Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch may include a skid plate, and a retention system that is supported by the skid plate. The retention system is also operable to receive a coupling member of a towed vehicle to retain the coupling member within the retention system, where engagement of the coupling member with the retention system selectively positions the retention system in a locked and closed position.

Abstract: A controller 40 for a mobile robot 1 estimates, in a climbing up or down motion of the robot 1, the difference between the actual position and attitude of a distal end portion 13 of a to-be-supported movable link 3 that has been supported by a structure A and the desired position and attitude thereof, and determines a motion target of the robot 1 such that at least either the desired relative position/attitude of the distal end portion 13 of the to-be-supported movable link 3 with respect to a base body 2 or the desired support position/attitude of the distal end portion 13 of a to-be-moved movable link 3, which is to be moved, is adjusted according to the estimated value of the difference.

Abstract: A method for positioning a vehicle assembly support device in a vehicle assembly station positioned along an assembly line. The method includes use of a plurality of locator pads selectively engaged with respective receiver sockets to position a vehicle support pallet in the X and Y coordinate directions. Vertical supports are used to position the vehicle support pallet in the Z coordinate direction. In one example, at least one receiver is a four-way positional receiver and at least one receiver is a two-way positional receiver. In another example, each receiver socket includes rollers which engage the respective locator pad to bias the vehicle support pallet towards the desired X and Y coordinate position.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a lower cowl that covers a lower portion of a vehicle. At least a part of the lower cowl is disposed on a front side of a rear wheel. The lower cowl includes a groove-shaped depressed portion on a lower portion. The depressed portion extends in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, and a lower side and a rear side of the depressed portion are opened. The depressed portion is disposed on the front side of the rear wheel. A cross-sectional area of the depressed portion taken in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the vehicle increases in area toward a rear side of the vehicle.

Abstract: The teachings provided herein are generally directed to compact vehicle drive mechanisms that can be used in the design of a foldable, carry-on vehicle. The compact drive mechanisms presented herein, for example, have contributed to the advent of the compact, carry-on bicycles set-forth in the teachings which include drive-and-steering units and drive-and-chassis units.

Abstract: A vehicle including a body, a first and second swing arm assembly each pivotally mounted to the body, at least one wheel support arm pivotally mounted to the first swing arm assembly, an axle coupled to the wheel support arm, a wheel hub pivotally mounted to the axle, the wheel hub rotatably supporting at least one wheel in use, a support member pivotally mounted to the second swing arm assembly and either the wheel support arm or the first swing arm assembly. At least one steering arm pivotally connected to the support member and coupled to the wheel hub, wherein the steering arm, wheel support arm, and the support member are provided in a substantially triangular arrangement, a steering input pivotally mounted to the body and a steering coupling for connecting the steering arm to the steering input.

Abstract: A steering apparatus with forward extended fork legs includes left and right fork legs that extend from a wheel axle all the way up to a handlebar. Top fork portions support a handlebar in a more forward location. A mid-fork portion of each fork leg is positioned in front of the steering column to provide more clearance room for the rider's knees. The top ends of the fork legs are positioned a forward distance in front of the vertical axis defined by the steering column. Each fork leg may be tilted forward with respect to the steering column and may also include a forward bend to direct portions of each fork leg towards the front.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and securing a steering grip in at least two different positions on a vehicle comprises a first frame configured to hold a grip that a person can use to steer and control a vehicle when the person holds the grip; a second frame operable to hold the first frame in a first position and operable to hold the first frame in a second position, wherein when the vehicle is driven by a person and the person holds the grip to steer and control the vehicle.

Abstract: A shock absorber, which is particularly applicable to bicycles, includes a secondary chamber whose volume selectively contributes to a volume associated with a primary chamber of the shock. A piston is supported by a compression rod and cooperates with a shock tube to define the primary chamber. The secondary chamber is fluidly isolated from the primary chamber by a valve arrangement positioned proximate the piston. A plunger extends along a longitudinal length of the shock and forms or interacts with the valve arrangement such that the secondary chamber is selectively fluidly connected to the primary chamber so the primary and secondary chambers of the shock assembly contribute to the performance of the shock for a selected portion of shock travel.

Abstract: A dual-drive prone bicycle comprises a frame (1), a front wheel (2), a rear wheel (3), a front drive component (4) and a rear drive component (5), wherein: the front wheel (2) and the rear wheel (3) are arranged at the front portion and rear portion of the frame (1); the rear drive component (5) comprises a rear wheel drive mechanism (51) for driving the rear wheel (3) and a treadle mechanism (52) for driving the rear wheel transmission mechanism (51); and a dynamic knee support member (53) having synchronous movement with the treadle mechanism (52) is provided between the treadle mechanism (52) and the frame (1). Designed with multi-point dynamic supports, this dual-drive prone bicycle improves riding comfort and efficiency and is combined with crawling fitness function.

Abstract: A prone bicycle comprising a frame (1), a front wheel (2), a rear wheel (3), a drive mechanism (4) for driving the rear wheel (3), and a pedal mechanism (5) for driving the drive mechanism (4), in which, the front wheel (2) and rear wheel (3) are mounted on the front portion and rear portion of the frame (1), wherein: a forearm support member (6) is mounted at the frame (1) front portion, and a dynamic knee support member (7) having synchronous movement with the pedal mechanism (5) is mounted between the pedal mechanism (5) and the frame (1). Designed with multi-point dynamic and static supports, this prone bicycle improves riding comfort and efficiency and is combined with crawling fitness function.

Abstract: A kit for an electric cycle includes a powertrain module including a case, a battery disposed in the case, an electric motor in communication with the battery and disposed in the case, and a connecting port on the case. The kit includes a first module including a frame member configured to releasably engage the connecting port and a wheel rotatably connected to the frame member, a second module including a frame member configured to releasably engage the connecting port, and a releasable locking feature on the connecting port.

Abstract: An exhaust system of a saddle-ride type vehicle includes an exhaust pipe portion, a chamber portion, and a silencer. The exhaust pipe portion is coupled to an engine supported by a frame. The exhaust pipe portion is configured to guide exhaust air. The chamber portion is coupled to the exhaust pipe portion. A cross section of the chamber portion is formed larger than the exhaust pipe portion. The silencer is coupled to the chamber portion. The chamber portion includes: a main body portion disposed below the frame, and a fixing bracket projecting upward from the main body portion. The fixing bracket is secured to the frame. The frame and the fixing bracket have a fixed position. The fixed position is positioned above a lower end of the frame.

Abstract: A bicycle shifting apparatus comprises a shifting controller. The shifting controller is configured to control one of a front shifting device and a rear shifting device to change one of a front shift position and a rear shift position in response to a user input. The shifting controller is configured to control the other of the front shifting device and the rear shifting device to change the other of the front shift position and the rear shift position with a delay time period in conjunction with the one of the front shifting device and the rear shifting device in response to the user input. The shifting controller is configured to change the delay time period based on at least one of a gear ratio, the rear shift position, and a current rotational speed of a bicycle crank.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foldable canoe. More particularly, the foldable canoe is configured such that it is constructed by folding a single synthetic resin sheet along a folding line without using a separate structural frame, and after the use of the canoe, the synthetic resin sheet can be completely folded along the folding line to form a compact shape, thus reducing the volume and length of the canoe, thereby facilitating transportation and storage of the canoe.

Abstract: A floating construction comprising a container filled fully or partially with water, the lower portion of the container being located within a surrounding body of water and the water surface level of the surrounding body of water being substantially lower than the water surface level inside the container, the container comprising transparent walls or walls with transparent sections and at least one open opening for entering the container, which at least one open opening is located below the surface level of the surrounding body of water, and which floating construction comprises space for spectators observing activities taking place inside the container, wherein the floating construction comprises at least one ballast tank, which ballast tank is connected to the container with a controllable pressure connection, and which ballast tank has controllable water connection to the surrounding body of water.

Abstract: A frame for a top of a boat in accordance with the present invention can be moved into a deployed position with the aid of a biasing member such that the manual effort required is minimized. When the frame is in the deployed position a locking member may be engaged to hold the frame and top in the deployed position and a ratcheting strut may be used to secure the frame in place. When the locking member is disengaged, the frame may be manually collapsed into a stowed position in a controlled and safe manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction pile comprising a cylinder shaped body (1) with a closed end (3) and an open end (2), means (4) for attaching an arrangement to ejecting entrapped water, air and mud, but also provide a pressure difference within the suction pile during installation, and an attachment system (10) for attaching external equipment to the suction pile, the suction pile is formed with a skin portion (17) and at least one flange portion (6). At least one of the flange portions (6) comprises an element (11, 26) that form at least a part of the attachment system (10) for external equipment.

Abstract: Marine lift apparatus for raising and lowering vessels, platforms, and cargo are disclosed. A lift apparatus comprises a multi-component structure capable of movement, at least one flexible member, and at least one piston device. In some aspects, marine lift apparatus facilitates the level raising, lowering, and storing of vessels, platforms, and cargo. Lift apparatus mountable onto multi-hull vessels, such as catamarans, configured for lifting a combination swim and dinghy platform are also disclosed.

Abstract: The method of supporting and lowering a subsea package load on an umbilical from the deck of an offshore service vessel to a subsea work location including providing a reel to store the umbilical on the deck which is not capable of sustaining the maximum load, providing a supporting tractor with dual chains which have multiple dogs mounted on skewed surfaces which amplify a spring load support against the umbilical for frictional support of the umbilical and therefore the subsea package.

Abstract: Disclosed is a boarding apparatus for boarding animals onto a boat or other above-water surface, and methods of using the apparatus. The apparatus has a boarding step assembly, a mounting assembly attached to the boarding step assembly for connecting the step assembly to a boat hull gunwale or transom lip, and a strut assembly for supporting the engagement of the boarding step assembly to the boat hull.

Abstract: A transfer arm for a fluid product includes a transfer pipe having sections linked by fluid-tight articulations and an end provided with a device for connecting the pipe to a target duct. A support structure for the pipe has an inner branch mounted on a base and an outer branch suspended from the inner branch by an articulation assembly. The articulation assembly enables rotation of the outer branch around vertical and horizontal axes and is positioned between first and second ends of the outer branch. The first end is provided with a counterweight for balancing parts of the outer branch that are situated on opposite sides of the horizontal rotational axis. The arm also has a disengageable device for actuating the rotations of the outer branch around the horizontal and vertical axes and a flexible link which suspends the pipe, upstream of the device, from the second end of the outer branch.

Abstract: A marine platform (and method of installation) provides a plurality of buoys of special configuration, a platform having a peripheral portion that includes a plurality of attachment positions, one attachment position for each buoy, and an articulating connection that connects each buoy to the platform at a respective attachment position, the connection allowing for sea state induced buoy motions while minimizing effect on the platform. A method of installation places the platform (including oil and gas drilling and/or production facility) next to the buoys. Ballasting moves the platform and buoys relative to one another until connections are perfected between each buoy and the platform.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anchor alarm device which is a manually deployed weighted device attached to or near the anchor which signals to device equipment at water-level. The device detects the movement of, or physical force generated by, a dislodged anchor. When deployed, a component of the anchor alarm device rests adjacent to or as part of a seated anchor at a distance predetermined by the tolerance of the secondary rode. The secondary rode connects the device directly to the anchor, or near the anchor on the primary rode. Upon displacement of the set anchor, in excess of the secondary rode, the device alerts the user. The device utilizes sensor monitoring inside of a housing component to detect a force indicative of anchor displacement. This detection triggers a signals emission which alerts the user of the change in position. In cases wherein the anchor is not immediately retrieved, device re-arms autonomously and stops emission of the alarm signal until the next anchor displacement.

Abstract: A dinghy has a hull with gunwales supporting a Bimini top. The Bimini top includes a primary bow supporting secondary and intermediate bows. A UV stabilized polyester Bimini canvas is supported on the bows by fore, aft, and intermediate sleeve portions. The underside of the Bimini canvas supports port and starboard buoyancy aid assemblies each comprising a bladder which is inflatable by an inflation mechanism and CO2 cartridge, and is maintained in its collapsed state by tape loop assemblies adjustable by hook-pile self-fastenings which are frangible on inflation. A protective cover is stitched to the Bimini canvas and is provided with hook-pile fastening means frangible on inflation. A toggle handle pulls a lanyard which passes into the primary bow to operate the mechanism to inflate the bladder.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a floatation device for a snorkel, including a body made from a buoyant material; and an orifice penetrating through the body, the orifice sized to receive a snorkel, such that the floatation device provides sufficient buoyancy to float a snorkel and an attached mask on the surface of water. More specifically, the body may be brightly colored and the orifice may be sized to cause an interference fit with an inserted snorkel. In accordance with some embodiments, the body may be wrapped or covered in a second material.

Abstract: An apparatus that stores air for underwater use in an emergency. The device includes an air and water impermeable reservoir having reinforcing ribs each with a hole to allow air flow within the reservoir. The reservoir is filled with air through a mouthpiece via an air pump. The mouthpiece is fluidly connected to the reservoir with an air transfer channel to allow a user to take several breaths of air when underwater.

Abstract: A multi-directional signal assembly includes a signal display assembly having one or more display surface, and at least one signal indicia affixed to each display surface. The multi-directional display assembly comprises a buoyant construction such that the signal indicia affixed to the display surface(s) are readily visible above the surface of a body of water in which the assembly is deployed. A counterweight assembly is mounted to the signal display assembly to maintain the signal display assembly in a substantially upright, operative orientation when deployed. An illumination assembly comprising one or more illumination member is mounted to the signal display assembly, and is actuated to increase visibility of the signal display assembly while it is deployed on the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: An outboard motor for a marine vessel application, and related methods of making and operating same, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the outboard motor includes a horizontal-crankshaft engine in an upper portion of the outboard motor, positioned substantially positioned above a trimming axis of the outboard motor. In at least another embodiment, first, second and third transmission devices are employed to transmit rotational power from the engine to one or more propellers at a lower portion of the outboard motor. In at least a further embodiment, the outboard motor is made to include a rigid interior assembly formed by the engine, multiple transmission devices, and a further structural component. In further embodiments, the outboard motor includes numerous cooling, exhaust, and/or oil system components, as well as other transmission features.

Abstract: An outboard motor for a marine vessel application, and related methods of making and operating same, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the outboard motor includes a horizontal-crankshaft engine in an upper portion of the outboard motor, positioned substantially positioned above a trimming axis of the outboard motor. In at least another embodiment, first, second and third transmission devices are employed to transmit rotational power from the engine to one or more propellers at a lower portion of the outboard motor. In at least a further embodiment, the outboard motor is made to include a rigid interior assembly formed by the engine, multiple transmission devices, and a further structural component. In further embodiments, the outboard motor includes numerous cooling, exhaust, and/or oil system components, as well as other transmission features.

Abstract: An outboard-motor vibration-isolating cooler system method providing a retrofit substitute for the midsection and the lower unit of a standard outboard motor, having a substitute closed-loop cooling system with an exterior heat exchanger, a substitute oil reservoir, a substitute exhaust system, and a substitute propulsion system with an isolating power-take-off shaft, allowing an existing standard outboard-motor powerhead to be used in conditions not conducive to standard open-loop water cooling, such as shallow-water, muddy-water, obstructed-water, seawater, or corrosive-water conditions.

Abstract: A storage system for a boat includes one or more storage compartments situated in a bow of a boat. An air flow path includes an air inlet opening, the storage compartment, and an air outlet opening. A fan is situated to move air along the air flow path. The fan may be positioned proximate one of the air inlet and the air outlet, for example.

Abstract: A method for charging an auxiliary voltage source of a boat having an electric drive that is powered by a main voltage source of the boat, the auxiliary voltage source providing power for at least one additional component, is described. A protection and/or control circuit is electrically connected to the main voltage source via a DC-to-DC converter configured for power supply, and to the auxiliary voltage source via a switch or a reverse blocking valve. The auxiliary voltage source is charged via the main voltage source.

Abstract: A tank is coupled to a body assembly of the fuselage of an aircraft with a lug of the tank mounted on a pin coupled to a body assembly. The pin is marked using a special tool with a first location mark and a second location mark. The lug of the tank may be mounted on the pin. To verify that the tank is correctly located on the pin, the position of the lug may be compared to two marks disposed on the pin. When the respective marks are visible on either side of the lug, the tank is properly aligned on the pin and the tank can be secured to the body assembly. The process is particularly helpful when the pin is located in an area that is inaccessible for direct observation or measurement after the tank is in place.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling a structurally reinforced composite structure are disclosed herein. The methods include deforming a composite tubular skin to a deformed conformation to generate clearance to permit a frame assembly to be conveyed into an internal volume that is defined by the composite tubular skin. The methods further include conveying the frame assembly into the internal volume, permitting the composite tubular skin to deform from the deformed conformation to the target conformation, and operatively attaching the frame assembly to the composite tubular skin to form the structurally reinforced composite structure. The systems include a frame support that is configured to support the frame assembly, a frame deformation assembly, a skin support that is configured to support the composite tubular skin, and a skin deformation assembly.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for a modular replaceable slip joint intercostal are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, an intercostal apparatus for a vehicle comprises a body, where the body is greater in length than in width. In at least one embodiment, the intercostal apparatus further comprises at least one slip joint opening located proximate an end of the body to slidably receive a bushing and a fastener, where the bushing rigidly attaches to a top surface of a seat track by the fastener.

Abstract: An aerodynamic lifting system for a VTOL aircraft is provided that includes a lifting structure defining a leading edge portion, a trailing edge portion, an upper surface extending between the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion, and a lower surface extending between the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion. A plurality of leading edge and trailing edge movable flaps, along with leading edge openings and trailing edge openings are employed to direct a flow of air, including along an upper surface of the lifting structure. During transition from a VTOL stage to forward flight, when a first leading edge movable flap is in a closed position, a net forward thrust is provided by the flow of air at the leading edge portion.

Abstract: A method for repairing a honeycomb core sandwich structural body according to the present invention is a method in which a damaged portion that is formed in a honeycomb core sandwich structural body where a honeycomb structured core is held between a first outer skin and a second outer skin and that reaches the core through the first outer skin is repaired, the method including: a repair material mounting step of mounting a repair material on the damaged portion, the repair material including a patch that covers an opening of the damaged portion, and one or a plurality of braces that support the patch; a patch bonding step of bonding the patch to the first outer skin; and a brace bonding step of bonding the brace to the second outer skin or the core.

Abstract: A flap system for an aircraft includes a flow body, a trailing flap and a movement means. The flow body includes an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface having a recess. The movement means is attachable to the flow body and the trailing flap. The trailing flap includes a shape that corresponds to the recess in the lower surface. The movement means is adapted for conducting at least a chordwise movement of the trailing flap such that it is movable out of and into the recess of the flow body in absence of a gap between the leading edge of the trailing flap and the flow body. Thereby, a clear increase in a lift coefficient may be achieved, while at the same time maintaining a low complexity and a high reliability of the flap system.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a coaxial hydraulic actuator assembly for an aircraft hydraulic system for providing the dual redundancy operations in normal and emergency operations. The embodiments herein adopt a coaxial hydraulic cylinder based actuator system comprising a conventional fixed cylinder with a moving piston actuator. The fixed cylinder with a moving piston actuator is located in a first region. The fixed cylinder with the moving piston actuator is manufactured in tandem with a moving cylinder with fixed piston actuator. The moving cylinder with a fixed piston actuator is located in a second region. The fixed piston actuator in the second region is also referred to as actuation rod. Further, the coaxial hydraulic cylinder based actuator system comprises a first adapter and a first cap for the first region. Similarly, a second adapter and a second cap are provided for the second region.

Abstract: The emergency landing gear actuator for aircraft utilizes a pair of airbags for rapid emergency deployment of landing gear when the conventional hydraulic actuator fails. In the retracted position, the at least one wheel of the landing gear is stored in a first cavity formed in the lower portion of the wing. The shock strut and the side strut are stored in an adjacent second cavity formed in the lower portion of the wing. First and second airbags are respectively mounted in the first and second cavities. The first airbag and the second airbag are each selectively inflatable for emergency deployment of the at least one wheel, the shock strut and the side strut. When the hydraulic actuator fails to deploy the landing gear, the first and second airbags are inflated, forcing the shock strut to rotate and position the at least one wheel in its deployed position.

Abstract: A taxiing system for an aircraft including an undercarriage having a wheel, includes an electric motor associated with the wheel, an electric controller of the electric motor, connected to an output of an electrical power supply, and a taxiing control computer configured to determine control instructions for the electric motor and to transmit these instructions to the electric controller. The taxiing control computer is configured to receive braking of the aircraft commands during the taxiing of the aircraft and to determine control instructions for the electric motor corresponding to operation of the motor in generator mode when it receives a braking command. The electric controller is connected to an energy absorber making it possible to absorb the electric energy produced by the electric motor when the latter is operating in generator mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for aircraft braking and taxiing systems for use in, for example, an aircraft. In this regard, a system may comprise an electric motor and a clutch. The electric motor may include a first output shaft and a second output shaft. The clutch may selectively engaging the motor to at least one of a driver transmission and a brake transmission, wherein, in response to engagement with the driver transmission, the electric motor drives, exclusively, an aircraft wheel via the first output shaft, wherein, in response to engagement with the brake transmission, the electric motor drives, exclusively, a brake clamping system via the second output shaft to apply force to an aircraft brake disk stack.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a configuration of an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) in which the fuselage of the UAV is center mounted and at least some of the motors are configured to encompass at least a portion of the fuselage. In such a configuration, the stator and rotor of the motor extend around a perimeter of the fuselage, the propellers are coupled to an outer perimeter of the rotor, and the propellers extend radially outward away from the fuselage. Likewise, a closed wing may be coupled to the fuselage and positioned to encompass the radially extending propellers and at least a portion of the fuselage.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a rotorcraft includes a secondary rotor control system located proximate to the empennage of the rotorcraft. The secondary rotor control system includes at least one hydraulic pump and at least one hydraulic actuator. The at least one hydraulic pump is located proximate to the empennage. The at least one hydraulic actuator is located proximate to the empennage and configured to adjust at least one operating characteristic of the at least one secondary rotor blade.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which in some embodiments may comprise a fuselage which includes a cavity formed by an interior cavity wall and a fuselage exterior wall, with the cavity disposed within the fuselage. A first electronic module may be electrically coupled to a first magnetic connector and a second electronic module may be electrically coupled to a second magnetic connector. Electronic communication between the first and second modules may be provided by contact between the first magnetic connector and the second magnetic connector. In further embodiments, when removably positioned adjacent to each other in the cavity, the first magnetic connector may contact the second magnetic connector to establish electronic communication between the first and second modules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cover for a seat in an aircraft or spacecraft, including a receiver which is configured to receive in an exchangeable manner an electronic device which is fitted with a screen, at least one recess being provided in the region of the receiver such that the screen of the electronic device is exposed for viewing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft seat device comprising at least one table device which comprises at least one table surface and at least one adjustment device, which is provided for the purpose of adjusting the table surface between a stowed position and a use position. The adjustment device is provided for the purpose of moving the table surface in a linear displacement movement and a rotational movement at least substantially in one plane during an adjustment between the stowed position and the use position.

Abstract: An aircraft humidifier is engineered as a stand-alone, fully integrated aircraft humidifier that is suitable for providing uniform, non-wetting humidified air disbursed by the aircraft humidifier into ambient air to increase the relative humidity in low humidity environments such as aircraft interiors, including cockpits, cabins, crew rests, cargo holds, and lavatories as well as any other enclosed areas.

Abstract: An anti-icing apparatus includes an anti-icing piccolo tube for an aircraft component with a plurality of self rotating elements. Each self rotating element of the plurality of self rotating elements includes a first inlet to receive a working fluid, a second inlet to receive the working fluid, a peripheral layer that connects the first inlet and the second inlet, and a plurality of outlets placed on the peripheral layer that expulses the working fluid through jets. The jets rotate each self rotating element and dynamically impinges the working fluid on an internal surface of the aircraft component.