Abstract: A vehicle steering control apparatus (100) in a vehicle (10), which is provided with: a steering system including at least a rudder angle varying device (400, 700) capable of changing a relation between a steering angle, which is a rotation angle of a steering wheel (12), and a rudder angle of steered wheels and a steering torque assisting device (500) capable of assisting a driver steering torque; and a power supply source (800) for supplying electric power to the steering system, is provided with: a limiting device for limiting electric current consumption of the steering torque assisting device if a consumption current value of the steering system is greater than a maximum allowable current value in a case where supply capacity of supplying an electric current in the power supply source is reduced with respect to a reference; and a controlling device for matching a neutral position of the steering wheel with a neutral position of the steered wheels in a situation in which the electric current consumption o

Abstract: A steering system providing an assist torque to a handwheel is provided, and includes a lateral position module and a torque command module. The lateral position module determines a lateral position command based on a curvature of a lane and a near field heading angle. The torque command module determines the torque assist based on the lateral position command.

Abstract: Left and right front wheels are steered by rotation of steering shafts, and a steering force from a steering wheel is inputted into the steering shaft. Mutually adjacent ends of the shafts are coupled to a ring gear and a sun gear of a planetary gear set, a steering angle adjustment motor is drivably coupled to a carrier of the planetary gear set, and the rotation ratio between the shafts is made changeable. Left and right rear wheels are steered by rotation of steering shafts, and a steering force from a steering motor is inputted into the shaft. Mutually adjacent ends of the shafts are respectively coupled to a ring gear and a sun gear of a planetary gear set, a steering angle adjustment motor is drivably coupled to a carrier of the planetary gear set, and the rotation ratio between the shafts is made changeable.

Abstract: A system and method of maneuvering a vehicle-trailer unit in reverse travel uses at least one sensor generating output information representative of the relative position between the vehicle rear and the trailer front. An electronic processing unit compares the measured quantity with a reference value and determines from the comparison whether the trailer deviates from a straight alignment with the vehicle. If the trailer is not aligned with the vehicle, the system can interfere with the vehicle's steering system, the trailer's brake system, or both. The sensor can be a distance sensor or a camera, and the quantity can be a distance or a marker position. As a reference value for comparison, the method can use a stored value or previously or simultaneously measured values. The method can be activated automatically or by a switch operated by the vehicle driver.

Abstract: A collision avoidance assistance device includes a target control amount calculation unit configured to calculate a target control amount used for travelling on a target trajectory through which the vehicle passes, a first control amount calculation unit configured to calculate a first control amount to be applied by the first steering assistance system out of the target control amount, and output the first control amount to the first steering assistance system, and a second control amount calculation unit configured to calculate a second control amount to be applied by the second steering assistance system out of the target control amount, and output the second control amount to the second steering assistance system. The first control amount is set to be larger than the second control amount during a predetermined time period from a time of starting the collision avoidance assistance.

Abstract: A smart parking assistant system and a method of controlling parking alignment are provided. The smart parking assistant system includes a determination controller configured to confirm a driver intention of whether to perform an automatic parking alignment function. A parking alignment controller is configured to perform the automatic parking alignment function when the driver intention is confirmed.

Abstract: An understructure for a motor vehicle includes two side members and multiple cross members fastened to the side members in each case via adapters. The adapters each include two identical shells which are each connected at the face end to a cross member and side member and to one another alongside.

Abstract: A frame body (1) has a closed cross-section formed by a first surface (11), a second surface (12) wider than the first surface (11), and two side surfaces (13), and each of the side surfaces (13) has a single bent part (14) or two or more bent parts (14). In the cross-section of the frame body (1), the first surface (11) and an outer part (13a) of the side surface (13) form an angle of approximately 90 degrees or larger than 90 degrees inside the closed cross-section, and a specific bent part which is the single bent part (14) or one of the bent parts (14) closest to the second surface (12) is bent to protrude inward of the closed cross-section.

Abstract: A front vehicle body structure for a vehicle body (1) having a vehicle interior compartment (2) and a front compartment (3) which is provided in front of the vehicle interior compartment (2). The front vehicle body structure is provided with: strut towers (16) to which the upper edges of struts for the front wheels are mounted; front pillars (20) extending, at positions at the front of the vehicle interior compartment and on both sides in the width direction, from the roof of the vehicle interior compartment toward the upper edge of the rear of the front compartment; and reinforcement members (25, 70) each having one end joined to the strut tower and the other end joined to the front pillar. Each of the reinforcement members is joined to the strut tower on both the inner side and outer side of a plane (S) with respect to the vehicle body, the plane (S) passing through the axis of the strut and extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

Abstract: An illuminated platform system which improves safety by providing an illuminated and non-slip surface adapted for lining a surface such as a truck frame. The illuminated platform system generally includes one or more platforms which are adapted to be secured to a surface such as a truck frame. Each of the platforms is interlockable utilizing side apertures extending along the outer perimeter of the platforms in combination with fasteners and anchors. A light source such as a light string is positioned within an outer channel extending along the lower surface of the platforms. Light from the light source will emanate through both the side apertures and a plurality of upper apertures which extend along the outer perimeter of the platform along its upper surface. By interlocking the platforms and activating the light source, the surface such as a truck frame may be safely illuminated and adapted to store heavy objects.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to thermoplastic-olefin-based roofing membrane comprising a polymer blend. The polymer blend may comprise a thermoplastic olefin elastomer at about 30% to about 75% by weight of the polymer blend and a thermoplastic vulcanizate at about 10% to about 40% by weight of the polymer blend. The polymer blend may further comprise a thermoplastic polyolefin copolymer at about 5% to about 10% by weight of the polymer blend. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic olefin-based roofing membrane may be a single ply membrane configured to remain substantially free of swelling when exposed to an elastomer polymer compound. The thermoplastic olefin-based roofing membrane may be about 20 mils to about 40 mils thick. The thermoplastic-olefin-based roofing membrane may comprise a stretchability of about 14 lbf to about 30 lbf.

Abstract: A rotational speed reduction device 1 for a truck tailgate includes a housing 5, a rotor 8 disposed inside the housing 5, a viscous fluid 14a accommodated in an inner space 13a, passages 15a and 16a provided in the rotor 8, a one-way valve 19 disposed in the passage 15a, and a one-way valve 20a disposed in the passage 16a.

Abstract: A cargo bed has a succession of swinging side wall panels whose top margins self-align when staked in upright positions.

Abstract: A utility vehicle canopy comprises a frame having a plurality of hollow elongate frame members coupled together with a plurality of corner members received within the frame members. A plurality of panels, one or more of which may be hinged, are affixed to the frame and include side panels, a roof panel and a floor for mounting the canopy to a chassis of the vehicle. The canopy can be provided as a kit for flat-pack transportation and self-assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a CVT unit or a power source which requires ambient air. An air inlet for an air intake system coupled to the CVT unit or the power source which requires ambient air may be provided in a side of a cargo carrying portion of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a rear radius arm suspension.

Abstract: A method of assembling a front end assembly of a vehicle is provided. The method includes integrally forming a positioning and reinforcement structure having a relatively rectilinear configuration comprising a top support member, a bottom support member, a first side member and a second side member. The method also includes detachably coupling a first wing structure to the first side member. The method further includes operably mounting a first fender assembly to a first side flange of the first wing structure. The method yet further includes operably coupling a centering bracket proximate the top support member. The method also includes locating and centering the positioning and reinforcement structure to a hood with the centering bracket. The method further includes fixedly securing the positioning and reinforcement structure to a radiator support disposed rearwardly of the positioning and reinforcement structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle seat including two or more support cushions. Two support cushions are independently rotatable to move with a bicycle rider's legs, and comprise angled portions that support the rider's buttocks and upper thighs. Another fixed cushion supports the genital and perineal areas of a rider's anatomy.

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

Abstract: Bias values of pitch axis and roll axis angular velocity sensors in a stationary state where a reference yaw axis of a two-wheeled inverted pendulum vehicle body is stationary in parallel with a vertical direction are acquired. Bias values of the pitch axis and roll axis angular velocity sensors in a turning state where a two-wheeled inverted pendulum vehicle is turned at a predetermined turning angular velocity in a state where the reference yaw axis of the two-wheeled inverted pendulum vehicle body remains parallel to the vertical direction are acquired. Mounting angle errors of the pitch axis and roll axis angular velocity sensors with respect to the two-wheeled inverted pendulum vehicle body are estimated on the basis of the bias values of the sensors in the stationary state, the bias values of the sensors in the turning state and the predetermined turning angular velocity.

Abstract: A cycle frame easily converted from a bicycle to a tricycle and vice versa, and to a cycle and a baby carriage using same. The cycle includes a main frame including a main support and a pair of sub-supports branching from the main support, a pair of conversion frames, front end portions thereof being hingeably connected to rear end portions of the sub-supports such that the distance between rear end portions thereof is adjustable, a pair of connection brackets respectively connected to the rear end portions of the conversion frames, a fork frame rotatably connected to the front end portion of the main support, a front wheel shaft rotatably connected to the fork frame, a main rear wheel shaft, both ends thereof being respectively and separably connected to the connection brackets, and a propelling pedal rotatably mounted on the main support and drive-connected to the main rear wheel shaft.

Abstract: A folding device includes a main body, two connecting members respectively pivotally connected to the main body, and a locking assembly. Each connecting member includes an engaging portion. The locking assembly includes first and second hooking members, a lever, and an axial member. The first hooking member and the lever are pivotally connected to the main body. The axial member is inserted through the main body, the first hooking member and the lever. The second hooking member is pivotally connected to the lever. The first hooking member includes a first hooking portion, and the second hooking member includes a second hooking portion. The lever is pivotable with respect to the main body between locking and releasing positions.

Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a bracket and an operating unit. The bracket is configured to be coupled to a handlebar. The operating unit is configured to be pivotally mounted to the bracket around a first axis. The operating unit includes a shift unit, a first operating member and a pivot axle structure. The shift unit is configured to operate a wire. The first operating member is configured to operate the shift unit. The pivot axle structure is configured to pivotally mount the operating unit to the bracket around the first axis. The pivot axle structure defines a wire receiving passageway for the wire.

Abstract: A concealed rear wheel suspension device for a scooter comprising a frame component further comprising a frame cover, a frame and a stop fixedly connected to the rear of the frame, a suspension spring component further comprising a link, and a back fork; wherein a through hole is provided on two sides of the rear of the said frame, a threaded hole is provided on the upper surface of the said stop, two through holes are provided on the said frame cover corresponded to the said threaded holes; wherein a threaded end of the link sequentially crosses through the stop, a compression spring and a gasket, locked by a nut; wherein the back fork is rotatably connected to the frame through a bolt, and the a hole end of the link.

Abstract: A trailer mounting system includes a left arm, a right arm, a left side mounting device, a right side mounting device, and a trailer mounting device. The left side mounting device mounts to the left arm and to a left seat stay that mounts between a left side of a axle of a back wheel of a vehicle and a seat tube of the vehicle. The right side mounting device mounts to the right arm and to a right seat stay that mounts between a right side of the axle and the seat tube. The trailer mounting device mounts between the left arm and the right arm and is configured to mount to a trailer. The left side mounting device, the right side mounting device, and the trailer mounting device are mounted to rotate parallel to a direction of rotation of the axle of the back wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle, such as a scooter, includes at least one battery and motor for powering at least one driven wheel. The vehicle also includes a braking assembly configured to isolate the motor from the at least one driven wheel such that power is terminated from the motor to the at least one wheel in response to a user engaging a braking assembly of the vehicle. The vehicle can include a switch or position sensor that interacts with the braking assembly to initiate the isolation of the motor from the at least one driven wheel and the switch or position sensor preferably is inaccessible to the foot of the user.

Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic component operating device is provided with a main body, a hydraulic cylinder housing, a piston, an operating lever, and a fluid reservoir tank. The main body includes a handlebar mounting portion and a gripping portion. The hydraulic cylinder housing is supported by the main body. The piston is movably disposed within the hydraulic cylinder housing. The operating lever is pivotally disposed around a pivot axis relative to the main body to move the piston within the hydraulic cylinder housing in response to pivotal movement of the operating lever relative to the main body. The fluid reservoir tank is in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder housing. The fluid reservoir tank is supported by one of the main body and the operating lever at a location spaced from an area directly above the hydraulic cylinder housing while the bicycle hydraulic component operating device is in an installed position.

Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic operation device comprises a bracket, a hydraulic cylinder, a piston a lever, and a first biasing member. The bracket includes a gripping portion configured to be gripped by a rider. The piston is disposed within the hydraulic cylinder and movable between an initial position and an actuated position. The lever is pivotally mounted to the bracket around a first axis and operatively coupled to the piston to move the piston in response to pivotal movement of the lever from a rest position to an operated position. The first biasing member is operatively coupled to the piston and the lever outside the hydraulic cylinder such that the first biasing member biases the piston toward the initial position and biases the lever toward the rest position.

Abstract: A two wheel vehicle is propelled by hand-grasped poles. A front wheel on a forward member and a rear wheel on a rearward member align along a longitudinal axis. The forward member pivots about a substantially vertical steering axis. A saddle and footholds support the rider and together with an accessory contact allow the rider to balance and steer the device. The rider's hands do not contact the vehicle but are used to propel the vehicle with the poles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a. scooter device comprised of: a chassis body which connects the following components: a steering arrangement, one front wheel; two back wheel connected to at least one axle, where each wheel moves freely around the axle. a pedaling mechanism including a pedal normally positioned at an upper position above the standing platform connected by a shaft to a pedal axle and a spring connecting the pedal shaft to the chassis body for returning the pedal to upper position, a pedal transmission mechanism for translating the pedal motion into rotational motion of at least one back wheel's axle and a horizontal transmission mechanism arranged for transferring the rotational movement to at least one back wheel, said mechanism including at least one hollow cylinder attached on one side to a rolling bearing which is of clamped on at least one back wheel axle, and on the other side to one of the back wheels. The back wheel's cog wheel is clamped on the hollow cylinder.

Abstract: A skid frame for a snowmobile is disclosed including a generally planar skid surface extending between front and rear idler wheels. The front and rear idler wheel are offset from one another and define a longitudinal direction. A track encircles the skid frame having the skid surface positioned over a center of the track such that a major longitudinally extending portion of the track that is coextensive with the skid surface has first and second unsupported lateral portions on either side of the skid surface. The first and second unsupported lateral portions extend in the horizontal direction at least 25 percent of a width of the track. A suspension arm member may mount the skid rail and include mount portions for mounting to a tunnel and spanning a distance at least twice the width of the longitudinal beam.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for launching, recovering, and handling a large number of vehicles on a ship to enable lower cost ocean survey. In one aspect, the system may include a shipping container based system with an oil services vessel. The vessel may include rolling systems through end to end shipping containers. One or more columns of containers may be accessed using a crane, an A-frame, or any other suitable transportation system. The system may enable the ability to launch or recover more than one vehicle using the launch and recovery system (e.g., AUVs, buoys, seaplanes, autonomous surface vessels, etc.). In one configuration, the system includes a stacking/elevator system to place the vehicles onto a second or higher layer of containers. The system may allow for modularized deployment of the vehicles, launch and recovery system, operation center, and more from self-contained shipping containers.

Abstract: A floating element is for forming a modularly constructed buoyancy system. The floating element is provided with a cavity. At least the first side face of the floating element is provided with at least one first cut-out which, at its first end, is connected to a first channel whose mouth is in a first coupling face, and which, at its second end, is connected to a second channel whose mouth is in a second coupling face. A buoyancy system is made up of a plurality of floating elements. A method is for forming such a buoyancy system.

Abstract: A diver propulsion assembly includes a waist belt and at least one thruster. A thruster mounting assembly cooperates with the waist belt to mount the thruster to an upper leg of the diver.

Abstract: Method and device for cleaning a marine seismic equipment. The device includes a body, a propulsion system for moving along the streamer, a cleaning device for cleaning the equipment, and a control device for controlling a movement of the device.

Abstract: An underwater base handles an autonomous underwater vehicle. The underwater base includes a storing part configured to store the AUV; a control part configured to control the storing part; and a support part configured to support the control part and the storing part and to prevent a burial of the underwater base into the ocean bottom. The control part is further configured to guide the AUV while approaching a desired target position on the ocean bottom.

Abstract: Systems and methods for buoyancy compensation are provided. Both active and passive buoyancy compensation can be provided using a compressible mixture made of a liquid along with a hydrophopic material such as a powder, electrospun fiber, or foam. The compressible fluid compresses as pressure is applied or expands as pressure is released thereby substantially maintaining an overall neutral buoyancy for a vessel. This allows the vessel to ascend and descend to water depths with minimal active buoyancy change. As a result, the energy usage and the reliance on higher pressure air and oils can be minimized.

Abstract: A watercraft propulsion system has a driveshaft, an impeller or a propeller, an overrunning clutch, an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. The overrunning clutch has a first race and a second race. The first race is one of an inner race and an outer race. The second race is an other one of the inner race and the outer race. The first race is connected to the driveshaft for driving the driveshaft. The electric motor has a motor output shaft operatively connected to the first race. The internal combustion engine has an engine output shaft operatively connected to the second race. The overrunning clutch is connected to the motor output shaft and the engine output shaft such that the electric motor is able to selectively rotate the first race at a higher speed than the second race. A watercraft having the propulsion system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method may involve analyzing, by a computing device, a wind model to identify one or more locations in a coverage area of a balloon network where updated wind data is desirable. The balloon network may include a plurality of balloons that are configured to provide data service. The method may further involve determining, by the computing device, a flight plan for each of one or more balloons in the balloon network. At least one flight plan may be determined based at least in part on both: (a) the one or more locations where updated wind data is desirable and (b) data-service requirements in the coverage area of the balloon network. And the method may involve sending each determined flight plan for implementation by the corresponding balloon.

Abstract: A vertically stable aerial platform having an envelope assembly with an envelope having an edge and a base. The envelope is an aerodynamically shaped inflatable housing filled with lighter-than-air gas, whereby the envelope is substantially convex and the base is substantially flat. The lighter-than-air gas within the envelope provides lift. Further having a base frame assembly, a tail assembly, and a ground station. The ground station has a winch assembly, an electrical system, and an electrically conducted tether. The electrically conducted tether is wound onto the winch assembly to raise or lower the aerial platform to a desired predetermined altitude having ideal wind conditions at any given time. Further having a mounting post to mount a wind turbine assembly, camera equipment, communication system antennas, and/or equipment thereon.

Abstract: A support plate for the passage of systems between two zones at different pressurizations of an aircraft, in the region of a bulkhead separating the two zones. The support plate comprises a connection plate including at least one retaining element and at least one sealing joint and is provided with a plurality of holes intended for the passage of an assembly of systems which have to pass through said bulkhead.

Abstract: A drainage mast for draining liquids from an APU compartment of an aircraft with a first end connected to the APU compartment and a second end for discharging the liquids to the atmosphere. The drainage mast is configured with at least a sector having decreasing cross section areas towards the second end. The area of the initial cross section of the sector is lesser than the area of any cross section of the drainage mast closer to the first end. The invention also refers to an aircraft comprising the drainage mast.

Abstract: An apparatus has a first structure, a second structure, and an activated seal. The second structure has a first position adjacent to the first structure such that the first structure is not in contact with the second structure. The activated seal is attached to at least one of the first structure and the second structure. The activated seal has a variable stiffness that may be changed in response to a stimuli such that the activated seal is capable of being deformed when at least one of the first structure and the second structure are moved relative to each other.

Abstract: A plain journal bearing couples first and second components. A pin passes through the components. A clamping bush surrounds the pin. A clamping member is mounted on the pin and provides a clamping force to urge the clamping bush into clamping engagement with the first component. During normal operation, when the components rotate relative to each other, the second component and the clamping bush rotate relative to each other about a primary slip path, and the clamping bush remains in clamping engagement with the first component. During degraded operation, when the components rotate relative to each other and the coefficient of friction of the primary slip path has increased to overcome the clamping force, the pin and the clamping bush or the pin and the first component rotate relative to each other about a subsidiary slip path.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for aiding the control of an aircraft during a parabolic flight in order to generate weightlessness in the aircraft. The device includes a unit for automatically calculating a control stick order corresponding to a current optimum position of the control stick for carrying out a parabolic flight, a unit for automatically determining an actual position of the control stick, and a display unit for automatically displaying, on at least one scale that is displayed on a cockpit screen, simultaneously a first indicator corresponding to the control stick order and a second indicator corresponding to the actual position of the control stick.

Abstract: A bogie articulation mechanism is provided comprising, for example, a first torque link and a second torque link coupled for rotation about a pivot joint, the first torque link coupled to a bogie beam, a pitch trimmer having a first terminus and a second terminus, the first terminus coupled to the pivot joint, a bell crank having a pivot point, a first coupling point and a second coupling point, first coupling point couple to the second terminus of the pitch trimmer, and a reaction link coupled to the second coupling point of the bell crank.

Abstract: The landing gear systems, methods and apparatuses disclosed herein may comprise a shrink pump and an unshrink valve that are capable of shrinking a landing gear shock strut up to about 40% of its available stroke. The shrink pump may be configured to pump fluid (e.g., a hydraulic fluid) between an oil chamber, where hydraulic fluid is likely present and a shrink chamber to shrink the landing gear. Moreover, the shrink pump and unshrink valve may be part of a strut shrink system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compound helicopter comprising a fuselage, at least one engine and a main rotor driven by said at least one engine. At least one pair of fixed wings are mounted in an essentially horizontal plane on a left hand and a right hand side of the fuselage and horizontally oriented propulsion devices are mounted to each of the fixed wings, the fixed wings encompassing each a drive shaft from the at least one engine. Each fixed wing comprises a lower main wing and an upper secondary wing being connected to each other within an interconnection region. The propulsion devices include pusher propellers arranged at the interconnection region and the upper secondary wing houses the drive shaft from the at least one engine.

Abstract: A frequency adapter for a rotorcraft rotor is provided. The frequency adapter has at least first and second cylinders having respective elongate first and second side walls, respectively. The second cylinder is surrounded at least in part by the first cylinder. Resilient return rings are in contact with the first and second side walls. The return rings comprise resilient first and second extreme layers each in contact with the first and second side walls. The adapter is provided with a fluid arranged in a single chamber between the first and second extreme layers.

Abstract: A hybrid buoy system capable of aerial operation, that in some embodiments includes a wireless communication technology to allow communication with other buoys and/or an external system. In some embodiments, a swarm of buoys may be capable of surface and/or air operation. These buoys may work together to perform collective tasks that individual buoys are not capable of. Buoy swarms may be programmed for cooperative and swarm behaviors for use in a broad spectrum of missions. At least some of the buoys may be configured for specialized sensing, increasing the collective sensing capabilities of the swarm. A mixed, swappable sensor suite may be used to accommodate an array of marine exploration applications, including both military and civilian applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with improved reliability. According to one aspect of the invention, interference experienced by onboard sensors from onboard electrical components is reduced. According to another aspect of the invention, user-configuration or assembly of electrical components is minimized to reduce user errors.