Abstract: [Problem] An object of the present invention is to provide an electric power steering apparatus that does not give uncomfortable feeling to a driver by detecting that the driver steers a steering wheel in an automatic steering mode by means of a steering torque from a torque sensor and switching to a manual steering mode by a capacity (an integrated value) corresponding to the occurring torque magnitude.

Abstract: A target-travel-path generating circuit calculates a target travel path along which a controlled object can travel in the future from a current controlled object position. An ideal-control-signal calculating circuit calculates a control profile to travel along the target travel path, and a difference calculating circuit calculates a difference between an ideal control magnitude and a current control magnitude. A controller controls an operation system based on a magnitude of the difference to assist a control operation and a control-operation-state of an operator, an environment-state, and a required operation-precision. The operator receives assistance corresponding to the magnitude of the difference from an ideal control state, the control-operation-state, the environment-state, and the required operation-precision. An outputted control-operation assistance control is suitable for conditions that characterize the operator state, the environment, and the controlled object.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes an input shaft to which steering force from a steering wheel is applied, an output shaft to which assisting force generated by an electric motor is applied, and a torque detection sleeve. One of the input shaft and the output shaft includes a cylindrical portion having a female stopper portion and a circumferential groove. The other of the input shaft and the output shaft has a male stopper portion being in concave-convex engagement with the female stopper portion and relatively rotatable in a given angular range. An edge of a base end portion of the torque detection sleeve is clinched to the circumferential groove. The circumferential groove is provided on a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion radially overlapping a stopper engagement region in which the female stopper portion and the male stopper portion are engaged with each other.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for vehicle includes a wheel, at least one lower suspension link and one upper part, the wheel being arranged to rotate at 360°, to steer the vehicle around a pivot line, a projection of the pivot line onto a vertical projection plane including a vertical axis passing through a contact point between the wheel and ground defining a caster angle (?) with the vertical axis. The wheel assembly includes a at least one screw arranged to adjust the caster angle (?) such that the position of the upper part is moveable relative to the vehicle along a first degree of freedom and a second degree of freedom.

Abstract: A land vehicle steering system capable of selectively moving the left and right steerable wheels inboard and outboard of the vehicle, and selectively adjusting the distance between the left and right steerable wheels. The steering system includes left and right steering assemblies. Each assembly includes: a pivot arm pivotally secured to the vehicle about a first pivot axis; a first hydraulic cylinder secured between the pivot arm and the vehicle; a wheel end pivotally secured to the pivot arm about a steering axis; and, a second hydraulic cylinder secured between the wheel end and the pivot arm. Actuation of the first hydraulic cylinders rotates the pivot arms about their first pivot axes and moves the wheel ends inboard and outboard of the vehicle. Actuation of the second hydraulic cylinders rotates the wheel ends and steerable wheels thereon relative to their pivot arm for steering the vehicle.

Abstract: The present description relates to an apparatus and method for fault tolerant trajectory generation of a left-right independent active front steering vehicle that calculates a driving optimal route of a vehicle considering turning radius increase of a vehicle that is generated due to fault management because of a fault generated on any one of steering device between a left or right steering device of a vehicle and turning possible level of a surrounding road.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle front portion structure including: a front side member including a linear portion that extends along the vehicle front and rear direction on the vehicle width direction outside of the vehicle front portion and is disposed on the vehicle front side of a dash panel, and a slanted portion that extends obliquely downward along an undersurface of the dash panel from a rear end portion of the linear portion; and a side portion weak portion disposed in a vehicle width direction outside surface or a vehicle width direction inside surface of the linear portion along a joint between the linear portion and the slanted portion.

Abstract: A method for forming a vehicle body, comprising: forming a rigid tub; mating the rigid tub to a first mold for a superstructure of the vehicle body; and subsequently rigidifying material in the first mold while part of that material is in contact with the tub to thereby form the superstructure of the vehicle body integral with the tub.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting a vehicle sub-frame and a vehicle body and a vehicle comprising the connecting device are also provided. The connecting device comprises a first end adapted to be fastened onto the vehicle sub-frame, and a second end adapted to be fastened onto the vehicle body, and the second end has at least one first branch adapted to be fastened onto a side member of the vehicle body and at least one second branch adapted to be fastened onto a bottom floor of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle frame may comprise a plurality of interlocking frame members forming a three-dimensional structure. The three-dimensional structure may comprise a main body and at least one appendage protruding from the main body. The appendage may have an attachment device disposed thereon for attachment of a component.

Abstract: A vehicle hood panel is formed by bonding an outer panel and an inner panel to each other. Disposed along the outer peripheral edge of the inner panel is an outer peripheral portion to which a cushion member and hinges for attaching the hood panel to a vehicle are to be later fastened. Adhesive bonding surfaces which are to be bonded to the outer panel by mastic are disposed on the region surrounded by the outer peripheral portion, and a plurality of reinforcement beads are formed between the adhesive bonding surfaces. At least some of the adhesive bonding surfaces and/or reinforcement beads are bended so as to extend toward the hinges or the cushion member as seen in a plan view.

Abstract: Mud flap assemblies including a frame, a securing assembly and mud flap panels; the securing assembly enabling the frame to be secured to a hitch assembly having a shaft, for further attachment to a hitch receiver secured to a vehicle; the frame having a rear plate that includes a hitch opening for receiving the shaft of the hitch assembly. The frame is preferably configured to rest on a portion of a bumper of the vehicle to minimize vibration of the frame during use. The mud flap assembly preferably including a pair of stops that are preferably adjustable and are constructed and arranged to rest against the bumper. The mud flap assembly preferably includes enlarged mud flap panels and mud flap support members for additional support of the enlarged mud flap panels. Methods of installing mud flap assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A suspension subframe is secured to an insert member embedded in a core material of an inclined wall of a dash panel. The core material is formed from corrugated plate having a multiplicity of concave-convex portions extending in the fore-and-aft direction. One apex of the insert member is oriented in the vehicle width direction, and two sides of the insert member, proximate the apex, abut against the core material. When a load in the vehicle width direction is inputted from the suspension system into the subframe, it is possible, by absorbing the load by dispersing it from the two sides sandwiching the apex of the insert member toward the core material of the inclined wall of the dash panel, to enhance the support rigidity of the subframe with respect to the inclined wall of the dash panel without excessively complicating the structure of the insert member.

Abstract: The present application relates to a wall panel for recreational vehicles. In one representative embodiment, a wall panel for a recreational vehicle comprises a main body defining at least one pre-formed panel opening, and an inwardly extending peripheral flange located along a perimeter of the at least one pre-formed panel opening. The wall panel is configured to be mounted onto a structural wall of the recreational vehicle such that the peripheral flange covers an inner surface of a corresponding opening defined in the structural wall.

Abstract: A device for a slidable assembly may include a support channel, defined by first, second, and third support sides and including a primary support bearing and a tertiary support bearing, and a slide channel, defined by first, second, and third slide sides and including a primary slide bearing and a tertiary slide bearing. In an assembled state, the slide channel may fit around the support channel such that the primary support bearing contacts the first slide side and the primary slide bearing contacts the first support side such that the first slide channel is configured to slide longitudinally with respect to the first support channel, and the tertiary support bearing contacts the first slide channel and the tertiary slide bearing contacts the first support channel to restrict lateral transition of the first slide channel with respect to the first support channel.

Abstract: A robotic system that can have a body and four flippers is described. Any or all of the flippers can be rotated. The flippers can have self-cleaning tracks. The tracks can be driven or passive. The robotic system can be controlled by, and send audio and/or video to and/or from, a remote operator control module. The methods of using and making the robotic system are also described.

Abstract: An idler wheel assembly for a mobile machine is disclosed. The idler wheel assembly may have an idler body defining a cavity between a hub portion and a rim portion. The idler wheel assembly may also have a sound suppression device. The sound suppression device may have a first side plate attached to the idler body and enclosing at least a portion of the cavity to form a closed space, and a second side plate attached to the idler body. The sound suppression device may further have a dampening member disposed between the first side plate and the second side plate, and dampening material positioned inside the closed space and in contact with a surface of an inner portion of the rim portion.

Abstract: In a crawler belt coupling apparatus, a first crawler belt link has a first through hole, and a first cutout in an inner circumferential surface of a first through hole. A master pin is inserted in the first through hole of the first crawler belt link, and has a second cutout in an outer circumferential surface thereof. A first recess is constructed of the first cutout and the second cutout, and has an opening at an end portion of the first through hole. A first knock pin is disposed such that one end surface thereof faces the opening. A first snap ring has a C-like shape, and is disposed to be separated from the one end surface of the first knock pin with a space therebetween or disposed in abutment with the one end surface.

Abstract: An apparatus having a self-contained hydraulic power module in operable communication with the apparatus, the module capable of being readily connected and disconnected to the apparatus for ready installation and/or replacement of the module as desired.

Abstract: An example method may include i) determining, by a robot having at least one foot, a representation of a coefficient of friction between the foot and a ground surface; ii) determining, by the robot, a representation of a gradient of the ground surface; iii) based on the determined representations of the coefficient of friction and the gradient, determining a threshold orientation for a target ground reaction force on the foot of the robot during a step; iv) determining the target ground reaction force, where the target ground reaction force comprises a magnitude and an orientation; v) determining an adjusted ground reaction force by adjusting the orientation of the target ground reaction force to be within the determined threshold orientation; and vi) causing the foot of the robot to apply a force on the ground surface equal to and opposing the adjusted ground reaction force during the step.

Abstract: A smart horn in the form of a combination dual tone, high decibel bicycle horn and beacon light is disclosed. In one embodiment, the smart horn includes a horn for producing sound, a light source for producing light and a housing in which the horn and light source are included. The housing includes light ports and sound ports. The sound ports surround the light ports.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a bicycle rack system providing for bicycle transportation of articles, and more particularly to a system for a quick release, modular, and expandable bicycle rack system. The present invention comprises a bicycle rack system comprising a bottom connector comprising two portions; a front top connector comprising two portions; a rear top connector comprising two portions; tubes both hollow or solid inserted within and secured by the bottom, rear top, and front top connectors; and an adjustable female receiving plate and male insert that is attached to the adjustable female receiving plate. The male insert and female receiving plate are disposed adjacent to a bicycle axle and securably attached to the bottom connector. The unique configuration of the bicycle rack system provides a modular, sturdy, and easily installed bicycle rack.

Abstract: An add-on implement for an open-air vehicle windshield to allow for suitable protection and viewing therethrough while simultaneously forcing blown air over the driver's/rider's/passenger's sight line is provided. Such a device includes a wing that produces a venturi effect when placed a specific range of distances from the windshield's outer surface and having a certain height range relative to the windshield. The venturi action sends air over the top of the windshield as much as four inches higher than a normal open-air vehicle windshield, thereby allowing the driver, etc., the ability to see well over the windshield without the problem of turbulent air in his or her face or on top of his or her head. The device is adjustable to permit the driver on-demand modification of wind displacement height. An open-air vehicle (again, such as a motorcycle) including such a device is also encompassed herein.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle or scooter includes a least one swivel caster wheel supported at the rear of the scooter. The scooter has a body that includes a deck and a handlebar assembly. The scooter includes at least one front wheel with the deck extending between the at least one front wheel and the at least one swivel wheel. The scooter can also include an angled rear portion supporting a rear swivel caster wheel such that the pivot axis of the swivel wheel is inclined with respect to the top surface of the deck. Embodiments of the scooter also include a swivel braking assembly configured to apply a braking force to the at least one swivel wheel.

Abstract: A scooter having a handlebar assembly that includes a vertical portion supporting a handlebar. The vertical portion includes an opening at its top end and the opening is configured to receive an elongate portion of a toy. The assembly also includes a ring portion at the opening of the vertical portion and the ring portion frictionally engages the elongate portion of the toy. The vertical portion and the ring portion are configured to securely support the elongate portion of the toy.

Abstract: An assembly for converting a motorcycle from a two wheel vehicle into a three wheel vehicle having alternate left and right side front wheels. The assembly is constructed to cooperate with an underlying motorcycle frame without physically altering the underlying motorcycle frame. The assembly includes a center frame assembly that is securable to the underlying motorcycle frame and which aligns a support tube of the assembly with a passage defined by a head tube of the motorcycle frame. Respective A-arm assemblies are pivotably secured to alternate lateral sides of the center frame assembly and a steering arm is pivotably attached to each A-arm assembly. A tie rod extends inboard from each steering arm to an area bounded by the center frame assembly and operatively cooperates with a steering shaft that passes through the head tube and the support tube to effectuate turning of the left and right side front wheels.

Abstract: A children's balancing vehicle comprising a front vehicle rack, a handle set, a rear fork, a seat tube and a fastening component. The front vehicle rack has a front fork. A front wheel is assembled below the front fork while a stand pipe is disposed thereon. A vehicle rack body is disposed at a rear of the stand pipe. The handle set is disposed onto the stand pipe. The rear fork has a plastic main body. A rear wheel is disposed below the rear fork. The seat tube passes between the vehicle rack body and the plastic main body of the rear fork. A seat cushion is disposed onto the seat tube. The fastening component passes through the vehicle rack body, the plastic main body of the rear fork and the seat tube so as to mutually assemble and fasten them. Assembly of the children's balancing vehicle can be completed by using simple fastening components.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump including a containment body (2) having inside a cylindrical cavity (3) provided with a conduit (4) communicating with a hydraulic actuator and capable of holding a fluid. A piston (5) is movable in the cylindrical cavity (3) and a reservoir (12) of the fluid is in fluid communication with the cylindrical cavity (3). An actuation device (6) connected to the piston (5) move the piston (5) within the cylindrical cavity (3) to operate the hydraulic actuator. The pump also comprises structure (13) for closing or opening the connection between the reservoir (12) and the cylindrical cavity (3). The reservoir (12) is substantially lined up with the cylindrical cavity (3) along an axis of longitudinal development (X) of same cylindrical cavity (3), so as to reduce the overall dimensions and the weight of the pump.

Abstract: In a sprocket for a bicycle having a radial bearing acting as a bearing portion, an axial load acting on the bearing can be easily adjusted without having to dismount the components of the bicycle after the bicycle has been assembled; a spring washer is used as a component for an anti-rotation mechanism of an adjusting nut which serves to adjust the axial load of the radial bearing, so that an excessive load is not applied on the radial bearing to avoid a defective rotation, and the axial load acting on the radial bearing can be easily adjusted without having to dismount the components of the bicycle even after the bicycle has been assembled.

Abstract: A battery box for an electric cycle includes a battery and a case enclosing the battery. The case includes an air inlet and an air outlet in communication with the air inlet for directing air flow through the case to cool the battery. An adjustable vent is disposed at the air outlet for deflecting the air flow from the air outlet in a selected direction, such as toward an occupant of the electric cycle.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a frame, an engine mounted on the frame, a pair of skis connected to the frame, and a front body including a nose cone, a pair of side panels, and a hood covering a front portion of the frame. The nose cone, the pair of side panels, and the hood are preferably made of plastic.

Abstract: A boat hull having elongated concave tunnels is described. The elongated concave tunnels reduce the amount of drag and water friction with the boat hull in contact with water. A faster plane mode, better speed, stability, and fuel efficiency are achieved. Air is forced through the elongated concave tunnels during planing, thus producing lift and results in the boat achieving the plane mode faster. At cruising speeds and high speeds, more lift is generated by faster air passing through the elongated concave tunnels thus giving generous lift to the boat hull and hence producing minimal friction and drag in contact between the boat hull and the water surface.

Abstract: Mooring device for mooring a ship and comprising a base, a movable arm construction supported by the base, and at least one magnet mounted in a frame, which frame is supported by the movable arm construction, and wherein for mooring the ship the at least one magnet is arranged to attract the ship's hull, wherein at or near the at least one magnet a force generating device is provided comprising a movable force exerting part for applying a force on the ship's hull in order to test whether the magnet attracting the ship's hull provides at least a required mooring force, and that means for measuring for measuring the distance between the at least one magnet and the ship's hull are provided that are connected or connectable to a detection device for detecting whether or not the magnet is loose from the ship's hull.

Abstract: A mooring system for a personal watercraft includes a bow bracket, a console bracket and a stern bracket. The bow bracket is secured to the bow of the craft. The console bracket is secured to the console of the craft. The stern bracket is secured to the stern of the craft.

Abstract: A subsea payload such as an AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle) or an AUV garage is lifted from an underwater location by flying a latch unit through the water to the payload. The latch unit carries a lift line toward the payload. The latch unit is then attached to the payload and the payload is lifted using tension applied through the lift line via the latch unit. The latch unit can also be used on a lift line to lower a payload and then to release the payload at an underwater location. The lift line is supported by a heave-compensating winch on a surface vessel that effects z-axis movement of the latch unit. The winch maintains tension on the lift line to prevent the lift line falling on the payload. Movement of the latch unit on x- and y-axes is effected by on-board thrusters.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that provides a cohesive, harmonized look to aircraft galleys and other aircraft areas. The system allows airlines to easily change the decorative front fascia of galley (and other) airline components, even while the components are installed on the aircraft. The replacement is accomplished without the use of tools or extensive manual effort by providing replaceable and interchangeable panels for use on aircraft or other passenger transport vehicles or vessels.

Abstract: Systems and methods may include an enclosable, modular floating dry dock, which may comprise a plurality of floodable flotation modules coupled to a central support member at spaced intervals, such that gaps are formed between successive flotation modules. Each gap may be spanned by a deck and/or wall. A working volume may be defined between an interior of the floating dry dock and a supported watercraft. The working volume may be environmentally enclosed by drapes coupled to the dry dock.

Abstract: A personal propulsion device for use with a pressurized fluid source having a throttle, the personal propulsion device including a passenger assembly; one or more fluid discharge ports coupled to the passenger assembly and operable to elevate the passenger assembly and a passenger into the air; a fluid delivery conduit in fluid communication with the one or more fluid discharge ports; a first inductance coil coupled to the fluid delivery conduit; a second inductance coil coupled to the fluid delivery conduit and rotatable with respect to the first inductance coil; and a throttle controller coupled to the passenger assembly, where the throttle controller is configured to transmit a signal across the first and second inductance coils to the pressurized fluid source.

Abstract: A quick change bearing holder apparatus for a rotating shaft including a shaft housing, a conical bearing holder and a bearing retainer element. The shaft housing has a conical socket. The conical bearing holder has an outer conical surface compatible with the conical socket of the shaft housing. The bearing retainer element mounts to the shaft housing to urge the bearing holder into the conical socket of the shaft housing. Lubrication feed lines and openings and drain lines and openings may be included in the shaft housing and conical bearing holder. Lubrication may further be facilitated using circumferential grooves in the shaft housing or the conical bearing holder. The outer conical surface of the conical bearing holder may have a taper angle that forms a self ejecting taper.

Abstract: A boat maneuvering joystick, system and method for maneuvering a boat. The joystick has a base with sensors arranged for detecting a position of the maneuvering stick. The maneuvering stick comprises a first bidirectional control knob and a second bidirectional control knob, arranged movably relative each other. The joystick comprises first control sensors detecting a first position of the first bidirectional control knob and second control sensors detecting a second position of the stern control knob. The system comprises a maneuvering control unit comprising a bow thruster output terminal and a propulsion output terminal. The maneuvering control unit is arranged for receiving position, first and second control signals and calculating a bow thruster signal and a propulsion signal. A dual mode joystick is also shown.

Abstract: A decompression unit is suitable for use in a decompression opening of a wall element of an aircraft. The unit includes a panel which can be mounted via a frame in or over the decompression opening. The panel can be moved out of the frame at a predetermined differential pressure ?p in order to open the decompression opening. In order to form a decompression unit of as simple a design as possible and with an optimum response behavior, the panel is formed by at least one hardened prepreg layer with at least one separating joint that is filled with cured resin as a predetermined breaking point. The separating joint breaks when the predetermined differential pressure is exceeded.

Abstract: A frame for reinforcing a hull of a craft, particularly an aircraft, contains at least one frame element that is shaped in accordance with the curvature of the hull and has recesses at a side facing the hull for the passage of longitudinal beams of the craft. Each frame element is integrally formed from a fiber-reinforced plastic composite material and the recesses are configured as integral cut-outs of each frame element.

Abstract: An aircraft nose structure comprising frames (2, 4, 6), a lower windshield frame member (12) and an upper windshield frame member (14) which are adapted to receive a windshield. The lower windshield frame member (12) has an arcuate shape with two branches which are connected together by a tie-rod (26).

Abstract: A cabin structural unit for attaching cabin installation elements is provided for an aircraft. The cabin structural unit is set up in such a way that a cabin installation element is attachable. The cabin structural unit is implemented as self-supporting and fastenable to an aircraft structure.

Abstract: The self closing aircraft door includes two overlapping door panels and is attached to an outer skin of the aircraft by a plurality of suction cups. Each of the door panels comprises a net material at least partially surrounded by a flexible frame. Each of the panels also includes essentially parallel connecting rods comprising a plurality of magnetic and non-magnetic segments. The door is structured so that in the closed position, the magnetic segments in the connecting rods of the two panels join and thereby create a physical barrier to insects which might otherwise enter the aircraft cabin.

Abstract: An aircraft lifting surface with a main supporting structure comprising upper and lower faces defining its aerodynamic profile, front and rear faces oriented towards, respectively, the leading and trailing edges, a first set of transverse ribs extended from the front face to the rear face and a second set of transverse ribs crossing the front face and/or the rear face. The integration of leading and trailing edge ribs in the main supporting structure allows a weight and cost reduction of aircraft lifting surfaces. A manufacturing method of said main supporting structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine (10) having an axial flow direction (X) therethrough in use. The gas turbine engine (10) comprises one or more rotor stages each comprising at least one rotor blade (120) having a root portion (122). The gas turbine engine (10) comprises a shroud (122) located upstream of one or more of the rotor stages relative to the axial flow direction (X). The shroud (122) defines a through passageway (128) extending between an inlet (130) and an outlet (132) which comprises a diffuser region (138). The diffuser region (138) is configured to reduce the axial velocity of air exiting the outlet (132) relative to air entering the diffuser portion (138) in use, wherein the outlet (132) is located such that air exiting the outlet (132) is directed substantially to the root portion (122) only of the rotor blades (120).

Abstract: A method of servicing a shock strut of a landing gear includes partially filling the shock strut with fresh oil and pressurizing the chamber with gas. The pressurizing is to a pressure level that compensates for expected gas pressure loss due to gas entrainment in the oil during operation of the shock strut. The method can be performed without weight on wheels, with weight on wheels and a constant strut stroke, or weight on wheels and a constant pressure.

Abstract: A vibration reduction device includes: an elastic body; a dynamic mass; and a controllable mass. The dynamic mass is supported by an object of vibration reduction through the elastic body. An actuator causes the controllable mass to move with respect to the dynamic mass. Such a vibration reduction device can vary the frequency and the amplitude at which the dynamic mass vibrates with respect to the object of vibration reduction by causing the controllable mass to move appropriately with respect to the dynamic mass, thereby enabling vibration of the object of vibration reduction to be reduced more reliably. In addition, such a vibration reduction device can reduce vibration of a certain frequency of the object of vibration reduction even when the controllable mass is fixed with respect to the dynamic mass.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods for forming a multiple-articulated flying system (skybase) having a high aspect ratio wing platform, operable to loiter over an area of interest at a high altitude are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, autonomous modular flyers join together in a wingtip-to-wingtip manner. Such modular flyers may derive their power from insolation. The autonomous flyers may include sensors which operate individually, or collectively after a skybase is formed. The skybase preferably may be aggregated, disaggregated, and/or re-aggregated as called for by the prevailing conditions. Thus, it may be possible to provide a “forever-on-station” aircraft.