Abstract: A drive track for a tracked vehicle has an endless belt having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a plurality of lugs projecting from at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface. At least some of the plurality of lugs each have at least one passage extending at least partially through the lug from an outer surface of the lug. A snowmobile provided with the drive track is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spherical tractor operating mobile platform (STOMP) is provided for internally propelling and steering along an external surface. The STOMP includes a spherical shell having interior and exterior surfaces, an internal chassis containing an electrical power supply and a propulsion controller; a tractor drive system and an overhead wheel assembly. The tractor drive system provides propulsion and steering of the shell along the surface. The drive system includes a frame that connects to the chassis from below and contains a motor unit. The frame includes port and starboard sides that support respective wheel sets surrounded by corresponding continuous tracks. These tracks engage the shell's interior surface. Each wheel set includes a drive wheel, an idler wheel and a tension wheel for engaging a corresponding track. The overhead wheel assembly connects to the chassis from above to maintain the chassis and the drive system in compression with the shell.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention relates generally to a vehicle that has axles with tires mounted thereon with at least one axle that is a lift axle, and more specifically, to a method that optimizes the effective tire rolling resistance by adjusting the load on the tires, resulting in an improvement in the fuel economy of the vehicle. According to one embodiment, the method takes into consideration the rolling resistance characteristics of the tires placed onto the axles of the vehicle and provides an algorithm for optimizing their rolling resistance by raising or lowering the lift axle.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes providing an axle assembly having a first end including a first mounting structure and a second end, providing a first bearing block and a second bearing block, forming a first aperture in the first bearing block and a second aperture in the second bearing block, attaching the first and second bearing blocks to the first mounting structure subsequent to forming the first and second apertures; and providing a first spindle assembly coupled to the first mounting structure by a first spherical bearing located within the first aperture and a second spherical bearing located within the second aperture, wherein a first kingpin assembly extends through the first and second spherical bearings, thereby coupling the first spindle with the first mounting structure.

Abstract: A modular trailer assembly for attachment to a frame of a vehicle includes an elongate support member, a first connector rigidly mountable to the frame of the vehicle, a rear loop, and a second connector. The proximal end of the support member is pivotally connected to the first connector and selectively detachable therefrom. At least one wheel is rotatably connected to the distal end of the rear loop. The second connector includes a first frame member and a second frame member rotatably coupled to one another. The distal end of the first frame is configured to engage the proximal end of the rear loop. The proximal end of the second frame member is configured to engage the distal end of the support member. The first frame member is rotatably moveable to allow cargo to track with the vehicle independently of a change in orientation of the at least one wheel.

Abstract: A mounting jig for a vehicle door, the jig includes a first support having means for adjustably fastening it to a vehicle body in the vicinity of the door opening; a second support having fastening means for fastening to the vehicle door; connection arms for interconnecting the first and second supports, which arms are hinged to each of said supports, and their trace, in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the door opening, co-operates with the trace, in the same plane, of said supports, to form a deformable quadrilateral; a weight arm, mounted to move at least in translation along a vertical axis in guide means carried by the stationary support, between a low first position and at least one second position that is higher than said low position; at least one operating member for operating an indexing member for indexing the position of the second support relative to the first support, the operating member being connected to the weight shaft; and a raising lever, for acting against the effect of gravity, to

Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle, with a bicycle seat assembly rotatably connected to the bicycle. Rotation movement of the bicycle seat assembly is possible, seen in the driving direction, to the left and to the right side and is independent of the steering movement of the bicycle. The axis of rotation of the bicycle seat assembly is arranged in front of the axis of the bottom bracket, seen in the driving direction, and the seating surface of the bicycle seat is arranged behind the axis of the bottom bracket, seen in the driving direction. The rotatable bicycle seat assembly enables an upright riding position by dodging the cyclist's leg pedaling downwards through a rotational movement. At the same time it supports the hip side of the other leg. The driver is supported by the bicycle seat even in the upright riding position.

Abstract: A saddle adjustment assembly comprising an adjustable height saddle post, the adjustable height saddle post comprising a first support and a second support, the second support configured to slidably move relative to the first support between at least a raised position and a lowered position, the first support configured to attach to a bicycle frame; a saddle angle adjustment mechanism coupled to the second support, the saddle angle adjustment mechanism comprising a rotatably coupled saddle support configured to couple to a bicycle saddle; wherein the saddle angle adjustment mechanism is configured to enable rotation of the saddle support relative to the second support as a result of the first support moving relative to the second support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rear bicycle light having a socket to be fastened on the frame of the bicycle, a lighting unit being received in said socket, and a luminous body for emitting the light emitted to the surroundings by the lighting unit during operation. According to the invention, the luminous body is an optical fiber emitting the light emitted by the lighting unit during through at least part of the peripheral surface thereof operation to the surroundings.

Abstract: A motorcycle including a rear fender (40) having a plurality of attachment parts (51, 53) provided on a rear surface (43). The attachment parts (51, 53) are provided in left-right pairs. When attaching a plate member to the rear fender (40), the plate member is fastened to the rear fender (40) by passing a fastening member through a portion of the attachment parts (51, 53).

Abstract: A single-wheel structure transportation device with an extendable walking handle. The transportation device may include a motor, gyroscopic fore-aft self-balancing, and foot platforms for riding the device in a substantially standing position. Various extendable handle arrangements are disclosed that permit a use to readily maneuver the device while walking and to stow the walking handle with or within the frame or housing of the device while the user is riding the device.

Abstract: A radial fan assembly for use in a powered air purifying respirator includes at least an impeller, a printed circuit board and a scroll casing. The scroll casing has a first and a second scroll casing element. The second scroll casing element includes at least a portion of the printed circuit board. When the radial fan assembly is used in a powered air purifying respirators, the respirator may also include components such as a filter assembly.

Abstract: A bicycle suspension comprises a cylinder element, a piston element, and a stroke adjustment structure. The cylinder element includes an internal space extending in an axial direction of the cylinder element. The piston element is provided in the internal space to define a first air chamber and a second air chamber in the cylinder element. The second air chamber is opposite to the first air chamber with respect to the piston element. The stroke adjustment structure is configured to adjust a stroke of the bicycle suspension and includes an axially movable member configured to initiate a stroke adjustment of the bicycle suspension. The axially movable member is configured to be entirely disposed in the first air chamber.

Abstract: There is provided a swing arm for a motorcycle. A base section is connected to a chassis framework via a pivot member. A pair of rear-arm sections extend rearwards from the base section. A pair of bracket sections are respectively provided at rear end portions of the rear-arm sections to rotatably support a rear wheel. Each of the bracket sections is formed into a shape including a hole through which an axle of the rear wheel passes, an engaging plane formed at a region surrounding the hole, and a peripheral formation plane positioned to connect with the outer periphery of the rear-arm sections. An inner surface of the peripheral formation plane in the width direction is formed so as to be inclined outwards in the width direction from a side of formation region of the hole towards a front side as viewed from the top.

Abstract: A bicycle kickstand may include a crank arm to mount a pedal to a bicycle frame, which has a slot formed in a longitudinal direction thereof, a pedal coupled perpendicular to the slot of the crank arm and configured to rotate in the longitudinal direction of the crank arm, a middle arm received in the slot of the crank arm and having both end portions which are respectively connected to the crank arm and the pedal in order to allow the pedal to be inclined with respect to the crank arm, and a safety pin configured to be inserted through the slot of the crank arm and the pedal in order to support the pedal in a perpendicular state or an inclined state with respect to the crank arm.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal including a tube, assembled to freely rotate around an axis, and a pedal body including at least one first surface on which a cyclist is capable of exerting an effort, the pedal body being connected to the central tube by at least one connecting member including a first portion interposed between the tube and the first surface and fitted with at least one deformation gauge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hanger configured to support a sports board (e.g. surfboard), for example, in a vertical orientation. The hanger comprises a mount configured for attachment to a supportive structure (e.g. a wall mount) and a ring configured to surround and contact the body of the sports board (‘body ring’) such that at least a portion of the weight of the board is supported by friction imparted by the body ring on the sports board. Embodiments of the present invention provide an efficient and aesthetic mechanism for hanging a sports board such as a surfboard.

Abstract: A lightweight transport vessel transports compressed natural gas underwater without needing to liquefy the gas for transport.

Abstract: The support and guidance structure includes a support (14) equipped with means of guidance (16) of the mast (12) in a raising direction (Z), including a wall (32) extending in this direction (Z), and delimiting a housing (33) for the mast (12). The guidance means (16) include two guide rails (18), borne by the support (14), and two additional guidance elements (20), borne by the mast (12), each operating in tandem with a respective rail (18). Each rail (18) forms stops (18A) immobilizing the related guidance element (20) in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the raising direction (Z) and the wall (32). The guidance means (16) include another guide rail (18), borne by the support (14), and another additional guidance element (20), borne by the mast (12), and operating in tandem with the other rail (18). The other rail (18) forms stops (18A) immobilizing the other guidance element (20) in a third direction (X) perpendicular to the raising direction (Z) and the second direction (Y).

Abstract: Sails for sailboat wind propulsion comprising shape memory systems containing shape memory elements are described. The shape memory systems are arranged in correspondence to the sail battens, extending along them and operably connected to the sail opposite faces or directly to the battens so as to face the opposite faces of the sail. A control apparatus and method of said sails is also described.

Abstract: A paddle is disclose, the paddle comprises a blade, an intensified structure and a handle. The blade comprises a body and a tubular section extending from the body. The body is provided with a reception hollow communicated with the interior of the tubular section. The intensified structure comprises a joint section and an intensified section, where one end of the joint section engages fixedly in the inside of the tubular section of the blade. The handle is joined to the other end of the joint section. The paddle of this invention exploits the intensified structure to heighten the structural strength of the blade, which substantially decreases the possibility of breakage of the blade due to the propelling force.

Abstract: A midsection housing for an outboard motor includes a driveshaft housing having an oil sump provided therein. An adapter plate is coupled to a top of the driveshaft housing. The adapter plate has an inner surface along which oil from an engine mounted on the adapter plate drains into the oil sump. First and second pockets are formed in an outer surface of the adapter plate on first and second generally opposite sides thereof, the first and second pockets configured to receive first and second mounts therein. A water jacket is formed between the inner and outer surfaces of the adapter plate. The water jacket extends at least partway between the inner surface of the adapter plate and each of the first and second pockets, respectively. A method for cooling a mount is also provided.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for mounting an outboard motor to a transom of a marine vessel. A support structure is configured to be coupled to the transom by a plurality of fasteners that extend through the support structure and through a set of holes that have been drilled in the transom. A steering head is coupled to the support structure and configured to support an outboard motor thereupon for rotation about a generally vertical steering axis. The set of holes is divided by a generally vertical fore-aft central plane, and the outboard motor extends along a generally vertical fore-aft central plane. The support structure and the steering head are coupled to one another such that the central plane of the outboard motor is capable of being laterally offset from the central plane of the set of holes. An assembly for mounting two or more outboard motors is also provided.

Abstract: A shift control device of an outboard motor having an electrical shift device for switching a propulsion direction has a rotation switching unit electrically switching whether to drive the outboard motor for regular rotation or for counter rotation, and a rotation determination unit determining whether the outboard motor drives for regular rotation or for counter rotation. Desired performances can be obtained by the outboard motor for regular rotation and the outboard motor for counter rotation without complicating the operation even when the propulsion unit for regular rotation and the propulsion unit for counter rotation are made as a common unit.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes a drive shaft that transmits rotational power from an engine, a shift unit provided in the middle of the drive shaft, and a water pump that feeds a coolant to the engine. The drive shaft has a first input shaft that receives rotational power transmitted from the engine and a second input shaft that receives rotational power transmitted from the first input shaft. The shift unit has an upper gear rotating in synchronization with the first input shaft, an intermediate gear meshing with the upper gear at all times, and an intermediate shaft extending to the rear side from the intermediate gear and rotating in synchronization. The oil pump as an accessory is operated by the rotational power transmitted to the intermediate shaft.

Abstract: A cowl assembly for an outboard motor includes first and second cowl members. A fastening assembly includes a latch coupled to one of the cowl members, and a retaining mechanism coupled to the other of the cowl members. The latch and the retaining mechanism engage one another to fasten the first and second cowl members together. A seal is configured to form a fluid tight joint between the cowl members. A shape memory alloy wire is coupled to at least one of the latch and the seal. A switch is configured to selectively provide electrical current to the shape memory alloy wire to activate the shape memory alloy wire. Activation of the shape memory alloy wire causes at least one of disengagement of the latch from the retaining mechanism and disengagement of the seal from one of the first and second cowl members, enabling separation of the cowl members.

Abstract: A stern drive is for a marine vessel. The stern drive comprises a gimbal housing that is configured for connection to the marine vessel, a gimbal ring that is steerable with respect to the gimbal housing about a vertical steering axis, a driveshaft housing that is connected to the gimbal ring, and a trim actuator that is configured to trim the driveshaft housing about a horizontal trim axis. The trim actuator has a first end that is pivotably connected to the gimbal ring at a horizontal first pivot axis and a second end that is pivotably connected to the driveshaft housing at a horizontal second pivot axis. A resilient driveshaft housing vibration isolator is located along the second pivot axis. The resilient vibration isolator isolates vibration forces on the driveshaft housing. A resilient gimbal ring vibration isolator is located along the trim axis. The gimbal ring vibration isolator isolates vibration forces on the gimbal ring.

Abstract: A thrust system for a watercraft including a propeller shaft, a propeller shaft housing and a hydraulic thrust bearing assembly. The propeller shaft has an enlarged diameter shoulder, and the housing is positioned around and allows axial movement of the propeller shaft. The hydraulic thrust bearing assembly is axially constrained between the propeller shaft shoulder and the housing. The hydraulic thrust bearing assembly includes an annular cylinder, an annular piston, at least one oil feed passage and at least one oil bleed port. The annular cylinder surrounds the propeller shaft and has a circular groove. The annular piston surrounds the propeller shaft and is movably positioned within the circular groove of the annular cylinder forming a pressurized chamber. Each oil feed passage and oil bleed port allows oil to be communicated relative to the pressurized chamber. The hydraulic pressure developed in the pressurized chamber is proportional to thrust.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second trim deflectors is disclosed. The first and second trim deflectors have a first surface having a first area and a second surface having a second area, wherein the second planar surface is coupled to the first surface. The method and system control the first and second trim deflectors to induce any of a net yawing force, a net rolling force, and a net trimming force to the marine vessel without inducing any other substantial forces to the marine vessel by controlling the first and second trim deflectors.

Abstract: A first reinforcing fiber layer is formed of reinforcing fibers which are wound around an outer periphery of a mandrel. The reinforcing fibers are aligned in parallel to a direction (+? direction) in which the reinforcing fibers intersect with an annular direction (0° direction) of the mandrel, and seamlessly continue in the annular direction of the mandrel by an amount of at least one rotation.

Abstract: A rear fuselage section of an aircraft comprises at least one closed frame constructed as a unitary body, and a horizontal tail plane comprising a box-type central element and two lateral torsion boxes, said horizontal tail plane trimmable with respect to a pivot axis. The horizontal tail plane is mounted at the closed frame and the pivot axis is contained in a horizontal plane below the lowest end of said closed frame.

Abstract: An aerodynamic lift structure comprises unbalanced composite skin that couples twist and bending.

Abstract: The disclosure disclosed a connection device for connecting first means of the airplane to second means of the airplane. The first means and the second means are provided with connection regions, which lengthwise extend in a first direction and are connected with each other, respectively. A plurality of finger-like grooves, which are parallel with each other and extend respectively in a second direction inclined relative to the first direction in which the connection region extends, are provided respectively on a connection face of the connection region of the first means and a connection face of the connection region of the second means.

Abstract: An aircraft comprises a foldable airfoil. The airfoil includes inboard and outboard sections that are hinged together about a hinge line. The airfoil further includes a first latching mechanism on an inboard side of the hinge line, and a second latching mechanism on an outboard side of the hinge line for latching the outboard section to the inboard section.

Abstract: An aircraft wing includes a leading element; a trailing element positioned behind the leading element relative to a direction of movement of the aircraft and an actuation system for moving one of the elements between a retracted position and an extended position in which there is an air gap between a lower surface of the leading element and a surface of the trailing element. Two or more elongate stiffening ridges extend downwards from the lower surface of the leading element, and each adjacent pair of ridges is separated by a channel. The leading element is shaped to provide an improved air gap, preferably one which is parallel or convergent in all positions. Typically the volume of at least one of the ridges is less than the 50% of the volume of a channel defined by that ridge.

Abstract: An aerodynamic fan nosecone for a gas turbine engine is provided and includes a fan nosecone that may be made of composite material. To improve airflow transition to the blade members, aerodynamic fairings are provided and are secured to an exterior surface of the nosecone which enhances fuel economy. The fairings may be secured to the nosecone by various methods, including providing for the fairings to be changed out and replaced with other fairings on the same nosecone assembly.

Abstract: A blade, configured to be mounted on a hub of a turbomachine propeller so that an empty space is defined between a base of the blade and a face of the hub facing the base. The blade includes a retractable blanking mechanism configured to reversibly occupy at least one of following two positions: a deployed position in which the retractable blanking mechanism at least partially closes off the empty space; and an extreme retracted position in which the retractable mechanism is kept out of the empty space.

Abstract: Active strut apparatus for use with aircraft and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first strut having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end of the first strut is operatively coupled to a fuselage of an aircraft and the second end of the first strut is operatively coupled to a wing of the aircraft, and a first actuator is operatively coupled to the first strut to change an effective length of the first strut.

Abstract: A multilayer construction for aerodynamic riblets includes a first layer composed of a material with protuberances, the first layer material exhibiting a first characteristic having long-term durability and a second layer composed of a material, exhibiting a second characteristic with capability for adherence to a surface.

Abstract: A device including a first hydraulic piston, a second hydraulic piston disposed within the first hydraulic piston, and a third hydraulic piston disposed within both the first hydraulic piston and the second hydraulic piston. The first, second, and third hydraulic pistons are contained within a common outer wall. A manifold is connected to the first, second, and third hydraulic pistons. The manifold is disposed relative to the first, second, and third hydraulic pistons such that a fluid moving in the manifold can control positions of the first, second, and third hydraulic pistons.

Abstract: Landing gear actuator systems and methods are disclosed. A landing gear actuator system may have an actuator body, an operating apparatus, a gas pressure adjustment apparatus, and a hydraulic fluid adjustment apparatus. The gas pressure adjustment apparatus may adjust at least one gas pressure in response to the operating apparatus. The hydraulic fluid adjustment apparatus may adjust at least one hydraulic fluid volume in response to the operating apparatus. The gas pressure and the hydraulic fluid volume may adjusted inversely. An isolation valve may be installed between the gas pressure adjustment apparatus and a strut gas chamber of a landing gear. In this manner, a landing gear strut may be shrunk without inducing high pressure in the strut, and stowed for flight, and a landing gear strut may be unshrunk and isolated by the valve to protect the actuator from high pressure and reaction forces during landing.

Abstract: A linking system for attaching a cross tube to a skid of a landing gear of a rotorcraft, the linking system comprising a hinge element, means for connecting the hinge element to the cross tube and means for connecting the hinge element to the skid, the hinge element in turn comprising a cross tube-sided part and a skid-sided part able to rotate with respect to one another, a torsion bar spring and a rotary damper element suitable for dissipating a ground resonance excitation energy when the rotation of the cross tube-sided part with respect to the skid-sided part occurs.

Abstract: A dual series damper includes a fluid damper portion and a elastomeric damper portion. The fluid damper portion includes a first housing, a first connection member, and a piston coupled to the first connection member. The piston divides an interior of the first housing into a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber. The piston has a fluid passage in the piston, the fluid passage being configured to provide fluid communication between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber. The elastomeric damper portion includes a second housing, a second connection member coupled to the second housing, and an elastomer between the first housing and the second housing. When a lead/lag force is introduced to the dual series damper, the fluid damper portion behaves rigidly so that the elastomeric damper portion dampens the lead/lag oscillation.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to obtaining data from a plurality of sensors located on a rotorcraft, wherein a first plurality of the sensors is associated with a hub of the rotorcraft and a second plurality of the sensors is associated with blades of the rotorcraft, processing the data to isolate blade dynamics using the data from the sensors associated with the blade from rotorcraft maneuvering dynamics using the data from the sensors associated with the hub, obtaining at least one parameter associated with the blade dynamics based on the processing, and analyzing the at least one parameter to control at least one of the rotorcraft and the blades.

Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft is provided and includes a fuselage, inboard wings extending from opposite sides of the fuselage to define a support plane and engine nacelles disposed along the wings. Each of the wings includes ground alighting elements and a variable geometry such that a portion of the ground alighting elements are alignable with the support plane during in-flight conditions and displaceable from the support plane.

Abstract: An autonomous battery replacement station for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The UAV includes a replaceable battery. The station includes (a) a landing platform configured to receive the UAV, (b) a storage location configured to store a replacement battery for the UAV, and (c) a means for swapping the replaceable battery on the UAV with a replacement battery from the storage location.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for employing autonomous air vehicles to perform high risk observation, interaction, and interrogation with individuals. Invention comprises an autonomously controlled air vehicle with mounting and transporting means being attachable to automobiles and other first responder vehicle types. Mounting and transporting means serves also as a base station for commanding autonomous air vehicle and relaying communications to and from autonomous air vehicle to and from remote data base sources. Autonomously controlled air vehicle is equipped with a variety of sensors which air in observation and detection of suspects, their vehicles and possessions therein, and any documentation produced during the interrogation.

Abstract: A drone-based microbial analysis system includes an electronic drone control facility including an electronic storage memory device. The storage memory device stores information including a location of at least one possible contaminated area previously determined to contain at least one positively-tested microbe. At least one drone vehicle is in signal communication with the drone control facility and autonomously navigates to the at least one possible contaminated area to collect a specimen. The drone control facility performs a microbial analysis based on the collected specimen and confirms the at least one possible contaminated area is a positively contaminated area that contains at least one microbe based on the microbial analysis.

Abstract: A dual release lanyard connector includes first and second lanyard rings coupleable to first and second lanyard cables, a coupling sleeve coupled to the first lanyard ring and movable between a first position and a second position, and a locking ring configured to engage the coupling sleeve and movable between the first position and the second position, the locking ring having a first ring groove. A two-piece housing of the lanyard connector includes a plug housing with first and second plug housing grooves and a secondary housing coupled to the second lanyard ring and having a secondary housing groove, the secondary housing movable between a third position and a fourth position. The secondary housing is configured to engage the coupling sleeve such that movement of the secondary housing to the fourth position causes a corresponding movement of the coupling sleeve and locking ring to the second position.

Abstract: Elongate passenger service unit (PSU) assemblies are comprised of a plurality of modular passenger service units, and a plurality of variable-length modular spacer units. The modular spacer units are positioned between the modular passenger service units in an end-to-end manner so as to provide a desired lengthwise array of the passenger service units along the PSU assembly. Transport category vehicles, e.g., aircraft, may thus be provided with inboard and outboard PSU assemblies. The passenger seats may be arranged in a latitudinally side-by-side arrangement and/or may be arranged in a longitudinally staggered arrangement. By providing variable length modular spacer units, therefore, the individual passenger service units may be arranged directly overhead of each passenger seat.