Abstract: In a steering control apparatus, a basic assistance torque calculating unit calculates a basic assistance torque. A correction torque calculating unit calculates a correction torque to be added to the basic assistance torque. In the correction torque calculating unit, a returning state determining unit determines whether a steering wheel is turning or returning. A returning speed stabilization control unit calculates a returning speed stabilization torque to stabilize a returning speed of the steering wheel, as the correction torque. The returning speed stabilization control calculates the returning speed stabilization torque such as to bring a second-order time differential value of steering wheel position-related information correlated with a steering wheel position closer to zero, and such that an absolute value of the returning speed stabilization torque when the steering wheel is returning is relatively greater than that when the steering wheel is turning.

Abstract: A steering assist control system causes multiple actuator units to control an assist torque that provides assistance in steering in accordance with a turning operation on a steering wheel in a vehicle having an information presentation apparatus. The steering assist control system includes: a monitoring part that monitors the actuator units; a torque control part that reduces, in a case of a one-unit anomaly, the assist torque that results from combining output torques from all the actuator units, when the turning operation is performed on the steering wheel; and a warning control part controls the information presentation apparatus. In the case of the one-unit anomaly, the torque control part reduces the assist torque so that the assist torque is smaller than an assist torque output before the occurrence of the one-unit anomaly, every time the turning operation proceeds by a set angle.

Abstract: An electronic control unit diagnoses a short failure of an inverter FETs and diagnoses whether the failure of the FET-short detecting section has occurred. The unit controls a motor through an inverter including a bridge having an upper-stage FETs and a lower-stage FETs via an MCU, having: an FET-short detecting section to detect a short failure of the upper-stage FETs and the lower-stage FETs based on respective connection point voltages of the upper-stage FETs and the lower-stage FETs; and a diagnostic function to detect a failure of the FET-short detecting section. The diagnostic function diagnoses the failure of the FET-short detecting section at start up and turns-OFF the upper-stage FETs and the lower-stage FETs when the failure is detected. The FET-short detecting section diagnoses the short failure of the upper-stage FETs and the lower-stage FETs when the failure of the FET-short detecting section is not detected.

Abstract: A dual pressure margin priority circuit and method for controlling flow from a pump to steering valve and low priority inlets. A steering pressure valve controls flow from pump to steering valve inlets, and provides a steering valve load sense pressure. A priority valve controls flow from pump to low priority inlets. A load sense cutoff valve has a first inlet receiving the steering valve load sense pressure. The load sense cutoff valve controls flow through the priority valve based on steering valve load sense pressure at the first cutoff valve inlet. The cutoff valve can include a second inlet coupled to tank, and a load sense input coupled to the steering valve load sense pressure. The cutoff valve can be a pressure limiter valve. The priority and steering pressure valves can be 2-way proportional flow spool valves with bias springs, and contributing and opposing load sense inputs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a motor driven power steering system (MDPS). The method includes multiple operations including a torque sensor failure determining operation of determining failure of the torque sensor according to existence of a torque sensor signal input from the torque sensor; a control module calculating operation of, when it is determined that the torque sensor has failure, receiving control signals from a steering angle sensor and a motor angle sensor and calculating a plurality of control modules including a basic assist generating module, an assist maintaining module, and an overshoot preventing module; and an MDPS motor driving operation of driving a motor of the MDPS based on motor torque calculated through the control module.

Abstract: A driving assistance device including a steering control unit that, when a steering angle of a wheel of the vehicle from a first steering angle on one side of a neutral position to a second steering angle on the other side and the state of a vehicle is switched from a first state that is an advancing state or a reversing state to a second state that is the other of the advancing state or the reversing state, controls the steering angle so as to cause the steering angle to start to be directed from the first steering angle toward the second steering angle before the state of the vehicle becomes the second state and to be directed from a third steering angle in between the first steering angle and the second steering angle toward the second steering angle when the state of the vehicle is the second state.

Abstract: A method for detecting a control situation of a vehicle comprising an automatic control system. A steering torque curve applied to the steering of the vehicle is subdivided into sections in which the steering torque curve steadily rises or falls, and an angular acceleration caused by a driver and detected by a first steering angle sensor at the beginning of the respective section by a first part of the steering rod as a first angular acceleration is compared to a second angular acceleration detected by a second steering angle sensor at the beginning of a respective section caused by an automatic control system with a toothed rack connected to the steering rod or a second part of the steering rod. Depending on a result of the comparison, a corresponding steering torque curve of the respective section is assigned to the driver or to the automatic control system.

Abstract: An overall knuckle is formed by a second carbon-fiber composite material, and a first carbon-fiber composite material is embedded in particular portions, whose rigidities are insufficient only with the second carbon-fiber composite material. The one particular portion is provided to a neck part, and the first carbon-fiber composite material is embedded in this particular portion such that continuous fibers thereof are orientated in a direction orthogonal to a central axis of a torsional load so as to enhance a torsional rigidity. The other particular portions are provided to the body part, and the first carbon-fiber composite material is embedded in these particular portions such that the continuous fibers thereof are orientated in a vertical direction so as to enhance a bending rigidity.

Abstract: A steering shaft for a motor vehicle may include a first shaft part and a second shaft part. The first and second shaft parts may be connected in a way such that torques are transferred. A damping element can be disposed between the first and second shaft parts for damping oscillations and/or vibrations. The damping element may contact a carrier along a contact area. The damping element may be coupled to the carrier at only a portion of the contact area. The carrier may be, for example, the first shaft part, the second shaft part, a sleeve, or a bushing.

Abstract: An off-center impact reinforcement structure includes a push arm proximate rearward of a front portion of the vehicle frame. The push arm extends in a forward and laterally outboard direction from a front side member. A rear surface of the push arm is located below the first side member. During an initial stage of an off-center impact event in which a stationary barrier directly impacts a front surface of the push arm, impacting forces from the off-center impact event move the rear surface of the push arm into contact with brackets that extend downward from the front side member and transfer through the push arm to brackets and to the vehicle frame. In a second stage, a rear surface of the push arm contacts the vehicle frame as the push arm pivots with the front surface of the push arm moving in a laterally outboard direction.

Abstract: In a vehicle-body structure in which a roof side rail portion of a side face portion of a vehicle body and a roof reinforcement are connected via a gusset so as to suppress that a center pillar portion comes into a cabin side when a large load is inputted from a vehicle side, a notch portion is provided at the gusset. Thereby, it is suppressed that, when the large load is inputted to the center pillar portion from the vehicle side, the gusset is so bending-deformed by a rotation of the roof side rail portion that a rotational moment caused by the rotation of the roof side rail portion acts on the roof reinforcement, suppressing that the center pillar portion comes into the cabin side.

Abstract: A chassis and a method of forming the chassis comprising assembling a framework of interconnected tubular-section metallic members and a plurality of composite panels, each panel being adhesively bonded to a plurality of the metallic members, wherein at least one bond between a composite panel and a metallic member is formed by an arcuate formation integral with and extending from an edge of a planar section of the composite panel and fitting around an exterior of the metallic member, and providing a layer of adhesive along the gap there between extending substantially from the edge of the planar section across a part of but less than the complete angular extent of the arcuate section.

Abstract: An engine compartment support arrangement for an agricultural machine includes first and second support rails disposed within an engine compartment, a horizontal platform disposed between the first and second support rails and coupled thereto, and a plurality of engine accessory mounts welded to at least one of the first support rail and the second support rail. The first support rail includes a horizontal portion and an angled portion, wherein a second end of the horizontal portion is aligned with a first end of the angled portion. The second support rail includes a horizontal portion and an angled portion, wherein a second end of the horizontal portion is aligned with a first end of the angled portion.

Abstract: In a bonnet of a tractor having an upper cover and a pair of lower covers, the upper cover has a center line formed from a front end point up to a diagonally-rearward midpoint, and the upper cover is provided with two opening parts sandwiching the center line. In addition, the opening parts are disposed so that one side of each follows the center line.

Abstract: A work vehicle according to the present invention includes: a recessed portion (4) that is provided in a lateral side surface (31a) of an engine hood (30) and is recessed from the lateral side surface (31a) toward the inside of the engine hood (30). The recessed portion (4) includes a recessed portion bottom surface (41) that is recessed inward from the lateral side surface (31a) of the engine hood (30), and a peripheral wall portion (42) that is continuous with a peripheral edge of the recessed portion bottom surface (41) and a peripheral edge of a recessed portion inlet opening (40) that is formed in the lateral side surface (31a). A work light (5) that emits light forward and downward is provided on the peripheral wall portion (42).

Abstract: A hood hinge for a motor vehicle includes a first part attached to a vehicle body part and a second part attached to a front hood. A lift mechanism is configured to extend the attachment parts from a starting position into a cushioning position in which the front hood is raised from the starting position. The lift mechanism includes a first lever coupled to one of the attachment parts and a second lever coupled to the other attachment part for rotation about a rotational axis respectively. The first and second levers are rotatably coupled about a rotational axis. A traction element generates a traction force by extension of the attachment parts, which limits the extension movement thereof.

Abstract: An instrument panel reinforcement includes a cylindrical-shaped portion being formed as a single piece, being disposed at a driver's seat side, and extending in a vehicle width direction, and a groove-shaped portion being disposed at a front passenger's seat side, extending in the vehicle width direction, and opening in a predetermined direction. The instrument panel reinforcement is provided for a vehicle. The groove-shaped portion includes a reinforcement member being made of synthetic resin and mounted on a predetermined part of the groove-shaped portion, the part being away from the cylindrical-shaped portion by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An active front deflector assembly having a deflector panel, actuator, and linkage assemblies each with a predetermined ratio of the links to each other for motion of the deflector panel. The assembly deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements, and, when deployed, redirects the air flow in the front of the vehicle to improve the vehicle aerodynamics for either fuel economy or performance characteristics. Additionally, it allows for the deflector panel to retract so the vehicle meets ground clearances, etc. The deflector panel is also both rigid and semi-rigid to absorb impact energy. The drive shaft transmits the drive from the actuator coupled to one linkage assembly to the other linkage assembly for moving the deflector panel between the deployed/retracted positions. The actuator is clutched to prevent damage to the system.

Abstract: A rear spoiler of a motor vehicle. The spoiler includes a first part intended for being attached to the rear of the vehicle in an attachment position by a first attachment means, and a second part which is intended for being removably attached to the first part in an attachment position by a second attachment means, the second part leaving a portion of the upper surface of the first part visible in this attachment position.

Abstract: A method for setting a deployed position of a rear spoiler of a vehicle includes detecting a covering position between a closed position and an open position of a radiator covering; comparing the detected covering position with a checklist which correlates detected covering positions with possible deployed positions of the rear spoiler; and setting the deployed position of the rear spoiler, wherein the deployed position correlates as a result of the comparison with the detected covering position.

Abstract: A vehicle side structure of a pickup truck includes a cabin; and a loading platform that is disposed adjacent to a rear side of the cabin in the vehicle forward-rearward direction, is configured to include a bottom plate, a pair of right and left side panels, and a tail gate, and is formed in a box shape that opens toward a vehicle upper side. Each of the right and left side panels includes a traveling wind inlet part that is disposed at an outer part of each of the right and left side panels in a vehicle width direction, opens toward a vehicle front side, and includes a first opening, a traveling wind blowing part that is disposed at an upper end part of each of the right and left side panels, opens toward the vehicle upper side, and includes a second opening, and an intermediate part.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle lower section structure including: a suspension member that extends in a vehicle front-rear direction and that includes a pair of side rails that are be separated from each other in a vehicle width direction; a vehicle onboard device that is formed with a substantially box shape, that is disposed between one of the side rails and the other of the side rails, and that includes a bottom face disposed substantially in the same plane as a bottom face of the suspension member; and a flow smoothing section that is provided at at least one of the bottom face of the vehicle onboard device or the bottom face of the suspension member, and that is provided projecting out toward a vehicle lower side and extending along the vehicle front-rear direction.

Abstract: In an elastic crawler (10) and an elastic crawler drive mechanism (100), at least a portion of the outer edge of an engaging portion (12) has a cross-sectional arc shape such that both the trajectory drawn by the outer edge of the engaging portion (12) from when the engaging portion (12) starts to enter a tooth groove of a sprocket (20) until engagement between the engaging portion (12) and teeth (22) is complete and the trajectory drawn by the outer edge of the engaging portion (12) from when the engaging portion (12) starts to disengage from the teeth (22) until disengagement is complete do not project further outward than the outer edge of the engaging portion (12) when the engagement is complete.

Abstract: A tugger train trailer including a support frame configured as a transport material cart entrained in a trailer train, which has a chassis with at least two wheels, and a lifting device configured to adjust the height of at least part of the support frame relative to the wheels. The lifting device may include at least one rotatable eccentric disc, which is supported on a cam roller. The eccentric disc may be installed on a shaft that is driven in rotation. The cam roller may be mounted on the support frame or a part of the support frame.

Abstract: A multi-function bicycle component which fastens to a bicycle and which is rotatable relative to the bicycle frame to multiple positions to serve as a cargo rack or luggage carrier in a first position and a bicycle stand or kickstand in a second position. The multi-function bicycle component rotates at or near the wheel axis and comprises a rotation preventing assembly which fastens the multi-function bicycle component relative to the bicycle frame in a riding position. When used in conjunction with a folding bike, the multi-function bicycle component also serves as a stand to assist during the folding process, and/or as a stand when the bicycle is in the folded position. The multi-function bicycle component may also include a bicycle fender.

Abstract: A side cover structure for a motorcycle, which is to be arranged for covering a lateral side of the motorcycle, comprising a side cover that covers a lateral side of an air cleaner above the engine and includes a window for allowing vision therethrough. The side cover is provided with a side lower cover, which covers below the side cover and includes a surface portion for attaching from inside of the window of the side cover, and a garnish, which is made attachable/detachable to/from the outside of the window. The surface portion of the side lower cover carries a design shape thereon for being seen when the garnish is taken off from the side cover at the window. Such configuration provides the user to change the appearance of side cover structure of the motorcycle, thereby providing various styles of the side cover structure by the user preference.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an internal steering structure of a front wheel hub of a portable two-wheeled vehicle including a front wheel mounted on a front end of a vehicle body of a two-wheeled vehicle, a handlebars provided at a front end of a vehicle body of a two-wheeled vehicle, and a steering bearing sleeve vertically fixed to the front end of the vehicle body. The steering bearing sleeve is provided with a steering bearing fixing rod which is rotatable within the steering bearing sleeve. The steering bearing fixing rod is fixedly connected to the handlebars and is rotated synchronously with the handlebars. A rotatable front wheel is provided on the steering bearing fixing rod.

Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly including a seat tube having first and second end portions (wherein the seat tube second end portion includes a bend and terminates in a first open end facing a first direction), a down tube having first and second end portions (wherein the down tube first end portion is mounted to the seat tube first end portion, and the down tube second end portion includes a bend and terminates in a second open end facing a second direction opposite to the first direction), and a top tube having first and second end portions (wherein the top tube first end portion is mounted to the seat tube second end portion and terminates in a third open end facing the first direction, and the top tube second end portion is mounted to the down tube second end portion and terminates in a fourth open end facing the second direction).

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a main frame, a seat frame connected to a rear portion of the main frame and extending backward to support a seat, an auxiliary frame reinforcing the seat frame, and an acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor is supported at a position under the seat frame and above the auxiliary frame in a side view by a bracket extending from the seat frame or the auxiliary frame. Side surfaces of the acceleration sensor are covered with a vehicle body cover.

Abstract: A bicycle includes a handlebar, a handle stem on which the handlebar is disposed, a clamp that is attached to the handle stem to fix the handlebar on the handle stem, and a support extending forward and including a first attachment. The first attachment is located farther forward than the handlebar. A display is attached to the first attachment so that the display is placed at an appropriate height to improve visibility of the display.

Abstract: A throttle grip apparatus includes a throttle grip, an interlocking member which includes engaged parts to be engaged with engaging parts formed on the throttle grip and is rotatable in conjunction with rotation of the throttle grip, a first biasing unit which biases the interlocking member when the throttle grip rotates in a normal direction, a second biasing unit which biases the interlocking member when the throttle grip rotates in a reverse direction. The engaging parts and the engaged parts are formed respectively on the throttle grip and the interlocking member at regular intervals along a rotation direction of the throttle grip, and the second biasing unit is installed at each of positions between the engaged pans of the interlocking member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a suspension for a bicycle. The suspension has a swingarm having a front and rear end and wherein the rear end is configured to attach to a rear wheel of a bicycle, an upper and lower link both adapted to pivotally connect the swing arm to the frame of a bicycle, and a jackshaft having a drive side and a non drive side sprocket and being connected to the front end of the swingarm, the suspension configured such that when in use with a bicycle, a chain connects a drive side front crankset to the drive side jackshaft sprocket and a second chain connects the non drive side jackshaft sprocket to a rear wheel sprocket and wherein the arrangement allows the rear wheel of the bicycle to move rearward and upward in use.

Abstract: A bicycle control apparatus is basically provided for controlling a bicycle having a drive assistance electric motor. The bicycle control apparatus includes a manual drive force detector, a shift state detector and a controller. The manual drive force detector detects a manual drive force. The shift state detector detects a shift state of the bicycle. The controller issues a command for controlling a drive assistance force to be outputted by the drive assistance electric motor in accordance with the manual drive force detected by the manual drive force detector. The controller controls the drive assistance force to delay a reduction in the drive assistance force in relation to a reduction in the manual drive force upon determining the manual drive force is reduced, and controls the delay in the reduction of the drive assistance force in accordance with the shift state of the bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle electric component comprises a wireless communicator and a detector. The wireless communicator is configured to receive a wireless signal. The wireless communicator has a first operating mode and a second operating mode. A power consumption of the second operating mode is lower than a power consumption of the first operating mode. The detector is to detect an operational state of a bicycle. The wireless communicator is configured to change from the second operating mode to the first operating mode in a state where the wireless communicator receives the wireless signal and the detector detects the operational state of the bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle front sprocket assembly is basically provided with a first sprocket, a second sprocket, a sprocket carrier and a chain guiding portion. The first sprocket includes a first sprocket body and a plurality of first sprocket teeth disposed on a first outer periphery of the first sprocket body, The second sprocket includes a second sprocket body and a plurality of second sprocket teeth. The second sprocket teeth are disposed on a second outer periphery of the second sprocket body. The sprocket carrier includes a torque transmitting profile and a sprocket mounting portion. The chain guiding portion is positioned between the first and second sprockets in an axial direction parallel to a rotational center axis of the bicycle front sprocket assembly. At least one of the first and second sprockets is mounted to the sprocket mounting portion of the sprocket carrier by a non-threaded fastener.

Abstract: A rear suspension assembly for a snowmobile has a front suspension arm, a rear suspension arm, a pair of slide rails, at least one shock absorber, and at least one suspension coupler. The at least one suspension coupler couples the rear suspension arm with the front suspension arm. The at least one suspension coupler generates a coupling force to continuously couple the front and rear suspension arms with each other during a full range of movement between the fully extended position and the fully compressed position. A snowmobile having the rear suspension assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sailboat is described having a boat hull (1), two flow profiles (2, 3) protruding laterally from the boat hull (1), and at least one underwater hydrofoil (16). To be able to achieve high travel velocities while maintaining the stability of the sailboat and balanced control behavior, it is proposed that the flow profiles (2, 3) protrude outward in a V shape from the boat hull and each have an aerodynamic stabilizer forming an aerodynamic aileron (4, 5), and/or the at least one underwater hydrofoil (16) is provided with a hydrodynamic stabilizer forming a hydrodynamic aileron.

Abstract: A connector or connector assembly (10, 210), such as a subsea or underwater connector or assembly including a first member (18, 218) movably connected or connectable to a second member (36, 236) and a first inductive element (24, 224a) provided on the first member (18, 218), the first inductive element (24, 224a) being arranged for inductive transmission and/or reception with a second inductive element (42, 242a) of the second member (36, 236). The first member (18, 218) may rotatably or pivotably connected or connectable to the second member (36, 236). The first inductive element (24, 224a) may be arranged on the first member (18, 218) to maintain inductive transmission with the second inductive element (42, 242a) of the second member (36, 236) throughout movement of the first member (18, 218) relative to a second member (36, 236).

Abstract: An apparatus for launching, stowing and retrieving of daughter boats (1) from a midships hangar or mission bay on a mother vessel comprises at least one davit assembly positioned atop a stationary cradle (2), located one each near the starboard and port of the mother vessel. The daughter boats (1) are secured on specially designed stationary cradlesalong a plurality of longitudinal tracks (5) and also on at least the two stationary cradles (2) one each near the starboard and port of the mother vessel which are also specially designed and lie along at least one transverse track (6).

Abstract: An offshore structure is separated into an upper structure and a lower structure. Part or whole of the lower structure is kept in an upright standing state in water. The upper structure is moved to above the lower structure kept in the upright standing state. A uniting step includes one or both of raising the lower structure to arrange the lower structure on a lower side of the upper structure and lowering the upper structure to arrange the upper structure on an upper side of the lower structure by submerging part of a carrier vessel on which the upper structure is mounted while being held by a pair of arm-shaped structures of the carrier vessel and integrating the lower structure with the upper structure. In this way, an offshore structure is moored safely at an offshore installation site without using a crane vessel.

Abstract: A canoe and platform combination assembly includes a platform that has a top side, a bottom side, a front edge, a rear edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A plurality of arms is attached to the platform. The arms engage canoes positioned adjacent to the first and second lateral sides such that the canoes are orientated parallel to each other. A plurality of tethers is provided. Each of the arms has one of the tethers positioned thereon. Each of the tethers is positioned around one of a plurality of braces of the canoes.

Abstract: A fin plug (10) for installation in a water craft, said fin plug (10) including: a first open cavity (20) adapted to receive a base portion (15) of a water craft fin (50); and, a resilient biasing rod (30) and a protruding member (35) cooperating with the biasing rod, said protruding member being adapted to abut the base portion (15) of said fin (50) when received in said first open cavity (20); wherein said biasing rod and protruding member are adapted to apply a force to the base portion of said fin to inhibit removal of said fin from said first open cavity.

Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull having starboard and port sides and a transom, a generally horizontal platform, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The generally horizontal platform extends aft of the transom and is configured to support a human weighing at least 100 lbs. on an upper surface thereof. The pair of wake-modifying devices are attached to the platform. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the platform's centerline, and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the platform's centerline. Each wake-modifying device is moveable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position in which the wake-modifying device is angled downwardly at an angle relative to the top surface of the generally horizontal platform.

Abstract: A watercraft lift includes a base that is configured to be attached to a fixed surface. The watercraft lift includes an extension that extends from the base. The extension includes a pair of arms and a pair of legs. Each leg is attached to, and extends away from, each arm. The extension is rotatable about the base between a lowered position and a raised position. Then in the lowered position, the extension is configured to receive a watercraft, and when in the raised positioned, the extension is configured to store the watercraft.

Abstract: A drone-type lifesaving equipment dropping device including: an unmanned aerial vehicle (2) having a propeller (4) and a rotor (3) configured to rotate the propeller; a holding member (10) which is installed to the unmanned aerial vehicle (2) and configured to be operated by wireless control; and a lifesaving equipment which is detachably engaged to the holding member (10) and is dropped from the holding member (10) after the lifesaving equipment is disengaged from the holding member.

Abstract: A jet propelled watercraft includes a watercraft body, an engine housed in the watercraft body, a jet propulsion unit that suctions and jets water with a drive force of the engine, a first exhaust pipe connected to an exhaust port of the engine, and a catalyst storage connected to the first exhaust pipe, wherein the first exhaust pipe and the catalyst storage are integral and unitary with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a craft in the form of a body to be sat or laid upon by a user and provided with power for use in a body of water. There is also provided a method for the use of the craft in game play and the use of the same in a manner which allows the power source for the drive to be managed. A system for transport, charging and/or communication with the craft from onshore is also provided, along with a system to allow the use of the craft within a specified area on the body of water to be maintained and controlled.

Abstract: A joystick system and a watercraft using the system are presented. The system includes a joystick having a low range of motion spanning from a rest angle to a threshold angle, and a high range of motion spanning from the threshold angle to a maximum angle; a joystick position sensor for producing signals indicative of a position of the joystick and a control for producing engine thrust request signals to control a resultant thrust of two thrust generation devices in response to receiving the signals from the joystick position sensor, the resultant thrust increasing from a minimum to a threshold thrust at a first rate of increase as the joystick moves from the rest angle toward the threshold angle, the resultant thrust increasing from the threshold thrust to a maximum thrust at a second greater rate of increase as the joystick moves from the threshold angle toward the maximum angle.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to a trolling motor including an electric motor having a propeller coupled thereto, a shaft configured for coupling the electric motor to a watercraft. The shaft is configured to rotate relative to the watercraft and the shaft defines an internal passage. The trolling motor also includes a housing that encapsulates the motor, a removable nosecone operably coupled to the housing opposite the propeller and configured to encapsulate at least one marine device. One or more mechanical connection features are provided to enable removable connection of the nosecone to the remainder of the trolling motor housing. One or more electrical connection features are provided to enable electrical connection of the at least one marine device through the trolling motor housing.

Abstract: A modular drive apparatus includes a gear box (16) with a rotatable internal transmission gear (60). The gear box includes a plurality of body openings (44). The openings may be selectively closed by the installation of cover plates (52, 54). With a cover plate removed, a drive coupler (32, 34, 58, 148) may be extended in the respective opening and mounted in operative connection with the gear box. In the mounted position of the drive coupler, an idler gear (72, 172) engages the ring gear of the gear box. Rotatable power devices such as pumps, motors and generators may be operatively rotatably engaged with the drive coupler.