Abstract: An assembly for enabling continuous seat post function during extreme conditions is described and includes: a first valve at least partially, slidably disposed within a stationary piston and for controlling a first fluid pathway there through, wherein the first fluid pathway runs from a first portion and to a second portion of the oil chamber, wherein the stationary piston separates the oil chamber into the first portion and the second portion; and a second valve at least partially disposed within the stationary piston and disposed in series with the first valve and having a second fluid pathway disposed through the first valve and the second valve, being in parallel with the first fluid pathway, running from the first portion to the second portion of the oil chamber, and providing a bypass for oil to flow from the first portion to the second portion when the first fluid pathway is closed.

Abstract: A bicycle that is illuminated using light arrays mounted to its seat. The bicycle has a frame that extends from a front first end and an opposite rear second end. A seat is mounted to the frame between the first end and the second end. A first light array is supported by the seat that illuminates the frame between the seat and the first end of the frame. A second light array is also supported by the seat. The second light array illuminates the frame between the seat and the second end of the frame. Light from the arrays illuminates the frame of the bicycle and the area surrounding the bicycle. This makes the bicycle far more noticeable during low-light conditions.

Abstract: A saddle riding type vehicle includes left and right front wheels that unlock linkage more surely when the vehicle starts. The vehicle includes a linkage that connects the left and right front wheels to a vehicle body frame, a lock that locks or unlocks the linkage, a lock controller that controls the lock, a wheel speed sensor that detects a vehicle speed, and a vehicle speed change rate obtainer that obtains a vehicle speed change rate. The lock controller unlocks the linkage via the lock if the linkage is locked by the lock and at least one of the vehicle speed and the vehicle speed change rate satisfies an unlocking condition.

Abstract: A self-balancing electric vehicle may include an elongate platform having a first foot placement section and a second foot placement section rigidly coupled to each other, a first and second wheel being respectively coupled to opposite ends of the platform. Rider presence and turning intentions may be determined based on strain induced in the platform by the rider. The strain may be detected by one or more strain gauge systems. One of the strain gauge systems may be configured for use in a steering control circuit, and may include a strain gauge sensor mounted diagonally with respect to a long axis of the platform, such that the strain gauge detects only twist-induced strain.

Abstract: This vehicle is equipped with front and rear wheels and comprises a platform, a foldable/unfoldable steering column and a locking mechanism. According to the invention: the platform includes a cylindrical well (13), the axis of which is tilted according to an angle from 30° to 60° towards the rear of this platform (2). The steering column has a lower bent portion, connected to a cylindrical base (22) intended to be engaged into the well (13) with pivoting capability, the axis of this base (22) forming, with the axis according to which the remainder of the steering column (5) extends longitudinally, an angle complementary to 180° with the angle formed by the axis of the well (13). The locking mechanism includes a first device (16, 17; 27, 32) for angularly blocking the base (22) in the well (13), in the unfolding position of the steering column, and a second device (16, 18; 27, 32) for angularly blocking the base (22) in the well (13), in the folding position of the steering column.

Abstract: A lightweight handlebar configured to be coupled to a plurality of stems is characterized by the strength of the center portion not being a maximum. Moreover, the design may be such that a single handlebar is attached between two stems, wherein the strength at a center portion that is positioned between stem attaching positions is less than the strength of the portions that are positioned toward the outsides of the stem attaching portions. Moreover, a marker for indicating unsuitability for securing to a stem may be provided at the center portion of the handlebar.

Abstract: A vehicle steered by handlebars has a handlebar tube. A handlebar fastener for a switchgear unit includes an adapter device for receiving the switchgear unit and a fastening device for fastening the adapter device to the handlebar tube of the vehicle steered by handlebars. The adapter device has a torque support device.

Abstract: A saddle riding type vehicle that ensures little or no difference between an actual state of the vehicle and a state of the vehicle recognized by the rider includes a vehicle body frame, a pair of front wheels, a linkage, a lock, a controller, and a notifier. The linkage connects the pair of front wheels to the vehicle body frame. The lock locks the linkage by preventing operation of the linkage and unlocks the linkage by allowing the linkage to operate. The controller controls locking and unlocking of the linkage by the lock. The notifier notifies that the linkage is locked when relative displacement between the pair of front wheels in the vertical direction exceeds a prescribed range.

Abstract: A saddle riding type vehicle includes a linkage, a lock, a controller, and an operator and prevents operation of a linkage upon fulfillment of a prescribed condition and allows the rider's intention to be more easily and accurately reflected in the control of the vehicle. The linkage connects a pair of front wheels to a vehicle body frame. The lock locks the linkage by preventing operation of the linkage and unlocks the linkage by allowing the linkage to operate. The operator continues to output an operation signal to the controller while an operation is input by the rider. The controller controls the lock to lock the linkage if the operation signal is input upon fulfillment of a locking condition that allows the linkage to be locked.

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 spring for a suspension is described. The spring includes: a spring chamber divided into at least a primary portion and a secondary portion, and a fluid flow path coupled with and between the primary portion and the secondary portion. The fluid flow path includes a bypass mechanism, wherein the bypass mechanism is configured for automatically providing resistance within the fluid flow path in response to a compressed condition of the suspension.

Abstract: A hydraulic braking system for a bicycle may include a hydraulic control device that is configured with multiple timing ports positioned within a stroke of a piston of the hydraulic control device. The multiple timing ports are located at different positions along an operational and/or axial length of a cylinder of the hydraulic control device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a bicycle and a control method of the same. The bicycle includes an electromagnet installed in a pedal body rotatably coupled to a pedal shaft and configured to generate a magnetic force when power is supplied thereto, a switching unit configured to switch on or off the power supplied to the electromagnet, and an electronic control unit configured to turn on or off the switching unit.

Abstract: A linear gear shift mechanism for chainless vehicles includes a gear shift unit having a support rotator, transmission balls and driving posts, with the transmission balls disposed in the support rotator, with a cylindrical receiving portion disposed on each transmission ball radially, with the driving posts disposed in the cylindrical receiving portions along radial direction of the support rotator and rotating from radial direction thereof to but not reach axial direction of the support rotator; an axial power input rotator having an inward-tilted power input annular surface; an axial power output rotator having an inward-tilted power output annular surface, with the transmission balls clamped between inward-tilted power input and output annular surfaces and support rotator; a tread-required transverse power source meshing with axial power input rotator; an axial power transfer portion meshing with axial power output rotator axially; a transverse power output portion meshing with axial power transfer portio

Abstract: A motorcycle is provided with an engine unit having a crankcase and a cylinder assembly protruding diagonally frontward and upward from the crankcase. An air cleaner box has a rearward-descending shape extending from the upper side to the rear side of the cylinder assembly as seen in a side view to form a vertically elongating box shape. The air cleaner box is disposed between left and right frames of a chassis, and both side surfaces of the air cleaner box are separated from the chassis. The air cleaner box has a frontward-narrowing and rearward-narrowing width as seen in a top view. As a result, it is possible to obtain a sufficient box capacity and facilitate a compact design. In addition, it is possible to smoothly flow an air stream in the lateral sides of the air cleaner box.

Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic component includes a base, a plug, and a fluid stopper. The base includes a hydraulic chamber, a first bore having a first bore diameter and being in fluid communication with the hydraulic chamber, a second bore extending from the first bore and having a second bore diameter greater than the first bore diameter, and a seat surface extending between the first bore and the second bore. The plug is coupled to the second bore. The fluid stopper is configured to be accommodated in the second bore and to be pressed by the plug to seal the first bore. The fluid stopper is an individual member with respect to the plug.

Abstract: A portable vessel includes a hard shell front hull section, a hard shell aft hull section, a flexible water tight material hull section affixed to the front hull section and the aft hull section in a water tight manner, the material section forming the middle portion of the hull of the vessel, and a tension-adjustable frame assembly. Tensioning of the frame assembly during assembly of the vessel causes tensioning of the material hull section from a less than taught state to a taught state about the frame assembly and wherein the disassembled components of the vessel may be configured into a backpack configuration for portage by a user.

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: Foil systems for steering source and receiver arrangements for gathering seismic data are connected to buoys supporting seismic sources and receivers. Each foil system includes a positive buoyancy device, a pair of control cables, a plurality of foil sections, and an actuator. The pair of control cables may be attached to the buoyancy device and extend downward from the buoyancy device to a submerged end. The plurality of foil sections may be disposed along the control cables between the buoyancy device and the submerged end. The actuator may be configured to adjust attack angles of the foil sections by changing a tension in one or both of the control cables. Steering control is provided through a number of modes described by data distributed through a control system in communication with the foil systems.

Abstract: An eco-friendly buoy includes a foam including a cylindrical accommodation space in the interior of the foam, and coupling grooves at predetermined intervals at an outer surface circumference of the foam in order to fasten the foam to fixing members through wire; and a protective layer formed on an entire outer surface of the foam and protecting the foam from damage by waves or wind. The eco-friendly buoy is manufactured from eco-friendly expanded polypropylene and expanded styrene and has a protective layer on an outer surface thereof, thereby being protected from damage by waves or wind. In addition, the eco-friendly buoy may be used for a long time, thus reducing maintenance costs.

Abstract: A ship for transporting cargo gas, such as natural gas, includes a ship structure and a middle transverse bulkhead constructed by gas storage containers. Each gas storage container includes an enclosure and a pipe coil within the enclosure that contains the cargo gas and it is the enclosures of the gas storage containers that are integrated into the ship structure to form the middle transverse bulk head.

Abstract: A folding step for a boat cockpit includes a gunwale bracket connectable to a wall extending downward from a gunwale of a boat. Support bracket(s) support a step in a pivoting manner between a deployed and a stowed position. A support bar is attachable within the cockpit to be in a stowed position, in which it is out of the way, and in a deployed position for supporting the step when it is deployed.

Abstract: A catamaran oil production apparatus is disclosed for producing oil in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. At least one of the frames supports an oil production platform. One or more risers or riser pipes extends from the seabed (e.g., at a wellhead) to the production platform (or platforms). In one embodiment, the production apparatus includes crew quarters.

Abstract: A watercraft seat includes a seat base movably mountable to a support surface, such as the deck of a watercraft. The mount includes a first lift link having a first end pivotally coupled to a support surface of the watercraft and a second end pivotally coupled to a front portion of the seat base and a second lift link distally located from the first lift link and having a first end pivotally coupled to a support surface of the watercraft and a second end pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the seat base. The seat base is movable between at least a first position, wherein the seat base is positioned proximate to the support surface, and a second position, wherein at least one of the front portion or the rear portion of the seat base is positioned distal from the support surface.

Abstract: A jettison device isolates an object, particularly a potentially hazardous object on a ship, platform or similar object. The jettison device includes a housing with an opening configured to face towards an outside region, and a container configured to hold one or more of the objects. The jettison device further includes a container lock and a container jettison. A ship, platform or other vessel includes at least one of the jettison devices above and at least one jettison device arranged in or near a hull surface with the opening facing a region outside the hull surface.

Abstract: A rescue package arrangement for launching from a moving platform such as an aircraft includes a container body externally sized and shaped to be launched from a moving platform using a launch tube and contains a main parachute located within the container; a drogue chute associated with the container deployed after deployment from the moving platform and connected to the main parachute by a drogue chute tether; a decelerator chute connected to the container and arranged to deploy with or after the drogue chute is deployed, and a delay mechanism arranged to delay deployment of the main parachute for a period of time after the drogue chute is deployed from the container. The container is adapted to contain a payload including at least one item for life support, and wherein the decelerator chute assists the stabilisation of the container during at least a portion of the flight of the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically controlling partial pressure of oxygen in the breathing loop of a rebreather diving system. A diver may adjustably select a control parameter to maintain partial pressure of oxygen at a setpoint that varies with ambient pressure and is within a range between a maximum safe partial pressure of oxygen at depth and a minimum safe partial pressure of oxygen for the purpose of biasing the performance of the rebreather either towards minimizing gas venting from the rebreather breathing loop or minimizing decompression time. A method and apparatus for managing and monitoring the use of dive resources in comparison with a target dive time specified by the diver, calculating and indicating remaining dive time based on dive resource values and calculating and indicating dive resource values required to meet preselected dive resource end values and dive requirements.

Abstract: A propeller position changing device which is capable of changing position according to cruise conditions of a vessel of a floating type.

Abstract: A frame device (200) for a profiled sail device, the frame device (200) having at least one adjustable frame element (202), the at least one adjustable frame element (202) having longitudinal struts which are spaced apart from one another and are assigned to sail surfaces which are spaced apart from one another, and transverse struts which extend between the longitudinal struts, characterized in that the longitudinal struts and the transverse struts delimit quadrangles which each have two diagonals with varying lengths depending on the adjustment, and the diagonals each have a predetermined maximum length, and a profiled sail device having sail surfaces which are spaced apart from one another and against which the flow can impinge and which form profiled surfaces, a sail front edge and an adjustable skeleton device arranged between the sail surfaces. The skeleton device has at least one frame device (200) of this type.

Abstract: A rowing shoe fastening assembly includes a receiving plate and a shoe plate configured to be mounted on a portion of a shoe. The shoe plate has a release tab and the shoe plate is engaged in a locked position within the receiving plate by a single interlocking movement. The shoe is released from the locked position by activating the release tab and sliding said shoe plate past the receiving plate in a parallel direction relative to the receiving plate.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes a lower unit and an upper unit that is attachable to the stern of a boat, with the upper unit and lower unit configured to tilt together about a transverse tilt axis. The upper unit includes an engine, a transmission assembly and a drive shaft and the lower unit includes a lower unit housing and a propeller shaft that is connected to the drive shaft. The lower unit housing is configured to pivot relative to the upper unit, about a steering axis that extends coaxially with the drive shaft. The steering axis intersects the propeller axis at an obtuse angle.

Abstract: An electric actuator comprises a housing and an output shaft reciprocatingly received by the housing. There is a screw assembly disposed within the housing and coupled to the output shaft. The screw assembly includes a plurality of annular rollers and a central screw received by the annular rollers. The annular rollers are rotatable about the central screw. There is a motor which includes a stator and a rotor. The rotor has an inner bore which engages the annular rollers. Rotation of the rotor causes the central screw to translate axially relative to the rotor and the output shaft to reciprocate relative to the housing.

Abstract: A marine electric power steering system includes an input assembly, a steering actuator, and a cable assembly. The input assembly is operatively connected to a steering shaft. The input assembly has a steering sensor assembly and a motor assembly. The steering actuator is disposed within a pontoon and is in communication with the steering sensor assembly. The cable assembly extends through a wall of the pontoon. The cable assembly operatively connects the steering actuator and a steering device that is pivotally mounted to the pontoon.

Abstract: A marine electric power steering system includes an actuator assembly, a power steering module, and a cable assembly. The actuator assembly includes an actuator assembly input and an actuator assembly output. The actuator assembly input is operatively coupled to a steering shaft. The power steering module includes a power steering module input that is operatively coupled to the actuator assembly output and a power steering module output. The cable assembly is operatively coupled to the actuator assembly output and the power steering module input.

Abstract: A marine electric power steering system includes an actuator assembly, a gear assembly, and a cable assembly. The actuator assembly has an actuator assembly input and an actuator assembly output. The actuator assembly input is operatively connected to a steering shaft that extends along a steering column axis. The gear assembly includes a first gear that is driven by a second gear and a crank arm extending from the first gear. The cable assembly extends from an end of the crank arm to a steering device.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to aeronautical engineering and consists of an airborne platform for power generation through wind energy harnessing that can be built to large sizes without requiring a rigid structure of comparable dimensions and which uses both buoyancy and the aerodynamic Magnus effect for lift. The aerodynamic lift is generated in lifting bodies (1), which also contain buoyant gas. The lifting bodies (1) are stacked in a column, at the bottom of which there is a structural anchoring module (2) which also contains buoyant gas. The lifting bodies (1) and anchoring modules (2) are connected by slender structural elements which, when taken together as a whole form a non-rigid assembly.

Abstract: A corner fitting may include a male fitting having a convex portion and a female fitting having a concave portion configured complementary to the convex portion. In addition, the corner fitting may include a strap having a strap radius portion and a pair of strap planar portions extending from opposite ends of the strap radius portion. The strap planar portions may be parallel to one another when the strap radius portion is clamped between the convex portion and the concave portion and the corner fitting is viewed from a side, and non-parallel to one another when the corner fitting is viewed from an end.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for insulation and moisture drainage. One exemplary system comprises a liner. The liner covers a frame element of an aircraft. The liner includes a first waterproof lip that is attached to a first insulator and protrudes towards the frame element. The first waterproof lip and the first insulator form a first drainage channel for the frame element. A second waterproof lip is attached to a second insulator and protrudes towards the frame element. The second waterproof lip and the second insulator form a second drainage channel for the frame element. The first waterproof lip and the second waterproof lip each include a lengthwise fixation element that attaches the first waterproof lip to the second waterproof lip, sealing at least a portion of the lengthwise gap.

Abstract: A cargo system is provided. The cargo system may comprise a floor panel, a cargo sled configured to move across the floor panel, and a cargo restraint configured to translate relative to the floor panel. The cargo restraint may comprise a longitudinal restraint rod configured to protrude from the floor panel in a deployed position. The cargo restraint may also comprise a restraint surface disposed on the longitudinal restraint rod. The cargo restraint may enable the cargo sled to pass over the restraint surface in a stowed position. An electromechanical actuator may be mechanically coupled to the longitudinal restraint rod and configured to deploy and stow the cargo restraint.

Abstract: A system for moving loads comprises a cargo hold floor, at least one row of rollers integrated into the floor, at least one guide rail in the floor and extending parallel to the at least one row of rollers, and a least one transport vehicle. The vehicle is received in the guide rail and movable along the guide rail and comprises at least one connecting element which is movable between first and second operating positions wherein the connecting element, in its first operating position, is arranged such that the vehicle is positionable under a load deposited onto the at least one row of rollers and, in its second operating position, is arranged such that it interacts with the load so as to connect the load to the vehicle such that the load is entrained by the vehicle when the vehicle is moved along the guide rail.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems provide for the construction of wing sections having multi-box wing spars. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, an aircraft wing includes multi-box wing spars attached to an aircraft fuselage, an upper wing surface, a lower wing surface, and a number of wing segments. The multi-box wing spars, upper wing surface, and lower wing surface are composite layers having continuous fibers.

Abstract: A leading edge for an airfoil comprising a torsion box, the leading edge comprising a leading plate and a first inflatable element suitable for being filled with air. The leading plate comprises a convex side and a concave side. The first inflatable element is in contact with at least part of the concave side, thus reinforcing the leading plate. An airfoil comprising such a leading edge is also provided.

Abstract: An air vehicle control surface includes an upper skin, a lower skin, a plurality of composite spars extending between the upper skin and the lower skin, and a failsafe torque tube. The failsafe torque tube includes an outer composite tube and an inner tube disposed within the outer composite tube and extending coaxially with the outer composite tube.

Abstract: Automatic flight control actuator systems are provided. In one example, the system includes a pilot input linkage that receives an input and a flight surface output linkage adapted to control a flight surface. The system also includes a strain wave gear including a flex spline coupled to one of the pilot input linkage and the flight surface output linkage. The strain wave gear further includes a circular spline coupled to the other of the flight surface output linkage and the pilot input linkage, and coupled to the flex spline such that the input from the pilot input linkage is transferred to the flight surface output linkage via the strain wave gear.

Abstract: The present invention has an objective to provide a dolly for handling a landing gear of an aircraft that enables, while being downsized, work of positioning the landing gear with respect to an attachment portion of an airframe of the aircraft to be performed efficiently, and a method for attaching or detaching a landing gear using the dolly. A dolly (10) for handling a landing gear (20) of an aircraft includes a base (11), an expandable boom (12) that rises from the base (11) and is expandable and contractible, a hoisting boom (13) that is interconnected to the expandable boom (12) in a raisable and lowerable manner, and a holding portion (15) that is suspended on the hoisting boom (13) and retains the landing gear (20).

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein may be useful for use in a wheel assembly which includes a heat shield. In this regard heat shield for a wheel may comprise a first member; a second member positioned radially of the first member defining an annular cavity between the first member and the second member; an opening in at least one of the first member and the second member configured to provide fluidic communication between the annular cavity and an outside of the annular cavity; and a mounting feature in operable communication with the first member and the second member configured to attach the heat shield to the wheel.

Abstract: A method of engaging a drive system with a rotating wheel of an aircraft landing gear is disclosed. A motor is operated to apply torque to a pinion so the pinion rotates and moved from a neutral position to a contact position in which it contacts a rotating driven gear at an initial contact time, the rotating driven gear being mounted to a rotating wheel of an aircraft landing gear. After the initial contact time the pinion is moved further to a meshing position where the pinion meshes with the driven gear. A centre-to-centre distance between the pinion and the driven gear reduces as the pinion moves to the contact position and to the meshing position. The driven gear contacts the pinion in a series of impacts as the pinion moves from the contact position to the meshing position, each impact induces a spike in electromotive force or angular velocity at the motor.

Abstract: A device for the transportation of people and cargo is described. The device is a gyro-rotating flying device including a pod structure configured to transport one or more contents. The pod structure includes a gyro pod to contain the one or more contents. An engine is included to propel the pod structure into flight. A power supply provides energy for the engine and a control unit. The control unit allows a user the ability to regulate operation of the engines. Manipulation of the engine adjusts the orientation of the pod structure and engine around the gyro pod. The gyro pod is configured to remain level during flight.

Abstract: An unmanned air vehicle includes: a camera that takes an image in a vertical direction from the unmanned air vehicle; an image processor that indicates, on the image, a region in which the unmanned air vehicle is likely to crash and that detects an object of avoidance that is present in the region; a crash-avoidance flight controller that, in a case where the object of avoidance is detected, controls flight of the unmanned air vehicle so that the object of avoidance becomes undetectable in the region; and a crash probable region determiner that changes the region according to a result of the flight control.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle including at least two side fuselages interconnected via a wing, at least one propulsion mechanism, and two side wings extending from respective ones of the side fuselages. Each side wing has a section as seen from the front that is in the shape of a polygon having at least four sides. The ratio between the height of the side wings and the wingspan of the aerial vehicle is between 0.15 to 0.25. Each side wing has a first wing portion extending in the same plane as the wing, a second wing portion extending vertically above the first wing portion and inclined rearwards and upwards, a third wing portion extending parallel to the first wing portion and extending rearwards while forming an angle with the front plane of the aerial vehicle, and a fourth wing portion extending vertically down to the rear end of the side fuselage.