Abstract: In a vehicle to which a wheel well rear portion structure has been applied, a curved portion of an upper wall of a guide portion bulges obliquely toward the vehicle lower side as seen in a side view and is connected to a discharge portion. An air flow flowing in a flow channel flows along the upper wall due to the Coanda effect, so in the air flow along the curved portion the flow component heading toward the vehicle rear side becomes larger. The flow direction of the air flow discharged from the discharge portion substantially coincides with the flow direction of an air flow flowing in the space under the body of the vehicle. In a state in which a drop in the flow speed of the air flow discharged from the discharge portion is controlled, the air flow can be caused to smoothly merge with the air flow.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle includes a platform, a pair of track assemblies and a pair of wheel assemblies. The pair of track assemblies is attached to opposing sides of the platform. The pair of wheel assemblies is attached to opposing sides of the platform. Each wheel assembly has at least a first and second wheel and a track-wheel interchange mechanism operably connected to the first and second wheel. The track-wheel interchange mechanism rotatably moves the first and second wheel from wheel mode wherein the wheels drive the mobile vehicle to a track mode wherein the track assemblies drive the mobile vehicle.

Abstract: A rubber crawler includes a rubber belt trained around a drive wheel, plural rubber projections that are provided at the rubber belt at intervals along the crawler circumferential direction, that project toward the crawler circumferential inside, that are each formed in a peaked shape widening from an apex portion to a base portion as viewed from the crawler width direction, and that are input with drive force when an engagement pin provided at the drive wheel engages with a circumferential direction rubber wall face, and an embedded member that is embedded in the rubber projections and has a circumferential direction wall face arranged along the circumferential direction rubber wall face as viewed in cross-section along the crawler circumferential direction.

Abstract: A crawler web for a crawler chain of a crawler vehicle, in particular a snow vehicle, is proposed, wherein the crawler web comprises a base rail which is attachable releasably to the crawler chain, a track bracket which is provided for guiding the crawler chain on a chassis of the crawler vehicle, and a tread element which is provided for arrangement on a ground contact side of the crawler chain and for engagement in an underlying surface. According to the invention, the track bracket and the tread element are formed integrally, wherein the tread element is extended over a large part of a length in the longitudinal direction of the base rail.

Abstract: An axle lift assembly includes a vehicle configured to support a load. A slide assembly has a member that is movable along a longitudinal extent of the vehicle. The slide assembly is operable to secure the member relative to the vehicle at a select position along the longitudinal extent of the vehicle. A swing arm has a first end pivotally coupled with the member and an opposing second end biased away from the vehicle. The swing arm is configured to support a wheel assembly with a tire for contacting a ground surface. An actuator is operably interconnecting the member and the swing arm for raising the wheel assembly toward the vehicle to lift the tire away from the ground surface. The slide assembly and the actuator are configured to respectively adjust longitudinal and vertical positions of the wheel assembly relative to the vehicle for accommodating a condition of the load.

Abstract: A modular industrial vehicle having one or more modules that communicate with a managing controller to provide an operating mode for the modular industrial vehicle based configuration and technical specifications of the one or more modules.

Abstract: A bicycle LED signaling device for a bicycle includes a lighting module with at least one array of light emitting diodes (LEDs), a power source, an operation interface, and a controller connected to the power source and the operation interface to receive an operation command to control the LED array to display a corresponding signal.

Abstract: A height adjustment device for a bicycle saddle is provided and essentially includes a hydraulic cylinder, an adjustment disk, and a driving mechanism. An annular guiding groove is disposed on the adjustment disk and has a bottom whose height decreases from one end of the annular guiding groove to the other end of the annular guiding groove. When the adjustment disk is being driven by a motor, the annular guiding groove enables a relief valve of the hydraulic cylinder to turn on and turn off according to the level of the accumulated pressure, so as to fine-tune saddle height.

Abstract: A bicycle saddle includes a seat bladder fastened to a base frame. The seat bladder has one or more cavities that include an internal channel along a portion of the seat bladder's centerline that blocks the flow of fluid from side-to-side along the length of the internal channel. A rear fluid channel allows fluid to flow from side-to-side as the rider's weight shifts from side-to-side during the pedaling cycle. Fluid also flows from side-to-side where the pommel portion flows into the wider seating portion of the set bladder by moving around the forward end of the longitudinal channel. The perimeter of the seat bladder overhangs the perimeter of the base frame by a variable amount throughout the perimeter of the base frame.

Abstract: A scooter for kids, including a scooter head and a main body connected to the scooter head. A rotating and positioning mechanism is disposed between the scooter head and the main body. The rotating and positioning mechanism includes a front body and a rear body. The front body is integrated with the rear body via a fixer to form a rotatable body. The back surface of the rear body is provided with a socket, and a connection rod was disposed in the socket. The outer end of the connection rod is provided with a first button. The connection rod is sheathed with a first spring, and the first spring is disposed in the socket.

Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a first movable member, an operating structure, and a changing structure. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle part. The first movable member is movable relative to the base member. The operating structure is configured to operate a bicycle component in response to movement of the first movable member. The changing structure includes a second movable member configured to be movable relative to the first movable member. The changing structure is configured to change an amount of movement of the first movable member relative to the base member in accordance with movement of the second movable member relative to the first movable member.

Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment apparatus includes a spring, an adjustor, a storage chamber, a pump, and a flow path switching unit. The adjustor includes an accommodation chamber which accommodates liquid, and adjusts the length of the spring according to the amount of liquid in the accommodation chamber. The pump includes a cylinder. The flow path switching unit includes a first communication path through which the inside of the cylinder communicates with the storage chamber, a second communication path through which the inside of the cylinder communicates with the accommodation chamber, and a third communication path through which the accommodation chamber communicates with the storage chamber. The flow path switching unit switches the flow path of the liquid according to an amount of electric current supplied to the flow path switching unit.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising: an electric cycle powertrain comprising: a motor; at least one gear set operatively connected to the motor; a chain ring operatively connected to the at least one gear set and a chain; a rear sprocket operatively connected to the chain ring and a rear hub; a crank operatively connected to the chain ring and a first pedal assembly and a second pedal assembly; at least one controller and at least one sensor, wherein the at least one controller is constructed and arranged to process one or more signals from the at least one sensor to apply a torque to the motor to compensate for inertial and spin loss associated with the electric cycle powertrain.

Abstract: The power assisting device includes driver with a rotary axis, a main gear, a first transmission rod, a first bevel gear, a second bevel gear, a first rotating rod, a third bevel gear, and a first driving wheel. The main gear is driven by the driver to rotate about the rotary axis. The first transmission rod extends along a direction perpendicular to the rotary axis. The first bevel gear and the second bevel gear are separately sleeved on the transmission rod. The first bevel gear is engaged with the main gear. The first rotating rod extends along a direction parallel to the rotary axis. The third bevel gear is sleeved on the first rotating rod and is engaged with the second bevel gear. The first driving wheel is coupled to the first rotating rod for assisting a wheel of a vehicle to move forward.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a bicycle gearshift with improved precision control, which comprises a kinematic mechanism in the form of a four-bar linkage with a base body and a mobile body connected together through a pair of connecting rods articulated to the base body and to the mobile body at four pin elements, each pair of opposite pin elements of the four pin elements defining a diagonal of the four-bar linkage-kinematic mechanism, the base body comprising a first attachment group to a bicycle frame and the mobile body being connected to a chain guide at a second attachment group, the four-bar linkage-kinematic mechanism being associated with gearshift actuation means suitable for deforming the four-bar linkage-kinematic mechanism so as to determine a displacement of the mobile body with respect to said base body and consequently a primary displacement of the chain guide in the axial direction with respect to the axis (A) of a cogset, at least one from the first attachment group and the second attachm

Abstract: A twin hull foldout watercraft that quickly and easily deploys from a small mobile and portable size unit that will fit into a vehicle or stow in a closet, camper or larger boat to a dry stable watercraft that could be used with small motor, paddles, ores, stand up paddles, push poles or sail and which has all parts and accessories attached thereto. The twin hull foldout watercraft comprises a central deck, two side mounted hull flaps hingedly attached to the opposing side edges of the central deck and positionable in a vertical or horizontal position, a fore deck extension member hingedly attached to the front edge of the central deck and positionable in a vertical or horizontal position, and an aft deck extension member hingedly attached to the rear edge and which can be extended out from the rear of the central deck.

Abstract: An inflatable dinghy includes a drop stitch inflatable floor made of high pressure drop stitch material; port and starboard drop stitch inflatable sides made of high-pressure drop stitch material attached at outside edges of the drop stitch inflatable floor, respectively; a rigid bow mold attached to the drop stitch inflatable floor and drop stitch inflatable sides; and a rigid stern transom attached to the drop stitch inflatable floor and drop stitch inflatable sides. The inflatable dinghy includes only three separate air compartments including the drop stitch inflatable floor and the drop stitch inflatable sides.

Abstract: A system and method that controls the evacuation of fluid from a sea vessel and configured to prevent turning off the bilge pump during periods of water sloshing. The invention provides a control unit that is adaptable to any size vessel or bilge pump based on a learned experience gained by sensory information.

Abstract: A detachable curtain coupled to a cover of a boat includes a pliable netting panel, a first sheet member coupled to the top edge of the netting panel and having a first pouch, a second sheet member coupled to the top edge of the netting panel and having a second pouch, a first set of fasteners coupled to the first sheet member and embedded within the first pouch, and a second set of fasteners coupled to the second sheet member and embedded within the second pouch. The netting panel is maneuvered to permit both the first and second sheet members to surround a portion of the boat's cover, thereby permitting the first set of fasteners to engage with the second set of fasteners to support the netting panel in an upright position.

Abstract: A device for providing information on the positioning of a moveable coupling located on a movable end of a fluid transfer line, the other end of which is fixed to a base, includes a first GPS device which is positioned on or adjacent the coupling and provides information on the absolute positioning of the coupling in space, and a second apparatus which is adapted to cooperate directly with the first apparatus and provides information on the positioning of the base. The second apparatus is disposed on or adjacent the base and provides, on the basis of the information on the positioning of the base and the information on the positioning of the coupling, information on the relative positioning of the coupling directly relative to the base.

Abstract: A surfboard fin has a curved forward fin portion and a straight rearward fin portion. When attached to a surfboard, the curved forward portion is positioned on the surfboard so the curvature of the forward portion is directed toward the centerline of the surfboard. The concave curve of the forward portion allows for faster and easier maneuverability of a surfboard while in use. In order to reduce drag caused by the curvature of the forward fin portion, one or more through holes may be formed through the forward fin portion to allow water to pass through the fin and reduce drag.

Abstract: A removable surfboard fin adapter that allows removable fins, fin boxes and fin systems from different manufacturers to be compatible with each other. A two-tabbed type removable surfboard fin is received and secured in the recess of a single-tab type surfboard fin receiving box that would not otherwise be able to receive and secure a two-tabbed type removable surfboard fin. The adapter includes two slots that accept the tabs of the two-tabbed fin. The front, rear, or both front and rear of the adapter include a notch for securing he adapter to the single-tab receiving box. Angled slots are provided for canted fins.

Abstract: The invention provides a tool (4) for cleaning surfaces subsea, comprising a body having a cleaning face (11) for holding against and preferably also moving along the surface to be cleaned, the face has a shape convex or corresponding to the surface to be cleaned, and a means for distance control of the cleaning face of the body such that a gap is provided between said face and the surface (3) to be cleaned when the tool is in operation, and/or openings or channels are arranged for allowing surrounding water to flow in towards the center of the cleaning face. Further, the cleaning face comprises a suction outlet for water, debris and contamination, in operation the outlet (13) is connected to a suction device (17) so that water, debris and contamination is drawn into the outlet for transport to further treatment.

Abstract: A flotation-hydration system to be worn by a user, particularly in a water borne environment, includes a vest assembly dimensioned to at least partially surround the user's upper torso while donned by the user in an operative manner. The vest assembly comprises a plurality of panels securely attached to one another, and a flotation assembly comprising at least one flotation member having a buoyant material of construction disposed in one of the panels of the vest assembly. A hydration support assembly is disposed substantially within the vest assembly and includes a chamber support unit, wherein the chamber support unit is dimensioned and configured to receive a hydration chamber in a supported relation therein. A dispensing tube is routed from the hydration chamber to the front of the vest assembly, for ready access by the user, through a dispensing tube retention channel.

Abstract: The lifesaving jacket with integrated EPIRB radio is a personal safety device that is adapted for use by an individual. The lifesaving jacket with integrated EPIRB radio is designed to be worn as a garment during emergency situations. Should the individual wearing the garment come into the distress during the emergency situation, the individual can activate a beacon that is incorporated into the garment such that a distress message including the GPS coordinates of the garment is transmitted to the appropriate authorities indicating the need for assistance. The lifesaving jacket with integrated EPIRB radio comprises a vest, a beacon, and a pocket.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to inflation systems. Specific embodiments relate to inflation systems that use a mixed flow compressor to deliver a diagonal airflow for inflation. The inflation systems disclosed do not require the use of compressed gas, but can use a battery-powered or otherwise electric motor for generating airflow from ambient air. Particular embodiments may find use in connection with inflating evacuation slides or life rafts on board a passenger transportation vehicle, such as an aircraft or marine vessel. Other embodiments may be used for inflating shelters, life vests, or any other safety device that requires a rapid inflation.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system includes a housing configured to be coupled to, or within, a marine vessel hull. At least one pair of counter-rotating impellers is disposed within the housing such that the rotation occurs in a plane generally parallel to the surface of the water. A moveable output nozzle is coupled to the rear portion of the housing and can move to facilitate controlling the direction of travel of the vessel.

Abstract: An energy absorbing rub strip having a core material and a fairing positioned over the core material. The core material may be configured to buckle under the application of a predetermined amount of force and the fairing may be configured to be attached to a fuselage of an aircraft. The fairing may be made out of an abrasive-resistant material such as titanium or a nickel-based metal. The core material may be comprised of an aluminum honeycomb. The core material may be comprised of a dual density material. The length of the rub strip may extend beyond potential contact points on the fuselage during landing and takeoff. Upon a ground contact event, the thickness of deformed/buckled core material may be measured to determine if the ground contact event may have caused structural damage to the aircraft.

Abstract: A segment and a method for producing such a segment, in particular for an aircraft, having a skin field and a skin field stiffening structure. The skin field and stiffening structure are made from fiber-reinforced plastic materials. The stiffening structure is bonded to an inner surface of the skin field and comprises a multiplicity of first stiffeners and mounts which are formed integrally with the first stiffeners and extend in a transverse direction of the first stiffeners for the connection of second stiffeners to form an integral lattice structure. Reinforcement elements are provided for mechanically fixing the mounts to the skin field. Each reinforcement element has a connection section and a blocking section having an extension in a direction inclined to the connection section. The connection section penetrates the skin field and the mounts, and the blocking section is in contact with an outer surface of the skin field.

Abstract: A manufacturing method is disclosed for manufacturing of a composite stiffening element, including: arranging composite laminates partially between caul plates and mold halves, and partially between a movable upper sandwich plate and a movable lower sandwich plate, moving the upper and lower sandwich plates together and moving the assembly formed by the first caul plate and the first mold half and the assembly formed by the second caul plate and the second mold half, and joining and co-curing the composite laminates to make up the composite stiffening element. A composite stiffening element is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure bulkhead made of fiber composite material for an aircraft fuselage for the pressure-tight axial closure of a fuselage region configured to be put under internal pressure. The bulkhead comprises a first area element, at least one second area element and a plurality of core elements. The first area element has a plurality of receptacles. Each receptacle is configured to receive a core element. The core elements are received in the receptacles between surfaces facing one another of the first area element and of the at least one second area element. The surfaces facing one another of the first area element and of the at least one second area element are connected to one another in regions without core elements.

Abstract: An aircraft structure made of composite material, comprising a skin reinforced longitudinally with stringers, and frames perpendicular to the stringers, each stringer comprising a head and two webs, and each frame having recesses in its web for the passage of the longitudinal stringers, such that an internal preform is provided in the gap existing between each stringer and the skin, filling the gap.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided including a fuselage and an aft engine. The fuselage defines a top side, a bottom side, and a frustum located proximate an aft end of the aircraft. The frustum defines a top reference line extending along the frustum at a top side of the fuselage, and a bottom reference line extending along the frustum at a bottom side of the fuselage. The top and bottom reference lines meet at a reference point aft of the frustum. The fuselage further defines a recessed portion located aft of the frustum and indented inwardly from the bottom reference line. The aft engine includes a nacelle extending adjacent to the recessed portion of the fuselage such that the aft engine may be included with the aircraft without interfering with, e.g., a takeoff angle of the aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a propulsor supported within an aft portion of the fuselage. A thrust reverser is supported proximate the propulsor for redirecting thrust forward to slow the aircraft upon landing. A tail extending from the aft portion of the fuselage is angled forward away from the aft portion and out of the discharge of airflow from the thrust reverser.

Abstract: A fairing transition is provided for covering a gap between a movable body and a fixed body on a vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a base plate that is attachable to a vehicle, a cover plate that is attachable to the base plate. The base plate and the cover plate include, but are not limited to a correspondingly formed connecting profile having positive fit on surfaces that face each other, with the connecting profile configured to slide the cover plate onto the base plate. Furthermore, the cover plate is lockable to the base plate in an end position.

Abstract: The support assembly comprises a fixing system which comprises a first connection rod which is connected via a first end to a support component and which is configured to generate a primary force path and a second connection rod which is connected via a first end to the support component and which is configured to generate a secondary force path, the fixing system further comprising a beam which is fixed to a structural component, the second end of the first connection rod and the second end of the second connection rod being connected to the beam, which is arranged so that the directions of the first and second connection rods are oriented in accordance with a plane substantially orthogonal to the plane of the support component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a propeller of a contra-rotation open fan (CROF) engine of an aircraft is provided. A diameter of the propeller is set to be at a first diameter during at least a portion of a first flight condition of the aircraft. The diameter of the propeller is set to be at a second diameter, different from the first diameter, during at least a portion of a second flight condition of the aircraft.

Abstract: Multi-axis pivot assemblies for control sticks and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A multi-axis pivot assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include, for example, an input shaft, a first axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft, and a second axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft via a series of linkages and pivoting joints. The first and second axis output shafts rotated about corresponding first and second fixed bearing sets to capture a first axis output and a second axis output. The series of linkages are configured to decouple first axis movement of the input shaft from second axis movement of the input shaft such that the second axis output is substantially independent of the first axis output.

Abstract: An afterbody flow control system is used for aircraft or missile flow control to provide enhanced maneuverability and stabilization. A method of operating the flow control system is also described. The missile or aircraft comprises an afterbody and a forebody; at least one activatable flow effector on the missile or aircraft afterbody; at least one sensor having a signal, the at least one sensor being positioned to detect forces or flow conditions on the missile or aircraft afterbody; and a closed loop control system; wherein the closed loop control system is used for activating and deactivating the at least one activatable flow effector based on at least in part the signal of the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A plasma-assisted synthetic jet device, an aircraft including a plasma-assisted synthetic jet device, and a method of improving aerodynamic properties are disclosed for providing air flow control at an aerodynamic structure by ionizing one or more gases exiting through an aperture of the synthetic jet device disposed in the aerodynamic structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a winglet for an end or tip of an aircraft wing. The winglet includes an inner portion that curves upward having a large radius of curvature near the wing, a middle portion having a small radius of curvature forming a bend, and an outer portion having a large radius of curvature extending to a tip of the winglet. The winglet lowers induced drag of the wing and improves aircraft performance especially for wing tip extensions that extend upwards about equal to or slightly more than outwards.

Abstract: A winglet system for an aircraft wing includes an upper winglet and a lower winglet mounted to a wing. The lower winglet has a static position when the wing is subject to an on-ground static loading. The lower winglet is configured such that upward deflection of the wing under an approximate 1-g flight loading causes the lower winglet to move upwardly and outwardly from the static position to an in-flight position resulting in an effective span increase of the wing under the approximate 1-g flight loading relative to the span of the wing under the on-ground static loading. The lower winglet is configured to aeroelastically deflect upwardly under the approximate 1-g flight loading and further increase the effective span of the wing beyond the effective span increase that is caused by the upward deflection of the wing.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems of various embodiments are disclosed including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a hybrid rotor drive system. The UAV may include a frame, a primary rotor, a plurality of auxiliary rotors, a battery, and a processor coupled to the battery and the auxiliary rotors. The primary rotor may be configured to generate thrust with a downwash of air. The plurality of auxiliary rotors may each be at least partially disposed in the downwash of air generated by the primary rotor. The plurality of auxiliary rotors may be configured to be able to harvest energy from the downwash of air. The battery may be configured to store at least some of the energy harvested from the downwash of air by the plurality of auxiliary rotors. The processor may be configured with processor-executable instructions to utilize the plurality of auxiliary rotors to provide flight control for the UAV.

Abstract: A rotor having a hub and a plurality of lift assemblies, the rotor having one lead/lag abutment mechanism per lift assembly. Each abutment mechanism includes an elastomer spacer strip and two C-shaped metal clips engaged respectively on a first base and on a second base of the strip. Two fastener pins each pass through a clip and the longitudinal projections of a base and through an orifice in the hub.

Abstract: A rotorcraft may include an airframe and a rotor connected to the airframe. The rotor may include a plurality of blades defining ducts along the length thereof and vents in fluid communication with the ducts. Flow from through the vents may be controlled by valves with piezoelectric actuators. The valves may be adjusted to achieve a lift profile suited for an operational mode such as vertical, autorotative, or unloaded flight. The lift profile may vary along the length of the blade and may vary cyclically with rotation of the blade. The lift profile may be chosen to approximate a figure of merit for the rotor suitable for a given operational mode.

Abstract: In at least some implementations, an aircraft includes a fuselage, a wing spar rotatably carried by the fuselage, a first wing element and a second wing element. The first wing element is carried by the wing spar, rotatable with the wing spar, and slidably moveable relative to the fuselage and wing spar. The second wing element is connected to the first wing element for pivoted movement of the second wing element relative to the first wing element. The second wing element at least partially overlaps the first wing element and the first and second wing elements are moveable to a plurality of positions wherein the amount that the second wing element overlaps the first wing element varies to vary the effective combined wing area of the wing elements.

Abstract: A method involves operating an aerial vehicle in a hover-flight orientation. The aerial vehicle is connected to a tether that defines a tether sphere having a radius based on a length of the tether, and the tether is connected to a ground station. The method involves positioning the aerial vehicle at a first location that is substantially on the tether sphere. The method involves transitioning the aerial vehicle from the hover-flight orientation to a forward-flight orientation, such that the aerial vehicle moves from the tether sphere. And the method involves operating the aerial vehicle in the forward-flight orientation to ascend at an angle of ascent to a second location that is substantially on the tether sphere. The first and second locations are substantially downwind of the ground station.

Abstract: An exhaust system includes a multiple of distribution risers which extend transverse to a plenum, each of the multiple of distribution risers includes at least one downstream directed aperture.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle for interacting with a pet. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a processor-based monitoring device to provide a behavioral assessment of the pet, an activity recommender to select an activity program dependent on the behavioral assessment, a motor mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle to provide aerial movement based on the activity program, and an activity coordinator to perform a function based on the activity program. The function includes activating feedback outputs upon completion of the activity program.

Abstract: An aircraft of which the transversal section of the fuselage is reduced optimally at the price of a reduced carrying capacity of luggage or merchandise but adapted to short- and medium-haul type routes. The fuselage has for this purpose lateral protuberances defining storage areas arranged on either side of a passenger cabin and able to house luggage and/or merchandise, and/or onboard service equipment, and/or removable fuel tanks.