Abstract: A cowl structure for a vehicle that drains water drops. A cowl outer panel is provided opposing a front end portion side of an instrument panel. A downflow portion is provided at each of two end portions in the vehicle width direction of a floor wall portion of the cowl outer panel. A drainage member is provided at the lower side of each downflow portion. Hence, water drops that have flowed down the glass inner face of the front glass pass along the floor wall portion of the cowl outer panel, flow down through the downflow portion, and are guided to the drainage member. An outflow port is formed at drainage member. The outflow port is in fluid communication with a drainage port formed at a front pillar inner. Therefore, water in the drainage member may be drained out of the vehicle from the outflow port via the drainage port.

Abstract: A tunnel structure in an electric vehicle for providing a protected battery storage location and for increasing the stiffness of a vehicle's body structure. The tunnel structure may include a floor portion coupled to the floor of the vehicle, a front portion coupled to the vehicle firewall, and a paneled portion extending between the front portion and the floor portion. The tunnel structure may also include a plurality of panels and ridges that extend from the front portion toward a rear edge of the floor portion. The specific arrangement of the panels and ridges can improve the transfer of energy in the event of a collision.

Abstract: In a body structure of an automobile, a floor panel having a sandwich structure in which a core is sandwiched between and joined to an outer skin and an inner skin, which are made of a CFRP, and a first load-dispersing frame extending in the fore-and-aft direction along a side sill is disposed between an energy-absorbing member and the core. A locally concentrated load inputted into the side sill is absorbed by crumpling of the energy-absorbing member of the interior of the floor panel beneath the side sill and then widely dispersed through the floor panel further inside in the vehicle width direction than the side sill by the first load-dispersing frame, and local destruction of the floor panel further inside in the vehicle width direction than the side sill is inhibited. Furthermore, by increasing bending stiffness of the first load-dispersing frame, to reduce the sheet thickness of the CFRP outer and the inner skins, a light weight is achieved.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and a cargo area at least partially defined by the body. A tailgate assembly is adjustably connected to the body and movable relative to the body between a first position and at least one second position. The tailgate assembly includes a structure having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A cargo system is operatively connected to the tailgate assembly. The cargo system includes an extension member having a housing, a first arm extending from a first side of the housing securable to the first lateral edge of the tailgate structure and a second arm extending from a second side of the housing securable to the second lateral edge of the tailgate structure.

Abstract: A vehicle understructure includes a left undercover and a right undercover provided in an underpanel. The left undercover is provided from below inside in a vehicle width direction with respect to a left side sill between a left front wheel and a left rear wheel. The right undercover is provided from below inside in the vehicle width direction with respect to a right side sill between a right front wheel and a right rear wheel. Each of the left undercover and the right undercover includes a lowering portion. The lowering portion can lower from the underpanel during driving and extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction such that the vehicle longitudinal direction becomes a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle structure includes an underbody portion of sheet-metal defining an aperture with within there is mounted a floor portion of plastic material or composite material, for housing a spare wheel or other component of a vehicle, such as an electric or electronic component and/or for example a unit for accumulating electric energy. To said floor portion of plastic material or composite material there is associated a holding element having at least a first part anchored to the underbody portion of sheet-metal and at least a second part which can be anchored to said spare wheel or said other component, so that in case of an accident, said holding element prevents said spare wheel or said other component from being projected far away from the underbody structure, by constraining it instead to remain within a distance corresponding to one dimension of said holding element.

Abstract: A track system for use as a wheel replacement on a vehicle comprises a first drive wheel configured to be mounted to the vehicle, a first frame pivotally yet non-drivingly mounted to the first drive wheel, a second frame mounted to the first frame, at least a second drive wheel pivotally mounted to the second frame, at least an idler wheel pivotally mounted to the second frame at a second extremity, and at least an endless traction band disposed about the second drive wheel and the idler wheel. The second drive wheel is configured to drivingly engage the traction band. The first drive wheel is operatively coupled to the second drive wheel via a transmission mechanism (e.g. a loop) such that rotation of the first drive wheel causes the rotation of the second drive wheel.

Abstract: A track changing apparatus for changing a track on an armored vehicle includes a plurality of moveable elements. The plurality of moveable elements of the track changing apparatus allows a track to be manipulated from loose or unmounted state, to a tensioned state wherein the track is located on the track changing apparatus, and finally, to a fully mounted state wherein the track has been transferred onto the armored vehicle. In at least one embodiment, the track changing apparatus may be used to remove a track from an armored vehicle. Methods of using a track changing apparatus are also described, including a method of mounting a track onto an armored vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the alignment of an attachment relative to at least one adjacent structural part on the body side on a vehicle. For the improvement of a tolerance compensation between the attachment and the structural part during assembly, it is proposed that the apparatus is part of the structural part, while the attachment comprises at least one first reference point for the alignment of the attachment, wherein the first reference point is incorporated in the attachment by means of a gauge before the installation of the attachment.

Abstract: A bicycle stand which includes a frame with a first channel support and a transversely extending second channel support which are configured to engage with parts of a rim of a bicycle wheel.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for bicycle seat post includes a restriction member connected to the bottom end of the seat post. The restriction member has a disk extending from the outer periphery thereof, and the disk protrudes radially from outer periphery of the bottom end of the seat post. A fastening member is be connected to the top end of the seat tube and the seat post extends through the passage. A first stepped portion and a second stepped portion are respectively defined in the inner periphery of the passage. The first stepped portion is rested on the top end of the seat tube. When the seat post is lifted to its maximum position, the disk of the restriction member is engaged with the second stepped portion so that the seat post cannot be pulled out from the seat tube.

Abstract: In a vehicle, a portion of an upper cross member and a portion of a lower cross member at least temporarily overlap each other without coming into contact with each other when a body frame of the vehicle is caused to lean from an upright state to the left or the right with a maximum angle, as viewed from a front in a direction along a lower intermediate connecting axis.

Abstract: An aerodynamic front fork assembly for a bicycle may include an elongated crown portion extending from a steerer tube to a distal end behind a front wheel, with one or more fork blades projecting in a generally forward direction from the distal end of the crown portion to engage the front wheel. The crown portion may substantially fill the gap between the front wheel and the down tube of the bicycle, thereby collectively forming an airfoil with the front wheel and the down tube.

Abstract: A shock absorber has an inner tube embedded in a steering stem shaft and an outer tube provided slidably. A front fork is fixed to a lower end of the outer tube, and the inner tube is fixed to an upper end of the steering stem shaft. The steering stem shaft is provided with a guide trench extending in a telescoping direction and having a long hole shape. A roller bearing is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the outer tube and is inserted into the guide trench movably along the guide trench. As a result, relative movement between the steering stem shaft and the outer tube in the telescoping direction is permitted while relative rotation is restricted.

Abstract: A suspended spindle assembly is disclosed for each of the front wheels of recumbent tricycles which absorb vibration and bumps to reduce rider fatigue while improving trike handling and rider comfort.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a first end and a second end that reciprocate relative to one another. The shock absorber includes a gas spring chamber, a damping chamber, and a floating piston. The first side of the floating piston is in fluid communication with the gas spring chamber. The second side of the floating piston is in fluid communication with the damping chamber. The gas in the gas spring chamber applies pressure against the floating piston, which applies pressure to the substantially incompressible fluid in the damping chamber. This pressure transfer may be adequate to minimize or prevent cavitation.

Abstract: A suspension device of a bicycle front fork is installed in a head tube of a bicycle handlebar. The suspension device includes: a cylinder with a bottom fixed to a base of the bicycle front fork and a top passed into the head tube; a piston rod with a top fixed to an inner wall of the head tube and a bottom having a piston and extended into the cylinder; a spring device coupled to the piston rod and having a force to push the piston rod away from the cylinder. The cylinder below the piston has an air chamber communicated with an intake valve of the base. The air pressure of air chamber may be adjusted to adjust the buffering pressure of the spring device, so that a user may adjust the shocking pressure of the front fork.

Abstract: A frame assembly is provided for a two-wheeled vehicle, in particular for a bicycle, including: a main frame, which has a head tube for connecting to a front wheel mount and a saddle connection for connecting to a saddle; and a drive-train swing arm pivotably connected to the main frame. The drive-train swing arm includes a wheel suspension for a rear wheel to be driven and a pedal-crank drive having a pedal crank for driving the rear wheel by muscle force of a rider. The pedal-crank drive is associated with the drive-train swing arm. The drive-train swing arm is pivotably connected to the main frame by a multijoint assembly.

Abstract: A power-assisted bicycle includes a front wheel, a rear wheel, a body frame, a bracket that mounts a power unit, and a power unit fixed to the bracket by a bolt. The power unit includes a pedal crank shaft and a motor that produces auxiliary power, and outputs each of human power applied to the pedal crank shaft and a driving force of the motor, or a resultant force of the human power and the driving force of the motor. The bracket includes a front mounting seat and rear mounting seat pointing downward. The power unit includes first and second front mounts and first and second rear mounts which overlap the front mounting seat and rear mounting seat from below. The bolt extends in a direction in which the front mounting seat and rear mounting seat and the mounts overlap each other, and fastens the mounts to the front mounting seat and the rear mounting seat.

Abstract: In an electric-motor-assisted bicycle, a motor includes a motor output shaft including a helical gear provided thereon. A reduction gear includes a rotatable shaft and a cylindrical portion. The rotatable shaft extends through the cylindrical portion. A helical gear provided on the cylindrical portion engages the helical gear on the motor output shaft. The rotatable shaft includes a first large-diameter portion, a small-diameter portion and a second large-diameter portion. The reduction gear further includes a bush bearing between an end surface of the first large-diameter portion and an end surface of the second large-diameter portion in the axial direction of the rotatable shaft. The outer periphery of the bush bearing is fixed to the cylindrical portion. The inner periphery of the bush bearing slides in a circumferential direction relative to the small-diameter portion. The bush bearing moves in the axial direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a wireless control system for a bicycle, including at least one shift unit including a shift actuator, and a master control unit in communication with the shift actuator. The master control unit transmits on a channel and listens for noise on the channel. When the master control unit receives an input signal from the shift actuator, the master control unit transmits a plurality of shift signals corresponding to the input signal for a message duration time if the channel is free of noise.

Abstract: A protective device configured to protect a line-cutting device mounted on a cable towed by a surface vessel comprises a blade holder comprising a blade, the blade being formed in the blade holder and being retractable into a slot about a transverse spring pin, wherein the protective device comprises a weighted body of hydrodynamic overall shape delimiting a transverse opening for the passage of the cable and an interior cavity in which the blade is arranged in such a way as to cut any line caught in the cavity, the protective device free to rotate about the cable.

Abstract: Apparatus (100) and method for providing active motion compensation control of an articulated gangway (200) which comprises at least one fixed part fixedly mounted on a sea going vessel, a movable part being movable relative to the fixed part, and at least one actuator for moving the movable part relative to the fixed part. A first position reference device provides position and attitude information (m) of the vessel referenced to earth. A second position reference device provides position and attitude information (y) of the movable part referenced to the gangway. An actuator driver generates an actuator control output in response to a regulator signal (R). An active motion compensation controller device receives the position and attitude information m and y, an operator control input (J), and the velocity information (y{dot over (y)}) of the movable part. A differential kinematic (DiffKin) device compute and outputs a current position (p) and velocity (v) of the gangway endpoint from m and y.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transferring personnel, equipment and/or structural elements from a surface vessel to an offshore structure, such as a wind turbine, or to another vessel comprising a foundation mounted or to be mounted on a surface vessel, an arm pivotally connected to the foundation and at least one gripper connected to the free end of the arm for coupling the arm to an offshore structure. A second arm is pivotally connected to the first arm.

Abstract: The instant disclosure pertains to a pontoon boat having various embodiments of an enclosure. Non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the enclosure are configured for habitation.

Abstract: Inflatable tubes forming elongated top and bottom sections hingedly connected together along one side and open on the opposite side but closeable about a surfboard for protection thereof.

Abstract: A monopod for mounting to the boat seat mount of a marine vessel, such as a bass boat or speed boat, which is capable of providing power for mobile accessories via a second monopod affixed to the navigation light port of the boat. The monopod is extendable to heights up to or exceeding eight feet (8?) above the deck of the boat, providing exceptional views for recording with a mounted camera while users participate in sports or other events within the boat. A release mechanism allows one portion of the monopod to telescope away from a second portion, thereby extending the monopod.

Abstract: In a small boat emergency stop apparatus having an operator's cockpit and a passenger seat installed spaced apart from the cockpit, there are provided with an operator transmitter wearable by the operator to transmit a radio-wave signal of a predetermined strength, a passenger transmitters wearable by the passenger to transmit a radio-wave signal of the same predetermined strength and a receiver installed at a location closer to the cockpit than the passenger seat to receives the radio-wave signals transmitted by the operator and passenger transmitters successively. It is identified which of the operator and the passenger is a wearer of the transmitter and is then discriminated whether strength of the radio-wave signal transmitted from the identified wearer is smaller than a predetermined value. When it is, it is discriminated that emergency occurred in the wearer and an emergency action of engine stopping or engine speed reducing is performed.

Abstract: A vest has a back and a front with a vertical opening, laterally spaced sides with arm holes, a neck hole, a waist hole, an interior surface and an exterior surface. A plurality of front light emitting diodes are on the front of the vest and a plurality of back light emitting diodes are on the back of the vest. A battery and a plurality of solar panels on the vest power the light emitting diodes.

Abstract: A human propelled watercraft having a pair of flexible fins extending into the water each adapted to oscillate through an arcuate path in a generally transverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal dimension of said watercraft. Pedals are provided for applying input force whereby as input force is applied, the flexible fins can twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the watercraft while moving in both directions along the arcuate path. The user can pull a lever and cause the fins to rotate 180° and produce thrust in the reverse direction. The fins are able to pivot and swing aft to avoid damage if there is a collision with a submerged object. The fins are more efficient, durable, and adjustable. Simple plastic roller bearings have been adapted to reduce mechanical friction without the need for oil seals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting and controlling a motor on a kayak are disclosed. A motor may be mounted to a kayak by a single interface on the kayak and rotated using foot pegs. The control system provides for responsive input and automatic directional stabilization of the motor.

Abstract: A pump jet apparatus for a motor includes an annular exhaust channel to receive exhaust gas from the motor. At least one hollow exhaust vane extends radially from a vane hub surrounding the annular exhaust channel. The at least one hollow exhaust vane is in flow communication with the annular exhaust channel to discharge the exhaust gas received from the motor through an exhaust discharge outlet. An impeller driven by the motor is mounted rearward of the annular exhaust channel and the at least one hollow exhaust vane and exhaust outlet.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes a gear housing configured to rotatably house a propeller shaft that transmits a rotative power output from an engine to a propeller device. The gear housing includes a torpedo shape portion and a strut portion. The torpedo shape portion has a shape tapered toward a front side, and a shape biased upward toward the front side. The strut portion is disposed on an upper side of the torpedo shape portion. An outer peripheral surface of the torpedo shape portion is smoothly coupled to an outer peripheral surface of the strut portion via first to third curved surfaces. The first to third curved surfaces are each a curved surface inclined rearward and downward, a curved surface parallel to a front-rear direction, or a curved surface constituted of a part inclined rearward and downward and a part parallel to the front-rear direction.

Abstract: A portable propulsion system for a watercraft may include a shaft, a propeller, an outer casing, and a flexible strap. The shaft may have a prop end section, a drive end section, and a rotational axis extending from the prop end section to the drive end section. The propeller may be connected to the prop end section of the shaft. The drive end section may be configured for removable connection to a driver for rotation of the propeller via rotation of the shaft about the rotational axis to propel the watercraft. The outer casing may be disposed around the shaft. The flexible strap may have first and second end sections connected to the outer casing in respective first and second regions.

Abstract: The disclosed inventions include and apparatus and method for providing a universal Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system configured with fly-by functionality. Such system may be configured to work in a plurality of modes including a walk-bay, drive-by, fixed network, and fly-by mode without hardware modifications. The system is configured to automatically calibrate so that the water meter transmitter operates at a minimum transmitted signal power level. Additional features include automatic hardware self-healing features where the system continues to function after certain hardware failures occur.

Abstract: A door for an aircraft includes a first panel divisible into at least two first slats that are releasably connected to one another, a first tensioning cable attached between the at least two first slats, and a first tensioner connected to the first tensioning cable and being operative to apply a first tension thereto, thereby permitting the first tensioning cable to hold the at least two first slats together to form the first panel and to release the first tension in the first tensioning cable upon occurrence of a release action, thereby permitting the at least two first slats to dissociate from one another so that the first panel fragments.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securing an emergency exit door on an armrest of a seat are provided. A system includes a latch connected to an armrest of a seat of a vehicle. The latch is moveable relative to the armrest between a stowed position and a deployed position. The latch is structured and arranged to engage an edge of a door that is associated with an exit of the vehicle to hold the door on the armrest.

Abstract: An aircraft wing including a fuel tank located in the wing, a channel defining a cavity in the fuel tank, the channel including at least two channel ends terminating at an upper or lower wing surface, a driveshaft located in the cavity; and an access panel located on the wing surface and being movable between an open position so that access to the cavity is permitted, and a closed position so that the cavity is at least partially covered by the access panel to inhibit access to the cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a composite trailing edge control surface including a contiguous one-piece composite control surface skin wrapped around a plurality of stiffening cores, a plurality of hinge fittings, and a plurality of substantially parallel ribs. The contiguous one-piece composite control surface skin provides a control surface on opposing sides of the trailing edge control surface and substantially distributes bending, shear and torsion loads of the trailing edge control surface to the plurality of hinge fittings and the plurality of substantially parallel ribs. A method of manufacturing the trailing edge control surface includes positioning a contiguous one-piece composite control surface skin on a substantially flat tool.

Abstract: A tiltrotor aircraft includes a fuselage, a wing member extending from the fuselage, an engine disposed relative to the wing member, a rotor hub assembly mechanically coupled to the engine and a plurality of proprotor blade assemblies rotatably mounted to the rotor hub assembly and operable for beamwise folding relative thereto. The proprotor blade assemblies each including a spar and a sheath extending spanwise along a leading edge of the spar. The spar has a root section, a main section and a tip section. The spar has a generally oval cross section at radial stations along the main section of the spar with the root section of the spar forming an integral tang assembly operable for coupling the spar to the rotor hub assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of mounting an aircraft wheel drive member (30) on an undercarriage having an axle (1) that carries the wheel and that is provided with a torque plate (3) having an outside face against which a brake can be fitted, the method comprising the steps of fitting a support (10) that bears against an inside face of the torque plate opposite from its outside face against which a brake (2) is fitted, and of fitting the drive member on the support.

Abstract: A system for providing control to a parking brake for an aircraft (10) having a power source includes a panel (28) accessible from an exterior of the aircraft (10) and a parking brake switch (32) disposed on the panel (28) providing control over the engagement and disengagement of the parking brake on the aircraft (10), a method operating such a system for providing control to a parking brake is also disclosed.

Abstract: A structure (10) for aircrafts, includes a part (20) including a metal leading edge (30), the leading edge (30) being covered by a coating (40) having a thickness which is less than or equal to ten micrometers and having a hardness higher than six hundred in the Vickers hardness test (HV). According to a mode of embodiment, the coating (40) is a multilayer stainless steel coating consisting of a superposition of layers with a low nitrogen gradient and layers with a high nitrogen gradient, the layers having a thickness essentially equal to a micrometer. An aircraft including such a structure is also described.

Abstract: A layered architecture for customer payload systems is disclosed to provide a scalable, reconfigurable integration platform targeted at multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and remove both UAV specific and payload equipment specific characteristics that increase complexity during integration. The layered architecture is a modular design architecture that is split by function. Standard interfaces are implemented between functional layers to increase reconfiguration possibilities and to allow reuse of existing components and layers without modification to the payload or UAV. The standard interfaces also promote easy connection and disconnection from other layer components. Additionally, once the layered architecture is implemented, technological or functional requirements changes can be isolated to one specific component layer, not the entire payload stack.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein related to an unmanned aerial vehicle, the unmanned aerial vehicle includes: a frame portion, two rear arms extending away from the frame portion, and at least one rear air propulsion device arranged on each of the rear arms at an orthogonal angle relative to a vertical axis. The at least one rear air propulsion device has an axis of rotation for both lift and rotation based on the angle. The unmanned aerial vehicle has two front arms arranged along a horizontal axis. The vertical axis is perpendicular to the horizontal axis. The unmanned aerial vehicle also includes at least one camera arranged on at least one of the front arms. The at least one camera faces a front direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an autonomous navigation method and system, and a map modeling method and system. The autonomous navigation method comprises: controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle to take off, and collecting videos of a scene corresponding to the unmanned aerial vehicle at each collection time point; obtaining feature points in the videos of the scene corresponding to each collection time point; generating a flight path of the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the feature points in the videos of the scene corresponding to each collection time point; generating a first map model according to the flight path of the unmanned aerial vehicle and the videos of the scene corresponding to each collection time point; and carrying out autonomous navigation on the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the first map model.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The UAV may include a motor controller. The UAV may further include a motor connected to the motor controller. The UAV may further include an arm connected between the motor controller and the motor. The UAV may further include a plurality of electronic speed control components integrated within the arm, the electronic speed control components configured to control the speed of the motor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a drone including a main body comprising a motor, a shaft inserted in the main body vertically, a wing unit rotatable on the shaft by a power generated from the motor, the wing unit comprising a propeller unfolded horizontally and folded vertically, wherein the motor comprises a first motor and a second motor, and the shaft comprises an upper shaft inserted in the main body from a top vertically and a lower shaft inserted in the main body from a bottom vertically, and the wing unit comprises a first wing unit rotated on the upper shaft in a first direction by a power generated from the first motor, and a second wing unit rotated on the lower shaft in a second direction, which is the reverse of the first direction, by a power generated from the second motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide systems and methods for providing fountain beverage consumables in an easily accessible and removable and replaceable form. In one example, the fountain beverage consumables are provided on a cart that has interface connections with a dispensing unit. The dispensing unit may be mounted in a galley. When the cart is in its docking station with respect to the dispensing unit, fluid communication between the fountain beverage consumables and the dispensing unit is provided.