Abstract: A lowerable vehicle frame with a folding trailer hitch for trailers and other vehicles has a vehicle frame, which can be transitioned between a lowered transit position and a raised deployed position through a swing suspension assembly and a plurality of lifting devices. A folding trailer hitch connected to the forward end of the vehicle frame allows the vehicle frame to be towed, and folds upwards for storage and aesthetics.

Abstract: There is provided a sensor support structure. A bracket is fixed to a vehicle body frame comprised of a plurality of frame members. A sensor is attached to a first attachment surface of the bracket. A component is attached to a second attachment surface of the bracket. The sensor is disposed in a space surrounded by the plurality of frame members of the vehicle body frame.

Abstract: A bicycle seat assembly for providing enhanced comfort while riding a bicycle includes a mount that may be coupled to a seat post of a bicycle. A seat is rotatably coupled to the mount such that the seat may be positionable at a selected angle with respect to the seat post. The seat is structured to be substantially chevron shaped thereby enhancing a comfort of the seat.

Abstract: An audible warning device for a bicycle including a steerer column. The audible warning device comprises one or more sound generating components; a housing adapted to house at least one of the one or more sound generating components; and a mounting component for securing the housing to the steerer.

Abstract: A storage device includes an attachment unit and a storage unit. The attachment unit includes a bracket, a support connected with a bottom end of the bracket, and a first joining member. The bracket includes at least one through-hole adapted for attachment to a bicycle by a fastener. The support includes a first pivoting portion, and the first joining member is inserted through the first pivoting portion. The storage unit includes a container adapted for storing articles and a second joining member. The container includes a second pivoting portion pivotally connected with the first pivoting portion of the support. The second joining member is inserted through the second pivoting portion and is engaged with the first joining member. The storage unit is pivotable with respect to the attachment unit about an axis extending through the first and second joining members.

Abstract: A bicycle guard is provided that has a minimal number of parts required for mounting. A drive unit is provided with the bicycle guard. The bicycle guard includes a first attaching part and a housing. The first attaching part is configured to be attached to a first connection part that connects a bicycle frame. The housing is configured to rotatably support a crankshaft.

Abstract: To suppress intake noise and secure a quiet ride on a straddle type vehicle wherein a box-shaped structure includes an air cleaner box connected to an engine. In addition, exhaust air from the radiator disposed in the vicinity of the box-shaped structure is prevented from hitting a leg portion of a rider. A main frame is provided as a separate body from a head box so as to support a power unit and a front two-wheeled suspension device. The head box is supported on the main frame due to the fact that an air cleaner box is fixed on the main frame through a fixing member. A guide portion is formed on the air cleaner box so as to guide the exhaust wind from a radiator to the lower direction.

Abstract: A fuel tank of a straddle type vehicle, whose die for bending a body can be drawn from the tank easily, and whose knee grip part can be formed easily is provided. A body is formed by integrally joining, at the center in the vehicle width direction, body half bodies divided into two in the vehicle width direction, a body flange to be placed on and welded to a bottom, is formed on the entire outer circumferential edge of the body, a rear part (specifically, a rear lateral welding portion side) of a side part (lateral welding portion side) of the body flange protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction toward the obliquely lower direction, and a part of the side part other than the rear part (specifically, a front lateral welding portion side) of the body flange protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction toward the obliquely upper direction.

Abstract: A leaning vehicle has a frame; a shock tower pivotally connected to the frame; front left and right ground engaging members; front left and right suspension assemblies; portions of the front left suspension assembly, the front left ground engaging member and other components of the vehicle suspended by the front left suspension assembly have a first unsprung mass; portions of the front right suspension assembly, the front right ground engaging member and other components of the vehicle suspended by the front right suspension assembly have a second unsprung mass; a moment of inertia of the shock tower being at least twenty-five percent of a combined moment of inertia of the first and second unsprung masses; a steering assembly; a rear suspension assembly; at least one rear ground engaging; and a motor.

Abstract: A straddled vehicle includes a battery, a front wheel mounted on an axle, a motor including a stator and a rotor rotatable around the axle together with the front wheel, the motor being supplied with electric power from the battery to generate motive power, and a front suspension supporting, in a cantilever manner, the axle being inserted through the front wheel and the motor.

Abstract: A powered vehicle has a rear frame assembly and a front frame assembly that are pivotally attached to one another, and can be pivoted from a normal fully-extended operating position to a folded position in which the frame assemblies are positioned substantially adjacent to one another, effectively reducing overall vehicle length to about half. One or more latch members lock the front and rear frame assemblies in the fully-extended, normal operating position, and they may be used to lock the frame assemblies in the folded position. The seat support structure may be integrated with the front and rear frame assemblies such that pivoting the frame assemblies toward the folded position collapses the seat support. The steering tiller may also be collapsible toward the front frame assembly. The rear wheels may be mounted on a transaxle that is pivotally mounted on the rear frame assembly. An extendable handle may be provided to assist in the folding operation and to tow the collapsed vehicle on its anti-tip rollers.

Abstract: A shock absorber has an inner tube embedded in a steering stem shaft and an outer tube provided slidably. A front fork is fixed to a lower end of the outer tube, and the inner tube is fixed to an upper end of the steering stem shaft. The steering stem shaft is provided with a guide trench extending in a telescoping direction and having a long hole shape. A roller bearing is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the outer tube and is inserted into the guide trench movably along the guide trench. As a result, relative movement between the steering stem shaft and the outer tube in the telescoping direction is permitted while relative rotation is restricted.

Abstract: A handlebar and grip system comprising: a handlebar, the handlebar comprising: a center portion; a right handle attached to a first end of the center portion, the right handle comprising: a right handle outboard end; a right handle engaging geometry located on the right handle outboard end a left handle attached to the second end of the center portion, the left handle comprising: a left handle outboard end; a left handle engaging geometry located on the left handle outboard end; a right grip configured to slide onto the outboard end of the right handle, the right grip comprising: a right grip central opening; a right grip engaging geometry located in the right grip central opening; a left grip configured to slide onto the outboard end of the left handle; a left grip central opening; a left grip engaging geometry located in the left grip central opening; where the right grip engaging geometry is configured to engage with the right handle engaging geometry such that the right grip will generally be prevented fr

Abstract: A bicycle stem includes a handlebar and a dual control lever which includes a brake device and a first derailleur. The first derailleur is detachably fixed to the brake device. The brake device and the first derailleur together form an assembly space for a handle installed therein. The handlebar is assembled with the brake device and the first derailleur in the assembly space.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a spring support for a vehicle support spring. A spring collar supporting the vehicle support spring is selectively adjustable with respect to position by a pressurized-medium supply with the aim of adjusting the level of a vehicle body. The spring support is constructed as a hydropneumatic spring having a hydraulic volume, which can likewise be adjusted relative to a pneumatic storage element.

Abstract: A damper for a bicycle, having a primary unit including a damper tube, a piston rod that supports a main piston, a reservoir tube that is outside of the compression chamber of the primary tube, and an inertial valve within the reservoir tube. The damper also includes a flow path connecting the reservoir fluid chamber and the compression chamber of the primary tube. The damper also may have a damping valve in the reservoir tube. When the inertia valve is open, the damping valve opens before flow through the inertia valve is maximized. The main piston and the damper tube at least partially define a compression chamber and a rebound chamber. The main piston is movable within the damper chamber of the primary unit. The reservoir tube includes a reservoir fluid chamber. The inertial valve is responsive to terrain-induced forces and not responsive to rider-induced forces when the shock absorber is assembled to the bicycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling for connecting and/or holding together two parts, in particular for a bicycle trailer, having a first and a second coupling part which cooperate and can be released from each other, one of which is an insert piece which is connected to one of the parts and the other is a sleeve which is connected to the other part, the sleeve being capable of at least partly engaging around the insert piece, and the first coupling part having at least one locking groove (22, 103). To achieve a constructively simple coupling with a simple handling ability, mounted on or in the second coupling part is at least one locking shaft (4, 96) which has at least one locking segment having in the peripheral direction at least one locking portion (31, 131) and one unlocking portion (32, 132), the locking portion (31, 131) having a greater radial extent than the unlocking portion (32, 132).

Abstract: A front fender is prevented from being enlarging while still covering the brake caliper in the front fender structure of the straddle type vehicle. A front fender has a covered portion covering a brake caliper by avoiding a front two-wheeled suspension device. The covered portion has a drooping portion covering a brake caliper from a side direction, a lower extending portion covers the brake caliper from the lower direction. The brake caliper and the covered portion are disposed in front of a shaft of the front wheel.

Abstract: A smart auxiliary power system for bicycles is provided, comprising: an electric motor, an electric auxiliary power device (E-AUX), and an energy storage device; wherein: the electric motor and the E-AUX being mounted on the wheel drum of the bicycle, the energy storage device being electrically connected to the electric motor through the E-AUX; the E-AUX using the kinetic energy information, including acceleration, bicycle position rotational speed and torque of the electric motor to compute with a control algorithm to drive the electric motor through the motor driving, or charging the energy storage device with the electric power generated by the electric motor through energy recycling device. As such, the system can self-adaptively output auxiliary power according to the kinetic energy information of the bicycle-riding to share the pedaling load of the rider while allowing the rider to enjoy the pedaling.

Abstract: A bicycle control apparatus is provided that can improve the stability of the behavior of a bicycle. The bicycle control apparatus includes a controller configured to reduces an output of a motor that assists a manual drive force, upon determining a pitch angle of a bicycle body becomes greater than or equal to a prescribed angle, or based on a state of a suspension that absorbs vibrations of a bicycle, or upon determining a load that is applied to a rear wheel of a bicycle becomes less than a prescribed load.

Abstract: A bicycle rear sprocket assembly comprises a sprocket support member, a first sprocket attachment portion, and a second sprocket attachment portion. The sprocket support member comprises a first support member and a second support member. The first support member includes a first radially outer portion and a first radially inner portion. The second support member includes a second radially outer portion and a second radially inner portion. The first support member faces the second support member in the axial direction to define an axial gap provided between the first support member and the second support member in the axial direction. A first sprocket is to be attached to the first sprocket attachment portion. A second sprocket is to be attached to the second sprocket attachment portion.

Abstract: A bicycle cassette comprises two segments that are attached together thereby forming a composite cassette that can be attached to a rear bicycle hub driver body. The bicycle cassette allows for the use of a smaller sprocket on one segment of the cassette because the smaller sprockets can overhang the hub driver body. Specifically, the cassette allows a small 9 or 10 tooth sprocket to overhang the cassette driver body on the bicycle hub by attaching a small sprocket assembly to a larger sprocket assembly using a locking, bayonet style attachment.

Abstract: A dampening platform includes a base and a first pedal assembly coupled to a first side of the base. The first pedal assembly includes a first pedal pivotably rotatable about a first pivot point at a first end of the first pedal. A first dampener is operatively coupled to the first pedal. The first dampener is configured such that the dampener is at less than full compression under a load of about 200 lbs. The first pedal assembly is slideably coupled to the base. A position of the first pedal assembly is laterally adjustable with respect to the base.

Abstract: A frame for a top of a boat in accordance with the present invention can be moved into a deployed position with the aid of a biasing member such that the manual effort required is minimized. When the frame is in the deployed position a locking member may be engaged to hold the frame and top in the deployed position and a ratcheting strut may be used to secure the frame in place. When the locking member is disengaged, the frame may be manually collapsed into a stowed position in a controlled and safe manner.

Abstract: The dangers associated with high waves coming over a helicopter low flight deck is well known by many naval personnel. Waves have been known to damage helicopter engines and nearly washed sailors overboard. This barricade of special designed units will solve this problem completely and without a great cost to the Navy.

Abstract: A system for collection of rainwater in the open ocean may include: (a) one or more ocean-going vessels, wherein each ocean-going vessel is configured for collection and storage of rainwater, wherein each ocean-going vessel is configured to drift with surface ocean currents in order to navigate to one or more delivery locations, wherein each delivery location is on or near to a land mass; and (b) one or more delivery stations located at the one or more delivery locations, wherein each delivery station is configured to receive stored rainwater from one or more of the ocean-going vessels.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anchor alarm device which is a manually deployed weighted device attached to or near the anchor which signals to device equipment at water-level. The device detects the movement of, or physical force generated by, a dislodged anchor. When deployed, a component of the anchor alarm device rests adjacent to or as part of a seated anchor at a distance predetermined by the tolerance of the secondary rode. The secondary rode connects the device directly to the anchor, or near the anchor on the primary rode. Upon displacement of the set anchor, in excess of the secondary rode, the device alerts the user. The device utilizes sensor monitoring inside of a housing component to detect a force indicative of anchor displacement. This detection triggers a signals emission which alerts the user of the change in position. In cases wherein the anchor is not immediately retrieved, device re-arms autonomously and stops emission of the alarm signal until the next anchor displacement.

Abstract: A personal flotation device includes a shell and an inflatable bladder inside the shell. An inflator inside the shell is connected in fluid communication with the bladder for, when actuated, directing fluid under pressure into the bladder to inflate the bladder. A stabilizing cap on the shell maintains the inflator in a desired position inside the shell and helps to protect the inflator against damage. In one embodiment, the shell has a window, the inflator has an inflator status indicator, and the stabilizing cap maintains the inflator in a position inside the shell in which the inflator status indicator is visible through the window.

Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) compatible photovoltaic powered cathodic protection (CP) probe can measure voltage potential of subsea structures. In an embodiment, the CP's meter is integrated and able to send CP data topside. The CP meter's compact display module also houses the telemetry board to send CP readings, via an ROV serial, topside. The CP probe does not require a battery and can be used standalone or connected through an ROV to topside logging and display. Further, the CP probe can monitor a plurality of CP voltages and other conditions such as an electrical field gradient.

Abstract: A packaging system for enclosing an aftertreatment module associated with an engine is described. The packaging system includes a housing structure configured to enclose the aftertreatment module therein, the housing structure being coupled to an exhaust conduit of the engine. The housing structure includes a base portion and a plurality of side portions extending from the base portion. The base portion and the plurality of side portions define a chamber for receiving the aftertreatment module therein. Further, the packaging system includes a equipment rack configured to receive one or more components of the accessory system. The equipment rack includes a top end and a bottom end, the top end being distal from the bottom end and configured to couple with the base portion of the housing structure. The bottom end of the equipment rack is supported on a floor.

Abstract: Innovative new systems and method of operating the systems, wherein the system comprises an airborne platform comprising an unmanned balloon; a payload that is separate from the unmanned balloon; a transceiver; first and second flight termination devices; at least two separate power sources for the first and second flight termination devices; a sensor; a processor; a pump; a valve; and a tether that when broken separates the unmanned balloon and the payload, are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Innovative new systems and method of operating the systems, wherein the system comprises an airborne platform comprising an unmanned balloon; a payload that is separate from the unmanned balloon; a transceiver; first and second flight termination devices; at least two separate power sources for the first and second flight termination devices; a sensor; a processor; a pump; a valve; and a tether that when broken separates the unmanned balloon and the payload, are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A self-aligning structural attachment and a corresponding method are disclosed. The self-aligning structural attachment includes a main body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the main body is attached to (i) a CIP of a support system and (ii) a clevis on an airframe of an aircraft. Further, the self-aligning structural attachment includes a first attachment fitting disposed on the proximal end, wherein the first attachment fitting is a slide-and-swivel attachment fitting. Still further, the self-aligning structural attachment includes a second attachment fitting disposed on the distal end, wherein the second attachment fitting is a slide attachment fitting. Yet still further, the self-aligning structural attachment includes a pivoting hinge disposed between the first attachment fitting and the second attachment fitting.

Abstract: An elongated structure comprising a web extending along a length of the elongated structure and a flange comprising a first flange portion, the first flange portion extending away from an area of the web. The first flange portion comprises a variable width along at least a portion of the length of the elongated structure. The first flange portion of the elongated structure may comprise the variable width the length of the elongate structure. The first flange portion may comprise a constant width along at least a portion of the length of the elongated structure. The elongated structure may further comprise a second flange portion. The second flange portion may comprise a variable width along at least a portion of the length of the elongate structure. The first flange portion may comprise a first top flange portion.

Abstract: A dual-bracketed support system and a corresponding method are disclosed. The dual-bracketed support system includes (i) a first bracket connected to a support structure for a crown portion of an aircraft, (ii) a second bracket, and (iii) a support rod having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is connected to the first bracket and the distal end is connected to the second bracket. The second bracket is configured to allow the support rod to translate along a longitudinal axis defined by the support rod.

Abstract: A support system for a crown area of an aircraft and a corresponding method is disclosed. The support system includes a crown integration panel (CIP). The CIP is configured to provide a mounting surface for a plurality of aircraft equipment and to provide an electrical ground for at least one of the aircraft equipment of the plurality of aircraft equipment. The system further includes a first attachment and a second attachment attached to the CIP. The first attachment and the second attachment are configured to attach to an airframe of the aircraft. The system further includes a crown raceway support (CRS) having a first end and a second end, where the first end is attached to a first end of the CIP and the second end is configured to attach to an outboard rail of the aircraft.

Abstract: A system for adjusting a height of a ceiling panel in an aircraft and a corresponding method is disclosed. The system includes an arm and at least one ceiling support latch, wherein each of the at least one ceiling support latches is attached to the arm. The system further includes an adjustable fitting attached to the arm, wherein the adjustable fitting includes (i) a first sliding block attached to the arm, (ii) a second sliding block attached to a support structure, and (iii) an adjustment screw. Adjustment of the adjustment screw forces the first and second sliding blocks to move relative to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that improves the operation of aerospace planes or rockets having an integrated flute and hat components whereby the flute functions as a hypersonic refrigeration engine and the hat as a flat plate heat exchanger to achieve an isothermal compression of the incipient hypersonic air in front of the nosecone to reduce hypersonic vibrations during flight, these improvements allow for the reduction in temperature during flight operation allowing for improved cooling of the aerospace plane or rocket.

Abstract: A stiffener 100 comprises a first stiffener portion (102), having a first cross-sectional profile (104) that is constant along the first stiffener portion (102). The stiffener 100 also comprises a second stiffener portion (106), having a second cross-sectional profile (108) that is constant along the second stiffener portion (106). The second cross-sectional profile (108) of the second stiffener portion (106) is different from the first cross-sectional profile (104) of the first stiffener portion (102). The stiffener 100 additionally comprises a transition stiffener portion (110) tapering from the second stiffener portion (106) to the first stiffener portion (102).

Abstract: The present invention has an objective to provide a leading-edge structure for an aircraft that is capable of, in the case of a collision with an airborne object, effectively absorbing the energy of the collision with the airborne object, with no increase in its weight. A leading-edge structure (10) for an aircraft according to the present invention includes a spar (11) extending in a predetermined direction, a plurality of ribs (13) provided in the predetermined direction of the spar (11) at intervals, and a skin (17) supported by the plurality of ribs (13). The ribs (13) includes first ribs 14 and a plurality of second ribs 15 that are disposed between the pair of first ribs (14). The second ribs (15) do not support the skin in the vicinity of their front ends.

Abstract: A deflector assembly for the rope/cable hanging from a hoist mounted on an aircraft (A). The deflector assembly has an adjoined anchorage that includes a socket face that internally has a sliding bearing in which is housed an innermost end, so that the innermost end is slidably guided relative to the adjoined anchorage to have one degree of freedom along a linear translation axis (LT). A remote anchorage has a support bracket for demountably mounting the remote anchorage to the fuselage. The rotorcraft can be chosen among: helicopters, hybrid rotary aircrafts, UAV rotorcrafts and inhabitable rotorcrafts including remote piloting functions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an inductive coil anti-icing and noise absorption system. In certain versions, the inductive coil anti-icing and noise absorption system may include an inductive coil and a skin. The inductive coil may generate electromagnetic fields and may electromagnetically couple with the skin. The skin, upon electromagnetically coupling with the inductive coil, may increase in temperature and the increase in temperature may melt or prevent the formation of ice on the skin. The skin or a portion of the skin may be porous and may allow incorporation of a sound absorbing liner. The sound absorbing liner may attenuate noise generated by the aircraft (e.g., noise generated by the aircraft engine). Certain versions may include a plurality of inductive coils and a plurality of skins.

Abstract: A method includes receiving pump cycle location data associated with a fluid power system. The fluid power system includes a plurality of pumps (including at least a first pump, a second pump, and a third pump). Based on the pump cycle location data having a first value, the method includes activating the first pump as a primary pump. Based on the pump cycle having a second value, the method includes activating the second pump as the primary pump. The method also includes activating the third pump as a secondary pump when the fluid power system is in a multiple-pump operating mode.

Abstract: An actuator system includes an actuator which is configured to generate a loading on a control surface, as a function of an actuation order received, a command unit of the actuator, which is configured to compute an actuation order of the actuator, a reception element for receiving a current value of the loading generated by the actuator, and a limitation unit configured to reduce the control authority of the command unit as a function of the current value of the loading and to limit the loading of the actuator to a predetermined setpoint value.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a main body and a gas generator producing a gas stream. At least one fore conduit and tail conduit are fluidly coupled to the generator. First and second fore ejectors are fluidly coupled to the at least one fore conduit. At least one tail ejector is fluidly coupled to the at least one tail conduit. The fore ejectors respectively include an outlet structure out of which gas from the at least one fore conduit flows. The at least one tail ejector includes an outlet structure out of which gas from the at least one tail conduit flows. First and second primary airfoil elements have leading edges respectively located directly downstream of the first and second fore ejectors. At least one secondary airfoil element has a leading edge located directly downstream of the outlet structure of the at least one tail ejector.

Abstract: A wing tip designed for attachment to a winglet of an aircraft, the winglet coupled to a wing of the aircraft and having a leading edge and a trailing edge continuously transitioning from a leading edge and trailing edge of the wing. The wing tip may include a curved leading edge from the winglet leading edge to a leading end point, a curved trailing edge from a winglet trailing edge to a trailing end point, and an end segment connecting the leading end point and the trailing end point. The end segment may be swept back from the trailing end point to the leading end point at an end segment angle.

Abstract: An aircraft landing gear assembly having a main strut configured to move between a deployed condition and a stowed condition, a damping device to oppose movement of the main strut as it approaches the deployed condition, a retraction actuator and a mechanical retraction linkage coupled between the aircraft and the main strut, and a locking device. The locking device is operable to change the retraction linkage between a locking condition in which the retraction actuator can apply a stowing force to the main strut through the retraction linkage to move the main strut from the deployed condition to the stowed condition, and an extensible condition in which the retraction linkage permits the main strut to be deployed by way of gravity.

Abstract: An aircraft landing gear wheel-drive system includes a first wheel drive unit for driving a first landing gear wheel of the aircraft and a second wheel drive unit for driving a second landing gear wheel of the aircraft. The first wheel drive unit has a first range of torque to speed (T/S) ratios. The second wheel drive unit has a second range of T/S ratios. The first range of T/S ratios is greater than the second range of T/S ratios.

Abstract: A system includes an aircraft having a fuselage with a tail portion. A tail skid is disposed in an opening of the tail portion. The tail skid includes a ground contact shoe and a mechanism configured to selectably move the ground contact shoe between respective ones of a stow position disposed within the opening, a landing position disposed below the opening, and a takeoff position different than the stow and landing positions. Before a takeoff or a landing, the ground contact shoe is moved to a corresponding one of the takeoff or landing positions. In the event of an over-rotation or an over-flaring of the aircraft during a takeoff or a landing, respectively, the ground contact shoe makes contact with the ground and a shock absorber of the system absorbs a shock of the contact and thereby prevents tail strike damage to the aircraft.

Abstract: A probe assembly includes a base body, a first telescoping member coupled to the base body, a second telescoping member coupled to the first telescoping member, and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is operably connected between the base body and the first telescoping member to translate the first telescoping member from a capture position to a capture-retracted position for reducing slop between a fitting coupled to an end of the second telescoping member opposite the base body and an arresting beam.