Abstract: A robot has a track assembly having tracks configured to move the robot in a first direction and a wheel assembly having wheels configured to move the robot in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A toggling assembly switches between the track assembly and the wheel assembly. The robot modules can mate with each other. The robot module has an elongated shaft with a head and a narrow neck. The shaft extends outward from the side of the robot module. A mating robot module has a clamping mechanism with opposing clamps which in an opened position receive the shaft. In a closed position, the clamps define an opening which matches and engages the cross-section of the neck of the elongated shaft. The clamping mechanism has a drive mode to drive the module, a clamping mode for docking, and neutral mode for alignment prior to clamping.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention comprises an endless, flexible, track for use on track-driven implements comprising an inner surface with modular drive lugs to engage a driving mechanism of the implement. The modular drive lugs are mounted to the inner surface of the track and have through-holes to receive a fastening means. Situated on the outer, terrain-contacting surface of the endless track are interchangeable traction cleats spanning the width of the track. According to some embodiments, the outer surface may be slick rubber surface so as to provide maximum flotation for the skidsteer and minimal penetration to the surface. This is especially applicable to low traction surfaces such as snow.

Abstract: Parking a vehicle with the use of an additional traction system allowing to move the vehicle at a low speed without starting its combustion engine characterised in that the vehicle is equipped with an additional traction system having an autonomous drive system controlled electronically by means of an intelligent controller (10) that allows to park the vehicle sideways with the use of a system of extendable and retractable additional wheels (5) mounted under chassis (6) of the vehicle by moving the vehicle in direction perpendicular to its normal driving direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of mechanical engineering, in particular, vehicles. In one form, the invention relates to military or defence industry protected (armoured) vehicles with a modular vehicle architecture comprising: a capsule adapted for accommodating at least one occupant; at least one sub-frame detachably operatively connected to the capsule; wherein at least the sub-frame construction comprises members of tubular structure having a cross section corresponding to a conic section.

Abstract: A heavy-load modular vehicle having at least one axle, one steering, and coupling device not only can be coupled with at least one further heavy-load module and/or further transport apparatuses, but optionally also can be pulled out, particularly also telescoped. It has a central longitudinal support having at least one open face side, in which a pull-out support is guided. The metal cover sheet of the loading surface can take on the function of the upper belt of the central longitudinal support and leads to a self-supporting construction. A box-shaped lower belt counteracts twisting or torsions of the vehicle frame in the case of a trough-shaped design. A universal coupling head, particularly a bolt/tab coupling, makes it possible to couple on heavy-load modules having a different width, different tires and/or a different height, without an additional adapter.

Abstract: Lock mounting assemblies are disclosed for storing and mounting a locking apparatus to a transportation device. The mounting assemblies include one or more straps or connectors for securing the mounting assembly to the transportation device. The mounting assemblies having a structure to securely retain the locking apparatus on the transportation device and provide easy access to and release of the locking apparatus from the mounting assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support element for the human body, including a padding component and a base component or body, the base component including an upper, in use, surface, as well as a lower, in use, surface, the padding component includes an upper, in use, surface, and a lower, in use, surface designed to engage the upper, in use, surface of the base component, the support element including removable anchoring means of the base component to the padding component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support element for the human body, including a padding component and a base component or body, the base component including an upper, in use, surface, as well as a lower, in use, surface, the padding component includes an upper, in use, surface, and a lower, in use, surface designed to engage the upper, in use, surface of the base component, the support element including removable anchoring means of the base component to the padding component.

Abstract: A fender-mounted bicycle safety light is disclosed. The safety light includes a lower cover, having a bottom, a surrounding wall, two positioning posts on the bottom. A top of the surrounding wall is formed with a first step. A positioning protrusion and a threaded rod outward extend from the bottom. An upper cover is assembled with the lower cover and has a surrounding edge, a hole, and a diffuser board secured in the hole. A top of the surrounding edge is formed with a second step corresponding to the first step. A sealing ring is pressed between the first step and the second step. A circuit board being is fastened to the lower cover and has LEDs, a switch and two positioning holes. The two positioning holes are separately passed by the two positioning posts.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-functional turn signal lamp for a bicycle that can be used in a state of being fixed or being detachably attached to an end portion of a handle bar of the bicycle, can perform a turn indicator function, a front lighting function or a brake signaling function via LEDs mounted at the end portion of the handle bar and can enable a user to listen to music via a speaker using the power of a battery upon inserting a portable repository. Also, the present invention can enable a turn indicator lamp composed of an LED part (6) to be operated, or a brake lamp function to be performed by selectively pushing each key of a key part (4) and can enable a module (22) to be separated from a grip part (37), and the grip part (37) to be tightly fixed to the handle bar (50).

Abstract: An oil filter exposed to an outside of an internal combustion engine that may be damaged by a stone or a similar object thrown rearwardly from a front tire. A saddle-ride type vehicle includes a power unit that includes an internal combustion engine and a transmission. The transmission is coupled to the internal combustion engine. A lower portion of the power unit forms an oil reservoir. The power unit includes an oil filter, an actuator, and a transmission mechanism. The actuator is configured to drive the transmission. The transmission mechanism is configured to transmit power from the actuator to the transmission. The oil filter is disposed outside a wall portion of the power unit. The wall portion configures a part of the oil reservoir. The oil filter is disposed adjacent to the wall portion and the actuator.

Abstract: Various embodiments of side-by-side flexible adjacent vehicles, such as twin bikes, are disclosed including includes two vehicles joined together side-by-side by means of a plurality of interconnecting pivoted link bars. One or more driver riders may simultaneously or independently operate said side-by-side flexible adjacent vehicles. The side-by-side flexible twin bicycle may be configured employing different size bicycles, in-line multi-rider tandem bicycles, recumbent bicycles, mountain bicycles, and motorcycles of various types. These embodiments provide the vertical stability of a four-wheel vehicle while retaining the ability to lean into turns and ride over irregular surfaces affording for each of the riders the handling, ride and feel similar to that of a single conventional vehicles.

Abstract: A bicycle may include a detachable seat assembly configured to disconnect from a bicycle frame, the detachable seat assembly including a housing, a post extending from the housing and a seat supported by the post, the seat having two flaps extending from and foldable at a joint and configured to fold around the post.

Abstract: A bicycle electric component setting system is basically provided a master unit and a plurality of slave bicycle electric components. The master unit is configured to be mounted to a bicycle. The master unit is configured to receive update information from an external terminal device. The slave bicycle electric components are configured to be mounted to the bicycle. The slave bicycle electric components are configured to receive the update information from the master unit to change a setting of at least one of the slave bicycle electric components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle with rear-wheel suspension, comprising a frame (602) with at least one frame tube (603, 604, 605), a swingarm assembly (620) mounted on the frame (602) for the purpose of suspending a rear wheel (613), a linear spring/damper element, and a transmission mechanism (630) that is functionally connected to both the spring/damper element and to the swingarm assembly (620). The spring/damper element is received in a receiving chamber inside the frame tube (603). The transmission mechanism (630) is designed and mounted on the frame (602) such that it transmits a force between the spring/damper element and the swingarm assembly (620) by means of a rotational axis that extends through an axial opening in the frame tube (603). Arranging the spring/damper element inside the frame (602) avoids soiling. The rotational axis of the transmission mechanism (630) can also be designed to have relatively small dimensions in order to achieve a high degree of frame stability.

Abstract: A hydraulic operating device is provided. The disc brake caliper may include a brake lever pivotable on a pivot axis, a hydraulic cylinder having a cylinder axis and a reservoir arranged so as to at least partly overlap the hydraulic cylinder as seen from a first direction perpendicular to the pivot axis, the reservoir having a reservoir axis which has a different orientation than the cylinder axis as viewed from the first direction.

Abstract: A bicycle transmission apparatus comprises a base member, a first transmission member, a second transmission member, and a first coupling member. The first transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a first rotational axis and is movable relative to the base member in an axial direction parallel to the first rotational axis. The second transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a second rotational axis and is stationary relative to the base member in the axial direction. The first coupling member is configured to couple the first transmission member to the second transmission member to transmit rotation of the first transmission member to the second transmission member at a variable speed stage which is variable in accordance with at least one positional relationship among the first transmission member, the second transmission member, and the first coupling member in the axial direction.

Abstract: A portable, multi-platform friction drive system with a retractable motor drive assembly (12), containing all needed components of an electric friction drive system in a portable handheld case (10), including motor (18), batteries (34), and all associated electronics (36), as well as a mounting system (30) that enables use on popular bike share bicycles (20), personal bicycles, and kick scooters. Its mounting system (30) enables the friction drive system to be easily installed in seconds on many varieties of bicycles or kick scooters, and to be removed just as easily when no longer needed. And by means of its retractable motor assembly (12), the present invention enables the friction drive system to be as compact, clean, and safe as possible so as to be easily carried and stored when not in use.

Abstract: A bicycle transmission apparatus comprises a base member, an input shaft, a first transmission member, a second transmission member, and a first coupling member. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle frame as a separate member from the bicycle frame. The first transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a first rotational axis different from the input rotational axis. The second transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a second rotational axis different from each of the input rotational axis and the first rotational axis. The first coupling member is configured to couple the first transmission member to the second transmission member to transmit rotation of the first transmission member to the second transmission member at a variable speed stage.

Abstract: A sprocket wheel for a bicycle includes a first main surface, which is flat in one or more sections, and a second main surface, which is situated opposite the first main surface. The second main surface is flat in one or more sections and extends parallel to the first main surface in one or more sections. The sprocket wheel also has an outer circumferential surface, which connects the first and the second main surface to one another and on which toothing is provided.

Abstract: A bicycle electrical shifting apparatus is basically provided with a shift operating device that includes an operating member and a first controller. The first controller is programmed to output a first signal that starts a shifting operation in response to a single manual operation of the operating member and a second signal that ends the shifting operation in response to an end of the single manual operation of the operating member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foldable canoe. More particularly, the foldable canoe is configured such that it is constructed by folding a single synthetic resin sheet along a folding line without using a separate structural frame, and after the use of the canoe, the synthetic resin sheet can be completely folded along the folding line to form a compact shape, thus reducing the volume and length of the canoe, thereby facilitating transportation and storage of the canoe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hinge with securing features, the hinge including a first hinge body portion including a first frame association end and a nesting cavity, the first frame association end and the nesting cavity being disposed at opposite ends of the first hinge body portion, a second hinge body portion defining a second frame association end and a nesting body configured for nesting in the nesting cavity of the first hinge body portion, the second frame association end and the nesting body being disposed at opposite ends of the second hinge body portion, wherein the first hinge body portion and the second hinge body portion are rotatably associated via a pivot point, and at least one securing feature configured for securing the nesting body within the nesting cavity in a manner that prevents rotation of the first body portion relative to the second body portion about the pivot point.

Abstract: The self-installing anchor is configured for falling vertically through the water, embedding vertically into the soil, rotating and translating diagonally deeper through the soil in response to the anchor line load being transmitted to it, and achieving its maximum holding capacity with the anchor line acting normal to the fluke. In various implementations, a coupling mechanism at one end of the shank is engaged with a bearing surface at an entry end of the fluke to hold the shank close to the fluke while falling through the water and embedding vertically into the soil. The coupling mechanism provides eccentricity to the load applied and allows for the rotation of the anchor. The coupling mechanism is disengaged at a predetermined angle, liberating one end of the shank, and the point of application of the force on the anchor is modified to make it dive deeper into the soil.

Abstract: A seat module suspension system for a high-speed water vessel including a guide assembly for permitting a range of substantially vertical travel of the seat module, an air shock within the guide assembly for resiliently suspending the seat module; and a support assembly extending for impeding athwart movement of a forward projecting portion of the seat module. The support assembly includes a spar pivotally mounted at one end the base of the guide assembly and pivotally mounted at the other end to a mount attached to the underside of the forward projecting portion and configured to permit fore and aft movement, so as to accommodate substantially vertical movement of the seat module. The system also includes a second air shock connected to the support assembly to impede the fore and aft movement and thus support the forward projecting portion of the seat module.

Abstract: A hydrofoil fin for attachment to a board for kiteboarding or jet skiing comprises a core portion having a plurality of torsion boxes and outer shell made of a multi-layer fiber composite material and encapsulating the torsion boxes of the core portion. The hydrofoil fin provides a very rigid support of bending and torsional forces acting on the same and on the wings and against the board. This has an advantageous effect on the riding performance of during kite surfing and jet skiing.

Abstract: A transparent and buoyant aquatic recreation system is provided. The system includes a board with an elongated buoyant body having front and rear ends and top and bottom surfaces extending between the front and rear ends. The body is made of a substantially transparent material. The system also includes a battery powered camera having a switch operable to activate and deactivate the camera. The camera is mounted to the board such that the camera projects in a downwardly and outwardly direction from the bottom surface to capture image data forward and below the board. In another embodiment, the system includes a paddle made of the substantially transparent material and the switch is positioned on the paddle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an aquatic vehicle torpedo launch system comprising of an aquatic vehicle. A torpedo launch system is coupled to the aquatic vehicle. The torpedo launch system is operable in a neutral buoyance position. A plurality of torpedoes is included. Each torpedo is coupled to the torpedo launch system with a locking means. Power cables are coupled to each torpedo providing power to the plurality of torpedoes. Fiber optic cables are coupled to each torpedo enabling programming of the plurality of torpedoes. The locking means, the power cables and the fiber optic cables are disengaged from the plurality of torpedoes prior to launch. Each torpedo is launched by buoyancy.

Abstract: Vehicles designed to use ground effect forces to control a positioning of the vehicle relative to a surface as well as their methods of use are described.

Abstract: Vehicles designed to use ground effect forces to control a positioning of the vehicle relative to a surface as well as their methods of use are described.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle may include a buoyancy control system configured to use a dual-internal-reservoir configuration to enhance efficiency of changing buoyancy of the underwater vehicle. The buoyancy control system may utilize an incompressible fluid (e.g., oil or water) that is transferred between a first internal reservoir and an external chamber to affect buoyancy of the underwater vehicle. In exemplary implementations, a compressible fluid (e.g., air) may be used to inflate or deflate a second internal reservoir. The second internal reservoir may be disposed within the buoyancy control system so that it can act on the first internal reservoir by applying a compressive force or a tensive force on the first internal reservoir, depending on the pressure differences between the two reservoirs.

Abstract: Mechanical systems and methods including, in some embodiments, a mounting plate affixed to an exterior facing horizontal planar deck surface of a ship; a foundation structure mounted to the mounting plate and supporting at least a first sail cylinder and a second sail cylinder; and at least a first lift mechanism for selectively vertically driving the first and second sail cylinders from a vertically retracted position to a vertically deployed position.

Abstract: A trolling motor assembly comprising a control assembly; a mounting assembly in electrical communication with the control assembly; and a propeller assembly having a motor. The mounting assembly comprises a control mounting bracket that is fixedly attached to a wall of the boat and a removable propeller mounting bracket that can be engaged with the control mounting bracket. When the propeller mounting bracket in an engaged position with the control mounting bracket, signals from an input device of the control assembly actuate the motor of the assembly.

Abstract: A pump device includes a first case, a second case, a sacrificial anode. The first case has a channel in which hydraulic fluid flows. The second case provides in contact with the first case. The sacrificial anode is coupled to one of the first case and the second case and suppresses corrosion of the first case and the second case. At least one of the first case and the second case includes an insulating section that interrupts electric coupling between the first case and the second case. The pump device further includes a valve member provided in the channel, controlling the flow of the hydraulic fluid flowing in the channel, and electrically coupling the first case and the second case.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes an exhaust passage that discharges exhaust gases generated in a V-type engine into water from an exhaust opening. The exhaust passage includes first and second branch passages connected to cylinders and disposed inside a V-shaped line, a first upstream collecting passage connected to each of the first branch passages, a second upstream collecting passage connected to each of the second branch passages, and a downstream collecting passage connected to the first and second upstream collecting passages. A portion from an upstream end of the downstream collecting passage to a downstream end of the downstream collecting passage is disposed outside cylinder heads of the V-type engine.

Abstract: A fuselage includes a fuselage section with an inner surface having a non-circular contour and a spherical pressure bulkhead with an outer edge. The outer edge of the spherical pressure bulkhead is attached to the inner surface of the fuselage section and extends along a line, which is non-circular. The line is a three-dimensional curve extending parallel to the inner surface of the fuselage section. An aircraft and a method for manufacturing a fuselage are also described.

Abstract: This relates to a fuselage section comprising an inner surface with a non-circular contour and a pressure bulkhead comprising a non-circular outer edge. The non-circular outer edge of the pressure bulkhead is aligned with the non-circular contour of the inner surface of the fuselage section when the pressure bulkhead is attached to the fuselage section. This further relates to an aircraft with a fuselage section and a method for manufacturing a fuselage section.

Abstract: An aircraft skin panel includes a laminated composite layer and a ground plane coupled to the composite layer, wherein the ground plane is an electrically conductive elastic thermoplastic.

Abstract: A multilayer floor covering includes a layer A of reinforcing fibers, an adhesive layer B, an underside layer C, a reinforcing layer D, free of reinforcing fibers, made of thermoplastic polymer chosen from the group comprising polyester resins, acrylic resins and mixtures thereof, and a surface layer E.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to thermoplastic truss structures and methods of forming the same. The truss structures are formed using thermoplastic materials, such as fiber reinforced thermoplastic resins, and facilitate directional load support based on the shape of the truss structure. In one example, multiple two-dimensional patterns of fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin are disposed on one another in a saw tooth pattern, sinusoidal pattern, or other repeating pattern, and adhered to one another in selective locations. The two dimensional patterns may then be expanded in a third dimension to form a three-dimensional, cross-linked truss structure. The three-dimensional, cross-linked truss structure may then be heated or otherwise treated to maintain the three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A system for controlling a pressure field around an aircraft in flight is disclosed herein. In a non-limiting embodiment, the system includes, but is not limited to, a plurality of pressure sensors that are arranged on the aircraft to measure the pressure field. The system further includes, but is not limited to, a controller that is communicatively coupled with the plurality of pressure sensors. The controller is configured to receive information that is indicative of the pressure field from the plurality of pressure sensors. The controller is also configured to determine when the pressure field deviates from a desired pressure field based on the information. The controller is also configured to transmit an instruction to a movable component onboard the aircraft that will cause the movable component to move in a manner that reduces the deviation.

Abstract: An aircraft landing gear assembly having a main strut and a bogie beam pivotally coupled to the main strut via a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly is arranged to define a bogie beam pivot axis in free space.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a system for controlling blade pitch in a rotorcraft having an engine; a drive shaft with a first end and a second end and connected at the first end to the engine; a rotor with two or more blades connected to the second end of the drive shaft; and one or more actuators positioned adjacent to the rotor blades operable to change a blade pitch of the rotor blades.

Abstract: A combination rotor and wheel assembly for an unmanned vehicle with ground and aerial mobility has a rotor arm adapted to be attached at an inner end thereof to a vehicle body. A rotor is rotatably connected to an outer end of the rotor arm about a rotor axis, and a rotor drive mounted on the rotor arm rotates the rotor such that the rotor exerts an upward lift force on the rotor arm. An open spoked wheel is rotatably connected about the rotor axis independent of the rotor The diameter of the wheel is greater than that of the rotor, and a bottom edge of the wheel is below the rotor. A wheel drive rotates the wheel. Vehicles can have various numbers and orientations of the rotor and wheel assembly to provide aerial and ground mobility.

Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”) which fly to destinations (e.g., for delivering items) may land on transportation vehicles (e.g., delivery trucks, etc.) for temporary transport. An agreement with the owner of the transportation vehicles (e.g., a shipping carrier) may be made for obtaining consent and determining compensation for landings, and the associated transportation vehicles that are available for landings may be identified by markers on the roof or other identification techniques. The routes of the transportation vehicles may be known and utilized to determine locations where UAVs will land on and take off from the transportation vehicles, and in cases of emergencies (e.g., due to low batteries, mechanical issues, etc.) the UAVs may land on the transportation vehicles for later retrieval.

Abstract: A cost-effective pack adapted to be distributed from an aircraft in the event of a natural, military, political, or other disaster includes an outer package, at least one item in the outer package for aerial delivery, and at least one aerodynamic component formed on the outer package and methods and systems for making the pack.

Abstract: An aircraft water tank constituting an aircraft water tank is provided with a cylindrical section, dome sections, and mouthpieces. The mouthpieces are provided with mouthpiece bodies and annular wall sections that extend outward in the radial direction around the entire outer circumferences of the mouthpiece bodies between an inner liner and a fiber-reinforced resin layer, and are attached to the inner liner and the fiber-reinforced resin layer around the circumferences of openings. Outer surfaces of the annular wall sections contacting the fiber-reinforced resin layer are formed by uniform tension curved surfaces.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting a device from a structural location exhibiting an upper horizontal edge. A main support body has front and rear faces, a bottom support ledge projecting from the front face and being adapted to receive a bottom extending edge of the device. A top support ledge extends from the rear face and is adapted to engage the upper horizontal edge of the structural location. A variant of the assembly incorporates a height adjustable component secured to the main support body and exhibiting a further ledge support location adapted to engage a top extending edge of the device. An angularly adjustable arm supporting component is secured to a lower rear face location of the main support body and is adjustable to establish a desired angle or tilt of the main support body and supported device.

Abstract: Provided are sink stations for galleys of aircraft and other vehicles as well as methods of operating such sink stations. Also provided are aircraft equipped with galleys having such sink stations. A sink station includes a sink cover, which may fully or partially cover a sink and extend the countertop space over the sink cavity. When covering the sink, the sink cover may support a set weight corresponding to objects typically used in galleys, such as pots, cups, and the like. The sink cover allows for liquid to pass into the sink cavity even when the sink cover is used to cover the sink thereby reduce spill clean-ups. The sink cover is movable and may partially or completely expose the sink cavity or keep it completely covered. For example, the sink cover may be folded and/or rolled away and stored at the sink station for periodic use.

Abstract: An aircraft lavatory comprising an enclosure having a door, a first side wall, a rear wall, a ceiling, and a second side wall, wherein the second side wall includes a sink, the second side wall defining a plane and wherein the sink is inwardly disposed from said plane. To create space for a stowage compartment, an additional side wall parallel to, and adjacent to, said second side wall is formed. This space houses a stowage compartment accessible from outside said lavatory, the stowage compartment formed between said second side wall and said additional wall.