Abstract: There is provided a vehicle subframe (1) in which a projecting portion (24, 31) of a front member (20) extends upward, while projecting from a body portion in a width direction, to have an upper end (25, 32), and exhibits a convex shape toward a front side, with the upper end (25, 32) functioning as a front attachment portion to a vehicle body, in such a manner that support stiffness of a suspension can be improved, while ensuring favorable productivity, high strength, and the like, with a simple configuration.

Abstract: An air supply system for a whole vehicle, which is intended to solve the technical problem that it is hard to provide a multi-position and controllable air supply solution for an electric vehicle. A first air source device, a control valve and a pipeline constitute a first-type air supply system, the first-type air supply system has multiple air passages, each air passage is respectively provided with an air supply port, and a controller can switch operating states of the control valve, control the opening or closing of the multiple air passages, and achieve controllable air supply effects in multiple positions.

Abstract: A cowl cross assembly structure for a vehicle is provided. The cowl cross assembly structure includes a cowl cross bar which is connected horizontal at left and right sides between front pillars of a vehicle and a duct which passes through an aperture of a bracket which has been installed at the cowl cross bar and is integrally formed with the cowl cross bar. A fixing member is included on an exterior circumferential surface thereof to fix an installation position within the interior of the through hole.

Abstract: A crosspiece for a vehicle dashboard extends in a longitudinal direction and has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is made of a first material and has a closed cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a hollow joining end. The second portion has a main part extending in the longitudinal direction, and a joining part fitted into the joining end of the first portion. The main part has an open cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction that is adapted for demolding in a demolding direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction during manufacture of the second portion of the crosspiece. The joining part has a closed hollow cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction that is adapted for demolding in the longitudinal direction during manufacture of the second portion of the crosspiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dashboard support for holding an attachment by means of a connecting element, which has a fastening leg, in a motor vehicle, having: at least one tubular crossmember having a tube wall, in which a plateau-shaped bulge is formed, wherein the plateau-shaped bulge comprises a mounting section for mounting the connecting element, wherein an aperture for receiving the fastening leg is formed in the tube wall adjacent to the mounting section.

Abstract: A vehicle dirt protection device having a longitudinal extension extending larger than its lateral extension, and is placed along a lateral side of a vehicle for urging dirt, preferably dust, to extend horizontally and/or rearward during forward movement of the vehicle rather than upwards. This protects the seating area of the vehicle against dirt, and in particular against dirt.

Abstract: A vehicle lower section structure including: rockers; a floor tunnel; and a floor cross member that extends along the vehicle width direction and couples the rocker and the floor tunnel together, that includes an upper wall, a front wall extending downward from a front end portion of the upper wall, and a rear wall extending downward from a rear end portion of the upper wall that together with the floor panel configure a closed cross-section, wherein of the front wall and the rear wall, a first cutout portion is formed in a lower edge of an end portion at the rocker side of the wall further from a center pillar, and a second cutout portion that is smaller than the first cutout portion is formed in a lower edge of an end portion at the rocker side of the wall closer to the center pillar.

Abstract: A removable pickup truck tie down bar for securing items in the bed of a pickup truck has installation brackets secured to the inner flange of the pickup truck, which permits the installation of a low-profile cover on the bed of the pickup truck, is less noticeable than a tie down bar located on the upper surface of the bed of a pickup truck, and is stronger than tie down bars located on the upper surface of the bed of a pickup truck. The bar portion may be removed by disengaging the installation pins. The bar portion may also have horizontal tie downs and vertical tie downs, used to secure cargo, and horizontal stops, used to prevent objects from moving forward when the pickup truck decelerates. The vertical tie downs, horizontal tie downs and lateral stops may be detachable to facilitate the installation of a low-profile bed cover.

Abstract: A stake pocket anchor attaches an accessory to a vehicle stake pocket. The stake pocket anchor includes an anchor assembly hung from a tensioning member. The anchor assembly includes two channel members slidably attached to sandwich a center block, with an angled slide direction that enables sliding either upwardly and inwardly to a minimum anchor assembly width or downwardly and outwardly to a maximum anchor assembly width. During use, the anchor assembly gravitationally releases to its maximum anchor assembly width after being inserted through the stake pocket opening. The tensioning member is then used to vertically raise the anchor assembly within the stake pocket until a top of the anchor assembly contacts a bottom surface of the lip and thereafter allows further tightening of the anchor assembly against the bottom surface of the lip.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and kits for converting a flatbed truck body into a dropside truck body, are described. According to one embodiment, the apparatus comprises modified strap hinges used in combination with securement means and panels. The methods comprise securing within stake pockets formed within the load bed of flatbed truck body one strap of the modified strap hinge, with the opposed strap secured to side panels and rear panels. The panels are then secured, one to the other and to the headboard of the flatbed, using releasable latches. The truck body, so modified, facilitates loading and unloading, as, for example, by forklift, accommodates oversized loads, and provides an accessible work surface for tradesmen. The conversion is quick, easy and inexpensive to implement making dropside trucks available to consumers who might not otherwise be in a position to acquire one.

Abstract: Example movement apparatus to position a storage container with respect to a vehicle surface are disclosed. An example movement apparatus to guide a storage container in a vehicle cargo area includes a base portion secured to the vehicle cargo area, the base portion extending along at least a portion of a length of the vehicle cargo area, the base portion configured to facilitate movement of the storage container along the base portion. The example movement apparatus also includes an attachment mechanism to receive and hold the storage container with respect to the base portion, the attachment mechanism to hold the storage container and allow the storage container to move with respect to the base portion via the attachment mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a height adjustment device for a roof spoiler which is able to enhance aerodynamic performance of a vehicle. The height of the roof spoiler can be adjusted with an easier operation. Any height difference between a roof of a vehicle body and a container box can be effectively reduced by increasing the height adjustment amount of the roof spoiler, thereby enhancing the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle.

Abstract: A resilient or flexible skirt panel assembly having an integral bracing system is disclosed. In operation, the bracing system need not attach to a trailer base rail. The innovation discloses straight, straight-angled and curved skirt panel orientations. Additionally, angled braces, ‘v-braces,’ ‘v-wings,’ and integral rib bracing mechanisms are disclosed. In aspects, the skirt panel and bracing mechanisms can absorb (or bend) under force while effectively having a ‘memory’ to return to their original shape upon removal of the force. The skirt assembly can include a hem along the bottom edge of the skirt panel thereby enhancing performance and longevity of the assembly. Additionally, an “anti-skid” clamping assembly can be employed to connect the skirt assemblies to the trailer I-beam, base rail or cross-members.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is provided for use with vehicles having surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus including an exterior cover supported by moveable frames which in turn are supported by sets of supporting linkages. The moveable frames extend rearward and together with the exterior cover form a drag reducing shape for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.

Abstract: An active air skirt device for a vehicle includes a first skirt and a second skirt, which are operated in multiple steps corresponding to a speed of the vehicle, so as to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle corresponding to the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: An active front deflector assembly having a deployable deflector panel, linkage assemblies, and an actuator. The system deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements, and, when deployed, interrupts air flow thereby improving the vehicle aerodynamics, reducing emissions and improving fuel economy. The deflector panel is retractable so the vehicle meets ground clearances, ramp angles, off-road requirements, etc. The deflector panel is also both rigid and semi-rigid to absorb impact energy. The linkage assemblies are coupled to the deflector panel and a drive shaft connected to the actuator. The drive shaft transmits the drive from the actuator coupled to one linkage assembly to the other linkage assembly for moving the deflector panel between the deployed/retracted positions. The actuator is clutched to prevent damage to the system. The active front deflector assembly provides a fully deployable system with object detection, declutching of the actuator, and communication with the vehicle.

Abstract: A belly pan is provided for a motor vehicle. That belly pan includes a body panel having a first corner buttress, a second corner buttress, a first open rib structure reinforcing the first corner buttress and a second open rib structure reinforcing the second corner buttress. The belly pan also includes a first aero cover spanning and closing the first open rib structure and a second aero cover spanning and closing the second open rib structure.

Abstract: A track system for traction of a vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), an agricultural vehicle, etc. The track system comprises a track and a track-engaging assembly for driving and guiding the track around the track-engaging assembly. The track system may be configured to facilitate adjustment of certain aspects of its operation, including, for example, how it is positioned and/or can move relative to a frame of the vehicle, based on one or more factors, such as, for instance, a user's preferences (e.g., riding style, desire to “feel” the ground, etc.), an environment of the track system (e.g., a profile of the ground, such as a slope or steepness or a levelness of the ground; a compliance of the ground, such as a softness or hardness of the ground, etc.), a state of the track system (e.g., a speed and/or a direction of motion of the track, etc.), a state of the vehicle (e.g., a speed and/or direction of the vehicle, etc.), and/or any other suitable factor.

Abstract: An idler wheel includes a disk shaped idler body, and a plurality of wear plate assemblies disposed to encircle a circumferential surface of the idler body. Each of the wear plate assemblies has an arc shaped wear plate disposed on the circumferential surface of the idler body, a first fixing member fixing the wear plate to the idler body, and a first fastening tool fastening the first fixing member to the idler body. Each wear plate has a crawler belt contact surface, a guide part protruding from the crawler belt contact surface to guide a crawler belt on the crawler belt contact surface, a first abutting surface abutting the idler body and being perpendicular to an axial direction, and a second abutting surface abutting the idler body and being perpendicular to the axial direction. The first abutting surface faces the second abutting surface in the axial direction.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle frame supported by front ground engaging members and a single rear ground engaging member. The vehicle includes an engine positioned forward of an operator area and a swing arm coupled to the single rear ground engagement member. The operator area of the vehicle may include seating for a driver and a passenger.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester has a chassis, a non-steerable driving front axle and a rear steering axle with a steering mechanism attached to the chassis. A steerable weight transfer axle has a rear steering axle to weight transfer axle linkage assembly linking the steerable weight transfer axle to the steering mechanism of the rear steering axle. The linkage assembly operates to steer the steerable weight transfer axle in coordination with the rear steering axle. The rear steering axle to weight transfer axle linkage assembly has a rear steer axle pivot arm pivotally connected to the rear steering axle and linked to the steering mechanism of the rear steering axle. The rear steering axle to weight transfer axle linkage assembly also has a reversing pivot linked to the rear steer axle pivot arm and to the steerable weight transfer axle.

Abstract: A bicycle floor rack includes, a resting base with a positioning opening for a wheel of a bicycle or the like and a fall arrester fork, which is extended upward, in the active configuration, from the resting base, and is adapted to prevent the lateral fall of a wheel inserted therein. The resting base is made of plastic material. The fork is pivoted to the base and configured to be arranged either in an inactive configuration, lowered onto the resting base, or in an active configuration, rotated upward. The floor rack further includes reversible elements for locking the fall arrester fork in the active configuration.

Abstract: A securing device for securing a component to an object comprises a fastening element having an engagement section and having a longitudinal axis, wherein the fastening element is selectively connectable to a counter element by actuating the engagement section; and a cover sleeve which is movably supported at the fastening element between a closed position in which the cover sleeve prevents an actuation of the engagement section and an open position in which the cover sleeve allows an actuation of the engagement section. At least one blocking element is provided between the fastening element and the cover sleeve, said blocking element being freely movable in the closed position of the cover sleeve between a latched position in which it blocks the cover sleeve in the closed position and an unlatched position in which it allows a movement of the cover sleeve into the open position.

Abstract: A bicycle seat assembly (10) includes a bicycle seat (12) including a front portion (12N) and a rear portion (12R) and mounting platform (16) attachable to a bicycle seat post (22) or seat post adaptor of a bicycle (40). One portion of the bicycle seat (12) releasably attaches to a portion of the mounting platform (16) and another portion of the bicycle seat (12) releasably attaches to another portion of the mounting platform (16).

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-theft device that is both highly resistant to attack by hand-carried bolt cutters and saw blades while also exhibiting a weight suitable for use with bicycles. The device is made with a plurality of interlinked titanium alloy arm members, each of which exhibits a hardness of HRC 30 or more and a cross-sectional distance of 8 mm or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle history and loss management method using BLE and wireless communication and system therefor. The present invention provides a two-wheeled vehicle history and loss management system using BLE and wireless communication that includes a non-communication type beacon sensor (10a) or a communication type beacon sensor (10b) attached to a handle of a two-wheeled vehicle and a user mobile terminal (80) in which a user's app is installed, the system including: broadcasting a beacon ID through a beacon transmitting unit (11) according to generation of movement sensing information of the two-wheeled vehicle by an accelerometer (13) of the non-communication type beacon sensor (10a) or the communication type beacon sensor (10b), transmitting the beacon ID to the user mobile terminal (80) through BLE communication using a push message, and implementing the push message as a UI screen by the user's app.

Abstract: A method for fixing a travel container to a motor vehicle includes arranging a vehicle with at least one back seat fixed to a frame of the vehicle. The seat includes a lower plate securable to a frame portion of the vehicle and a seat portion, opposite to the lower plate, is suitable as a user/passenger seat. A travel container has a container body, defining a storage compartment. A fixing plate associated with the container body includes a mount for the travel container. The travel container fixing plate is interchangeable with the lower plate of the seat. The seat is removed to provide access to an under-seat compartment and to the frame portion supporting the seat. The travel container is fixed to the vehicle to fix the fixing plate of the travel container to the frame portion supporting the seat. The travel container is arranged to replace the seat.

Abstract: A holding apparatus for a device is featured including a base plate. A securing device is attachable to a round bar, a cylindrical bar, or a square tube. At least one flexible member includes a plurality of flexible loops. A top plate is configured to engage the base plate to secure the flexible member between the base plate and the top plate, each of the plurality of flexible loops is configured to extend over a portion of a device to secure the device to the top plate.

Abstract: With an arrangement for fitting a speed measuring device on a bicycle provision is made for at least one dropout end of a frame of the bicycle to comprise a constructional space for fitting at least one speed sensor and for a triggering element corresponding with the speed sensor in a triggering manner to be arranged on a component of the wheel fitted into the dropout end.

Abstract: An adjustable magnetic binding system used for attaching a shoe to a bicycle pedal. The magnetic element is integrated into the bicycle pedal in such a manner as to exert attractive forces to the shoe, which contains a shoe piece. The pedal may contain a variety of different types of magnets, which may be retained within the pedal by a protective layer of material. These variables can be easily modified to suit the rider's skill level and desired attractive force to the pedal. The shoe is further secured onto the pedal by means of a retaining system. The shoe is readily removed by the rider with a natural rotation of the foot, which breaks the attractive force.

Abstract: A bicycle electrical component assembly is basically provided with a bicycle electrical component, a power supply unit and a power supply bracket. The bicycle electrical component includes a movable member and an electrical actuation unit. The electrical actuation unit includes an electrical actuator that is operatively coupled to the movable member to actuate the movable member. The power supply unit is electrically connected to the electrical actuation unit to supply an electrical power to the electrical actuation unit. The power supply bracket is configured to mount the power supply unit to the bicycle electrical component. At least one of the power supply unit and the power supply bracket includes at least one of an electrical cable and an electrical port that is configured to be connected to an electrical cable.

Abstract: Electronic shifting systems, mechanisms and methods of using and/or controlling the systems to operate a bicycle that allows front and rear gear changer mechanisms to be controlled with only two switches. The switches can be arranged so that each hand is only required to operate one switch to shift the bicycle.

Abstract: An expandable and contractible boat comprises a first outer hull and a second outer hull symmetrically shaped and arranged with respect to one another. The first and second outer hulls are movable relative to one another, and each of the first and second outer hulls includes an outboard side portion, an inboard side portion, a bottom portion between the outboard side portion and the inboard side portion, and a concave chine portion connecting the outboard side portion and the bottom portion. A cross-section of each of the first and second outer hulls is recessed at the concave chine portion.

Abstract: An outboard motor boat is provided with a hull, a deck, at least one outboard motor and a bulwark. The hull includes a rear portion. The deck is provided on the hull. The at least one outboard motor is mounted to the rear portion of the hull. The bulwark is provided on the deck. The deck includes an aft deck in the rear of the deck. The aft deck includes a first part disposed forward of the outboard motor and a second part extending rearward with respect to the first part in a fore-to-aft direction. The first part is at least partially disposed in a non-overlapping location with respect to the outboard motor and the bulwark as viewed from a side view of the outboard motor boat. The second part extends along a lateral portion of the outboard motor.

Abstract: A rope storage system includes a boat that has at least one cleat coupled to the boat. A retracting unit is removably coupled to the at least one cleat. A rope is releasably contained within the retracting unit. The rope is selectively urged outwardly from the retracting unit and the rope may secure the boat to a restraint. The rope is biased into the retracting unit such that the rope is stored within the retracting unit. Thus, the retracting unit reduces a tripping hazard with respect to the rope. A cleat lock is movably coupled to the retracting unit. The cleat lock releasably engages the at least one cleat such that the retracting unit is removably retained on the at least one cleat.

Abstract: A nautical cleat engagement device provides secure engagement to a nautical cleat without directly tying a rope or line to the nautical cleat. The device includes a housing which may be incorporated into or coupled to whatever a user might wish to secure to a cleat. An opening extends into a bottom surface of the housing. The opening is elongated for receiving a horn cleat through the opening. The housing has a cavity in alignment with the opening permitting rotation of the horn cleat within the housing into a locking position within the cavity. A locking pin extends through the housing into the cavity to inhibit rotation of the horn cleat from the locking position.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a buoy for the installation of underwater equipment, preferably used in equipment associated with petroleum underwater exploration, comprising an outer body, which has a top lid and a bottom lid, passage pipes, which extends internally along the entire length of the buoy, being provided also of a plurality of thrust elements arranged internally, which consist of gas microbubbles with quartz spherical body, vinyl material of closed cells and resin.

Abstract: The invention describes a schematic of a ‘Detachable Island Rig’ (DIR) locked on an immovable base (providing stable working platform), to be instantly detached in the event of a rig-fire, the DIR having additional conduction platform, costly equipment, living quarters, a steering station, and uniquely designed life-boats and lift-boats. The electrical wiring and metal tubing (with intervening rubber tubing) are cut after clamping, before the DIR's dis-engagement. For stationing back onto the base structure devised for staying submerged in water, the DIR is pulled down by a system of double pulleys on the sides of the base structure, when also the DIR is in a position to be locked to the permanent base. The under-water basement houses electrical generators, a ‘power-source’ not to be destroyed by fire, and accessed at a level far above the ocean waters, through the top of a staircase-room erected from the basement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vessel (200, 300, 400, 600) comprising: a cargo transloading system, comprising: a crane (210, 310, 410, 610) supporting a cargo handling device (318, 418), and a counterweight arrangement (450, 550). The cargo handling device (318, 418) being rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation arranged with a first fixed offset in a first side direction with regard to a first vertical plane coinciding with a longitudinal centre axis (CA) of the vessel (200, 300, 400, 600). The counterweight arrangement (450, 550) comprising a weight (452, 552, 652) which is movable such that the mass centre (554) of the weight (452, 552, 652) is laterally displaceable between a first end position (556, 656) in which the mass centre (554) is arranged in the vicinity of the first vertical plane and a second end position (558, 658) in which the mass centre (554) is arranged with a second offset in a second side direction opposite to the first side direction with regard to the first vertical plane.

Abstract: This invention relates to a locking gimbal (10). More specifically, the invention relates to a locking gimbal (10) for automatically locking a gimballed object against motion arising from an external force (FE) applied thereto; and automatically releasing the gimballed object on removal of the external force (FE). The locking gimbal (10) includes a first object (12) pivotable about a first pivot axis (PF), a second object (14) movable along an arc cantered substantially at a second axis, a locking member (16) and a locking formation (18). The first object (12) defines a first reference axis (ARF) passing through the first pivot axis (PF) and a centre of gravity (CGF) of the first object (12), whereas the second object (14) defines a second reference axis (ARS) passing through the second axis and a centre of gravity (CGS) of the second object (14).

Abstract: The invention allows setting up floating platforms comprising an elongated central body (1) from the lower portion of which legs (2) come out intended to fix the platform to anchoring elements arranged in the sea bed (5). The vessel comprises: a) a longitudinal through groove (4) up to the vessel bottom, and leaving part of the vessel bow (5) open; and b) a plurality of slots (6, 7) placed at the bottom of the vessel, wherein the groove (4) and the slots (6, 7) are configured both in dimension and in shape in such a way that they fit in at least some of the legs (2), so that the legs (2) can be inserted, at least partially, in the slots (6, 7) to attach the platform to the vessel.

Abstract: A bearing system for a rotating turret mounted on a vessel includes upper radial and axial bearings placed on a stiff bearing support ring. The bearing support ring is isolated from deflections in the vessel's caisson. Through the isolation, the radial and axial bearings are less affected by deflection of the vessel for example due to waves. The bearing support ring is supported vertically by a system of hydraulic cylinders serviced by multiple hydraulic systems for redundancy. The bearing support ring alternatively can be supported by an articulated steel structure.

Abstract: An oral inflation tube with a pressure relief function is revealed. The oral inflation tube includes an elongated tube with a first opening end at one end and a second opening end at the other end. The first opening end is mounted with an out-to-in one-way valve to form an inflation port. The second opening end is connected to a 90-degree turn and used for connection to an inflatable article. The oral inflation tube features on an opening integrally formed on a tube wall of the elongated tube. The opening includes an inner tube wall extended a certain length inward so that a pressure relief valve is sealingly mounted in the opening and communicated with an inner channel of the elongated tube.

Abstract: The problem of penetrating through nets and other objects is solved by cutting the object using concentric cutters in which a rotatable cutter having floating teeth rotates concentrically about a stationary cutter having fixed teeth. The object is cut by a severing action caused by the floating teeth of the rotatable cutter sliding against the fixed teeth of the stationary cutter. Embodiments of the invention include a UUV system for penetrating through fishing nets and other objects, concentric cutting assemblies for use in the UUV system and other systems, and a method for penetrating through fishing nets and other objects. A UUV system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention has a concentric cutting assembly at the forward end and a propulsor at the aft end. The concentric cutting assembly integrates seamlessly within the UUV housing and is deployed from the forward end of the UUV, enabling the UUV to quickly and efficiently penetrate through objects blocking its path.

Abstract: A method for deploying a payload into a body of water using a deployment vessel, the deployment vessel including a hull defining a payload compartment, the method including positioning the payload in the payload compartment of the deployment vessel, the deployment vessel and the payload having a buoyancy, wherein the buoyancy is initially negative, deploying the deployment vessel into the water at a drop zone, wherein the deployment vessel moves horizontally through the water as it submerges vertically downward under a force of gravity, changing the buoyancy to positive after a minimum horizontal distance is established between the drop zone and the deployment vessel, thereby causing the deployment vessel to surface and, after the surfacing of the deployment vessel, opening the hull to release the payload therefrom.

Abstract: A bow and stern thruster apparatus includes a motor, a propeller, a battery, a radio receiver, control logic, and power driver circuitry; together forming a fully integrated thruster unit that slides up and down along a guide device to a hull attachment fixture near the water line of a boat. The deployed thruster unit can act as a bow or a stem thruster depending on where the guide device and attachment fixture are mounted to the boat. The thruster unit is retracted by raising it along the guide device to be stowed well above the water line, or to be removed entirely from the hull.

Abstract: A vessel (2) which floats on water (4) and which generates electricity, which vessel (2) comprises: (i) a hull (6); (ii) at least one water inlet (8) at a front part of the vessel (2); (iii) at least one water outlet (10) at another part of the vessel (2); and (iv) apparatus (12) for generating electricity comprising at least one stator (16) and at least one rotor (18), and the vessel (2) being such that: (v) water (4) passing from the water inlet (8) to the water outlet (10) causes the rotor to rotate and thereby the apparatus (12) to generate the electricity.

Abstract: Various aspects provide for “parking” an apparatus in a “parking position.” A parking position may be a configuration of an apparatus that minimizes damage resulting from extended exposure during periods of inactivity. An apparatus may comprise a marine apparatus, which may be configured to be disposed in an environment comprising saltwater, salty air, brackish water, freshwater, and the like. An apparatus may comprise a propulsion system (e.g., for a ship) and/or a steering system. Some aspects include a water jet based propulsion system having a scoop and a nozzle operable to redirect the water jet, providing a range of forward/backward and port/starboard thrusts. A control cylinder and/or a linkage may be parked in a configuration that segregates damage incurred during periods of inactivity to portions of an apparatus not needed for normal operation.

Abstract: A watersports paddle includes an elongated handle body having a first material, a biased member having a second material more flexible than the first material such that the biased member is more flexible than the elongated handle body, and a paddle blade coupled to the biased member opposite the elongated handle body. The biased member deforms when a force is applied to the biased member with the elongated handle body by pulling the paddle blade through water and reforms when the force is not applied to the biased member by the elongated handle body to store and release energy during use of the watersports paddle. The biased member may be a substantially planar leaf spring or a bowed leaf spring.

Abstract: A service unit including a vessel defining a chamber configured to receive fluid. A first conduit is coupled to the vessel and is in fluid communication with the chamber. The first conduit defines an inlet. A second conduit is coupled to the vessel and is in fluid communication with the chamber. The second conduit defines an outlet. The first conduit, the chamber, and the second conduit define a fluid passageway, and the fluid is unpressurized when in the chamber.