Abstract: A foldable, aerodynamic cover assembly for pickup truck beds which is user switchable between a closed aerodynamic configuration and a folded open configuration which allows the user access to the pickup truck bed. The aerodynamic configuration reduces vehicle wind resistance and drag, which increases fuel efficiency. The foldable, aerodynamic cover is comprised of a rigid folding frame with an outer cover. The outer cover is disposed over the frame and detachably connected to the base portion of said frame.

Abstract: A spare wheel lift mechanism is provided for a motor vehicle. That spare wheel lift mechanism includes a holder for receiving and holding the spare wheel and a support for the holder. The support is displaceable between a wheel storage position within a storage compartment of the motor vehicle and an access position wherein the spare wheel projects at least partially outside the body of the motor vehicle for easy access. A method of assisting an individual with access to a spare wheel stored in a storage compartment of a motor vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A public works vehicle has a base, moving means supporting the base, brackets joined to the frame of the base, a lifting system suitable for lifting a counterweight. The lifting system has a first arm hinged to the frame, at least one thrust actuator connected to the frame and to the first arm to move the first arm, a second arm slidingly mounted with respect to the first arm, a lifting actuator connected to the first arm and to the second arm to move the second arm, a connection system connected to the second arm and to the counterweight.

Abstract: The present disclosure features standing electric vehicles for golf course travel that include a skateboard-like deck. The vehicles disclosed herein, referred to as “golf boards,” include features that enhance the safety and ease of use of the vehicle, including power-off electromagnetic braking systems.

Abstract: An endless track assembly that mounts to a vehicle drive linkage. The track assembly includes a belted track, drive sprocket and serial sets of pivoting internal idler wheel rocker suspensions that support interior track surfaces. Pinch wheels are supported in contact with the terrain engaging track surface. Frame and/or sprocket mounted tensioners establish track tension. Resilient torsion support assemblies, rollers and/or layers of resilient and/or slippery materials are incorporated between the track assembly and vehicle frame/chassis to prevent damage to the vehicle as the track assembly rises and falls with terrain changes.

Abstract: An undercarriage assembly including a track assembly that can be oriented to align with the primary roll axis of the farm implement. The track assembly can be pivotably connected to an undercarriage arm of the farm implement such that the track assembly can be pivoted about a pivot axis parallel to the roll axis of the farm implement. In this configuration, when moving a farm implement in a direction parallel to the roll axis, the track assembly can pivot around the pivot axis in response to an angled road surface to maximize the amount of the track surface that contacts the road surface.

Abstract: An improved track frame assembly wherein the idler wheels are arranged to prevent loss of track contact with the terrain. Seriatim primary idler wheels are aligned to longitudinal outer lateral track edges. Secondary idler wheels are mounted interiorly of the outer wheels and longitudinally staggered to prevent the track from lifting or “caterpillaring” in spaces intermediate the primary idler wheels. The numbers, diameters, widths and positions of the secondary idler wheels are selected to overlap the track contact points of the primary idler wheels. A resiliently biased and/or slippery presser member, roller or slide assembly can alternatively be mounted to prevent vertical track flexion.

Abstract: A dolly for supporting a tyre of a motorcycle or motor scooter off the ground is provided. The dolly comprises: axially aligned wheels supported by a frame which has a frame part forward of the wheels and a frame part behind the wheels, the forward frame part having an open end being such that the motorcycle or motor scooter tyre can locate in the open end, at least one tyre gripping member on the forward frame part and adapted to wedge the tyre when the forward frame part is lifted and release the tyre when the forward frame part is lowered, and a wheel on the frame part behind the wheels.

Abstract: A bracket cover is configured to cover at least a portion of a bracket that is attachable to a handlebar of a bicycle. The bracket cover includes a cover main body, a first fixing member and a second fixing member. The cover main body includes a portion having a first edge portion and a second edge portion. The portion is between the first and second edge portions being an elastic material. The first fixing member is configured to detachably fix the cover main body to a first side surface of an outer perimeter portion of the bracket at the first edge portion. The second fixing member is configured to detachably fix the cover main body to a second side surface of an outer perimeter portion of the bracket at the side edge portion. The first and second fixing member are separate members from the cover main body.

Abstract: In order to provide a foldable bicycle frame which can be folded to form a very small packing size on the one hand and also satisfies high stability requirements on the other hand, a foldable bicycle frame is provided in accordance with the invention, comprising a seat tube (1) for accommodating a seat post (2), an upper tube (3), a head tube (4), a lower tube (5), two chain stays (6) and two seat stays (7), wherein a first releasable locking mechanism is provided in order to connect, in an unfolded state of the bicycle frame, the seat post (2), the seat tube (1), the upper tube (3) and the seat stays (7) in a rigid and detachable manner to each other and to fix the position to each other.

Abstract: An improved pedal driven scooter may have a mainframe, a joint-frame, a front balance and steering mechanism, one or two front steering wheel(s), a rear drive wheel, and a drive mechanism. The pedals are pushed rearward and move independent of each other within an adjustable angle range. The drive mechanism translates the alternative movement of the pedals into unidirectional rotation, which is further multiplied, and drives the real wheel. A leaning control mechanism allows a rider stay mounted when the vehicle is stopped. The scooter can be folded with the joint frame pivoting at both ends, such that the rear-wheel docks between or near the front wheel(s) and the scooter can be carried as if it were a carry-on luggage. The scooter may be further folded for storage with the help of a folding hinge which connects a lower part and an upper part of the front steering mechanism.

Abstract: An inlay element to be arranged in a clamping region of a fiber-reinforced tube has an elongate round body, which has an outer lateral surface on which there are arranged at least two protrusions extending radially away from the lateral surface. The protrusions each have an end face remote from the round body for the areal application of an external clamping force. A tube arrangement is provided with the fiber-reinforced tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motorcycle clutch actuator, with hydraulically linked foot clutch lever and hand clutch lever, to be installed on motorcycles made with a hand activated gear selection lever or on motorcycles to be converted from a conventional configuration of hand activated clutch and foot activated gear selection lever, to a configuration of foot activated clutch and hand activated gear selection lever, providing optimal clutch control with either a foot clutch lever or a hand clutch lever, by means of innovative hydraulic and mechanical control linkage, releasing the rider's foot from the foot clutch lever, while holding the clutch in the disengaged position with a hand clutch lever, as the motorcycle is running while in gear, thereby enabling the rider to balance the motorcycle with both feet while modulating the clutch with the hand clutch lever.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bicycle comprising a motor mounted to a motor mount of the bicycle frame. The motor mount includes a down tube mount coupled to a down tube, a chainstay mount coupled to a chainstay, and a side brace secured to the down tube mount and wrapping around one side of the motor to the chainstay mount. Preferably, when viewed from the side, the side brace extends directly from the down tube mount to the chainstay mount. Preferably, the motor mount further comprises a lower support secured to the down tube mount and wrapped around a bottom of the motor to the chainstay mount. The motor mount can further include an upper support connecting the seat tube mount to the down tube mount. This upper support can include an upper flange secured to the motor.

Abstract: In a propulsion device including a main wheel having a plurality of driven rollers fitted on and arranged circumferentially along an annular core member so as to be rotatable around tangential lines of the annular core member at respective positions thereof on the annular core member, a pair of drive disks positioned on either side of the main wheel in an individually rotatable manner, a plurality of drive rollers supported along an outer periphery of each drive disk so as to be each rotatable around a rotational center line extending in a skewed relationship to a rotational center line of the corresponding drive disk, and a drive unit for individually rotatively driving the drive disks, a plurality of guide rollers are rotatably supported by a body frame and engage at least one driven roller not engaged by any of the drive rollers from either side.

Abstract: A personal watercraft comprises a body including a hull and a deck; a joining section including a horizontal portion protruding horizontally from the body, and a vertical portion protruding downward from an outer end portion of the horizontal portion, the joining section joining the hull to the deck; and a stabilizer mounted to the joining section. The joining section includes right and left joining sections, and a stern joining section. The stabilizer is mounted to a rear portion of at least one of the right and left joining sections. The stabilizer has an inclined bottom surface which is located below a bottom surface of the horizontal portion and extends in a forward and rearward direction such that the inclined bottom surface is inclined in a downward direction as the inclined bottom surface extends in a rearward direction.

Abstract: A portable wind-powered sailing vessel includes a plurality of parallel hulls, a plurality of cross-member spars releasably connecting the parallel hulls, a central longitudinal body centrally located between the parallel hulls and releasably connected to the plurality of cross-member spars, a crew seat releasably connected to the central longitudinal body forward of a mast, a kick-up rudder assembly and a foot pedal steering system both releasably connected to the longitudinal body, a rudder releasably connected to the kick-up rudder assembly, and a main sail on the mast, and a jib.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wave amplification power-generating boat, comprising float systems (1), a support system (2), a hydraulic turbine power-generating system (3) or a float power-generating system (7) or a canard-type power-generating system (8), a wind rudder system (4), a propeller (5), a mooring system (6) and a wave detector system (9). The float systems (1) are capable of moving on a support; the support system (2) is used to connect the float systems (1) at two ends, with the hydraulic turbine power-generating system (3) or the float power-generating system (7) or the canard-type power-generating system (8) installed in the middle, and installing the wind rudder system (4), the propeller (5), the mooring system (6), and the wave detector system (9); the hydraulic turbine power-generating system (3), etc.

Abstract: An internal canoe frame acts as a mount for retractable outriggers, foldable panels, and pontoons. With the outriggers, panels, and pontoons, the canoe can be adapted to provide a stable multi-purpose waterborne platform. In some embodiments, the platform may also include a support frame for a tent, to provide a waterborne camping site for an intrepid canoer.

Abstract: A display system for a marine vessel implements a plurality of modes of operation, each of which presents information representative of data from selected marine input sources on one or more electronic displays of the system. A mode of operation may be selected automatically when a determination is made that the marine vessel is within a geographic area, defined by a boundary, or crosses a boundary line with which the mode of operation is associated.

Abstract: A method of anti-fouling of a surface while said surface is at least partially submersed in an liquid environment, comprising: providing an anti-fouling light; distributing at least part of the light through an optical mediumcomprising a silicone material and/or UV grade fused silica; emitting the anti-fouling light from the optical medium and from the surface.

Abstract: A drone-type lifesaving equipment dropping device including: an unmanned aerial vehicle (2) having a propeller (4) and a rotor (3) configured to rotate the propeller; a holding member (10) which is installed to the unmanned aerial vehicle (2) and configured to be operated by wireless control; and a lifesaving equipment which is detachably engaged to the holding member (10) and is dropped from the holding member (10) after the lifesaving equipment is disengaged from the holding member.

Abstract: Described herein is a device for recovering an object from water comprising an object attachment point, for attaching the device to the object, and an inflatable and/or buoyant target mesh element, the attachment point and target mesh element being linked by an extendible line portion which is extendible when placed under longitudinal pressure. Such a “Man Overboard Recovery System” allows a vessel to remain under proper control in difficult weather conditions when dealing with a casualty recovery situation.

Abstract: A method for controlling a marine vessel having first and second steering nozzles and first and second trim deflectors comprises generating at least a first set of actuator control signals and a second set of actuator control signals. The first set of actuator control signals is coupled to and controls the first and second steering nozzles, and the second set of actuator control signals is coupled to and controls the first and second trim deflectors. The acts of generating and coupling the first set of actuator control signals and the second set of actuator control signals result in inducing any of a net yawing force, a net rolling force, and a net trimming force to the marine vessel without inducing any other substantial forces to the marine vessel by controlling the first and second steering nozzles and the first and second trim deflectors. Also disclosed is a system for controlling a marine vessel.

Abstract: In an upper mount portion, a steering central axis related to a steering force of a steering handle and a vibration central axis related to a torque reaction force of an engine are configured to be shifted back and forth. Amount member is formed such that a spring constant related to the vibration central axis is smaller than a spring constant related to the steering central axis.

Abstract: A trolling motor system with a lift assist device is provided. The trolling motor system includes a lift assist device which aids in moving a shaft assembly of the trolling motor system along a trim axis thereof. The lift assist device includes a biasing element which extends therefrom and connects to a shaft assembly of the trolling motor system.

Abstract: A two-piece axle bushing for marine propeller includes a first transmission member including an accommodation chamber and longitudinal inner ribs spaced around an inner perimeter of the accommodation chamber, and a second transmission member, which includes a tube shaft that includes a first transmission segment inserted into the accommodation chamber and including longitudinal outer ribs spaced around the outer perimeter thereof and respectively movably inserted into one respective buffer space of the first transmission member and selectively engageable with one respective longitudinal inner rib and a second transmission segment connected to the first transmission segment, and a shock absorber fixedly surrounding the outer perimeter of the second transmission segment. Thus, the two-piece axle bushing of the present invention can generate power hysteresis effects when the engine starts up, reducing vibration due to a sudden high torque and further enhancing marine propeller start-up stability and smoothness.

Abstract: A panel assembly including a first panel defining a slot, a second panel comprising a tab, wherein the tab is received in said slot and defines a gap in the slot between the tab and the first panel, and a joining assembly positioned in the gap, the joining assembly including an outer rack member engaged with the first panel, an inner rack member engaged with the second panel and a shim in ratcheting engagement with the outer rack member and the inner rack member.

Abstract: An aircraft frame structure including a grid support (such as a geodetic support) (2) and (i) an impact-resistant barrier (6) including a shear thickening fluid, and (ii) a water-resistant, elastically-deformable cover (4). Methods to make and repair an aircraft using the aircraft frame structure.

Abstract: Air stair support systems, stair support cable assemblies, and hooks are disclosed herein. A stair support system includes, but is not limited to, an aircraft fuselage, a door seal, a stair door, and a stair support cable assembly. The aircraft fuselage defines a door frame and a stair hook receptacle. The stair door has a retracted position within the door frame and an extended position that forms an entry/exit stairway. The stair support cable assembly includes a cable and two hooks. The first hook includes a curved end portion configured to hook onto the stair hook receptacle, a cable end portion secured to the cable, and an intermediate portion having first and second intermediate legs that extend the intermediate portion away from the door seal when installed on the door frame and the stair door. The second hook is configured to hook on the stair door.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to an aircraft having an interior cabin door with a retractable header. Accordingly to non-limiting embodiments, an interior cabin door for an aircraft includes a door panel having an opening in a top portion thereof. A retractable header configured to retract into the opening in the door panel as the door panel moves toward an open position. As the door panel moves toward a closed position, a lifting system is configured to raise the retractable header to interface with the ceiling of the aircraft. The lifting system includes a four-bar mechanism, a cable and pulley system and a biasing member configured to upwardly bias the retractable header.

Abstract: A method for controlling a propeller of an aircraft, comprises receiving, with a processor, one or more signals indicative of commanded collective pitch of the propeller; receiving, with the processor, one or more sensed signals indicative of propeller axial speed, propeller rotational speed, and air density; estimating, with the processor, a propeller torque and propeller thrust from one or more of the propeller axial speed, the propeller rotational speed, and the air density; determining, with the processor, information indicative of an error value between a desired torque and a measured torque in the propeller; determining, with the processor, information indicative of a corrected pitch command in response to the determining of the error value; combining, with the processor, the corrected pitch command with the propeller rotational speed into an adjustment solution; providing, with the processor, the propeller with the adjustment solution.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying ground effect ceiling limit values associated with an operation of a mobile platform on a display are provided. The method includes receiving a preference for the display of the ground effect ceiling limit values, and determining a gross weight of the mobile platform. The method includes based on the preference, determining, with a processor, an air temperature associated with the operation of the mobile platform. The method also includes based on the gross weight and the air temperature, determining with the processor, an in ground effect limit value and an out of ground effect limit value. The method includes displaying the determined in ground effect limit value and the determined out of ground effect limit value on the display.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided including an airframe, an extending tail, and a counter rotating, coaxial main rotor assembly including an upper rotor assembly with an upper blade and a lower rotor assembly with a lower blade. A first antenna in one of upper blade and the lower blade, and a second antenna in the other of the upper blade and the lower blade. An oscillator to apply an excitation signal to the first antenna. A blade proximity monitor to monitor a magnitude of the excitation signal and an output signal from the second antenna to determine a distance between the upper blade and the lower blade.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an indirect motor drive train for RC vehicles. Example embodiments include RC vehicles such as helicopters (and more specifically quadcopters) with a housing and housing arms that extend radially from the housing. Protected within each housing arm is a motor and indirect drive train. In operation, the drive train may include a first gear and a second gear with corresponding teeth that mesh together to translate motion from the motor axis to a propeller axis.

Abstract: A bottom abutment device for a rotor having a plurality of lift assemblies. The bottom abutment device comprises at least one abutment track per lift assembly. The bottom abutment device comprises a plate with a ring and one branch per lift assembly. The bottom abutment device has a plurality of supports, each support including fastener means for fastening to a rotary member of the rotor, each support extending in part in an opening in a branch, the supports giving the plate a restricted degree of freedom to move in translation, the supports giving the plate at least one restricted degree of freedom to move in rotation about the axis of symmetry.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a method of initial rotor state compensation for a rotorcraft includes determining a vehicle attitude of the rotorcraft prior to takeoff of the rotorcraft. A rotor state compensation is computed based on the vehicle attitude. A plurality of rotor servos is commanded to an initial rotor state based on a nominal rotor neutral position value in combination with the rotor state compensation to establish a predetermined takeoff trajectory of the rotorcraft.

Abstract: The invention concerns an airborne device comprising at least three supporting wings and a linking device, the wings being linked to each other by first flexible cables, each wing being further linked to the linking device by a second flexible cable, the linking device being linked to a third flexible cable intended to be linked to a base, the first second, and third cables being tensioned when the airborne device is carried in the wind.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an unmanned flying robotic object that contains a wheeled mechanism that encircles its spherical exoskeleton. This feature allows the flying spherical vehicle to readily transform into a ground maneuverable vehicle. A robotic motor with differential speed capability is used to operate each wheel to provide effective ground maneuverability. There are examples provided herein of wheel configurations suitable for use with an embodiment. One is the straight-(or parallel) wheel design, and another is tilted-wheel design as are illustrated and discussed hereinafter. One embodiment of an unmanned flying robotic object taught herein is foldable.

Abstract: An air module may be attached to a ground module. The air module may be equipped with a center of gravity effector to change the relative locations and hence the center of gravity of the air and ground modules when the modules are attached. The center of gravity effector may be active or passive or a combination of active and passive. The center of gravity effector may be combined with a center of lift effector to change the relative locations of the center of gravity and center of lift.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a cleaning drone (1), a corresponding docking station (2) configured to operate with the cleaning drone (1), a system comprising at least one cleaning drone (1) and at least one docking station (2) and a cleaning method using at least one cleaning drone (1). The cleaning drone (1) comprises a cleaning device (1.11) configured to operate on surfaces such as glass or photovoltaic panels.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a harmonics correction method and apparatus. In an embodiment, the method and apparatus are carried out in a light-emitting diode (“LED”) lighting unit that includes a set or string of LED lights. According to an embodiment, the LED lighting unit is a line-replaceable unit (“LRU”).

Abstract: A projection system for use with an aircraft seat includes a cassette frame defining an open ended cavity, a front panel configured to couple to a front of the cassette frame to enclose the cavity, and a projector system held in the cavity. The cassette frame includes a rear panel, an upper panel extending outwardly away from the rear panel, a lower panel extending outwardly away from the rear panel, and first and second side panels extending outwardly from the rear panel. The rear panel, the upper panel, the lower panel and the first and second side panels define an open ended cavity. The projector system and the front panel are configured such that an image and/or video projected by the projector system is projected from the cavity through the front panel. The cassette frame is sized and configured to be received and releasably held in an aircraft seatback.

Abstract: An aircraft-installed hand dryer including an air for air conditioning supplied from an air conditioning equipment inside a cabin of an aircraft applied as an air for drying.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides an energy attenuating mounting foot comprising a load beam having a longitudinal axis, a top surface, a bottom surface, an inner track interface lobe, and an outer track interface lobe, the inner track interface lobe and the outer track interface lobe extending laterally from the load beam, and a channel along the longitudinal axis having a depth extending from the load beam bottom surface toward the top surface. In various embodiments, the inner track interface lobe has a first length extending in a direction from the bottom surface towards the top surface and the outer track interface lobe has a second length extending in a direction from the bottom surface towards the top surface, the first length being less than the second length.

Abstract: An aircraft anti-icing system includes an inlet lip that includes an outer shell attached to a bulkhead. The inlet lip encloses an annular housing volume. The system further includes one or more vanes extending from the bulkhead into the annular housing volume. Each vane of the one or more vanes includes a first end coupled to the bulkhead, a free end extending into the annular housing volume, and a vane body extending therebetween. The one or more vanes are positioned downstream from a nozzle configured to direct a high temperature gas stream into the annular housing volume in a first direction. The one or more vanes are configured to redirect the high temperature gas stream through a first turn angle from the first direction to a second direction. The second direction is configured to reduce a direct impingement of the high temperature gas stream on an inner surface of the inlet lip.

Abstract: An anti-icing system according to the present invention includes: a piccolo tube that includes a flow path through which heated gas flows in the longitudinal direction from a rear end to a front end, and a plurality of ejection holes provided along the longitudinal direction to make the flow path communicate with an outside; and an engine serving as a supply source that supplies the heated gas toward the piccolo tube. The piccolo tube is decreased in an area of the flow path in a stepwise manner or in a continuous manner in the longitudinal direction, and has a continuous side surface provided with the ejection holes.

Abstract: A combination of liquid-to-air and air-to-liquid heat exchangers is employed in an aircraft anti-icing system configured to avoid ice buildup on exterior leading edges of wings and engine inlets of aircraft during flight under known or anticipated icing conditions. The anti-icing system may be utilized in lieu of traditionally employed air-to-air heat exchangers. In one embodiment, a heated anti-icing liquid is conveyed through tubes juxtaposed against interior surfaces of the leading edges of the wings and engine inlets. The liquid is heated by engine core bleed air, and the tubes are arranged to optimize heat flux directly from the tubes into the leading edges of the wings and the engine inlets, respectively, to avoid ice accumulation. In one configuration, spring clips retain the tubes directly against the leading edge interiors of the wings and engine inlets, and thermal grease and insulation are used to enhance heat flux.

Abstract: An aircraft, an aircraft engine and a corresponding method provide for anti-icing based upon energy provided by a fan assembly of the aircraft engine, such as by rotation of a low pressure shaft of the fan assembly. The aircraft includes an aircraft body having wings and an aircraft engine carried by the aircraft body. The aircraft engine includes a core gas turbine engine and a fan assembly coupled to the core gas turbine engine. The fan assembly may include a fan, a low pressure turbine and a low pressure shaft connecting the fan and the low pressure turbine. The aircraft engine also includes an electric anti-icing system that has a variable frequency generator driven by the fan assembly, and one or more resistive heaters carried by the wings. The variable frequency generator is configured to provide electrical energy to the one or more resistive heaters.

Abstract: A parafoil system having an adjustable trim angle during flight to control glide slope and descent speed of a parafoil is provided. The parafoil system may include a pulley cluster comprising first and second variable trim pulleys, each having a different diameter. The pulley cluster may be coupled to forward and aft suspension lines of a parafoil canopy such that the pulley cluster may rotate to retract or extend the forward and aft suspension lines to adjust the trim angle during flight. The parafoil system may further include a motor for rotating the pulley cluster to extend or retract the suspension lines to adjust the trim angle during flight. By adjusting the trim angle of the canopy during flight, the glide slope and descent speed of the parafoil system may be controlled.