Abstract: An initial check is executed individually on each group of a plurality of groups constituted by a plurality of multiphase windings (3a, 3b) of a motor (3) and a plurality of inverter circuits (9a, 9b) corresponding respectively thereto, opening/closing control is executed on a plurality of relays (6a, 6b) in accordance with an implementation result of the initial check so that respective timings at which power is supplied to the plurality of inverter circuits are offset, and drive control is executed on the plurality of inverter circuits in accordance with the implementation result of the initial check. so that respective currents passed through the plurality of multiphase windings are offset.

Abstract: In a power steering device and a control device for a vehicle-mounted instrument, an abnormality detection accuracy of sensor output signals is increased. In an electric power steering device and a control device for a vehicle-mounted instrument, judgment for the abnormality of the sensor output signals is carried out by using at least four or more sensor output signals, in which when the sensor output signals satisfy both a first condition (viz., the number of the output signals showing an identical value is the largest) and a second condition (viz., the number is equal to or larger than “n+1”) (n=the largest number of the sensor output signals that have a common factor), judgement is so made that the sensor output signals that satisfy the first and second conditions are normal and the other signals are abnormal.

Abstract: Provided is an electric power steering system that achieves a more appropriate steering feel. An ECU of the electric power steering system calculates a basic assist component and a target pinion angle based on at least steering torque. The ECU calculates a correction component for the basic assist component through feedback control in which an actual pinion angle is caused to match the target pinion angle. The ECU calculates an assist command value by adding the correction component to the basic assist component. The ECU corrects a hysteresis controlled variable and a viscosity component according to the rate of change (gradient) in a spring component with respect to a change in absolute value of the target pinion angle. Specifically, the ECU multiplies the hysteresis controlled variable and the viscosity component by gains that have a larger value as the rate of change in spring component increases.

Abstract: A steering apparatus and a steering assist method are capable of being preferably used for a first curve and a second carve which are different in cornering direction and which are sequentially provided. When a vehicle travels through the first curve and the second curve, a controller in the steering apparatus shifts a steering angle control value with respect to a steering angle detection value in response to returning of a steering wheel and decrease of steering assist torque to a torque threshold value while the vehicle is running in the first curve and starts generation of the steering assist torque for the second curve before the steering angle detection value returns to a sensor median due to returning of the steering wheel.

Abstract: Provided is a power steering sensor assembly which is capable of maintaining a stable coupling between a sensing device and a housing without using a separate auxiliary member, and is mounted in an electric power steering system. The power steering sensor assembly includes a sensing device including a plurality of coupling projections formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and a first housing having the sensing device housed therein and including a plurality of coupling grooves formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof, the coupling grooves each having an upper end which is opened. When the sensing device is housed in the first housing, the coupling projections of the sensing device are inserted into the coupling grooves of the first housing, respectively, such that the sensing device is coupled to the first housing without being moved in a radial direction and an axial direction.

Abstract: A power steering system includes a torque modifier module that generates a modified torque command in response to a current sensor fault, a magnitude of the modified torque command changes over a time period. The power steering system also includes a feedforward selection module that applies a dynamic feedforward compensation to a motor current command, thereby generating a motor voltage that is applied to a motor of the power steering system, the dynamic feedforward compensation modifies a frequency response of the power steering system.

Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a steering assistance system for autonomously generating steering commands, a first actuating drive for adjusting a steering angle on a steerable wheel of the vehicle corresponding to the steering commands and a steering wheel that is rotatable coupled to the steering angle by a second actuating drive. The steering assistance system actuates the second actuating drive in order to favor a low-frequency component of a frequency spectrum of changes of the steering angle in the rotation of the steering wheel than a high-frequency component of the frequency spectrum.

Abstract: A trailer backup assist system includes a sensor that measures a hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer. A steering system controls a steering angle of the vehicle between physical angle limits. A controller of the trailer backup assist system generates adaptive angle limits based on a maximum hitch angle rate and generates a steering command within the physical and adaptive angle limits for the vehicle to guide the trailer on a desired curvature.

Abstract: A trailer backup assist system for motor vehicles includes an auxiliary user input feature that can be used by a vehicle operator to provide a steering curvature command corresponding to a desired vehicle path curvature without requiring a user to move a steering wheel of the motor vehicle. The trailer backup assist system is configured to control a vehicle speed while the vehicle is backing up with a trailer attached thereto utilizing an input comprising at least one of a steering curvature command and an angle of a trailer relative to the vehicle. The trailer backup assist system controls at least one of a brake system, an engine torque, and a transmission gear selection to thereby control vehicle speed in a reverse direction.

Abstract: An anti jackknife steering system for an articulated bus is provided. A hydraulic turntable is used for actively generating a calculated force to balance the inertia of a front frame and a trailer frame. Consequently, the joint angle is adjusted to an optimal range, and the possibility of causing an oversteering event or a jackknife event is largely reduced. Moreover, a wheel brake device cooperates with the hydraulic turntable to assist in the steering action of the articulated bus on a snowy road. Consequently, while the articulated bus is driven on a slippery road, the possibility of causing collision is minimized.

Abstract: A support structure of a vehicle body may include left and right inner side sills forming frames of lower portions of sides of the vehicle body in a width direction of the vehicle, an intermediate floor connecting a center floor forming a center portion of floors and a rear floor of the vehicle body, left and right rear side members forming frames of rear portions of the vehicle body in the length direction, and one end portions of inner sides of the left and right rear side members, respectively connected to both end portions of the intermediate floor in the width direction, and left and right front upper support members extending in the width direction, mounted on an upper surface of the intermediate floor, and one ends of the left and right front upper support members, respectively connected to the left and right inner side sills.

Abstract: Side member (23) for a chassis (27) provided with a wheel (26) which side member (23) comprises an upper flange (32) and a lower flange (33). Both of the flanges (32, 33) of the side member (23) have a continuous extension along the whole of the side member's (23) entire length. The upper or lower flange (32, 33) exhibits two oppositely directed curved portions (38, 39) that are both located in front of or behind said wheel (26) so that the curved flange's (32, 33) perpendicular distance to the non-curved flange (32) at one end of the chassis (27) is greater than the corresponding perpendicular distance to the non-curved flange (32) at the other end of the chassis (27). The non-curved flange (32) and the curved flange (33) are connected to one another via at least one connecting member (40, 51, 52).

Abstract: A vehicle body includes a structural member having an inner surface defining an elongated cavity. The structural member includes an outer panel member joined to an inner panel member. A reinforcement member is positioned in the cavity wherein a gap is provided between the reinforcement member and the inner surface of the structural member. The reinforcement member includes an outer section, an inner section and a tension web interposed between and contacting the outer section and inner section. The outer section faces the outer panel member and the inner section faces the inner panel member. The tension web is secured to the outer panel member and inner panel member. An adhesive secured to the reinforcement member is activatable to expand toward the inner surface of the structural member to define a joint between the reinforcement member and the structural member and to at least partially fill the gap.

Abstract: A vehicle frame structural member assembly method includes an elongated frame member and a reinforcement member. The reinforcement member is complementarily arranged adjacent the elongated frame member.

Abstract: A roof segment for a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, wherein the roof segment has a flat base element with a wall, wherein the wall is created from a single, plastically deformed starting material, forms a closed hollow cross section, and encloses one or more cavities. The invention further relates to a method for producing a roof segment that may include plastic deformation of a single starting material to produce a blank that has a wall with a closed hollow cross section, and hotforming the blank to produce the flat base element.

Abstract: This cowl top cover has a cover body section and a vertical wall section which extends vertically from the front end of the cover body section. The vertical wall section is provided with a vertical wall body, an opening which is formed in the vertical wall body, and a cover section has a cover-side bending promotion section which extends in the width direction of the vehicle and which promotes the bending and deformation of the cover section to one side of the length direction of the vehicle. As a result of this configuration, the cowl top cover can consistently exhibit a sufficient impact absorption function when subjected to an impact.

Abstract: A system and method for removing snow and/or ice from one or more zones on an exterior surface of a vehicle are provided. The system includes a plurality of detection/removal zones, each zone having an associated snow sensor and an associated removal element. Detection of snow within any zone by the associated snow sensor automatically activates the associated snow removal element. The method includes detecting and removing snow automatically within at least one zone of a multi-zone removal system of the same type.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mudflap bracket. Namely, this invention relates to an improvement in the mudflap bracket having an arrangement that improves clearance against a truck or trailer frame rail and prevents the bracket or mudflap from catching on the truck or trailer frame rail and angling into the frame rail. This invention alters the arrangement of the typical mudflap bracket so that the bracket attaches in a bottom up.

Abstract: A method for producing a joining connection between a joint housing and at least one connection component including: providing a blank for the fabrication of the joint housing, and providing a connection component with a joint receptacle inserting the blank into the joint receptacle of the connection component and producing the joint housing through forming by cold extrusion of the inserted blank. An undercut positive-engagement joining connection is generated between the joint housing and the connection component during the cold extrusion process through transverse extrusion and/or upsetting. A chassis component has a structural component part with at least one joint receptacle formed as orifice and a joint housing for a joint device, which joint housing is inserted into this joint receptacle and fastened to the structural component part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reinforcing a vehicle subframe comprising one or more hollow sheet metal parts, comprising: determining at least one area on a hollow sheet metal part of a subframe with respect to specified conditions; preparing a reinforcement part which is insertable into the hollow sheet metal part at the determined area, wherein the reinforcement part comprises: a carrier having at least one hollow chamber; and a pre-foam of a foam material, which is able to expand after being heated, the pre-foam being isolated from the at least one hollow chamber and distributed at least partly on the periphery of the carrier; and installing the reinforcement part within the hollow sheet metal part at the determined area and heating the pre-foam such that it expands. The present invention also relates to a vehicle subframe reinforced by said method.

Abstract: The present invention includes a metal outer panel configuring an outer panel of a vehicle, a metal reinforcing member that is disposed at an end portion of the outer panel and that is joined to the outer panel further toward an inner side of the vehicle than the outer panel, and a resin inner panel that is disposed further toward an inner side of the vehicle than the reinforcing member and that is joined to the reinforcing member, wherein a closed cross-section is formed between the inner panel and the reinforcing member.

Abstract: A structural member includes a cylindrical main body member and at least one nonmagnetic bracket member which includes a cylindrical section and plate-shape sections protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical section. The main body member is inserted into the cylindrical section of the bracket member, a gap is formed between the outer surface of the main body member and the inner surface of the cylindrical section in the root portion of a rib on the bracket member, and the entire circumference of the bracket member is electromagnetically contracted to fasten the structural member by swaging.

Abstract: A component arrangement having a first component and a second component is provided. At least one component has a plurality of preforms, wherein the plurality of preforms of the first component overlap a preform of a second component in the connecting region of the two components.

Abstract: A front air dam assembly for a vehicle includes a translatable front air deflecting panel for altering an airflow beneath the vehicle, a deploying mechanism for translating the front air deflecting panel between a raised position and one or more deployed positions, and a rapid raising mechanism for rapidly raising the front air deflecting panel from the one or more deployed positions. A controller in operative communication with the deploying mechanism and the rapid raising mechanism controls the operation thereof. At least one sensor is included for sending a signal indicative of a road or vehicle condition to the controller. A locking mechanism under the control of the controller is provided for locking the front air deflector panel in the raised or the one or more deployed position.

Abstract: The inventions relates to an attachment device (1) for an implement (2) for an implement carrier vehicle (3), wherein the attachment device (1) is adapted to be fixedly attached to a vehicle, said attachment device (1) comprising: a main body (4) adapted to attach the implement (2) to, at least two elongated openings (5) in said main body (4) adapted to receive fastening bolts (6) for fastening the implement (2) to the attachment device (1), which bolts can move in the elongated openings (5), the at least two elongated openings being placed so that rotation of the implement (2) around an axis of rotation (x) is limited to the movement of the received bolts in the elongated openings, said axis of rotation (x) is located at a height from the bottom side of said main body of less than 40% of the total height of the main body (4).

Abstract: A towing tractor includes a frame, a counterweight that is connected to a rear part of the frame, and a plurality of component parts supported by the frame. The frame includes a plurality of frame assemblies that are connected to each other by bolts. Each frame assembly includes a plurality of frame members. Each frame member is selected according to the component parts, from a plurality of members to be selected that is different from each other in at least one of dimensions in a longitudinal direction and a width direction of the frame.

Abstract: An object is to provide a rolling bearing device which allows checking if its oil supply unit is functioning properly, under an assembled state without any need for disassembly or communication lines extended to the outside. The device is provided as a combination of a rolling bearing and an oil supply unit which includes at least: a lubrication oil tank, a pump which sucks lubrication oil from the lubrication oil tank and discharges the lubrication oil from a discharge port; a driving section which drives the pump; and a generator section which supplies the driving section with electric energy. The oil supply unit is attached to a fixed-ring-side member of the rolling bearing or a spacer adjacent to the rolling bearing. The oil supply unit further includes, within itself, a communication unit which transmits operation information of the oil supply unit to an outside.

Abstract: A vehicle body manufacturing apparatus includes upper jig frames having frame members that are paired with each other and are insertable into the inside of the vehicle body through respective left and right openings of the vehicle body, a coupling mechanism that freely couples and decouples the ends of the paired frame members, and a clamp mechanism that is supported on the upper jig frame and positions the vehicle body from the inside of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A method of assembling a power brake assembly including a brake booster and a master cylinder defining a chamber disposed between at least one reservoir port and at least one brake line port begins by inserting the master cylinder into the brake booster. The method proceeds by monitoring for a pressure differential between the at least one reservoir port and the at least one brake line port of the master cylinder during the insertion step, and then ceasing insertion of the master cylinder into the brake booster in response to sensing a pressure differential. The method proceeds by withdrawing the master cylinder a distance from within the brake booster; and securing the brake booster to the master cylinder after retracting the master cylinder the distance.

Abstract: A predefined length between first and second optical lens sections and of the first and second highly-directional light units is smaller than a length, which is half of a length between a left end of a lower portion of a left front-wheel support unit and a right end of a lower portion of a right front-wheel support unit in the left-right direction of a vehicle, and the predefined length is greater than half a smaller one of minimum widths of the optical lens sections of the first and the second highly-directional light units. A configuration is adopted in which light radiated through the optical lens section of the first highly-directional light unit partially overlaps light radiated through the optical lens section of the second highly-directional light unit and the remaining part does not overlap.

Abstract: A bicycle mountable storage container is disclosed that includes mounting means for attaching the storage container to a bicycle, and a pair of doors on a top portion of the storage container. The storage container has an internal volume defined in party by opposing side walls, wherein the doors are movable from a closed position to an open position by generally moving away from each other, and subsequently down along the opposing side walls of the storage container.

Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle includes a front cowl capable of improving appearance quality while suppressing enlargement of the front cowl. Recessed parts recessed rearwardly of a vehicle are formed in front cowls in positions outwardly of front members in a vehicle width direction. The introduction port is formed in the recessed part. The recessed parts are recessed rearwardly of the vehicle beyond tangents brought into contact with the front members and the front cowls. Since guide walls are arranged within a range viewed from introduction ports in a front view, such a possibility that wiring or the like in a front cowl is viewed through the introduction ports in the front view is precluded Immediately behind the introduction ports, air is guided in a desired direction by the guide walls. For this reason, a limited amount of air can be effectively utilized.

Abstract: A saddled vehicle includes a rear fender that is arranged along an outer circumferential side of a rear wheel, a chamber portion that is arranged on a front side of the rear wheel and is provided on the outer circumferential side of the rear wheel from a mudguard surface of the rear fender facing the rear wheel, and an atmospheric air introduction pipe that is connected to the chamber portion and introduces atmospheric air to a canister.

Abstract: Embodiments of a fork brace for a bicycle are disclosed herein. In one aspect, a brace portion is integrally formed along with two tubular fork members and an overlay fits in a mating relationship with the brace portion to create a unitary, tubular brace.

Abstract: A three wheeled, reverse trike motorcycle design includes a front-mounted engine. With the engine mounted between the front two wheels, heat from the engine does not rise up to the bike riders. In addition, with the engine mounted at the front of the bike, the area where the gas tank and engine would normally be on a typical motorcycle has been opened up, making getting on and off easier, especially for older riders. This engine mounted design also provides space for a rider to move their feet and legs around during a ride, increasing circulation, making long trips much more comfortable. The reverse trike motorcycle design includes a straddle seat, adaptable for one or more riders, providing the rider with a conventional motorcycle ride, while providing the safety and comfort of a reverse trike design.

Abstract: A rolling type vehicle includes a pair of left and right arm members supported in a swingable manner by a vehicle body on inner sides in the transverse direction for supporting a pair of left and right front wheels in a steerable manner on outer sides in the transverse direction, respectively. A shock absorber support arm of which a central portion in the transverse direction is supported in a swingable manner by the vehicle body and is connected to the pair of left and right arm members through shock absorber units on outer sides in the transverse direction, respectively. The left and right shock absorber units are disposed on outer circumference sides of turning trajectories of the pair of left and right front wheels, respectively.

Abstract: A rolling vehicle includes a pair of left and right front wheels and a pair of left and right arm members swingably supported by the vehicle body on inner sides in the transverse direction and which support the left and right front wheels in a steerable manner on outer sides in the transverse direction. As viewed from the direction along the axis of a support shaft which supports the left and right arm members on the vehicle body, the base portions of the left and right arm members rotatably supported on the vehicle body side overlap with each other, whereas the swinging center axis of the base portion of the left arm and the swinging center axis of the base portion of the right arm, of the base portions of the left and right arm members, are out of alignment with each other.

Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operating member, and a movable member. The movable member is configured to move an operation cable in a pulling direction to operate a bicycle component in response to a first movement of the operating member. The movable member is configured such that the operation cable is movable in a releasing direction in response to a release of the operating member from a first operated position. The movable member is configured to move the operation cable in the pulling direction to operate the bicycle component in response to a second movement of the operating member. The movable member is configured such that the operation cable is movable in the releasing direction in response to a release of the operating member from a second operated position.

Abstract: A variable height, infinitely adjustable front fork system that can adapt to various wheel sizes. On traditional front bicycle fork system, to change the tire size require a change in the fork, and to change the height of the fork relative to the frame that hold the front fork would require again a change to the fork. This new fork system addresses these two concerns. With a push of a button, or simple manipulation of a handle, the height of the fork relative to the frame can be made via a telescopic fork blade design. To accommodate different tire sizes, a user simply re-positions a pair of clamp-on wheel dropouts along a lower half of the telescopic blades.

Abstract: A dual-drive prone bicycle comprises a frame (1), a front wheel (2), a rear wheel (3), a front drive component (4) and a rear drive component (5), wherein: the front wheel (2) and the rear wheel (3) are arranged at the front portion and rear portion of the frame (1); the rear drive component (5) comprises a rear wheel drive mechanism (51) for driving the rear wheel (3) and a treadle mechanism (52) for driving the rear wheel transmission mechanism (51); and a dynamic knee support member (53) having synchronous movement with the treadle mechanism (52) is provided between the treadle mechanism (52) and the frame (1). Designed with multi-point dynamic supports, this dual-drive prone bicycle improves riding comfort and efficiency and is combined with crawling fitness function.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reciprocal drive for a hand powered vehicle including a first axle, connected to a propulsion lever that the occupant of the vehicle pushes and pulls in a rowing motion, a first and a second power gear mounted on the first axle, wherein the first and second power gears rotate in opposing directions when the user pushes and pulls the propulsion lever, a first and a second drive belt, wherein the first drive belt delivers propulsive force from the first power gear to a gear wheel when the user pushes the propulsion lever and the second drive belt delivers propulsive force from the second power gear to the gear wheel when the user pulls the propulsion lever, and a second axle, on which the gear wheel is mounted, which rotates a drive wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A scooter device that can be propelled by side to side movement of a user is disclosed. The scooter device includes at least a first front wheel, at least a second and a third rearward located wheel, a frame structure through which the first wheel is coupled to the second and third wheels, wherein the second and third rearward located wheels are mounted in a biased direction arrangement and a steering mechanism that has a vertically ascending control member and is coupled to the first wheel such that turning of the steering mechanism achieves a turning of the first wheel, the steering mechanism further coupled to the frame structure such that the steering mechanism may be tilted relative to the frame structure. The frame structure can includes a first foot placement platform extending above the second wheel and a second foot placement platform extending above the third wheel.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket assembly comprises a first sprocket, a second sprocket, a first intervening member, and a second intervening member. The first sprocket includes a first sprocket body and a first chain-engagement structure. The second sprocket includes a second sprocket body and a second chain-engagement structure. The first intervening member is positioned between the first sprocket and the second sprocket in an axial direction parallel to a rotational center axis. The second intervening member is positioned between the first sprocket and the second sprocket in the axial direction. The second intervening member is provided radially outwardly from the first intervening member with respect to the rotational center axis. The second intervening member is attached to at least one of the first sprocket and the second sprocket and has an elongated shape extending along a first reference plane perpendicular to the rotational center axis.

Abstract: A vehicle operable by motor and/or by muscle power, in particular an electric bicycle, including a crank drive, an electric drive, a power supply, a chain, a gearshift having at least one first gearwheel and one second gearwheel and a chain transfer assistance unit, which assists a transfer of the chain from the first gearwheel to the second gearwheel during a gear change, and a control unit, to control the electric drive, the chain transfer assistance unit being situated on one of the gearwheels, and the control unit being configured to drive the electric drive during a gear change to move the chain so that the chain transfer assistance unit is moved into a gear change position, in which a gear change is assisted by the chain transfer assistance unit.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur is provided with a base member, a chain guide, a linkage assembly and a cable fixing structure. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame. The chain guide is movable between retracted and extended positions with respect to the base member. The linkage assembly operatively couples the chain guide to the base member. The cable fixing structure is configured to fix an operation cable that moves the linkage assembly in response to an operation of the operation cable. The cable fixing structure is mounted to one of the chain guide and the linkage assembly. The cable fixing structure includes a cable attachment member to which the operation cable is fixed. The cable attachment member is movable with respect to the one of the chain guide and the linkage assembly with the operation cable being fixed to the cable attachment member.

Abstract: This relates to vessels in general, but in particular to vessel designed to be exposed from low to medium to high waves. Both for comfort of persons, animals or fragile goods, steady sailing is preferred, without causing the waves slamming in on the vessel hull or excessive pitching of the vessel. This is also the case for service and supply vessels performing operations in relation to offshore or subsea installations. To obtain a solution to the aforementioned issues the present invention provides a vessel, wherein a stern (11) of the vessel extend below a design waterline (Tdwl), and wherein opposite side faces (14,15) of the stern (11), when seen in an opposite direction of the vessels primary sailing direction, form an acute angle under and above the design waterline (Tdwl) to decrease the vessels displacement in the rear end and are adjoined along at a line of symmetry forming a stern centerline (CL).

Abstract: A marine catamaran craft, comprising at least one forward hydrofoil fixed to each of the catamaran hulls and at least one rear hydrofoil in which: At least one forward hydrofoil is arranged for shallowly submerged operation At least one rear hydrofoil is arranged for shallowly submerged operation at low speeds and for planing operation at higher speeds A rear part of each of the catamaran hulls remains wetted at all speeds

Abstract: A marine vessel floor mat for attachment to the deck of a boat to provide enhanced cushioning to stand on. In one embodiment, the marine vessel floor mat comprises a cushion layer shaped to fit the dimensions of the bow of a conventional marine vessel or other target section of such a marine vessel with a non-slip layer shaped as the cushion layer, or with an additional front section, and/or additional rear section permanently attached to the top surface of the cushion layer. The cushion layer additionally includes a tapered edge on its top surface and a plurality of fastener strips for enabling removable attachment to the surface of the boat deck on its bottom surface.

Abstract: A system that controls an impact load resulting from a fluid under an internal/external force is provided. The system senses an impact load, of a fluid under an internal/external force and attenuates the impact load. The present invention includes a floating means arranged horizontally inside an amount of fluid in an open space or in a sealed interior, a position adjustment means is vertically connected to the floating means and positioned inside the fluid, a sensing means disposed inside the fluid, on the floating means, the position adjustment means, or a structure in the periphery senses a measurement object. A controller predicts/monitors and predicts/controls fluid dynamics-related forces, hull stress, six-degree-of-freedom movements, and positions in connection with a transportation means or maritime structure. The floating means, the position adjustment means, and the sensing means are installed thereon, and use the value from the measurement object transmitted from the sensing means.

Abstract: A method of connecting a member to a floating structure, the method includes disposing the floating structure in a body of water and attaching the member to the floating structure. The method also includes changing an orientation of the floating structure and aligning the member with a connection device disposed on a lower portion of the floating structure.