Abstract: A tailgate assembly capable of extending the volume of a truck bed having a first panel with a first end and a second end, with the first end rotatably connected to a truck bed, a second panel with a first end, a second end, and at least one side end, with the first end of the second panel rotatably connected to the second end of the first panel, and at least one folding panel rotatable connected to a side end of the second panel.

Abstract: An aerodynamic device for a trailer is provided that includes an air fairing or skirt that smoothly transitions into a fender for the wheels of the trailer. The aerodynamic device may be a substantially unibody member that has a forward region, a transition region, and a rear region. The first region defines the aerodynamic skirt beneath the trailer and the second planar region defines the fender for wheels of the trailer such that the fairing smoothly transitions from the skirt beneath the trailer to the fender covering the wheels based the shape of the bend in the transition region.

Abstract: A motor vehicle active wing apparatus comprising a wing assembly, wherein the wing assembly comprises pitch adjustment means for adjusting a pitch angle of the wing assembly, the pitch adjustment means comprising a pitch adjustment actuator for adjusting the pitch angle, the apparatus being configured to allow adjustment of the pitch angle by means of the pitch actuator in real time whilst the vehicle is travelling.

Abstract: A vehicle understructure includes a flow adjusting member provided rearward of a protruding member protruding further toward a vehicle lower side than a lower surface of a rocker panel, a front bumper, or a rear bumper as viewed from a vehicle width direction, the flow adjusting member being configured to adjust an air flow that flows from a vehicle front side toward a vehicle rear side along the protruding member during traveling of a vehicle. The flow adjusting member has a main part and a guide part provided at a lower part of an end part of the flow adjusting member, the guide part being inclined with respect to the main part toward the vehicle rear side such that a distance between the guide part and a rear end of the vehicle reduces toward an end part of the guide part in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automobile, comprising an automobile body, wheels, a suspension device and a spoiler. The path of a fluid flowing through a lower spoiler surface is longer than the path of the fluid flowing through the upper spoiler surface, so that a lift force generated in the driving process of the automobile is reduced or even eliminated. The general understanding that the wheels bear the dead weight of the automobile, loads and all weights generated by the gravitational acceleration is changed. The dead weight of the automobile body is reduced by the lift force generated by the automobile body, the road holding of the automobile is improved after the wheels eliminate the lift force, and thus, the automobile can save more energy and can run more safely.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to an improved fifth-wheel hitch which features a pivotally-mounted head assembly. The hitch assembly has a rocker assembly which allows for the pivotal movement of the head during mounting. The rocker can be secured in a fixed position during transport. A multi-point jaw assembly is also provided. A rail kit adaptor and gooseneck adaptor are also provided. The assembly is light and engineered for quick and efficient installation and use in the bed of a truck.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handlebar locking mechanism and a handlebar locking device, each of which (i) can be used for a moving body whose traveling direction is changed with a handlebar and (ii) which makes it difficult to unlock the handlebar by a forcible method such as breaking. The handlebar locking device (20) includes an engagement hole (11c) made in a steering column (11a), a lock pin (31) which locks a handlebar (5) in a case where a pin tip part (31a) of the lock pin (31) is engaged with the engagement hole (11c), and a lock pin drive mechanism which (i) moves, in a case where the handlebar (5) is to be locked, the lock pin (31) so that the pin tip part (31a) is engaged with the engagement hole (11c) and (ii) moves, in a case where the handlebar (5) is to be unlocked, the lock pin (31) so that the pin tip part (31a) is removed from the engagement hole (11c).

Abstract: A bicycle controlling device including a lifting controller, a shifting controller, a height adjusting assembly, an electric rear derailleur and a seat height controller is disclosed. The lifting controller and the shifting controller are respectively adapted to generate and emit a lifting control signal or a shifting control signal. The height adjusting assembly is positioned in the seat tube and can be controllably lifted or fixed at a height. The seat height controller is fixed to the seat tube, and includes a wireless signal receiver, a control circuit and a motor. The wireless signal receiver is adapted to receive/transmit the lifting/shifting control signal to the control circuit, which is electrically connected with the electric rear derailleur and the motor, and controls the motor/the electric rear derailleur with the received lifting/shifting control signal. The motor can mechanically control the lifting of the height adjusting assembly or fix its height.

Abstract: A rider's apparel assembly for indicating turns includes a jacket that is configured to position over a torso and arms of a user. A power module and a plurality of first lights are coupled to the jacket. The first lights are positioned on and distributed between sleeves of the jacket. Each of a pair of controllers is positioned below an end of a respective sleeve proximate to a respective hand of the user. The controller is coupled to the power module and the first lights that are positioned on the respective sleeve. The controller is positioned to selectively couple the first lights to the power module to indicate the user's intent to execute a turn corresponding to the respective sleeve. A second light is reversibly couplable to the jacket and is operationally couplable to the power module. The second light is configured to render the user visible to others.

Abstract: A bicycle hub unit configured to be stably coupled to a frame of a bicycle includes a hub axle and a rotation restriction member. The hub axle is configured to be coupled to the frame of the bicycle. The rotation restriction member is configured to couple the hub axle to the frame so that rotation relative to the hub axle and the frame is restricted. At least one of the hub axle and the rotation restriction member has a cable guide structure configured to guide a cable, which electrically connects an electric component and an electronic component, in a region including the rotation restriction member in an axial direction parallel to a center longitudinal axis of the hub axle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle, comprising a vehicle body, in particular a self-supporting vehicle body, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one drive which can be supplied by an energy store; and has a front wheel axle and a rear wheel axle.

Abstract: A racing bicycle handlebar includes a transverse support connected to a front part and is, in particular, designed in one piece. Two lower handle elements are connected to the transverse support. In order to design additional handle elements which are optionally elastic, two upper handle elements are connected to the transverse support.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar cushioning assembly includes a mount for positioning on and releasably engaged by and retained on bicycle handlebars. The mount releasably snaps onto and frictionally engages the bicycle handlebars. The mount has a first end and a second end and is elongated from the first end to the second end. A cushioning member is non-removably attached to the mount. The cushioning member is resiliently compressible.

Abstract: A bicycle brake pad of friction-wearing material that has at least one heat-dissipating element associated with the friction-wearing material.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for connecting a crank arm of a bicycle crankset or the like to a crankshaft, in a selected one of at least two modes. In one available mode, a crank arm is oriented to the crankshaft at a fixed angle about the axis of rotation of the crankshaft. In another available mode, a crank arm can be rotated freely about the crankshaft in a first direction but is connected drivingly to the crankshaft by a pawl so as to rotate the crankshaft in an opposite second direction. In a third available mode, the pedal crank arm is free to rotate in either direction with respect to the crankshaft through a limited angle of rotation beyond which a pawl in one member of the drive mechanism will engage another member and cause the crank arm to rotate the crankshaft.

Abstract: A control system for an electric bike includes a controller which has a first Bluetooth transmitting unit connected to a mobile device by a wireless way. The mobile device includes a second Bluetooth transmitting unit, a detector and an operation application. The user calls a learning application which learns the operation application that currently operates the bike in different situations, and then the learning application takes over the control of the bike, Therefore, the user does not need a hand to operate the mobile device to control the bike.

Abstract: A bicycle control device that easily maintains the ratio of the assist force generated by a motor to the human drive force input to a bicycle at a predetermined ratio includes an electronic controller that controls a transmission, which is configured to change the transmission ratio of the bicycle, and the motor, which assists propulsion of the bicycle. The electronic controller is configured to control the motor so that the ratio of the assist force generated by the motor to the human drive force inputted to the bicycle becomes equal to the predetermined ratio. The electronic controller is configured to control the transmission in correspondence with at least one of the output torque of the motor and the human drive force to maintain the predetermined ratio.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bicycle shaft transmission assembly including a bottom bracket engaged with a crank in a front part and a wheel hub in a rear part, a front main gear mounted on the bottom bracket, a rear main gear mounted on the wheel hub, a transmission shaft eccentrically arranged between the front main gear and the rear main gear. The front main gear is matched with a front end gear, and the rear main gear is matched with a rear end gear. The front main gear is externally provided with a front housing, the transmission shaft is externally provided with a transmission shaft housing, the rear main gear is externally provided with a rear housing, a front end of the transmission shaft housing is engaged with the front housing, a rear end of the transmission shaft housing is engaged with the rear housing.

Abstract: An open water transport system for payloads and a method for transporting payloads. The system includes two sponsons substantially parallel to the other. The sponsons are spaced apart from each other and extending in a forward direction. A deck plate module is detachably mounted on top of each sponson. A superstructure may be detachably mounted to the deck plate modules. The superstructure may bear a weight of one or more payloads. The carriage assembly couples to the payload(s). The carriage assembly has an adjustment mechanism that permits an operator to redistribute the weight of a payload. The open water transport system is towed by another vehicle.

Abstract: Device mountable on a surface (10), the device comprising a spacer system (12, 16, 20, 22) and a grid structure (2) which grid structure (2) is attached in spaced relation to the surface (10) by means of the spacer system (12, 16, 20, 22), wherein the distance between the surface (10) and the grid structure (2) is in a range from >0.1 ?m to <10 mm, wherein the grid structure (2) forms meshes of a mesh size in a range from >0.5 ?m to <8 mm, and wherein the surface of the grid structure (2) is at least partially amphiphobic. Method of maintaining a gas or air layer on a surface when the surface is immersed in a liquid or water comprising such device, and uses thereof.

Abstract: A salvaging device, particularly for a personal device such as a smartphone dropped into a body of water. A housing has an opening and a gas cartridge. A triggering mechanism is further packed within the housing, which includes a lever arm. A main spring is above the lever arm cocking the lever arm in a downward position. A plunger is aligned with the gas cartridge. A water-soluble retainer abuts the lever, wherein upon the retainer dissolving in a water environment, the main spring recoils to thereby unload the plunger into the gas cartridge such that gas can exit the opening. A balloon is connected at the opening inflatable by the gas to thereby provide a buoyancy force to the handheld device upon inflation.

Abstract: A boat includes a hull provided with a rear stern hatch located in correspondence with an internal stern compartment of the hull and suitable for opening and closing in correspondence with an aperture of the compartment. The hatch having a body with opposed sides located in correspondence with side walls of the compartment and upper edge and lower edge. The hull having a stern platform that is movable and submersible. The hatch is not provided with any direct connections to the hull, but it is connected to the stern platform to reach, upon opening, a position submersed in the water where the boat is located in the moment when the platform submerges into the water.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a pressure tolerant energy system. The pressure tolerant energy system may comprise a pressure tolerant cavity and an energy system enclosed in the pressure tolerant cavity configured to provide electrical power to the vehicle. The energy system may include one or more battery cells and a pressure tolerant, programmable management circuit. The pressure tolerant cavity may be filled with an electrically-inert liquid, such as mineral oil. In some embodiments, the electrically-inert liquid may be kept at a positive pressure relative to a pressure external to the pressure tolerant cavity. The energy system may further comprise a pressure venting system configured to maintain the pressure inside the pressure tolerant cavity within a range of pressures. The pressure tolerant cavity may be sealed to prevent water ingress.

Abstract: A saddle for an aquatic board is disclosed. The saddle is equipped with a strap or straps and/or edge wise clamps, or other suitably firm fastener, to engage and maintain position on the aquatic board positioned beneath the saddle. A user can then stand on the board and squeeze the saddle between their knees and ankles and maintain an enhanced balance on the board or, if fatigued, can sit or kneel alongside or on the saddle and paddle/ride from a seated or kneeling position. The saddle may be inflatable or solid and may include an inner void for storage for personal effects or equipment. The saddle may further include a speaker, cup holder, handles, or other optional features.

Abstract: A propulsion device includes a platform which provides support for a passenger. The platform comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, and cooperates with means for collecting and distributing a pressurized fluid to a primary nozzle expelling the fluid from a fluid outlet in a fluid expulsion direction. The means are supplied with pressurized fluid by a fluid supply conduit. The primary nozzle is oriented substantially from the bow to the stern of the platform. The fluid expulsion direction of the primary nozzle is located in a median plane of the platform. The fluid expulsion direction of the primary nozzle describes defines an angle comprised between ?10° and +45° with a longitudinal axis of the platform contained in the median plane. The means for collecting and distributing a fluid cooperate with the platform by an embedding link.

Abstract: A board pocket or flap shaped device to store objects on a flat rigid or semi-rigid surface for convenient retrieval. The board pocket may be used during a board sport and attached to a board such as a surfboard, paddle-board, kite-surfing board, wake-board, or wind-surfing board. The pocket may also be used for boards used in land and air sports such as skateboards and sky-surf boards. The board pocket employs a thermo-elastic polymer to grip, by friction, the objects to be stored therein. Any objects, for example, surfwax or car keys may be stored and retrieved from the board through a slit or opening in the pocket. The pocket is attached to the board by an adhesive or fastener.

Abstract: Disclosed, as a device for correcting the horizontality of the small ship according to the present invention, is a device for controlling the horizontality of a small ship by using a variable mast, the device comprising: a tilt sensing unit for sensing the tilt of the small ship; a position adjustment unit formed such that at least a portion thereof can move in the horizontal direction on the deck of the small ship, and having a separate mast loaded on an upper part thereof to support the mast such that the mast is located at a predetermined height or higher; and a horizontality control unit for correcting the center of gravity of the small ship by adjusting a position of the mast through the position adjustment unit in correspondence to the tilt sensed by the tilt sensing unit.

Abstract: A submersible marine lighting apparatus is provided that includes voltage up-conversion and that is configured to intensify emitted light by reducing a transmission angle of the light through one or more techniques including increasing the distance between the light emitter and an optical lens.

Abstract: A fender positioning system that enables a boat operator to safely and conveniently deploy boat fenders when needed at reduced cost, comprising a boat fender, one or two motors, and lines connecting the boat, fender, and motor(s).

Abstract: This invention reveals a collar life preserver for water sports or similar that includes a compressed inflatable life preserver (1), a cartridge (2) that is filled with CO2, a solenoid valve (3) in connection with the cartridge (2), a discharge valve (4), a sensor (5) associated with a microprocessor (6) programmed with an algorithm and emission/reception means between the valve (3) and the microprocessor (6). The inflatable collar (1) presents a sensor (5) associated with the microprocessor (6) programmed with an algorithm that constantly receives information of the user's body functions and is capable of determining when the user is unconscious.

Abstract: Methods and systems to provide breathing air to underwater divers in response to the divers' respiration at pressures less than 25 psi above atmospheric pressure during inspiration while delivering no or minimal air during exhalation, by controlling the actions of a pump during the time course of breathing. Methods and systems that sense a diver's need for breathing air, determine inhalation demand or exhalation state, and control the operation of a pump which delivers breathing gas to the diver via a tube. An integrated system for the same which incorporates at least an energy source (26), pump (28), air tube (30), breathing aperture (10), sensor (20), and logic processor (24) is disclosed.

Abstract: A trim-tilt device includes a first electric motor electrically connected to a power source and tilts an outboard motor body in an up-and-down direction. A steering device includes a second electric motor electrically connected to the power source. The steering device turns the outboard motor body in a right-and-left direction. A fuel pump is electrically connected to the power source, and supplies fuel to an engine. A controller limits an inrush current into the first electric motor using a PWM control for a predetermined period of time from a starting time point of an input current into the first electric motor.

Abstract: An electric inboard motor for a boat, includes a main body, a motor, a motor controller, a motor mounting base, a paddle, a paddle shall, a speed-adjusting handle assembly and a main body overturning locking mechanism. The speed-adjusting handle assembly further includes a speed-adjusting handle spindle, an axle sleeve, a handle sleeve, a button, a spring and at stop, block; one end of a handle shell is fixedly connected with the stop block, and the handle sleeve abuts against a stepped face of the stop block, the speed-adjusting handle spindle is connected with the handle shell in a rotation manner, the speed-adjusting handle spindle is connected with the axle sleeve through a first pin, the axle sleeve is fixedly connected with the button, and the axle sleeve is connected with the stop block in a rotation manner and connected with the handle sleeve.

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: An aircraft includes: a plurality of rotor units each including a propeller and a motor that drives the propeller; a balloon that laterally covers the plurality of rotor units, across the height of the plurality of rotor units in the up-and-down direction; a camera that protrudes, along a predetermined axis, beyond the balloon; and a holding component that holds the camera and whose overall length can be shortened along the predetermined axis.

Abstract: A moisture management system for use in an aircraft incorporates a bladder supported between adjacent structural members between a skin and a sidewall panel. The bladder is configured to passively expand to contact at least one of the structural members as a pressure decreases during an ascent of the aircraft and to collapse as the pressure increases during a descent of the aircraft.

Abstract: A panel for a vehicle and a method for manufacturing the panel are provided. One panel has two sides forming a corner having a profile that is substantially non-orthogonal and a substructure is provided having a protrusion extending from a body of the substructure towards a surface of the panel.

Abstract: A drainage system for an aircraft is taught herein. The drainage system includes a drain tube defining an orifice. The drainage system further includes a cover movable between a first cover position and a second cover position. The cover is configured to overlay the orifice when the cover is in the first cover position. The cover is configured to expose the orifice when the cover is in the second cover position. The cover is configured to move between the first cover position and the second cover position in the presence of air pressure.

Abstract: A method for aligning a first door and a second door includes steps of: (1) moving the first door and the second door from an opened position toward a closed position; (2) engaging a striker arm with a cam of a follower mechanism; (3) aligning a first mating edge and a second mating edge by moving the cam along a second follower surface of the striker arm; (4) separating the first mating edge from the second mating edge by engaging the cam to an apex of the striker arm; (5) aligning the first mating edge and the second mating edge by moving the cam along a first follower surface of the striker arm; (6) maintaining alignment of the first mating edge and the second mating edge by engaging a convex first rail coupled with a concave second rail; and (7) disengaging the cam from the first follower surface.

Abstract: A floor panel for installation in an aircraft includes a plurality of thermoplastic C-shaped stringers, a consolidated thermoplastic deltoid filler, a thermoplastic upper facing sheet, and a thermoplastic lower facing sheet. The stringers are disposed in a parallel arrangement with one another. The deltoid filler is disposed within a longitudinally-extending notch defined by a pair of adjacent stringers. The upper facing sheet covers an upper surface of the stringers and the deltoid filler. The lower facing sheet covers a lower surface of the stringers and the deltoid filler. The stringers, the deltoid filler, and the upper and lower facing sheets are integrally consolidated forming a unitary construction.

Abstract: A vehicle with a fairing and a sliding door that is glidingly mounted to the vehicle, wherein the sliding door is associated with a foldable fairing integrated footstep unit, and wherein the foldable fairing integrated footstep unit comprises: an outer shell that is integrated into the fairing of the vehicle, the outer shell comprising an exterior surface that creates in closed state of the foldable fairing integrated footstep unit an at least approximately continuous aerodynamic surface with the fairing.

Abstract: Wing-to-fuselage joints and aircraft including the same. An aircraft includes a fuselage with an outer fuselage skin that at least partially defines an outer surface of the fuselage and a wing assembly operably coupled to the fuselage via a wing-to-fuselage joint. The wing assembly includes a left wing region with a lower left-wing-region skin and an upper left-wing-region skin, a right wing region with a lower right-wing-region skin and an upper right-wing-region skin, and a center wing region with a lower center-wing-region skin. The outer fuselage skin is coextensive with the lower center-wing-region skin.

Abstract: Wing-to-fuselage joints and aircraft including the same. An aircraft includes a fuselage with an outer fuselage skin that at least partially defines an outer surface of the fuselage and a wing assembly operably coupled to the fuselage via a wing-to-fuselage joint. The wing assembly includes a left wing region with a lower left-wing-region skin and an upper left-wing-region skin, a right wing region with a lower right-wing-region skin and an upper right-wing-region skin, and a center wing region with a lower center-wing-region skin and an upper center-wing-region skin. The upper center-wing-region skin is coextensive with at least one of the upper left-wing-region skin and the upper right-wing-region skin.

Abstract: An inflatable panel comprising two flexible face sheets and a core located between the two flexible face sheets, and lateral joining members configured to be joined to an aircraft structure and coupled to the inflatable panel. The lateral joining members cover at least part of the linear contour of the two flexible face sheets and have a first part covering an edge portion adjacent to the contour of one of the face sheets and a second part covering an edge portion adjacent to the contour of the other face sheet.

Abstract: An aircraft (1) having a wing (3) and a wing tip device (4) at the tip of the wing (3), the wing tip device (4) having front and rear spars (14, 13), wherein the wing tip device (4) has a cross-brace spar (18) that links the front and rear spars and is oriented such that it is oblique to the front and rear spars (14, 13).

Abstract: A track container for receiving the track of a lift device actuator is disclosed. The track container is elastically deformable from a rest position to a deflected position to accommodate the track. The track container includes a guide member in the form of a leaf spring configured to guide the track into the track container.

Abstract: In a first aspect, there is a method for improving a lift to drag ratio of a rotor blade, including providing a blade member having a leading edge and a trailing edge; providing a leading edge extension member; and coupling the leading edge extension member to a portion of the leading edge of the blade member to form the rotor blade. In a second aspect, there is a rotor blade including a blade member having a leading edge, and a trailing edge; and a leading edge extension member disposed on the leading edge of the blade member, wherein the leading edge extension member is configured to extend the chord length of at least a portion of the rotor blade. In a third aspect, there is a leading edge extension member for a rotor blade including a convex exterior surface configured to extend at least a portion of the chord length of the rotor blade.

Abstract: Aircraft are configured to facilitate propeller blade pitch adjustability. According to one example, an aircraft can include a plurality of propellers, where each propeller includes plurality of blades. At least one pitch adjust mechanism may be associated with at least on propeller, where the pitch adjust mechanism is configured to adjust a pitch of the plurality of blades for at least one propeller in response to airflow from at least one other propeller influencing an airflow at the at least one propeller. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture for a distributed aircraft actuation system are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a collection engine to obtain first monitoring information corresponding to a first set of control surfaces of an aircraft, the first set including a first control surface on a first side of the aircraft and a second control surface on a second side of the aircraft, the second side opposite the first, and obtain second monitoring information corresponding to a second set of control surfaces of the aircraft, the second set including a third control surface on the first side and a fourth control surface on the second side.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic profiled body for an aircraft, in particular a winglet, comprising a front profiled element having a profile front edge, a rear profiled element having a profile rear edge, and an adjusting unit, which connects the front profiled element to the rear profiled element and by means of which the rear profiled element can be moved in relation to the front profiled element, wherein the adjusting unit has a front mounting device connected to the front profiled element, a rear mounting device connected to the rear profiled element, and a force-transmitting device, which connects the front mounting device and the rear mounting device to each other.