Abstract: The present disclosure provides vehicle that includes an auxiliary storage compartment. In various embodiments, the auxiliary storage compartment includes a front wall, a pair of opposing sidewalls and a back wall that is disposed laterally between the sidewalls. The auxiliary storage compartment additionally includes a floor disposed between the front wall and the back wall. In various embodiments, at least one of the sidewalls comprising an access door movable between an Open position, wherein access to the auxiliary storage compartment is provided via the open access door, and a Closed position, wherein the closed access door defines the respective sidewall.

Abstract: The four wheel vehicle uses an electric motor (142) for driving the vehicle and a battery unit (160) for supplying electric power to the electric motor. The lower chassis (5) of the vehicle includes a pair of front side frames (10) extending linearly in a fore and aft direction with an upward slant and a progressively increasing lateral mutual spacing from a front part thereof to a rear part thereof, a pair of rear side frames (12) connected to rear ends of the respective front side frames, and extending linearly in a fore and aft direction with an upward slant from a front part thereof to a rear part thereof in continuation of the corresponding front side frames in a mutually parallel relationship, and a plurality of cross members (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) connecting the side frames to each other.

Abstract: A tire-chain hanger system includes a bracket, at least one track-support member, at least one chain-support member and a roller assembly including at least two support-brackets and at least one bearing. The A tire-chain hanger system is useful for providing a sliding tire-chain hanger system for improved tire-chain removal and installation.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a steel frame, steel bracket, an e-coating layer, and an aluminum cargo bed. The steel frame has a top side. The steel bracket has a zinc-plating, is secured to the top side of the steel frame, and has an upper surface that faces away from the frame. The e-coating layer is deposited externally and collectively on the steel frame and steel bracket. The aluminum cargo bed is secured to the upper surface such that the zinc-plating and e-coating layer are sandwiched between the steel bracket and aluminum cargo bed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rearrangable vehicle tailgate for transporting an item within a bed of a vehicle, including a first and third section separated by a second section, the first and third section secured to a tailgate receiver associated with the vehicle and providing access to the bed, an enclosed compartment associated with each of sections and configured to receive a removable internal structure, where at least one controller is secured to the enclosed compartment by the removable internal structure and configured for receiving and storing an item during transport by the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle cab assembly includes an internal frame including multiple rigid members that are secured rigidly one to another. The vehicle cab assembly also includes multiple cladding panels that obscure the internal frame and enclose it uninterruptedly in at least one plane. The cladding panels are supported on an exterior of the internal frame and define mutually abutting panel edges along which the cladding panels are sealed one to another to define weather-proof joints of the vehicle cab assembly.

Abstract: Aerodynamic drag on a moving vehicle is reduced by adapting the apparent airflow onto a forward-mounted wing, according to vehicle speed. For example, an angle of the wing is adjusted by a motor or actuator. Alternatively, fans at varying speeds provide pilot airflow onto the wing.

Abstract: According to aspects, an angled extension for an air curtain, the angled extension includes a base and a projection extending from the base. The base is configured to be attached to a front surface of a wheel well and is configured to be is disposed proximal to an interior side of an air-curtain outlet. The projection has a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be generally angled toward an exterior side of the air-curtain outlet when the base is attached to the front surface. The first end is configured to deflect at least a portion of a flow of air that exits the air-curtain outlet to thereby inhibit contact between the flow of air and a front face of a tire. The second end is configured to be generally perpendicular to the front surface when the base is attached thereto.

Abstract: A side-skirt system for a vehicle includes first and second side-skirts. The vehicle includes a vehicle body having a first body end facing oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion, an opposing second body end, and first and second lateral body sides spanning a distance between the two body ends. The vehicle also includes at least one first road wheel proximate the first body end and at least one second road wheel proximate the second body end. The first and second side-skirts are mounted to the respective first and second lateral body sides between the respective first and second road wheels and configured to adjust respective magnitudes of aerodynamic disturbance at the lateral body sides when the vehicle is in motion. The system also includes a mechanism configured to shift the first and second side-skirts relative to the vehicle body and adjust the respective magnitudes of aerodynamic disturbance.

Abstract: An undercarriage assembly of a work machine includes a drive wheel, front and rear idler wheels and a plurality of supporting mid-rollers. A belt disposed about the drive and idler wheels. A roller frame defines a main pivot axis located between front and rear ends. The front idler wheel is connected to the front end of the track roller frame. A major bogie having a forward bogie arm and a trailing bogie arm pivotably connects to the roller frame. The rear idler wheel connects to the trailing bogie arm. A swing link is pivotably connected to the trailing bogie arm, wherein the rear idler wheel is mounted on the swing link. A hydraulic cylinder connected between the rear end of the track roller frame and the swing link rotates the swing link to maintain desired tension in the track belt.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a foot for a walking robot. An example foot includes a central portion including a first surface and at least one foot extension including at least one respective first surface parallel to the first surface of the central portion. The foot additionally includes at least one hinge component that is configured to rotate the at least one foot extension away from the central portion when at least one respective second surface of the at least one foot extension is contacted. The foot also includes at least one spring component configured to cause the at least one hinge component to rotate the at least one foot extension toward the central portion until the at least one respective first surface is parallel to the first surface of the central portion when the at least one respective second surface is no longer contacted.

Abstract: A lowerable vehicle frame with a folding trailer hitch for trailers and other vehicles has a vehicle frame, which can be transitioned between a lowered transit position and a raised deployed position through a swing suspension assembly and a plurality of lifting devices. A folding trailer hitch connected to the forward end of the vehicle frame allows the vehicle frame to be towed, and folds upwards for storage and aesthetics.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an adjuster for adjusting a position of a vehicle door relative to other vehicle components. The adjuster can include a pin that is configured to be held by a vehicle door latch so as to form a rigid connection between the pin and the vehicle door. The pin can also be configured to be released from the vehicle door latch upon actuation of a vehicle release mechanism. A frame can be supported by a surface that is static relative to the vehicle. An actuator can connect the frame to the pin. The actuator can be configured to enable the vehicle door to be manually raised or lowered by a predetermined distance that facilitates the vehicle door adopting a position that provides enhanced communication between the vehicle door latch and a vehicle striker.

Abstract: A lightweight bicycle saddle includes shock absorption padding in key locations to cushion a rider in various riding positions. The padding may be attached to a top surface of a saddle base or formed integrally with the base. The padding may also be configured as a web to operate with a web saddle. The padding includes a left portion and a right portion which may be formed separately or integrally. The padding may have a wider rear padded portion located in a rear saddle portion of the saddle and a tapered or narrow front padded portion located in a front saddle portion. The padding may be positioned to cover areas where the rail is attached to the saddle base. The padding is surrounded by non-padded portions which have a lesser cushion or no cushion.

Abstract: A motorcycle lighting system including a plurality of LED light members fixedly embedded within hollow frame members of a motorcycle, a series of wires attached to respective light members and threaded through the interior of the hollow frame members and connected with control members attached to the handle bars of the motorcycle frame such that a rider can control the color and flashing sequences of the light members when in use. The frame can include any known and usual parts including highway bars.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fixing system for fixing containers such as bags or baskets on a handlebar of a bicycle, comprising at least one, preferably at least two handlebar bands slidable over the handlebar in a sliding-on direction and at least partially embracing the handlebar in the slid-on position, and a carrying bracket, comprising a carrying-bracket-side coupling element for receiving the container, arranged on a cantilever section of the carrying bracket, the carrying bracket further comprising a receiving section, able to be brought into coupling engagement with the handlebar bands against the sliding-on direction and thus positionable on the handlebar by preferably fixedly clamping the handlebar, further comprising at least one securing means frictionally engageable in a rigid manner between the cantilever section and a component of the bicycle other than the handlebar, and preferably a handle stem, so that rotation of the cantilever section relative to the handlebar is prevented.

Abstract: A clamp assembly mountable on a short span of structural tubing which can have any one of a broad spectrum of transverse cross-sectional shapes, sizes and vertical orientations, as found in bicycle frames and the like. Augmenting the assembly's inner and outer clamp members, so that one can use them to maintain a tight grip on the short span, is an assortment of inserts. Each insert, when deployed between the outer member's elongated flat face and the inner clamp member's midsection where it bounds a long, relatively narrow concavity, is designed to keep the clamp members from slipping sideways with respect to the compression force applied through them to the short span. Included is a two-headed insert, deployed one head at a time, as dictated by how much the short span fills said concavity and whether it extends, beyond it, perpendicularly to the elongated flat face.

Abstract: An electric three wheeled vehicle includes a vehicle chassis supporting a vehicle operator seat or saddle. The vehicle chassis defines a storage region beneath the vehicle operator seat or saddle. One or more energy storage devices for powering one or more electric motors of the vehicle are located within the storage region and are supported by the chassis. The storage region and/or the energy storage device(s) each form an elongate three-dimensional volume having a long axis that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A vehicle operator, when seated upon the seat or saddle, sits astride the one or more energy storage devices. A handlebar steering assembly is operatively coupled to a pair of front wheels to provide steering. The vehicle includes a single rear wheel.

Abstract: An inclinable vehicle having a tilting front wheel set, comprising a double deformable parallelogram connecting the two front wheels to the chassis, and two dampers associated with suspension springs, each connecting one of the suspension arms, to a common connection plate, characterized in that said connection plate is guided by an arch secured to the chassis.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a scooter comprises a deck configured to support a rider, a front wheel and a rear wheel, a head tube, a steering column, and a foot brake. The steering column can include a steering tube and a handlebar assembly, and the steering column can be used to steer the scooter by controlling a direction of the front wheel. The foot brake can be configured to apply a braking force to the rear wheel when the foot brake is pressed down. A plurality of neck members can connect the deck to the head tube.

Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame, a suspension assembly and a steering assembly. The frame includes a head tube that rotatably receives a front fork assembly. A steerer tube extends axially away from a fork crown of the front fork assembly. The suspension assembly includes an upper tubular support longitudinally slidable relative to a lower tubular support. The upper and lower supports receive a first positive biasing means and a first negative biasing means. The lower and upper supports are respectively connected to the steerer tube and a stem of the steering assembly such that the upper support slides longitudinally relative to the lower support adjacent the stem and above the fork crown.

Abstract: An auxiliary control device includes an auxiliary handlebar having a handle member and a cushion member engaged with the handle member, an engaging base adapted to engage the auxiliary handlebar and a main handlebar of a bicycle, and a positioning member. The engaging base has a first base and a second base. The first base is engaged with the main handlebar, and has a first perforation, which has a first inner toothed portion parallel to an axial direction thereof formed on an inner wall thereof. The second base is engaged with the main handlebar, and has a second perforation, which has a second inner toothed portion parallel to an axial direction thereof formed on an inner wall thereof. The positioning member passes through the first and the second perforations. The positioning member has a positioning toothed portion provided on an outer wall thereof, corresponding to and meshing with the first and the second inner toothed portions.

Abstract: A handle position-adjustment structure of a straddle type vehicle for improving maintainability improving the appearance of the vehicle. A handle position-adjustment structure of a straddle type vehicle includes a top bridge having fork insertion holes into which a right and left pair of front forks are inserted, and connecting the right and left pair of front forks with each other; a right and left pair of handle holders arranged below the fork insertion holes, and having cylinder portions inserted into the front forks in such a manner so as to be rotatable around axes of the front forks; and an adjustment hole allowing adjustment of the position of the handle holder. The position of the handle holder is adjustable by a position adjustment bolt inserted into the adjustment hole and the top bridge. The position adjustment bolt is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the front fork.

Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic operating system is basically provided with first and second actuating devices and a hydraulic operated device. The first actuating device includes a first operating member, a first master cylinder and a first master piston. The first master piston moves in the first master cylinder in response to operation of the first operating member. The second actuating device includes a second operating member, a second master cylinder and a second master piston. The second master piston moves in the second master cylinder in response to operation of the second operating member. The hydraulic operated device includes a slave cylinder and a slave piston that is movably arranged in the slave cylinder. The slave cylinder has a slave fluid port that is connected to first and second fluid ports of the first and second master cylinders. Operation of either of the first and second operating members moves the slave piston.

Abstract: A human-powered vehicle may include a frame and a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame. Pivotal reciprocal motion of the drive member in either direction may generate rotational motion to the wheels of the human-powered vehicle. The seat of the human-powered vehicle may be positioned such that an axis about which the drive member pivots is located below, or closer to the ground surface, than the seat.

Abstract: A bicycle assist unit is basically provided with a transmission and an assist motor. The transmission is configured to receive rotation of a crankshaft. The transmission includes a planetary gear mechanism. The planetary gear mechanism includes an output unit, a plurality of ring gears and a rotation restricting mechanism that selectively restricts rotation of the ring gears. The assist motor is configured to output a second drive force that is added to a first drive force that is outputted from the transmission on a power transmission path between the output unit and a front sprocket that is attached to the crankshaft.

Abstract: A multiple bicycle sprocket assembly is basically provided with a first sprocket supporting member and a second sprocket supporting member. A first sprocket is coupled to one of a first bicycle inbound facing side and a first bicycle outbound facing side of the first sprocket supporting member, and is a separate member therefrom. A second sprocket is coupled to one of a second bicycle inbound facing side and a second bicycle outbound facing side of the second sprocket supporting member, and is a separate member therefrom. At least one fastening member connects the first sprocket supporting member and the second sprocket supporting member, and is a separate member therefrom. At least one hub engaged sprocket is free from connection with the at least one fastening member, and is a separate member from the first and second sprocket supporting members.

Abstract: A compact shift controller in a straddle type vehicle wherein the layout can be determined more freely, and a rider can mount and dismount the vehicle more easily. In a straddle type vehicle including a body frame; a footrest on which a rider places his/her foot; a shift lever arranged in front of the footrest, and rotated by the rider's operation by foot to shift gears of the vehicle; a shift detection mechanism for detecting operation of the shift lever and an engine supported to the body frame, the footrest is supported to a center frame constituting a part of the body frame below a seat of the rider, and the shift detection mechanism is connected to the shift lever, provided in front of the footrest and the center frame, and is supported to a lower frame constituting a part of the body frame.

Abstract: A rotatable mast system for a sailing craft wherein a lower section of the mast is mounted for rotation in upper and lower bearings fixed to the body of the sailing craft spaced along the length of the lower mast section. The upper section of the mast is removable from the lower section for purposes of servicing, repairing or replacing the upper section of the mast. The lower section of the mast remains in the sailing craft for future use and does not have to be removed while the upper mast section is removed for servicing, repair or replacement, etc. However if desired, the lower mast section may be removed by itself or with the upper section. The lower section of the mast may be made from aluminum and it also includes attachments for connecting a boom and the rigging to the lower section of the mast.

Abstract: Systems and methods including various glazing devices are provided for attaching a window to a frame of a boating vessel to form a weatherproof seal therebetween.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically enabling an automated commercial fishing process is provided. The method includes enabling a commercial fishing software application associated with selecting a location for implementing a commercial fishing process. In response user data identifying a user and license data associated with a commercial fishing license belonging to the user are received. A control signal is transmitted to a vehicle. The control signal enables control of the vehicle such that the vehicle initiates motion and navigates in a specified direction towards a specified geographical area. Control hardware of the vehicle verifies a status of the commercial fishing license belonging to the user and it is determined if the commercial fishing license authorizes commercial fishing activities within the specified geographical area.

Abstract: A hookless coupling device for a sports harness has an elongate body having a connector end for connection with a sports harness and an engagement end. An elongate aperture extends between the connector end and the engagement end. The aperture is wider at the connector end, for receiving an engager through the aperture, than at the engagement end provided for engaging the engager with the elongate body.

Abstract: A stabilizing apparatus for a waterborne vessel is disclosed, the stabilizing apparatus comprising a stabilizer unit, said stabilizer unit comprising: an elongate main body suitable for attachment to said a waterborne vessel; a stabilizing fin member rotatably coupled to said elongate main body about a first axis of rotation; and a drive apparatus attached to said main body and operatively coupled to said stabilizing fin member.

Abstract: A miniature breathing device for underwater breathing that can be worn on a person during water activities. A small form factor and lightweight housing suitable for submerging in shallow water. The small form factor preventing disruption of activities of a user undertaken while wearing the miniature breathing device. A canister within the housing stores a mixture of compressed air. An actuator on the housing to controllably releases the compressed air from the canister. A regulator piston within the housing is shaped with chambers to decompress the compressed air to breathable form. A mouthpiece opening of the housing provides breathable air to lips of a user. A strap secures the miniature breathing device to the user during activities.

Abstract: A kayak paddle and accessory mounting system is a system for securely holding a kayak paddle and various accessories on a kayak. The system is mounted and elevated over the kayak cockpit in order to allow for the use of a spray skirt in conjunction with the present invention. A fore width adjustable support assembly and an aft width adjustable support assembly allow the system to be adjusted to accommodate various sizes and designs of kayaks and additionally serve to offset an accessory tray over the kayak cockpit. An at least one paddle holder clip and an at least one accessory holder allow for the mounting of a kayak paddle and an accessory such as a fishing net. The accessory tray may be closed via a lid in order to more securely hold accessories and personal belongings.

Abstract: An outboard marine engine comprises a vertically-aligned bank of piston-cylinders. An axially elongated camshaft operates a plurality of valves for controlling flow of air with respect to the vertically-aligned bank of piston-cylinders. The camshaft vertically extends between a lower camshaft end and an upper camshaft end. A lubricant passage axially conveys lubricant through the camshaft. An air outlet is located at the upper camshaft end. A valve is configured to open and close the air outlet to thereby facilitate lubrication of the plurality of valves at startup of the outboard marine engine.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes an engine, a cowl, and a tilt mechanism. The cowl accommodates the engine. The tilt mechanism pivots the cowl from a tilt-down position to a tilt-up position about a horizontal tilt axis. The cowl includes a movable portion that moves from a normal position to a contracted position to reduce a contour of the cowl when the cowl is pivoted from the tilt-down position to the tilt-up position by the tilt mechanism.

Abstract: A user input device for controlling steering and/or propulsion of a marine vessel includes a movable member movable by a vessel operator to control the steering and/or propulsion of the marine vessel, a variable resistance device controllable to vary resistance to movement of the movable member, and a controller that controls the variable resistance device. The controller is configured to detect an unstable condition indicator and, upon detecting the unstable condition indicator, control the variable resistance device to increase resistance to movement of the movable member.

Abstract: A panel (3) for controlling the aerodynamic phenomena generated by a body (0) to be positioned on a surface of an aircraft (V). The panel (3) can be associated with the base of the body (0) and includes at least one inlet aperture (322) and at least one outlet aperture (322?) placed in communication with each other, through which a portion of a fluid flow (W) in which the body (0) is immersed can selectively pass. The inlet aperture (322) is located upstream of the body (0) and the outlet aperture (322?) is located downstream of the body (0), with respect to the direction of the fluid flow (W).

Abstract: A system includes a septum sleeve, an aperture fitting, and a removable aperture. The septum sleeve is substantially hollow and is configured to be positioned at least partially within a core of an assembly of an aircraft. The aperture fitting is configured to provide an interface to mechanically fasten the removable aperture. The removable aperture is configured to contain one or more electronic components and to be removably positioned at least partially within the septum sleeve.

Abstract: A tool for use in installing a bulkhead within a structure is provided. The tool includes a base member configured to couple to the structure, and a positioning member configured to couple to the bulkhead. The base member includes a primary fastener hole sized to receive at least a portion of a fastener therethrough, and sized such that the fastener is configured to bias against the base member to retract the positioning member towards the base member when the fastener is engaged with the positioning member.

Abstract: This description relates to a strapped windshield assembly for a rotorcraft. In some implementations, the rotorcraft includes an airframe, a windshield, and a plurality of independent straps connected to the airframe and the windshield, the straps operative to move independently with respect to one another. The independent movement of the straps allow relative movement of portions of the windshield in response to a strike. In some implementations, the straps are spaced every 4-6 inches along an edge of the windshield. In some implementations, the straps are over an edge of the windshield. The straps can have a modulus of elasticity of 8-12 millions of pounds per square inch (MSI). The windshield can include polycarbonate material.

Abstract: A method of generating a pressure wave proximate an airflow surface and altering airflow to promote a localized lowering of skin friction over the airflow surface is described herein. A series of pressure waves may be configured to create a virtual riblet to control turbulent vortices in a boundary layer adjacent to the airflow surface creating a virtual riblet. The pressure waves may be configured to prevent disruption of the flow of air relative to at least one of a step or a gap associated with the airflow surface. The pressure wave generating system may be comprised of at least one of a thermoacoustic material, a piezoelectric material and a semiconductor material, and a microelectric circuit.

Abstract: An element (26) for sound absorption is intended for being mounted on components of aircrafts, such as engine nacelles. The element includes a face-sheet (28), which is, at least in a region thereof, acoustically permeable, a substantially sound-reflective back-sheet (30) and a honeycomb layer (32), “sandwiched” between the face-sheet (28) and the back-sheet (30) and defining a mesh structure which has hollow cells (34, 34?) laterally neighboring one another. The cells (34, 34?) are adapted to make the sound waves that enter through the face-sheet (28) and are reflected by the back-sheet (30) resonate inside their side walls. The element (26) has a passage (36) that connects together a group of the cells (34, 34?), thereby causing the cells to acoustically cooperate with one another.

Abstract: A control system and method for an aircraft configured to operate according to a first mode of operation corresponding to an automatic piloting of the aircraft and a second mode of operation corresponding to a manual piloting of the aircraft, the system including a selection member. The system is configured to operate according to the first mode of operation when the selection member is not actuated continuously and to operate according to the second mode of operation when the selection member is actuated continuously.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator is adapted to drive a spoiler of a wing having a flap. When the hydraulic actuator drives the spoiler in an overlapping region where a driving range of the flap and a driving range of the spoiler overlap, an output suppressing structure suppress a drive output of the hydraulic actuator in the overlapping region to be less than that in a non-overlapping region other than the overlapping region.

Abstract: A propulsion system for an aircraft may include two coaxial propellers to operate in two different flight conditions. Each propeller may be attached to a driveshaft via corresponding one-way devices that allow each propeller to be driven in one direction but spin freely in the other direction. A reversible motor may selectively rotate the driveshaft in one direction to cause one propeller to operate while the other spins freely. For example, one propeller may be operated for one flight condition (such as vertical lift) and the other propeller may be operated for another flight condition (such as horizontal flight). Another propulsion system may include a propeller, a one-way bearing, a motor, and a generator. The one-way bearing may allow the motor to drive the propeller in one direction and to spin freely in the other direction to drive the generator with incoming airflow during a gliding phase of flight.

Abstract: An aircraft landing gear assembly stop member is arranged to be coupled to a first part of an aircraft landing gear assembly and includes a pair of projections which control movement of a second part of the landing gear assembly.

Abstract: A system for landing, comprising a vertical-take-off-and-landing (VTOL) unmanned air vehicle (UAV) having landing gear, wherein the landing gear is telescopic and comprises a sensor, and wherein the landing gear is compressed upon landing on a surface, and the compression causes a signal to be sent to a system that computes the slope of the ground surface using the length of the compressed landing gear and the attitude of the UAV. If the center of gravity falls within the support area, the legs are locked and the UAV power is turned off. If the center of gravity falls outside the support area, the UAV is forced to take off and find a safer landing spot.

Abstract: A cross tube for a helicopter skid landing gear, including a monolithic metallic tube having a central portion extending transversely between two end portions with longitudinal central axes of the central portion and of the end portions being located in a plane, where the central portion has inner and outer heights, the end portions each have inner and outer heights, and the inner and outer heights of one of the central portion and the end portion are respectively greater than the inner and outer heights of the other of the central portion and the end portion. A skid tube with two portions with cross-sections having one or both of different orientations with respect to one another and different dimensions with respect to one another, and a method of forming a structural tube for a helicopter skid landing gear are also provided.