Abstract: A rack drive assembly adapted for use in a vehicle electric power steering assembly includes a ball nut assembly having at least a first end portion and an opposite second end portion, a bearing assembly carried by the ball nut assembly for rotatably supporting the ball nut assembly, a pulley assembly configured to be carried by the ball nut assembly, and at least a first spanner nut configured to be carried by the first end portion of the ball nut for securing the bearing assembly on the ball nut assembly. The ball nut includes a flange provided on an outer portion thereof configured to connect the ball nut to a pulley of a pulley assembly for rotation therewith. The flange is spaced remote from an end of the second end portion of the ball nut.

Abstract: A steering device includes a ball screw mechanism 8 that applies a force in the axial direction to a rack shaft of a vehicle, and a bearing that rotatably supports a nut with respect to a housing. The steering device also includes a plate disposed with a gap between the bearing and the plate in a rack shaft axial direction, and a coned disc spring disposed between the bearing and the plate. The plate abuts against the housing in the rack shaft axial direction. The coned disc spring elastically supports the nut in the rack shaft axial direction via the bearing. One side surface of the plate that faces the coned disc spring is formed in a tapered shape so as to cross a rack shaft radial direction.

Abstract: Methods, system and apparatus are provided for reducing steering wheel vibrations (SWVs). At least one heterodyning operation is performed during the generation of a gain-and-phase-compensated motor drive command signal. The gain-and-phase-compensated motor drive command signal is generated at a particular angular frequency, based on an angular velocity and an angular position of a wheel. The gain-and-phase-compensated motor drive command signal is communicated to an electric power steering system to control motor torque to reduce periodic content in a periodic electrical torque signal at the particular angular frequency.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus that is capable of performing the automatic steering control without using any particular parts in a vehicle having functions of the automatic steering control and the manual steering control, and improves accuracy of the automatic steering by comprising a damping control function and correcting the target steering angle by the calculated actual steering angle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tie rod having a threaded shaft at a proximal end and a body at a distal end. The body has a spherically expanded, substantially empty interior and having a truncated top and a truncated bottom. Each truncated top and bottom having a hole wherein the holes are in alignment transverse to the longitudinal extent of the tie rod. A tie rod pin has a distal end that extends through the truncated bottom body hole and terminated with a threaded distal end, an intermediate spherical section movably nested within the spherically expanded truncated tie rod body, and a distal end that extends from the spherical section through the truncated top body hole and being terminated with a plate being larger in diameter than the hole that penetrates the upper truncated body so that the tie rod pin is restrained from pulling through the tie rod body.

Abstract: A frame structure of a vehicle, including a frame member with a closed cross-section structure including plural wall portions configuring the frame, and a reinforcement member made of a fiber reinforced plastic and provided to an inner portion of the closed cross-section structure of the frame member. The reinforcement member includes a fan shaped longitudinal wall portion, and a bottom wall portion from which the longitudinal wall portion protrudes out, and the bottom wall portion joins one end portion and another end portion of an arc of the longitudinal wall portion that are oriented in a row along a length direction of the frame member to an inner face of a wall portion at a compression deformation side of the frame member that undergoes bending deformation due to the front side member being input with load.

Abstract: A roof for a vehicle is provided that includes a roof frame and a reinforcement frame that is disposed on an upper part of the roof frame, shaped to correspond to an upper surface of the roof frame, and provided with a bush unit formed integrally with a bolting mechanism, respectively, to be connected to the roof frame. In addition, a reinforcement fiber tow is processed to correspond to a shape of the roof frame through the bush unit. A roof panel that is formed as a plate shape to cover the roof frame is disposed at an upper end of the reinforcement frame to be connected thereto.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle cowl structure including: a cowl main body section that forms an S-shaped cross-section configured from an upper side curved portion a lower side curved portion curving, and in which an upper portion extending from the upper side curved portion toward the vehicle front-rear direction rear side is joined to a lower face of a lower end portion of a front windshield, and a lower portion is joined to a dash panel; and a front side reinforcement member that curves to as to bulge out toward the vehicle front-rear direction front side, in which an upper end portion is joined to a location between the upper side curved portion and the lower side curved portion, and a lower end portion is joined to a location between the lower side curved portion and the lower portion joined to the dash panel.

Abstract: A cabin space structure for an all terrain vehicle that enables optimization of the shape of a dashboard in the case where seats are so arranged that three persons can be seated side by side in the vehicle width direction. The cabin space structure includes seats on which three passengers are seated side by side in the vehicle width direction, a step floor on which the passengers seated on the seats place their feet, wheel wells for left and right front wheels, the wheel wells provided to project rearwardly at a left-side portion and a right-side portion of the step floor and the dashboard disposed forwardly of the seats. The dashboard is adapted to restrict forward movement of the passengers seated on the seats. A left-side portion and a right-side portion of the dashboard are disposed on the rear side relative to a vehicle-width-directionally central portion of the dashboard.

Abstract: A product comprising a mixed material longitudinal rail system for a vehicle and a method of making the same.

Abstract: A method of assembling a vehicle includes providing a body panel, a roof panel, and a clip. The clip has a central portion extending from a first end to a second end. The central portion has a first surface and a second surface. The clip additionally has a roof-side flange extending from the first surface at the first end and a body-side flange extending from the second surface at the second end. The body-side flange and second surface define a first channel therebetween. The method also includes assembling the clip to the body panel by retaining a portion of the body panel in the first channel. The method additionally includes positioning a portion of the roof panel proximate the first surface. The method further includes forming the roof-side flange toward the first surface to define a second channel with the portion of the roof panel retained in the second channel.

Abstract: A lid lock structure for a saddle type vehicle that can achieve a reduction in the weight of a vehicle body cover while a lock member is attached to a vehicle body cover side. The lid lock structure for a saddle type vehicle includes a lock member capable of locking a lid in a closed state that is fixed to an upper inner cover and placed on upper frames below the upper inner cover.

Abstract: A seat section protecting structure, having a seat at the center thereof, is supported on a chassis frame so that it can swivel horizontally. While running, the lateral side of the seat is covered by the seat section protecting structure so as to protect the passenger from the risk of a collision from the side of the vehicle or a rollover, and while the passenger gets on/off, the seat section protecting structure swivels so that the opening, which allows the passenger to get on/off therethrough, is located on the lateral side of the vehicle. The vehicle has its seat and batteries arranged at optimal positions so as to increase the space efficiency and safety within a limited volume space. Moreover, a steering handle is provided, which is made while taking passenger accessibility into consideration, and an airbag unique to this vehicle is provided in order to increase safety.

Abstract: A folding vehicle structure includes a frame having a plurality of members. A first member intersects a second member at a first pivot point. A third member, spaced from the first and second members, intersects a fourth member, which is also spaced from the first and second members, at a second pivot point. The frame includes a first cross-member extending between the first and second intersection points. The frame is collapsible.

Abstract: A folding vehicle structure includes a frame having a plurality of members. A first member intersects a second member at a first pivot point. A third member, spaced from the first and second members, intersects a fourth member, which is also spaced from the first and second members, at a second pivot point. The frame includes a first cross-member extending between the first and second intersection points. The frame is collapsible.

Abstract: An aerodynamic structure attached to the sides and top of a truck cargo body (either a stand-alone trailer or a “straight truck” with the cab and cargo area as a fixed vehicle) at the aftmost region, which rear typically contains a rolling door assembly, which rolls upwardly. An aerodynamic structure is permanently attached to the sides and top of the trailer in a manner that extend past the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body and retract to the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body when subjected to a force, allowing this device to be backed into structures. The retracted orientation allows for the rear of the trailer to be fully accessible for loading and unloading, and does not reduce the size of the opening of the trailer. The various embodiments of the invention allow for automated deployment once the force used to compress the structure is removed.

Abstract: An aerodynamic underbody fairing or “skirt” that is attached to the rear wheels or “bogeys” of a truck cargo body which typically can be slidably adjusted forward and aft along the cargo body. The various embodiments allow for a skirt that attaches to the bogeys of a truck cargo body and extends rearward to the rear plane of the trailer, and is of a retractable nature to allow for slidable adjustment of bogeys forward and aft along the cargo body for the purpose of continuing streamlined flow along the side of a truck cargo body already equipped with a side skirt forward of the bogeys. In the various embodiments of the invention, the retractable nature of the invention allows for a continuous skirt surface in-plane with the side of the truck cargo body extending from the bogeys to the rear plane of the truck cargo body, regardless of bogey position.

Abstract: A personal mobility scooter can include a front frame portion and a rear frame portion detachably coupled to the front frame portion. The front frame portion can have a front frame, at least one front wheel rotatably coupled to the front frame, and a rear suspension coupled to the front frame. The rear suspension can have at least one biasing member. The rear frame portion can have at least one rear attachment member, a pair of drive wheels, and at least one drive configured to power the drive wheels. The rear suspension is configured to (i) engage the at least one rear attachment member when the rear frame portion is coupled to the front frame portion and (ii) remain with the front frame portion when the rear frame portion is detached from the front frame portion.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly is provided which includes a vehicle frame having a first axle, a wheel assembly having a housing with an aperture engaging the first axle and enabling the wheel assembly to pivot in a first plane about a first axis formed by the first axle. A cylindrical member is carried by the housing of the wheel assembly, the cylindrical member and housing are arranged perpendicular to the first axle. A first wheel is pivotably connected to a first portion of the cylindrical member and a second wheel is pivotably connected to a second portion of the cylindrical member. The first wheel and second wheel independently pivot in a second plane about a second axis formed by the cylindrical member. The first axis is arranged perpendicular to the second axis and the first plane is arranged perpendicular to the second plane.

Abstract: An undercarriage for a tracked work vehicle is provided that includes a roller wheel beam. The roller wheel beam includes a clevis having a first arm and a second arm. Additionally, the first arm includes a first opening, and the second arm includes a second opening. The undercarriage further includes a bushing mount which has a third opening and is configured to be disposed between the first arm and the second arm. Also, the undercarriage includes a pin assembly configured to couple the roller wheel beam to the bushing mount. Moreover, the pin assembly includes a first pin configured to be inserted into the first opening and a first end of the third opening. The pin assembly also includes a second pin configured to be inserted into the second opening and a second end of the third opening. Furthermore, the first pin is configured to abut the second pin when the first pin and the second pin are inserted into respective openings.

Abstract: A method of producing a forged steel part is disclosed. The method includes providing a steel billet that can be selectively hardened to different hardness levels by varying the air cooling rate. The method also includes heating the steel billet to an austenization temperature of the steel billet. The method further includes hot forging the steel billet to form the steel part including a first region and a second region. The method yet further includes selectively cooling the hot forged steel part by air cooling the first region at a first cooling rate and air cooling the second region at a second cooling rate that is less than the first cooling rate.

Abstract: A pivoting equipment bracket incorporates a hinged hook that selectively projects from a front plate of the bracket and a hinged front plate that selectively orients a piece of equipment hung from the bracket at a desired angle with reference to a wall that the bracket is mounted on. A pivot catch may be used to secure an opposite end of the piece of equipment as the front plate is hinged with reference to the wall. The multi-axis pivoting bracket may be used to hang various piece of equipment, including sporting equipment, and more specifically including bicycles from the wall.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle, such as a bicycle, includes a stem for coupling to the bicycle. The seat includes a saddle supported by the stem and an inflatable bladder supported by the saddle. An electrically powered air compressor is supported by the stem and is in fluid communication with the bladder for inflating the bladder.

Abstract: A harness for mounting a non-pannier bag to a pannier mount. The harness has an upper frame member having at least one fastener for releasably attaching the upper frame body member to the mount, a lower frame body member disposed distally from the upper frame body member and configured to releasably engage with a lower frame portion of the mount. A connecting member attached between the upper frame body member and the lower frame body member. Two upper straps, each having a fixed end extending outwardly from one of the upper frame body and the connecting member, at least one of the upper straps being adjustable in length. Each of the two upper straps having a connector at a free end configured to releasably connect with one another to form a first loop. At least one lower strap attached at one end to the lower member, each at least one lower strap being adjustable in length and configured to be connectable to one of the upper frame body member and first loop so as to form a second loop.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a front fender for covering above a front wheel and a headlamp device positioned forwardly of a handlebar. At a portion of an upper surface of the front fender forwardly of the headlamp device, a recess is formed which is depressed downwardly and extends in a forward and rearward direction. A projection protruding upwardly towards the rear is formed in an intermediate portion of a rear half portion of the recess with respect to a motorcycle widthwise direction. The headlamp device has a lower end formed with a recessed area in which the projection is engageable.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a foldable motorized scooter having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel, configured to operate between an extended rideable position where the front wheel and the rear wheel are aligned along a longitudinal axis, and a folded stowed position wherein the at least one front wheel and the at least one rear wheel are concentrically parallel to each other along a transverse axis, the foldable motorized scooter equipped with a rechargeable power source.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising a scooter with an integrated folding system, wherein the scooter further comprises a first folding mechanism which allows a first and a second handle bar to fold within the steerer unit, a second folding mechanism which allows a steerer unit to be folded around a first wheel, and a third folding mechanism which allows a deck to be folded around the first wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a body frame for a bicycle which is able to provide higher strength in such a way to use a carbon material even when the outer diameters of a top tube, a bottom tube, a seat tube, a chain tube, etc. have the thickness of a body frame of a classical bicycle, while relatively reducing the weight of the body frame. For this, the body frame for a bicycle according to the present invention is configured in such a way that each of the top tube, the bottom tube and the seat tube is made in a circular shape wherein the outer diameters are same from one end to the other end of each tube, and the flesh thickness of each tube is relatively thicker at the other end portion than one end portion, and each tube is made of a carbon material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a frame body for a bicycle which is able to provide higher strength and reduce the weight of the body frame in such a way to use a carbon material even when the outer diameters of a top tube and a bottom tube are thinner same as the thickness of the tubes forming a classical type body frame. In the body frame for a bicycle, at least one tube among the top tube, the bottom tube and the seat tube is made of a carbon material outer tube of a pipe shape the diameter of which is same from one end to the other end, and an inner tube made of a carbon material in a tubular shape and having a cross section area smaller than the cross section area of the outer tube is fixedly installed in the inside of a predetermined section of the outer tube.

Abstract: A vehicle body front structure of a saddle-type vehicle includes a headlight and a front cowl with rearview mirrors being attached on the left and right sides of the upper part thereof. A lens surface of the headlight and the upper part of the front cowl each have a surface that is inclined so as to extend upwardly and rearwardly to form a front cowl surface continuously covering the vehicle body front surface. A step part protruding more in a forward direction than the lens surface is made at the connection part between the front cowl and an upper edge of the lens surface of the headlight. This step part extends outwardly in the vehicle width direction to the base parts of the rearview mirrors along the upper edge of the lens surface with mirror-side overhang surfaces continuously leading to the step part.

Abstract: A clamp assembly is provided for fixing a handlebar grip to a handlebar. The clamp assembly has a fixing member that is configured to be mounted on the handlebar. The fixing member has at least one mating grip locking structure and a component attachment structure.

Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment apparatus adjusts a vehicle height by changing a front distance that is a distance in a longitudinal direction of the front fork between a body of a vehicle and a front wheel of the vehicle, and by changing a rear distance that is a distance in a longitudinal direction of the rear suspension between the body of the vehicle and a rear wheel of the vehicle. In this apparatus, the posture of the vehicle body is not affected even when the vehicle height is adjusted (i.e., raised), providing the vehicle with further stability during driving.

Abstract: A brake caliper includes: a caliper body which slidably houses a mechanically operated piston which presses a brake disc; a rotation cylinder member which is arranged alongside the mechanically operated piston, coaxially with the mechanically operated piston, and which is rotatably supported on the caliper body; a rotation arm which is fixed to the rotation cylinder member, and which rotates the rotation cylinder member by means of an operation of an operating element; a conversion mechanism which is provided between the rotation cylinder member and the mechanically operated piston, and which converts rotary motion of the rotation cylinder member into axial linear motion of the mechanically operated piston to thereby press and move the mechanically operated piston toward the brake disc side; and a return spring which biases the mechanically operated piston in a direction of moving away from the brake disc.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket includes a sprocket body, and a plurality of sprocket teeth. At least one of the sprocket teeth includes a first layered member, a second layered member and a third layered member. The first layered member has a first axial surface and a second axial surface. The second layered member is attached to the first axial surface such that the first and second layered members overlap each other in an axial direction as viewed parallel to a rotational axis of the sprocket body. The third layered member is attached to the second axial surface such that the first and third layered members overlap each other in the axial direction as viewed parallel to the rotational axis of the sprocket body. The first layered member has a specific gravity that is less than those of the second layered member and the third layered member.

Abstract: Seal for sealing a gap between a bulkhead and a wall of a cargo hold, wherein the seal comprises a spine with two lateral webs. The webs can for example be tarps comprising magnetic parts. The spine can for example be an angled profile having to legs under right angles provided with slits along their longitudinal top edges for clamping a longitudinal edge of a lateral web. In a specific embodiment a chord can be embedded, e.g., stitched, along the longitudinal edge of the tarp, while the edge with the chord is hold in the slit in the longitudinal top edge of the legs of the spine.

Abstract: A closing cover for closing an opening in a hull of a marine vessel, includes a first part and a second part. The second part has a cylindrical periphery wall and a water tight inner section bordered by the periphery wall and the first part has a flange plate portion extending radially over the periphery wall of the second part, in which the first part and the second part are removably attached to each other. The second part is provided with a sealing system and attaching pins at its outer cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A vessel and shelter assembly system that quickly converts a low profile boat into a floating teepee/tent that is capable of multiple functions and can enable a boater/passenger to spend multiple days/nights out on protected waters, marsh, or swamp without limiting the functions of the boat.

Abstract: A rope stopper system for a fiber rope (30) is described, where a rope stopper (10) is placed on a deck of an anchor handling vessel (50) or the like, and is arranged to grip and secure the fiber rope (30), that runs through the rope stopper (10). The rope stopper (10) comprises a frame (12) equipped with at several rotary stopper elements (14), where the stopper elements (14) are arranged in an opening (16) in the frame (12), said opening (16) being a through-running opening to receive the fiber rope (30), and where the stopper elements (14) are placed radially in the opening, and about the through-running fiber rope (30), arranged to lock the fiber rope (30), and the rope stopper (10) is equipped with a back support (22), in where the back support (22) is designed with an arched back side.

Abstract: A self-securing, vertically mounted marine anchor stowage device may comprise a bracket, forming a generally U-shaped channel and having an alignment guide designed and configured to capture the shaft of a marine anchor, a plurality of mounting slots which, in coordination with mounting hardware such as U-bolts, washers and nuts, enable the anchor stowage device to be mounted to a vessel, and a plurality of adjustment slots which, in coordination with bolt, washer and wing nut combinations, provides a means of adjustably mounting one or more rollers within the U-shaped channel, the bolts forming axes about which the rollers may rotate, the anchor stowage device being designed and configured to accommodate vertical stowage of an anchor by capturing the shaft of the anchor between the bracket and the one or more rollers, the anchor being held in the stowed condition solely by the force of gravity.

Abstract: A sealed and thermally insulated tank arranged in a bearing structure (1) to contain a fluid, said tank comprising walls fixed to said bearing structure, a tank wall having a primary sealed barrier, a primary insulating barrier, a secondary sealed barrier and a secondary insulating barrier, the tank comprising a through-element arranged through the tank wall, in which tank the tank wall around the through-element comprises: secondary insulating blocks arranged on the wall of the bearing structure around the through-element and being covered by a first sealed layer forming the secondary sealed barrier, a circular plate arranged parallel to the tank wall at the same level as the first sealed layer forming the secondary sealed barrier, a second sealed layer (723a-d) fixed in a sealed manner straddling the first sealed layer and the circular plate all around the circular plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a fluid, in particular combustion fuel, to the tank of a vessel, having a flange that is firmly dedicated to the tank, a filler neck for receiving an external fuel hose element, and a pipe connecting the flange and the filler neck. The filler neck is pivotable about a bearing that is stationary in relation to the tank. The pipe features a plurality of pipe elements that are, at least in part, rotatably coupled to one another and to the flange and formed such that the filler neck is pivotable about at least two, preferably only two, predetermined pivot axes.

Abstract: A forward water propelled hover board comprising a rigid board having greater length than width. The rigid board having a rear end with a high pressure water outlet nozzle and a central pipe connecting a water hose inlet, wherein the outlet nozzle when fed with a high pressure water source from the water hose inlet provides a forward thrust to the water propelled hover board.

Abstract: Board for traveling in ocean surf and method of fabricating same. The board includes a platform having a generally planer configuration. The platform includes a pair of relatively deep anti-slip knee wells of sufficient depth in the top surface thereof for allowing a surfer to make radical changes in board motion using his knees. According to an embodiment of the board, a channel extends along a portion of a bottom surface of the platform or optionally along the entire bottom surface of the platform for stabilizing the platform's trajectory, increasing the speed of the platform, and adding drive and direction to the platform while maneuvering in the ocean surf.

Abstract: A system for automatically deploying boat fenders, comprising a basket for lowering fenders, said fender attached to a line, said line coupled to a winch, said winch coupled to a motor, and said motor controlled by a controller, said controller being activated via a wire line or wireless control signals, wherein a computing device with a software is used to control one or more controllers of the baskets.

Abstract: A hull cleaning robot includes at least one cleaning apparatus for cleaning the hull of a vessel, at least one drive track holding the robot on the hull as the robot maneuvers about the hull, and at least one turbine actuatable by water flowing past the hull for operating the at least one drive track and, optionally, the cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a plurality of UUVs, tethers and tethered devices. The devices that are tethered comprise explosive devices or acoustic devices. The UUV provides mobility and controllability for the tethers and the tethered devices. The tether is also used as a means to entangle target vessel's propeller. The entangled propeller's revolution moves the explosive device closer to the target vessel for denotation. The tether is made with high strength material whereby once entangled, it is difficult for the propeller itself or intervention to disentangle. The system has a detachable housing with fluid dynamic shape. The whole system is designed to submerge during operation. The system can be wirelessly controlled by a remote command center via satellite link, or by a nearby command center directly.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a Magnus rotor having a carrier arranged in the interior of the Magnus rotor, a rotor which rotates about the carrier in operation of the Magnus rotor, a plate which horizontally closes off the rotor, and a bearing which carries the rotor on the carrier. The rotor has at least one opening in the plate. The carrier has at least one fixing point for lifting the Magnus rotor by means of at least one fixing means and a lifting apparatus.

Abstract: A paddle device, where this principle described may be configured to accommodate canoe, kayak, paddle boards or any similar watercraft using a paddle type device. This paddle device comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end with a paddle-like blade having a proximal end and a distal end and coupled to the second end of the shaft. This paddle blade device is equipped with one or more multi-blade propellers that are mounted on the paddle blade. The multi-blade propeller or multi-blade propellers are driven by the pulling motion of the paddler or driven by the action of the natural water current the paddler is navigating. The propeller is designed to swivel so as to keep the propeller blade more in direct alignment with the force of the water driving it. This insures that the propeller is at the most efficient angle to help propel and control the watercraft. The propeller or propellers are protected with a lattice type guard on both sides of the paddle blade.

Abstract: A paddle for a watercraft or flotation device has a pair of shaft mounted blades connected by a core member. A right hand drive grip and a left hand drive grip are secured in spaced relation to opposite ends of the core. A right hand offset is mounted adjacent the right hand drive grip and a left hand offset is mounted adjacent the left hand drive grip for providing hand clearance for a user. The core is telescopically expandable and accommodates various size paddle shafts for propelling different watercraft.

Abstract: A marine propeller having multiple adjustable exhaust structures is disclosed. Each adjustable exhaust structure includes an exhaust unit with exhaust through holes cut through the outer surface and inner surface of the propeller hub of the marine propeller, an adjustment member with shielding portions mounted in the exhaust unit, and a fastening member for locking the adjustment member to the exhaust unit. The adjustment member is movable to adjust the shielding area of the shielding portions relative to the exhaust through holes when disengaged from the constraint of the fastening member. Thus, the exhaust volume is adjustable to fit different conditions without changing any component parts of the marine propeller, facilitating ease of use of the marine propeller.