Abstract: A clamp assembly for securing a steering column shroud, comprising: a clamp pin which passes through an opening in the shroud and having a stopper towards one end, a toothed block carried by the clamp pin having a set of rake teeth, the teeth of the block being urged into engagement with a rack of teeth fixed to a support bracket by the stopper when the clamp assembly is in the clamped condition, thereby securing the relative positions of the fixed and moving portions of the steering assembly; and a biasing means that provides a biasing force that acts in an unclamped condition to bias the stopper of the clamp pin away from the moving part to permit the rack of teeth on the block to move clear of the rack of the support bracket, in which a substantial part of the biasing force provided by the biasing means acts upon the clamp pin without passing through the toothed block.

Abstract: A locking device for an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle may include an actuating shaft that is mounted such that it can be rotated about a rotational axis, that is connected to an operative element of a clamping device, and that is coupled to a rotor of a rotational damper. The rotor may be mounted rotatably in a housing and may be capable of being driven rotationally about a rotor axis by the actuating shaft. A rotational movement of the rotor may be damped in at least one rotational direction. The rotor may have at least one blade that projects radially with regard to the rotor axis and that has a contact face that makes frictional contact with a contact track on an inner face of the housing. Such a locking device has an improved rotational damper, is less complicated to manufacture, and has high acceptance in automotive engineering.

Abstract: A drive device for a handling trolley, including: a chassis; a wheel carrier; a drive wheel; a steering motor for rotating the wheel carrier relative to the chassis; a reduction gear connecting the steering motor to the wheel carrier, the reduction gear including a planetary gear set including an internal sun gear, at least one planet gear, and a planet carrier on which the planet gear is mounted, a ring gear surrounding the internal sun gear and the planet gear. The shaft of the steering motor is fixed relative to the internal sun gear, the wheel carrier is fixed relative to either the planet carrier or the ring gear, and the chassis is fixed relative to the other one of the two components.

Abstract: A rack ball nut assembly for a vehicle steering gear has a ball nut, a ball return tube, and a tube retention clip. The ball nut has first and second recesses and the ball return tube has first and second tube portions. There is a snap fit between the first and second tube portions. The tube retention clip has first and second retention tabs. The first tab is engaged in the first recess and the second tab is engaged in the second recess. The ball return tube is secured between the ball nut and the tube retention clip.

Abstract: A control apparatus and a method of a motor driven power steering (MDPS) system are provided. The control apparatus includes: a predetermined MDPS logic device configured to determine and output a motor control value using driver steering input information and vehicle state information; a state determination device configured to determine whether a steering wheel is in a steering state or a restoration state based on the driver steering input information, and output steering wheel state information; a compensation logic device configured to determine an elasticity compensation value depending on the driver steering input information and the vehicle state information, and determine and output a target control value based on the motor control value, the elasticity compensation value and the steering wheel state information; and a motor control logic device configured to control a steering motor to generate an auxiliary steering torque depending on the target control value.

Abstract: A method is used to automatically adjust a steering angle in a steering system of a vehicle. The method includes activating a steering actuator after parking the vehicle such that the steering wheel and the steerable wheels adopt a neutral position.

Abstract: An electric motor can be accurately drive-controlled even when a failure occurs in a motor electric angle detection unit. When at least one of a resolver and an angle computation unit is diagnosed as abnormal in an initial diagnosis after a system restart, a motor electric angle initial value is estimated on a basis of a response output of a three-phase electric motor in response to input of a motor drive signal to the three-phase electric motor, a motor electric angle estimation value is calculated on a basis of an output shaft rotation angle detection value detected by an output-side rotation angle sensor and a relative offset amount estimated on a basis of the estimated motor electric angle initial value, and the three-phase electric motor is drive-controlled on a basis of the calculated motor electric angle estimation value.

Abstract: A method for detecting a situation of loss of grip of a vehicle provided with a steering system operated by a steering wheel, the method including a step (a) of evaluating a first indicator of loss of grip (P1) by calculating, as the first indicator of loss of grip (P1), the partial derivative ( P ? ? 1 = ? ? . ? ? ) , relative to a variable (?) representative of the angular position of the steering wheel, of a driving parameter which is representative of the yaw rate ({dot over (?)}) of the vehicle.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle includes a maneuvering unit, a drive unit including first and second drive sections, which are driven and controlled by drive wheel control commands, a drive wheel unit including left and right drive wheels driven by the first and second drive sections, respectively, at least one caster wheel which is controlled by a caster wheel control command, a bank detector for detecting a degree of bank of the vehicle and a control unit including a drive wheel control section for generating the drive wheel control commands. The control unit further includes a caster wheel control section which generates the caster wheel control command for controlling the steering angle of the caster wheel during a bank traversing travel, based on the bank degree so as to resolve a difference between a target travel and the actual travel which occurs during the bank traversing travel.

Abstract: A drill rig with a steering system may include a substructure having a wheelhouse, a drill floor arranged atop the substructure, a mast extending upwardly and above the drill floor, and a steering system arranged within the wheelhouse. The steering system may include a wheel assembly comprising an electric motor configured for driving rotational motion of a wheel, a deployment device configuring for deploying the wheel assembly to carry the drill rig, and a steering mechanism configured for selective engagement with the wheel assembly and rotating the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A zero-turn mower with selective steering control. The zero-turn mower includes a pair of front wheels having sprockets operably connected thereto, a drive gear rotatably disposed within a housing affixed to the mower frame, and a drive chain that couples the sprockets to the drive gear. A plate gear is slidably disposed on the frame. A pair of actuator arms bias the plate gear rearward to a first position. A pair of pedals can be depressed simultaneously to move the plate gear forward to a second position. When the plate gear is in the first position the drive gear is disengaged, and the front wheels may turn freely to any direction. When the plate gear is in the second position the drive gear engages, and the pedals allow the user to control the direction of the front wheels, allowing the mower to be safely utilized on sloped terrain.

Abstract: In a vehicular steering system, a steering wheel (steering member) operated for steering and a steering operation mechanism are not mechanically coupled together, and the steering operation mechanism is driven by a steering operation motor. The vehicular steering system includes a reaction force motor that applies a reaction force to the steering member, and a reaction force motor control unit that controls the reaction force motor. The reaction force motor control unit includes a torque limiter that limits a current flowing through the reaction force motor to a predetermined value or smaller during automatic operation.

Abstract: A rear side frame comprises a front-side frame and a rear-side frame which is provided in back of the front-side frame and configured such that a strength thereof against compressing of an axial direction is lower than that of the front-side frame, a rear end portion of the front-side frame and a front end portion of the rear-side frame are overlapped, and another vehicle-body member is connected to an overlap portion where the rear end portion of the front-side frame and the front end portion of the rear-side frame are overlapped.

Abstract: A vehicle substructure includes a first undercover disposed in a lower portion of a vehicle and a second undercover disposed side by side with the first undercover in the lower portion of the vehicle. The second undercover is fastened to a skeleton member of the vehicle via a fastening bolt inserted into a bolt hole provided in the second undercover. A part of the first undercover is disposed below the second undercover to cover the fastening bolt fastening the second undercover from below the vehicle.

Abstract: In a structure which comprises a hinge pillar at a side face portion of a vehicle, a front pillar connected to the hinge pillar, an apron member extending forward from a joint portion of the hinge pillar to the front pillar, and a hinge pillar reinforcement provided at the joint portion of the hinge pillar to the front pillar, a reinforcing member which connects a side face portion and an upper face portion of the hinge pillar reinforcement is provided, and a bead portion which interconnects the upper face portion and the side face portion of the hinge pillar reinforcement in a brace shape is provided and the reinforcing member.

Abstract: A rocker assembly for a vehicle includes an outer panel and a side sill secured to the outer panel and defining a cavity with the outer panel. The rocker assembly further includes an attachment assembly including a mounting plate secured to the side sill and a mounting guide secured to the mounting plate. The mount guide includes a side rail that extends within the cavity. The rocker assembly further includes an insert pod disposed within the cavity and secured to the attachment assembly. The insert pod includes a plurality of interconnected walls defining a plurality of transversely extending open cells. The insert pod further includes a slot region extending through a side wall and sized to receive a portion of the mounting guide. The insert pod further includes guide channels walls extending from the side wall and defining a guide channel sized to receive the side rail therein.

Abstract: A reinforcement unit of a side sill for an electric vehicle is disclosed. The side sill includes side sill inner panels and side sill outer panels that are respectively provided under opposite ends of a center floor panel. The reinforcement unit includes a reinforcement pipe member provided between the side sill inner panel and the side sill outer panel along a length direction of a vehicle body, and a connection apparatus comprising a plurality of fixing brackets and a plurality of pipe nuts. The connection apparatus fixes the reinforcement pipe member to the side sill inner panel.

Abstract: A side sill assembly for a vehicle includes an inner shell connected to an outer shell and a reinforcement assembly. The reinforcement assembly includes a longitudinally extending tube and a plurality of reinforcement brackets provided at longitudinally spaced locations along the length of the tube. The reinforcement brackets each include a front wall and a back wall connected by an outer side wall. The reinforcement brackets define recesses for receiving the tube that is welded to the front walls and the back walls where the tube contacts an edge of the recesses. The reinforcement brackets may include a top flange on a top edge and a base flange on a bottom edge of each of the front walls and back walls. An inner flange is provided on an inner edge of each of the front walls and back walls that is welded to the inner shell.

Abstract: A three-wheeled automobile is described herein. The automobile may include a unibody frame, a flexible engine cowling, and a fastener. The unibody frame may include an exposed unibody panel and/or a removable-panel securing fixture disposed adjacent to the exposed unibody panel. The engine cowling may be secured to the securing fixture. The fastener may pass through the engine cowling panel and may be affixed to the securing fixture, thereby securing the engine cowling panel to the unibody frame. The engine cowling panel may pass over the securing fixture and/or behind the unibody panel. The engine cowling panel may be pressed against the unibody panel outwards from the automobile by a bending force in the engine cowling panel such that the exposed unibody panel may prevent bowing of an outside edge of the engine cowling panel directly adjacent to the unibody panel.

Abstract: A vehicle with a capsule structure of a power unit includes the power unit and a transmission member. The power unit includes an internal combustion engine that combusts air-fuel mixture in an engine body and outputs a driving force, and a motor that outputs a driving force by using electric power of an electric generator or a battery. The transmission member transmits the driving force of the power unit. The capsule structure includes a heat-insulation casing having an internal space in which the power unit and the transmission member are accommodated, and a partition wall that divides the internal space of the heat-insulation casing into at least a first partition space and a second partition space which are separated from one another. At least the engine body is disposed in the first partition space, and at least the battery is disposed in the second partition space.

Abstract: A side component is provided for fastening to a vehicle frame. The side component has a receiving region for a vehicle trim panel, in particular a rear trim panel, and a receiving region for a wheel arch liner. The side component further is configured for receiving an air filter.

Abstract: A vehicle bottom structure includes heat shield plate, which is arranged between a vehicle component and an exhaust pipe, and two undercovers, which are arranged on the opposite sides of the exhaust pipe in the vehicle width direction. The heat shield plate has a covering portion, two heat-shield-plate fastened portions, and two heat-shield-plate coupling portions. The covering portion covers the exhaust pipe. The heat-shield-plate fastened portions are each fastened to the corresponding one of the undercovers. The heat-shield-plate coupling portions each couple a corresponding lower end of the covering portion to the corresponding one of the heat-shield-plate fastened portions. Each heat-shield-plate coupling portion includes a section that has a shape that becomes higher toward the corresponding undercover in the vehicle width direction. The heat-shield-plate fastened portions are each located above the corresponding lower end of the covering portion.

Abstract: A vehicle body upper structure includes a roof support portion constituting a skeleton of an outer peripheral portion of a vehicle body upper portion and a roof which is made of resin, and which supported by the roof support portion. The roof has a bonded portion on a lower surface of the outer peripheral portion of the roof and the bonded portion is joined to an upper surface of the roof support portion via an adhesive. The roof has an extending portion on a lower surface side of a part of the outer peripheral portion of the roof, and the part is closer to a terminal side than the bonded portion and the extending portion extends downwards in a vehicle-height direction.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for moving a tailgate about a hinge axis. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge part and a second hinge part for mating with the first hinge part. The second hinge part may be moved to a release position for releasing from the first hinge part, and a lock is provided for locking the second hinge part in the release position. A tailgate including the hinge assembly is also disclosed, which may also be provided with a powered raising and lowering capability. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Ground vehicle air data systems, and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for determining a drag coefficient of a vehicle includes the steps of: while the vehicle is at rest, opening a valve that connects an air tank with an outside atmosphere; while the vehicle is at rest, closing the valve that connects the air tank with the outside atmosphere; and while the vehicle is in motion, measuring a total pressure with a total pressure probe carried by the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle having a transverse panel and a transverse aerodynamic member, and a control unit. The transverse aerodynamic member is movable to an operating position in which it is spaced apart from the transverse panel. In that operating position, the transverse aerodynamic member is operable to direct airflow downwardly at the rear of the vehicle to control the vertical propagation of the wake formed behind the vehicle.

Abstract: An air guiding apparatus for a motor vehicle includes an air guiding element and a coupling device configured to positively couple movement of lateral air guiding element sections directed transversely with respect to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle to a movement of the air guiding element between a rest position and an operating position. The coupling device includes a piston configured to be guided in a cylinder in such a way that the piston carries out a rotational movement during a linear movement in the cylinder, and a rotary rocker configured to act on the piston via a cardan joint, configured to also carry out the rotational movement of the piston, and configured to convert the rotational movement of the piston into movement of the lateral air guiding element sections directed transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an aerodynamic fairing system that may comprise a base configured to mount to a vehicle, an arm coupled to the base at a proximate end and extending laterally, and a fairing mounted to the arm having an inboard and an outboard surface. The fairing outboard surface may provide an aerodynamic outer surface to direct flow to an angle to the rear. The arm may a fixed or adjustable length arm. The arm may provide a mounting area for a mud flap such that aerodynamic system may act as a mud flap hanger. Embodiments also provide an adjustable mud flap hanger.

Abstract: A bracket stabilization system is configured to be secured to a tractor. The bracket stabilization system includes a cross bar linking bracket that extends between opposed first and second lateral brackets extending from opposite sides of the tractor. The cross bar linking bracket securely couples the opposed first and second lateral brackets together.

Abstract: A working vehicle has a ballast weight system including a fulcrum mounted on the vehicle frame and a ballast weight configured to pivot between a mounting configuration with the ballast weight is resting on the ground and an operational configuration with the ballast weight is carried by the vehicle frame. The ballast weight has a mounting arm and a lower corner portion. The mounting arm has a recess configured to interact with the fulcrum, wherein in the mounting configuration, the recess faces sideways such that the work vehicle is driven towards the ballast weight until the fulcrum interfaces with the recess. A catch mechanism secures the ballast weight to the fulcrum. A lift mechanism attaches between the ballast weight and the vehicle frame such that the lift mechanism pushes on the corner portion to pivot the ballast weight about the fulcrum. A latch mechanism pins the ballast weight in the operational position.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a vehicle axle is provided wherein a vehicle includes a vehicle frame having a first rail component and a second rail component. A first mounting bracket is attached to the first rail component of the vehicle frame. A lifting component is attached to the first mounting bracket. A lateral load component has a first end attached to the lifting component and a second end attached to the second rail component of the vehicle frame. A bracket attaches the lateral load component to the vehicle axle such that upon extension of the lifting component, the vehicle axle is lifted.

Abstract: A backrest for selectively connecting to a frame of a vehicle having a straddle seat has a back support, and first and second arms connected to the back support and extending forward thereof. Each of the arms has a first portion at least partially defining a first slot, a second portion slidably connected to the first portion, and a biasing member disposed between the first and second portions. The second portion defines a second slot. The first and second slots open in opposite directions. A vehicle having the backrest and a method of installing the backrest on a vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an electronic device mount for a bicycle. The mount includes a pair of arms, wherein each arm is configured to receive a fastener. A cradle receives and retains the arms and each arm can rotate with respect to the cradle. An interface is connected to the cradle and is configured to be detachably connected to an electronic device. The arms are rotatable such that each arm aligns with a bore on a bicycle stem, and each arm is connected to the stem by securing the fasteners in the bores of the bicycle stem.

Abstract: A brake assist system for a cyclist on a bicycle by a haptic feedback includes: a first sensor for measuring the angular speed of a first bicycle wheel, suitable for generating a signal representing the first wheel angular speed; a second sensor for measuring the angular speed of a second bicycle wheel, suitable for generating a signal representing the second wheel angular speed; an actuator applicable to a bicycle portion, suitable for producing vibrations; and a control module.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar assembly comprises a base bar, a v-shaped stem selectively removable from the base bar, and a bicycle fork assembly. Control cables from the bicycle may be routed from the base bar into hollow diverging stem members of the v-shaped stem. The bicycle fork assembly comprises an external-steerer fork having a load-bearing member and a preload tensioning rod. The preload tensioning rod fits within a head tube of the bicycle, and a hollow space around the preload tensioning rod accommodates control cables passing from the v-shaped stem into a hollow portion of the bicycle frame. The v-shaped stem is secured against the base bar by a pair of nut plates. In some examples, an engagement portion of an accessory such as an aerobar extension assembly is configured to secure the v-shaped stem and an aerobar extension against the base bar.

Abstract: A bicycle suspension control apparatus includes a user operating device and a controller. The controller is operatively coupled to the user operating device to selectively control a pair of bicycle suspensions between a plurality of operating states. The controller selectively changes the operating states of both of the suspensions to different ones of the operating states in response to a single operation of the user operating device. The controller includes a receiving part, a storage part and a control part. The receiving part receives combination information indicating at least one combination of the operating states from among combinations of the operating states of the suspensions. The storage part stores the combination information received by the receiving part. The control part controls the suspensions based on the combination information stored in the storage part when the user operating device is operated.

Abstract: A bicycle may include a rear suspension system to absorb forces impacting on the bicycle by allowing a rear wheel of the bicycle to be displaced relative to the bicycle frame. The rear suspension system may be adjusted in some versions to affect the travel path of the rear wheel as well as the leverage ratio curve to suit the rider's preference.

Abstract: An electrically power assisted bicycle includes a driving system including an electric motor that generates an assist force to assist human power of a rider and a first controller configured or programmed to control an operation of the electric motor; and an operation panel including buttons and a second controller. The buttons include a power button that turns on or off a power of the driving system, and an assist force setting button that sets an assist force of the electric motor. The second controller detects a press on each of the buttons to execute a predefined process. When the second controller detects a specific operation different from a normal operation on at least one button among the buttons while electric power is supplied to the driving system and the second controller is operated in a normal operation mode, the second controller prohibits the power from being turned off.

Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, a ski, an endless track, a motor, a rear suspension assembly supporting the endless track, and a continuously variable transmission operatively connecting the motor to the endless track for driving the endless track. The continuously variable transmission has a primary pulley operatively connected to the motor, a transmission belt, and a secondary pulley operatively connected to the primary pulley via the transmission belt. The secondary pulley is operatively connected to the endless track. The continuously variable transmission is positioned forwardly of the motor.

Abstract: A control device may be configured so as to be integrated, or coupled, with a bicycle to control bicycle components. The control device may also be integrated with other control devices and system components to control bicycle components. The control device may interface with electromechanically controlled bicycle components so as to trigger an action when actuated. The control device may be dimensioned so as to have a mating surface contoured to matingly engage with a mounting surface of a bicycle, such as on a handlebar. The control, device may also be dimensioned so as to have a compact and/or concealed appearance aided by a low profile relative to the bicycle mounting surface selected for the control device. The control device may be configured such that the control device is protected from actuation from unintended or other user inputs.

Abstract: A tunnel guard for a tunnel of a snowmobile has first and second arms. Each arm has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portions of the first and second arms have first and second connection elements respectively for connecting the first end portions of the arms to an interior of the tunnel. At least one member extends from at least one of the arms and is connected to the at least one of the arms. The at least one member has a third connection element for connecting the at least one member to the interior of the tunnel. The third connection element is disposed at a position that is one of: laterally between the first and second arms, and laterally outward of the first and second arms. A snowmobile having a tunnel guard and a method for connecting a tunnel guard are also disclosed.

Abstract: A watercraft vessel with at least one planing hull, in the form of a single unitary hull or with two or more interconnected hulls, each hull having at its bottom portion a deadrise angle in the interval 5°-70° and provided with at least one water-deflecting surface which extends rearwardly and outwardly in relation to a keel region and which is oriented and configured so as to create a lifting force, and also a forward thrust on the hull. The forward thrust is caused by a lateral spray water stream, which is redirected rearwardly by the water-deflecting surface. The latter should be located laterally outwardly of but adjacent to an approximately triangular bottom part which is submerged at the planing speed. The hull will also provide a smoother ride than conventional, planing hulls, especially in heavy sea.

Abstract: A high speed ship configuration for achieving a plane state efficiently, with threshold power available in fully loaded cargo ship. The system may include a boost phase assist structure to assist in the achievement of a plane state. The boost assist may be external or internal to the ship. The boost assist may provide power and/or lift assist. One embodiment may include a launch rail. In one embodiment, the configuration includes a retractable lateral wing structure disposed toward the stern of the vessel and containing auxiliary power providing thrust for the vessel. The wing structure is deployed during an initial boost phase acceleration and may be stowed in the vessel once the vessel achieves full plane operation. In one embodiment, the boost power structure may include propeller drive, paddle drive, or waterjet drive. The boost power structure may provide buoyancy and/or hydrodynamic trim to assist in achieving plane state operation.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a plurality of separable body sections (2101, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105, 2106) configured for assembly into a single assembled structure (2100) having a first length, and for packing into a packed structure (3000) having a second length smaller than the first length. The single assembled structure may be held together using latching devices, one or more of the latching devices including a latch unit comprising a latch support, a spring mount and a band spring, the band spring having a first spring end and a second spring end, wherein the latch support includes a latch and a first shaft positioned in relationship to the latch, the first shaft configured for rotatably mounting the first spring end of the band spring, and the spring mount includes a second shaft configured for rotatably mounting the second spring end of the band spring.

Abstract: A watercraft lift with hydraulically actuated arms which self-installs a fitted three-dimensional watercraft cover on a powerboat. A mechanism enables a linear actuator to drive a swing arm up to 180 degrees. The upper end of a two part arm articulates mechanically as the arm moves to reduce vertical elevation while operating. A spring-tensioned elongated roller keeps the cover tight and self-rolls the cover on the elongated roller when the actuated arms are pivoted forward. The mechanism can be attached to the guides of most watercraft lifts.

Abstract: A flare-type tension leg floating wind turbine foundation is provided, which includes a top support platform configured to support a tower frame, a blade and a wind turbine generator set; a bottom support structure connected to a plurality of tension legs; at least three hollow upright columns connected between the top support platform and the bottom support structure and arranged around a vertical center line of the floating wind turbine foundation, each of the at least three upright columns being inclined outward from a lower end to an upper end with respect to the vertical center line of the floating wind turbine foundation; and a ballast adjusting system provided in the upright columns and/or the bottom support structure.

Abstract: A high pressure swivel system provides fluid communication on a turret-moored vessel between a swivel core member being in fixed rotational alignment with a seabed mooring system and a swivel revolving member being in fixed rotational alignment with the hull of the vessel. The revolving member has upper and lower radially extending surfaces. On each of the radially extending surfaces are a series of radially spaced apart pressure seals. Hydraulic barrier fluid pressure is regulated in each of the volumes formed between the pressure seals. The pressures in the volumes are regulated such that a process fluid pressure higher than could be tolerated by any one individual pressure seal is safely accommodated by sharing the high process fluid pressure between or among two or more of the radially spaced apart pressure seals.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sealed tank including adjacent first and second walls each comprising a corrugated sealing membrane. The sealing membranes of the first and second walls join at the level of an edge, wherein the sealing membrane of the first wall includes a first series of corrugations and a second series of corrugations intersecting at the edge, and the sealing membrane of the second wall includes a third series of corrugations intersecting at the edge. The tank further includes a corner arrangement comprising a sealing membrane that is welded in sealed manner to the sealing membrane of the first wall and to the sealing membrane of the second wall, such that the corrugations of the first series of corrugations are connected to corrugations of the third series of corrugations and the corrugations of the second series of corrugations are connected to the corrugations of the third series of corrugations.

Abstract: According to some aspects, a tug and barge arrangement is provided that is configured with an articulated conduit system for transferring fluid between the tug and the barge. In some embodiments, an articulated conduit system is provided that comprises a plurality of conduits fluidically interconnected by rotatable joints configured to permit positional alterations of the fluid conduits that result from differential movement between a tug and barge.

Abstract: A mounting ring for securing a cup holder in an opening in a surface of a marine vessel. The mounting ring has a cylindrical wall and a flange extending from the ring for positioning about the surface around the opening. The mounting ring includes a plurality of braces extending downwardly from the flange, the braces comprising a plurality of legs extending downwardly from the cylindrical wall and a foot extending outwardly from the distal end of each leg at an acute angle to the leg. The mounting ring is placed in the opening and a cup holder is urged into the cup holder ring, the sides of the cup holder wall forcing the legs in a radially outwardly direction, securing the feet against an edge of the surface adjacent the boat opening. The mounting ring may include a protrusion disposed on an upper portion of each foot extending radially inwardly, the protrusion adapted to secure the outer surface of the cup holder wall in the mounting ring.