Abstract: A frame apparatus for agricultural vehicles includes an engine frame configured to support an engine of an agricultural vehicle; and at least one of a front frame and a rear frame connected to each of a working machine and the engine frame to support the working machine is mounted in the agricultural vehicle, wherein at least one of the front frame and the rear frame is detachably connected to the engine frame.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a body with a cabin. The cabin includes a cabin floor, and a rail member is disposed within the cabin. The vehicle also includes a frame having a frame structural member. The vehicle additionally includes a body structural member disposed below the cabin floor. The vehicle further includes a first bulkhead disposed between the body structural member and the cabin floor, and a second bulkhead disposed between the body structural member and the cabin floor. A gap is provided between at least a portion of the first bulkhead and the second bulkhead. A first fastener secures the body structural member to the frame structural member. The first fastener passes through a first location in the gap. A second fastener secures the body structural member to the rail member. The second fastener passes through a second location in the gap.

Abstract: A vehicle rocker assembly is provided. The vehicle rocker assembly may include an outer panel, a side sill, and an insert. The side sill may define at least two cavities with the outer panel. The insert may be disposed in the cavities. The insert may include a longitudinally extending U-shaped carrier and a plurality of reinforcement members attached to the U-shape carrier. The plurality of reinforcement members may be spaced apart from a bottom of the U-shaped carrier by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is disclosed with a windshield, a hood and an air and water guiding arrangement that extends from the base of the windshield underneath the hood. A base plate of the air and water guiding arrangement features at least one air passage opening underneath the hood. A transverse wall, in which passages for air are recessed, rises from the base plate along a rear edge of the hood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle facade module (1) comprising a support piece (3, 5, 7, 9) comprising: —a first part (11) comprising an upper crossmember (3) having a first reinforcement (10), —a second part (13) made of plastic and comprising: lateral uprights (7), and at least two portions (15) configured for assembly with the first part (11), the at least one portion (15) comprising a second reinforcement (12).

Abstract: A modular fender assembly for a vehicle includes a fender body having first and second body portions defining respective portions of the exterior of the fender body. First and second joiner brackets are bonded onto inner ends of the first and second body portions respectively. The joiner brackets have joiner flanges which can be joined with one another in parallel abutment to join the first and second body portions. Either body portion of the fender can thus be trimmed to length to suit the application prior to bonding the joiner bracket in position according to the new trimmed length. The joiner brackets typically have multiple overlapping and interlocking joiner flanges which span across the abutted seam between the two adjacent fender body portions, including upright stiffener flanges, for improving strength to reduce bending and sagging of the fender assembly at the seam.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly of a vehicle includes a tailgate, a left workpiece holder, and a right workpiece holder. The tailgate is elongated along an axis from a vehicle-left end to a vehicle-right end. The tailgate includes a left pocket at the vehicle-left end and a right pocket at the vehicle-right end. The left workpiece holder has an L shape and is configured to slidably engage the left pocket along the axis, and the right workpiece holder has an L shape and is configured to slidably engage the right pocket along the axis.

Abstract: A drag-reducing pickup truck canopy includes an upper portion having a generally rectangular shape with one long side acting as a front edge and an opposite long side acting as a rear edge, the upper portion having a downward sloping section extending between the front edge and the rear edge, two side portions with one side portion extending downward and tapering outward from each short side of the upper portion, and two support portions extending outward from lower edges of the side portions. The upper portion may include a substantially flat portion adjacent to the front edge and/or a substantially flat portion adjacent the rear edge.

Abstract: A vehicle or machine suitable for operation on uneven or inclined surfaces, such as a forest work unit, comprises at least three frame parts and two rotational planes. Each frame part has rotational planes, in each particular case, on an interface between two successive frame parts of the vehicle or machine. The rotational planes are, in each particular case, planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle or machine in the neutral position. The frame parts are thus arranged to be independently rotatable in relation to the rotational plane.

Abstract: A surface walker for human beings consisting of a chassis holding four articulated, movable limbs for walking. Each limb rests on foot, ski or float. Chassis is topped with cushioned seat whereon user lies prone on chest and belly with access to limbs, which are activated with arms and legs. Chassis height and limb length are adjustable. User regulates walking gait, limb stride and motion frequency of limbs. Walker advances on land and water and diverse landscapes. Design incorporates optional computer-controlled power assistance for walker motion and use of mechanical hand for enhanced traction and anchoring effects.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a process for forming a reinforced rocker panel assembly, and which includes positioning a reinforcement patch having first and second patch sections in surface-to-surface contact with a blank panel sheet, and welding the first patch section to the blank panel sheet. The process further includes bending both the blank panel sheet and the reinforcement patch along a bend line interposed between the first and second patch sections to form the blank panel sheet into a rocker panel portion having an elongated base section and a longitudinal flange, where the first and second patch sections are in at least partial abutting contact with the base section and the flange. The process also includes welding the second patch section to the flange.

Abstract: A tandem grip unit includes a pair of left and right tandem grips. Each of the tandem grips in turn includes a to-be-supported portion supported by a vehicle frame structure, a grip portion to be grasped by a fellow passenger, a bag fitting portion to which a pannier bag is fitted, and a casing fitting portion to which a top casing is fitted, all of those elements being formed integrally.

Abstract: This rear wheel suspension device of a motorcycle is disposed so as to be displaced to the right lateral side relative to a center portion in the vehicle widthwise direction of the motorcycle. A swingarm-side support member which extends in the vehicle widthwise direction is provided to a swingarm. An upper end portion of the rear wheel suspension device is rotatably supported by a main frame, and a lower end portion of the rear wheel suspension device is rotatably supported at a right end portion of the swingarm-side support member.

Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame including a head pipe, and a front frame extending rearward from the head pipe; a motor placed below the front frame and supported on the front frame; a control device which controls the motor; and a support member placed in front of the head pipe, the control device being fastened to the support member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle with foldable double-wheel assembly having two states, one first state as a pedaled tricycle and a second state as a running bike, comprising: a frame; a single-wheel assembly; two pedals for driving the steering wheel to roll; a handlebar assembly matching with said single-wheel assembly for control steering; and a double-wheel assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering assembly for a vehicle, comprising two rotatable rods, oriented vertically and having a wheel attachment on one end wherein wheels can be rotatably secured. The rods are connected to a first cross bar in such a way that enables the steering assembly to be attached to the vehicle frame and allows the rods to rotate. The rods are also rotatably attached to a second cross bar on the opposite end of the rod in such a way as to allow the rods to rotate. The rods are also attached to a steering mechanism in a manner that enables them to be manually rotated in unison and which in turn pivots the wheels and steers the vehicle.

Abstract: A bicycle may include a front triangle and a rear suspension system that couples the front triangle to a rear wheel and is dampened by at least one shock absorber. The rear suspension system includes a six-bar linkage having two ternary links separated from each other by one or more binary links, such that the two ternary links do not share a common joint. One of the ternary links may comprise a chain stay. In some examples, the other ternary link may comprise the front triangle. In some examples, the other ternary link may comprise a rocker arm coupling a seat stay link to the shock absorber.

Abstract: A bicycle brake assisting apparatus may comprise a main body, a traction apparatus, two control cable members, a rear brake tube, and a front brake tube, and the traction apparatus further comprises an operating block and a rotating piece which are pivotally connected with each other. The bicycle brake assisting apparatus of the present invention is configured to achieve the effect of stopping the rear wheel of the bicycle first and concurrently stopping the rear wheel and the front wheel of the bicycle thereafter regardless of pulling a left brake lever, a right brake lever, or both of the brake levers of a bicycle, thus increasing safety of use for a cyclist.

Abstract: A wheel hub has an axle device and a braking device. The axle device has an axle and a hub body. The hub body is mounted rotatably around the axle. The braking device is connected to the axle device and has a driving sleeve, a braking sleeve, a pressing jacket, and a fixing member. The fixing member is mounted in the hub body, is mounted around an end of the axle, and has a first end and an elongated engaging protrusion. The elongated engaging protrusion is formed on and protrudes from the first end of the fixing member.

Abstract: Device for driving a common shaft by pushing and pulling hand movements, that comprises respective driving bars for the left and right hands, and a mechanical unit that converts both the forward and backward movements of the pushed, respectively pulled driving bars to rotate a driven shaft, wherein respective biased rope drums (28, 29; 61, 62) are provided at both sides of the driven shaft, and on the rope drums respective ropes (30, 60) are arranged as windings, and the driving bars (15, 16; 51) are interconnected and pivoted around a common shaft (17, 52), the ropes are coupled to the respective driving bars in such a way that at one of the two sides an assembly is provided that reverses the direction of the rope displacement to become opposite to the direction of the displacement of the associated driving bar (16).

Abstract: A wheel hub transmission unit for a drive wheel of a vehicle is provided. The wheel hub transmission unit includes a wheel axle, a pinion hub carrier concentrically arranged with respect to the wheel axle, a pinion mounted in a torsionally rigid manner onto said pinion hub carrier and configured to drive the drive wheel, and a torque transmission device having a transmission sleeve. The transmission sleeve is made from a magnetically coded material and includes a measuring area that is utilized to measure a torque by utilizing magnetic properties of the magnetically coded material of the transmission sleeve. An annular space is radially provided between the transmission sleeve and the wheel axle in the measuring area with a sensor coil being accommodated therein, the annular space being axially accessible from outside the transmission sleeve.

Abstract: An electric vehicle comprises an electric motor which generates a driving power for driving a wheel; and a battery case accommodating a plurality of batteries storing DC power to be supplied to the electric motor, in a battery space in an interior of the battery case, wherein the battery case has a shape which covers the electric motor above and forward.

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes an electric motor which generates a driving power for driving a wheel, a battery storing DC power to be supplied to the electric motor, a battery case accommodating the battery in a battery space in an interior of the battery case, an inverter which converts the DC power supplied from the battery and supplies electric power to the electric motor, and an electric wire connecting the inverter to the electric motor. The electric wire runs through an internal space of the battery case, and may penetrate an upper surface of the battery case, protrude upward, and connect to an inverter placed on an upper portion of the battery case. The electric wire may run through a cooling passage in the internal space. The electric wire may be interposed between the electric motor and the inverter. The electric wire may run vertically through the internal space.

Abstract: A derailleur system is provided that moves the derailleur cage in a substantially rectilinear path. The derailleur is mounted to a frame having a gear cassette mounted thereon. The gear cassette includes an axis of rotation. The derailleur includes a drive member engaging the gear cassette. The derailleur is positioned on the frame adjacent the gear cassette, and including a spatial linkage having a stationary link, a floating link, and a cage assembly having two pulleys each defining an axis of rotation. The drive member engages each of the pulleys. The path of the floating link is substantially linear through substantially its entire range of motion and variously aligns at least one of the pulleys with the gear cassette.

Abstract: A boat lift with hydraulically or mechanically actuated arms which self-installs a fitted three-dimensional boat cover on a powerboat. The control logic of the system allows for cover operation only when the lift is raised. A spring-tensioned roller keeps the cover tight and self-rolls the cover on the roller when the actuated arms are pivoted forward. The roller is hidden behind the boat in ‘cover-on’ position. A slip clutch prevents the torsion spring from being over tightened. The forward position of the roller is adjusted by adjusting the hydraulic cylinder length. The rearward position of the roller is adjusted by limiting the retracted position of the hydraulic cylinder. A non-hydraulic embodiment actuates the cover when the lift is operated.

Abstract: A watercraft is provided with a watercraft body and a storage container. The watercraft body includes a hull and a deck. The deck is provided on the hull. The storage container is attached to the watercraft body. The storage container includes an access opening and an annular sidewall. The access opening opens upward relative to the deck. The annular sidewall has an upper end, a lower end and an interior storage space between the upper end and the lower end. The lower end of the annular sidewall defines a bottom opening with a cross sectional area that is larger than a cross sectional area of the upper end of the annular sidewall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vessel having a superstructure that is movable to increase and/or reduce space in one of at least two zones on the deck of the vessel. The invention further relates to an amphibious vehicle having motive pods that move in an athwartship direction and then downwardly when the motive pods are deployed. The invention further provides for a ramp arrangement for a vessel that allows for an increased amount of deck space, and facilitates ingress and/or egress from the vessel by cargo or passengers.

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, the invention is directed to a watercraft that includes a selectively attachable motor mount.

Abstract: This invention relates to recreational flotation devices, and particularly to floating mattresses or lounges, and to a method for manufacturing same.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a flotation device for use in aquatic physical therapy. The flotation device preferably comprises side portions that wholly or partly surround the user, and permit the user's elbow(s) and/or forearms to rest upon and be supported thereby. The flotation device also preferably has at least one handgrip permitting the user to easily hold onto and be supported by the flotation device. Additionally, the present invention comprises methods of making and using such a flotation device.

Abstract: This invention discloses an inflator mechanism for rafts and life vests that performs a multitude of functions required for rescue and underwater deployment of personnel and devices. The inner cylinder in this disclosure is actuated by a plethora of inputs, manual, automatic selectable pressure sensing, or dualled hydrostatic sensors which can each be safely selected by function selection. Since the inflator uses spring discs to drive a penetrator which mechanically punctures a membrane of an inflation gas source and actuated by an electronically controlled solenoid, dissolvable elements, conductivity switches and preset check valve actuators are eliminated increasing the safety and reliability of the actuator. Electronic control further permits user enabling of inflation depth actuation and the multiple water sensors prevent failure of actuation due to splashes and humidity effects on sensors.

Abstract: A multi-layer wetsuit material comprises: an inner fabric layer adjacent to a wearer's skin, an aluminum-foil layer adhered on the inner fabric layer, a rubber or neoprene foam layer adhered to the aluminum-foil layer, and an outer fabric layer opposite to the inner fabric layer adhered on the rubber foam layer, whereby the aluminum-foil layer will reflect the body heat, as radiated from the wearer's skin, backwards towards the wearer's skin to keep the wearer warm.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle able to float on the surface of the water comprises a body delimited at least partially by a curved surface, the body defining an enclosure, the underwater vehicle comprising an arm mounted with at least one emitter or at least one receiver of electromagnetic waves, the arm being linked to the body by an articulation joint with a degree of freedom in rotation about an axis of rotation, the articulation joint allowing the arm to pivot reversibly between a retracted position, in which the arm is housed in the enclosure and is flush with the curved surface of the body, and a deployed position in which the arm extends out of the enclosure, the arm comprising a curved outer surface along the length of the arm, being flush with the curved surface of the body when the arm is in its retracted position.

Abstract: Vehicles designed to use ground effect forces to control a positioning of the vehicle relative to a surface as well as their methods of use are described.

Abstract: Vehicles designed to use ground effect forces to control a positioning of the vehicle relative to a surface as well as their methods of use are described.

Abstract: A water drone capable of navigating on the surface, or below the surface, of a body of water. In some embodiments such a vehicle is light-weight, electric-powered, and propeller-driven, and may be operated by remote control from the shore and guided with simple autopilot commands. The vehicle may have two actuators at the rear of the vehicle, each including a motor and a propeller, and each capable of producing forward or reverse thrust. The vehicle may be capable of travelling horizontally through the surf zone and diving vertically through the water column to the seafloor. The vehicle may monitor its own location and depth and may measure environmental conditions such as water temperature; such measurements may be communicated back to the operator using a telemetry system.

Abstract: An apparatus including a frame; a drive wheel coupled to the frame; first and second foot links operably coupled to said drive wheel to transfer power to said drive wheel so as to propel the apparatus; and each of said first and second foot links including a pivoting foot platform for receiving an operator's foot, said pivoting foot platform pivotally coupled to one of said first and second foot links so as to allow angular travel of the pivoting foot platform, the apparatus including one or more features to limit the angular travel of said pivoting foot platform.

Abstract: A method of controlling trim position of two or more propulsion devices on a marine vessel includes receiving a running trim position for the two or more propulsion devices and receiving at least one of a steering input value or a roll angle of the marine vessel. An adjusted trim position for each of the at least two propulsion devices is then determined based on the running trim position and the steering input value or the roll angle of the marine vessel. A trim actuator for each propulsion device is then operated to move each propulsion device toward its respective adjusted trim position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering control device for boats that includes a drive shaft, the rotation of which in one direction or in the opposite direction, by way of a control member, such as a steering wheel or helm mounted or mountable thereon, causes a steering input for an outboard motor or rudder. The steering input is generated by a transmission member, housed into a case, configured to transmit the rotational motion of the shaft to an actuator, associated or associable to the motor or rudder, through a transmission circuit. The device includes a first stationary part configured to be fastened on the bridge of the boat and a second movable part integral with the case of the transmission member.

Abstract: A marine drive has an internal combustion engine that rotates a propulsor shaft that is operatively coupled to a propulsor to impart a propulsive thrust in water. The marine drive has a gearcase housing having an upper portion above a lower portion, the lower portion supporting the propulsor shaft. An exhaust passage in the gearcase housing is configured to convey exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. An exhaust outlet on the upper portion of the gearcase housing is configured to discharge the exhaust gas from the exhaust passage to the water. The exhaust outlet faces the propulsor so that the exhaust gas is discharged into the water and towards the propulsor so as to aerate the water encountered by the propulsor.

Abstract: A steering control system for a watercraft includes a pivoting steering tiller manually operated and operatively connected to a direction changing member acting on or into the water, such as a rudder blade or an outboard motor; and a system locking the steering tiller in the steering position, which can be activated for keeping the tiller in a predetermined pivoting position and deactivated for allowing the tiller to be moved in a pivoting position to carry out a change in direction. According to the invention the locking system is switchable by way of switching actuators that are controlled by a control member provided on the arm.

Abstract: A self-aligning structural attachment and a corresponding method are disclosed. The self-aligning structural attachment includes a main body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the main body is attached to (i) a CIP of a support system and (ii) a clevis on an airframe of an aircraft. Further, the self-aligning structural attachment includes a first attachment fitting disposed on the proximal end, wherein the first attachment fitting is a slide-and-swivel attachment fitting. Still further, the self-aligning structural attachment includes a second attachment fitting disposed on the distal end, wherein the second attachment fitting is a slide attachment fitting. Yet still further, the self-aligning structural attachment includes a pivoting hinge disposed between the first attachment fitting and the second attachment fitting.

Abstract: An improved high-voltage AC power supply energizes and regulates plasma actuators for aerodynamic flow control. Such plasma actuators are used, for example, on aerodynamic surfaces, wind turbine blades, and the like for vehicle control, drag or noise reduction, or efficient power generation. Various embodiments of the power supply are small, compact, lightweight, portable, modular, self-contained in its own housing, easily replaceable and swappable, autonomous, self-cooling, and/or gangable in series or parallel to provide any desired control authority over the selected surface. In some embodiments, the parameters for the plasma electronics can be manually selected and pre-programmed for a specific application, while in preferred embodiments, the plasma electronics can automatically identify the appropriate parameters and self-tune the performance of the plasma actuators.

Abstract: A braided composite spar or preform for a braided composite spar, comprising a plurality of tubular plies of braided fibers, wherein the spar or preform extends lengthwise from a root to a tip, and the spar or preform has a tapered portion in which each ply has a height which reduces and a width which increases as it extends toward the tip. The spar or preform can be used to provide a tubular main spar for a winglet. The winglet also has a front spar with a front spar web, an upper front spar cap, and a lower front spar cap. An upper skin of the winglet is joined to the braided spar and the upper front spar cap. A lower skin of the winglet is joined to the braided spar and the lower front spar cap.

Abstract: Sounds are generated by an aerial vehicle during operation. For example, the motors and propellers of an aerial vehicle generate sounds during operation. Disclosed are systems, methods, and apparatus for actively adjusting the position of one or more propeller blade treatments of a propeller blade of an aerial vehicle during operation of the aerial vehicle. For example, the propeller blade may have one or more propeller blade treatments that may be adjusted between two or more positions. Based on the position of the propeller blade treatments, the airflow over the propeller is altered, thereby altering the sound generated by the propeller when rotating. By altering the propeller blade treatments on multiple propeller blades of the aerial vehicle, the different sounds generated by the different propeller blades may effectively cancel, reduce, and/or otherwise alter the total sound generated by the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an irreversible clutch to prevent back-drive. The irreversible clutch may transfer torque and/or rotation received at a first end to a second end, but may not transfer torque and/or rotation received at the second end to the first end. The irreversible clutch may prevent unintended adjustment of one or more rudder pedals and/or a rudder pedal assembly.

Abstract: A vertical thrust lever has a first range of motion and is configured to output a first signal level where the first signal level is based at least in part on the position of the vertical thrust lever and the first signal level is used to control a first set of rotors which rotate in a horizontal plane. A controller has a second range of motion and is configured to output a second signal level where the second signal level is based at least in part on the position of the controller and the second signal level is used to control a second set of rotors which rotate in a vertical plane.

Abstract: A pylon assembly for a tiltrotor aircraft includes a fixed pylon having an outboard end. A rotor assembly is rotatably coupled to the fixed pylon and is operable to rotate between a generally vertical orientation in a vertical takeoff and landing mode and a generally horizontal orientation in a forward flight mode. The rotor assembly includes a proprotor operable to produce a generally vertical slipstream in the vertical takeoff and landing mode and a generally horizontal slipstream in the forward flight mode. A wing extension is rotatably coupled to the outboard end of the fixed pylon. The wing extension is operable to rotate generally with the rotor assembly such that a minimal dimension of the wing extension remains in the slipstream of the proprotor.

Abstract: A system for a tail-sitter aircraft includes a fuselage having one or more propellers, a wing structure coupled to the fuselage, and a drag rudder assembly coupled to the wing structure, the drag rudder assembly including a first planar member that is coupled to a second planar member. The drag rudder assembly is configured to produce a stabilizing force on the wing structure during higher speeds of the aircraft in tandem rotor flight.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a passenger pod assembly transportation system includes a transportation services provider computing system and a plurality of flying frame flight control systems, wherein the system is configured to receive, at the transportation services provider computing system, a request for transportation of a passenger pod assembly having a current location and a destination; upload a flight plan to a flight control system of a flying frame including an airframe and a propulsion system; dispatch the flying frame to the current location of the passenger pod assembly; couple the flying frame to the passenger pod assembly at the current location of the passenger pod assembly; transport the passenger pod assembly by air from the current location of the passenger pod assembly to the destination of the passenger pod assembly; and decouple the passenger pod assembly from the flying frame at the destination of the passenger pod assembly.