Abstract: A motor vehicle (1) has a wheel arch (3), in which a wheel (4) is arranged, and has an air guiding apparatus (20) for guiding an air flow (8) that flows onto the wheel arch (3) during operation of the motor vehicle. The air guiding apparatus (20) is configured and arranged in such a way that a first part air flow (11) is guided past an inner side of the wheel (4) and a second part air flow (12) is guided past an outer side of the wheel (4). The two part air flows (11, 12) then are combined again behind the wheel arch (3) in a vehicle longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A system includes a mobile vehicle having a roof with a top surface; a plurality of lounge chairs secured to the top surface; a heater telescopically engaged to the top surface and positioned above the plurality of lounge chairs; a television pivotally secured to the heater; and an observation platform telescopically engaged with the top surface and configured to support at least one lounge chair of the plurality of lounge chairs.

Abstract: An electronic docking vehicle includes a vehicle body including a docking subject mechanism that docks with a first surrounding vehicle and a docking object mechanism with which a docking subject mechanism of second surrounding vehicle docks. A vehicle manipulating mechanism is provided in the vehicle body and includes a driving force generator providing a driving force to driving wheels. A steering manipulator controls a steering angle of the driving wheels. A braking manipulator generates a braking force in the driving wheels. A controller is configured to allow one vehicle to combine with the surrounding vehicle through the docking subject mechanism or the docking object mechanism.

Abstract: A frame includes a pair of self-propelled lateral modules, which extend in a longitudinal direction and can be mutually removably coupled in a transverse direction. The modules are adapted to contribute to create, when assembled, a support structure for a central module, which can be removably coupled to the frame and is provided with a control system, which is configured to control movements and actuation of the self-propelled lateral modules. Each one of the self-propelled lateral modules includes a pair of bearing portions, and a connection portion, which mutually constrain the bearing portions and permit relative movement thereof between an extended configuration, in which the bearing portions define a greater longitudinal extension of the self-propelled lateral module, and a compact configuration, in which the bearing portions define a smaller longitudinal extension of the self-propelled lateral module.

Abstract: A track assembly for traction of an off-road vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or a snowmobile, is disclosed. The track assembly comprises a plurality of track-contacting wheels, which comprises: a drive wheel; and a plurality of idler wheels spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the track assembly. The track assembly also comprises an endless track disposed around the track-contacting wheels. A frame of the track assembly may comprise a hollow frame structure. The hollow frame structure may be dimensioned to impede accumulation of snow, mud, rocks, debris, etc. in the track assembly. The track assembly may comprise interwheel guides between longitudinally adjacent ones of the idler wheels to contact a bottom run of the endless track, and/or fenders adjacent to given ones of the idler wheels. The frame's hollowness, the interwheel guides, and/or the fenders may be realized during molding of a portion of the frame using a blow molding or other fluid-based molding process.

Abstract: A suspension system with a frame pivotally coupled to a control arm, an actuator pivotally coupled between the frame and the control arm, a control valve fluidly coupled to the actuator, a valve core positioned within the control valve and being slidable between a first position and a second position, and a pendulum coupled to the valve core having a neutral position and an offset position. Further, when the pendulum is in the neutral position, the valve core is in the first position and when the pendulum is in the offset position the valve core is in the second position.

Abstract: A housing structure for forming a body of a vehicle is provided. The housing structure comprises a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion has a plate-like central part, a front end, a rear end, and a first bonding part formed on each of the lateral sides of the plate-like central part. The upper portion comprises a central part and a front part. The central part has a first end, a second end, and a second bonding part formed on each of the lateral sides of the central part. By fixing the first bonding part and the second bonding part together, the lower and upper portions are adapted to form the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a foldable scooter comprising a first frame component, wherein the first frame component comprises a steering column and a handlebar, wherein the steering column is integrated with an electric drive unit speed controller which is constructed and arranged to operatively control a removeable electric drive module; a second frame component, wherein the second frame component is rotatably attached to the first frame component so that the first frame component can fold onto the second frame component and wherein the second frame component includes a deck; a front wheel operatively connected to the first frame component; and a rear wheel operatively connected to the second frame component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a battery holder device (1) for an electric bicycle (2), for example of the type with pedal assist by means of an electric motor. Such a battery holder device is designed to be housed inside a corresponding housing seat associated with the frame of the bicycle and to be connected to the electric motor of said bicycle. For this purpose, the battery holder device has a box-like body (20) having the structure of a removable rigid bag provided with a concealable-type handle (27); housing inside the corresponding seat is performed by means of snap-engagement of mechanical means and counter-means which comprise the said handle (27); an electrical connection with the motor (3) is established by means of coupling together of electrical connectors (17) provided in the box-like body (20) and in the housing seat.

Abstract: A detachable chainring assembly includes a first chainring, a second chainring and a locking part. The first chainring includes a first through hole. The second chainring includes a first surface, a second surface, a driven hole, and a plurality of first protrusion parts. The second surface is opposite to the first surface. The driven hole runs through the first surface and the second surface for securing a driving portion of a crank arm. The first protrusion parts protrude from the second surface and are disposed around the driven hole, and at least one of the first protrusion parts has a first locked hole. The locking part is detachably secured to the first through hole and the first locked hole such that the first chainring and the second chainring are jointly secured to each other via the locking part.

Abstract: A boat includes at least three trim devices positioned aft of the boat's transom. To improve the boat's ability to get on place, each trim device is initially positioned to a deployed position. The speed of the boat is then determined as the boat gains speed. When the speed of the boat exceeds a first predetermined threshold, the first trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a second predetermined threshold, the second trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a third predetermined threshold, the third trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. At least one of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds is different from the other two of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: An adjustable surf wake system enhances a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. The system may include a flap for deflecting water traveling past the stern of the watercraft, and/or a positioner operably connected to the flap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft between a neutral position and an outward position. Positioning a port flap in its extended position enhances a starboard surf wake, and positioning the starboard flap in its extended position enhances a port surf wake.

Abstract: A method for installing a water-submersible platform is disclosed. The method includes lowering the platform in water from a vessel positioned above the platform while spuds connecting the vessel to the platform stabilize the platform during lowering. An assembly of the vessel and platform, and a vessel that is used to connect to the platform is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pontoon boats that may couple and be driven by a PWC. The invention further relates to pontoon boats having a portion that moves into an open water recess at the rear of the pontoon boat. The invention further relates to an engagement assembly for securing a PWC to such a pontoon boat.

Abstract: An extendable table platform assembly for use with a multihull boat is disclosed. The platform assembly includes a pair of opposing guide channels to be mounted on the underside of the horizontal deck of the multi-hull boat. A rigid elongated platform is including having a platform surface supported by a structural platform frame positioned along the platform surface perimeter. The rigid elongated platform includes a table portion and a cantilever portion. The structural platform frame engages the guide channels such that the rigid elongated table section may be manually slid from a stowed position, underneath the deck, to a deployed position exposing the table portion. The cantilever portion remains underneath the horizontal deck and engaged to the opposing guide channels to support the table portion in the deployed position.

Abstract: A folding step for a boat cockpit includes a gunwale bracket connectable to a wall extending downward from a gunwale of a boat. Support bracket(s) support a step in a pivoting manner between a deployed and a stowed position. A support bar is attachable within the cockpit to be in a stowed position, in which it is out of the way, and in a deployed position for supporting the step when it is deployed.

Abstract: A wake enhancer can be configured to be quickly and easily coupled to and decoupled from a boat even when the boat is in water and without requiring any modification/alteration to the boat. The wake enhancer can include a base, an arm that extends from the base to form a forward facing surface for diverting the flow of water, and opposing sidewalls that extend between the base and the arm to provide support to the arm. The wake enhancer can also include suction cup assemblies that are integrated into the base and function to couple the wake enhancer to the hull of a boat. The opposing sidewalls can include recessed ends which facilitate access to handles of the suction cup assemblies to in turn facilitate coupling and decoupling the wake enhancer.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a yacht or other vessel, such as a ship, comprising a hull and a superstructure, wherein at least one of the hull and the superstructure comprises cladding elements thereon or therein, wherein at least a selection of the cladding elements comprise an at least partially transparent cover and at least one light source, wherein the light source is shielded by the cover. Furthermore, the invention relates to a cladding element containing light sources, to be in use arranged on the hull of a yacht, or in swimming pools and in particular side walls and/or bottoms thereof, as well as on surrounding structures, like a pool house or paths or pavements there around, in bridges, for example on bridge decks and/or against uprights and/or stairs and/or walls, or in ornamentation of public spaces and public structures.

Abstract: An infant recreational floatation device is provided. In some embodiments, a floatation device for an infant is provided, the floatation device comprising an inflatable ring having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the inflatable ring includes: an air chamber having an upper chamber portion and a lower chamber portion that are divided by a layer; a cut through the air chamber of the inflatable ring that forms a first end of the inflatable ring and a second end of the inflatable ring, wherein the first end and the second end of the inflatable ring are displaced to insert a neck of the infant into an interior space; a plurality of cut-out portions adjacent to the interior space; and a plurality of fasteners placed on the top surface and the bottom surface of the inflatable ring that detachably connect the first end and the second end of the inflatable ring.

Abstract: Thermal warming suits for a human occupant of a wet submersible vehicle are described. The thermal warming suits provide a dedicated envelope configured to encase at least a portion of the human occupant in a deformable suit that can be assembled around or donned, as well as be removed, by the occupant or others before or after entry and seating in or on the wet submersible vehicle, while underwater or surfaced. The suits provide a deformable, weight and space (i.e. volume) conscious, collapsible loose fitting perimeter around the occupant. The suits can be used to create a pneumatic barrier around at least a portion of the occupant by using a gas such as air provided from a gas reservoir to force water from the interior of the suit.

Abstract: An inspection device for use in a fluid container includes at least one thrust device, at least one ballast device and a cage which carries the at least one thrust device and the at least one ballast device. The cage includes at least two bars. Each bar provides an opening, the openings forming a cage cavity to carry the at least one thrust device and the at least one ballast device.

Abstract: A subsea vessel includes filler material, which may be enclosed by an outer shell and may provide the vessel with a density for floatation. Exemplary applications for the vessels include buoyancy and tanks to hold fluids for operations subsea. The filler may include thermoplastic materials and/or concrete, which may be formed to create internal void spaces.

Abstract: Barrel extension assemblies for structural modification of a propeller barrel on a marine propeller include a ring housing having a ring housing interior, the ring housing adapted to detachably engage an interior surface of the propeller barrel at a trailing barrel edge for structural modification of the propeller barrel. Barrel extension methods for modifying performance of a marine vessel are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrofoil shield for protecting a boat motor includes a shield body, two fins, a nose section, and a tail section, wherein the shield body has a central shield portion with fins extending therefrom and the nose section disposed forward of the body, wherein the shield body and fins are symmetrical about a longitudinal axis extending from the nose section to the tail section, and wherein the fins curve toward the central shield portion at a dihedral/sweep angle forming a U-like shape.

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. A mount 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: An outdrive for a marine vessel, such as a watercraft having an inboard engine, is provided. The outdrive can include a standoff box joined with a drive unit having a driveshaft that rotates in response to rotation of an input shaft coupled to an engine within a hull of the watercraft. The drive unit includes a propeller shaft that rotates in response to rotation of the driveshaft, and an associated propeller. The drive unit is vertically movable from a raised mode to a lowered mode, in which the propeller shaft is a preselected distance from a bottom of the boat hull, thereby lowering a thrust point produced by the propeller, all while the watercraft is moving through water and while the propeller is producing thrust. A related method and standoff box are also provided.

Abstract: A mount for mounting a drive module to a watercraft is described herein. The mount in-use with the drive module is also described. The mount in-use with the drive module and the watercraft is also described. The mount includes a frame configured to be attached to the watercraft. The mount is also configured to attach to the drive module to selectively allow the drive module to translate from a first position to a second position. When in the first position, the drive module is capable of propelling the watercraft. The frame has a retainer to fix the drive module in the first position and a first spring to assist translation of the drive module toward the second position. The second position is a relatively raised position compared to the first position.

Abstract: A vessel propulsion apparatus includes an engine that rotates a crankshaft in a forward rotation direction, a rotation speed detector that detects a rotation speed of the crankshaft, a propeller shaft coupled to a propeller, a shift switch that switches between a shift-in state and a neutral state, a shift state detector, an intake passage, a throttle valve, an intake pressure sensor, and a controller. The controller determines that the crankshaft is reversely rotating by an external force input from the propeller shaft when a predetermined reverse rotation recording condition is satisfied, and stores reverse rotation information. The reverse rotation recording condition includes a condition that an intake pressure after the shift switch switches from a neutral state to a shift-in state while the crankshaft rotates in the forward rotation direction is larger than a value equal to or higher than atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to techniques for launching high-altitude balloons. In one aspect, a balloon launching system is provided. The balloon has a balloon envelope, a payload attached to the balloon envelope and a launching projection. The launching system includes a releasable restraint attached to the balloon between an apex and bottom of the balloon envelope. The releasable restraint is arranged to temporarily hold the balloon envelope. The launching system also includes a payload positioning assembly. The payload positioning assembly is configured to position the payload during launch of the balloon and includes a member configured to attach to the launching projection. When attached, the member is also configured to maintain the position of the payload relative to the balloon while the releasable restraint is temporarily holding the balloon envelope.

Abstract: A floor panel for an aircraft comprising a panel structure for transmitting forces applied to the floor panel, wherein the panel structure includes an upper cover layer, a lower cover layer, and a core assembly sandwiched between the upper and lower cover layers, and a heater layer for heating the floor panel, wherein the heater layer is provided between the upper and lower cover layers. The object of the present disclosure, to provide a possibly simple heated floor panel for an aircraft, wherein the risk of overheating and at the same time the risk of local hot spots at the heater layer is reduced, is achieved in that the heater layer is formed as a PTC-layer having a plurality of electric conductor paths interconnected to one another by a plurality of PTC-resistor paths comprising a PTC-material, wherein the electric resistance of the PTC-Material increases with increasing temperature.

Abstract: A wing assembly comprises a fixed section, a foldable section, and a hinge assembly for hinging the foldable section to the fixed section. The hinge assembly includes a plurality of interleaved torque boxes that are hinged together.

Abstract: A folding wing tip system of an aircraft includes a latch pin actuator having a primary mechanical lock and a secondary hydraulic lock. The mechanical lock may include a lock cam movable between a lock position, in which the lock cam engages the latch pin, and an unlock position, in which the lock cam is disengaged from the latch pin, and a first lock actuator mechanically coupled to the lock cam and configured to provide a bias force pushing the lock cam toward the lock position. The hydraulic lock may be disposed in an unlatching hydraulic line and has an initial state, in which fluid flow through the unlatching hydraulic line is blocked thereby to hold the latch pin in the latched position, and an open state, in which fluid flow through the unlatching hydraulic line is permitted thereby to permit refraction of the latch pin to the unlatched position.

Abstract: A rotorcraft provided on top with a waterdrop-shaped fairing arranged below the rotary wing of a main rotor of the rotorcraft and overlying a cover covering a power plant of the rotorcraft. The trailing edge(s) of the fairing is/are provided with a respective movable member guiding a first stream of air flowing along the fairing and escaping from the trailing edge towards the rear of the rotorcraft in flight. By way of example, the movable member is arranged as a flap or as a bladed roller that may potentially be motor-driven as a function of the effects of the first stream of air on the behavior of the rotorcraft in flight.

Abstract: A galley system comprises at least one electrically operated galley device, at least one fuel cell, a plurality of compartments for housing the galley devices, and an air extraction means. At least one of the plurality of compartments comprises at least one air extraction port couplable with the air extraction means. The at least one compartment is adapted for housing at least one of the at least one fuel cell and for removing at least a part of heat emanated from the at least one fuel cell through the air extraction means. At least one of the at least one electrically operated galley device is electrically couplable with the at least one fuel cell unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of aerial propellers, in particular the field of variable-pitch propellers, specifically for unducted fans. More specifically, the invention relates to a pivot (15) for a blade (14) of a propeller (3a, 3b), the pivot including at least a proximal portion (15a) made of metal and suitable for being retained in a radial orifice of a propeller hub, while being capable of turning in said orifice about a longitudinal axis (Z) of the pivot (15), and a distal portion (15b) including a receptacle (20) suitable for retaining a blade root, and at least one arm (17) of organic matrix composite material extending laterally relative to said longitudinal axis (Z) and supporting a flyweight (16).

Abstract: Propeller-driven craft (e.g., aircraft) are provided with at least one propulsion system having at least one engine and at least one aerial tractor propeller which generates a propeller propwash airflow when driven by the engine. At least one airfoil is disposed in the propeller propwash airflow of the at least one aerial tractor propeller. The airfoil is contoured and oriented relative to a swirl rotation angle (?) of the propeller propwash airflow in order to induce a forward force component on the craft in response to the propeller propwash airflow over the at least one airfoil, thus improving the craft's performance and/or reducing fuel consumption.

Abstract: A torque limited drive system comprising: an input shaft; at least one gear unit driven by the input shaft; a torque limiter having a torque limit and being driven by the at least one gear unit; and a torque limited output shaft driven by the torque limiter; wherein the torque limiter is adapted such that when it experiences a torque above its torque limit it applies a brake to said input shaft. The fact that the torque limiter is situated downstream of the gear units combined with the fact that the torque limiter brakes the input shaft upstream of the gear unit allows minimization of component weight within the gear units and within equipment driven by the output shaft due to the removal of the effect of efficiency and drag bandwidths associated with the gear units.

Abstract: A method for reducing aircraft turnaround time by improving airport ramp safety is provided. The method minimizes the time interval between an aircraft's landing and takeoff by independently moving the aircraft on the ground without the aircraft's engines by eliminating hazards from jet blast, the possibility of engine ingestion, and the time previously required to wait in the gate area upon arrival or at departure until jet blast or engine ingestion did not pose a danger. Turnaround time is further reduced by providing an onboard driver controllable to drive at least one of the aircraft's wheels between landing and takeoff, thereby eliminating the need for a tow vehicle and the time required to move the aircraft with a tow vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for managing the braking of an aircraft fitted with undercarriages (1) bearing braked wheels (2), the method comprising the step of generating braking commands by means of a braking computer (4) for each of the braked wheels as a function of longitudinal speed information representative of a longitudinal movement of the wheels in question, characterized in that there is placed at the bottom of the undercarriage, close to the braked wheels, a sensor adapted for generating a signal that can be used for generating the longitudinal speed information used for generating the braking commands.

Abstract: An aircraft landing gear shock absorber having an inner housing portion slidably coupled within an outer housing portion, and a chamber which defines a sealed fluid volume for containing shock absorber fluid within the shock absorber. The chamber includes a moveable wall portion arranged to move between a first position and a second position, and in the second position the effective volume of the chamber is decreased such that the shock absorber fluid pressure increases, to provide a bump to the shock absorber.

Abstract: A method of forming an in-wing device-retention assembly includes inserting a first plate into a wing, the wing having a wide end and a narrow end. The method includes inserting a second plate into the wing, inserting a wedge plate into the wing and positioning the wedge plate between the first plate and the second plate, and applying a force to the wedge plate in a direction toward the narrow end to fix the first plate, the second plate and the wedge plate within the wing.

Abstract: A method of assembling a rotor blade includes determining first spanwise and chordwise moments of a first component of the blade and comparing the first spanwise and chordwise moments to respective target first spanwise and chordwise moments. The first spanwise and/or chordwise moment(s) of the first component is/are adjusted based upon corresponding results of the comparison to provide balancing of the first component. Second spanwise and chordwise moments of a second component of the blade are determined and compared to respective target second spanwise and chordwise moments. The second spanwise and/or chordwise moment(s) of the second component is/are adjusted based upon corresponding results of the comparison to provide balancing of the second component. The balanced first and second components are assembled to each other so that target spanwise and chordwise moments of the blade are met.

Abstract: Technology for achieving the behavior and benefits of traditional cyclic control in one rotor may be implemented with a simple under-actuated passive mechanism. An air vehicle employing the disclosed technology maintains lifting thrust by regulating the average rotor speed and generates control moments through coordinated pulsing of the motor torque. Rapid pulsing of the motor torque induces oscillations in propeller angle of attack, and so causes “cyclic control” without requiring the traditional auxiliary actuators and linkages. The MAV propulsion system is capable of using a minimum number of actuators in dual roles of thrust and moment objectives.

Abstract: A method of driving rotation of a rotor of an aircraft, said aircraft having at least two fuel-burning engines and an electric motor suitable for driving rotation of said rotor. Said rotor is driven by using said engines together. An authorization is generated only during at least one predetermined stage of flight, said authorization authorizing the use of the electric motor in order to drive said rotor in rotation. While said authorization is valid and if one of said engines has failed, then an operation order is generated to require said electric motor to operate. While said operation order is valid, said rotor is driven by each engine that has not failed together with said electric motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for transformation of a UAV from an extended state to a compacted state. The UAV can be transported in the compacted state. The UAV can comprise one or more segmented arms that can be folded to reduce the volume of the UAV. The segmented arms can be sealed to prevent ambient air, dirt, and or water vapor from entering the segmented arm. The UAV can comprise a cooling and air filtering system on-board the UAV.

Abstract: A supporting assembly for an unmanned aerial vehicle is disclosed. The supporting assembly includes a base, rotor arms, and rotor shrouds. The rotor arms extend from the base. Each of the rotor arms includes a proximal end secured to the base and a distal end opposite to the proximal end. Each of the rotor shrouds includes a converged end removably engaged with and secured to the distal end, an arc shaped end, and one or more connecting members extending from the arc shaped end to the converged end. An unmanned aerial vehicle and a rotor shroud apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An airlift package protection (APP) airbag may protect a package (e.g., an item or a number of items) that is dropped from within a predetermined height range by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The APP airbag may at least partially surround the package and create a container for the package. In some embodiments, the APP airbag may be inflated just prior to dropping of the package from the UAV. After inflation, the APP airbag may be at least partially sealed to reduce or inhibit deflation of the APP airbag, but possibly not to completely prevent airflow from the APP airbag upon contact with the ground. The APP airbag may exhaust some air upon impact with the ground, thereby reducing a deceleration of a package contained inside of the APP airbag.

Abstract: A seating assembly comprising: a frame having an opening; a support surface spanning the opening in the frame; a variable thermal resistance device that opposes the support surface when the variable thermal resistance device is in a closed state in which airflow is obstructed, the variable thermal resistance device being movable from the closed state to an open state in which airflow is not obstructed and from the open state to the closed state; and an actuator coupled to the variable thermal resistance device. The actuator is operable to actuate movement of the variable thermal resistance device between the open and closed states.

Abstract: Dynamic support systems (10) include a plurality of support members (12), a base material (14), and a support layer (18). Each support member (12) has an upper support surface (20) extending from a first end of a stud (22), and a spherical member (28) extending from a second end of the stud. The base material (14) includes a plurality of receptacles (40) having a socket (42) with a recessed area (52) for positioning a spring (56). The support layer (18) also includes a plurality of apertures (64) that are positioned over the receptacles (40) and allow the studs (22) to extend there through.

Abstract: A fan housing of a ram air fan assembly is provided including a flange having at least one tab. The at least one tab includes a first portion extending generally perpendicularly from the flange and a second portion extending generally parallel to the flange. A notch is formed by an inclined surface and a curved surface at an intersection between the first portion and the second portion. The second portion is elongated and extends about 0.020 inches beyond a front surface of the first portion.