Abstract: A jack for stabilizing a semi-truck trailer with improved maneuverability that can be coupled to a trailer kingpin without a need for the user to crawl or crouch under the trailer floor.

Abstract: A fifth wheel includes a top plate having a throat that is adapted to receive a kingpin of a trailer. The fifth wheel is equipped with a locking mechanism including a jaw slidably connected to the top plate and slidable between a closed position where the jaw blocks passage of a kingpin out of the throat of the fifth wheel and an open position where a kingpin may pass into and out of the throat of the fifth wheel. The jaw has an edge adapted to engage a kingpin positioned in the throat of the fifth wheel when the jaw is in the closed position. A bias device urges the jaw towards the closed position. The fifth wheel further includes a mechanism for moving the jaw between the open and closed positions. Further, the top plate of the fifth wheel is configured to allow service and/or replacement of the jaw from the top of the fifth wheel while it is assembled to a vehicle.

Abstract: A cartridge joint comprises a pin, a first collar circumferentially surrounding the pin and fixed thereto, a second collar circumferentially surrounding the pin and fixed thereto, and a bushing positioned axially between the first collar and the second collar and circumferentially surrounding the pin for relative rotation between the bushing and the pin. The cartridge joint has an annular first seal unit and an annular second seal unit. A method of assembling a cartridge joint is disclosed.

Abstract: A mast-climbing robot has first and load-bearing assemblies, at least one linear actuator connected between the assemblies for changing their vertical spacing, and a respective clamp on each load-bearing assembly that can secure the respective load-bearing assembly on the mast and release the respective load-bearing assembly therefrom. Each clamp has two bearing points on the respective load-bearing assembly, at least one flexible belt that extends between the two bearing or attachment points and circumferentially around the mast, and at least one clamping actuator with which the length of the at least one belt can be increased and decreased between the bearing or attachment points to tighten lock the respective belt about the mast and thereby lock the respective assembly on the mast.

Abstract: The invention relates to a humanoid robot comprising two elements connected by a spherical joint with three degrees of freedom in rotation, the joint being moved by three actuators each acting in one of the three degrees of freedom. The invention is of particular use in the production of humanoid robots coming as close as possible to the human anatomy. According to the invention, the first and the second of the actuators act in parallel and the third of the actuators acts in series with the first and the second of the actuators.

Abstract: A guard for a chain and chain ring of a bicycle includes a bracket and a bracket extension. The bracket extension has a first end and a second end, and at least the second end is integrally formed. The second end includes a U-shaped configuration configured to house a chain retainer. The bracket and the bracket extension may be secured to one another using two fasteners. The bracket and the bracket extension may rotate relative to one another when only one of the fasteners is attached and may be fixed relative to one another when both of the fasteners are attached.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar stem is a hollow tube which has a slot defined therein. The hollow tube has a reinforcement portion to reinforce the structural strength of the hollow tube. A receiving space is defined between the reinforcement portion and the hollow tube. A display unit is located in the receiving space and has at least one Liquid Crystal Display screen, an operation button and an enter button. The display unit has a room to receive a power source therein. The display unit protrudes beyond the outer surface of the hollow tube.

Abstract: A rehabilitation device includes a wheeled platform with first and second pedals, the first and second pedals engaging drive mechanisms for first and second rear wheels of the device, respectively. First and second braking mechanisms provide independent braking of the first and second rear wheels of the device. The independent braking mechanisms of the rehabilitation device provide a method of steering the device.

Abstract: A leaning vehicle has a frame pivotally connected to a shock tower, at least one biasing member connected to the frame, front left and right suspension assemblies each having a shock absorber connected to the shock tower, two front ground engaging members, a rear suspension assembly, and a rear ground engaging member. The at least one biasing member applies a first force to the shock tower when the frame has pivoted relative to the shock tower. When the frame pivots left, a force is transferred to the front left ground engaging member by the left shock absorber to apply a force having a downward component to the front left ground engaging member. When the frame pivots right, a force is transferred to the front right ground engaging member by the right shock absorber to apply a force having a downward component to the front right ground engaging member.

Abstract: To provide a vehicle body frame for a motorcycle which includes a head pipe having good dimensional accuracy. A head pipe includes a left half which is obtained by die forming, a right half which is obtained by die forming, and beads with which the right half is integrated with the left half by laser welding. The head pipe is formed by joining the left half and the right half to each other with the first and second beads which are laser weld beads. Laser weld beads are significantly smaller in bead width than arc weld beads, and therefore their shrinkage after their solidification is significantly smaller. As a result, a head pipe having good dimensional accuracy is obtained.

Abstract: A battery or mechanically powered, foldable, light two-wheel or three-wheel vehicle that is rapidly lockable and unlockable at two points. The vehicle includes an upper frame pipe consisting of two parallel parts, whose front end is connected to an upright element connecting the front wheel fork and the vehicle's handlebar with a certain length of the distal end of the upper frame pipe extending distally from under the saddle; a lower frame pipe consisting of two parallel parts, whose front end is connected to the upright element connecting the front wheel fork with the vehicle's handlebar, with the rear wheel or wheels located at the distal end; a support pipe consisting of two parallel parts between the saddle and the lower frame pipe, and extending below the lower frame pipe so that the lower end of the support pipe is equipped with leg supports. The vehicle has auxiliary transportation wheels.

Abstract: A transmission system for vehicles, including bicycles, is disclosed. The system aligns a chain or other drive means to a center of each of a plurality of provided sprockets, allows for a smaller, lighter and more durable shifter/controller, and reduces various complications associated with cable slack and shifting. A derailleur is provided with linear actuated features to directly translate drive means from one position to another along a desired path.

Abstract: A bicycle operating device is provided with a position maintaining arrangement that selectively maintains a movable member in any one of a plurality of holding positions relative to a fixed member. The moving arrangement selectively moves the movable member in a first moving direction from a current holding position to another one of the plurality of holding positions. The first operating member moves in a first operating direction from a rest position to a first end position, and moves in a second operating direction from the rest position to a second end position. The movable member is moved by a different number of the holding positions in the first moving direction when the first operating member moves from the rest position to the first end position as compared to when the first operating member moves from the rest position to the second end position.

Abstract: The control lever (120) comprises a substantially cylindrical body (130) for mounting in the actuation device (100) and an arm (140), which projects with respect to the body (130) according to a main axis (A) substantially tangential to the upper part of the body (130) and is intended to face forwards in the direction of travel of the bicycle. The arm (140) comprises a first upper pressure area (141), concave and adjacent to the body (130), and a second lower pressure area (142), remote from the body (130).

Abstract: An operating device is provided that is configured to be attached to a handlebar of a bicycle. The operating device includes a first operating unit and a second operating unit. The first operating unit includes a first input part and a fixing part configured to be fixed on the handlebar. The second operating unit includes a second input part that is rotationally arranged around an axis of the handlebar. The second operating unit is detachably attached on the first operating unit.

Abstract: A scooter having shock-absorbing members mounted on the front and rear sides of the scooter, thereby allowing a quick recovery when changing directions while riding or when riding over an obstacle on the road, and minimizing an impact transmitted along the road surface during running and a fatigue transmitted to a user even in long term riding.

Abstract: A guide member for a vehicle shock absorber having a construction with which, even when the guide member contacts an inside tube member, the operation of the vehicle shock absorber is not obstructed. A vehicle shock absorber system is provided with an outer tube, an inner tube, a damper cylinder which is connected to the outer tube and is positioned on the inside of the inner tube, a spring guide which is fixed onto the outer circumferential surface of the damper cylinder, and a coil spring which is positioned between the inner tube and the spring guide. The spring guide is provided with a guide main body portion and a low friction portion provided in a portion of the guide main body portion which contacts the inner tube when the outer tube and/or the inner tube has been bent. The low friction portion has a lower coefficient of friction than the guide main body portion.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a drive system. The drive system comprises a drive shaft and a driven wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a split axle coupled perpendicular to the drive shaft. An overrunning clutch is coupled between each section of the split axle and the drive shaft. A wheel is coupled to spin with each axle section. The wheels receive power from the drive shaft and are driven so that when power is applied from the drive shaft to the driven wheel assembly, whichever wheel that is spinning the slowest receives the power. The drive system may be incorporated into any number of vehicles to improve traction around turns, improve wheel slippage on uneven terrain and generates new options for how and where vehicles may be ridden.

Abstract: A cycle with tapered drivetrain connections. The cycle includes a frame, a crank rotatably connected to the frame, and a driven wheel rotatably connected to the frame. The crank includes a crank arm and a crank spindle rotatably connected to the frame and non-rotatably connected to the crank arm. The crank spindle includes a crank mating surface to interface with the crank arm. The diameter of the crank spindle continuously decreases along at least a portion of the crank mating surface in a lateral direction. The crank arm includes a crank bore to interface with the crank mating surface. At least a portion of the crank bore has a diameter that continuously decreases in lateral direction. At least a portion of the crank bore taper has a taper rate and diameter equal to a taper rate and diameter of at least a portion of the crank spindle taper.

Abstract: A spindle structure for a pedal includes a pedal body having a through hole formed from one end thereof to another end thereof, two ends of the through hole respectively defined as a first end opening and a second end opening; and a spindle body assembled on the pedal body, the spindle body having an insert portion and a threaded portion respectively defined at two ends thereof, the insert portion inserted into the through hole of the pedal body, a tip portion of the insert portion defined as a positioning portion, a periphery of the positioning portion gradually widened toward the second end opening, the threaded portion exposed from the first end opening, the positioning portion exposed from the second end opening.

Abstract: A battery-assisted bicycle includes a driving unit that accurately detects a failure in each of a torque detector, a crank rotation detector, and a motor rotation detector. The driving unit includes a crankshaft to which pedals are to be connected, a motor rotation detector that detects rotation of an electric motor, a torque detector that detects a torque generated at the crankshaft, a crank rotation detector that detects rotation of the crankshaft, and a sensor failure detector that detects a failure in at least one of the motor rotation detector, the torque detector, and the crank rotation detector based on detection results from the motor rotation detector, the torque detector, and the crank rotation detector.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes an extended and lower frame arrangement, a front wheel coupled to the extended and lower frame arrangement via a front wheel extension member to frontwardly extend a distance between the extended and lower frame arrangement and the front wheel, a rear wheel coupled to the extended and lower frame arrangement via a widen hub assembly to rearwardly extend a distance between the extended and lower frame arrangement and the rear wheel, such that the front wheel and the rear wheel are shifted far from the extended and lowered frame arrangement to lengthen a distance between the front wheel and the rear wheel so as to further lower a center of gravity of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A multi-directional signal assembly includes a signal display assembly having one or more display surfaces, and at least one signal indicia affixed to each display surface. The multi-directional display assembly comprises a buoyant construction such that the signal indicia affixed to the display surface(s) are readily visible above the surface of a body of water in which the assembly is deployed. A counterweight assembly is mounted to the signal display assembly to maintain the signal display assembly in a substantially upright, operative orientation when deployed. An illumination assembly comprising one or more illumination members is mounted to the signal display assembly, and is actuated to increase visibility of the signal display assembly while it is deployed on the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus having: a pressure chamber and a gas-producing microorganism within the chamber. The pressure chamber is capable of maintaining a gas pressure of at least 0.5 psi above atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A vertical oil storage system is disclosed, having an oil tank for storing oil and water, an oil caisson coupled to the top of the oil tank, a water caisson coupled to the bottom of the oil tank, and a containment saucer at the interface between the oil and the water stored in the oil tank. Additionally, there is a water pipe extending from an upper water sump in the center well to the water caisson, a water passageway extending from the center well to the water caisson, and an oil pipe extending from the topside facility to the oil caisson.

Abstract: Provided is an arctic drill ship in which a weather tight structure protecting a drill floor and a drilling work area from outside air is coupled to a side strake around the 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 part 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 transparent and buoyant aquatic recreation board is provided. The board includes an elongated buoyant body having front and rear ends and upper and lower surfaces extending between the front and rear ends. The body is constructed of a substantially transparent material. A support frame is disposed within the body and provides support to the body against collapsing. The support frame has a main spar extending between the front and the rear ends of the body, a first plurality of transverse spars extending laterally outward from a first longitudinal side of the main spar at spaced intervals, and a second plurality of transverse spars extending laterally outward from a second longitudinal side of the main spar at spaced intervals.

Abstract: A double counterlung for the breathing circuit of a diver has regulators (41, 51) for automatic addition and venting of breathing gas. Also disclosed is a weighted hinged plate (3) for a double counterlung, to reduce breathing effort when the diver is horizontal. Other improvements to the breathing circuit are described including use of a two stage compressor (151, 155), and single actuator valves for back-up circuits.

Abstract: Provided are a salvage container and a salvaging method capable of salvaging ammunition dumped into the sea using a simple configuration while more reliably suppressing the leakage of a chemical agent from the ammunition. A salvage container includes: a container body (30); a lid (40) that blocks an opening portion of the container body (30); a gasket (70) that is formed of a compressively deformable member and that blocks a gap between an inner side surface (33) of the container body (30) and the lid (40) from the outer side in a specific direction; and a gasket presser (50) that clamps the gasket (70) between the gasket presser (50) and the lid (40).

Abstract: There is provided a high power laser system for powering a remotely located laser device, such as an ROV, using a high power laser fiber optic tether and a photo-conversion device, such as a laser photovoltaic assembly. Laser device systems, such as ROV systems that utilizes a high power laser cutting and/or cleaning tools are also provided.

Abstract: A marine vessel comprising: at least one buoyant tubular foil; and at least one baffle plate positioned about the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil so as to protrude into the flow of water passing by the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil, whereby to create a high-pressure zone fore of the at least one baffle plate and a low-pressure zone immediately aft of the at least one baffle plate, whereby to create a dense stream of supercavitated water immediately aft of the at least one baffle plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silencer duct for a ship's propeller using resonant barrels, wherein the ship's propeller is surrounded by the silencer duct so as to deaden underwater noises of various frequencies generated by the propeller, the duct being made into a cylindrical form to surround the propeller arranged in the side or rear part of the ship so as to guide the fluid direction as the propeller rotates, and the inside of the duct being provided with a plurality of resonant barrels for damping resonant frequencies arranged in the form of n×m (herein, n and m are natural numbers except 0) so as to damp the sound waves generated by the rotation of the propeller.

Abstract: A sail for sailboats is described. The sail having portions wherein shape memory elements in the form of filiform members made of a shape memory alloy are incorporated, the surface area resulting from the sum of the surface areas of the portions incorporating shape memory alloy elements being between 0.01% and 50% of the surface area of the whole sail. A control apparatus is also disclosed for controlling the operation of the sail. A method is further disclosed for controlling operation of a sailboat sail.

Abstract: A joint is provided for a double bladed paddle which allows for the angle between the blades to be adjusted relative to one another. The joint is formed from joining a female body recessed into a first shaft with a male body extending from a second shaft. The female body encloses a spring mechanism abutted by teeth of a crown with receiving grooves. The male body has protuberances which fit within the receiving grooves leading to the spring mechanism which when pushed in by the male body allows the protuberances to move past the receiving grooves and rotate to slot into the pockets formed between the teeth of the crown.

Abstract: A dog clutch selectively meshes with a forward gear and a reverse gear according to an operation of a shift operating member such that connection of the forward gear or the reverse gear to a propeller shaft is changed. A friction clutch transmits the rotation of a drive shaft to the propeller shaft by a first friction surface and a second friction surface contacting together. Before a shifting stage in which the dog clutch meshes with the forward gear or with the reverse gear, a control unit is configured or programmed to control an actuator so as to execute synchronization control by making the first friction surface and the second friction surface of the friction clutch contact one another.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the use of an optimal altitude controller for super pressure aerostatic balloon in connection with a balloon network. The aerostatic balloon includes a bladder containing a gas that is lighter than the air present in the environment of the balloon. Additionally, the aerostatic balloon includes an envelope filled with air. A mass-changing unit configured to selectively add or remove air may control the amount of air in the envelope. Further, the balloon has a communication module configured to transmit data relating to a current balloon state, and receives data relating to a desired balloon state. Additionally, the balloon includes a processor configured to control the mass-changing unit based on the desired balloon state. The mass-changing unit of the aerostatic balloon may be powered by a renewable energy source, such as solar power. The mass-changing unit adds or removes air with an impeller.

Abstract: A self-stabilizing bladder or ballonet is provided within an envelope of a balloon. The bladder includes a spheroid body comprising an equator, a top pole, a bottom pole, and an axis crossing through the top pole and the bottom pole. The distance between two poles may be less than the equatorial distance. The bladder is sized and shaped for insertion into an envelope of a balloon and is inflatable to provide altitude control for the balloon.

Abstract: A self-stabilizing bladder or ballonet is provided within an envelope of a balloon. The bladder includes a spheroid body comprising an equator, a top pole, a bottom pole, and an axis crossing through the top pole and the bottom pole. The distance between two poles may be less than the equatorial distance. The bladder is sized and shaped for insertion into an envelope of a balloon and is inflatable to provide altitude control for the balloon.

Abstract: A method for balloon launching may include loading a pre-packaged balloon and payload into a shell structure. The pre-packaged balloon may be pulled out of its packaging in a vertical direction, for instance using a gantry crane. The gantry crane may be configured to inflate the balloon from the top of the envelope. The balloon may be inflated while substantially within the shell structure, which may provide protection from wind gusts. A vehicle, such as a heavy forklift, may provide mobility and support for the balloon and shell. Optionally, once the balloon is inflated, the vehicle may move the balloon/shell combination at a rate and direction substantially matching the current wind direction/speed. Furthermore, after reaching a zero-velocity condition relative to the wind, the vehicle may assist and/or initiate the opening of the shell. A tether connecting the balloon to the shell structure may be disconnected, allowing the balloon to launch.

Abstract: The invention relates to an emergency opening device for an aircraft door provided with an opening mechanism (10, 11, 17), said device comprising (i) a mobile maneuvering member (21-23, 35) urged by elastic compression means (20) and provided with an end piece (35) connecting to the opening mechanism of the door, and an opposing resetting end segment; and (ii) a member (26) for retaining the resetting segment (23) of the maneuvering member, comprising jaws (26a, 26b) that can move between a closed position in which the resetting segment is locked, in a maneuvering member position in which the elastic means (20) are compressed, and an open position in which the resetting segment is released, thereby allowing the movement of the maneuvering member under the resultant force from the expansion of the elastic means (20).

Abstract: An aircraft structural assembly includes an area element which has a core and an outer layer. A first surface of the area element is convexly curved, at least in certain sections, relative to an imaginary central area of the area element extending through the core of the area element. By contrast, a second surface of the area element located opposite the first surface is oriented, at least in certain sections, parallel to the imaginary central area of the area element extending through the core of the area element. The area element is configured in the form of a floor panel of a floor system. The first or the second surface of the area element is designed to form a walkable floor surface of the floor system in the state of the aircraft structural assembly when mounted in an aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aircraft having variable airframe geometry for accommodating efficient flight. The aircraft includes an elongated fuselage, an oblique wing pivotally connected with said fuselage, a wing pivoting mechanism connected with said oblique wing and said fuselage, and a brace operably connected between said oblique wing and said fuselage. The present invention also provides an aircraft having an elongated fuselage, an oblique wing pivotally connected with said fuselage, a wing pivoting mechanism connected with said oblique wing and said fuselage, a propulsion system pivotally connected with said oblique wing, and a brace operably connected between said propulsion system and said fuselage.

Abstract: A device for reducing structural vibrations of airfoils in an aircraft comprises, in the region of the airfoil tips, at least one force generator acting substantially in the direction of movement of the vibrations. This arrangement has the advantage that such a force generator is considerably less susceptible to wear than conventional aerodynamic flaps and therefore effective vibration damping is possible with a reduced outlay on maintenance and greater efficiency.

Abstract: An aircraft wing system for differentially adjusting a first deployable lift device and a second deployable lift device on a wing during take-off and landing, the system having a controller, which is programmed to determine desired positions for the first and second deployable lift devices, based on a desired position signal, and to activate high and low horsepower motors to move the first deployable lift devices to desired positions. The system has a controller which determines an adjustment amount for each motor, based on the system architecture.

Abstract: An actuator control system for coupling to one or more flight control computers (FCCs); comprising: apparatus for controlling an aerodynamic control surface in response to commands received from one or more FCCs, and, integrated with the controlling apparatus, a failure protection system comprising apparatus arranged to provide at least one of the following functionalities: a servo monitor functionality, a command monitor functionality, and a loop closure functionality. Thus, in the overall flight control system, some or all of the elements of the failure protection system are located in the actuator control stage.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling positioning of flaps in an aircraft includes a shift lever movable to each of a plurality of shift lever positions to control positioning of the flaps of the aircraft to each of a respective plurality of associated flap positions. A shift lever indexing plate includes a plurality of engagement positions associated with the plurality of shift lever positions, respectively, the shift lever being coupled to an engagement member, the engagement member moving with the shift lever and being biased to selectively engage a selected one of the plurality of the engagement positions associated with a selected one of the shift lever positions to command the aircraft flaps to the flap position associated with the selected one of the shift lever positions.

Abstract: An system for increasing the descent rate of an aircraft may include a flight control computer, an edge control system, and a speedbrake control device. The flight control computer may be configured to compute a first setting for a leading edge device and/or a trailing edge device of an aircraft wing. The edge control system may be communicatively coupled to the flight control computer and may include an edge control device having a plurality of control device positions including a cruise position. The speedbrake control device may include a plurality of speedbrake detents including a flight detent. The edge control system may be configured to automatically command the leading edge device, the trailing edge device, or both, to a deflection angle corresponding to the first setting if the edge control device is in the cruise position and the speedbrake control device is in the flight detent.

Abstract: A configuration and system for rendering an aircraft spin resistant is disclosed. Resistance of the aircraft to spinning is accomplished by constraining a stall cell to a wing region adjacent to the fuselage and distant from the wing tip. Wing features that facilitate this constraint include but are not limited to one or more cuffs, stall strips, vortex generators, wing twists, wing sweeps and horizontal stabilizers. Alone or in combination, aircraft configuration features embodied by the present invention render the aircraft spin resistant by constraining the stall cell, which allows control surfaces of the aircraft to remain operational to control the aircraft.

Abstract: A method for attenuating aerodynamic noise from a landing gear may include researching a start point of a shear layer as a flow field characteristic of a region in the vicinity of an original shape of the landing gear, and adding a plate-shaped object in the vicinity of the start point, changing the start point to an edge portion of the plate-shaped object to make the shear layer farther from the original shape. Another method for attenuating aerodynamic noise from a landing gear may include researching a static pressure and an airflow velocity in a region in the vicinity of the landing gear as a flow field characteristic of the region, and adding a plate-shaped object covering a surface of the landing gear which is different from a surface facing an upstream side in an airflow direction, increasing the static pressure in the region to reduce the airflow velocity.

Abstract: This application describes the software invented to control a dual electric motor system. The dual electric motor system is a Chorus Motor system applied to electric drive for aircraft taxi. The software uses closed-loop control together with several other control laws to operate the motors. Knowledge of the current operating state of the motors, together with knowledge of the commands given to taxi forward, taxi in reverse, or brake in reverse, is used to configure the motors to optimal operating parameters. The software architecture is described along with the pilot interface and many details of software implementation.