft shuttle drive belt coupled to the slide bushing supported cargo shuttle; and a forward shuttle drive belt coupled to the slide bushing supported cargo shuttle. Also disclosed is a slide bushing supported cargo shuttle comprising a housing, a bushing slide plate extendable from the housing via an actuator and a top surface of the bushing supported cargo shuttle and a power drive unit coupled to the top surface.

Abstract: A cargo management system is described having a slide bushing supported cargo shuttle. The cargo shuttle includes an aft bushing slide plate and a forward bushing slide plate. The cargo shuttle also includes an aft wedge positioned between the top surface and the aft bushing slide plate. The cargo shuttle also includes a forward wedge positioned between the top surface and the forward bushing slide plate. The cargo shuttle also includes a top surface configured to be displaced upward as a first force is applied to the aft wedge and a second force is applied to the forward wedge. The cargo management system also includes an aft shuttle drive belt coupled to the cargo shuttle and a forward shuttle drive belt coupled to the cargo shuttle.

Abstract: A cargo management system is provided including an air cushion cargo shuttle, an air blower configured to blow air beneath the air cushion cargo shuttle, and a first wireless communication device on the air cushion cargo shuttle. A cargo shuttle may also include a wireless communication device on the cargo shuttle, and a power drive unit on the cargo shuttle.

Abstract: A cargo management system is provided comprising an air cushion cargo shuttle, an air blower configured to blow air beneath the air cushion cargo shuttle, and an inductive charging receiver on the cargo shuttle. In various embodiments, an energy storage module may be electrically coupled to the inductive charging receiver. A wireless charging station may inductively couple with the inductive charging receiver. The inductive charging receiver may include a first resonant coil, and the wireless charging station may include a second resonant coil. The wireless charging station may switch on in response to the air cushion cargo shuttle entering a desired range. A floor panel may rest beneath the air cushion cargo shuttle with the wireless charging station beneath the floor panel. The floor panel may comprise at least one of a composite material or a metallic material.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes cargo loading systems and components including cargo systems utilizing one or more air cushions to elevate one or more cargo shuttles. The air cushions are formed by one or more air curtains, which include pressure compensating seals. The seals allow the air curtains to contact and seal against a floor panel, reducing leakage from the air cushion.

Abstract: A cargo management system is provided comprising a shuttle drive unit. The shuttle drive unit comprises a sheave, a pulley proximate the sheave comprising a groove of the pulley aligned with a groove of the sheave, and a motor configured to rotate the sheave. The cargo management system further comprises a belt coupled to the sheave and a cargo shuttle coupled to the belt.

Abstract: An air cushion cargo shuttle for loading and unloading cargo on an airplane is described. The air cushion cargo shuttle includes a first inner air curtain defining a first volume of pressurized air. The air cushion cargo shuttle also includes a noise barrier curtain enclosing the first inner air curtain. The noise barrier curtain is adapted to trap air leaking from the first inner air curtain.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for guide assemblies. A guide assembly is provided comprising a sliding rail comprising a first channel and a second channel, a first fitting comprising a first retaining rail, wherein the first retaining rail is configured to slide within the first channel, and a second fitting comprising a second retaining rail, wherein the second retaining rail is configured to slide within the second channel.

Abstract: A console assembly for use on a flight deck of an aircraft includes, but is not limited to, a console having a recess. The recess has an opening. The console assembly further includes a mounting assembly mounted within the recess. The console assembly further includes a support surface mounted to the mounting assembly. The console assembly further includes a closeout panel that is mounted to the support surface. The support surface fits within the recess. The mounting assembly facilitates movement of the support surface between a retracted and a deployed position. The support surface is disposed within the recess while in the retracted position and outside of the recess while in the deployed position. The closeout panel is disposed at a location on the support surface that causes the closeout panel to close the opening of the recess when the support surface is in the retracted position.