Abstract: A fluid device for a bicycle may be provided to vent fluid from a hydraulic chamber of a seating component such as an adjustable seating assembly for a bicycle. The fluid device may be operable to vent a compressible fluid or a mixed combination flow of compressible and non-compressible fluids in a metered volume. The fluid device may recycle fluids preferentially.

Abstract: A light projection system for bicycles that comprises a front light and a rear light that act in tandem to emit light on the sides and beneath the cycle to visually indicate the ‘safety space’ of the cyclist; and to use such lights to indicate cyclists' intention to other commuters. Individually, both the front and rear light can project light as wide as 330°, with sharply defined patterns and objects. The front and rear lights act in concert that allows the projection of light on a surface that is demonstrably more visible, brighter, better defined, which allows the user of such lights signal intentions to other commuters. Moreover, the lights are synchronized so the shape and outline of the projected light field is malleable, thus different shapes can be projected with no loss of luminous flux and/or sharpness.

Abstract: A bicycle electrical component is basically provided with a cover, a battery and a wireless communication unit. The cover is configured to cover an opening formed on a bicycle. The cover has a center plane bisecting the cover in a thickness direction of the cover, a first side and a second side opposite to the first side with respect to the center plane. The battery configured to be attached to the cover and to be entirely disposed on one of the first side and the second side. The wireless communication unit is configured to be attached to the cover and to be entirely disposed on the other of the first side and the second side.

Abstract: a variable-trim frame for two-wheeled vehicles has a fork able to connect a handlebar to a hub of a front wheel of the vehicle. A regulating element is provided to rotatably couple the lower portion of the shaft of the handlebar with respective portions of the blades of the fork and destined to make the fork assume a predetermined position in which it is inclined by a relative angle with respect to a perpendicular plane to the ground. A blocking device stabilizes the fork in the predetermined position.

Abstract: An all limb powered and steered front wheel drive land vehicle comprises a seat (133), a front wheel (115), a rear wheel (155), a front drive component (66) and a frame (1) wherein; the seat (133) and a rear wheel (155) are mounted on a rear portion of the frame (1); wherein the front wheel (115) and front drive component (66) are mounted on a front portion of the frame (1); wherein the front drive component (66) comprises a drive mechanism (61) for driving the front wheel (115) and a connecting rod (23)comprising two hand grips for driving the drive mechanism (61) and a lever (31) comprising two foot pegs for driving the connecting rod (23) and a fulcrum (105) mounting the lever (31) to the frame (1). Employing all four limbs of a comfortably seated rider for power and steering, this high performance bicycle converts into a tricycle by removing the rear wheel (155) and replacing it with an axle (192) and a left rear wheel (190) and a right rear wheel (191).

Abstract: A driving system for an electric vehicle comprises a motor (3) comprising a first output shaft (11) and a gearbox (17) comprising a second output shaft (27) attachable to a wheel (33) of the electric vehicle. The first output shaft (11) is capable of driving the second output shaft (27) to rotate by engagement of gears of the gearbox (17). The first output shaft (11) is hollow, and the second output shaft (27) extends through the first output shaft (11) so that the second output shaft (27) is disposed coaxially with the first output shaft (11). An electric vehicle comprising the driving system is disclosed. The driving system is possible to improve the balancing, the passing ability and the visual appearance of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A wireless control system for a bicycle may include a base part attachable to a bicycle and a movable part. The control system may also include an electric motor disposed on the electromechanical component and a control unit disposed on the electromechanical component for operating the electric motor to operate the electromechanical component, the control unit including a wireless receiver. The control system includes a wake sensor connected to the control unit, the wake sensor configured to cause the control unit and the wireless receiver to become operational in response to detected vibrations of the bicycle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a drilling tender unit. In particular, the invention relates to a drilling tender unit having a hull of trimaran or catamaran configuration.

Abstract: This disclosure refers to a device for assisting in the loading of bulk carriers even in rainy weather. Such device comprises: a smooth hose configured to be inserted into the opening of the hatch of the storage hold cover of the ship; a folding hose placed above the smooth hose and configured to absorb the movements of the bulk carrier relative to the device; an upper flange for fastening the device to the free end of the nozzle of the ship loader; and a lower flange configured to connect the device to the hatch opening of the storage hold cover of the ship. The disclosure also includes a method of loading bulk carriers using the device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pipe-like appendage for a sharp-edged pontoon of an offshore vessel, a pontoon structure comprising the pipe-like appendage and a method of converting a sharp-edged pontoon into a pontoon comprising at least one rounded-edge.

Abstract: A vessel adapted to perform subsea wellbore related operations involving a riser string between the subsea wellbore and the vessel. The vessel includes a hull having a deck, and a riser storage hold present within said hull below said deck. The riser storage hold comprising storage racks adapted to store therein parallel stacks of multiple riser sections and/or pre-assembled riser stands in a horizontal orientation. The vessel has an elongated riser transfer opening between said deck and said roof, and the riser transfer opening extending in a direction parallel to said storage racks. The vessel has horizontal rails extending along said opposite longitudinal sides of said riser transfer opening and a catwalk machine having a mobile catwalk machine frame that is movable over said horizontal rails. The catwalk machine is at least in a loading position that is above said riser transfer opening and in a riser upending position.

Abstract: A water sports board is provided to be attached to the chest of a rider and allow the rider to hold onto a tow line of a powered watercraft and be pulled across water thus riding on the board. The water sports board is strapped to the rider utilizing an integrated harness system consisting of shoulder straps that cross the back of the rider (over a flotation device such as a life vest) and attaches to the board near the waist of the rider. The bottom of the water sports board includes a fin, ribs and water directing channels for allowing the rider to maneuver the board, and a water deflector positioned at or near the front of the board for purpose of deflecting water from spraying onto the face of the rider.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mount for attaching objects, like cameras and bindings to the surfaces of a surfboard. Further disclosed is related methods of fabricating or retrofitting a surfboard with said mount. The more specific details of the disclosed mount and related methods are described in connection with the figures.

Abstract: This application describes a handlebar and handlebar end assembly for effectively locking a handlebar end to a handlebar without the use of tools or instruments. The handlebar and handlebar end assembly according to an embodiment comprises a knob, threaded stud, non-threaded expansion retaining block, threaded expansion retaining block and handlebar. According to another embodiment, a wakeboard/water sports binding/boot attachment system for more securely attaching a wakeboard/water sports binding/boot to the ski/board is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A sailing yacht (I) comprising a hull (S) and two drift blades (1,1?) coupled to said hull (S), each of said drift blades (1,1?) being fixed pivoted to said hull (S) in a symmetrical position with respect to the other blade (1?, 1) from opposite side with respect to the longitudinal axis (X) of said hull (S) for rotating independently relative to the other blade (1?,1) about a rotation axis (Y,Y?) not necessarily parallel to said longitudinal axis (X), and around a rotation vertical axis (R, R?) so as to modify the angle of incidence with respect to the flow line of the water, with the possibility when sailing of having ballast (Z,Z?) positioned in various positions dynamically modified: • each ballast (Z, Z?) attached to the respective blade (1,1?) and separated; • both ballasts (Z, Z?) attached to one drift blade (1); • both ballasts (Z, Z?) attached to the other drift blade (1?); • both ballasts (Z, Z?) attached to said two drift blades (1, 1?) and joined.

Abstract: Dry dock for building and/or dismantling navel structures Dry dock for building and/or dismantling a navel structure, including a substantially horizontal floor (1) that is located below a predetermined top level, dock side walls (3, 4, 5) extending from the floor to the top level, a closable access (9) being provided in a said side wall for moving a navel structure into the dock, wherein at least two of the side walls are at least partly slanted, having a gentle slope and a water-impervious layer. The invention also relates to a method for constructing the dry dock.

Abstract: A full face scuba mask system includes a full face scuba mask that is worn underwater. The full face scuba mask has a regulator portion and a visor portion. The regulator portion includes a regulator and an air hose. The air hose is configured to be fluidly coupled to an air source thereby facilitating a diver to breathe underwater. A valve is coupled to the air hose and the valve is positioned between the regulator and the air source. The valve is selectively positioned between an on position and an off position to selectively allow and restrict a flow of air into the regulator. A snorkel unit is movably coupled to the full face scuba mask. The snorkel unit extends out of water when the diver is near a surface of the water. Thus, the diver may breathe atmospheric air when the diver is underwater.

Abstract: The mask for surface snorkeling comprises a rigid frame (2), a transparent visor (3), a soft face mask (4) applicable in an airtight way to the face of the user and having a membrane (7) which delimits an upper viewing chamber (8) being shaped to contain the eyes of the user and a lower breathing chamber (9) being shaped to contain the nose and mouth of the user, and a breathing circuit (5) connected to the lower chamber (9), a ventilation circuit of the upper chamber (8) independent and separated from the breathing circuit (5) also being provided.

Abstract: A device (10) for detecting a signal of interest in order to locate an underwater source of the signal. The device includes a receiver (13) configured to detect the signal of interest, an actuator (14) configured to allow at least a portion of the detection device (10) to move towards a zone indicating a result of detection of the signal of interest in response to the receiver being operated, and an emitter (15) configured to indicate the result of detection of the signal of interest.

Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle includes: an underwater vehicle main body incorporating a power source; a buoy connected to the underwater vehicle main body through a rope; and an injector configured to, with the underwater vehicle main body floating on a sea surface, inject the buoy from the underwater vehicle main body by compressed gas in an obliquely upward direction.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes an engine, a fan driven by the engine to discharge air surrounding the engine, and a cowl housing the engine and the fan. The cowl includes a top cowl that is disposed above the engine and includes an exhaust pathway for exhaust to flow from the fan, and an exhaust port connected to the exhaust pathway and located on the top cowl. The exhaust port opens in a forward direction of the outboard motor.

Abstract: A cowl includes a bottom cowl, a top cowl, and a clamp device. The bottom cowl opens upward. The top cowl opens downward and closes an opening of the bottom cowl. The clamp device detachably couples the top cowl to the bottom cowl. The clamp device includes a clamp and an operating lever that operates the clamp. The clamp is disposed inside the cowl. The operating lever is disposed outside the cowl. A mating portion between the bottom cowl and the top cowl includes a first mating section and a second mating section as seen in a side view of the cowl. The first mating section extends rearward from a front end portion of the cowl. The second mating section extends upward and rearward from a rear end of the first mating section. The operating lever is located above an extension line defined by extending the first mating section rearward as seen in the side view of the cowl.

Abstract: A ballast water treatment system for producing treated seawater is described herein that includes: a reaction chamber, wherein the reaction chamber is located within a vessel; an inlet for introducing chlorine dioxide into the reaction chamber, wherein the reaction chamber is equipped with one or more turbulence inducing devices configured for inducing turbulence, wherein the turbulence inducing device is a stationary device; a second inlet for the introduction of seawater, into the reaction chamber; and an outlet from the reaction chamber, wherein the treated seawater is returned to a storage facility within the vessel or is returned to the sea.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is system comprising a lighter-than-air (LTA) device and method of making the same. In an embodiment, the system includes the LTA device, which includes a membrane having a flexible substrate and an active material disposed thereon, wherein the active material is configured to controllably change the surface area of at least a portion of the substrate when an electrical stimulus is applied to the active material. In addition, the system may include a payload box; an altitude control vent mechanism; a meteorological data collection package; a communication unit; and an antenna.

Abstract: An aircraft includes: a plurality of rotor units each including a propeller and a motor that drives the propeller; a plurality of shock absorbers including a first shock absorber and a second shock absorber different from the first shock absorber, the first shock absorber defining a first gas chamber containing a first gas that is less dense than air; and a release unit that is disposed on the first shock absorber and configured to release the first gas contained in the first gas chamber at a predetermined timing.

Abstract: A low stall or minimum control speed aircraft comprising a fuselage that has vertically flat sides; wings with high a lift airfoil profile of constant chord section set at zero degree planform sweep, twin booms having inner vertically flat surfaces, twin vertical stabilizers, a flying horizontal stabilizer; preferably twin engines having propellers and wherein each engine preferably has a thrust-line that is inclined nose-up to a maximum of +8 degrees, and is parallel to the wing chord underneath wing mounts and landing gear doors that provide surfaces for channeling propeller wash in a rearward direction; all working in concert so that the airplane has an extremely low stall speed and minimum control speed. The engines may be diesel, hydrogen fuel cell, electric fuel cell, diesel-electric, gas turbine or combinations thereof. The propellers may be counter-rotating.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for a high clearance hinge linkage. In one example, a system includes a hinge linkage configured to couple to an aircraft beam to an aircraft panel. The hinge linkage includes an aircraft beam fitting configured to couple to a web of the aircraft beam and be disposed between an upper flange and a lower flange of the aircraft beam, an aircraft panel fitting coupled to the aircraft panel, and a plurality of links. The plurality of links couple the aircraft beam fitting to the aircraft panel fitting and are configured to articulate to move the aircraft panel between at least a closed position and an open position. In certain examples, an edge of the aircraft panel is substantially aligned with a portion of the aircraft beam web in the closed position. Additional systems and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A wing airframe for a wing of a tiltrotor aircraft includes a wing airframe core assembly and a wing skin assembly disposed on the wing airframe core assembly. The wing skin assembly includes an outer skin and a damping sublayer, the damping sublayer interposed between the outer skin and the wing airframe core assembly. The tiltrotor aircraft includes a pylon assembly subject to aeroelastic movement during forward flight. The wing is subject to deflection in response to the aeroelastic movement of the pylon assembly.

Abstract: An airfoil structure comprising a torsion-box member with a cover and a spar web connected by at least one pivot joint to a leading-edge or trailing-edge member, wherein the pivot joint is configured to permit rotation of the leading-edge member, or trailing-edge member, relative to the torsion-box member between an installation position and an operational position.

Abstract: A structural assembly for an airfoil structure comprising at least one connection member configured to connect a leading-edge member, or a trailing-edge member, of an airfoil structure to a torsion-box member, such that the connection member prevents the leading-edge member, or trailing-edge member, from pivoting relative to the torsion-box member away from an operational position. At least one corresponding support is provided wherein the support is configured to be attachable to the connection member and further configured to be attachable to at least one system element.

Abstract: A leading edge skin panel for an aerodynamic structure of an aircraft. The skin panel includes attachment components for attaching the leading edge skin panel to the structure. A primary attachment component is configured to substantially prevent spanwise relative movement between the leading edge skin panel and the structure. The remaining attachment component are configured to permit a predetermined amount of spanwise relative movement between the leading edge skin panel and the structure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a modular lifting surface from a standard lifting surface, the modular lifting surface includes a central support structure including an upper skin, a lower skin and at least a first spar. The method includes providing the upper skin and the lower skin which are suitable for any of various sizes of a modular lifting surface for the standard lifting surface, wherein the upper skin and lower skin correspond to a standard upper skin and the lower skin conforms to a standard lower skin.

Abstract: An aircraft is disclosed having a wing, the wing having a fixed wing with a wing tip device moveably mounted about a hinge at the tip thereof. The wing tip device is operable between a flight configuration, and a load alleviating configuration for load alleviation during flight. The aircraft includes a restraining assembly operable between a restraining mode in which the wing tip device is held in the flight configuration using a restraining force such as by a brake, and a releasing mode in which the restraining force on the wing tip device is released, such that the wing tip device may adopt the load alleviating configuration.

Abstract: A leading edge high-lift device, that may be deployable from a wing of an aircraft, may include a leading edge and a trailing edge. A lower surface and an upper surface may both extend between the leading edge and the trailing edge. A trailing edge region may be defined by the trailing edge and an adjacent region thereto. A shaping device may be disposed at the trailing edge region and may be movable between a non-activated position and an activated position.

Abstract: A proprotor system operable for use on a tiltrotor aircraft having a helicopter flight mode and an airplane flight mode. The proprotor system includes a rotor hub and a plurality of proprotor blades coupled to the rotor hub such that each proprotor blade has three independent degrees of freedom relative to the rotor hub including blade pitch about a pitch change axis, blade flap about a flapping axis and lead-lag about a lead-lag axis. Each of a plurality of spherical bearings couples one of the proprotor blades with the rotor hub. In addition, each of a plurality of lead-lag dampers couples one of the proprotor blades with the rotor hub, wherein each lead-lag damper is aligned with the pitch change axis of the respective proprotor blade, thereby providing pitch independent lead-lag damping.

Abstract: An open rotor airfoil apparatus includes: an airfoil body having pressure and suction sides extending in span from a root to a tip, and in chord between leading and trailing edges. A majority of the leading edge in an outer portion of the airfoil body has a sweep equal to or greater than a predetermined sweep profile, selected to produce a blade-relative velocity component perpendicular to the leading edge, at a tip radius, of Mach 0.75 or less, and to produce a blade-relative velocity component perpendicular to the leading edge, at 65% of tip radius, of Mach 0.87 or less, with the blade-relative velocity component perpendicular to the leading edge varying linearly between the two limits, in the presence of transonic or supersonic relative velocity conditions. Each of the blades has a leading edge thickness greater than 0.45% of the chord, measured at a 0.5% chordwise location.

Abstract: A fuel distribution system for an aircraft having wing and fuselage fuel tanks. The system includes sensors for indicating the level of fuel in each tank and at least one selectively controllable pump for moving fuel between the fuselage tank and one or more wing tanks. A controller is configured to monitor sensed fuel levels in the wing and fuselage tanks and selectively control the pump to shift fuel between the fuselage tank and the one or more wing tanks to maintain the aircraft's longitudinal center of gravity within preselected limits.

Abstract: An improved winglet design is presented for aircraft wherein the winglet configuration is well suited for aircraft wings having moderate to no aft swept, or wings having forward swept. The winglets (302) are located at the outer end of each wing (300) and curve upwardly as they extend outwardly from their intersection (304) with the wings (300). The curvature profile (303) of the winglets (302) when viewed from the rear (or front) of the aircraft at least approximates a specified curve profile made up of more than one curved section, e.g. the winglet trailing edge profile (305) having a perpendicular projection onto a plane normal to the winglet inner or root chord (342), said projection creating a winglet profile curve approximating a compound curve composed of two arc segment (306, 307).

Abstract: A landing gear assembly (12) includes a primary load bearing strut including a shock absorber having a slider part (15) arranged to slide within a cylinder part (17). A link assembly (50) is attached between the slider part (15) and the cylinder part (17). A bogie (16) supporting wheels is mounted on the strut. The bogie may adopt different pitch angles. A pitch trimmer device (70) is attached to the bogie and to the link assembly, for example thus providing a relatively long moment arm (96) for control of the bogie pitch angle. The arrangement may be such that the pitch trimmer (70) is near mid-stroke as the aircraft achieves the full weight on wheels condition, whereas the pitch trimmer is at a fullest extent for flight case and for retraction. Onset of pitch trimmer closure/movement is used to detect the weight-on-wheels condition.

Abstract: A drive system for rotating a wheel of an aircraft landing gear is disclosed including a motor operable to rotate a drive pinion via a drive path; and a driven gear adapted to be attached to the wheel so as to be capable of rotating the wheel. The drive system has a drive configuration in which the drive pinion is capable of meshing with the driven gear to permit the motor to drive the driven gear via the drive path. The drive path includes a first compensating gear mounted on a common drive shaft with the drive pinion so as to be capable of rotating in tandem with the drive pinion, and a second compensating gear which is meshed with the first compensating gear.

Abstract: A control apparatus 300 for controlling a steering system 301 of an aircraft landing gear, the aircraft landing gear being configurable in a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The steering system 301 includes a wheel arrangement 202 including one or more wheels. The control apparatus 300 is arranged to perform a control process which includes: receiving one or more signals from one or more sensors 302a, 302b indicating a position of the wheel arrangement 202 when the landing gear is in the stowed configuration; determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied in relation to the position of the wheel arrangement 202; and, in response to determining that the predetermined condition is satisfied, performing an adjustment process to control the steering system 301 to adjust the position of the wheel arrangement 202.

Abstract: An aircraft landing gear assembly (112) including a shock absorber strut (114), a bogie (120), a link assembly (124), and a movement detector (132). The shock absorber strut includes an upper and a lower telescoping parts (118, 116), the upper part being connectable to the airframe of an aircraft and the lower part being connected to the bogie. The link assembly extends between the upper and lower telescoping parts. The movement detector detects movement of the link assembly relative to the bogie. The movement detector includes: a piston (138) arranged such that relative movement between the link assembly and the bogie causes relative movement of the piston within a cylinder (136); fluid which flows as a result of relative movement between the piston and the cylinder; and a flow sensor (184) arranged to sense a change in flow due to movement of the piston within the cylinder.

Abstract: An aircraft includes: a plurality of rotor units each including propeller and motor that drives propeller; a shock absorber covering an entire vertical length of a lateral side of the plurality of rotor units; and a plurality of rudders each being disposed downstream of a corresponding one of the plurality of rotor units and rotating about axis of rotation that extends in a direction intersecting a flow direction of air current generated by the corresponding one of the plurality of rotor units.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with improved reliability. According to one aspect of the invention, interference experienced by onboard sensors from onboard electrical components is reduced. According to another aspect of the invention, user-configuration or assembly of electrical components is minimized to reduce user errors.

Abstract: A rotary-wing aircraft and system for controlling a flight of the rotary-wing aircraft. The aircraft includes a main rotor, a propeller and a variable speed transmission for transferring power from the main rotor to the propeller. A propeller command module controls operation of the variable speed transmission. The propeller command module varies a transfer of power from the main rotor to the propeller.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a set of values for respective ones of a set of parameters used in determining rotor blade profiles for a coaxial rotor system. The method includes establishing (302) a ratio of respective desired thrusts of an upper rotor (102, 602) and a lower rotor (104, 604) of the coaxial rotor system based on a desired performance of the coaxial rotor system, and determining (304) the set of values of the set of parameters from the desired thrusts ratio based on a torque balance condition between the upper rotor and the lower rotor of the coaxial rotor system.

Abstract: A wing flapping apparatus includes a motive power source; a power transmission mechanism; and a wing unit driven by the power transmission mechanism. The power transmission mechanism includes a rotation transmission member configured to rotate upon reception of motive power transmitted from the motive power source; a slider configured to linearly reciprocate in an X-axis direction upon reception of the motive power transmitted from the rotation transmission member and a rotating body configured to reciprocate in a rotation direction upon reception of the motive power transmitted from the slider. The wing unit is configured to swing such that its distal end moves approximately in the X-axis direction as the rotating body reciprocates in the rotation direction. The power transmission mechanism further includes a pair of crank arms each configured to connect the rotation transmission member and the slider.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a navigator, comprising a gyro flying device and a cover that seals and encloses the gyro flying device. The gyro flying device is connected to the cover by a retaining mechanism. The gyro flying device comprises: a gyrorotor having an axisymmetric structure and rotatable around a central axis thereof; and a driving mechanism coaxially mounted with the gyrorotor to drive the gyrorotor to rotate around the central axis thereof, thereby manipulating rise and fall of the navigator. The retaining mechanism is further disposed to adjust an inclination angle of the gyro flying device, so as to adjust a flying direction of the navigator. The navigator has the advantages of quiet, safe, frictionless, extensive uses, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of flow diverting lift elements which, when placed in the proper orientation and propelled through a fluid, produce a lift force with improved lift versus velocity performance. The flow diverting lift elements can produce lift for rotary lift devices such as aircraft. The flow diverting lift devices include an airfoil and a diversion wall extending from an upper surface of the airfoil. The airfoil can be an annular airfoil.

Abstract: A UAV-based external wall spray printing system and a spraying method thereof, wherein a spray nozzle is disposed on the UAV. The method comprises: A. controlling a UAV to fly along edges of an external wall, and measure an area to be sprayed; B. calculating a spray trajectory for a pattern, before acquiring various positioning coordinates, establishing corresponding relationships between the coordinates and spray feature data; C. controlling the UAV to fly to positions of the area according to the respective coordinates of the spray trajectory, and calling the corresponding spray feature data to control the nozzle to spray a coating material, thus completing spraying the pattern. The spray printing system and method can rapidly spray and print an advertisement on a wall by using a UAV, thereby reducing the labor intensity and construction difficulty for construction workers.