Abstract: The present invention refers to an electric vehicle. As compared with the solution in prior art which is that assembling the finished product of wheel hub motor with the casing, the inventor of present invention creatively dismantles the structure of the original finished product of wheel hub motor with discarding at least one hub cover. Such solution simplifies the structures and reduces the weights of the wheel hub motor and the electric vehicle, moreover, it can reduce the gap between the casing and the wheel hub motor and thus decrease the overall thickness of the electric vehicle, especially decrease the thickness of the electric unicycle for easy to carry.

Abstract: A tricycle includes a frame, a chair, a handle, a front wheel, two pedals, two wheel-supporting units, two rear wheels and a connector. The frame includes a longitudinal tube, a fork connected to the longitudinal tube, and a transverse tube connected to the longitudinal tube. The chair is supported on the longitudinal tube. The handle is pivotally supported on the longitudinal tube in front of the chair. The front wheel is connected to the fork. The pedals are connected to the front wheel. Each of the wheel-supporting units includes a threaded shaft inserted through the transverse tube and engaged with a nut and an axle inserted through a corresponding one of the rear wheels. The threaded shaft comprises an axis that does not intersect the axle. The connector connects the handle to one of the wheel-supporting units.

Abstract: A three wheeled velocipede for three wheeled transport of a driver and a passenger includes a rear frame. A rear wheel is rotationally coupled to the rear frame. A drive train is coupled to the rear frame and operationally coupled to the rear wheel. The drive train is configured to transfer pedal motion imparted by a driver to the rear wheel. A first seat, positioned to seat the driver, is coupled to the rear frame. A front frame is pivotally coupled to a front end of the rear frame. A second seat is couplable to the front frame. The second seat is positionable to seat a passenger. Each of a pair of front wheels is rotationally coupled to a respective opposing side of the front frame.

Abstract: Foot placement sensor and self-balancing vehicles having same. The foot placement sensor may be configured in or with a self-balancing transportation device that has a least a first foot platform. The sensor may include an emitter of electromagnetic radiation (or other suitable signal) that is propagated, at least in part, over a portion of the foot platform and a receptor positioned to receive this emission. Interruption of the emitted radiation at the receptor may indicate the presence of a user's foot at the platform. One suitable emission type is infrared light, among other suitable types. Various embodiments are disclosed including in two-wheel, one-wheel and paired-wheel self-balancing vehicles.

Abstract: A pedal connecting mechanism comprises a left pedal, a right pedal and a transverse connecting member, wherein a first cylindrical shaft is provided along the bottom of the left pedal; a first supporting member is provided on the left side of a top wall of the transverse connecting member, and a first groove is provided on the first supporting member; the first cylindrical shaft is provided inside the first groove so that the left pedal is rotatably connected to the first supporting member; a second cylindrical shaft is provided along the bottom of the right pedal; a second supporting member is provided on the right side of the top wall of the transverse connecting member, and a second groove is provided on the second supporting member; and the second cylindrical shaft is provided inside the second groove so that the right pedal is rotatably connected to the second supporting member.

Abstract: A tricycle having limited steering includes a front wheel mounted to a lower end of a wheel fork. A support tube is connected to a frame. A projection limits rotational movement of the front wheel.

Abstract: A pedal connection mechanism, includes a left and a right pedal, and a transverse connecting member. The first cylindrical shaft is provided along the bottom of the left pedal. The left side of the top wall of the transverse connecting member is provided with the first support member. The second cylindrical shaft is provided along the bottom of the right pedal. The right side of the top wall of the transverse connecting member is provided with the second support member. The present invention further provides an electric balancing vehicle using this pedal connection mechanism. The left pedal and the right pedal are not connected with each other through an intermediate shaft. Their motion statuses are controlled respectively by the left foot and the right foot independently. The transverse connecting member shares the weight of a human body. The force distributes evenly. The balancing vehicle is flexible and durable.

Abstract: A non-metallic bracket for a bicycle hydraulic component is basically provided with a non-metallic body and a rupturing member. The non-metallic body has a hydraulic hose attachment port and an internal fluid passage. The hydraulic hose attachment port has an insertion opening disposed at an exterior surface of the non-metallic body and an internal attachment bore extending from the insertion opening towards the internal fluid passage. The rupturing member is disposed in the non-metallic body at a location spaced from the insertion opening of the hydraulic hose attachment port.

Abstract: A non-metallic bracket for a bicycle hydraulic component is basically provided with a non-metallic body and a force receiving member. The non-metallic body has a hydraulic hose attachment port and an internal fluid passage. The hydraulic hose attachment port has an insertion opening disposed at an exterior surface of the non-metallic body and an internal attachment bore extending from the insertion opening towards the internal fluid passage. The internal attachment bore of the hydraulic hose attachment port includes an internal screw thread portion that threadedly receives a hose fastening fitting. The force receiving member is provided to the non-metallic body so as to receive force applied to the non-metallic body in an area of the hydraulic hose attachment port caused by screwing the hose fastening fitting into the internal screw thread portion of the non-metallic body.

Abstract: A dual powered propulsion system for use with a human powered vehicle is provided. The system includes a connecting rod with a front end operatively coupled to yoke-connected forearm bars. The system also includes a splitter coupled to a rear end of the connecting rod, wherein the splitter is coupled to a first rack and a second rack that operate with a first and second pinion gear to turn a crank axle. This system supplies rotational power to the crank axle in a single rotational direction as the connecting rod is oscillated up and down and back and forth. Even though a solid connecting rod is used to transfer power from the oscillating forearm bars to the crank axle, the vehicle is steerable to the right or left as a result of the use of a carriage, on rollers, and a turning track operatively connected to the forearm bars.

Abstract: Vehicle including a frame, a seat mounted to the frame, wheels rotatably mounted on the frame, and drive mechanisms for causing rotation of one wheel. Each drive mechanism includes an arm pivotally attached to the frame at one end, a weight and attached pedal at an opposite end of the arm, and a guide member including a bump and that moves in conjunction with movement of the weight. The guide member has a first end region at which the guide member is pivotally attached to the frame and a second, opposite end region which is free. A roller attached to the arm moves along the guide member during pivotal movement of the arm to cause pivoting of the guide member as the roller engages with the bump. An energy transfer system converts pivotal movement of the guide member into motive power to rotate the wheel.

Abstract: A bicycle driving device allows control to be executed in accordance with the riding conditions. The bicycle driving device includes a planetary mechanism, a first motor, a second motor, and an output part. The planetary mechanism includes an input body to which rotation of a crankshaft is inputted, an output body that rotates when the input body rotates, and a transmission body that transmits rotation of the input body to the output body. The first motor is configured to rotate the input body or the output body. The second motor is configured to rotate the transmission body. The output part includes a hole through which the crankshaft extends. The output part is rotatable about the axis of the crankshaft, and rotation of the output body is transmitted to the output part.

Abstract: A bicycle controller limits decreases in the assist force when the rotational speed of a crank changes. The bicycle controller can be mounted on a bicycle including a first transmission having at least two shift stages and configured to change a ratio of rotation of a wheel to rotation of a crank, a motor that provides assistance to human power input to the crank, and a second transmission configured to transmit a rotation force from the motor to a power transmission path extending from the crank to the wheel without changing the ratio of the rotation of the wheel to the rotation of the crank. The bicycle controller includes an electronic control unit that controls the second transmission in accordance with a condition of the bicycle and either one of a condition of the first transmission and a shift instruction to the first transmission.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a bicycle may include a plurality of sprockets arranged at a rear wheel of the bicycle. The sprockets may be particularly arranged to have a spacing that facilitates the configuration of an increasing number of sprockets in the plurality of sprockets. A singular front sprocket or chainring may be used to drive the rear plurality of sprockets. A particularly configured tool may be used to configure the drive arrangement.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a snowmobile are disclosed. The lower arm is arranged below the upper arm. The lower arm includes proximal portions and connected to the ski support frame. The lower arm extends outwardly from the proximal portions and in the vehicle width direction and connects the ski support frame and the ski. The proximal portions and of the lower arm are positioned higher than the lower end of the engine. At least a portion of the lower arm is positioned higher than the rotational center of the crank shaft. This structure can prevent the center of gravity of the vehicle body from becoming high and reduce running resistance when the vehicle traveling in deep snow.

Abstract: The present specification relates to a snowmobile. The upper arm includes two proximal portions connected to the vehicle frame and the upper arm extends outwardly from the two proximal portions in the vehicle width direction and the upper arm is connected to the knuckle. The two proximal portions are rotatable so that the knuckle and the skis can move up and down relative to the vehicle frame. The axis Ax2, passing through the rotation center C2 of the two proximal portions of the upper arm, goes through a position of the rotation center of the secondary shaft or through a position above the rotation center of the secondary shaft. This structure can reduce the force acting on the vehicle body frame via the upper arm and prevent an increase in the force.

Abstract: A fiberglass pontoon boat, having raised and integrated fiberglass side rails, a flat floor, and a side entry level with the flat floor. Integrated seats are molded in fiberglass. The hull and deck join together by flexing the hull to compensate for opposing draft angles of the hull and deck at the side entry. The deck has a floor and at least one other interior component, and terminates in a deck trim flange. The hull has at least two hollow pontoons and at least two side rails that extend from an outer edge of the pontoons, and the hull terminates in a hull trim flange. When assembled, the hull trim flange operatively engages beneath the deck trim flange to form a unified pontoon boat having a space between the deck and hull and wherein the side rails are integrated as structural parts of the interior component.

Abstract: An extendable hull system movable between a mono-hull to a multi-hull configuration is provided so as to take advantage of both types of hull designs depending on the boating conditions. The extendable hull system provides a center hull portion and two side hull portions, each with separate planing surfaces in an expanded multi-hull configuration, and providing a shared planing surface in the contracted mono-hull configuration. The extendable hull system provides a pivotably connected railing system along a periphery of the side hull portions for moving to a deployed configuration providing additional walking surface. The extendable hull system provides a retractable awning movable between positions for covering the mono-hull and the multi-hull configuration.

Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.

Abstract: A ship (1) includes a hull (2) having side shells (3A, 3B) formed at both sides in athwart ship direction, a pair of watertight compartments (6A, 6B) installed along the side shells (3A, 3B) of both sides in the athwart ship direction in the hull (2) and portions of which are divided and formed by the side shells (3A, 3B), a connection section (7) configured to bring the pair of watertight compartments (6A, 6B) in connection with each other, an opening/closing valve (8) installed at the connection section (7), and a control device (9) configured to control the opening and closing of the opening/closing valve (8), wherein the control device (9) switches the opening/closing valve (8) in an open state into a closed state when a predetermined condition is satisfied after receiving a signal indicating damage to the side shell (3A) has occurred.

Abstract: A cleat includes two cams (36) comprising mutually opposed convex surfaces rotatable about parallel axes which extend vertically in a rope-trapping position of the cleat, to bring the arcuate surfaces together and apart. The cams (36) are urged towards each other to trap a rope (66) therebetween. Each cam is also mounted to a horizontal cylinder (2) for rotation about an axis of the cylinder, in order to allow the rope (66) to rotate the arcuate surfaces by pulling in a line above this horizontal axis and to free the rope.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for collecting debris from a body of water onto a waterborne vessel include at least one inflow regulator (IFR) disposed at least partially in a cargo compartment of the vessel proximate to at least one intake opening at the front end of the vessel. Each IFR is configured so that the front end thereof floats at or near the surface of liquid contained in the cargo compartment to limit the inflow into the cargo compartment to debris/water which flows over the IFR and is disposed at or near the surface of the body of water.

Abstract: A personal bipedal watercraft includes a pair of skis. Each ski of the pair of skis includes a floating hull. A deck is secured to the hull. A binding on each deck is configured to receive a foot of a user. A plurality of paddle assemblies are moveably secured to an underside of the floating hull. The paddle assemblies each include a blade and a fin.

Abstract: The instant invention describes an anti-biofouling structure for placement onto structures or surfaces that are exposed to aquatic environments. Embedded within the anti-biofouling structure are agents that can diffuse out of the structure and prevent the formation and/or accumulation of plant and animal species build-up that creates biofouling. The instant invention also describes a system for preventing biofouling of an object stored in an aquatic environment which includes the anti-biofouling structure and a protective cover element constructed and arranged to fit various structures, such as boat propellers.

Abstract: A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. Each of the frames provides a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a package to be lifted and/or a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames. In this fashion, an object that has been salvaged from the seabed can be placed upon the marine vessel that is positioned in between the barges and under the frames.

Abstract: Dive computers in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment includes a mobile phone handset, including a microprocessor, a microphone connected to the microprocessor, a speaker connected to the microprocessor, a telephone transceiver connected to the microprocessor, memory, a display, and an external connector for communicating with external devices wherein the memory contains a software application, and a waterproof housing including a pressure transducer, where the mobile phone handset is located within the waterproof housing and connected to the pressure transducer via the external connector, and wherein the software application configures the mobile phone handset to create a dive log stored in memory, wherein the dive log comprises recorded information including depth of submersion information recorded from the pressure transducer and display the recorded information during the dive.

Abstract: Disclosed are a canister type thruster for implementing smooth upward/downward movement and improving productivity and an installation method thereof. The canister type thruster includes a guide module for guiding upward/downward movement of a canister. The guide module includes: a guide unit that is installed on an inner surface of a trunk so as to support a rack installed on an outer surface of the canister in parallel with a lifting direction to guide the upward/downward movement of the canister; a sliding pad that relieves an impact or a fiction applied to the guide unit; and a support protrusion that is provided between the guide unit and the sliding pad to support the sliding pad.

Abstract: The invention provides an internal combustion engine comprising a piston mounted for reciprocating linear motion within a cylinder along a cylinder axis. The piston is coupled to an output shaft by a power transfer assembly arranged to convert linear motion of the piston to rotary motion of the output shaft. The piston has a first head moveable within a first chamber and a second head opposite the first head and moveable within a second chamber. The power transfer assembly has a lubrication system for lubricating moving components of the power transfer assembly. The lubrication system is sealed from the first chamber and the second chamber to prevent the passage of fluid from the lubrication system into the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A fuel supply control system and control method are disclosed. In a fuel supply control system of a high-pressure gas injection engine provided in a ship or an offshore structure, the fuel supply control system of the present invention includes: a gas supply mode for supplying gas to the high-pressure gas injection engine through a gas supplying part for receiving LNG from a storage tank so as to compress and vaporize the LNG; and an oil supply mode for supplying oil as fuel to the high-pressure gas injection engine, wherein the mode is switched into the oil supply mode during an emergency including a device malfunction in the gas supply mode such that the oil supply mode can be configured as a redundancy of the gas supply mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for supplying fuel and, more particularly, to a system and a method for supplying fuel, characterized in that LNG is pumped and supplied to a ship engine and, when the internal pressure of a pressure-resistant tank rises above the necessary pressure of the ship engine, the BOG is supplied to the ship engine, thereby controlling the internal pressure of the pressure-resistant tank, and an eductor is arranged at a point, at which lines that supply LNG and BOG join with each other, upstream of the ship engine such that the lines that supply LNG and BOG can be controlled simultaneously.

Abstract: A ballast water treatment system includes an ultraviolet irradiation device which irradiates ballast water flowing through a treatment line (a pipe) with ultraviolet rays, and a control unit. The ultraviolet irradiation device includes a light source which emits ultraviolet rays, and an illuminance sensor sensing an illuminance of ultraviolet rays received by the ballast water. The control unit controls the ultraviolet irradiation device to maintain at a prescribed dose a dose calculated using an illuminance sensed by the illuminance sensor and a flow rate of ballast water which flows through the ultraviolet irradiation device. When the sensed dose cannot be maintained at the prescribed dose by controlling the ultraviolet irradiation device, the control unit reduces a treatment flow rate of the ballast water which flows through the treatment line.

Abstract: A pleated filter includes a filter base having folds that repeatedly form mountains and valleys and having a cylindrical shape whose axial direction is a ridge line direction of the folds. The pleated filter includes, in a valley projecting to the inside of the cylindrical shape, a bonded reinforcing portion extending in the ridge line direction of the folds.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to filling and lifting high altitude balloons. For instance, one example system for lifting and filling a balloon having a balloon envelope includes an apparatus for use with the balloon envelope. The apparatus includes a load line, a fill tube having a hollow portion nested within the load line and a termination member attached to the fill tube and load line. The load line is configured to lift the balloon envelope during inflation. The fill tube extends through the load line and is configured to allow lift gas to pass through the hollow portion. The termination member is configured to mate with an opening in the balloon envelope so that lift gas can pass through the hollow portion of the fill tube and into the opening in the balloon envelope.

Abstract: A rotorcraft and a connecting structure for an arm and an airframe of a rotorcraft are provided. The connecting structure includes: a fixed sleeve pipe configured to extend out from a circumferential edge of the airframe; an insertion head configured to be disposed to the first end of the arm and configured to be inserted into the fixed sleeve pipe; a lock sleeve configured to be fitted over the arm and having an insertion portion configured to be embedded into the insertion groove; and a lock nut configured to be fitted over the arm and configured for being in threaded connection with the fixed sleeve pipe.

Abstract: A window frame assembly for an aircraft, includes a window frame of composite material, adapted for attachment in a window opening of an aircraft, having an outer flange with an exterior surface and an interior surface, a metal erosion shield attached to the exterior surface of the outer flange, and a polymer adapter ring, attached to the interior surface of the outer flange. The window frame has a substantially constant thickness, and the erosion shield has a substantially constant cross-sectional shape. The adapter ring has a sloped engagement surface configured for supporting a window pane assembly.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for an aircraft cargo handling system articulating ball mat are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a method for transferring cargo across a stepped threshold and into a sloped compartment involves moving the cargo across the stepped threshold and onto a ball mat located within the sloped compartment, where the ball mat is configured in a substantially horizontal position. In one or more embodiments, the surface of the ball mat comprises at least one conveyance device (e.g., at least one roller ball and/or at least one caster). The method further involves configuring the ball mat in a sloped position. Further, the method involves moving the cargo off the ball mat and into the sloped compartment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an unmanned aircraft comprises a housing, an inflatable fuselage, three motors, and three propellers. The housing may comprise an enclosure configured to house one or more electrical components. The inflatable fuselage may comprise a first, a second and a third spindle each extending from the housing. The first motor may be coupled to a first propeller and mounted to the first spindle. The second motor may be coupled to a second propeller and mounted to the second spindle. The third motor may be coupled to a third propeller and mounted to the third spindle.

Abstract: An aerodynamic structure incorporated in an aircraft control surface (10) provides a spar (16) extending along at least a portion of the control surface in a direction and the spar includes a plurality of bends along the direction of extension along the control surface to provide space to accommodate actuator fittings or other structural or operational requirements.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for a rotary wing aircraft includes a rotor hub having a central axis. The rotor hub is rotatable about the central axis. A plurality of flexible structural members extend radially outwardly from the rotor hub. Each flexible structural member is substantially U-shaped having a first arm extending from the hub, a second arm extending from the hub, and an end portion connecting the first arm to the second arm at a radially outboard end of the flexible structural member. The first arm, the second arm and/or the end portion have a cross section with a height along the central axis greater than a thickness of the cross section to increase stiffness of the rotor assembly along the central axis. The rotor assembly further includes a plurality of rotor blades, each rotor blade being secured to each flexible structural member of the plurality of flexible structural members.

Abstract: A propeller blade for rotation about a hub assembly is provided, wherein the propeller blade defines a radial direction along its length from a blade root to a blade tip, the propeller blade including a radially inner region, a radially outer region located between the blade root and the blade tip at a position where rotational forces on the blade are sufficient, in use, to remove ice from an uncoated blade, a coating disposed at least along a leading edge of the propeller blade, the coating including an icephobic material, wherein the coating extends along the propeller blade from the radially inner region to the radially outer region.

Abstract: A motor includes a fixed shaft, a first rotor supported by the fixed shaft in a rotatable manner relative to the fixed shaft, a first stator fixed to the fixed shaft and applying rotation torque that rotates the first rotor toward one side in a circumferential direction of the fixed shaft, a second rotor provided at a position different from a position of the first rotor in an axial direction in a rotatable manner relative to the fixed shaft, and a second stator fixed to the fixed shaft and applying rotation torque that rotates the second rotor toward another side in a circumferential direction of the fixed shaft.

Abstract: A lockout assembly for first and second rudder pedals of an aircraft includes first and second spacers, each of which is configured to be inserted within a corresponding one of first and second slots disposed in an adjacent rudder pedal housing. A coupling mechanism is configured to couple the first spacer to the second spacer through the rudder pedal housing so as to retain the first and second spacers in corresponding ones of the slots. The lockout mechanism prevents movement of the rudder pedals in a same direction, and hence, movement of the aircraft's rudder.

Abstract: An aircraft flow body includes a flow surface exposed to an airstream during flight, at least one structural component attached to an interior of the flow surface, at least one perforated area having a plurality of openings extending through the flow surface, a manifold positioned interior to the flow surface in fluid communication with the openings and upstream of the at least one structural component, and at least one suction duct having a first end in communication with the manifold and a second end placed exterior to the flow surface downstream of the structural component. The at least one suction duct includes a suction opening facing away from the first end and adapted for inducing a suction force into the at least one suction duct when the flow surface is exposed to the airstream during flight, thereby inducing a flow of air from through the openings to the suction opening.

Abstract: For dual management of anti-icing and boundary-layer suction, a system for an aerofoil of an aircraft, including: a channel having a double function of anti-icing and boundary-layer suction; a double-function main pipe to which a device for monitoring the boundary-layer suction and a device for monitoring anti-icing are connected; an anti-icing air-intake pipe connecting the main pipe and the channel; a non-return valve enabling anti-icing air to go from the main pipe to the pipe; at least one suction-air collection pipe connecting the channel and the main pipe; and a non-return valve enabling suction air to pass from the pipe toward the main pipe.

Abstract: A rotorcraft and an assembly and disassembly structure for a foot stand and an airframe of a rotorcraft are provided. The foot stand is disposed to a bottom of the airframe, the airframe has an accommodating groove, a top wall of the accommodating groove is provided with a hole, and a side wall of the accommodating groove is provided with a clamping slot, and the assembly and disassembly structure includes a fixing stand fixedly connected to the foot stand and accommodated in the accommodating groove; a plug pin movably mounted into the fixing stand, in which a portion of the plug pin passes through an upper surface of the fixing stand and forms an insertion end, and the insertion end matches the hole and is inserted into the hole; and an elastic component mounted in the fixing stand and connected to the plug pin.

Abstract: Aerial vehicles are provided with one or more transformable arms (110, 310, 410, 510, 910). The one or more transformable arms (110, 310, 410, 510, 910) may support one or more propulsion units, and transform between a flight configuration where the propulsion units of the arms effect flight of the aerial vehicle, and a landing configuration, wherein the transformable arms (110, 310, 410, 510, 910) are used as a landing support that bears weight of the aerial vehicle when the aerial vehicle is not in flight. Using the transformable arms (110, 310, 410, 510, 910) as legs when the UAV is in a landed state permits the UAV to reduce weight and reduce obstruction to a payload carried by the UAV when the UA is in flight.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving both landing gear wheel drive assembly performance and energy efficiency performance in an aircraft equipped with one or more landing gear wheel drive assemblies to move the aircraft autonomously on the ground without reliance on the aircraft's engines. Aircraft moved on the ground by thrust from aircraft engines may also show improved energy efficiency. The present method employs a discovered relationship between aircraft tyre pressure and landing gear wheel drive assembly performance and maintains aircraft tyre inflation pressure at an optimum high pressure that enhances both landing gear wheel drive assembly performance and aircraft energy efficiency while the aircraft are driven on the ground by the landing gear wheel drive assemblies. Operation of the landing gear wheel drive assembly may be automatically prevented by a failsafe mechanism when optimum high tyre inflation pressure levels are not maintained during aircraft ground travel.

Abstract: An electric hydraulic motor system for aircraft having at least a taxing and takeoff mode. While in the taxiing and takeoff mode, a battery and optionally other sources of energy stored within the aircraft together provide energy to drive an electric motor, which in turn drives a hydraulic pump creating hydraulic pressure within the aircraft hydraulic system. The increase in hydraulic pressure within the system actuates a hydraulic motor connected to the aircraft wheels, thereby providing rotation to the wheels of the aircraft, moving the aircraft forward.

Abstract: A reciprocating shock absorber combined with a coil spring are interposed between the fuselage of an aircraft and the tail wheel. When the tail wheel engages the runway, its attachment pivots, thereby compressing the shock absorber and the coil spring. This results in smooth transfer of forces from the tail wheel to the fuselage and to the pilot and passengers. If desired, one or more tension springs may counteract the forces imposed by the coil spring to restore the extended configuration of the coil spring and shock absorber.

Abstract: An aircraft includes an airframe having an extending tail, and a counter rotating, coaxial main rotor assembly located at the airframe including an upper rotor assembly and a lower rotor assembly. A translational thrust system is positioned at the extending tail and providing translational thrust to the airframe. An active vibration control (AVC) system is located and the airframe and includes a plurality of AVC actuators configured to generate forces to dampen aircraft component vibration, and an AVC controller configured to transmit control signals to the plurality of AVC actuators thereby triggering force generation by the plurality of AVC actuators. A method of damping vibration of an aircraft includes receiving a vibration signal at an AVC controller, communicating a control signal from the AVC controller to a plurality of AVC actuators, generating a force at the AVC actuators, and damping vibration of the aircraft via the generated force.