Abstract: A robot system includes: an upper body section including one or more end-effectors; a lower body section including one or more legs; and an intermediate body section coupling the upper and lower body sections. An upper body control system operates at least one of the end-effectors. The intermediate body section experiences a first intermediate body linear force and/or moment based on an end-effector force acting on the at least one end-effector. A lower body control system operates the one or more legs. The one or more legs experience respective surface reaction forces. The intermediate body section experiences a second intermediate body linear force and/or moment based on the surface reaction forces. The lower body control system operates the one or more legs so that the second intermediate body linear force balances the first intermediate linear force and the second intermediate body moment balances the first intermediate body moment.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle includes a chassis, a first wheel rotatably connected to the chassis, the first wheel having a first perimeter, a first diameter and a first geometric center, a second wheel rotatably connected to the chassis, the second wheel having a second perimeter, a second diameter and a second geometric center, a first motor and a second motor, a first drive and a second drive gear, a first plurality of teeth disposed about the first wheel and mechanically engaged with the first drive gear at a location closer to the first perimeter than to the first geometric center, a second plurality of teeth disposed about the second wheel and mechanically engaged with the second drive gear at a location closer to the second perimeter than to the second geometric center, a mount rotatably connected to the chassis and a third wheel rotatably connected to the mount.

Abstract: A stand support structure of a saddle riding vehicle has a main frame, a pivot block configured to swingably support a rear wheel-supporting swing arm, and a stand-supporting bracket. The pivot block has a first plate and a second plate attached to the main frame. The first plate and the second plate are coupled to each other. The first plate has a protrusion protruding outward farther than an extension end of the second plate. The stand-supporting bracket is coupled to a surface of the protrusion facing in a vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A bicycle including a forward frame triangle. The forward frame triangle can a top tube, a down tube, a bottom bracket, a lower seat mast, and an upper seat mast. The top tube can have a first end connected to a head tube and a second end. The down tube can have a first end connected to the head tube and a second end. The bottom bracket can be connected to the second end of the down tube. The lower seat mast can extend in an upward direction from the bottom bracket to the top tube. The upper seat mast can at least partially overlap the lower seat mast. The upper seat mast can be adjustably and fixedly coupled to the lower seat mast. The upper seat mast can be rotably coupled to the forward frame triangle proximate the second end of the top tube.

Abstract: A holding device for controlling a position of a shaft is disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the holding device are incorporated in bicycles and bicycle components to control a height of a bicycle seatpost. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an illumination device for use with spoked tires, such as the common tires found on bicycles. The illumination device may comprise a power source which is removably attached to the hub portion by a holder, said holder comprising a strap portion, a hook portion, a handle portion, and a pocket portion; where the strap portion is wrapped around a circumference of the hub portion, and there are a plurality of wires extending from the power source where the wires contain a plurality of light sources.

Abstract: Panniers according to the present disclosure may be transitionable between a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration. Transitioning between the collapsed configuration and the deployed configuration may include unlatching an outboard rigid wall from its position adjacent an inboard rigid wall, such that the pannier automatically springs into the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A foldable-chair carrier for a bicycle includes a frame that defines a plurality of generally planar, inclined chair-supporting surfaces over the rear wheel of the bicycle. The frame includes a pair of enlarged hooks at the forward, upper portion of the frame, with the hooks being arranged to receive opposite ends of one of the structural tubes of the chair in its folded configuration. The hooks may be sufficiently large to receive two or more of the folded chairs, in a stacked array. The hooks are configured so that even if the bicycle is running on uneven ground, the chairs will be unlikely to be thrown from the frame even in the absence of supplementary tie-downs.

Abstract: A front cowling covers a front portion of a motorcycle, and a headlamp is mounted to the front cowling. The front cowling includes a lamp cowling part and a pair of left and right inner cowling parts. The lamp cowling part and the pair of inner cowling parts are integrally formed by molding. The lamp cowling part includes a lamp opening that allows a front surface of the headlamp to face outside. The inner cowling parts are coupled to inner sides of front portions of side cowlings, and guide incoming wind to a radiator.

Abstract: A motorcycle component adjustment member having an second side configured for mounting against a headlight of a motorcycle and an first side configured for mounting against a fairing member outer surface of a fairing member of a motorcycle. An adjustment angle is formed by the second side and the first side. The adjustment angle adjusts an angle of the headlight relative to the fairing member of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A wiring structure of a grip heater includes an accelerator grip, a grip pulley, an accelerator position sensor configured to detect an amount of rotation of the grip pulley, and a grip heater, an engaging section that is configured to engage the grip pulley with the accelerator position sensor and transmit the amount of rotation of the grip pulley to the accelerator position sensor is installed at the grip pulley and the accelerator position sensor, a feeder cable is connected to the grip heater, and the feeder cable is wound on an outer circumference of the engaging section.

Abstract: A box beam bicycle structure (BBBS) having a box section, a right triangular section and a left triangular section. The right and left triangular sections are either integral with the box structure, or the triangular sections are attached to the box structure by riveting, bonding or welding. The box structure is preferably made of a sheet material and the parts that comprise the box structure are attached together by riveting, bonding or welding. The BBBS interfaces with bicycle components to function as a lightweight, strong bicycle frame. Additionally, the BBBS can be manufactured as a one-piece design, or can utilize a hybrid construction design with an internal structure and reinforcing members at areas of high stress.

Abstract: The personal mobility shopping cart is a vehicle intended for use in a retail environment by a person with a disability. The cart is electrically motorized and powered from self-contained batteries. The cart provides a wheel or castor at each corner of the frame to provide high stability and use a central steerable wheel to guide the cart. A large, grocery cart sized basket and flat grill space under the basket allow the driver to collect items intended to be purchased. The cart provides a brake to prevent motion and a USB charging port for recharging a cell phone. An optional oxygen bottle holder on the rear of the cart allows the driver to have access to oxygen while shopping.

Abstract: In a traveling apparatus, a front wheel supporting member is coupled to a rear wheel supporting member rotatably around a pivot axis and with a support shaft in such a way that a wheel base length will become variable according to a relative posture of the front wheel supporting member and the rear wheel supporting member. Control is performed so that the greater the wheel base length, the greater a speed of the traveling apparatus in a forward direction will become. When the wheel base length is one at which the speed in the forward direction becomes substantially zero, while the front wheel is oriented in a straight traveling direction, an intersection point where the pivot axis crosses a road surface is located at a position offset from a grounding point where the front wheel is grounded on the road surface toward a side of the rear wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle control system comprising a first set of handlebar grips including a first grip mounted on a first side of the vehicle and a second grip mounted on a second side of the vehicle and a second set of handlebar grips mounted on the vehicle including a third grip mounted on the first side of the vehicle and a fourth grip mounted on the second side of the vehicle, the first and third grips being mounted in at least one position thereof in parallel, coplanar relation and the second and fourth grips being mounted in at least one position thereof in parallel, coplanar relation. In a specific embodiment, the invention further includes a first set of controls mounted on the first set of handlebars and a second set of controls mounted on the second set of handlebars. The first set of controls may be identical to the second set of controls. The second set of controls is coupled to or through the first set of handlebar controls.

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 article includes a body having at least a holding or resting surface, and a plurality of spaced-apart fine pillars made of a resilient and deformable plastic material and projected from the holding or resting surface of the body. Each of the spaced-apart fine pillars includes a body portion with a bore defining a longitudinal axis, a base end and a free end. The base end of the fine pillar is integrally connected with the holding or resting surface the body. The body portion of the fine pillar extends from the base end along the longitudinal axis to the free end in a predetermined height. The fine pillars can be able to deform elastically when subjected to even a minimum pressure to provide the anti-skidding, shock-absorbing and breathable capacities.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to terrain-tracking or vehicle suspension systems that include travel at least one of the front or the rear of the vehicle. Various embodiments include a suspension above the vehicle (upper suspension). Embodiments include a suspension or travel in at least one of t he upper vehicle (rear and/or front), middle vehicle (rear and/or front), or below vehicle (rear and/or front). Various embodiments included a combination thereof.

Abstract: A stepper scooter provides step pads that are connected to a laterally arranged rocker bar assembly. Vertical movement of the step pads causes the rocker bar assembly to reciprocally pivot which translates drive chains which cause rotation of the drive wheel or wheels. The rocker bar assembly comprises two four bar linkages between a center fork and each step pad. An alternate embodiment uses the rocker bar to reciprocally rotate a gear axle which drives a bevel gear arrangement to rotate the drive wheel or wheels via one-way bearings. Another embodiment incorporates a chain and sprocket drive between the bevel gear arrangement and the drive wheel or wheels, wherein the one-way bearings are replaced with a one-way sprocket drive. A stand is provided that is useful with any of the above scooter embodiments. The stand lifts the wheels of the scooter off the ground or floor by supporting a rear sprocket tube of the scooter to render the scooter effectively immobile during use.

Abstract: A bicycle rear derailleur is basically provided a base member, a movable member, a chain guide and a resistance applying structure. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle. The movable member is movably coupled to the base member. The chain guide is rotatably coupled to the movable member around a first rotational axis. The resistance applying structure includes a friction applying member that applies a frictional resistance to rotational movement of the chain guide. The resistance applying structure is offset from the first rotational axis.

Abstract: A bicycle shifting device includes a first shifting mechanism, a transmission mechanism, and a setting mechanism. The setting mechanism sets paths in the transmission mechanism to transmit rotation from an input body to an output body at transmission ratios of at least three steps. The transmission mechanism establishes a first path transmitting the rotation at one of first and second transmission ratios by changing a rotational speed with the first shifting mechanism, and a second path transmitting the rotation at a greater transmission ratio than the first and second transmission ratios by changing the rotational speed with a different shifting mechanism from the first shifting mechanism. The first path includes first and second planetary mechanisms. The setting mechanism sets the transmission mechanism so that the rotational speed is not changed by the first planetary mechanism in the second path.

Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a first operating structure, a second operating structure, and a prevention member. The first operating structure comprises a first take-up member, a first operating member, and a first actuating member. The second operating structure comprises a second take-up member and a second operating member. The prevention member is configured to move together with the second operating member to prevent the first actuating member from actuating the first take-up member to move in at least one of a first pulling actuation direction and a first releasing actuation direction during a movement of the first operating member from a first rest position toward a first operated position.

Abstract: A system includes mooring lines arranged respectively in three to eight directions, and at least one of a plurality of offshore structures included in the offshore structure group is moored by locking the mooring lines in the respective directions with separate mooring bases, and at least one of the mooring bases locks the mooring lines which are connected respectively to three to eight of the offshore structures in the offshore structure group. With this configuration, even when part of the mooring lines mooring the offshore structures is broken or the mooring function of the mooring bases is lost, although the offshore structure moves, the offshore structure is kept being moored by the remaining mooring-line group, so that the offshore structure can be prevented from colliding with another offshore structure.

Abstract: A recovery system for recovering an autonomous underwater vehicle from a ship, the underwater vehicle comprising a front portion referred to as the nose, the system comprising: a receiving device comprising a stop on which the nose of the underwater vehicle is capable of bearing, blocking means making it possible to secure the underwater vehicle to the stop, a flexible link intended to provide the interface between the receiving device and the ship, the flexible link being arranged so the ship pulls the assembly formed by the receiving device and the underwater vehicle on the front of the underwater vehicle when the latter is rigidly connected to the stop, stabilization means configured to make it possible to control the depth and the attitude, in particular the list and trim of the assembly formed by the receiving device and the underwater vehicle when the latter is rigidly connected to the stop.

Abstract: A self-deploying float assembly to support mechanical equipment such as aerators and mixers for use in water, wastewater and process water stream treatment basins and a method of installing same.

Abstract: A mooring buoy that has lower and upper surfaces and an opening positioned on a vertical centerline between the lower and upper surfaces. A raceway has a first portion that extends though the opening for predetermined a distance below the lower body surface and a predetermined distance above the upper body surface. The raceway has a portion that extends away from the centerline and over the upper surface.

Abstract: A vessel or boat includes a hull having a stern at which there is a stern swim platform having at least one moving part capable of moving along and close to a portion of the stern, the moving part being capable of adopting at least a first working position in which it is out of the water on which the boat floats and a second working position in which the moving part is lowered with respect to the hull into the water, steps being provided at the stern. At least part of the steps is of one piece with the moving part of the stern swim platform and moves therewith over fixed steps provided within the stern, the movement of the steps taking place in a guided way, the moving steps forming an elongatable swim ladder with the fixed steps.

Abstract: A standing torso support apparatus for paddleboards has a base removably attachable to a paddleboard, an adjustable-height support leg extending upward from the base, and a torso support attached to the top of the support leg. A user may lean against the torso support to aid in balance or power.

Abstract: A method is described for attenuating the oscillation of a ship, which includes a controller of a drive adapted to move at least one fin to allow stabilizing the ship, when the ship is at zero speed, anchored, wherein the motion of such at least one fin comprises an initial acceleration step, an intermediate step at constant speed and a final deceleration step. In the initial acceleration step, such at least one fin can start from a first angular position, while in the final deceleration step, such at least one fin can reach a second angular position corresponding to minimum or null values of effects opposite to those of the acceleration and constant speed steps of such at least one fin to allow maximizing the useful roll moment generated by such at least one fin.

Abstract: An enhanced system and various methods for remotely deploying boat fenders from a safe and convenient location. The boat fenders, which are placed along the entire periphery of the boat, may be deployed and retracted with lines attached to winches and motors. A smart phone app may be employed to remind users to deploy boat fenders upon entering known ports, and may also deploy the boat fenders automatically.

Abstract: A life raft may comprise a base and a multipurpose inflatable boarding deck coupled to the base and moveable between a first position whereby the multipurpose inflatable boarding deck facilitates embarking and a second position whereby the multipurpose inflatable boarding deck supports a canopy.

Abstract: A trolling motor assembly includes a main housing holding an electric motor. A propeller is attached to a propeller shaft that is driven by the electric motor and projects from a rear end of the main housing. A steering shaft is configured to couple the main housing to a watercraft. A nosecone is coupled to the main housing at the front end of the main housing. The nosecone is removable from the front end of the main housing. The main housing is watertight when the nosecone is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A method for controlling a trim position of a marine propulsion device includes receiving operator demands corresponding to propulsion system operating speeds and determining a rate of change of demand versus time between an initial and a subsequent operator demand. When the rate of change of demand exceeds a predetermined rate, the control module uses successively measured operating speeds of the propulsion system and an offset trim profile to determine setpoint trim positions for the propulsion device. As the propulsion system's measured operating speed increases from an initial to a subsequent operating speed, the control module controls a trim actuator to rotate the propulsion device to the setpoint trim positions. An operating speed at which the propulsion device begins trimming up is less according to the offset trim profile than according to a base trim profile, which is utilized when the rate of change does not exceed the predetermined rate.

Abstract: A cowling is for a marine drive. The cowling has a first cowling portion and a second cowling portion that mates with the first cowling portion along a perimeter edge so as to enclose the marine drive. A perimeter seal is disposed along the perimeter edge and is axially sandwiched between the first cowling portion and the second cowling portion to thereby prevent ingress of water into the cowling. The perimeter seal is retained on the second cowling portion and is axially compressed against the first cowling portion when the second cowling portion is axially mated with the first cowling portion.

Abstract: One example includes an altitude control system arranged in a balloon. The system includes a transparent outer chamber configured to receive incident infrared radiation. The system also includes an inner chamber comprising suspended particles configured to change the optical transmission of the inner chamber between a first state having a first transmissivity and a second state having a second transmissivity. The first transmissivity is greater than the second transmissivity. The system further includes a state controller configured to electrically activate the suspended particles to change the optical transmission of the inner chamber from the first state to the second state to change an altitude of the balloon based on the incident infrared radiation.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting an external structure to an aircraft includes a plurality of first mounting structures coupled to the aircraft and at least one link coupled to each first mounting structure of the plurality of mounting structures. The mounting system also includes a second mounting structure positioned proximate the at least one link, wherein the second mounting structure includes at least one aperture defined therein. An eccentric bearing is positioned in the at least one aperture and is configured to couple the second mounting structure to the at least one link. The eccentric bearing includes a bore extending therethrough that is offset from an axial center of the eccentric bearing.

Abstract: A method for position hold override control of an aircraft includes determining, by a processor, that a position hold mode is enabled to hold the aircraft at a substantially fixed position with respect to a target. The processor receives a control input indicative of a commanded change in acceleration of the aircraft as an override of the position hold mode. The processor determines an acceleration command based on the commanded change in acceleration. The acceleration command is adjusted as an adjusted acceleration command responsive to a non-linear scheduled translational rate command based on feedback of a commanded velocity of the aircraft. An update to the commanded velocity of the aircraft is generated based on the adjusted acceleration command.

Abstract: A method of controlling a magnitude of a sonic boom caused by off-design-condition operation of a supersonic aircraft at supersonic speeds includes, but is not limited to the step of operating the supersonic aircraft at supersonic speeds and at an off-design-condition. The supersonic aircraft has a pair of swept wings having a plurality of composite plies oriented at an angle such that an axis of greatest stiffness is non-parallel with respect to a rear spar of each wing of the pair of swept wings. The method further includes, but is not limited to the step of reducing wing twist caused by operation of the supersonic aircraft at supersonic speeds at the off-design condition with the composite plies. The method still further includes, but is not limited to, minimizing the magnitude of the sonic boom through reduction of wing twist.

Abstract: A locking linkage system may comprise a lockable assembly comprising an upper brace, a lower brace coupled to the upper brace, and a linkage coupled to the upper brace and the lower brace. The locking linkage system may further comprise a downlock actuator comprising an electric motor coupled to the upper brace, a rotary output shaft coupled to the electric motor, a connecting output coupled to the rotary output shaft, wherein the connecting output shaft is configured to rotate between a fixed locked position and a fixed unlocked position, and a link rod having a distal end coupled to the linkage and a proximal end comprising a lost-motion joint, the lost-motion joint being coupled to a connection pin of connecting output shaft. The downlock actuator may be configured to toggle the linkage, the upper brace, and the lower brace between an unlocked position and a locked position.

Abstract: The discovery concerns a rotor hub cover for a helicopter, whereby the rotor hub cover has been constructed as a rotational body with a dome-shaped cover and the rotor hub cover has performance and control electronic components, characterized by the arrangement of the performance electronic components and the control electronic components on a surface of the internal side or the dome-shaped cover.

Abstract: A rotor blade is provided. The rotor blade includes a blade portion, a tip cap formed to define a dimple, a fastener and a doubler. The fastener includes a flat-headed shaft and is disposable such that the flat-headed shaft extends through the blade portion and the tip cap at the dimple. The fastener is configured to urge the blade portion toward the tip cap. The doubler includes a dimpled portion disposable between the tip cap and a portion of the flat-headed shaft at the dimple and an exterior portion. The exterior portion is disposable flush with respective exterior surfaces of the blade portion and the flat-headed shaft.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a method of initial rotor state compensation for a rotorcraft includes determining a vehicle attitude of the rotorcraft prior to takeoff of the rotorcraft. A rotor state compensation is computed based on the vehicle attitude. A plurality of rotor servos is commanded to an initial rotor state based on a nominal rotor neutral position value in combination with the rotor state compensation to establish a predetermined takeoff trajectory of the rotorcraft.

Abstract: A helicopter autopilot system includes an inner loop for attitude hold for the flight of the helicopter including a given level of redundancy applied to the inner loop. An outer loop is configured for providing a navigation function with respect to the flight of the helicopter including a different level of redundancy than the inner loop. An actuator provides a braking force on a linkage that serves to stabilize the flight of the helicopter during a power failure. The actuator is electromechanical and receives electrical drive signals to provide automatic flight control of the helicopter without requiring a hydraulic assistance system in the helicopter. The autopilot can operate the helicopter in a failed mode of the hydraulic assistance system. A number of flight modes are described with associated sensor inputs including rate based and true attitude modes.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for an aircraft operable to generate a variable thrust output at a constant rotational speed. The rotor assembly includes a mast rotatable at the constant speed about a mast axis. A rotor hub is coupled to and rotatable with the mast. The rotor hub includes a plurality of spindle grips extending generally radially outwardly. Each of the spindle grips is coupled to one of a plurality of rotor blades and is operable to rotate therewith about a pitch change axis. A collective pitch control mechanism is coupled to and rotatable with the rotor hub. The collective pitch control mechanism is operably associated with each spindle grip such that actuation of the collective pitch control mechanism rotates each spindle grip about the respective pitch change axis to collectively control the pitch of the rotor blades, thereby generating the variable thrust output.

Abstract: A rotary wing aircraft is provided including a dual counter-rotating, coaxial rotor system having an upper rotor system and a lower rotor system rotatable about a common axis. A plurality of blade assemblies is mounted to a portion of either the upper rotor system or the lower rotor system. A plurality of individually controllable actuators is coupled to each of the plurality of blade assemblies. Each of the plurality of actuators is configured to control movement of the coupled blade assembly about a pitch axis. The rotary-wing aircraft additionally includes a sensor system within an airframe. A higher harmonic control (HHC) controller is arranged in communication with the sensor system and the plurality of actuators to individually control the upper rotor system and the lower rotor system to reduce vibration.

Abstract: An aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) including one or more propulsion systems gyroscopically mounted (i.e. rotatable about x- and y-axes) to a rigid airframe is disclosed. Each “wing” includes a propulsion system mounted to an axle that is rotatably attached to a wing mount, which in turn is pivotably mounted to the exterior of the airframe. The propulsion systems are electronically grouped according to their position relative to the airframe, such that one controller can control all the propulsion systems on the right or left side of the aircraft, resulting in control logic that is far more intuitive and convenient than that taught in the prior art. A method of operating an aircraft utilizing this improved control logic is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are contemplated for electric powered vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Such are craft are engineered to carry safely carry at least 500 pounds (approx. 227 kg) using a few (e.g., 2-4) rotors, generally variable speed rigid (non-articulated) rotors. It is contemplated that one or more rotors generate a significant amount of lift (e.g., 70%) during rotorborne flight (e.g., vertical takeoff, hover, etc), and tilt to provide forward propulsion during wingborne flight. The rotors preferably employ individual blade control, and are battery powered. The vehicle preferably flies in an autopilot or pilotless mode and has a relatively small (e.g., less than 45? diameter) footprint.

Abstract: A remotely navigated aerial vehicle may include a main body and a propulsion system operably coupled to the main body to propel the vehicle in response to an external command. The main body may include a frame and a cover plate coupled to the frame such that the frame and cover plate define an interior cavity in at least a portion of the main body. The frame may include a central body defining a longitudinal axis of the frame, a first arm at a first end portion of the central body, and a second arm at a second end portion of the central body.

Abstract: Various methods for utilizing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to monitor hazards for a user may include maintaining the UAV at a monitoring position relative to the user, monitoring an area surrounding the user for approaching objects, detecting an approaching object, determining whether the approaching object poses a danger to the user, and performing one or more actions to mitigate the danger of the approaching object in response to determining that the approaching object poses a danger to the user.

Abstract: UAV configurations and battery augmentation for UAV internal combustion engines, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative configuration includes a fuselage, first and second wings coupled to and pivotable relative to the fuselage, and a plurality of lift rotors carried by the fuselage. A representative battery augmentation arrangement includes a DC-powered motor, an electronic speed controller, and a genset subsystem coupled to the electronic speed controller. The genset subsystem can include a battery set, an alternator, and a motor-gen controller having a phase control circuit configurable to rectify multiphase AC output from the alternator to produce rectified DC feed to the DC-powered motor. The motor-gen controller is configurable to draw DC power from the battery set to produce the rectified DC feed.