Abstract: A fixed bearing for a steering gear includes a rotational bearing that has an inner bearing ring configured to receive a pinion shaft of the steering gear and an outer bearing ring that is received in a bearing sleeve. The fixed bearing also includes a pivot ring that has an outer ring and an inner ring that are pivotally connected via one or more torsion webs. The inner ring is connected to the bearing sleeve. The outer ring is disposed in a housing of the steering gear and configured to support the fixed bearing. The inner ring and the outer bearing ring are clamped between an axial stop of the bearing sleeve and a clamping ring. Such clamping reduces backlash and prevents undesired noises due to motion of these elements within the bearing sleeve during the operation of the steering gear with the fixed bearing.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system having an I-beam and a steering gear housing coupled therewith. An input shaft assembly may be at least partially disposed within the steering gear housing. A steering knuckle having a kingpin boss and an output shaft having a first end at least partially disposed within the kingpin boss. A second end of the output shaft at least partially disposed within the steering gear housing.

Abstract: When detecting an abnormality in a portion related to control of an electric motor, a CPU that calculates a control amount for controlling the electric motor calculates a control amount different from a control amount at a normal time so as to continue the control of the electric motor and changes a threshold value for detecting the abnormality to a value different from a value at a normal time.

Abstract: A motor drive apparatus includes a control assembly that controls driving of a motor. The control assembly includes a controller that outputs a drive signal instructing a drive amount of the motor, a drive that supplies electric current, supplied from an external power supply, to the motor based on the drive signal output from the controller, a current detector that detects electric current flowing through the drive unit, and a first temperature detector that detects temperature of the drive unit. The control assembly calculates a heat storage amount stored in the control assembly at a predetermined cycle, and when the calculated heat storage amount is larger than a predetermined threshold, the control assembly outputs the drive signal that instructs a drive amount smaller than the drive amount at the time of calculation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for adjusting steering angle and articulation angle in an auto articulation operation of a work vehicle. The percentage of travel of a steering joystick of the work vehicle at least partially determines a steering desired angle change, which can be used to calculate a steering desired angle and an articulation desired angle change. The difference between the steering desired angle and a steering angle detected by a steering angle sensor is used to adjust the steering angle. The articulation desired angle change can be used to calculate an articulation desired angle. The difference between the articulation desired angle and an articulation angle detected by an articulation angle sensor is used to adjust the articulation angle.

Abstract: A road transport system of a header of a harvesting machine includes two pairs of wheels and two wheel frames. Each wheel frame is connected to a pair of wheels. The two wheel frames are rotatable between a field operation position and a road transport position. A header of a harvesting machine includes two pairs of wheels and two wheel frames. Each wheel frame is connected to a pair of wheels. The two wheel frames are rotatable between a field operation position and a road transport position. A method of converting a header of a harvesting machine from a field operation mode to a road transport mode includes: releasing wheel frames of the header from the header; rotating the wheel frames from a field operation position to a road transport position; and enabling kingpin steering connections between at least one of the wheel frames and a pair of wheels.

Abstract: A power transmission device of a steering system. A first connector includes a cylindrical first support coupled to one of coaxial first and second shafts and first coupling portions extending axially from inner circumferential portions of the first support. A second connector includes a second support coupled to the other of the first and second shafts and fitted into the first support and second coupling portions extending axially from outer circumferential portions of the second support. A damper includes outer support recesses provided in outer circumferential portions thereof, with the first coupling portions being fitted into the outer support recesses, and inner support recesses provided in inner circumferential portions thereof, with the second coupling portions being fitted into the inner support recesses, wherein the damper is coupled between the first connector and the second connector.

Abstract: An underbody structure for a motor vehicle has: at least one underbody panel; and at least one air guide. The air guide is assigned to the underbody panel and has at least one separation edge for bringing about a flow separation. The air guide is passively pivotable back at least in sections behind a plane formed by a carriageway-side outer side of the underbody panel such that the separation edge is capable of yielding upon contact with an obstacle in order to avoid damage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting small, dense cargo over roadways via a specialized transportation trailer are provided. The disclosed transportation trailer includes a space frame including a lower central portion designed to directly receive and support the cargo that is being carried by the trailer, as well as an upper portion that extends above the height of the cargo. The space frame also includes lower side portions that extend longitudinally in opposite directions from the lower central portion to connect the space frame to the wheels and trailer hookup of the transportation trailer. The space frame may further include a truss structure formed between the lower central portion and the upper portion to increase the rigidity of the trailer. The transportation trailer is designed to minimize the height of the cargo's center of gravity, increase trailer rigidity, increase cargo capacity, and maximize ground clearance compared to existing trailer designs.

Abstract: A cargo vehicle is disclosed having a composite floor assembly with at least one embedded hardpoint connector. The composite floor assembly may comprise a plurality of transverse beams, wherein a subset of the plurality of transverse beams includes at least one embedded hardpoint connector. The embedded connector may be used to securely and removably couple other vehicle components to the composite floor assembly, such as a landing gear assembly and/or a slide rail assembly.

Abstract: An example reinforced wood flooring for use in forming a truck trailer or container floor may include a wood member. The wood member may include a plurality of wood strips that are attached together. The wood member may also have a top surface and a bottom surface. An essentially water impermeable fiber-reinforced thermoplastic underlay may be adhered to the bottom surface of the wood member.

Abstract: A flooring apparatus and method of making the same are provided. The apparatus and method, in one embodiment, may include providing an elongated member having a top surface. A first adhesive is deposited about a perimeter of the top surface of the elongated member. A second adhesive is deposited within the perimeter of the top surface of the elongated member, with the second adhesive having a lower viscosity than the first adhesive and being retained within the perimeter by the first adhesive. A friction-increasing member is then heated to a pre-heat temperature. The friction-increasing member is disposed on the first and second adhesive to form the flooring apparatus. The flooring apparatus is then cured at a curing temperature, in one embodiment, that is greater than the pre-heat temperature.

Abstract: A suspension system for an operator station of a vehicle having a chassis includes a subframe structure positioned between the operator station and the chassis. The subframe structure includes a plurality of mounting pads configured to support the operator station. A plurality of suspension assemblies are connected between the chassis and the subframe structure near each of the mounting pads. A first lateral rod is connected between the subframe structure near one of the mounting pads and the chassis. A first longitudinal rod is connected between the subframe structure near one of the mounting pads and the chassis. A stabilizer bar is connected between the subframe structure at two locations and the chassis. A roll control bar is connected between the subframe structure at two locations and the chassis.

Abstract: A cargo detection apparatus installed within a cargo container includes multiple distance sensors and one or more processors in communication with the distance sensors. The distance sensors, which are configured for mounting on or adjacent to a ceiling of the cargo container, generate distance signals. Each distance signal indicates a distance between a corresponding one of the distance sensors and a surface within the interior space of the cargo container. The one or more processors are operable to execute instructions to compare the distance indicated by each of the distance signals to a distance threshold, and generate a cargo-present indication if the distance is less than the distance threshold. The distance sensors may be laser-ranging time-of-flight sensors or ultrasonic sensors.

Abstract: A track assembly for providing traction to an off-road vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, a construction vehicle, or another work vehicle, in which the track assembly may comprise a suspension between a frame of the track assembly and a bogie carrying roller wheels of the track assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting heavy machinery, equipment or other heavy loads from one location to another, whereby the apparatus may be constructed as a walking machine including a plurality of lifting assemblies operative to lift the load above the supporting surface and then move the load relative to the supporting surface by transporting the load via rollers or tracks in the walking machines. In one example, the lifting assemblies are provided with separate longitudinal and lateral drive mechanisms independently operative for translating the load in either or both longitudinal and lateral directions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for moving at least one load transporting apparatus may include the load transporting apparatus(es) configured to move in at least one direction, at least one feedback sensing device disposed on and/or within the load transporting apparatus where the sensing device obtains movement measurements of the load transporting apparatus, a first location to receive a pre-determined input, a second location to receive the movement measurement(s), and a processing circuit to compare the movement measurement(s) to the pre-determined input. In a non-limiting embodiment, a pre-loading system may prepare the load transporting apparatus for movement prior to moving or lifting a load by depressing at least one component of the load transporting apparatus.

Abstract: A self-contained mobile retail store structure which is transportable from one location to another. The structure is mounted to a frame which is coupled to a plurality of wheels by a hydraulic system capable of raising, lowering, inclining and declining the structure relative to a ground surface. In a stationary position, the walls of the structure contact the ground surface, and in the transportable position, the walls of the structure are spaced from the ground surface. The mobile retail store structure of this disclosure fits in a standard-sized parking space, and may be configured with other similar structures to expand the retail area.

Abstract: An automobile manufacturing plant for manufacturing automobiles has a series of manufacturing sites including a part forming shop, a body shop, a paint shop and an assembly shop. Each manufacturing site is associated with a respective inspection site. The respective inspection sites provide inspection data representing at least one of dimensional characteristics, shape characteristics or surface characteristics of the car body parts, the car body, the painted car body and the car-on-wheels produced in the series of manufacturing sites. The inspection data from the plurality of inspection sites is correlated in a common data base server. Inspection sites at a later stage of the manufacturing process can use inspection data from previous stages and automatically decide whether or not a car body part, the car body, the painted car body or the car-on-wheels has to be reworked.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting system mountable on a bicycle luggage carrier, including a clamping system for clamping on the bicycle luggage carrier and a carrier coupling part mountable on the clamping system and configured to cooperate with a corresponding luggage coupling part of a bicycle accessory, wherein the clamping system includes at least two clamping sets, each clamping set including a first clamping hook and a second clamping hook each arranged to clamp a longitudinal rod of the bicycle luggage carrier, the clamping set further including an adjustment member extending between said first clamping hook and said second clamping hook such that a distance between said first and second clamping hook is adjustable.

Abstract: An exhaust assembly for a vehicle. The exhaust assembly includes a header assembly including one or more head pipes, and a bridge with a first end and a second end that is opposite the first end. The first and second ends are secured to the header assembly. The exhaust assembly further includes a shield assembly including a shield shaped to cover a portion of the header assembly and a retainer secured to the shield and supported by the bridge by a planar clamp joint therebetween.

Abstract: A motor vehicle control system including a foot control assembly having a left-side foot control and a right-side foot control, and a hand control assembly having a left-side hand control and a right-side hand control. The left-side foot control is in communication with a left-signal and the right-side foot control is in communication with a right-signal and configured to control brake functions. The left-side hand control includes a clutch twist and the right-side hand control includes a throttle twist. The clutch twist configured to control a clutch when a twisting motion is applied, and the throttle twist is configured to control a throttle when the twisting motion is applied by the user. The foot control assembly and the hand control assembly are configured to be used in combination for operating a motor vehicle.

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: Described is a set of bike pedals configured for barefoot use. In one example embodiment, the pedals include a contoured and rounded platform portion, and a toe post extending generally perpendicularly from a front of the platform portion.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal crank arm hole protection device. The device comprises a metal threaded insert to be screwed into the crank arm threaded hole when pedals have been removed from the pedal crank arm and a smoothly rounded cover to dampen any contact with other objects.

Abstract: An assistance control system includes a sensor mounted on a cycle body of a cycle, and a controller communicable with the sensor and an assistance module of the cycle. The sensor senses operation of the cycle body so as to output a sense signal indicative of a state of usage of the cycle body. Based on the sense signal, the controller switches between a boost mode and a deboost mode. In the boost mode, the controller outputs a control signal to the assistance module so as to control the assistance module to increase assistive torque for driving movement of the cycle body. In the deboost mode, the controller outputs the control signal to the assistance module so as to control the assistance module to decrease the assistive torque.

Abstract: A watercraft is provided with fin on its transom. The fin extends outwardly from a portion of the transom that extends into the water. The fin includes a first portion and a second portion positioned rearwardly of the first portion. The second portion is inclined downwardly and rearwardly relative to the first portion and positioned so as to provide lift and to channel water toward the propeller. The watercraft may be a pontoon boat having first and second laterally-spaced pontoons located under the deck on opposite sides of the transom. Additional fins may be mounted on the first and second laterally-spaced pontoons.

Abstract: A system that controls an impact load resulting from a fluid under an internal/external force is provided. The system senses an impact load, of a fluid under an internal/external force and attenuates the impact load. The present invention includes a floating means arranged horizontally inside an amount of fluid in an open space or in a sealed interior, a position adjustment means is vertically connected to the floating means and positioned inside the fluid, a sensing means disposed inside the fluid, on the floating means, the position adjustment means, or a structure in the periphery senses a measurement object. A controller predicts/monitors and predicts/controls fluid dynamics-related forces, hull stress, six-degree-of-freedom movements, and positions in connection with a transportation means or maritime structure. The floating means, the position adjustment means, and the sensing means are installed thereon, and use the value from the measurement object transmitted from the sensing means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floating mooring structure comprising a framework formed by a first plurality of equidistant parallel tubes (1), having tubes (2) belonging to a second plurality of tubes (2) extending across the top thereof and tubes (3) belonging to a third plurality of tubes (3) extending across the bottom thereof. The structure also comprises peripheral berthing beams (7, 7?) and additional flotation tanks (9 and 10) with shock-absorbing fenders (13) and with vent tubes (1) that help stabilise the structure and serve as mooring posts (12 and 12?) for vessels.

Abstract: A method of mooring a floating vessel having a fairlead stopper coupled thereto is provided. The method includes retrieving a line pre-reeved on the fairlead stopper, connecting the line to an upper end of a mooring line, retrieving a second end of the line, connecting the second end to a winch of the AHV, and hauling in the mooring line to apply tension thereto. Also disclosed are mooring lines and systems, including lines having tensioning connectors thereon, such as tri-plate connectors, for stretching lines.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a navigation system which, on the one hand, is arranged on sides of the underwater vehicle/AUV and, on the other hand, includes a surface transmitter as a counterpart. The two units communicate with each other such that the surface transmitter emits its signal directed to the position of the underwater vehicle and/or that the surface transmitter follows the underwater vehicle to improve the position determination capability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for handling the content of a catch from a fishing boat comprising the steps of providing a sorting table having crate handling platforms and installing crates on these platforms. The method also has the step of replacing a full crate with an empty crate and placing the full crates on a crate handling frame which frame can be secured within vertical storage containers.

Abstract: A watercraft is basically provided with a watercraft structure, a platform mount and a platform. The watercraft structure defines an outer top boat perimeter. The platform mount is provided on the watercraft structure. The platform includes a platform portion and a support portion coupled to the platform mount. The platform portion is disposed below the platform mount while the support portion is coupled to the platform mount in a first deployed position that is outside of the outer top boat perimeter. The platform portion is disposed above the platform mount while the support portion is coupled to the platform mount in a second deployed position that is outside of the outer top boat perimeter.

Abstract: A watercraft is basically provided with a watercraft structure and a grab bar. The watercraft structure includes a platform with a recess at a rear edge of the platform. The grab bar is mounted to the watercraft structure in the recess of the platform. The grab bar has a bar portion with a front edge that is disposed forward of the rear edge of the platform with respect to a front to aft direction of the watercraft.

Abstract: A system includes a fuel burner disposed within a buoy, and at least one fuel tank coupled to the fuel burner. The fuel tank preferably contains ethanol or propane. The system comprises either a thermoelectric generator or an electrical generator mechanically coupled to a heat engine. The ethanol or propane is burned to generate electric power. At least a portion of the electric power that is generated is stored in a battery system so that the system can provide peak levels of electric power consumption that are relatively large. The system can be used in autonomous marine applications.

Abstract: A sports board includes a board body, a seat back and a pair of pedals. The seat back is arranged on a top surface of the board body for a user's back to lean on. The pedals arranged on the top surface of the board body for the user's feet to against the pedals.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a center section of a tower. The apparatus may further include at least a first support and a second support each comprising a telescoping assembly, wherein the telescoping assembly may include two or more members longitudinally moveable relative to one another for moving the center section of the tower between at least a first position and a second position.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to the measurement and predictions of conditions and contaminants; chemical, particulate and gaseous in and around water impoundments. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of an autonomous watercraft to analyze the chemical and physical properties of a body of water, such as a pond holding water used in a hydraulic fracturing operation.

Abstract: A vent for use with a film-wrapped watercraft includes a body having a piercing tip at a first end and a hood member at a second end. A guide member extends from the body to an area proximate the piercing tip. The guide member includes a positioning structure proximate the piercing tip. A vent member is positioned under the body. Apertures of the vent member are positioned between a lower edge of the vent member and the hood member. The positioning structure is configured to slidably engage a watercraft wrap and allow the piercing tip to pierce the watercraft wrap. The positioning structure and the piercing tip are configured to guide a portion of the watercraft wrap over the body and under the guide member and the positioning structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved lifts and lift systems, as well as the associated methods of use, for raising and lowering watercraft into and out of water.

Abstract: A pierce pin for an inflator for piercing the frangible seal of a gas cartridge including in combination a shaft having a axial bore forming a tubular member having a tip with a rim and a pair of slots formed across the rim into the tip into the tubular member to an appreciable depth to form a tab, the tab being bent inwardly into the axial bore after formation of the slots.

Abstract: According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a marine propulsion system (1) comprising a first portion (4) and a second portion (5) of a set of movable foils, a movement mechanism (2) coupled to the first portion (4) and the second portion (5) of the set of movable foils and configured to simultaneously control a motion of the first portion (4) and the second portion (5) of the set of foils along a closed first trajectory (6) comprising a first direction (17) and a second direction (18) which is different than the first direction (17), and a pitch mechanism (3) coupled to the first portion (4) and the second portion (5) of the set of movable foils and configured to control a pitch angle (?) of the first portion (4) and the second portion (5) of the set of movable foils, and wherein the pitch angle (?) of at least a part of the second portion (5) of the set of foils is dependent on an incoming fluid flow (vx), the motion of the second portion (5) of the set of foils, and a flow (v

Abstract: A heater panel includes a face layer. A heater/dielectric layer includes a heater layer between a pair of dielectric layers. The face layer is bonded to a first one of the dielectric layers. A ballistic structure is bonded to a second one of the dielectric layers. The face layer can be bonded directly to the first one of the dielectric layers with a film adhesive. The ballistic structure can be bonded directly to the second one of the dielectric layers with a film adhesive. The ballistic structure can be configured to withstand at least a 5.56 mm bullet impact.

Abstract: A system and method for transformation of motor transportation vehicle for ground and air transport, motor transportation vehicle are disclosed.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods for facilitating the assembly of aircraft wings to a fuselage are disclosed. In some embodiments, a wing unit includes features that are configured to define one of more parts of a pressure vessel that is partially defined by the fuselage portion. In some embodiments, the aircraft assemblies disclosed herein comprise one or more first structural interfaces that permit positional adjustment between the wing unit and the fuselage portion so that one or more second structural interfaces may be finished only after such positional adjustment. In some embodiments, the aircraft assemblies disclosed herein comprise one or more structural interfaces that are disposed outside of the wing unit in order to eliminate or reduce the need for assembly personnel to access the interior of the wing unit to carry out the structural assembly of the wing unit to the fuselage portion.

Abstract: An airfoil assembly comprising an airplane wing, a spoiler, and a flap for unmanned and high endurance aircraft. The spoiler is located on an upper surface of the airplane wing while the flap is located on a lower surface of the airplane wing. The spoiler and the flap can occupy at least one-third, and up to three-quarters, the chord span of the airplane wing. The spoiler and the flap are both capable of moving upwards and downwards with respect to the airplane wing through their respective frames.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an aerodynamic spinner fairing having a sidewall and one or more airflow intakes in the sidewall. The airflow intakes are closed during a first phase of flight and open during a second phase of flight. The first phase of flight may be an airplane mode for a tiltrotor aircraft, and the second phase of flight may be a helicopter mode for the tiltrotor aircraft. The airflow intakes may comprise an opening in the sidewall, and a door that is configured to move between a first position covering the opening and a second position exposing the opening to external airflow. An actuator coupled to the door may operate to move the door between the first position and the second position. One or more guide vanes within the aerodynamic spinner fairing may be configured to direct air received via the airflow intakes to provide convection cooling.

Abstract: A pitch control system characterized by a hub with at least two blade housings on the hub that are disposed around the hub axis. The blade housings have corresponding blades that engage with them. The blades spiral along housing longitudinal axes toward and away from the hub axis about a segment of helical path to effect a change in the pitch of each blade. One or more elastic members draw the blades toward the hub axis, either directly or indirectly. There are pitch mechanisms effective to facilitate blades to spiral around housing-longitudinal axes. A blade will spiral away from the hub axis when the centrifugal force exerted on the blade exceeds the opposing elastic force in the housing-longitudinal direction (neglecting other forces). Conversely, blades spiral toward the hub axis when said centrifugal force is less than said elastic force. There is an imaginary plane orthogonal to the hub axis. Housing-longitudinal axes have angles with respect to the imaginary plane of not more than 30 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention discloses improvements to mechanical and electro-mechanical force simulators for aircraft pilot controllers, and particularly foot-actuated controllers. In particular, the invention replaces conventional foot-actuated, pilot controller systems—namely, those that employ multiple, discrete, motion control subsystems to control the various force simulation and trim functions used in modern aircraft to assist pilot control of a given axis of flight—with a single motion control system. The invention accomplishes this in part by eliminating the force-feel spring used in conventional, federated, foot-actuated, motor-coupled pilot controllers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft wing comprising a stationary central wing body as well as at least one mobile leading edge flap intended for being moved relative to the stationary central body between an extended position and a retracted position, the wing comprising a device for moving the mobile leading edge flap, the device being provided with at least one mobile drive rail including a front end connected to the mobile flap. According to the invention, the movement device comprises a linear electric motor including: a primary assembly provided with at least one stationary carriage comprising coils, the primary assembly being rigidly connected to the stationary central body of the wing; and a mobile secondary assembly including a magnetic track arranged on the drive rail.