Abstract: A rod-end front suspension is provided for an off-road vehicle. The rod-end front suspension comprises a spindle assembly that is pivotally coupled with an upper suspension arm by way of a first rod-end joint and pivotally coupled with a lower suspension arm by way of a second rod-end joint. A steering rod-end joint coupled with the spindle assembly pivotally receives a steering rod. An axle assembly coupled with the spindle assembly conducts torque from a transaxle to a wheel coupled with the spindle assembly. Each of the first and second rod-end joints comprises a ball rotatably retained within a casing. The ball is fastened within a recess between parallel prongs extending from the spindle assembly. A threaded shank extending from the casing is threadably fixated with the suspension arm, such that the spindle assembly may be moved with respect to the casing and the suspension arm.

Abstract: A tiltable vehicle is configured to transform between an autonomous mode and a rideable mode by pivoting the handlebars and steering column of the vehicle about a pitch axis. In the autonomous mode, the steering column is folded back toward the chassis and a tiltable chassis of the vehicle is prevented from tilting. In the rideable mode, the steering column is unfolded and the chassis is free to tilt. In some examples, a tiltable vehicle includes features beneficial for vehicle-sharing, such as parking devices or a basket. These features may be included on any suitable vehicle and are not limited to use on transforming vehicles.

Abstract: A control system is configured to receive a first signal indicative of a current position of a vehicle and a second signal indicative of a desired path for the vehicle. The control system is configured to calculate a virtual path between the current position and a target position on the desired path and to output a third signal indicative of curvature command corresponding to an initial curvature of the virtual path to cause a steering control system of the vehicle to adjust a steering angle of the vehicle. The control is also configured to iteratively receive an updated current position, receive any updates to the desired path, calculate an updated target position, calculate an updated virtual path based on the updated current position and updated desired path, and output an updated curvature command corresponding to a respective initial curvature of the updated virtual path as the vehicle travels across a surface.

Abstract: It is aimed to provide a method for guiding of a motor vehicle on the basis of image data, particularly when manoeuvring trucks toward docking stations by a docking controller coupled to a steering system, comprising: identifying, by the docking controller the vehicle's current position; receiving a collision free path; and manoeuvring the vehicle by said docking controller according to said free path, wherein the vehicle's current position is identified by means of an off board vehicle scanner that is mounted in a fixed position relative to the dock station; wherein said vehicle scanner produces scan data signifying a set that are analyzed to identify a reference point of the vehicle and a vehicle's orientation; wherein said reference point and vehicle orientation are transmitted to the docking controller to update the vehicle's current position.

Abstract: A toe angle control system for a vehicle, includes: an actuator having an output part configured to receive a driving force of an electric motor via a gear transmission mechanism and to be displaced by the driving force such that a displacement of the output part varies a toe angle of a wheel; and a controller controlling the electric motor, wherein the controller is configured to calculate an operation quantity of the electric motor, and, when the controller determines that a current displacement direction of the output part and a displacement direction of the output part corresponding to the operation quantity are opposite to each other, the controller corrects the operation quantity to reduce the operation quantity.

Abstract: A modular, reconfigurable frame that can be combined into multiple standardized segments to create different core vehicle configurations is described herein. The frame includes a plurality of components that affix together universally to make multiple versions of cycle, vehicle, and airframe styles. The reconfigurable frame includes a quick pin and fastener that allows for transportation platforms to be incorporated into the frame in a modular fashion.

Abstract: A structural component, in particular for a vehicle, includes a beam and at least one energy absorption device which is disposed on a portion of the outer surface of the beam. The beam is profiled and has at least one inner chamber.

Abstract: An assembly includes a vehicle hood outer panel and hood panel stretching mechanism coupled to the hood panel. The stretching mechanism includes a first hood attachment portion affixed to the panel at a first location, and a second hood attachment portion affixed to the panel at a second location. A first arm has a first end coupled to the first attachment portion, and a second end opposite the first end. A second arm has a first end coupled to the second attachment portion, and a second end opposite the first end. The mechanism is structured so that simultaneous movement of the first arm second end and the second arm second end toward a line extending between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion causes movement of the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion to increase a spacing between the hood attachment portions.

Abstract: Provided is a rear vehicle body structure that includes: a right and left pair of frame members each extending in a front-rear direction and having a damper supporting part; rear wheel wells; a rear floor panel; a rear cross member upper part connecting the right and left pair of frame members to each other on a front side of the damper supporting parts; front side reinforcements provided along a vehicle cabin inner side of each of the rear wheel wells and extending in an up-down direction on the front side of the damper supporting parts; and a reinforcing member mounted on each of the frame members and having a reinforcing member main body that reinforces the damper supporting part and a reinforcing member coupling part that couples together the rear cross member upper part and the front side reinforcement.

Abstract: Embodiments include a vehicle pillar member, which has a length and includes a plurality of steel sheets welded along at least one joint line transverse to the longitudinal direction, and for each joint line, the strengths of the steel sheets just above and below the joint line are different. The joint lines may include one or more first joint lines inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle pillar member.

Abstract: A device can be used for reinforcing a vehicle body, which includes a front side inner panel and a side outer reinforce complement assembled to the front side inner panel. The device includes a bulkhead section formed in a closed space between the front side inner panel and the side outer reinforce complement. The front side inner panel and the side outer reinforce complement are cross-linked to each other by the bulkhead section.

Abstract: A hood of a vehicle includes a rear beam, a front end module or grill opening reinforcement, a thermoplastic central cover extending between the rear beam and the front end module, the thermoplastic central cover comprising reinforcements along sides of the thermoplastic central cover between the rear beam and the front end module, the reinforcements extending longitudinally between the front end module and the rear beam, with a flange extending from a side of the reinforcement and fenders connected to the front end module and thermoplastic central cover, wherein each fender extends over a reinforcement and connects to a top surface of the thermoplastic central cover.

Abstract: An aerodynamic wrap for use with a tank trailer illustratively includes opposing first and second side assemblies. In an illustrative embodiment, each side assembly includes an upper panel pivotably supported by the tank trailer, and a lower panel pivotably supported by the upper panel. A lower connecting member illustratively couples the lower panels of the first and second side assemblies under the belly of the tank trailer.

Abstract: A vehicular straightening device includes: a straightening member disposed in front of a front wheel of a vehicle so as to be movable upward and downward with respect to a vehicle body; a drive unit that moves the straightening member up and down with respect to the vehicle body between a storage position on a vehicle body side and a straightening position where the straightening member protrudes downward from the vehicle body; and a connecting mechanism that connects the straightening member and the drive unit and releases a connection between the straightening member and the drive unit when an external force acts on the straightening member at the straightening position.

Abstract: A spare wheel catcher in a vehicle comprises a base adapted to be connected on a rear differential and a catcher plate. The base includes a support extending along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle at an assembled position and a connection member; and the catcher plate is connected with a first end of the support and forms an obtuse angle with a forward moving direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: An anti-scrubbing mechanism in the track of a tracked robot or a tracked vehicle is disclosed. In one embodiment, a tracked robot includes one or more tracks coupled to a chassis of the tracked robot. Each of the one or more tracks include one or more track segments along a length of each of the one or more tracks and a plurality of rollers coupled to the one or more track segments along the length of each of the one or more tracks, wherein each of the plurality of rollers and the one or more track segments are arranged alternately along a width of each of the one or more tracks. The tracked robot further includes a drive system mechanically coupled to the one or more tracks and the chassis of the tracked robot.

Abstract: A cross-link for a track of a tracked vehicle, in particular a snow groomer, configured to advance along delicate ground, and which extends along a designated plane and has a mounting member comprising a wall configured for being arranged in contact with the delicate ground; a blade, which protrudes from the wall, is fixed to the wall and has a free edge, wherein the wall and the blade are configured so as to define two support surfaces extending on opposite sides of the blade to enable the sinking of the blade into the delicate ground and prevent the sinking of the mounting member.

Abstract: A seat for a pedal-powered vehicle includes a support frame, a left seat element, a right seat element, and a nose. The left and right seat elements and the nose are implemented as separate components supported by the support frame. The two seat elements support a seated rider's weight while the nose does not. The seat elements and the nose form a gap below the seated rider's perineum area. The seat elements pivot forwards and backwards when the seated rider is pedaling. The seat elements counter-pivot when the seated rider is pedaling. Each seat element includes a concave surface that supports the seated rider.

Abstract: The battery-powered endless track drive motorcycle is a track cycle comprising a front track assembly, a rear track assembly, a battery, and a frame. The front and rear track assemblies use an endless track circulating around a driven sprocket, bogie sprockets, and idlers to distribute the weight of the vehicle and provide greater traction than a tire would provide. The track assemblies are driven by electric motors that receive electricity from the battery that mounted to the frame within a battery enclosure. A seat is mounted to the top of the frame. The front track assembly is steerable using handlebars and a suspension system pivotably mounted to the front of the frame.

Abstract: A central wheel structure transportation device with fore-aft auto-balancing. The auto-balancing is selectively enabled (and disabled) to improve rider experience, safety and ease of mounting and use. In one embodiment, during mounting, auto-balancing is not enabled until the lateral tilt angle of the device is below a given threshold from vertical. Fore-aft sensors, lateral tilt sensors, foot presence sensors, and/or accelerometers, or the like, may be used in various combinations to affect device operation and performance.

Abstract: A pawls-type one-way clutch selectably connects and disconnects an electric motor and drive system with the front sprocket of a bicycle. Laterally-extending pivotable pawls on a first rotatable member engage cam surfaces on a frictionally rotatable plate and cause the pawls to either engage with or disengage from corresponding teeth in a ratchet wheel attached to a second rotatable member. Sensors and a controller determine whether a rider is pedaling the bicycle and applying rotational power in the first rotational direction, and if so, the motor applies power in the forward rotational direction, causing the clutch to engage and power to be transmitted to the front sprocket. Otherwise, the motor applies power in the rearward rotational direction, causing the clutch to disengage the front sprocket from the electric motor, which allows the bicycle to be rolled backwards freely without attempting to back-drive the electric motor and drive system in reverse.

Abstract: A bicycle comprising a front wheel and a rear wheel supporting a frame. The frame includes a vertical plate that is configured to support an attachment such as a cup holder, a front rack, or a front basket. In some configurations, a cup holder is provided on each side of the vertical plate. In some configurations, a front basket is foldable and/or removable.

Abstract: A throttle tube assembly including a throttle tube, a throttle body, a bearing, and a stop collar. The throttle tube extends along a central axis from a proximal most end to a distal most end, the throttle including a lumen extending through the throttle tube. The throttle body is connected to the throttle tube, at the proximal end of the throttle tube, the throttle body having a bearing seat aligned along the central axis with the throttle body. The bearing being disposed in the bearing seat and axially aligned with the throttle body and partially axially aligned with the throttle tube. The stop collar is fixed to the throttle body configured and arranged to actuate a throttle by wire system.

Abstract: There is provided a bicycle assembly including a front frame portion having at least one front frame support member. The bicycle assembly also includes a rear frame portion having at least one upper rear frame support member and at least one lower rear frame support member. At least one junction member is removably coupled with the front frame support member, the junction member having a lower frame member coupling end portion and an upper frame member coupling end portion. The lower rear frame support member is coupled with the lower frame member coupling end portion. The upper rear frame support member is coupled with the junction member between the lower frame member coupling end portion and the upper frame member coupling end portion. There is thereby provided a modular bicycle frame assembly wherein components may be removed and replaced to accommodate user biomechanics and terrain aspects.

Abstract: A bicycle according to the present invention includes: a body configured such that a saddle and handlebars are disposed on a frame; a front wheel and a rear wheel disposed on the front and rear sides of the body, respectively; a pair of first driven units disposed on one side and remaining side of the rear wheel, respectively, and mounted around a rotating shaft; a pair of power generation units disposed on the one side and remaining side of the rear wheel, respectively, and mounted around the rotating shaft to be rotatable in upward and downward directions; and power transfer units disposed on the one side and remaining side of the rear wheel, respectively, connected to the first driven units and the power generation units, and configured to, when the power generation units are rotated, be rotated and transfer rotating power to the first driven units.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal crank arm hole protection device. The device comprises an insert installed into the crank arm hole when pedals have been removed. A mechanism to aid in the installation and removal of the device along with further protection of the device itself when removed for storage.

Abstract: A bicycle electric component comprises a wireless communicator, a power source, and a switcher. The wireless communicator is configured to receive a wireless signal. The power source is configured to supply a first electric power to the wireless communicator. The switcher is configured to change an electric connection state between the wireless communicator and the power source. The switcher includes an electric generator configured to generate a second electric power by an external input to a bicycle.

Abstract: An electric bicycle comprises a removable battery pack (1) for storing electrical energy, and a frame element (5) to which the battery pack (1) is intended to be fixed. The battery pack comprises a housing and a lock arranged in said housing and the frame element (5) comprises a projecting locking element (21), said locking element (21) penetrating into the housing of the battery pack (1) through an entry opening so as to co-operate with said lock with a view to fixing said battery pack (1) to said frame element (5).

Abstract: A cassette adapted for mounting on a bicycle rear wheel hub and a by a mounting body for positioning the assembly on a bicycle rear wheel hub. The cassette has a plurality of adjacent sprockets fixedly connected to one another along an axis of the cassette. The cassette has an axial centering opening for centering on the mounting body without transmission of torque, and a plurality of attachment areas positioned a greater radial distance from the axis of the cassette than the radius of the centering opening for attachment to the mounting body.

Abstract: A control device for a bicycle is arranged or can be arranged on the handlebar of the bicycle and serves to wirelessly drive at least one electronic, electrical, electromechanical or electrohydraulic component of the bicycle. The control device includes an operator control arrangement which has at least one manually operable operator control element and is designed to respond to operation of the operator control element and to output electrical signals which represent the operation. The control device also includes at least one electronic circuit arrangement comprising a radio communication circuit and a control circuit which is connected or can be connected to the operator control arrangement. The control device also may include at least one antenna which is connected or can be connected to the radio communication circuit or which is integrated into the said communication circuit.

Abstract: A semisubmersible floating platform (1) for supporting at least one wind turbine, comprising four buoyant columns (3), each of them being attached to a ring pontoon (2); a transition piece (4) configured to support one wind turbine, disposed on the buoyant columns (3); and a heave plate (5) assembled to the internal perimeter of the ring pontoon (2). The ring pontoon (2) comprises four pontoon portions forming a quadrilateral-shaped ring pontoon (2) wherein the first end of each column (3) is attached to a respective corner of said quadrilateral-shaped ring pontoon (2). The heave plate (5) is located in the internal perimeter of the ring pontoon (2), both defining a hollow. The pontoon (2) is preferably divided into a plurality of compartments or construction blocks that may be filled with fixed ballast, such as concrete.

Abstract: A retainer clip is for attaching a cover to a track member on a marine vessel. The channel has opposing proximal and distal sidewalls, a closed inner end, and an open outer end. The retainer clip has an elongated body having a proximal leg configured for attachment to the cover and an opposite distal leg configured for insertion into the channel. Tensioning the proximal leg in a first tension direction causes the distal leg to pivot in the channel in a first pivot direction and engage with the distal sidewall so as to retain the retainer clip in the channel. Tensioning the proximal leg in a second direction causes the distal leg to pivot in the channel in an opposite, second pivot direction and disengage from the distal sidewall so as to allow the retainer clip to be removed from the channel.

Abstract: A floatable structure is described having a hull and a deck. The floatable structure further includes a mooring system for mooring a second floating structure at a mooring position relative to the floatable structure. The mooring system brings the second floating structure down in the water from an initial floating draft to a larger mooring draft to reduce motions of the second floating structure relative to the floatable structure. A method for mooring a second floating structure using the mooring system is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tug controller and a tug for maneuvering a towed vessel, comprising a dynamic positioning system, and a tow equipment comprising a towline connected to the towed vessel, wherein the tow equipment is automatically controlled by the dynamic positioning system based on a plurality of input parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for lifting and stowing water-borne vessels. The systems and methods can be used, for example, to lift a small vessel, such an inflatable dinghy, onto a larger water-borne vessel equipped with an outboard motor; and to stow the dinghy above the outboard motor. The systems and methods permit the dinghy to be lifted out of the water from a position behind the larger vessel, with any need to remove, disassemble, or move the outboard motor.

Abstract: A wave riding hoard is provided herein that has a body including a top, a bottom, a right edge, a left edge, a front, a rear and a length defined from the front to the rear. The bottom of the body includes one or more steps. A first channel is defined at least partially between the one or more steps. The first channel extends along at least a portion of the length of the body. At least one of the one or more steps extends at least partially around the left edge or the right edge of the body.

Abstract: A tubular installation apparatus (1) including a lay tower (2) mounted to a support structure (4). The lay tower (2) is configured to lower a tubular section along a firing line (L) extending along the lay tower (2). A magazine (3) is removably mounted to the lay tower (2) and configured to be pre-loaded with a plurality of tubular sections. A feed mechanism (23, 25) is configured to feed one or more tubular sections from the magazine (3) to the firing line (L) of the lay tower (2) for connection to the end of a catenary.

Abstract: A floating structure and basic module of a floating structure are presented. The floating structure includes multiple lower floating bodies, an upper structure, and intermediate connection structures. The multiple lower floating bodies include multiple distributed elongated floating bodies. The floating bodies are spaced from each other by a certain distance. The sum of the displacement volumes of the floating bodies is greater than the displacement volume when the floating structure as a whole is fully loaded. The intermediate connection structures include at least multiple connection structures in a first direction, the first direction intersecting the horizontal plane. A connection structure in the first direction corresponds to a single elongated floating body connected to three or more spaced structures. The cross-section width of each intermediate connection structure in the horizontal direction is less than the width of the corresponding elongated floating body.

Abstract: An active stabilizing device for a primary damping of rolling movements of a ship or other watercraft includes at least one positioning device including a drive journal and a stabilizing fin having a stabilizing surface and a root, the drive journal being attached to the stabilizing fin at the root, the stabilizing surface having a leading edge and a trailing edge and being configured to be disposed underwater. The positioning device is configured to simultaneously pivot the stabilizing fin about a pivot axis by a pivot angle and rotate the stabilizing fin about an axis of rotation. Also, a method of operating the active stabilizing device.

Abstract: An underarm float for infants, comprising a main body, the main body is composed of a front part and rear parts, which are connected to each other, wherein rear parts are connected to both ends of the front part, and rear parts at the two ends of front part are oppositely arranged; a first arc groove and second arc grooves are formed at the joint between front part and a rear part, first arc groove is downwards recessed along the upper surface of the front part and the rear part, and the second arc grooves are inwards recessed along the side surface of the front part and the rear part; a shoulder strap is arranged at the joint between the front part and the rear part, and the shoulder strap is located above the first arc groove; and the oppositely arranged rear parts are provided with an elastic cord.

Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second tanks each configured to receive and store a refrigerant under pressure. The apparatus also includes at least one generator configured to generate electrical power based on a flow of the refrigerant between the tanks. The apparatus further includes a collector configured to transfer solar thermal energy to one of the tanks to heat the refrigerant in that tank and/or radiate thermal energy from one of the tanks into an ambient environment to cool the refrigerant in that tank. In addition, the apparatus could include first and second insulated water jackets each configured to receive and retain water, where the first tank is located within the first insulated water jacket and the second tank is located within the second insulated water jacket.

Abstract: A blade member includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a blade body extending therebetween. The blade member also includes a dovetail, a transition region, and a transition relief. The dovetail includes a dovetail chord line extending between an axially forward face of the dovetail and an axially aft face of the dovetail. The dovetail chord line has a dovetail chord length. The transition region is formed between the blade body and the dovetail. The blade body and the transition region form a blade body transition chord line at the interface of the blade body and the transition region which has a blade body transition chord length. The transition relief includes a geometric relief in at least one of a forward and an aft end of the transition region and the dovetail. The dovetail chord length is less than the blade body transition chord length.

Abstract: There is disclosed a marine propulsion system for a shaft-driven boat. The system includes a recess formed in the hull of the boat, and a drive cassette. The drive cassette includes: a housing; a static tube extending rearwardly from the housing and fixed relative thereto; and at least one drive shaft extending through the static tube and into the housing. The drive shaft is supported for rotation within the static tube by at least one shaft bearing, and is rotatably supported within the housing by thrust bearings. The static tube, the drive shaft, the or each shaft bearing, and the thrust bearings are all coaxially aligned with one another. The housing and the recess are mutually configured such that the housing may be engaged within the recess to install the drive cassette within the drivetrain of the boat.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a climate control system of a boat involves at least one processor, non-transitory storage accessible by the processor, and programming which, when executed by the at least one processor will cause the at least one processor to, when a water-fed climate control unit of the boat is operating A) determine a then-current depth at a current location of the boat, B) compare the then-current depth at the current location of the boat relative to a specified minimum acceptable depth, and C) when the then-current depth at the current location of the boat is less than the specified minimum acceptable depth, cause the CCU and water pump to shut off. A corresponding method is also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the aerospace application field, and provides a method for flying a large balloon. In the method, a constraint apparatus is disposed on a balloon capsule to replace a roller, and the constraint apparatus is released progressively in a release process of the balloon capsule, so that the balloon capsule is released progressively and slowly before rising above a pod. This greatly reduces the impact in a flying process, makes it easier to control a flying status of the balloon capsule, and also makes related operations of onsite staffs simpler and controllable.

Abstract: An aeronautical glazing unit includes at least one sheet of modified acrylic, wherein the sheet is combined with at least one other sheet of modified acrylic, and/or at least one sheet of cast poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and/or at least one sheet of another transparent polymer such as polycarbonate (PC), and/or at least one sheet of glass in particular that is chemically strengthened, as a laminated and/or multiple glazing unit.

Abstract: A sound-damping panel. The sound-damping panel includes a first face sheet. The sound-damping panel also includes a core connected to the first face sheet. The core has a honeycomb structure. Walls of the honeycomb structure are embedded with a viscoelastic material configured to dampen sound in a pre-selected frequency range. The sound-damping panel also includes a second face sheet connected to the core, the second face sheet opposite the first face sheet relative to the core.

Abstract: An element including a leading edge forming a box delimited by a skin forming a lower surface and an upper surface and pierced with holes, in which the skin includes an inner wall and an outer wall that are electrically conductive and an electrically insulating intermediate wall, a pump for expelling or injecting air from or into the box. Each hole is equipped with an anti-clogging system including a conductive base, a needle made of piezoelectric material, one end of which is secured to the base, an electrical generator generating an electrical current in the needle, in which the form of the needle is such that a space is created between the needle and the edges of the hole, and in which the base has a recess in the extension of the space. Such an installation makes it possible to eliminate the residues which are lodged in the holes.

Abstract: A wing-twist aircraft having a wing, an actuation system, a sensor, and/or a controller. The wing may have a wingspan that extends to a wing tip. The wing may further include a spar aligned in a span-wise direction, wherein at least one rib is operatively coupled to the spar. The actuation system may be configured to torsionally rotate the spar, which, in turn, torsionally rotates (pivots) the at least one rib coupled to the spar, thereby twisting the wing. The sensor may be configured to measure a characteristic of the wing, while the controller may be configured to command the actuation system to torsionally rotate the spar based at least in part on input from the sensor.

Abstract: An aircraft (1002) including a wing (1001), having a fixed wing (1005) with a wing tip device (1003) moveably mounted at the outer end thereof. The wing tip device (1003) is moveable between: a flight configuration; and a ground configuration. The wing tip device (1003) and the fixed wing (1005) are separated along an oblique primary cut plane (1013). The wing tip device (1003) and the fixed wing (1005) meet along an interfacing cut line (1035). The interfacing cut line (1035) includes a first length (1037) offset from the primary cut plane (1013) in a first direction; a second length (1041) that extends within a plane (P) containing the axis of rotation (1011), or a plane parallel thereto; and a transition section (1039) over which the interfacing cut line (1035) transitions from the first length to the second length. The second length may extend around the upper surface, around the leading edge and onto the lower surface.