Abstract: The present invention discloses a tricycle having two riding modes, the tricycle comprising: a frame, a single-wheel assembly and a first handlebar mounting base that are disposed at one longitudinal end of the frame, a double-wheel assembly and a second handlebar mounting base that are disposed at the other longitudinal end of the frame, a transmission mechanism disposed between the second handlebar mounting base and the first handlebar mounting base, and a handlebar assembly selectively disposed on the first handlebar mounting base or the second handlebar mounting base, the single-wheel assembly comprising a steering wheel and a first pedal for driving the steering wheel to roll, the double-wheel assembly comprising two wheels widthwise spaced apart and a second pedal for driving the two wheels to roll. The tricycle has a first riding mode with single front wheel and double rear wheels and a second riding mode with double front wheels and single rear wheel.

Abstract: A kit for an electric cycle includes a powertrain module including a case, a battery disposed in the case, an electric motor in communication with the battery and disposed in the case, and a connecting port on the case. The kit includes a first module including a frame member configured to releasably engage the connecting port and a wheel rotatably connected to the frame member, a second module including a frame member configured to releasably engage the connecting port, and a releasable locking feature on the connecting port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric motorcycle realized so that it can be subjected to a simple maintenance process. Such motorcycle is realized so that all the components at major risk of failure or deterioration are grouped in an unique compact and easily removable block called “block of electric components”. Moreover, the structure of the same motorcycle is conceived so that the extraction of said “block of electric components”, even if it is bulky and heavy, results simple and that it is also reduced at minimum the risk that such operation occurs in an incorrect way, or that it can provide other kinds of damage. All this aims at making the motorcycle maintenance and the restoration of its full function possible also at not specialized sites.

Abstract: A set of elements giving the possibility of forming two types of wheeled devices for children which comprises: a platform (10), a handle (3) comprising an upright (20) intended to be connected to the front of the platform (10), and a removable seat (6); said handle (3) is removable with respect to the platform (10), and the platform (10) comprises, on the side of the front wheel(s) (11), a well (13) for receiving the lower portion of the upright (20); the platform (10) comprises a front boss (14) and said well (13) opens at the upper portion of this boss (14); the set of elements comprises a body (4) for supporting the seat (6), the front portion (4a) of which has a front extension (22) and a rear extension (23) defining together a housing (24) having a recessed shape corresponding to the shape of the boss (14); the set of elements comprises means (28, 31) for mounting the seat (6) on said supporting body (4), and the set of elements comprises means (5) for attaching at least one of said extensions (22, 2

Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame, a front and rear wheel and a crank assembly. The frame includes chainstays and a bottom bracket having a center and which rotationally receives the crank assembly. The crank assembly includes a chain ring having a radius between the bottom bracket center and a circumferential edge. The chainstays are connected to the bottom bracket at a first end and rotationally receive the rear wheel at a second end. The chainstay defines a cutout sized to receive a portion of a circumferential edge of the chain ring.

Abstract: Bicycle pedals are provided that support a major portion of the length of a user's foot. In some cases, a contact surface of the pedal with the user's foot is at least five inches long. The pedal is configured such that, in use, the pedal axle will be positioned below the user's midfoot and the pedal will support an area extending from the vicinity of the base of the user's metatarsal bones to the junction of the user's arch and heel.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal system which allows riders to engage the sole of their shoe with the pedal to feel an operative engagement therebetween during normal riding conditions, while allowing the rider to easily detach the shoe from the pedal should the need arise. The system includes a shoe sole wearable on the foot of a user, wherein the shoe sole includes a lower surface and a plurality of first engagement elements extending from the lower surface. The system further comprises a bicycle pedal including a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a plurality of second engagement elements extending from the first surface and being complimentary to the first engagement elements. The shoe sole is configured to be selectively engageable with the pedal, with the first engagement elements being registered with the second engagement elements when the shoe sole is engaged with the pedal.

Abstract: A cleat-pedal attachment system includes a cleat, comprising first and second surfaces, and a pedal. The pedal comprises a spindle, configured to reversibly attach to a crank arm of a bicycle, and a pedal frame. The pedal frame comprises a third surface positioned near the side of the pedal frame furthest from the crank arm, and a fourth surface, substantially perpendicular to the spindle axis, positioned near the side of the pedal frame closest to the crank arm. The first and third surfaces are shaped and oriented so that if the first surface is placed in direct contact with the third surface, a vertical force applied to the cleat in an upwards direction away from the pedal frame causes the second surface of the cleat to exert a horizontal force against the fourth surface of the pedal frame, maintaining the relative positions of the cleat and the pedal.

Abstract: An electric bike is described and includes an air speed sensor to sense air speed at the bike, an electric motor to impart motive force to the bike, and a controller operatively connected to the motor, the controller to control the electric motor using the air speed sensed by the air speed sensor. The controller includes a set electric-motor parameter for the output power of the motor. The electric-motor parameter can be bike speed. The controller can also use ground inclination to determine the power to be output by the motor to assist in powering the bike. The controller can use ground inclination to determine the power to be output by the motor to charge a battery in the bike. The controller can set the power of motor assist to be greater in a greater headwind than in a lighter headwind. The controller uses rider weight and rider height as parameters for controlling the motor.

Abstract: Embodiments of hybrid sensor-enabled and autonomous electric wheels can include a plurality of systems and devices integrated into a single compact hub unit that can be retrofitted into numerous types of two-wheeled bicycles. In one embodiment, an electrically motorized bicycle wheel can include a wheel rim, a wheel hub having an electric motor, a battery pack and a control unit configured to control a drive torque of the electric motor, and a plurality of wheel spokes connecting the wheel rim to the wheel hub. The electric motor, the battery pack and the control unit can be positioned within the wheel hub of the electrically motorized bicycle wheel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a single-wheel electric balancing scooter, comprising a wheel, a driving motor located within the wheel, a battery pack serving as a power supply of the driving motor, a self-balancing control system, and a balance signal sensor. A saddle is provided above the wheel; the saddle is mounted on a rack which is connected and fixed to a fixed shaft of the wheel; a handle is provided on a front side of the wheel, with a lower end of the handle being connected to the rack; and a front end of the rack is connected with an auxiliary wheel rack and an auxiliary wheel is provided at a lower end of the auxiliary wheel rack. The present invention has the following advantages that it is easier for driving and better to control the balance of the scooter body; the scooter body may be dragged on the ground; and the scooter body may be kept upright when not in use.

Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur includes a base member mountable to a bicycle frame. A movable member is movably coupled to the base member. A chain guide assembly is rotatably connected to the movable member for rotation about a rotational axis. A biasing device is configured to bias the chain guide assembly in a first rotational direction relative to the movable member. A damper assembly is disposed between the chain guide assembly and the movable member to apply a damping force to the chain guide assembly when the chain guide assembly rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. The damper assembly includes a one-way roller clutch assembly including radially inner and outer clutch members and roller elements acting between the inner and outer clutch members and a friction device including a friction biasing device and friction surfaces axially biased against and in frictional engagement with the one-way roller clutch assembly by the friction biasing device.

Abstract: A chain tensioning device includes a main body, a chain guide and a rotary fluid damper unit. The chain guide is pivotally coupled to the main body to rotate around a rotational axis with respect to the main body. The rotary fluid damper unit is operatively connected between the main body and the chain guide to provide rotational resistance to the chain guide around the rotational axis. The rotary fluid damper unit includes at least one primary flow limiting valve and at least one support member. The primary flexible valve portion of the at least one primary flow limiting valve is configured to flex and contact the at least one support member to form a primary flow path between a free end of the primary flexible valve portion of the at least one primary flow limiting valve and the other of the first and second members.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member adapted to be mounted to a bicycle; a movable member movably coupled to the base member; a chain guide coupled to the movable member through a pivot shaft, wherein the chain guide is coupled for rotation around a rotational axis (X); a biasing element that biases the chain guide in a selected rotational direction around the rotational axis (X); and a resistance applying unit that applies a resistance to rotational movement of the chain guide in a direction opposite the selected rotational direction.

Abstract: In a frictional propulsion device comprising a frame, a main wheel including driven rollers rotatably supported by an annular core member about a tangential direction and a pair of drive disks each carrying drive rollers rotatable about a rotational center line at an angle with respect to both a tangential line of the drive disk and the rotational center line of the drive disk such that the drive rollers at least partly engage the driven rollers, each drive disk includes a hub rotatably supported by the support shaft, a disk member attached to a peripheral part of the hub, and holder beams arranged circumferentially between the hub and the disk member such that each holder beam is attached to the hub at a first end thereof and to the disk member at a second end thereof, each drive roller being rotatably supported by a corresponding adjoining pair of holder beams.

Abstract: Rear boat extensions for boats and boats having such are provided. The rear boat extensions described herein are generally suitable for boats comprising a transom and a plate that is pivotally mounted via a hinge near a bottom edge of the transom, such that the plate is pivotable about an axis of the hinge upwardly toward and downwardly away from the transom. In some embodiments, the rear boat extensions described herein may include a bottom surface including a recess and one or more sloped or curved sections disposed on either side of the recess. The recess is disposed at a front end of the rear boat extension and configured to accommodate pivoting of the plate beneath the bottom surface of the rear boat extension. The sloped or curved sections disposed on either side of the recess serve to push water toward respective outboard sides of the boat to manipulate the size and/or shape of the wake produced by the boat.

Abstract: Paddle locking devices for watercraft paddles which is a system to conveniently load and hold paddles, especially if the paddles are to be stored outside of the watercraft.

Abstract: This disclosure discussed a kayak. The kayak may have a shell having a hull and a cockpit. The kayak may also have a console approximately centrally located within the cockpit along a widthwise direction of the kayak. The console may have a bottom wall separate from the hull and at least one side wall extending upwardly from a periphery of the bottom wall to at least partially define a storage compartment. The console may also have a replaceable cover. The replaceable cover may have a plurality of apertures of varied dimensions for organizing equipment at least partially staged within the storage compartment.

Abstract: A towed vessel suitable for containing and transporting various liquids is disclosed. The vessel further comprises various features useful in the transportation, navigation, and storage of the towable vessel, both when in use for transporting fluids and when transported in an emptied state. Such features include navigational and positioning devices and methods, power supply devices and methods, and means for filling, inflating, emptying, and deflating a non-rigid, towed vessel. Aspects of embodiments of the present invention further include features useful for purifying or preserving the purity of the fluid to be transported.

Abstract: A transfer arm for a fluid product, comprising a transfer pipe (12) having sections linked by fluid-tight articulations and having an end provided with a device for connecting the pipe (2) to a target duct, and a support structure (4) for the pipe (2) comprising an inner branch (16) mounted on a base (17) and an outer branch suspended from the inner branch (16) by articulation means (22) enabling rotation of the outer branch (18) around vertical and horizontal axes and arranged between a first and a second end of the outer branch, the first being provided with a counterweight (24) for balancing the two parts of the outer branch (18) that are situated on opposite sides of the horizontal rotational axis, the arm also comprising disengageable means for actuating the rotations of the outer branch around the horizontal and vertical axes and a flexible link (43) which suspends the pipe (2), upstream of the device, from second end of the outer branch (18).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer system, ship and method for transferring persons and/or goods to and/or from a floating ship (102). The transfer system according to the invention comprises: a pedestal (114); an integrated gangway boom crane (104) connected to the pedestal; and an actuator (122) acting between the pedestal (114) and the integrated gangway boom crane (104) configured for rotating the integrated gangway boom crane relative to the pedestal.

Abstract: A system and method for the deployment of a conduit system to convey fluids from a marine vessel to an offshore rig are provided. In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a conduit connected to a marine vessel, the conduit comprising: a plurality of sections of tubing; a plurality of flexible joints connecting the sections of tubing; and a buoyancy device at least partially surrounding at least one of the sections of tubing and having a density less than the density of seawater.

Abstract: An elevated seat for a kayak. A floor of the kayak generally defines a reference plane. The seat may include a first support bar configured to be releasably attached to the kayak at a first location and a second support bar configured to be releasably attached to the kayak at a second location spaced along a bow-stern direction of the kayak relative to the first location. The seat may also include a seating member extending from a distal end of the first support bar to a distal end of the second support bar. The seating member may be inclined at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the floor. When in use, the first and second support bars are configured to position the seating member above the floor by a sufficient distance to support a user substantially standing on the floor.

Abstract: An unmanned water vessel can include a body defining an internal volume and having a shape adapted to travel through water, with a front and a back; at least one directional device that is exposed to the flow of water past the vehicle when the vehicle travels in a forward direction, the directional device having a first position that provides an angle of attack through the water flow and a second position that provides a second angle of attach through the water flow; and a control system that provides commands to the at least one directional device in view of a starting point, an end point, and at least information about water flow expected to be encountered by the water vessel during travel.

Abstract: Inflatable fender having an inflatable first, internal, casing provided at least at one end in the continuation of the chamber with an inflatable tubular appendage (3) equipped with a stoppered end stub (2), this assembly being housed inside an external second casing (5) that hugs the first casing and the appendage (3) and being equipped, at the neck hugging the appendage, with at least one pair of fixings (9) of the D-ring type.

Abstract: An enhanced system and various methods for detangling and positioning of automatic fender positioning systems, comprising a system for stowing a boat fender in a fender receptacle, the receptacle having an opening for threading through a line, the line being attached to the fender, the line operable to pull up the fender into the receptacle through a second opening at the bottom of the receptacle, where upon while retracting the fender, the motor is configured to detect changes in current, and is configured to shut down if an overcurrent state is detected, the overcurrent state detection being based at least in part on a configured current limit.

Abstract: An enhanced system and various methods for safe and convenient deployment and retraction of boat fenders, comprising a system for stowing a boat fender in a fender receptacle, the receptacle having an opening for threading through a line, the line being attached to the fender, the line operable to pull up the fender into the receptacle through a second opening at the bottom of the receptacle, the receptacle being located within the rail, hull, or attached thereto, and being attached to a hinge, operated either mechanically or manually, to enable unobstructed deployment of the fenders.

Abstract: An enhanced system and various methods for remotely deploying boat fenders from a safe and convenient location. The fenders, which are placed along the entire periphery of the boat, may be deployed and retracted with lines attached to winches and motors. A user interface application installed on a mobile device may be utilized to alert the need for deploying boat fenders upon entering known ports, and may also deploy the fenders automatically.

Abstract: A personal flotation assembly is provided that includes flotation device and a protective shell extending therefrom. The flotation device is a buoyant structure that includes an open interior, such as a ring or similar shape. Along the lower end of the flotation device is a protective shell. The shell includes a spiral expansion spring therein and a resilient construction, whereby the shell is adapted to compress against the flotation device when stored and expand outward when deployed. When deployed, the shell forms a rounded sidewall, an enclosed lower, and an interior volume sized to receive the floating user. The shell is made of a resilient material and is water permeable. Therefore, the flotation assembly supports a floating user and protects the user when adrift for long periods. Additional locating elements may be secured to the floatation device, including strobes or signal generators.

Abstract: An emergency signaling device allows a user to signal for help in an emergency. The device includes a lifejacket configured for being worn by a user to promote buoyancy in water. A tether is coupled to the lifejacket. The tether has a distal end with respect to the lifejacket. A balloon is coupled to the distal end of the tether. A gas storage tank is coupled to the lifejacket. The gas storage tank contains compressed lighter-than-air gas. The gas storage device is fluidly coupled to the balloon for injecting the balloon with the gas. The balloon extends above the lifejacket when the balloon is inflated with the gas to indicate a location of the lifejacket.

Abstract: A watercraft comprises a motor, an inertial mass, and a fin. The motor oscillates the inertial mass about an axis, producing a torque reaction on and oscillation of the motor. Oscillation of the motor is communicated to the fin, producing thrust.

Abstract: A navigation controller for a watercraft enables an operator to safely control the vessel even when in rough seas. A grip member and control head act as an integrated grab bar to be grabbed by a hand of a user and transfer the force to a mount. The grip member is engagable by fingers on the hand of the user for providing a grab bar to the user to resist movement of the body of the user caused by the applied force. The applied force is transferred through the hand of the user to the grip member to the mount to a force transfer member to a structural member to dissipate the applied force in resisting excessive movement of the body of the user caused by the applied force. A navigation controller includes control switches for controlling the operation of the watercraft.

Abstract: A navigation controller for a vehicle comprises a grip member configured and dimensioned to be grabbed by a hand of a user. A mount is provided for mounting the grip member to a steering wheel of the vehicle. The grip member is mounted to be engagable by the hand of the user for rotating the steering wheel by the user to steer the vehicle. The control switches generating control output signals for controlling at least the speed of the vehicle. A control plate supports the control switches and is disposed near to the grip member and positioned, configured and dimensioned relative to the grip member to enable a thumb or finger of the user to engage with one or more of the control switches while the hand remains engaged with the grip member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a TRO analyzer of ballast water in a ship, including: a sensor body having a plurality of electrodes and a temperature sensor insertedly disposed in one end thereof; a protection cap coupled to one end of the sensor body to protect the exposed end portions of the plurality of electrodes and the temperature sensor and having a plurality of introducing and discharging holes formed penentratedly on a portion or the whole portion thereof; a sensing chamber formed between the protection cap and the sensor body; and an ultrasonic generator fixedly disposed inside the plurality of electrodes and the temperature sensor on one end of the sensor body to discharge the ballast water introduced into the sensing chamber through the plurality of introducing and discharging holes of the protection cap.

Abstract: A monument for a cabin of a vehicle, in particular of an aircraft or spacecraft, having an outer housing side and a fastening rail for fastening connection elements in a longitudinal direction of the fastening rail in order to fix the monument in position inside the cabin, wherein the fastening rail has a receiving space extending in the longitudinal direction of the fastening rail, which space is designed to receive and fasten mounting feet of the connection elements to the fastening rail, and wherein the fastening rail is integrated in the outer housing side.

Abstract: A propulsion assembly includes an engine surrounded by a nacelle, a means for draining the fluids from the engine and a means for guiding said fluids to a retention box. The retention box is arranged outside the engine and has a cavity for storing drained fluids. The retention box is fixed to a cowling of the nacelle and supported thereby.

Abstract: A cabin space dedicated to passengers and, beneath said cabin space, an under-cabin space which extends along the longitudinal axis of said aircraft. The under-cabin space comprises, distributed along two lines parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, two sets of systems which are able to carry out functions necessary for the operation of the aircraft. The two lines of sets of systems are disposed respectively in two lateral zones of the under-cabin space which are spaced apart transversely from one another and enclose a free central zone which extends along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. This arrangement thus eliminates any technical zone from the under-cabin space, thereby facilitating the internal layout and maintenance.

Abstract: An aircraft comprising a fuselage which has a central part with a cross section of constant geometry which comprises a floor. The floor comprises two lateral portions which are fixed respectively to two opposite lateral edges of the fuselage and which enclose a central portion to which they are fixed. One of the lateral floor portions is fixed to the central portion so as to allow a relative lateral movement between the two portions in the event of a modification in pressure inside the fuselage. The cross section thus deforms homogeneously when the fuselage is pressurized and the floor is not involved in maintaining the shape of the fuselage.

Abstract: Stiffening structures, wing structures and methods for manufacturing stiffening structures are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a stiffening structure includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member, and a first rib that extends from the first longitudinal member to the second longitudinal member and is integral with the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member. The first longitudinal member has a first wall, a second wall and a joining wall that joins the first wall and second wall. The first wall, the second wall and the joining wall form a space having a trapezoidal shape.

Abstract: A check device is provided for a flight actuator primary load path failure detection device of the type that disconnects a position sensor from the primary load path in the event of a primary load path failure. The check device comprises: a mechanical linkage for simulating disconnection of the position sensor by permitting relative movement of at least first and second mechanical parts of the actuator that are unable to move relative to one another in normal use without failure of the primary load path, wherein these first and second mechanical parts, include a first mechanical part with movement detected by the position sensor of the primary load path failure detection device.

Abstract: A system including a load factor control module for calculating a deflection order on manual actuation of a control column by a pilot of the aircraft and transmitting that deflection order to at least one elevator of the aircraft, a longitudinal attitude control module for maintaining the longitudinal attitude of the aircraft at a target attitude in the event of absence of manual actuation of the control column by the pilot during a flight, and a transition management module for determining and storing a present longitudinal attitude value of the aircraft at a recording moment and transmitting that longitudinal attitude value to the longitudinal attitude control module for the longitudinal attitude control module to use the longitudinal attitude value as the target attitude.

Abstract: An artificial force feel generating device for generation of an artificial feeling of force on an inceptor of a vehicle control system, the inceptor being adapted for controlling a servo-assisted control unit of the vehicle control system via a mechanical linkage, wherein at least one first force generating device and at least one second force generating device are mechanically connected to the inceptor, the first force generating device being provided for generating a nominal force acting in operation on the inceptor and the second force generating device being provided for generating a tactile cue force acting in operation on the inceptor, the first and second force generating devices being arranged in parallel. The invention relates further to an aircraft comprising such an artificial force feel generating device.

Abstract: A disk brake system, in accordance with various embodiments, includes a pressure plate having a center, an inner radius and an outer radius. The disk brake system also includes a first piston. The disk brake system also includes a first puck coupled to the first piston and configured to contact the pressure plate at a first distance from the center in response to the first piston being actuated. The first distance is different than an average of the inner radius and the outer radius.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining failure diagnosis of drive systems of rotorcrafts through measuring the spectral characteristics of rotational oscillations and torsional oscillations and steady windup of a drive shaft. Mechanical anomalies of the drive system will alter the spectral characteristics of rotational oscillations and torsional oscillations and steady windup as detected by a pair of variable reluctance sensors in conjunction with a radial grating mounted on the drive shaft.

Abstract: A flying vehicle with a fuselage having a longitudinal axis, a cockpit extending substantially from the center of the fuselage, a left front wing extending from the fuselage, a right front wing extending from the fuselage, a left rear wing extending from the fuselage, a right rear wing extending from the fuselage. Each wing contains a rotor rotatably mounted and a direct drive brushless motor providing directional control of the vehicle. A centrally located ducted fan encompasses the cockpit and provides VTOL capabilities. The central location of the cockpit and central ducted fan aid in balance and stability. The central ducted fan is itself a brushless motor with the stator windings encapsulated in the ducted fan housing and rotor magnets within the fan. All motors and rotatable mounts are controlled by a fly-by-wire system integrated into a central computer with avionics allowing for autonomous flight.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle adapted for vertical takeoff and landing using pivoting thrust producing elements for takeoff and landing. An aerial vehicle which is adapted to takeoff with thrust units providing vertical thrust and then transitioning to a horizontal flight path. An aerial vehicle with pivoting thrust units with propellers, wherein some or all of the propellers are able to be stowed and fully nested during forward flight.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided and includes a propeller to generate aircraft thrust, a prop-nacelle housing and supporting the propeller, a wing supporting the prop nacelle and including first coupling elements. The first coupling elements are each configured to selectively couple with a second set of coupling elements associated with a group of interchangeable fuselages.

Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft is provided and includes a fuselage, wings extending outwardly from opposite sides of the fuselage, nacelles supportively disposed on the wings and reversely oriented, axial flow engines disposed in each of the nacelles to generate mechanical energy for driving lift and thrust generating prop-rotor rotations.

Abstract: This invention includes a drone with a metal detector attached to the bottom of the drone with a simple assembly. The Prospector One would be controlled by humans for exact locations the person wants to search. This can be utilized for the enthusiast who want to detect objects who search for valuables that are on the ground or underground. It can also be used by the military for important searches such as IUD's, underground explosives to save lives. Additionally, searching for pipe layout locations.

Abstract: A method for navigating an airborne device relative to a target comprises detecting, at an optical detector on the airborne device, an optical signal generated by one or more LEDs on the target. The method also comprises comparing, by a processor on the airborne device, the detected optical signal with a previously-detected optical signal. The method further comprises determining, by the processor based on the comparison, a change in location of at least one of the airborne device or the target. The method also comprises adjusting a position of the airborne device based on the determined change in location. The method also comprises predicting, by the processor, a movement of the target based on information indicative of at least one of a position, a rotation, an orientation, an acceleration, a velocity, or an altitude of the target, wherein the position of the airborne device is adjusted based on the predicted movement of the target.