Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for locating a mobile railway asset is provided that includes a power source, GNSS circuitry configured to utilize electrical power from the power source to receive GNSS data, and a controller operatively coupled to the power source and the GNSS circuitry. The controller has a power saving mode wherein the controller inhibits the GNSS circuitry from receiving GNSS data and a standard accuracy mode wherein the controller permits the GNSS circuitry to receive GNSS data for a first time period. The controller has a higher accuracy mode wherein the controller permits the GNSS circuitry to receive GNSS data for a second time period longer than the first time period, and subsequently across multiple instances, in order to collect more GNSS data that can be qualified, filtered, sorted, and averaged to produce a more accurate result.

Abstract: A crossing gate mechanism (300) with a PCB reconfigurable for exit and entrance gate mode, the mechanism including a brake and a brake relay (312) coupled to an electric motor (320), the mechanisms being configured to operate a crossing gate arm of a crossing gate. The mechanism includes a configuration logic circuit (310) connected to the brake relay (312), and a internal power source (316), wherein the configuration logic circuit (310) is configured to operate the brake relay (312) in a entrance gate mode or exit gate mode, wherein the control of the brake relay is inverted in the exit gate mode with respect to the entrance gate mode, and wherein, in the exit mode, the internal power source (316) provides power for operating the brake relay (312).

Abstract: A lift table includes a base member, an air powered hydraulic powerpack assembly mounted to the base member, a tabletop, a lift assembly capable of actuated the tabletop relative to the base member, a handle extending upward from the base member, and an air supply docking station. The lift assembly includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly actuated by the air powered hydraulic powerpack. The handle includes a top potion of the handle elevated above the air-powered hydraulic powerpack. The air supply docking station is fixed to the top portion of the handle and is in fluid communication with the air-powered hydraulic powerpack assembly.

Abstract: An electrode structure includes an insulator and a first electrode that is in the shape of a line, where the first electrode is disposed on a first surface of the insulator, and the first surface is on an opposite side of the insulator relative to a surface of the insulator that faces a core metal of a steering wheel. The insulator includes an engagement portion that engages an engagement-target portion included in the core metal. After the electrode structure is engaged with the core metal, a foam is shaped into a mold to form the steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle may include a casing unit in which a steering spindle is mounted so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis extending in a length direction. The casing unit may have at least two casings that are adjustably guided relative to one another through a range of adjustment travel in the length direction. Part of the adjustment travel may correspond to a transitional portion, and part of the adjustment travel may correspond to a functional portion. The casings may be guided with a greater play in the transitional portion than in the functional portion. One casing may have a guide track and another casing may have a guide element that engages in the guide track and is guided in the length direction and has a guide play in the guide track that is greater in the transitional portion than in the functional portion.

Abstract: A feedback actuator for a steering device of a motor vehicle may include a steering shaft that is mounted so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis extending in a longitudinal direction and that, by way of a belt drive, is coupled to a motor shaft of an electric motor so as to be able to be rotatably driven. The belt drive may have at least one pair of belt pulleys having two belt pulleys that are wrapped by a belt. One of the belt pulleys may be operatively connected to the motor shaft and one may be operatively connected to the steering shaft. The two belt pulleys of the pair of belt pulleys may be disposed so as to be mutually coaxial or at a mutual angle.

Abstract: A steering device turns a tire of a vehicle of a steer-by-wire system in which a steering mechanism and a turning mechanism are mechanically separated from each other and is provided with a turning device including a turning actuator and a turning angle control device. The turning actuator turns tires according to an instructed turning angle. The turning angle control device calculates a turning angle command value corresponding to an inputted steering angle signal and generates a signal driving the turning actuator based on that turning angle command value. The turning angle control device applies limit such that the absolute value of a turning angle velocity becomes equal to or below a turning angle velocity limit value set according to a predetermined parameter.

Abstract: A motor drive device includes a first drive system in which a first power supply circuit and a first central processing unit are arranged in order in a first direction, and a second drive system in which a second power supply circuit and a second central processing unit are arranged in order in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other. Calling a straight line passing between the first power supply circuit and the first central processing unit, perpendicular to the first direction, a first virtual line and calling a straight line passing between the second power supply circuit and the second central processing unit, perpendicular to the second direction, a second virtual line, the first central processing unit and the second central processing unit are disposed within an area sandwiched by the first virtual line and the second virtual line.

Abstract: A LiDAR system is provided. The LiDAR system includes a first data transmission apparatus, a second data transmission apparatus, a rotator, and a central shaft. The first data transmission apparatus and the second data transmission apparatus are located in the LiDAR system. The rotator is connected with the central shaft through a bearing, the rotator is connected to a bearing rotor, and the central shaft is connected to a bearing stator. The first data transmission apparatus includes a first optical module and a second optical module. The second data transmission apparatus includes a third optical module, a coupling optical system, and a fourth optical module.

Abstract: In some implementations, a monitoring system may include a steering system of a machine, a sensor configured to detect movements of the steering system that are indicative of a steering angle of the machine, and a controller. The controller may be configured to monitor, via the sensor, the steering angle of the machine. The controller may be configured to determine, based on monitoring the steering angle, that the steering angle satisfies a threshold that is indicative of the steering angle being excessive for an operation of the machine. The controller may be configured to cause, based on the steering angle satisfying the threshold, the machine to provide an indication that the steering angle is excessive.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis platform including: a frame having a front frame end, a rear frame end, a longitudinal frame axis, an upper frame surface, a bottom frame surface, a first longitudinal lateral frame surface and a second longitudinal lateral frame surface, wherein the upper frame surface is substantially flat; and two or more mechanical connectors each on one of the first and second longitudinal lateral surfaces, each of mechanical connectors to couple a vehicle corner module (VCM) to the frame and to transfer mechanical loads between the frame and the VCM when the VCM is on the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structural member for an automobile body includes: a hat channel member that has a top sheet portion, a pair of side wall portions extending via first corner portions, and a pair of flange portions extending via second corner portions; and a joining member that has a pair of joining portions and a top sheet facing portion, wherein a first bead extending in the longitudinal direction is formed on the top sheet portion, and wherein two or more second beads extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction are formed on the pair of side wall portions.

Abstract: A body structure including an A-pillar, a door assembly, an engine compartment assembly and an upper longitudinal beam of engine compartment, and also includes a reinforcement plate of upper longitudinal beam, a first anti-crash beam, and a second anti-crash beam. The front end of the reinforcement plate of upper longitudinal beam is connected to the middle portion of the upper longitudinal beam of engine compartment. The rear end of the reinforcement plate of upper longitudinal beam is connected to the engine compartment assembly. The upper longitudinal beam of engine compartment and the reinforcement plate of upper longitudinal beam form a first triangle area on the engine compartment assembly. The first anti-crash beam and the second anti-crash beam are installed on the door assembly along a direction from the front to the rear of the vehicle body. The first anti-crash beam is located above the second anti-crash beam.

Abstract: An airflow device suitable for regulating the air intake in vehicle front ends and which has an air intake part through which air can enter the airflow device. The airflow device has an airflow channel which is arranged downstream of the air intake part and connected thereto and through which the air entering through the air intake part can be conducted. The airflow device has at least one air-regulating lamella which is pivotably mounted on the airflow device on a pivot bearing and which is configured and arranged such that it can influence the airflow entering through the air intake part by changing its pivot position. The pivot bearing for the at least one air-regulating lamella is formed by a first bearing portion which is part of the air intake part and by a second bearing portion which is part of the airflow channel.

Abstract: A work vehicle that operates on a surface comprising an implement and a cab. The cab comprises a left side portion, a right side portion, a floor coupled to the left side portion forming a left floor edge and coupled to the right side portion forming a right floor edge, and a roof coupled to the left side portion forming a left roof edge and coupled to the right side portion forming a right roof edge. The cab further comprises a frame positioned above the floor in a central portion of the front of the cab. A first support extends from the central portion towards the left floor edge. A second support extends from the central portion towards the right floor edge. A third support extends from the central portion towards the left roof edge. A fourth support extends from the central portion towards the right roof edge.

Abstract: A strut assembly for mounting an aerodynamic fairing assembly for attachment to a trailer of a tractor-trailer having a centerline, transverse structural support members extending between sides of the trailer, and longitudinal members extending along a length of the trailer. The strut assembly may comprise a mounting plate, a strut body, and a composite spring. The composite spring may be substantially rectangular. The mounting bracket comprising a mounting plate and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls. The strut body rotatably may be coupled to the pair of spaced apart sidewalls on the mounting bracket. The composite spring may be coupled to an upper surface of the strut body and configured to contact an underside of the mounting plate of the mounting bracket to resist inward deflection from an external force applied to the strut body.

Abstract: A chassis-height adjustment system for selectively raising and lowering a chassis relative to a ground surface includes a plurality of support assemblies supporting a chassis on respective ground-engaging elements. Each support assembly has a height adjustment actuator. Each height position sensor senses an adjustment position one of the height adjustment actuators and generates a height signal. Each of the support assemblies may be mounted to the chassis by a track-width adjustment mechanism having a track-width adjustment actuator. The height adjustment system is controlled in a manner to synchronize each height adjustment actuator with the other actuators. Adjustment of one or more height adjustment actuators is slowed or stopped in the event that other actuators need to catch up. The track-width adjustment actuators may shift the position of the associated ground-engaging element laterally relative to the chassis to keep the ground-engaging elements from sliding laterally as the chassis height changes.

Abstract: A multi-mode switchable car includes a car body, a bogie, a wheel assembly, a steering driving module, a steering locking structure and a locking sensing structure. The car body is provided with a control module, and multiple wheel driving programs are preset. The bogie is rotatably connected to the car body. The wheel assembly includes a hub motor connected to the bogie or the car body and a wheel-type component detachably connected to the hub motor, wheel forms are switchable by connecting different wheel-type components to the hub motor. The steering driving module drives the bogie. The steering locking structure locks the bogie when located in a locking position. The locking sensing structure acquires a position of the steering locking structure and is electrically connected with the control module, and the control module switches the wheel driving programs according to position information acquired by the locking sensing structure.

Abstract: A robot state estimation method, a computer-readable storage medium, and a legged robot are provided. The method includes: obtaining force information of a left leg of a robot and a right leg of the robot; calculating a ZMP of the robot in a world coordinate system based on the force information of the left leg and the force information of the right leg; and calculating a position of a center of mass (CoM) of the robot based on a preset linear inverted pendulum model. In this manner, a brand-new linear inverted pendulum model is constructed in advance, which uses the ZMP of the robot as a supporting point of the model, thereby fully considering the influence of the change of the position of the ZMP of the robot on the position of the CoM.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile system (100) used in an industrial plant as a mobile operator system, suitable to be easily reconfigured according to the needs of each specific application. The system (100) includes an autonomous vehicle (1), in the form of an autonomous mobile robot, and a transport carriage (10) including one or more operating units (12) configured to receive a load thereon to be transported. The autonomous vehicle (1) includes a coupling device (5) to couple the autonomous vehicle to the carriage (10) to move the carriage (10) along a path, while the weight of the load carried on the carriage (10) rests solely on the carriage (10). The autonomous vehicle (1) is configured to control the devices onboard the carriage (10).

Abstract: A serving robot apparatus is disclosed. The serving robot apparatus includes: a main body; a first driving device which moves the main body; a first sidewall and a second sidewall which are supported by the main body and are arranged so that one surfaces thereof face each other; a plurality of guide rails which are respectively arranged on one surface of the first sidewall in the horizontal direction and are spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction; a plurality of link members of which end portions are connected to one surface of the second sidewall so as to be rotatable on the horizontal plane; a plurality of plates each having one side connected to the intermediate region of each guide rail and the other side connected to the other side of each link member; and a second driving device which respectively rotates the plurality of link members so that the plurality of plates respectively move along the plurality of guide rails.

Abstract: A clamping device for a bicycle rack includes a first clamp and a second clamp respective formed to two ends of a shaft. The first clamp is secured to an upright frame of a bicycle rack, and the second clamp clamps a bicycle top tube or seat tube. The first clamp is a C-shaped clamp and includes a first part and a second part which is pivotably connected to the first part. A restraining hole is formed when the first part is pivoted toward second part. A locking member is pivotably connected to the second part and has a protrusion. The first part has a notch. When the locking member is pivoted to engage the protrusion with the notch, the first part is restricted from being pivoted away from the second part so as to securely restrain the upright frame of the bicycle rack in the restraining hole.

Abstract: A tilting vehicle includes a rear section and a carrier device which is connected to the rear section. The carrier device includes a receiving section for the releasable fastening of a luggage container and is connected by at least one first support in the region of the receiving section to the rear section and by at least one second support, which is arranged spaced apart from the at least one first support, to the rear section. The at least one first support is designed in such a manner that it does not transmit any torque.

Abstract: A snowmobile including a warming element at a handlebar of the snowmobile. The warming element is configured to generate heat in response to electrical current driven therethrough. A user interface is configured to receive inputs from an operator of the snowmobile. The inputs include a first temperature input setting a first predetermined temperature for the warming element. A control assembly includes a warmer control button configured for setting the warming element at the first predetermined temperature. A control module is included with the control assembly and in receipt of inputs from the user interface and the control assembly. The control module is configured to, when the first predetermined temperature is selected by way of the warmer control button, direct sufficient electrical current to the warming element to generate heat equal to the first predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to speaker systems for motorcycles or motorcycle type vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to a speaker assembly that is designed to provide sound or music for a sports motorcycle or sports bike and is designed to replace the air vent cover on a motorcycle. The speaker assembly has a compartment for housing a first speaker and an attachment to house a second speaker. The assembly has an elegant design and smoothly fits within the contour of the sports bike. The user simply removes the existing air vent cover and snap fits the speaker assembly to the motorcycle. The speaker assembly has a left and a right side therefore providing high quality stereo sound. By attaching the speakers to a music playback device, the bike owner has effectively converted his sports motorcycle or sports bike into a luxury sport bike.

Abstract: Rear suspension device for a bicycle with three pivots, each with an axis of rotation an axial compression shock absorber, a linkage unit, a sensor unit and a magnet. The axes of rotation are parallel to each other and the axial compression shock absorber has a first end attached to the first pivot and a second end attached to the second pivot. The linkage unit is attached to the second pivot and the third pivot and rotates about the second and third axis of rotation. The sensor unit is on a surface of the linkage unit and comprises a Hall-effect sensor located in a plane perpendicular to the third axis of rotation and located at a distance d1 from the third axis of rotation. The first magnet is: a cylindrical or cylindrical shell magnet having an axis of rotational symmetry which is perpendicular to the parallel faces thereof; or a prism-shaped magnet comprising two polygonal parallel faces and an axis of rotational symmetry which is perpendicular to said parallel faces.

Abstract: A motorized kick scooter having a foot platform arrangement comprising two foot platforms that each have a length no greater than 600 mm, and support a user on a foot platform surface, for which a distance between the ground surface and itself is less than a diameter of a rear wheel. The foot platforms are also positioned to partly overlap the rear wheel and so that a fore end of each foot platform is positioned between a front wheel and the rear wheel and to be positioned either equidistant between the front and rear wheels or more proximate to the rear wheel. The two foot platforms are positioned either side of the rear wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable-geometry bicycle frame. The bicycle frame consisting of a bearing element (1) comprises a front fork mount (2) and a crankset mount (3), a seat constructional part (10) comprises a saddle’s (4) clamp, an adjustment part (7), a rear wheel suspension set (20) comprises a swingarm (21) and a shock absorber (22) characterized in that, the bearing element (1) is connected by at least one articulated joint to the seat constructional part (10) and by at least one articulated joint to the rear wheel suspension set (20), and the seat constructional part (10) is connected by at least one articulated joint to the rear wheel suspension set (20) and the adjustment part (7) is movable within the range from the X position to Y position.

Abstract: A pedal unit attachable/detachable training bicycle that easily attach/detach a chain and a pedal unit to/from a training bicycle that has a seat stay. The pedal unit attachable/detachable training bicycle includes a bicycle frame having a receiving member provided at bottom of a seat tube to connect a pedal unit. The pedal unit, which is configured to detachably attach to the receiving member. A chain threaded between the pedal unit and a rear wheel. The bicycle frame is configured to enable a seat stay on side of the chain wheel to be freely attached to and detached from the bicycle frame.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a crown comprising a steerer tube boss, a first upper tube boss, and a second upper tube boss. The first upper tube boss and the second upper tube boss reside on a plane on opposing sides of the upper tube boss, wherein the plane comprises the central axis of the first upper tube boss and the central axis of the second upper tube boss. There is a first arm to connect the first upper tube boss to the steerer tube boss, as well as a second arm to connect the second upper tube boss to the steerer tube boss. At least one of the first arm or the second arm comprises at least one bore that extends in a direction that is substantially normal to the plane.

Abstract: An operating device comprises a base and an operating member. The base includes a base body and a cover. The cover includes an upper outer surface, a first lateral outer surface, a second lateral outer surface, a first shoulder, and a second shoulder. The first shoulder is provided between the upper outer surface and the first lateral outer surface. The first shoulder includes a first curved surface connecting the upper outer surface and the first lateral outer surface. The second shoulder is provided between the upper outer surface and the second lateral outer surface. The second shoulder includes a second curved surface connecting the upper outer surface and the second lateral outer surface. The first curved surface is gentler than the second curved surface as viewed in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The integrated tank and compressor mounting system for a motorcycle has a mount block which has a mounting face, and a compressor clamp. The mount block has a threaded cylindrical section which forms a tank mount for mounting a tank. The tank has a cylindrical tubular section closed at one end and threaded at the other end such that the tank threads correspond to the mount block threads. The tank provides air for an air suspension which includes a forward suspension unit activated by air and an aft suspension unit activated by air. A supply line connects the tank air volume to an inlet valve on the suspension control unit. The suspension control unit has a cylindrical forward control valve passage and the forward control valve passage has a forward transfer chamber.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a cycle includes a plurality of links pivotably connected to one another by a plurality of pivots. A rotation sensor measures an angular relationship between two links and a setpoint of the suspension assembly is adjusted based on the angular measurements.

Abstract: A front fork includes a shock absorber body, a fixing member, and a support portion. A length of a contact surface of the support portion in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical body in a circumferential direction of the first cylindrical body is smaller than a peripheral length of the outer peripheral surface. The support portion is provided at a portion where a contact surface pressure between the fixing member and the support portion increases when the vehicle decelerates.

Abstract: Example bicycle suspension components are described herein. An example suspension component includes a spring and a damper configured in a telescoping arrangement. The shock absorber has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The second end has an eyelet. The example suspension component also includes a shock end mount coupled to the first end of the shock absorber. The shock end mount includes a frame bracket. The frame bracket includes a first frame attachment portion to be coupled to a frame of the bicycle. The eyelet on the second end of the shock absorber defines a second frame attachment portion to be coupled to the frame of the bicycle. The shock end mount includes an elastomeric member to enable relative movement between the shock absorber and the first frame attachment portion. The elastomeric member is disposed outside of a region between the first frame attachment portion and the second frame attachment portion.

Abstract: A rotary force transfer mechanism includes an input (e.g., a pedal or handle) that receives a substantially linear input force (e.g., from a human operator), a rotary structure (e.g., a gear), and a drive element for selective coupling with the rotary structure to transmit the input force to the rotary structure to cause a corresponding rotary motion of the rotary structure. When transmitting the input force to the rotary structure, the drive element engages with an outer circumferential surface of the rotary structure such that the input force is transmitted to the rotary structure in a direction tangential to a position where the drive element is coupled to the rotary structure.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a pedal for use on a device such as a bicycle or stationary bicycle are provided. A pedal may include a pedal body member having an internal cavity. The pedal may include an axle having a shaft adapted to extend into the internal cavity. A sliding bearing block may be secured to a distal end of the axle shaft. The pedal body member may be adapted for transverse or side-to-side rotatable movement relative to a longitudinal axis of the axle shaft. The pedal body member may be self-centering and include one or more springs to apply force to move the pedal body member toward a home or resting position relative to the axle shaft. The pedal may be adapted so that the user’s foot can be placed on either a top surface or a bottom surface of the pedal body member.

Abstract: A system and method for simple transmission of a multi-speed bicycle is provided. A bicycle can have a transmission that can be toggled by a kickback shifting mechanism. A rear wheel hub can support a freewheel having a high speed gear sprocket and a low speed gear sprocket with dedicated chains to create dedicated gear-shifting. Rotating the pedal shaft in the non-drive direction approximately one-quarter rotation can toggle the transmission between the first gear ratio and the second gear ratio with a shifting surface that alternately allows driving engagement of the high speed gear sprocket with the rear wheel driver.

Abstract: A pontoon boat is provided that includes a deck and a plurality of pontoons running longitudinally beneath the deck and providing buoyancy to the pontoon boat. The plurality of pontoons include a multi-chine configuration that increases the stability of the pontoon boat and provides handling characteristics similar to that of a hulled boat. The plurality of pontoons may include two outer pontoons and a third pontoon positioned laterally intermediate the outer pontoons. The third pontoon may include a plurality of chines, and each of the outer pontoons may include at least one chine. At least a portion of each of the at least one chines of the outer pontoons may be positioned vertically below the plurality of chines of the third pontoon. The chines on the third pontoon may extend longitudinally further than each of the at least one chines of the outer pontoons.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a watercraft includes a cover body having a front, an aft end, a first lateral side and a second lateral side. A fastening system includes a tension member and a tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism is operable to transform the cover body between a loose configuration and a tightened configuration. In the tightened configuration, the cover body includes at least one contoured area extending out of a plane of a surrounding portion of the cover body.

Abstract: A collapsible kayak may include a single-piece hull including a plurality of crease lines along which the hull is foldable. A removable floorboard lines a midship portion of the hull between a bow portion and a stern portion, the floorboard including a seat assembly and configured to be releasably retained by a pair of outboard walls permanently fixed at port and starboard sides of the cockpit. The stern portion of the hull is permanently folded in a V-shaped (AKA swallowtail) configuration to form a closed transom of the kayak. The bow, stern, and midship portions are configured as a tri-fold, such that the bow portion and the stern portion of the kayak are foldable toward each other to overlap the midship portion of the hull when collapsed.

Abstract: A control system for stabilizing a floating wind turbine is connected to at least one sensor and at least one actuator of the floating wind turbine and configured for: determining a difference between the floater orientation and a predefined desired floater orientation of the floating wind turbine during towing of the floating wind turbine, actuating the at least one actuator during towing of the floating wind turbine for changing the floater orientation of the wind turbine to minimize the difference.

Abstract: A gyroscopic roll stabilizer for a boat includes a flywheel shaft having a first end and an opposite second end. The flywheel shaft has first and second open-ended cavities formed on opposing ends. A first uneven seal encloses the first cavity, and a second uneven seal encloses the second cavity. The first and second uneven seals are both configured to provide asymmetric sealing such that greater resistance is provided against flow in a primary sealing direction, from a first side toward a second side, than in a secondary sealing direction, from the second side toward the first side. The first side of the second seal faces inward toward the second cavity, and the second side of the first seal faces inward toward the first cavity. The first and second seals are functionally inverted relative to each other. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fin stabilizer is for the roll-stabilizing of a watercraft in motion, at anchor, or at zero speed, including a shaft on which a stabilizing fin is disposed. The shaft is drivable by a drive unit for changing at least one angle of attack of the stabilizing fin in the water. A cross-sectional geometry of the stabilizing fin is changeable by at least one actuator, and the stabilizing fin forms a closed surface geometry. Due to the hydraulically effective cross-sectional geometry of the stabilizing fin, which cross-sectional geometry is largely changeable by at least one actuator, a significantly increased energy efficiency of the fin stabilizer results with a simultaneously improved stabilizing effect of the fin stabilizer, in particular with respect to suppressing rolling movements of the watercraft.

Abstract: A usage management system includes a use rights management server and a user terminal. A controller of a vessel propulsion apparatus operates a prime mover in a permission mode to permit an output exceeding a predetermined limit output if use permission is provided from the user terminal, and operates the prime mover in a non-permission mode to prohibit an output exceeding the predetermined limit output if use permission is not provided from the user terminal. The user terminal enters an active state to allow issuance of use permission if a use-permission notification is received from the use rights management server, and enters a non-active state to prohibit issuance of use permission if a use-permission notification is not received from the use rights management server. The use rights management server transmits a use-permission notification or a use-non-permission notification in accordance with use rights information concerning the vessel propulsion apparatus.

Abstract: A method for retrieving an object exposed to a body of water. The freezing of water is a very power- and time-consuming operation and therefore, can be quite costly. To reduce at least one of these problems, an aqueous viscous mass is provided in a zone adjacent to an outer section of an object, and then the mass is frozen to the object. In some implementations, a thermal conductivity-promoting agent, such as metal, is used, among other variations.

Abstract: A personal flotation device includes a burst zipper connected to a back panel, a left panel, and a right panel of a shell of the personal flotation device. The personal flotation device further includes an inflatable bladder sewn into a seam of the shell of the personal flotation device. The seam extends through one or more of a neck panel, the left panel, and the right panel of the shell. The personal flotation device further includes strap components connected between the back panel and the left panel and the right panel. The strap components are configured to secure the left panel and the right panel to the back panel.

Abstract: An anti-drowning apparatus configured to inflate a balloon when a swimmer with the apparatus is submerged to an unsafe depth so as to help the swimmer return to the surface. The apparatus may be integrated into a swimming garment. An integrated emergency flotation apparatus may also include a manual pump configured to inflate a compression port used to store compressed air for inflating the balloon.

Abstract: A buoyancy system for an underwater autonomous vehicle is provided. The buoyancy system includes one or more pressure vessels, a primary pump connected to each of the one or more pressure vessels with the primary pump configured to pump liquid from the one or more pressure vessels. The buoyancy system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the primary pump and configured to operate the main pump via wireless or wired communication, and a power source configured to provide power to the controller and the primary pump.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a submerged submersible sailing vessel are disclosed. Such a submerged sailing vessel may comprise a submersible hull assembly, a keel coupled to and extending upwards from hull assembly towards a water surface, and a wind-catching assembly coupled to and extending upwards into the air from the keel for propelling the submerged sailing vessel. The hull assembly and the keel are submerged below the water surface as the vessel is propelled by the wind-catching assembly above the water surface.