Abstract: An inspection system for use with a vehicle includes a database containing vehicle route data and at least one location of a route to be inspected.

Abstract: A method for managing a railway vehicle which comprises a motor (6) connected to a chassis (2), a first (3) and a second axle (4) functionally connected to the motor (6); a first transmission member (7) of hydrostatic type and a second transmission member (8) of hydrodynamic type (generally defined “gear”, which can be of hydrodynamic or mechanical type) for connecting the motor to the first and second axle; the method comprising the steps of selecting a configuration for managing the vehicle (1) and switching said vehicle between a first operative condition, in which the first transmission member (7) or the second transmission member (8) is active, and a second operative condition, in which both the first transmission member (7) and the second transmission member (8) are simultaneously active, at least as a function of the vehicle (1) management configuration.

Abstract: A cinch strap system for securing cargo to a dolly or other type of hand truck having a first and second strap. The first strap has opposing first and second loop ends. A first loop is on the first loop end of the first strap and secures at least two rings to the first strap. A second loop is on the second loop end of the first strap. The second strap is of longer length than the first strap and includes a second strap loop on one end of the second strap. The end of the second strap opposing the second strap loop is a free end.

Abstract: A wheeled ladder caddy is provided. The caddy can transport one or more long and slender items thereon. The caddy has a base and a mount coupled to the base and extending away therefrom. The mount defines a cavity therein. The caddy may also include a securing mechanism coupled to the base, the securing mechanism including an engagement member and a fastener, wherein the fastener can transition between a first position and a second position to position the engagement member with respect to the base. The item may be placed in the caddy such that the cavity receives a part of the item and the securing mechanism receives a second part. The fastener can transition from the first position to the second position to translate the engagement member toward the base to retain the item between the engagement member and the base.

Abstract: Smart phones and tablet computers not only provide phone service, email and internet access, but also serve as a device for organizing information, compiling shopping lists, comparing shopping prices, viewing nutritional information, and the like. As such, such devices are referred to by many while grocery shopping or other store locations where shopping carts are used. Many find it difficult to hold the mobile device while also trying to push the cart. Some people may even drop their mobile device thus causing costly damage. If one should constantly put the device back in their pocket or purse, only to pull it out again in a few feet, one would waste valuable time in the process. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which a mobile communication device can be easily accessed while using a shopping cart. The development of the device holding clip fulfills this need.

Abstract: A transportation system includes a vehicle that has a storage bin. A stroller is structured to be positioned between a transporting position and a collapsed position. The stroller is positionable within the storage bin when the stroller is positioned in the collapsed position. The stroller may be used to transport a child when the stroller is positioned in the transporting position.

Abstract: A rotational operation device includes a holder fixed to a rotation shaft, a torsion coil spring, and a case accommodating the holder and the torsion coil spring. The torsion coil spring includes a coil, fitted to the rotation shaft, and two protrusions, located at opposite ends of the coil. When the rotation shaft is rotated, the case restricts movement of the first protrusion, and the holder pushes the second protrusion in a rotation direction of the rotation shaft. The case includes a first groove that receives the first protrusion. The holder includes a second groove that receives the second protrusion. The first and second protrusions are spaced apart by an invariable interval set by a fixed length between the first and second grooves. The fixed length is set to a distance that produces a gap between coil windings when the coil is in a load-free state.

Abstract: A steering device includes an inner column, an outer column, an outer column bracket, an inner column bracket, a shear pin, and a damper. A first hole is formed in the inner column. The outer column has a slit formed by notching one end. The outer column bracket tightens the outer column together with a telescopic friction plate. The inner column bracket is supported by the telescopic friction plate, and has a second hole. The shear pin detachably connects the inner column and the inner column bracket to each other at a position across the first hole and the second hole. The damper faces an internal end portion wall of the slit in an axial direction of the inner column.

Abstract: A steering system for a motor vehicle comprising a steering linkage, a steering drive, a gearbox transmitting a driving movement of the steering drive to the steering linkage, and a multi-piece housing that at least partially surrounds the steering linkage, the steering drive and/or the gearbox, having a drainage groove formed in a first contact surface of a first housing part of the multi-piece housing, the first contact surface being seated against a mating second contact surface of a second housing part of the multi-piece housing.

Abstract: An electronic control unit, an electric power steering device, and a vehicle are provided, such that the power loss from output terminals of two power modules including first and second power modules to the electric current joining point is suppressed. The electronic control unit includes an input and output board connected with the first and second power modules. First and second conductor patterns respectively connected with output terminals of the first and second power modules and extending independently of each other are formed in the input and output board. A terminal is mounted on the output connector, the terminal including first and second board connection portions respectively connected with the first and second conductor patterns.

Abstract: A communication system includes a sensor apparatus transmitting a sensor signal including detection information of a detection target as a digital signal and a microcomputer receiving the sensor signal through a signal line and performing a control operation at a predetermined operation cycle based on the sensor signal that is received. The microcomputer transmits, to the sensor apparatus, a synchronization signal which is synchronized with the predetermined operation cycle of the microcomputer. The sensor apparatus transmits the sensor signal at a predetermined constant cycle except when the synchronization signal transmitted by the microcomputer is received. The sensor apparatus changes a transmission timing of the sensor signal corresponding to the synchronization signal when the synchronization signal transmitted by the microcomputer is received.

Abstract: A vehicle steering control apparatus includes a target course setter, a first control quantity calculator, a second control quantity calculator, a control rate variator, and a steering controller. The target course setter sets, based on forward environment information, a target course to be travelled by an own vehicle. The first control quantity calculator calculates a first control quantity that allows the own vehicle to travel along the target course. The second control quantity calculator calculates a second control quantity based on a steering angle. The control rate variator variably sets, in accordance with a vehicle speed, a first rate of the first control quantity and a second rate of the second control quantity. The steering controller calculates a steering control quantity, based on the first control quantity corrected based on the first rate and the second control quantity corrected based on the second rate, and executes a steering control.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle floor panel structure includes a front body sub-unit, a central floor sub-unit, and a rear body sub-unit. The central floor sub-unit has a front floor structure including a central longitudinal tunnel, a lateral longitudinal beams, connected to the front floor structure and to the front body sub-unit and two intermediate longitudinal beams which connect the central floor sub-unit to the front body sub-unit and which extend at intermediate areas between the lateral longitudinal beams and the central tunnel. The intermediate longitudinal beams are connected to the front floor structure and have portions extending in a cantilever fashion from the front edge of the front floor structure and which are connected to said front body sub-unit.

Abstract: A vehicle side portion structure is provided that can suppress or prevent separation at a joined portion between members at a time of a vehicle side collision. At a pillar outer reinforcement, a reinforcement upper and a reinforcement lower are joined at a joined portion by spot welding or the like. A hinge reinforcement is, in a state of spanning over this joined portion, joined to the reinforcement upper and the reinforcement lower. Therefore, when tensile force is applied to the pillar outer reinforcement, shearing force that acts on the joined portion can be reduced by reaction force obtained from the hinge reinforcement. Due thereto, at a time of a vehicle side collision, separation at the joined portion can be suppressed or prevented.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body includes a floor structure having at least one side member, and a superstructure arranged thereon and having a hinge pillar adjoining the floor structure. A reinforcing element is provided in a transition region of floor structure and hinge pillar. A first end portion of the reinforcing element is structurally connected to the floor structure and a second end portion of the reinforcing element located opposite the first end is structurally connected to the superstructure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a subassembly (10) of a vehicle safety system comprising a tubular casing (20) and comprising a fastening element (30) that includes at least one fastening hole (13) and a peripheral portion (31) curved at least in portions, wherein the peripheral portion (31) is connected at least at one connecting point (11) to the tubular casing (20). In accordance with the invention, the peripheral portion (31) includes at least one breakthrough (40) and a coating passage (17) is formed at least in portions between the peripheral portion (31) and the casing (20), wherein the tubular casing (20) includes at least in portions, especially on its entire exposed surface (21), an anti-corrosion layer and/or the fastening element (30) includes at least in portions, especially on its entire exposed surface (32), an anti-corrosion layer.

Abstract: An example reinforced wood flooring for use in forming a truck trailer or container floor may include a wood member. The wood member may include a plurality of wood strips that are attached together. The wood member may also have a top surface and a bottom surface. An essentially water impermeable fiber-reinforced thermoplastic underlay may be adhered to the bottom surface of the wood member.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting bulk material has a container mounted on a chassis and wheeled suspension. The container has opposing sidewalls, a floor, a front wall, and a rear opening. The trailer further has an unloading system comprising a plow and a plow motor system. The plow is disposed in the container and shaped and sized to span substantially a transverse cross-section of the container. The plow motor system is operable to move the plow longitudinally in the container to urge or push the bulk material in the container toward and out of the rear opening of the container. At least one of the sidewalls comprises a removable panel installed longitudinally along a bottom of the sidewall, wherein an inward-facing surface of the removable panel and an inward-facing surface of the sidewall are substantially co-planar.

Abstract: A spoiler wing extension and retraction system, includes a vehicle mounting assembly, including a circular insert, a spider clamp flange, a clamp bolt and nut, and fasteners, seal and spacer plates; a linear-motion device, including a main body and an extendable shaft; an intermediate attachment assembly; such that the extendable shaft connects to a spoiler wing of a vehicle, such that the linear-motion device lifts and lowers the spoiler wing. A spoiler wing control system includes a spoiler wing extension and retraction system connected to a spoiler wing control unit, including a processor, a non-transitory memory, an input/output component, a linear-motion controller, and a data bus, such that the linear-motion controller is configured to control the linear-motion device of the spoiler wing extension and retraction system.

Abstract: A power pack assembly is provided. The power pack assembly includes a frame having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is slidably coupled to the second portion. The power pack assembly includes a power source provided on the first portion. The power pack assembly includes a first carrier coupled to the first portion. The power pack assembly also includes a second carrier coupled to the second portion. The first carrier and the second carrier are adapted to support an implement therebetween. The power pack assembly further includes a lock mechanism provided between the first carrier and the second carrier, and the implement. The lock mechanism is adapted to removably affix the implement to the first carrier and the second carrier respectively.

Abstract: A mobile farm implement includes a track assembly with a plurality of arms that are pivotally coupled to support idler wheels and bogie wheels such that the track assembly is able to better conform to the terrain when the implement is towed behind a tractor or otherwise moved.

Abstract: A multi-purpose telescoping trailer for transporting a vehicle and providing expandable enclosed interior space is disclosed. The interior space may be expanded into the vehicle space when the vehicle is not present. The trailer includes a frame having at least two wheels, a bed for receiving and transporting a vehicle and a means for securing the trailer to a towing vehicle. The trailer also includes an inner housing and an outer housing that together form an expandable enclosed interior space. The interior space can be expanded by sliding the inner housing generally outside of the outer housing in a telescoping manner when there is no vehicle stored in the vehicle bed.

Abstract: The platform truck apparatus is provided with: a narrow platform truck for transporting a car body; a left sub-platform truck, which is attached along the left side of the narrow platform truck and is pulled by the narrow platform truck; a left parts shelf carried on the left sub-platform truck; a right sub-platform truck, which is attached along the right side of the narrow platform truck and is pulled by the narrow platform truck; and a right parts shelf carried on the right sub-platform truck. Because the left sub-platform truck is moved backward relative to the narrow platform truck when a car body is loaded onto the narrow platform truck, the left parts shelf does not interfere with the loading of the car body.

Abstract: A seating system for motorized vehicles is adapted to saddles on which riders travel for extended periods of time, such as motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and the like. The saddle includes an isolator with a disconnect for lateral vibrations, and a damper for lateral and vertical absorption and isolation of shocks and vibration. A decoupler includes layers separating or uncoupling lateral shear loading from vertical spring loading so vertical forces are not increased by the tension against nearby, laterally displaced material. Cradles provide bolsters to support soft tissue and distribute loads on skeletal structures more evenly at increased area and lower stress. Coverings may include integrating liners, moisture barriers, and an outer wrapper or skin, and may include localized padding.

Abstract: A bicycle seatpost assembly comprises a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a positioning structure, an actuation structure, and a connecting rod. The second cylinder is configured to be telescopically received in the first cylinder. The positioning structure is configured to relatively position the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The actuation structure is configured to actuate the positioning structure and is disposed at a distal end of the first cylinder. The connecting rod is configured to operatively couple a control cable to the actuation structure. The connecting rod extends from the distal end of the first cylinder in a longitudinal direction of the first cylinder.

Abstract: A system including: a seat post; a user interface operatively connected with the seat post, the user interface configured for receiving instructions associated with a height of the seat post and for communicating received instructions to at least one controller coupled with a motive source of the seat post; and a valve assembly in communication with the motive source, the valve assembly regulating fluid flow within a variable finite positioning seat post height mode in response to a translation of the received instructions by the motive source.

Abstract: A system for illuminating a bicycle having a frame comprising a plurality of tubular frame members wherein each frame member has a plurality of orifices. The orifices allow light rays to pass from inside each tubular frame member to outside each tubular frame member. Bulbs for emitting light are adapted to fit inside the tubular frame members and are conductively coupled to a power source. The power source is sized such that the power source fits inside a vertically situated tubular frame member. A planar platform, having a length in one direction that is less than the inside cross sectional diameter of the vertically aligned tubular frame member, is sized so that the platform fits inside the vertical tubular frame member. The platform supports the power source and is positioned such that the power source can be installed and removed by a user.

Abstract: An arrangement is composed of an elastic to highly elastic tool carrier which has a number of cavities that protrude from the tool carrier and are formed preferably integrally therewith. The cavities have pocket-like receiving spaces which are configured to hold vehicle tools. The cavities are configured and arranged in pairs such that in each case one end-side tool portion can be introduced into and removed from, in each case, one of the pocket-like receptacles of the cavities. During the introduction and removal of the tools, the cavities can be moved or elastically displaced, on account of their elasticity, from a storage position (starting position) into an insertion or removal position (displaced position), such that the respectively other end of the tool slips out of or can be removed from the pocket-like receptacle.

Abstract: An inverted tricycle, which includes: deflecting and steering mechanism, rear frame, driving wheel, two front wheels, said deflecting and steering mechanism configured on the front end of said rear frame, said two front wheels and said deflecting and steering mechanism connected to each other, and symmetrically configured on the left and right sides of the front end of said rear frame, with the rear frame as the axis of symmetry, said driving wheel configured on the rear end of said rear frame. By adopting the above technical scheme, the left and right rocker arms are hinged to the main frame along the same axis. When the tricycle is turned or tilted, they can be always parallel to each other, and the driving will be more stable. The left and right rocker arms are two independent gravity center deflection systems that will not interfere with each other; meanwhile, the structure with single damper can greatly reduce the manufacturing cost of the present invention.

Abstract: A tricycle is provided having a front frame assembly, a rear frame assembly pivotally connected to the front frame assembly, and a release assembly connected to both the front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly to secure the rear frame assembly to the front frame assembly in a use position and alternately in a storage position. The release assembly is moveable to allow for transitioning the rear frame assembly to the storage position from the use position. A foot rest is connected to the tricycle and is also moveable between a use position and a storage position. The tricycle also has a restraint hoop and a canopy, and quick release mechanisms to removably secure the restraint hoop and the canopy to the tricycle.

Abstract: A foldable vehicle 100 is provided for use as a vehicle if being unfolded and for use as a trolley if being folded. The vehicle 100 in its folded configuration may also be placed in an upright parking position. The vehicle comprises a first side frame 108 coupled to a first wheel 124, a second side frame 102 coupled to a second wheel 112 and a coupling frame 104. The coupling frame comprises a hinge joint 120 between a first end and a second end of the coupling frame. The first end is hinged to the first side frame and the second end is hinged to the second side frame. When the first wheel translates towards the second wheel, the hinge joint moves from one side 128 of the second wheel to the other side 126 of the second wheel.

Abstract: A crank arm for a bicycle chainset is provided. The arm comprises means for varying crank length during rotation, whereby to gain mechanical advantage.

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: A bicycle frame includes a first frame member and a second frame member configured to be pivotally connected to the first frame member about a pivot axis. The first frame member includes a threaded hole, through which a fixing bolt for fixing a mounting member of a bicycle front derailleur to the first frame member passes, and an abutting portion configured to restrict rotation of a mounting member of a bicycle front derailleur around the fixing bolt by abutting the mounting member. The threaded hole is located on a front side of the pivot axis.

Abstract: A bicycle control cable actuation device having: a casing, configured for fixing to bicycle handlebars, a cable-winding bush, on which the control cable is wound and which is angularly mobile in the casing about a main axis (A) of the device, an indexing bush that is coaxial to and associated with the cable-winding bush to removably hold the cable-winding bush in predetermined positions that are angularly spaced from each other by predetermined indexing angles (?), a manoeuvring mechanism, operative on the cable-winding bush to rotate it in a first angular direction (R) about the main axis (A) of the device, to obtain an upward gearshifting; and, a predetermined circumferential clearance corresponding to a predetermined gearshifting extra-stroke angle (?) is provided between the cable-winding bush and the indexing bush.

Abstract: A tail fin assembly for an inflatable product is provided. The tail fin assembly includes a pedestal coupled to a surface of the inflatable product, and a sliding groove positioned on the pedestal, where the sliding groove includes a pair of protruding locking members formed in one end of the sliding groove. The tail fin also includes a fin having a fin body and a fin base, where the fin body is detachably coupled to the pedestal at the fin base which slidably engages the sliding groove. A retainer is coupled to the fin body near the fin base for locking with the protruding locking members to secure the fin to the pedestal.

Abstract: The disclosed invention includes a device that receives and supports one or more storage containers mounted to a water craft. The device includes a frame, secured to the water craft, that includes a center frame and one or more outer frames with a width and length equal to the width and length of one or more complimentary storage containers, which provide equal distribution of weight to the frame to balance and contribute to the buoyancy of the water craft. In some embodiments, the frame may be transformed into a table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat base (10) comprising a first mounting surface face (12) adapted to couple a seat to the seat base (10); a second mounting surface (14) adapted to couple the seat base (12) to a surface of a small marine vessel; and a spring/damper assembly (20) positioned between and connected to the first and second mounting surfaces (12, 14). The spring/damper assembly (20) comprises at least one spring/damper element (22), the at least one spring/damper element comprising a first flexible member (24) having a first end connected to the first mounting surface (12) and a second flexible member (26) having a first end connected to the second mounting surface (14) and a second end coupled to a second end of the first flexible member (24).

Abstract: A flexible floating apparatus has a flexible bone structure and a floating cover. The flexible bone structure has at least a first joint part and a second joint part. The first joint part and the second joint part are connected with a first resistance force to keep a relative position between the first joint part and the second joint part. A floating cover is made of buoyant material wrapping the flexible bone structure. The shape of the floating cover is changed when the relative position between the first joint part and the second joint part is changed.

Abstract: A stabilizing fin or keel utilizing biomimic design features for use on surface planing or submerged watercraft to provide increased dimensional stability, control and efficiency.

Abstract: A control system for a suspension system of a multi-hulled vessel, the vessel including a chassis portion, at least two hulls moveable relative to the chassis portion. The suspension system of the vessel provides support of at least a portion of the chassis above the at least two hulls, and includes adjustable supports and at least one motor to enable adjustment of a support force and/or displacement of the adjustable supports. The control system includes a fender friction force input for receiving at least one signal indicative of a friction force on a fender portion between a fixed or floating object and the vessel chassis portion, and in response to the fender friction force input, the control system is to adjust the support force and/or displacement between the chassis portion and the at least two hulls to reduce or minimise the friction force on the fender portion.

Abstract: A waterway marker illuminating assembly includes a base that has a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side is abutted against and attached to a boat. A post is attached to the top side and extends upwardly therefrom. A housing is attached to an upper end of the post distal to the base. A laser light emitter is mounted in the housing and emits laser light when the laser light emitter is turned on. The laser light emitter illuminates a waterway marker such that a boat operator can easily see the waterway marker.

Abstract: Disclosed are rubrail assemblies used in vessels, such as boats or ships which include, among other elements, a base element and a trim or insert element. The base element has a main body portion and first and second end portions which extend from opposed lateral edges of the main body portion and define a longitudinal channel or gap therebetween. The elongated trim element includes a head portion and an engagement portion which is inserted into the longitudinal channel of the base portion so as to secure the trim element to the base element. One or both of the base element and the trim element include at least one sliding surface that has a coefficient of friction which facilitates insertion of the engagement portion of the trim element into the longitudinal channel of the base element.

Abstract: A recovery device can include a bladder, a canister, an opening mechanism, and a tether. The bladder can be disposable in an inflated configuration and an un-inflated configuration. The canister can contain a compressed fluid and be coupled with the bladder. The opening mechanism can be configured to selectively open the canister and direct the compressed fluid into the bladder. The tether can extend between a first end coupled to the bladder and a second end engageable with a vehicle. The bladder in the inflated configuration can define a volume of less than one-tenth of a cubic meter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water floatation garment, and in particular, to such a swimming garment incorporating a fillable bladder and electronics provided to identify emergency situation such as drowning based on sensed data that causing the garment to trigger the fillable bladder to inflate allowing a user to float to surface therein preventing a drowning.

Abstract: A tankless secondary air supply system to be used in an emergency situation during underwater diving is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention is a high pressure hose reserve air supply for underwater diving. The system is configured with a secondary hose separately connected to the main air tank. The secondary hose is of larger than customary bore and is made of flexible reinforced material in order to store reserve air when filled with pressurized air from the main tank. The hose is connected to the main tank with a check valve which permits the air from the main tank to automatically fill the hose immediately upon connection via the first stage regulator. The check valve maintains the high pressure air supply within the hose. The air which is stored in the hose serves as a secondary source of air during an emergency situation via a secondary regulator mouthpiece.

Abstract: Methods and devices are configured to maintain a planned arrangement of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). An AUV performs a corrective motion to adjust its current position relative to other AUVs emitting signals, so that the AUV's corrected position matches a planned position of the AUV in the planned arrangement better than its current position. The corrective motion is determined based on the location of the AUVs whose emitted signals are detected by the AUV.

Abstract: An airship is provided. The airship includes a hull configured to contain a gas, at least one propulsion assembly coupled to the hull and including a propulsion device, and at least one aerodynamic component including a plurality of fairing structures including one or more slats, wherein the at least one aerodynamic component is associated with the hull and is configured to direct airflow around the airship.

Abstract: A jettisonable emergency exit for a vehicle, comprising an outer peripheral edge that is adapted to be accommodated in an associated frame provided in a vehicle, wherein at least one emergency exit retention means and at least one emergency exit locking device are integrated into the outer peripheral edge, the at least one emergency exit retention means comprising at least one non-retractable pivot finger around which the jettisonable emergency exit is rotatable in an emergency mode, and the at least one emergency exit locking device comprising at least one locking hook that is adapted for locking the jettisonable emergency exit in an associated locking position in normal operation mode and for releasing the jettisonable emergency exit in an associated retracted position in the emergency mode.

Abstract: A deployment or hinge mechanism and, more particularly, a compact unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) wing deployment mechanism is provided. The deployment mechanism includes a hinged mechanism that stows in a stacked configuration and deploys in a level configuration.