Abstract: A coupling arrangement for coupling members as a gear change coupling in a gear mechanism unit includes a first member and a second member. The first member has a coupling toothing system. At least one locking body arrangement is mounted pivotably on the second member. The locking body arrangement can be pivoted into a coupling position, in the case of which a driving section on the locking body arrangement engages into the coupling toothing system. The locking body arrangement can be pivoted into a release position, in the case of which the driving section of the locking body arrangement does not engage into the coupling toothing system. The locking body arrangement has a locking body carrier which is mounted pivotably on the second member, and has a locking body member which is mounted pivotably on the locking body carrier and on which the driving section is configured.

Abstract: Provided is a bicycle transmission using a variable speed motor and a planetary gear mechanism including: a first input rotary shaft (10) rotatably connected to a main power source (11); a second input rotary shaft (20) receiving a motor rotational power from a variable speed motor (21); a planetary gear mechanism (30) receiving first and second rotational power respectively from the first input rotary shaft (10) and the second input rotary shaft (20), wherein the planetary gear mechanism (30) includes a ring gear (33), a carrier (31), a plurality of planet gears (32), and a sun gear (34); an output shaft (40) receiving a third rotational power from the planetary gear mechanism (30); and a control unit (50) controlling the variable speed motor (21) and controlling a rotational direction and speed of the second input rotary shaft (20), wherein the first input rotary shaft (10) is arranged concentrically with the output shaft (40), the ring gear (33), the carrier (31), and the sun gear (34).

Abstract: A modular, weight-shift controlled watercraft device is disclosed which includes: a modular board removably attachable to a power system. The power system includes a modular power supply system, and a modular propulsion system. The power supply system includes a housing including a battery. The propulsion system includes a modular strut, a modular propulsion pod, and a modular hydrofoil. In one embodiment, the power supply system is removably and mechanically attachable directly to the propulsion system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a watercraft for transporting at least one person on a water surface, comprising an input device for providing a control instruction, wherein the control instruction depends on an input movement of the person and the input movement can be carried out during travel with the watercraft, furthermore comprising a control device for providing a change and thus a selective increase and decrease of the lift force as a function of the control instruction, furthermore having a transmission device for transmitting the control instruction from the input device to the control device, furthermore having a steering device for providing a change in direction of the watercraft taking place along the water surface as a function of a steering movement by the person, wherein a holding device is provided for enabling a supporting function for the person operating the watercraft, wherein the input movement can be carried out independently of the steering movement and/or the supporting function.

Abstract: The towable device having a cover and looped tow strap includes one or more toroidal inflatable tubes surrounded by an abrasion and puncture resistant cover. The cover tightly wraps around the inflated tube(s) to support and contain the tube(s). A top surface of the cover defines openings around the central passageway created by each toroidal tube to allow a rider to enter and occupy the space within the passageway. A lower surface of the cover provides a continuous surface to accommodate sliding during use and support a rider positioned within the center of each tube. A tow strap wraps around a circumference of at least one of the tubes within the cover and extends out a front of the cover for attachment to a towing device.

Abstract: A tension device for securing a floating structure to a fixed point includes an elastic member and an inelastic member. The elastic member has a length between a first end and a second end thereof. The length is elastically variable under tension. The inelastic member limits elongation of the length of the elastic member. The tension device has a first length when the elastic member is not under tension and a longer length when the elastic member is elastically stretched by a tension force. The inelastic member limits elastic elongation of the elastic member to a second length.

Abstract: A vessel for towing another vessel comprises a hull, a tow cable coupled to the hull, a hook having a first leg fixed to a free end of the cable, a second leg including a free end and a hook bottom. The first and second legs form an opening for receiving a rope located at the vessel and launched from another vessel. The first and second legs extend in a main plane. A rope positioning system positions a rope and a hook support for the hook with respect to each other such that the rope extends in transverse direction of the main plane at the opening of the hook when the hook is linked to the hook support. A rope pressing system presses the rope the hook towards the hook bottom when the hook is linked to the hook support, creating a clamping force between the legs and the rope.

Abstract: An installation for storing and transporting a cryogenic fluid on a ship includes: a sealed and thermally insulating tank, having a ceiling wall including, from the outside to the inside, a primary thermally insulating barrier and a primary sealing membrane intended to be in contact with the cryogenic fluid; and a sealed line penetrating through the ceiling wall of the tank, the line including a bottom portion of which a first end is situated inside the ceiling wall of the tank and a second end is situated outside the ceiling wall of the tank in a thicknesswise direction of the ceiling wall, and a top portion fixed to the second end of the bottom portion. The bottom portion includes an alloy with low thermal expansion coefficient. The primary sealing membrane is tightly fixed to the bottom portion of the line around the line.

Abstract: Boats can include seating assemblies that can be configured in a variety of different arrangements. In one configuration of the seating assemblies described herein, a forward-facing seat and a rearward-facing seat are arranged back-to-back above a seat bottom. In another configuration, the seating assembly can be arranged as a forward-facing reclined seat such that a forward rotation of the forward-facing seat to a flat position with the seat bottom causes a rearward rotation of the rearward-facing seat to a reclined position. In still another configuration, the seating assembly can be configured form a reclined seat in a rearward-facing configuration.

Abstract: A cooler installable on a kayak includes: a hollow cooler body tapering from an end adjacent to a kayak seat to a narrower end adjacent an end of the kayak; a flange portion formed around an upper end of the cooler body and located above a deck of the kayak when the cooler is installed on the kayak, the flange portion shaped to fit flush against an upper surface of the deck of the kayak; and a lid hingedly attached to the flange portion and shaped to cover an opening formed within the flange portion when in a closed position.

Abstract: One or more embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to flotation devices, and more specifically to modular flotation devices with a mechanism to removably attach to other modular devices. In one embodiments, an apparatus includes a first flotation module and a first connector coupled to the first flotation module. The first connector has a first end portion, a second end portion and a sidewall extended from the first end portion to the second end portion. The sidewall defines a plurality of circumferentially defined stepped portions configured to matingly engage a second connector of a second flotation module to couple the first flotation module to the second flotation module. The first connector is selectively operative as one of a female connector or a male connector with respect to the second connector.

Abstract: A mobile offshore electric power system used for generating electricity from an ocean current or a navigable river current. The offshore electric power system uses a platform from a decommissioned oil drilling rig to suspend one, two or more hydro-kinetic turbines, with electric generators, in the ocean current. The electric generators are connected to an electric generator cable to the platform and then transferred to an onshore electric cable connected to a power grid. The platform can be from a converted semi-submersible drilling rig, which is anchored to an ocean floor. Also, the platform can be from a jack-up drilling rig. Further, the platform can be mounted on a large ocean-going boat, with a dynamic positioning system, used in a navigable river.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a houseboat assembly formed from a cabin assembly secured to a hull assembly. In some version of the houseboat assembly, one or both of the cabin assembly and the hull assembly may be formed in accordance with a boat type and/or a floor plan. The boat type and/or floor plan may be selected by a customer. The cabin assembly may be formed at a first location and the hull assembly may be formed at a second location. The cabin assembly and hull assembly may then be transported to a third location. At the third location, the cabin assembly may be secured to the hull assembly to form the cabin assembly at the third location. The third location may be requested or specified by the customer.

Abstract: A barge for recovery of a rocket launch vehicle is proposed, which can recover a launch vehicle from the sea onto the land in safety during launch vehicle recovering work. The barge can recover the launch vehicle in safety by effectively preventing a slope of the structure which supports the launch vehicle.

Abstract: U-tank active roll dampening system and method for active roll dampening of a vessel provided with a U-tank enabling controlling of fluid level in side tanks in anti-phase in front of vessel roll motion period.

Abstract: Wakeboat hull control systems and methods are provided to monitor the orientation of the wakeboat hull in the surrounding water, and to automatically control wakeboat ballast components to achieve or maintain desired hull orientations. Systems and methods are provided to measure, store, and recall hull orientation. Systems and methods are also provided to enable automated action to improve the safety, automation, performance, convenience, and marketing advantage of wakeboat ballast systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fender comprising a textile envelop surrounding an inflatable chamber, a valve for inflating/deflating said chamber. According to the invention, said textile envelop comprises a central part for receiving said valve and two longitudinal side parts, said side parts being linked together on at least one portion of their length by a junction zone.

Abstract: Fender arrangement for docking a marine vessel (1) with a boat landing (2) of a marine offshore structure (3) such as a wind power plant, including at least one fender unit (12, 13) composed of elastically deformable material and provided with a receiving recess (18) for a docking rail (5) of said boat landing (2). The fender arrangement is especially characterized in that fender unit (12, 13) exhibits an internal deformation control cavity (20) positioned at a distance from the receiving recess (18) within the fender unit (12, 13) and extending at least along the width of said receiving recess (18), controlling deformation of the fender unit (12, 13) into forming a gripping hold of a docking rail (5) by compression of the internal deformation control cavity (20) when the fender unit (12, 13) is pressed against the docking rail (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to marine vessel safety system which ensures that a marine vessel enters a safe state in the event of at least one malfunction in any vessel operation systems and components of the marine vessel. The marine vessel safety system comprises at least one vessel monitoring system, at least one malfunction evaluation system and a safe-state control system.

Abstract: A diving mask includes a transparent visor, a frame or strap, a gasket to guarantee the watertight seal and appropriate belts for fitting the mask, a breathing tube associated with the facial part is fitted onto the upper part of the mask and which enables the flow of air to enter into the compartment between the frame and the visor. The path of air in the inhalation phase and in the exhalation phase both in the mask and tube are different from each other. The tube is made with separate ducts for inhalation and exhalation and the inside of the mask is made with two compartments, one upper front and one lower oronasal separated by a wall. The path provides that inhalation air is introduced by the tube into the frontal compartment and then into the oronasal one and air exhaled from the oronasal compartment travels up to the tube.

Abstract: A subsurface diver transport vehicle includes a vehicle body and at least one propulsion device. The vehicle body incorporates a number of individual mission modules mechanically assembled together to define a substantially continuous hull and deck of the vehicle. The mission modules include at least one battery module adapted for supplying electrical current to electrical subsystems of the vehicle. The propulsion device is attached to the vehicle body and capable of propelling the vehicle through a body of water.

Abstract: A seabed object detection system is provided. The system can include a receiver array including streamers. The system can include a plurality of receivers coupled with the streamers. The system can include a receiver array cross-cable to couple with the first streamer and to couple with the second streamer. The receiver array cross-cable can be disposed at a first depth of a body of water. The system can include a first diverter and a second diverter coupled with the receiver array cross-cable. The system can include a source array including a first source and a second source. The source array can be coplanar to the receiver array. The system can include a source array cross-cable to couple with the first source and to couple with the second source, the source array cross-cable disposed at a second depth of the body of water.

Abstract: A leg-arm-paddle underwater robot is provided in the present invention, which includes: a frame, an operating mechanism, a traveling mechanism, and a propulsion mechanism. The traveling mechanism is adapted to enable the leg-arm-paddle composite underwater robot to travel. The propulsion mechanism is adapted to enable the leg-arm-paddle composite underwater robot to float in water. The operating mechanism includes a first robot arm, a second robot arm, and a first mounting base, wherein the first mounting base is detachably connected to the frame. Both the first robot arm and the second robot arm are rotatably connected to the first mounting base, and rotation centers of the first robot arm and the second robot arm are the same. The operating mechanism of the leg-arm-paddle composite underwater robot has a compact structure and a large working range. The leg-arm-paddle composite underwater robot has reduced volume, enhanced operation capability, wide applicability, and strong practicability.

Abstract: A technique facilitates detection of gaseous emissions in a marine environment via a vessel or vessels traversing a region of the marine environment. Environmental data is collected via a detection system on each vessel and communicated to a processing system. The processing system processes various environmental data such as location data, emission detection data, wind data, and/or other data to determine an emissions result. This emissions result is output in a form to facilitate decision-making with respect to potential corrective actions to reduce the gaseous emissions.

Abstract: A bar for controlling a kite comprises a trimming unit for the control lines (back line trimming unit). A length of the control lines can be adjusted by the trimming unit. The trimming unit is mounted in or on the bar and can be adjusted by means of a motor, preferably an electric motor.

Abstract: Cables for propulsion and/or guidance of cable ferries are disclosed which permit their use on longer ferry routes. One embodiment provides the use of cables for propulsion and/or guidance of cable ferries where the unit weight, density, specific gravity and/or diameter of the cable is variable over the length of the cable. According to one embodiment, heavier or denser cable is used adjacent to the terminals, while lighter or less dense cable is used for a middle section. Where sections have positive buoyancy, the cable may be tethered to one or more anchors. Where sections have negative buoyancy, the cable may be tethered to one or more floats.

Abstract: A stand-up paddle with a shaft (3) arranged between a paddle blade (1) and a handle (2) is described. In order to design the stand-up paddle in such a way that paddle strokes on stand-up paddle boards can be performed, in particular by inexperienced users, without the risk of loss of balance, it is suggested that the handle part (2) is attached to the end of the shaft (3) opposite the paddle blade (1) by means of a tension-resistant, flexible connecting element (4).

Abstract: An outboard-motor mounting device is provided with: a clamp bracket (20) to be attached to a stern portion (15) of a hull; a swivel bracket (60) disposed between the clamp bracket and an outboard motor body (1); a trim-tilt equipment (40) that swings the outboard motor body back and forth via the swivel bracket; and a lift equipment (30) that lifts or lowers the outboard motor body via the swivel bracket. The lift equipment having a lift cylinder (33) for lifting is liftably supported on the clamp bracket, and the trim-tilt equipment having a tilt cylinder (44) and a trim cylinder (47) is disposed behind the lift equipment so that the tilt cylinder is positioned behind the lift cylinder and the trim cylinder is positioned on the side of the tilt cylinder.

Abstract: A boat maneuvering support device supports maneuvering of a boat including a first propulsion device having a variable turning angle, a second propulsion device for generating a propulsive force for moving the boat in a left-right direction, and a steering mechanism for changing a turning angle of the first propulsion device and an output of the second propulsion device. The boat maneuvering support device includes a control unit which controls the turning angle of the first propulsion device and/or the output of the second propulsion device, a detection unit which detects a rotational speed of a propeller of the first propulsion device, and a calculation unit which obtains a rotational power of the boat based on the turning angle designated by the operation of the steering mechanism and the rotational speed. The control unit controls the output of the second propulsion device based on the rotational power.

Abstract: A boat chiller system (1) wherein a self-contained externally cooled fresh water supply is used in place of water in which the boat is docked, such as seawater, to transfer heat from an interior space of a boat (4) to outside of the boat. The use of recirculated fresh water eliminates barnacle growth in an onboard water cooled a/c system (2) and/or excess barnacles and other sea life from growing near an external water discharge (12) on the boat as would occur with the discharge of heated sea water in a conventional boat a/c system.

Abstract: A heavy-lift UAV frame includes a central frame portion having a symmetrical shape and forming a pocket area for receiving an avionics package. Top and bottom plates are secured to the central frame portion and include four corner members that extend diagonally outward therefrom. A plurality of boom hinges are interposed between each of the corner members and an elongated boom arm. Each of the boom hinges pivot the boom arms between an extended position for flight and a retracted position for storage and transport. Each boom arm and hinge combination includes a complementary dimension to one side of the central frame portion to position a boom arm parallel thereto when in the retracted position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for installing splice fittings. One embodiment is a method for forming a splice between stringers. The method includes aligning a web of a splice fitting with a web of a first stringer and a web of a second stringer, and coupling the first stringer and the second stringer by installing fasteners that secure the web of the first stringer to the web of the splice fitting, and by installing fasteners that secure the web of the second stringer to the web of the splice fitting.

Abstract: Integrated pultruded composite profiles such as rotor wings and blades for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, light helicopters, wind turbines, and other rotor wing applications and integrated design and processing methods for making same are disclosed. The present invention provides a plurality of web ribs for stiffening and supporting an outer skin which can comprise fabric plies, a metallic skin, or a thermoplastic composite skin. A process and method to continuously pultrude integrated composite airfoil profile with variable aerodynamic twist is also disclosed. Utilization of a stranded metallic wire rope that enables the leading edge weight to be continuously in-situ fed into the pultrusion process and effectively retained in the pultruded product is also disclosed. Utilization of fiber reinforcement impregnated with matrix resin that is loaded with high density powder for the leading edge weight is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wing for an aircraft, comprising a fixed wing, a foldable wing tip portion mounted to the fixed wing via a first hinge rotatably about a first hinge axis between an extended and folded positions, and an actuation unit to actuate the foldable wing tip portion for movement about the first hinge axis. The actuation unit comprises a link, a first and a second linear actuator. The link is rotatably mounted to the fixed wing via a second hinge, the first linear actuator is rotatably mounted to the fixed wing via a third hinge spaced from the second hinge, and is rotatably mounted to the link via a fourth hinge spaced from the second hinge. The second linear actuator is rotatably mounted to the foldable wing tip portion via a fifth hinge, and is rotatably mounted to the link via a sixth hinge spaced from the second hinge.

Abstract: Wing to fuse junction shaping, and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. An aircraft includes: a fuselage, a wing, and a fairing that covers a junction between the wing and the fuselage. The fairing is configured to receive an inboard section of the wing. An outer surface of the fairing includes an upstream bump proximate to a leading edge of the wing, a midsection sculpting, and a downstream bump proximate to a trailing edge of the wing.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle includes a fuselage body and a lift mechanism. The lift mechanism includes a rotor blade assembly and a rotary driving member and defines an axis of rotation. The lift being mechanism is coupled to the fuselage body. The rotary driving member is configured to controllably rotate the rotor blade assembly about the axis of rotation. The rotor blade assembly includes at least one rotor blade. The at least one rotor blade including a vortex generator defined along an upper surface of the rotor blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wing with two winglets and a respective airplane. An upstream winglet broadens a region of inclined airflow and a downstream winglet produces a thrust contribution therein.

Abstract: A component alignment system for an aircraft includes a first component having a first surface including first shaped projections that repeat in at least two directions along the first surface. The component alignment system also includes a second component having a second surface including second shaped projections that repeat in at least two directions along the second surface. The first shaped projections are complementary to the second shaped projections such that the first surface is translationally and rotationally constrained relative to the second surface when the first and second shaped projections are in an interlocked position.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a landing gear having a shock strut, an outer sleeve at least partially surrounding the shock strut, and a shrink mechanism coupled to both the outer sleeve and the shock strut, where the shrink mechanism moves the shock strut relative to the outer sleeve. The shrink mechanism includes a shaft rotatably coupled to the outer sleeve, an anchor arm coupled to the shaft, a shrink arm coupled to the shaft, the shrink arm and the anchor arm being coupled to the shaft so as to rotate as a unit with the shaft about a shaft rotation axis, relative to the outer sleeve, at least 180° when the anchor arm is coupled to the structure within the wing of the aircraft, and a shrink link rotatably coupled to the shrink arm, the shrink link being configured to rotatably couple to the shock strut.

Abstract: A remaining tire tread depth management system includes a remaining tire tread depth measurement device configured to measure a remaining tread depth of at least one of aircraft tires mounted on an aircraft, a tire wear amount estimation device configured to estimate a wear amount of all of the aircraft tires mounted on the aircraft including the aircraft tires, and a tire management server configured to estimate a remaining tread depth and a number of available flight times of all of the aircraft tires in accordance with measurement data output from the remaining tire tread depth measurement device and estimation data output from the tire wear amount estimation device.

Abstract: A mount system for tiltably supporting a pylon assembly of a rotorcraft. First, second, third and fourth pylon links are each coupled between the pylon assembly and the airframe of the rotorcraft. The first pylon link has a first axis, the second pylon link has a second axis, the third pylon link has a third axis and the fourth pylon link has a fourth axis. Each of the axes intersects at a focal point located proximate a coaxial rotor system having counter-rotating upper and lower rotor assemblies such that the focal point provides a virtual pivot point about which the pylon assembly tilts to generate a control moment about a center of gravity of the rotorcraft that counteracts lateral and fore/aft moments generated by the upper and lower rotor assemblies during rotorcraft maneuvers.

Abstract: An aircraft that is convertible between a helicopter mode and an airplane mode. The aircraft includes a fuselage with a longitudinal axis and a vertical axis and distributed propulsion array that surrounds the vertical axis when the aircraft is operating the helicopter mode and surrounds the longitudinal axis when the aircraft is operating in the airplane mode.

Abstract: A rotorcraft includes a rotor hub coupled to a mast and a plurality of rotor extensions. Each rotor extension is configured to secure a rotor blade to the rotor hub and includes a first connector configured to attach the rotor extension to a rotor blade, a second connector configured to attach the rotor extension to the rotor hub; a shaft disposed between the first and second connectors, and a damper mount attached to the second connector. The rotorcraft also includes a fairing enclosing the damper and at least a portion of the rotor hub.

Abstract: A rotorcraft includes a main rotor system coupled to a mast and a rotor assembly. The rotor assembly includes a yoke comprising a rotor coupling, a first damper mount attached to the rotor coupling, a rotor extension configured to couple to the rotor coupling and comprising a second damper mount, a damper coupled to the first and second damper mounts, and a fairing enclosing the damper and the yoke.

Abstract: A flight control handle suitable for being operated by a pilot, the flight control handle including a stick-forming grip carrying an end box that is provided with a hollow shell provided with a top face, at least one control projecting towards an external environment of the top face. The flight control handle has a controllable member suitable for being actuated by a person, the end box including at least one electronic wall incorporating an electronic circuit, the electronic circuit including at least one sensor that co-operates with the controllable member.

Abstract: An aircraft in the form of an electrically driven, vertical take-off and landing, preferably people-carrying and/or load-carrying multicopter (1) is provided, in which a multiplicity of rotors are arranged in a common rotor plane (R), in which a tail unit (6), protruding upward or downward with respect to the rotor plane (R), is provided above or below the rotor plane (R), preferably in a rear region of the aircraft (1) with respect to a forward flying direction.

Abstract: A vehicle is described having an aerodynamically contoured lifting body comprising a plurality of cooperating body modules, wherein at least two of the modules are displaceably secured to each other. The modules include a thrust vectoring module operatively coupled to a propulsive mechanism. The thrust vectoring module is dynamically controlled to affect positioning and actuation of the propulsive mechanism to attain a desired positioning of the vehicle and at least one of a plurality of modes of operation thereof. The thrust vectoring module includes a nacelle module carrying the propulsive mechanism thereon and rotatably displaceable about one or more axes extending from the lifting body. The propulsive mechanism is positioned externally, internally, or in combinations thereof of the nacelle module and is tiltably displaceable about one or more axes of the nacelle module.

Abstract: A fixed-wing VTOL hybrid UAV is disclosed comprising: a central frame 104; a pair of quick lockable fixed-wings 102 comprising right wing 102-2 and left wing 102-1 that lock with each other over the central frame; and four electrically operated rotors 108 in downward facing configuration attached to fixed-wings with help of rotor-blade arms 110. Arms 110 are pivotally fixed to wings 102 so that arms 110 are movable between a working position in which arms 110 are oriented parallel to central frame 104, and a storage position in which arms 110 are aligned with wings 102. Central frame 104 is a thin rod and works as fuselage. Drivers and control modules are fitted in wings 102. UAV includes rudders attached to arms at 45 degrees for maneuvering UAV for yaw and a secondary roll response. UAV includes two landing gears 106 attached to each end of central frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drone system and method for connecting drone aircraft in flight via connecting rods mounted to the drone aircraft. This allows a group of drone aircraft to significantly extend their range by temporarily turning off the engines of one or more of the drone aircraft in flight while connected via the connecting rods.

Abstract: The disclosure provides detachable aerial unmanned vehicle (UAV) drone for a vehicle. The drone may include one or more sensors configured to scan terrain surrounding the vehicle. The vehicle may include a navigation display configured to display a topographical map generated the UAV drone. The vehicle may receive via the navigation display, an indication of a location for the UAV and transmit, to the UAV, a command including the location. The UAV drone may scan, via one or more sensors located on the detachable drone, terrain surrounding the vehicle. The UAV drone may generate a topographical map based on the scanned terrain. The UAV drone and/or the vehicle may determine a navigable route for the vehicle based on the topographical map.