Abstract: A vehicle steering device includes: a steering mechanism that steers steered wheels by driving of a steering motor according to operation of an operation unit; a motor angle sensor that detects a rotation angle of the steering motor as an electrical angle; a steered angle sensor that detects a steered angle of the steered wheels; a storage unit in which correspondence between the electrical angle and the steered angle that are detected is stored in advance; and a failure determination unit that determines whether there is a failure or not by comparing the relation between the detected electrical angle and the detected steered angle with the correspondence between the electrical angle and the steered angle that is stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A steering control device is provided that calculates a white line approach suppression steering reaction force that is based on a distance in which a host vehicle is separated from either a left or a right white line when the host vehicle approaches the left or a right white line. The steering control device applies a steering reaction force to a steering unit that receives steering input from a driver, based on the white line approach suppression steering reaction force, and upon determining that the other among the left and right white lines cannot be detected and a distance between the host vehicle and the left or right white line is decreasing, the white line approach suppression steering reaction force is limited.

Abstract: A patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system includes at least one manipulator portion for holding a surgical instrument and a steering interface. The steering interface may include at least one sensor positioned to sense turning, fore, and aft forces exerted by a user to move the cart. The steering interface may further include a coupling mechanism to removably couple the steering interface with the patient side cart. The at least one sensor may be placed in signal communication with a drive control system of the patient side cart when the steering interface is in a coupled state with the patient side cart.

Abstract: A grounds maintenance vehicle such as a stand-on spreader/sprayer and a steering system for use with the same. In one embodiment, the steering system includes a laterally swinging control handle accessible by an operator standing on a platform of the vehicle. The handle controls movement of one or more steerable wheels such that lateral swinging of the control handle toward a left side results in a corresponding left turn, while lateral swinging of the control handle toward a right side results in a corresponding right turn.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a jackknife condition of a vehicle and trailer is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a processor operable to set an operating range of a hitch angle to a minimum range. The processor monitors the hitch angle while the vehicle is operated in a forward direction and increases the operating range based on the hitch angle observed during the monitoring. The processor is further operable to utilize the increased operating range to prevent a jackknife condition during a guided reverse operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for autonomously navigating a vehicle along a road segment is disclosed. The system may have at least one processor. The processor may be programmed to receive from an image capture device at least one image representative of an environment of the vehicle. The processor may also be programmed to analyze the at least one image to identify at least one recognized landmark. Further, the processor may be programmed to determine a current location of the vehicle relative to a predetermined road model trajectory associated with the road segment based, at least in part, on a predetermined location of the recognized landmark. In addition, the processor may be programmed to determine an autonomous steering action for the vehicle based on a direction of the predetermined road model trajectory at the determined current location of the vehicle relative to the predetermined road model trajectory.

Abstract: The method relates to an operating method for a semi-automatic park-steer assist system and to a semi-automatic park-steer assist system of a motor vehicle for aiding in an alignment of the motor vehicle in a parking space, including a device for detecting an activation signal; a device for determining a change direction in which an alignment of the motor vehicle is to be changed; a device for detecting a set drive direction; and a control unit which controls at least one actuator in an active state of the park-steer assist system such that steerable wheels of the motor vehicle are turned in the change direction when the set drive direction is forward, and the steerable wheels are maximally turned counter to the change direction when the set drive direction is reverse.

Abstract: A system, and method for communicating navigation information to a vehicle operator through actuators in a steering mechanism for a vehicle. The steering mechanism can include multiple actuators along or in a surface a vehicle operator touches to steer the vehicle. Different numbers of actuators can be actuated under an operator's hand to communicate the severity of an upcoming turn. Alternatively, an actuator can be actuated by different amounts to communicate the severity of an upcoming turn. Proximity of an upcoming turn can be communicated by cycling actuators at different rates for different turns. By actuating actuators under an operator's left hand or the left portion of a hand, a left-hand turn can be communicated. Conversely, by actuating actuators under an operator's right hand or the right portion of a hand, a right-hand turn can be communicated.

Abstract: A tunnel side frame includes a U-shaped portion having a U-shaped cross section opening upward, the U-shaped portion comprising a bottom face portion, an outer face portion, and an inner face portion. A front tunnel member comprises a first face portion which faces to the bottom face portion of the tunnel side frame, a second face portion which faces to the inner face portion of the tunnel side frame, and a third face portion which extends inward from an upper end of the second face portion. The front tunnel member is attached to a vehicle body by attaching the first face portion to the bottom face portion of the U-shaped portion and attaching the third face portion to a floor tunnel.

Abstract: A subframe structure includes an attachment bracket that is disposed between the second vibration-isolation device and rear cross member and that attach the second vibration-isolation device to the rear cross member, and four elastic bushings that floatably support the attachment bracket as to the rear cross member at four support points. A load input point where a load is input from an engine to the second vibration-isolation device is positioned within a region surrounded by the four support points in planar view.

Abstract: There are provided a hinge pillar comprising an outer panel and an inner panel which form a closed cross section extending vertically, a hinge pillar reinforcement provided in the closed cross section, a front door attached to the hinge pillar via a pair of upper-and-lower door hinges, and a hinge bracket attaching the lower door hinge to the hinge pillar reinforcement, the hinge bracket being provided to face a front wheel in a longitudinal direction. Herein, the hinge bracket has a lower strength than a portion of the hinge pillar reinforcement where the hinge bracket is provided. Accordingly, when receiving a collision load from the front wheel, the hinge bracket changes a contact portion of the front wheel to the hinge pillar so as to guide the retreating front wheel outward in a vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A rear part structure of a vehicle includes: a pair of right and left rear side members; a pair of side sills which are connected to the rear side members; a pair of sub frame side members respective one ends of which are connected to connecting parts between the rear side members and the side sills, the sub frame side members being extended to a rear side of the vehicle, in a manner inclined inward in a lateral direction of the vehicle; and a sub frame center member one end of which is connected to the other ends of the sub frame side members, the sub frame center member being extended to the rear side of the vehicle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members configured to contact a ground surface, and a powertrain assembly operably coupled to the ground-engaging members. The utility vehicle also includes a frame supported by the ground-engaging members and extending along a longitudinal axis of the utility vehicle. The utility vehicle further includes a tunnel member coupled to the frame and extending along the longitudinal axis. The tunnel member is positioned at a first height from the ground surface. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes a cargo portion supported by the frame and positioned generally rearward of the tunnel member. The cargo portion has a cargo surface substantially aligned with the tunnel member and positioned at a second height from the ground surface. The first height is approximately equal to the second height.

Abstract: A cowl structure includes a cowl main body and a gutter extension. The cowl main body runs along a lower edge of a windshield, and has (i) a gutter open toward a vehicle upper side, (ii) an inlet port through a rear wall portion for drawing outside air into a vehicle cabin, and (iii) a glass support that supports a lower end of the windshield. The gutter extension (a) extends forwardly and downwardly from a front end of the glass support (b) has a length in the vehicle width direction, (c) is concave toward the vehicle upper side, (d) is located in a range of the vehicle width direction that includes a range of the inlet port, and (e) includes a water drainage outlet that causes water received by the gutter extension to fall from a position offset in the vehicle width direction with respect to the inlet port.

Abstract: A covering system for an interior space of a vehicle comprises at least one surface element and at least one sealing element. The surface element comprises an upper surface and at least one bounding edge extending at an angle to the upper surface. The surface element furthermore comprises at least one recess, which runs at least adjacent to the bounding edge. The sealing element has an extent corresponding at least partly with the at least one bounding edge, and a shape corresponding at least partly with the recess of the surface element.

Abstract: A handle assembly is used with a pick-up truck tailgate. The handle assembly comprises a guide tube with an open end, a handle that is housed within the guide tube and a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly comprises a pivot pin connected to one end of the handle and a locking pin. The handle is moveable within the guide tube between a retracted position and an extended position. While in the extended position the handle passes through the open end and the handle may pivot about the pivot pin to move to a support position. When the handle is in the support position, the locking pin can engage the handle and releasably lock the handle in the support position. The guide tube is configured to be secured within a tailgate of a pick-up truck.

Abstract: A device comprising a first housing having a first flange for accommodating an engine, a second housing with a second flange for holding a transmission as well as connection device between the first flange and the second flange arranged as a flat disk connection, which connects the first flange with the second flange horizontally, wherein the connection device is double-sided adhesive tape.

Abstract: An airdam is provided for a motor vehicle. The airdam includes an extruded body having a J-shaped cross-section defining a forward tilt angle and a curved lip. The body may include a crescent shaped profile or a bell curve shaped profile.

Abstract: There is provided an industrial vehicle including a frame and a counterweight connected to a rear part of the frame. The frame includes a frame body and an upright wall that extends upward from the frame body. The counterweight is fastened to the upright wall by a bolt. The counterweight has an engaging portion to cover part of the upright wall and engage with the upright wall.

Abstract: A mobile crane includes a main body and extendable axles, which are selectively re-positioned relative to the main body through strategically positioned apertures. The axles may be automatically locked to the main body in a desired one of the multiple positions without operator intervention. The axles one or more tapered ends for connecting to side frames, which may support crawler tracks. The tapered ends of the axles extend through openings located in the frames such that they are removably connected to an outside or exterior portion of the frames relative to the main body.

Abstract: Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a track joint assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the track joint assembly may include a first link having a first bore. The track joint assembly may also include a second link having a second bore. Additionally, the track joint assembly may include a pin positioned at least partially within the first bore. The track joint assembly may also include an inner bushing positioned coaxially around the pin, and at least partially within the second bore. In addition, the track joint assembly may include an outer bushing positioned coaxially around the inner bushing. The track joint assembly may also include a seal assembly positioned between the first link and the second link to form a hermetic seal between the first link and the second link.

Abstract: Undercarriage assembly components of track-type machines having a metallurgically bonded wear-resistant coating and methods for forming such coated undercarriage assembly components is taught herein. The bodies of the undercarriage assembly components, formed of an iron-based alloy, have a hard metal alloy slurry disposed on a surface or into an undercut or channel and then fused to form a metallurgical bond with the iron-based alloy. The wear-resistant coating comprises a fused, metal alloy comprising at least 60% iron, cobalt, nickel, or alloys thereof. The portion of the outer surface of the undercarriage assembly components having the wear-resistant coating corresponds to a wear surface of the component during operation of the endless track of the track-type vehicle.

Abstract: A stackable mobile platform vehicle with a body with attached tires and wheels with a load bearing strength of at least 2500 pounds. In some instances the platform vehicle is powered by an electrical motor coupled to a generator which is powered by an internal combustion engine. A large flat load bearing deck on top of the vehicle is sufficient to support the weight of at least one additional stackable mobile platform vehicle. In some instances electricity produced by the generator can by exported from the mobile vehicle platform for use external to the mobile vehicle platform.

Abstract: A modular low-floor transport system comprises at least one drive module and at least one carrier module. The drive module includes a drive base and a drive chassis connected to the drive base. The drive chassis includes at least one driven wheel coupled to a drive. The carrier module includes a carrier base and a carrier chassis connected to the carrier base. The carrier chassis includes at least one non-driven carrier wheel. The drive base and the carrier base are rigidly connected to each other with respect to a stroke direction, and the drive chassis is movably mounted in the stroke direction to the drive base.

Abstract: A two-wheeled cart is especially adapted for use as a game cart and may be easily towed by a conventional mountain bike. The cart has two interchangeable wheel positions. In the first wheel position the wheels are attached to the frame at opposite lateral sides of the cart and in this position the center of mass of a load carried on the bed of the cart is relatively low. In the second wheel position the wheels are aligned one in front of the other along the direction of travel as the cart is moved; in this position, the bed of the cart is raised to a relatively higher position than the position of the bed when the wheels are in the first wheel position so the center of mass of a load carried on the bed is relatively higher than when the wheels are in the first wheel position.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable support stand for holding a parked vehicle such as a motorcycle, bicycle or similar vehicle which is otherwise unstable in an upright position. The support stand has the ability to be locked into place without the need for fixed locking positions by means of a tilted plate locking mechanism that can be operated by the operator using only one foot irrespective of the orientation of the support stand. The support members may include an outer telescoping member pivotally attach to the vehicle frame, an inner support member, a support pad, a running clutch mechanism that automatically locks the telescoping members, and a refraction spring to automatically return the stand to the minimum length when the clutch mechanism is disengaged.

Abstract: A walker device is disclosed including an overarching frame with an overarching top, and a sitting assembly coupled to the frame. The frame extends at least primarily in a first direction between a front side with at least two front wheels and a rear side with a first rear wheel. The frame includes a rear frame part and a middle frame part. The rear frame part includes a height allowing a user to walk over the rear frame part and take place on the sitting assembly. The middle frame part includes a width allowing a user to place his or her legs on either side of the middle frame part. The sitting assembly suitably includes a hinge with a saddle pad for a transition between a first state and a second state.

Abstract: A baggage container for a motorcycle is described. The baggage container includes an internal wall, which faces toward the motorcycle when the baggage container is attached to the motorcycle, an external wall at a distance from the internal wall, a front wall, which faces toward a forward area of the motorcycle when the baggage container is attached to the motorcycle, a rear wall, which faces toward a rear area of the motorcycle when the baggage container is attached to the motorcycle, and two side walls, which each extend between the internal wall and the external wall. An air guiding element which guides travel wind flowing along the external wall in a predefined direction, is situated in a transition area between the external wall and the rear wall.

Abstract: A rolling vehicle includes a pair of left and right front wheels and a pair of left and right arm members swingably supported by the vehicle body on inner sides in the transverse direction and which support the left and right front wheels in a steerable manner on outer sides in the transverse direction. As viewed from the direction along the axis of a support shaft which supports the left and right arm members on the vehicle body, the base portions of the left and right arm members rotatably supported on the vehicle body side overlap with each other, whereas the swinging center axis of the base portion of the left arm and the swinging center axis of the base portion of the right arm, of the base portions of the left and right arm members, are out of alignment with each other.

Abstract: An engine supporting structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle is configured such that an engine is supported from above in substantially a center position between a head pipe and a pivot in a side view, on a pair of right and left main frames that are branched to right and left from the head pipe and that extend rearward. Only inner surfaces in a vehicle width direction of the right and left main frames are formed with a pair of left front mounting portions and a pair of right rear mounting portions, that project inward in the vehicle width direction, respectively, the front mounting portions and the rear mounting portions are mounted with engine hangers that extend downward, and the engine is supported through the engine hangers.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle, such as a scooter, includes a plurality of wheels supporting a deck or other vehicle body portion. The vehicle has a movable portion that is movable relative to another portion of the vehicle. A motion transfer mechanism is operably coupled to the movable portion and causes movement of the movable portion in response to movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bicycle transmission apparatus comprises a base member, an input shaft, a first transmission member, a second transmission member, and a first coupling member. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle frame as a separate member from the bicycle frame. The first transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a first rotational axis different from the input rotational axis. The second transmission member is rotatable relative to the base member about a second rotational axis different from each of the input rotational axis and the first rotational axis. The first coupling member is configured to couple the first transmission member to the second transmission member to transmit rotation of the first transmission member to the second transmission member at a variable speed stage.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a movable member, a coupling structure and an attachment member. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle. The base member has an inner wire guide. The inner wire guide has an inlet portion and an outlet portion. The movable member supports a chain guide. The coupling structure movably couples the movable member to the base member so that the movable member is selectively movable relative to the base member. The attachment member is detachably and/or rotatably attached to the outlet portion of the inner wire guide.

Abstract: A boat hull with port and starboard side walls that are vertical in cross section while the bottom of the hull immediately prior to the commencement of the stern part there-after is horizontal in cross section. Extending throughout the buoyant hulls stem part a longitudinally rectangular flat plate with port and starboard upwardly extending side walls, one each side, are located throughout the length of the vessels stem part. An upwardly directed second rectangular flat plate is arranged fore/aft extends midway between the afore side walls to a height in excess of the side walls. This upstanding plate butts its lowermost edge onto the mid-line of the first plate. Linking the forward edge of the longitudinally rectangular plate to the buoyant hull at its aftmost and deepest point are hinges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing a tendon flex bearing on a tension leg platform includes installing a tendon tensioning tool on the Length Adjustment Joint (LAJ) of a tendon and providing a supplemental buoyancy module on the tendon. The tendon tensioning tool is used to disengage the slips from the top tendon connector. The buoyancy of the supplemental buoyancy module may then be adjusted to support the tendon whereupon the tendon tensioning tool may be disengaged permitting removal and replacement of the tendon flex bearing. Following installation of the new (or refurbished) flex bearing, the steps of the procedure may be reversed to return the tendon to its normal operating state. In certain embodiments, top clamp actuation means is provided in the tendon tensioning tool for removing slips from the top clamp.

Abstract: A mobile, wave motion-isolated, waterborne device having a platform with a plurality of support members extending beneath the platform configured to receive an articulated joint. The device further includes a plurality of corresponding clusters of spar buoys, wherein each spar buoy has an articulated joint at a first end of the spar buoy and a ballast operably configured at the second end. The articulated joint of each spar buoy within the cluster corresponds to a swivel footing configured to receive an articulated joint. The swivel footing itself includes an articulating joint. Each articulated joint of the swivel footing corresponds to one of the support members of the platform. The cluster of spar buoys can optionally move between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. An optional movable ballast may be used in place of a stationary ballast. The invention also includes optional thrust/propulsion, steering, and damping features.

Abstract: A boat seat base assembly includes a pair of opposed side panels and a pair of opposed end panels joined to the side panels by means of shaped connecting members formed in one of the side panels and end panels and shaped apertures formed in one of the side panels and end panels wherein the shaped connecting members are slideably received in the shaped apertures with an interference between the shaped connecting members and the shaped apertures.

Abstract: A variety of multi-use, configurable watercraft is disclosed. A first type of watercraft used in a first water-based activity may be used as a component in a second type of watercraft used in a second water-based activity. For example, a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) may be used for paddle boarding, and then converted into a kayak, sailboat, catamaran, motorboat, or other type of vessel by adding one or more components to the SUP. In one embodiment, two paddleboards are used to construct a variety of multi-hull watercraft.

Abstract: A floatation support device supports a person in a seated or prone position in a body of water. The device includes a pair of frames each having an elbow coupling a first section to a second section. The elbow of each frame forms a right angle between the first section and the second section. A first tube is flexible and buoyant in water. The first section of each of the frames is inserted into an associated end of the first tube wherein the first tube couples the first sections together. A second tube is flexible and buoyant in water. The second section of each of the frames is inserted into an associated end of the second tube wherein the second tube couples the second sections together.

Abstract: Described herein are floatation devices, surfboards, surfboard blanks, and methods of manufacture. The board or device design is altered by removal of a traditional stringer or stringers and instead form a composite of different foams to produce a board or device with improved strength and durability along with similar or even better board dynamics.

Abstract: The present invention includes a folding and telescoping mounting stand apparatus for mounting a Global Positioning System (GPS)/sonar device on a boat, comprising a first outer tubing attached to a base plate which is secured to a deck of a boat, a first inner tubing having a bottom end and a top end, wherein the bottom end is placed in and attached to the first outer tubing by a pin and a first knob and the top end is placed in and attached to a second outer tubing by an intermediate tubing, a second inner tubing attached to a top tube by a second knob, wherein the combination of the second inner tubing and the top tube are placed in the second outer tubing and held in place with a spring plunger, a board connected to a rod and wherein the rod is secured to the top tube and the second inner tubing with the second knob, wherein the inner tubing is raised to a desired height when the spring plunger is pulled and the board is lifted upward; and the apparatus having an upper body above the first outer tubing th

Abstract: An inflatable life raft assembly is disclosed, including a deployable and inflatable life raft that a user can voluntarily and repeatedly deploy from a storage carrier, inflate for use, and fold back into the container after use. The carrier is integrally formed with or permanently attached to the inflatable life raft. A compressed gas cylinder can assist the user in inflating the life raft. The storage carrier can automatically open when the life raft inflates, by pressure exerted from within the carrier by the expanding life raft. The inflatable life raft includes weight inserts to render the life raft assembly throwable, both when the life raft is folded and stored in the carrier, and when the life raft is deployed and inflated, greatly assisting a user in tossing or throwing the life raft to a person in need of a floating aid.

Abstract: A propulsion assembly of a ship or floating platform includes a housing within a hull or platform. The housing is watertight except for an opening external to the hull. A stationary motor is arranged in the hull external to the housing. A thruster is external to the hull to generate thrust on the ship or floating platform. A telescopic driving shaft passes sealingly through a housing wall to connect the motor and the thruster and to transmit movement from the motor to the thruster. The thruster retracts within the housing through the opening. A separate submersible movable hatch is disconnectable from the thruster and the housing and passes externally to the hull, and seals the opening to form a watertight closed chamber. A fluid evacuation device evacuates fluid within the closed chamber so the thruster, when retracted in the housing and closed by the hatch, forms the closed chamber.

Abstract: A jet propulsion boat includes a boat body, a jet propelling apparatus configured to propel the boat body, an engine configured to drive the jet propelling apparatus, and an ECU. The ECU is configured or programmed to determine that a deceleration operation is performed when an amount of operation of a first accelerator operation section is greater than an amount of operation of a second accelerator operation section. The ECU sets an upper limit value for the number of revolutions of the engine to a first predetermined value if the boat body is in a first speed traveling state and the boat body is in a turning state.

Abstract: A drive system pivot assembly for a personal user powered watercraft is provided. The drive system pivot assembly pivots a drive system between a deployed position and a parked position. The drive system pivot assembly includes a catch arrangement for securing the drive system pivot assembly in the parked position.

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for propelling a water craft including an outboard propulsion assembly having a removable configuration that can be mounted and demounted by hand without tools and a portable size so that it can be carried by an individual.

Abstract: This is a means to solve a problem with flexible linkage driven outboard motors or better known as shallow water belt drive surface driven outboard drive units. This design gives a horizontal drive shaft engine or motor that uses flexible linkage to drive a driven shaft with a propeller the option to drive or propel a boat or watercraft in all directions to include reverse, and not be limited to turning and steering less than 360 degrees. This design also does not restrict a flexible linkage to driven shaft outboard to a limited steering degree of an angle on the steering axis from where said motor rotates to steer. This design eliminates the need for an optional means to change the rotation direction of propeller to achieve reverse.

Abstract: A stern drive for a marine vessel comprises a gimbal housing that is configured for connection to the transom of the marine vessel; a gimbal ring that is steerable with respect to the gimbal housing about a vertical steering axis; a drive leg that is trimmable with respect to the gimbal ring about a horizontal trim axis, wherein the drive leg supports a propulsor for propelling the marine vessel; a trim actuator that is configured to trim the drive leg about the trim axis; and a cradle that decouples the drive leg from the transom of the marine vessel and pivots with and supports the drive leg and as the trim actuator trims the drive leg about the trim axis.

Abstract: In one example, a long endurance airship system includes a first combined airship with a payload airship and a first logistics airship. The first combined airship is configured for stationkeeping at a predetermined station during meteorological conditions with wind speeds below a predetermined threshold. The airship system also includes a second combined airship which is a reconfiguration of the first combined airship and includes the payload airship and a second logistics airship. The second combined airship is configured for stationkeeping at the predetermined station in all meteorological conditions, including meteorological conditions with wind speeds above the predetermined threshold.