Abstract: A shopping-cart hook includes a substantially-cylindrical housing formed of a plurality of spaced, C-shaped collars that are dimensioned to tightly encompass a shopping cart handle. Between each adjacent pair of collars is a hinged, C-shaped hanger that is deployable to a substantially-vertical position for suspending a personal item. A distal end of each hanger is configured to neatly and seamlessly conform to a rib disposed between adjacent collars when the hanger is in a raised position. Therefore, when the hangers are raised, the housing assumes a unitary, cylindrical configuration that aesthetically blends with the shopping-cart handle, and which is easily transported or stored.

Abstract: A hinge for pivotally joining a first frame member and a second frame member of a frame of a stroller may include a first housing portion, a second housing portion, a release actuator and a locking member. The first housing portion may be operably coupled to the first frame member. The second housing portion may be operably coupled to the second frame member. The release actuator may be configured to operate to enable the hinge to shift between a locked state and an unlocked state. The locking member may be configured to move in an axial direction responsive to shifting between the locked state and the unlocked state. The external periphery of the locking member may include a first incline surface that engages both the first housing portion and the second housing portion in the locked state.

Abstract: A telescopic assembly comprises a first portion and a second portion and a support bearing assembly that acts between the two portions; the two portions being able to move relatively along a common path during telescopic adjustment; the support bearing assembly being located between the two portions and locating the two portions relative to one another to remove free play between the two portions that would otherwise occur in at least one direction orthogonal to the telescopic movement; characterized in that the support bearing assembly is fixed in position between the two portions by a release mechanism that is arranged, in use, to cause the support bearing assembly to grip both the first and second portions when they are not moving telescopically, to automatically release that grip upon relative telescopic movement of the two portions that exceeds a predetermined distance, and to automatically re-engage.

Abstract: Construction is achieved that makes it possible to stably and sufficiently increase support rigidity of a column-side bracket with respect to a vehicle-side bracket. The vehicle-side bracket and a locking capsule that is fastened to the column-side bracket are connected with synthetic resin locking pins so as to be able to break away during a secondary collision. Concave sections are formed on the bottom surface of the vehicle-side bracket, and together with one end being connected to small through holes in which the locking pins are located, the other end is open to the external space side. Part of the synthetic resin of the locking pins is exposed to the external space side through these concave sections.

Abstract: Provided is construction and a manufacturing method of an inner shaft for an extendable and contractible shaft for which finishing for forming a synthetic resin coating layer 19a on the outer-circumferential surface of a male spline section 14b is performed, while at the same time an increase in weight thereof is suppressed. A concave groove 22 that extends in the axial direction is provided on the outer-circumferential surface of the male spline section in a state so as to be continuous in the axial direction with one male spline groove 23 of the male spline grooves 23 of the male spline section 14b. A portion of the concave groove 22 that is separated in the axial direction from the male spline section 14b is used to perform phase alignment of a cutting tool for performing a finishing process of a coating layer 19a and unevenness in the circumferential direction of the male spline section 14b.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes: a rotation shaft that is caused to rotate by steering of a steering unit; a housing that accommodates at least a part of the rotation shaft; an opening that is formed in the housing so as to communicate an inside of the housing with an outside thereof; a cover member that covers the opening while ensuring ventilation via the opening; and an outer circumferential wall that is provided along an outer circumference of the cover member, wherein the outer circumferential wall has a cutout in a lower portion in a vertical direction of the outer circumferential wall.

Abstract: A vehicle rear wheel steering apparatus includes: a housing supported by the rear wheels via first and second connection members; an electric motor supported by the housing; a speed reduction mechanism connected to an output shaft of the electric motor, and reducing the speed of an output of the electric motor; and a linear motion mechanism including a nut member connected to the speed reduction mechanism, and a rod screwed to the nut member and connected to at least one of the first and second connection members, and converting rotational motion of the nut member into linear motion of the rod, wherein the speed reduction mechanism includes a planetary gear mechanism, and the speed of an output of the electric motor is reduced and the reduced output is transmitted to the linear motion mechanism.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus is provided which can obtain steering auxiliary power when a steering auxiliary power starting condition is not satisfied and there exists no abnormality in a power source and the like. The electric power steering apparatus controls output of a motor in such a way that through operation of a driver, limited steering auxiliary power that is limited to be smaller than normal steering auxiliary power is exerted on a steering system, and exerts limited steering auxiliary power on the steering system when the vehicle is to be saved, even when due to a vehicle failure or a fuel shortage, the engine stops, so that the load on a driver, which is imposed when the vehicle is moved to a safe place, can be reduced.

Abstract: A steering locking system is provided for a motor vehicle that includes a pin, a locking disc to receive the pin, an actuation device, and a control unit. The actuation device is configured to control movement of the pin. The control unit is configured to control rotation of the locking disc and movement of the pin via the actuation device. Further, the control unit is configured to permit movement of the pin into the pocket after the occurrence of a predetermined event. The steering locking system can further include a motor operatively associated with the locking disc. The control unit may be configured to control the motor at a first power level to maintain the motor in a state of readiness and to control the motor at a second power level, different from the first power level, when the locking system detects a torque applied to the steering system.

Abstract: A steering control device suppresses response delay to stabilize a behavior of a vehicle during turning braking. The steering control device includes a steer-by-wire system that controls an actuator that detects displacement of a steering angle when a steering wheel is steered and operates a turning mechanism that turns a turning wheel separated from the steering wheel based on a detection result; a vehicle yaw angle detector; a steering angle detector; a turning state detector that detects a turning state of the vehicle based on the yaw angle; a braking state detector that detects a braking state of the vehicle; and a yaw angle controller that controls the actuator to suppress a yaw angle deviation before and after braking when the turning state of the vehicle is detected by the turning state detector and when the braking state of the vehicle is detected by the braking state detector.

Abstract: A method for vehicle path tracking with error correction comprises steps of: acquiring vehicle instant information and a target path; developing a predictive path in accordance with the vehicle instant information; determining a vehicle yaw rate threshold value in accordance with the vehicle instant information; calculating a steering angle corresponding to the vehicle yaw rate threshold value; estimating a lateral error correction value corresponding to the steering angle; determining whether the lateral error correction value is not greater than an error value between the target path and the predictive path; controlling a vehicle to turn the steering angle corresponding to the lateral error correction value when the lateral error correction value is less than the error value; and controlling the vehicle to turn the steering angle corresponding to the error value when the lateral error correction value is greater than the error value.

Abstract: A method includes operating a wheeled vehicle including an articulated suspension system; and articulating the suspension system to skid steer the vehicle. A wheeled vehicle having an articulated suspension system includes a skid steering controller capable of articulating the suspension system to skid steer the vehicle. The skid steering controller may be implemented in software and may, but does not necessarily, include three stages for applying a differential torque, varying the traction of at least one wheel, and finely adjusting the wheel's suspension to approach a critical damped response of the vehicle turning rate with respect to its commanded rate, respectively.

Abstract: A method for situation-related steering assistance in a lane keeping assistant for a vehicle includes: importing a collision signal; ascertaining a correction signal for adapting an intervention torque for the lane keeping assistant, in order to provide a situation-related steering assistance in the lane keeping assistant. The collision signal represents information about a risk of collision during a lane change, and the correction signal is ascertained using the collision signal.

Abstract: Identifying cost-effective parking for an autonomous vehicle, including: identifying, by a vehicle parking module, a plurality of available parking spots for parking the autonomous vehicle; determining, by the vehicle parking module, a total cost associated with each of the plurality of available parking spots for parking the autonomous vehicle; and selecting, by the vehicle parking module, a target parking spot in dependence upon the total cost associated with each of the plurality of available parking spots for parking the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A display device for a vehicle indicates upcoming automatically performed steering interventions. The display device includes a vehicle steering wheel; a light strip comprising a plurality of light elements positioned one alongside another, the light strip being formed in the vehicle steering wheel and being visible therein; and a control device that is coupled to the light strip and is configured to receive information regarding upcoming automatically performed steering interventions, particularly from a unit for automatically determining upcoming driving maneuvers, and activate light elements of the light strip on the basis of the received information on upcoming steering interventions.

Abstract: A vehicle-body front structure includes a tower portion comprising a pole portion which extends substantially vertically and a tower top portion which is positioned at an upper portion of the pole portion and projects from the pole portion longitudinally along a front side frame, constituting attachment portions of an upper arm of a front-wheel suspension. A stabilizer-support pedestal for supporting a stabilizer is provided to be connected to the pole portion and the tower top portion. Thus, the pole portion of the sub frame can be properly reinforced by using the stabilizer-support pedestal, so that the rigidity of the upper portion of the pole portion can be properly increased.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body has a longitudinal beam and a bumper cross member, which is fixed to one end of the longitudinal beam. An end section of the bumper cross member protrudes over the longitudinal beam in the transverse direction. The end section of the bumper cross member is designed as a closed or open hollow profile element. A collision-resistant profile reinforcement is provided at least in some regions in the hollow profile element in the end section of the bumper cross member.

Abstract: A stiffening arrangement (22) for a forward structure (10) of a motor vehicle has a mounting bracket (20) for mounting a motor vehicle radiator. A shear field (24) is connected to the mounting bracket (20) to dissipate shear forces. A right stiffening strut (28) connects the shear field (24) to a right suspension-strut dome (16) and supports the mounting bracket (20) on the right suspension-strut dome (16), and a left stiffening strut (30) connects the shear field (24) to a left suspension-strut dome (18) and supports the mounting bracket (20) on the left suspension-strut dome (18). Thus, a major part of the crumple zone of the forward structure (10) provided for a frontal crash can be utilized, so that the risk of damage to engine components in an engine bay of the forward structure (10) is reduced and vibrational comfort for the driver is improved.

Abstract: A vehicle upper structure includes a roof side rail, a first roof R/F, and a gusset. The roof side rail extends in a vehicle front-rear direction. The first roof R/F has a first bulging portion and a first flange portion, and extends farther toward an inside of a vehicle cabin in a vehicle width direction than the roof side rail. The gusset is arranged extending between the roof side rail and an end portion of the first roof R/F in the vehicle width direction, and has a second bulging portion and a second flange portion on an inner end portion on the inside in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A load-bearing structure of a motor vehicle, having hollow profiles and junction elements to connect the hollow profiles. The hollow profiles may be fastened in receptacles of the junction elements, and the junction elements may have a plurality of of areal webs in a vehicle vertical direction, at least some of the areal webs forming a framework structure which assists the load path in the respective junction element.

Abstract: A first opening is formed in a vertical wall portion, and a second opening is formed in an underfloor. Airflow partially flows into the first opening and hits a rear face of an inclined wall portion, so as to be discharged from the second opening toward a vehicle rear side. The airflow that cannot enter the first opening flows toward the inclined wall portion along the vertical wall portion so that the airflow is drawn to the airflow flowing into the first opening. The airflow that cannot enter the first opening flows toward the vehicle rear side along the inclined wall portion. Detachment of the airflow from the inclined wall portion is restrained, and airflow flows toward the vehicle rear side along the underfloor of the vehicle. Air flowing from a side part of the vehicle into the rear wheel house restrains a decrease in steering stability.

Abstract: A rear air-guiding device (20) for a fastback motor vehicle (10) is arranged in the region of a roof rear edge (15) above a rear window (13) and includes an air-guiding element (22) that is movable from a rest position (30) into at least one operational position (31; 32). The rear air-guiding device has a gap sealing device that seals off a gap between a leading edge of the air-guiding element (22) and a body surface when the air-guiding device (20) is in the operational position (31; 32) and around which air would flow during driving.

Abstract: An upper wheel fairing assembly for increasing the propulsive efficiency of a wheeled vehicle having wheels otherwise exposed to headwinds, comprising a deflector panel or skirt panel assembly mounted upstream in front of a rearward wheel set, ideally extending downward to not lower than the level of the axle, and arranged to deflect headwinds from impinging upon the high drag-inducing mechanically advantaged upper wheel surfaces downward onto the low drag-inducing mechanically disadvantaged lower wheel surfaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods for airflow control of a moving ground vehicle are provided. The system includes an actuator module and a sensor unit mounted on the vehicle, and a controller. The actuator module includes at least one synthetic jet actuator to generate a synthetic jet, to modify an airflow around the vehicle. The sensor unit includes at least one environment sensor to capture environmental sensor data proximate the vehicle. The controller receives the environmental sensor data from the sensor unit and determines at least one of a drive frequency and a drive amplitude for controlling the at least one synthetic jet actuator, based on the received environmental data.

Abstract: A tractor front linkage quick attach coupling system for interlocking a tractor to a tool front linkage assembly. The coupling system comprises linkage assembly anchoring arms engaging complementary tractor inclined ramps. The arms have notches engaging upper rim members and lower cam members. The cam members are movable between arms/ramps locking/unlocking conditions. A cam member release preventing safety device is provided, to prevent accidental release of the coupling system. This safety device includes sliding stops, over-center compression spring mounted connector rod members, a transverse link, a push link and a hand lever for deactivating the safety device.

Abstract: A self-propelled single axis motor driven work machine for propelling and/or for driving communal or agricultural work devices mounted on a mounting device. A drive motor is fastened to an undercarriage or machine chassis, and a drive axle protrudes transversely of the direction of movement from both sides of the undercarriage or machine chassis and is hydraulically driven by the drive motor. The drive axle has at both ends a wheel connected to a drive shaft which is connected on the operator's side thereof to the undercarriage and machine chassis with mounted guide rods for manually steering the work machine and for arranging an actuating member for operating and controlling drive units having hydraulic pumps and hydraulic motors, for driving and steering the wheels of the drive axle.

Abstract: A towable road motor vehicle including: at least three wheels, capable of driving the motor vehicle on a level road, distributed between two front and rear wheel trains of the motor vehicle; a chassis, including an articulation device, interposed between front and rear portions of the chassis and enabling the front portion to pivot, relative to the rear portion, to modify an articulation angle of the vehicle; front and rear hitches, respectively positioned at the front and rear of the motor vehicle, and a steering device, capable of modifying the steering angle of each wheel of the front train in response to a command by a driver of the vehicle, the steering device adapted to be actuated independently of the articulation device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to robotics, and more particularly to mobile robots capable of climbing stairs in a dynamically stable manner and operate in home environments with one or more of the following features or combinations thereof disclosed herein or in the Detailed Description below.

Abstract: The tracks of the present invention have drive faces which are tapered surfaces, such as a convex tapered surface which extends laterally over the drive surface of the lugs. The utilization of lugs having tapered drive faces improves the performance and durability of the track. The tracks having the drive face design of this invention also allow for more power to be delivered without damaging the track or causing excessive wear.

Abstract: A towable system includes a U-shaped chassis and a removable load module. The U-shaped chassis includes a first side member and an opposed side member that define a chassis separation distance. The opposed side members include respective mounting surfaces. A frame of the removable load module fits within the chassis separation distance and has complimentary surfaces to the respective mounting surfaces and support members. The support members and the frame are arranged to fit within an area defined by the U-shaped chassis.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a kickstand assembly having a height-adjusting mechanism. A planetary gear assembly is operatively mounted to the height-adjusting mechanism of the kickstand assembly. The planetary gear assembly is configured to adjust the height-adjusting mechanism in such a way that a vertical height of the kickstand assembly is adjusted.

Abstract: A system and method for bicycle sharing and rental with a rack and one or more bicycles. The rack has a base with one or more locking arm(s), wherein each locking arm has a first end secured to the base and a second end, further wherein the second end has a fixture attached. The rack does not have any closed loops, preventing unauthorized bicycles from being secured to it. The bicycles have a controllable portion of a locking mechanism and a control device, wherein the control device is configured to enable the fixture to be secured to the controllable portion of the locking mechanism and further secure the bicycle device(s) to the rack.

Abstract: A locking structure for a saddle type vehicle to prevent theft and achieve a tamper-proofing effect while securing a storage space in a vehicle body. A front cover is provided with a storage part which is openably closed with a lid. The lid is lockable into a closed state or unlockable from the closed state by means of a lid lock mechanism. A main seat is lockable into an engaged state with seat rails or unlockable from the engaged state by means of a seat lock mechanism. At least one of the lid lock mechanism and the seat lock mechanism is connected to a key cylinder by a first cable and a second cable. The key cylinder overlaps a steering shaft in a side view, and is located within an opening provided in an inner cover, which is a component of the front cover, in a top plan view.

Abstract: A bicycle seat post height adjustment mechanism, in a state of locking, has a lower valve packing ring blocking a lower valve port. Moreover, based on demands, an upper valve packing ring is allowed selectively to block an upper valve port or to be away from the upper valve port to stay on top of the upper valve port. Thus, a pin is driven to axially move down to enable a seat post to make fine adjustment, stepless adjustment or stepped adjustment in height. Moreover, the seat post may self-return to the assigned position (an upper position, a middle position or a lower position) to prevent the height of the seat from altering.

Abstract: A vehicle license plate holder having a frame including a receptacle for a license plate, first and second LED light sources disposed on each side of the frame, and one or more power generators attached to the frame. The frame also mounts an electronic circuit module including a battery and configured to detect deceleration of a vehicle and to illuminate the first and second LED light sources in response to detection of the deceleration.

Abstract: An integrated and self-contained suspension assembly having a gas spring integrated with a shock absorber (damper) is described. The rigid gas cylinder of the air spring is divided into a first gas chamber and a second gas chamber. A flow port connects the first and second gas chambers, and can be manually opened or closed by valve and a simple one-quarter turn rotation of an external knob to instantly switch the gas spring between two different spring rates. The different spring rates are functions of the separate or combined volumes of the two. gas chambers. The integrated suspension assembly is compactly packaged and self-contained, i.e., does not require any externalities, such as gas sources or electricity, to operate.

Abstract: A device for shortening the spring path of a suspension fork for bicycles includes a cable; a fixing device for fixing the cable to the suspension fork tubes, which can be moved relative to the bicycle frame; and a cable clamping device, which can be secured in the region of the handlebar, preferably on the front-end section, for detachably fixing the cable, wherein the spring path is shortened in an infinitely variable manner. Thus, an infinitely variable lowering device is produced which is independent of a suspension fork.

Abstract: A wide tire kit for motorcycles has a swing arm frame, to which a first outboard strut and a second outboard strut are attached by a first side plate and a second side plate, respectively. An arced surface of the swing arm frame provides accommodating space for the wide tire, and the outboard struts are connected to the axle of the wheel. The wide tire kit is easily assembled, not requiring any specialized parts or labor to install.

Abstract: A brake caliper arrangement structure for a saddled vehicle, wherein a brake caliper for braking and a brake caliper for parking are provided on a swing arm. At least one or other of the brake caliper for braking and the brake caliper for parking is arranged in front of a rear axle being the axle of the rear wheel, when viewed from a side, at a position on a vehicle widthwise inside of the swing arm and overlapping the swing arm.

Abstract: A rotor system for a bicycle (1), for the purpose of bearing a fork (8) and transmitting the actuations of Bowden cables (31, 32), which each having a core (31a; 32a) includes first and second transmission elements (36, 37), that rotate relative to one another and are arranged in the area of the bearing (21, 23, 25) of the fork (8). The transmission elements include an annular region, mounted on a fork steerer (12) and surrounded by a head tube (21), and connection areas (36b; 37b) for the direct or indirect attachment of the rotor-side ends of the cores (31a 32a). At least one of the transmission elements (37) includes a connection area (37b) with a connecting element, which (32b) can be form-fittingly attached, interacting with, or being integrally connected to, the rotor side end of the core (32a) that is assigned with said at least one transmission elements (37).

Abstract: A foldable and portable electric vehicle for the transport of a single person comprises a foldable chassis with a support plate, a folding system for folding the chassis, a front driving wheel, a rear wheel, a foldable handlebar, an integrated system of command, control, monitoring and signaling, a mechanical brake on the rear wheel, a suspension on the rear wheel and a suspension on the front wheel, and a steering column.

Abstract: A water surface transport means, comprising a bottom (1), boards (2), a deck (3), surge diversion grooves (4) and wave suppression diversion baffles (5), the surge diversion groove (4) being provided in a space between a bottom surface vertically recessed into the hull bottom (1) and the deck (3) and extending from the bow to the stern, with an arc-shaped transverse section and a top line of longitudinal section being lower in the front and higher in the rear; a top transverse section of the wave suppression diversion baffle (5) being arc-shaped and a top line of longitudinal section being lower in the front and higher in the rear. The water surface transport means can be configured as mono-hull, catamaran and trimaran.

Abstract: A boat hull (1) for a boat, with a boat drive (2) which extends through a hull opening (3) in the bottom of the boat hull (1). The boat drive (2) is connected to the boat hull (1) by at least one fastening member (4). To do this, at least one positioning element (5) is provided, on the outside (6) of the boat hull (1), for positioning the fastening member (4) relative to the boat hull (1).

Abstract: A deep-drawn, marine hull having a sandwich structure with a cellulose-based core and watercraft utilizing same are provided. The hull includes an outer skin of a fiber-based thermoplastic and having a waterproof outer surface, a first sheet of thermoplastic adhesive, an inner skin of a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material and having a compartment-defining outer surface, a second sheet of thermoplastic adhesive and a shock absorbing, cellular core of a cellulose-based material and positioned between the skins The skins are bonded to the core by the first and second sheets and by press molding. Cells of the cellular core absorb energy of an impact at the outer surface of the outer skin by deformably crushing. Air trapped within cells which are not completely crushed or punctured by the impact provide the hull with buoyancy to allow the hull to float at the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: An apparatus (1?) for transportation, installation and retrieval of marine structures (10) is disclosed and illustrated. It comprises at least two suitably connected vessels (1,2) with adjustable buoyancy, each having a first end (5) and a second end (8). The apparatus is equipped with lifting mechanism for lifting a marine structure on and from it. The vessels (1,2) are connected to each other at each said first end (5) at an angle (4) and are free at each said second end (8), thus forming a V-shape. The invention also embraces the methodology for transportation, installation and retrieval of marine structures, using the apparatus (1?).

Abstract: A fairlead for guiding an anchor chain, intended to equip a ground anchor system for a floating platform, includes a bending structure for guiding a direction change of the associated anchor chain, and a locking structure that includes a grip jaw consisting of two jaws associated with operating elements for rotatably moving the jaws in opposite directions. The operating elements include: (a) an inert mass, referred to as “counterweight”, which is movably coupled to the jaws and which is height-adjustable between a low position and a high position corresponding to an active position and an inactive position of the jaws, respectively, so as to operate and tend to maintain the jaws in the active position, and (b) an actuator driven by control elements, for operating the jaws from the active position to the inactive position and for operating the counterweight from the low position to the high position.

Abstract: A tension-leg platform anchoring system is used to tether the columns of a floating platform to the seabed and restrict movement of the entire platform. The tension-leg platform anchoring system includes a topside and a plurality of anchored floating supports. The topside provides a deck for supporting workers and equipment. The anchored floating supports are used to keep the topside afloat and limit movement. The anchored floating support includes a column, at least one mooring assembly, and an anchor. The column is connected to the topside and is used to keep the tension-leg platform afloat. The mooring assembly includes a column coupler, a first tendon, and an anchor coupler, which are used together to tether the column to the anchor. The column coupler is tethered to the anchor coupler through the first tendon, which is connected to the column by the column coupler.

Abstract: A sea vessel exploration and production system is provided, wherein the system includes a drilling station formed from at least one section of a first sea vessel hull; and a docking station, which is also formed from at least one section of a second sea vessel hull. A mooring system suitable for connecting the drilling station to the docking station is also provided. Means for anchoring the vessels to the seafloor, and for attaching them to turret buoys, are also considered. Various exploration and production packages, as well as equipment required to deploy and control a self-standing riser system in either deep or shallow waters, are also described.

Abstract: A flotation device capable of being used with a portable mooring system preferably includes a first bumper ring including a first male end and a first female end diametrically spaced therefrom, a second bumper ring including a second male end and a second female end diametrically spaced therefrom, an anchor bracket affixed to an outer surface of at least one of the first and second bumper rings, a cleat removably attached to the anchor bracket, and a quick release handle removably penetrated through one of the first and second male ends as well as a corresponding one of the first and second female ends. In this manner, the first and second bumper rings define a circle when interfitted to each other. Such first and second bumper rings are preferably formed from buoyant material.

Abstract: A system configured to handle reels for laying elongated members on the bed of a body of water, and in particular for transferring reels between an auxiliary structure and a laying vessel, has a bridge configured to connect the auxiliary structure and the laying vessel; and actuators configured to move a reel along and resting on the bridge.