Abstract: A hood latch release system includes, among other things, a release handle within a compartment covered by a hood, a hood latch assembly, and a release assembly having an electrically powered actuator and a mechanical actuator. The electrically powered actuator and the mechanical actuator are each configured to move one or more latches of the hood latch assembly from the latched position to the unlatched position. The system further includes a selector assembly. When a coupling member of the selector assembly is in a decoupling position, actuating the release handle causes the electrically powered actuator to unlatch the primary latch, the secondary latch, or both. When the coupling member of the selector assembly is in a coupling position, actuating the release handle causes the mechanical actuator to unlatch the primary latch, the secondary latch, or both.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is described having front and rear passenger area, and an HVAC system provides treated air to both front and rear areas. The front area includes a tunnel extending longitudinally rearwardly, and a low profile duct extends within the tunnel to communicate treated air to the rear passenger area. The frame has been modified to mount a drive shaft carrier bearing to maximize the arear under the tunnel for hose routing. The frame has been modified to maximize the ingress area for the foot of the rear passenger. The frame has been modified to better seal the vehicle when doors are utilized.

Abstract: The invention relates, amongst other things, to a device for pivotably connecting an air-guiding element (16), preferably a rear side-air-guiding element of a drivers cab, to a vehicle (10), preferably a rear wall of the drivers cab of a utility vehicle. The device has a swing hinge (22), which is designed to be fastened on the one hand to the air-guiding element (16) and on the other hand to the vehicle (10). The swing hinge (22) has a locking mechanism (32), which is designed to lock the swing hinge (22) automatically when at least one predetermined pivot position has been reached.

Abstract: An exterior trim for a motor vehicle includes an exterior trim part having a central shape-retaining subcomponent and a first elastic subcomponent connected on a first side of the central shape-retaining subcomponent and a second elastic subcomponent connected on a second side of the central shape-retaining subcomponent. The central shape-retaining subcomponent is adjustable from a first position into a second position and the first elastic subcomponent and a first trim surface of the first elastic subcomponent and the second elastic subcomponent a second trim surface of the second elastic subcomponent are adjustable.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present disclosure are a lift axle control method for a vehicle and a lift axle control system for a vehicle, wherein the method comprises the following steps: step 1) acquiring a load M of the vehicle; step 2) judging whether it needs to lower the lift axle according to the load, and if so, controlling the vehicle to lower the lift axle, and entering into step 3); otherwise, returning to step 1); step 3) calculating an optimal position of lifting the lift axle, controlling the vehicle to lift the lift axle at the optimal position, and entering into step 4); step 4) calculating an optimal position to lower the lift axle, controlling the vehicle to lower the lift axle at the optimal position, and then returning to step 3). The method of the present disclosure can reduce the damage to the road surface and achieve the economy of fuel consumption during running of the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for supporting a component part in an automated line. The apparatus includes two or more process stations disposed along a component part transport path, a plurality of component part supporting units installed on each of the process stations to be movable to a position depending on a type of the component part, and a component part transport unit installed to be movable forward and backward along the component part transport path and configured to transport the component part to each of the process stations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a saddle for a bicycle, comprising a seat portion having a seat surface configured to at least partially support a region of a body of a user during operation of the bicycle. The saddle further comprises at least one mounting portion comprising at least two mounting members which are spaced apart from each other, each mounting member being configured to be brought into an engaging connection with a region of a seat post of the bicycle in order to mount the saddle to the bicycle. The seat portion and the mounting portion are integrally formed and the mounting portion is integrally formed on a mounting surface of the seat portion which is opposite from the seat surface. The invention further relates to a bicycle, a manufacturing method and a mounting method.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of detachable motorcycle luggage racks. The luggage rack system comprises two primary assemblies to be placed on two sides of a motorcycle rear seat. The assemblies can be attached to the motorcycle through the upper support, lower support, right support and left support on the primary metal sheet. To lock the latch strikes into place and prevent the assemblies from being stolen, the author uses a lock system that can be unlocked with a key. To use the invention as a table, two primary metal plates are attached with a double latching system; the double latching system comprises two back plates and two latch bolts. After two primary metal sheets are attached to form a table top, four table legs are connected with the table top through four corner holes on the table top.

Abstract: A bicycle storage compartment includes a storage compartment arranged inside a bicycle frame tube, in particular a down tube of a bicycle frame. The storage compartment is closed by a cover element. With the aid of a fixing element, the cover element is releasably fixed to the bicycle frame tube. For simple and reliable operation and fixation, the fixing element includes a lever element fastened to the bicycle frame tube or the cover element and cooperating with a lug provided on the cover element or the bicycle frame tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage apparatus for mounting to a two-wheeler. In addition to a container and a lid, the storage apparatus includes a closure which is configured to selectively occupy one of three states in a closed position of the lid: a releasing state in which the closure releases the lid for movement to the open position; a securing state in which the closure secures the lid in the closed position; and a locking state in which the closure locks the lid in the closed position. An identification means is associated with the closure, and the closure is configured such that it may be brought from the securing state to the releasing state without using the associated identification means, but may only be brought from the locking state to the releasing state by using the associated identification means.

Abstract: A bicycle element includes a bicycle frame element. The bicycle frame element is connected to a bicycle component. Further, the bicycle frame element has a battery terminal provided thereon for the electric connection of a battery. A cable connected to the battery terminal, the cable being arranged in the bicycle frame element and in the bicycle component. A holder element is connected to the bicycle component and/or the bicycle component includes the holder element. A connector element connected to the cable is fixed in the holder element. The connector element serves for connection to an electrical component, such as a lighting means, a mobile phone or the like. The invention further relates to a bicycle system.

Abstract: Various powered mobility systems, such as scooters and wheeled boards, are disclosed. The powered mobility system can be a drive assembly, which can include a motor, transmission assembly, driving wheel, and power supply. The drive assembly can be detachable from the rest of the personal mobility vehicle.

Abstract: A trike tilting axle assembly has a steering post turning an upper axle assembly. A lower axle assembly is coupled beneath the upper axle assembly by cross linkages which create a virtual pivot point for the upper axle assembly and the steering post. Tilting linkage assemblies are pivotally coupled at lower ends thereof from opposite sides of the lower axle assembly and engage respective wheel axles at upper end thereof, each of which holds a respective wheel. Control arms connect the upper axle assembly to respective upper ends of the tilting linkage assemblies. As the assembly tilts and the upper axle assembly moves sideways with respect to the lower axle assembly, the control arms push or pull the respective tilting linkage assemblies such that the wheels lean over in the same direction as the steering post whilst the assembly mimics the geometry and feel of an existing bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle folding system comprises a front fork with a first steerer for rotating the front fork in a head tube, a second steerer that rotatably attaches to a crown of the front fork, and a clamp module that secures the first steerer in the head tube. The clamp module also detachably attaches to the second steerer, which (a) secures the second steerer in front of and substantially parallel to the first steerer when the bicycle is in a rideable configuration, and (b) detaches to allow rotation of the second steerer when folding the bike. The axis of rotation of the second steerer for the bike folding process is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the first steerer in the front fork.

Abstract: A distinctly anti-vibration handle grip, in particular for motorcycles, allows a significant reduction in the transmitted vibrations, eased by a better adaptation of the handle grip to the anthropometric features of the driver's hand, and comprises: an internal cylinder (4), which is fitted on the receiving stem; and an external casing (5), enclosing said internal cylinder ((44)) from a proximal end (2) to a distal end (3) of the anti-vibration handle grip (1), and which is connected to said internal cylinder (4) by means of a sequence of circumferential junctions (6), forming a corresponding sequence of grooves (7) on the external surface of the external casing (5) and respective inner tubes (8), formed by the empty space between external casing (5) and internal cylinder (4), between each one of said grooves (7), wherein the distances between the adjacent grooves depend upon the anthropometric measurements of the user's hand.

Abstract: An oscillating arm front suspension for a saddle riding vehicle including: a steering bar mechanically connected, or adapted to be connected, to a steering handlebar of the saddle riding vehicle; a first oscillating arm having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, where the first end portion of the first oscillating arm is rotatably joined to the steering bar and where the first oscillating arm directly carries a rotation pin of an associable front wheel of the saddle riding vehicle; a shock absorber assembly which extends between a attachment head and a attachment foot; a support element adapted and configured to support the shock absorber assembly and a braking member, the attachment foot being rotatably joined to the support element; a second oscillating arm operatively interposed between the steering bar and the support element, where the second oscillating arm is rotatably joined to the steering bar and to the support element.

Abstract: In the field of vehicle suspension, theoretically, single pivot architecture is the simplest way to produce a suspension. However, in practice, this requires specific parts to manage the forces associated with the braking system, which creates a complicated architecture that is incompatible with standard interface elements. The device according to the present disclosure has a specific caliper support member enabling this type of suspension to be considerably simplified and optimized. The device is provided with a single pivot rocker, which provides a single degree of freedom for the front wheel to move in an arc, a caliper support member connected to the rocker by a pivot joint coaxial with the wheel axis and a torque link connecting the rocker to the fork frame by pivot or ball joints. The device according to the present disclosure is particularly suitable for front steering wheel suspension, for motorcycles, bicycles, two-wheeled vehicles, etc.

Abstract: A bicycle shock absorber structure includes a gas-tube housing, a lid, an axial rod, and a ring-shaped pad. The lid includes a locking part and a locking slot. The locking slot is disposed on the locking part. The axial rod is connected to the locking part along an axis direction. The ring-shaped pad includes a radial opening, an inner hole, and a protrusion part. The inner hole is communicated with the radial opening and for sleeving on the locking part. The protrusion part is disposed at an inner edge of the inner hole. The ring-shaped pad sleeves on the axial rod through the radial opening and moves to sleeve on the locking part. The protrusion part then protrudes into the locking slot. The ring-shaped pad is rotated relative to the lid such that an interference between the protrusion part and the locking slot is generated.

Abstract: A flexible coupling mechanism may be used to suspend a structural component, such as a propulsion pod, from a support member, such as a strut of a hydrofoil watercraft. The flexible coupling mechanism may include multiple vibration isolating mounts configured to extend through the support member to suspend the structural component. The vibration isolating mounts may include a plurality of elastomeric bushings configured to prevent direct contact between a component rigidly coupled to the support member and a component rigidly coupled to the structural component. The elastomeric bushings may include a tapered outer profile configured to provide a nonlinear force feedback profile in response to rotation of the support member relative to the structural component.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a central platform having a bow portion and a stern portion removably connectable to each other to define a rigid hull. The central platform further includes an upper flange and a lower flange each extending around at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the central platform. The upper flange and the lower flange are separated by a recessed pocket. The watercraft further includes an air-inflatable tube fitted around at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the central platform. When inflated, the air-inflatable tube is at least partially received within the recessed pocket. At least one first locking element is provided on the central platform and at least one second locking element is provided on the air-inflatable tube. The at least one first locking element and the at least one second locking element are configured for locking engagement with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, systems, and methods that involve automatically lifting a boat cover above an interior of the boat.

Abstract: A bimini system includes a bimini frame having a plurality of bows movable to transform the bimini system between an open configuration and a retracted configuration and a cover supported by the bimini frame. A storage boot has a hollow interior for a receiving the cover therein. The storage boot includes a base mounted to a first bow of the plurality of bows and a lid mounted to a second bow of the plurality of bows.

Abstract: A compressive element for a mooring component includes multiple shells. Each shell has first and second annular portions, and a central section that extends between the first and second annular portions. The first and second annular portions lie in a plane that is perpendicular to a central axis of the compressive element. The first annular portion has a maximum dimension in a direction perpendicular to the central axis that is greater than a corresponding maximum dimension of the second annular portion. The shells are arranged along the central axis such that the first or second annular portion of one shell is joined to the first or second annular portion of an adjacent shell. The compressive element is arranged such that when a compressive stress causes the compressive element to be compressed, the central section of one shell contacts the central section of an adjacent shell.

Abstract: An anchor for a watercraft comprising a shank and at least one prong adapted for attachment to the shank, wherein the anchor for a watercraft also comprises at least one weakened connection configured to release the at least one prong from the shank when a load on the at least one prong exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (2) for generating a warning signal. The system (2) has a buoyant apparatus (4). The apparatus (4) comprises a collision detection unit (6) which has at least one acceleration sensor (18). Each acceleration sensor (18) is designed to detect an acceleration acting on the apparatus. The collision detection unit (6) comprises a processor unit (10), which is configured for identifying a collision of the apparatus (4) with an unknown object based on the at least one detected acceleration, wherein the processor unit (10) is designed to generate a warning signal when a collision is identified, which signal represents the detected collision. The collision detection unit (6) has a signal interface (12) for transmitting the warning signal.

Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operated fluid stab system for subsea fluid transfer comprises a connector with seal protection and multiple fluid ports, typically more than six fluid ports, to enable multiple flow combinations, both high- and low flow. The connector is relatively short and guide friendly to ease the stabbing operation. The seal is held in place by a nut/threaded insert that is threaded into the stab body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuselage assembly (100) configured to be attached to a mast assembly (50) of a powered hydrofoil watercraft (1). The fuselage assembly (100) comprises a mast assembly fixation section (106) and an outer housing portion (170) which accommodates, in particular surrounds or encases, a propulsion device (200), in particular an impeller (201), and which outer housing portion (170) at least partially limits an outer dimension of a flow channel (161) through which water is transported during operation of the hydrofoil watercraft (1). The outer housing portion (170) comprises an attachment portion (310) on which a tail unit (300), in particular 10 comprising a stabilizing member (301) such as a stabilizing wing (302), is formed or attachable thereto. In addition or alternatively, the propulsion device (200) may be accommodated in the outer housing portion (170) such that a user is prevented from touching the propulsion device (200).

Abstract: Disclosed is a foil arrangement in which a fuselage is connected to a mast without any tools. Further, foil arrangement is disclosed, for which end sections of the mast are inserted into receiving pockets of a mast batten, a shoe or a fuselage, wherein intermediate pieces can be provided on the upstream and/or downstream side.

Abstract: A four-chamber inflatable kayak comprises an upper chamber, a lower chamber, connecting portions as well as two side chambers and two side coverings. The upper chamber and the lower chamber are streamlined with a wide center and narrow ends, and the outer portion of the two ends of the upper chamber and the lower chamber is connected to each other by means of a connecting portion. The connecting portion has two separate compartments that are separated from each other. Both ends of the upper chamber and the lower chamber are accommodated in the separate compartments in the connecting portion, so that a cavity with accommodating space is formed between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. The upper chamber comprises a cockpit hole disposed in the middle. The cockpit hole is communicated with the cavity.

Abstract: The present application relates to a floating module, a floating platform assembled by multiple floating platforms, and an off-shore system assembled by multiple floating platforms for harvesting green energies in a large body of water. The floating module comprises an external frame having a plurality of side tubes for providing buoyance to the floating module; and an internal frame coupled to the external frame. In addition, the floating module has a mooring mechanism for fixing the floating module in position at sea or ocean. Methods of making the floating module and assembling the floating platform and the offshore system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A floating power generation platform includes a water plane platform having a plurality of buoyant columns, and at least one tower extending above the water plane platform. The tower is configured to support at least one first power generation system and has a center core configured for stowing a deployable member. The floating power generation platform includes a deployable spar movable between a stowed position, in which the deployable spar is stowed within the center core of the tower, and a deployed position, in which the deployable spar is extended below the water plane platform.

Abstract: A method for extracting a rescue subject from a surface position includes lowering a rescue pod having an enclosed compartment with a door from an aircraft, the rescue pod having a parachute and a control system, the rescue pod connected by a tether to a winch in the aircraft, controllably releasing the tether from the winch while maneuvering the aircraft into an orbit at altitude, diameter and airspeed, creating a gravity well in which the tether describes a spiral configuration with the pod descending along a vertical centerline, lowering the pod to the surface position, loading the rescue subject into the enclosed compartment, and lifting the rescue pod from the surface position by retrieving the tether with the winch or altering the path and speed of the aircraft, in a manner to gradually increase tension in the tether lifting the rescue pod from the ground point.

Abstract: A mine countermeasure device for disabling an undersea mine, and underwater transport, and methods therefor. The mine countermeasure device operates to mask, cancel or neutralise (detonate) the undersea mine. The mine countermeasure device is deployed, together with a plurality of other mine countermeasure devices from an underwater transport, for example autonomously. The underwater transport preferably carries out a scan of an area known to be mined, in order to identify undersea mines. The underwater transport is capable of autonomous operation over the horizon to deliver plurality of mine countermeasure devices. The mine countermeasure device targets particular sensors on the undersea mines.

Abstract: A small size subsea vehicle is designed to comprise the form of a subsea tool and include a common drive interface that allows quick connect/disconnect with the subsea vehicles (ROVs and AUVs). A subsea tool system comprising the small size subsea vehicle comprises a main vehicle 100 with a tool interface comprising a common drive interface 104a and a power interface 104b; and a subsea tool system 102 comprising predetermined footprint configured to fit within a predetermined space, e.g., one smaller than a narrow region or a constricted area where a larger subsea vehicle cannot enter due to size constraints of the larger subsea vehicle; a predetermined set of tools 103, each tool of the predetermined set of tools comprising a common drive interface 103a; and a tool repository 115.

Abstract: A balanced piston pump (300) for use in subsea vehicles, for example in a variably buoyancy engine, includes an inlet (321), an outlet (325) and at least one fluid path between the inlet and the outlet. A piston arrangement in the fluid path includes a stepped piston (330) having a large end (333) and a small end (331). The step (336) of the piston cooperates with the body (310) of the pump to form a piston chamber (320). The ends (332, 334) of the piston are each exposed to ambient pressure. The force required to drive the pump is dependent on the difference in cross sectional areas of the ends of the pistons.

Abstract: A propeller drive arrangement includes a propeller shaft, a planetary gear comprising a first planetary gear member, a second planetary gear member and a third planetary gear member which are drivingly connected, and an outer shaft arranged coaxially with and radially outside of the propeller shaft. The outer shaft is drivingly connected to one or more propeller blades for varying the pitch angle, and the propeller shaft is drivingly fixed to one of the planetary gear members and another one of the planetary gear members is arranged to drive the outer shaft by a driving torque exerted on the propeller shaft.

Abstract: A propeller drive arrangement includes a propeller shaft, a planetary gear comprising a first planetary gear member, a second planetary gear member and a third planetary gear member, an outer shaft arranged coaxially with and radially outside of the propeller shaft, A gear wheel set drivingly connecting the second planetary gear member with the outer shaft, The outer shaft is drivingly connected to the one or more propeller blades for varying the pitch angle. The propeller shaft is drivingly fixed to the first planetary gear member, and the second planetary gear member drives the outer shaft via the gear wheel set by a driving torque exerted on the propeller shaft.

Abstract: An underwater propulsion device is disclosed comprising two sleeves for fitting around each of a user's lower legs, with each sleeve mounting a propulsion unit, and the sleeves being connectable by a bar between them during underwater operation of the device by the user.

Abstract: To more reliably achieve the turn intended by the operator without making major system changes. The ship control device is provided with an input unit for inputting a maneuvering command value related to the operation control of the ship and a control unit for generating and outputting a steering angle command signal and a throttle command signal to the ship based on the maneuvering command value. If the maneuvering command value is in the intermittent control range, the control unit outputs a throttle command signal with an intermittent control waveform having a Hi level and a Low level.

Abstract: A steering device allows a ship to travel efficiently. A port side rudder plate has a left front rudder plate fixed to a lower portion of a stern and a left rear rudder plate. A starboard side rudder plate has a right front rudder plate fixed to the lower portion of the stern and a right rear rudder plate. The left rear rudder plate is supported by a rear portion of the left front rudder plate and a left steering shaft fixed to the left rear rudder plate. The right rear rudder plate is supported by a rear portion of the right front rudder plate. A right steering shaft fixed to the right rear rudder plate. In a rear view, lower end portions of the port side rudder plate and the starboard side rudder plate are at a lower end portion of an outer peripheral portion of the propeller.

Abstract: A system and method of using accumulator(s) to generate electrical power in a marine environment. The system includes a first power source coupled to an electric machine coupled to a hydraulic pump coupled to an accumulator. The first power source is a power supply operable to convert AC to DC, and the accumulator is a high-capacity hydraulic energy storage device. The electric machine configured to operate as an electric motor driving the hydraulic pump in a first direction charges the accumulator. The charged accumulator configured to drive the hydraulic pump in a second direction driving the electric machine configured to operate as an electric generator to generate a second power source. The hydraulic/electric power system also includes a first controller configured to operate a first electrical load powered by the first power source and a second controller configured to operate a second electrical load powered by the second power source.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic devices and firing mechanisms for aircraft canopy jettison are disclosed herein. An example firing mechanism includes a housing defining a first bore, a second bore, and a channel between the first bore and the second bore, a primary charge disposed in the second bore, a closure disc between the second bore and the channel, and a firing pin assembly disposed in the first bore. The firing pin assembly includes a percussion primer and a firing pin piston including a piston body, a firing pin extending from the piston body, and a piercing pin extending from the piston body. In response to a firing signal, the firing pin piston is moved toward the primary charge such that the piercing pin punctures the closure disc and the firing pin engages the percussion primer to ignite the primary charge.

Abstract: Examples for low impact hat stringer fluid dams are presented herein. An aircraft structure may include a wing with a vent stringer coupled to the wing. The vent stringer may include a center portion positioned between a first section and a second section. The center portion of the vent stringer includes a slot. A vent dam may be coupled within the vent stringer proximate the slot in the center portion. The vent dam can include a sealant coupled between an integrated pair of baffles such that a combination of the sealant and the integrated pair of baffles prevents fluid communication between the first section and the second section of the vent stringer.

Abstract: A wing for an aircraft includes a leading edge as a first chordwise edge, a trailing edge as a second chordwise edge, an upper skin extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge, a lower skin extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge, at least one spar extending between the upper skin and the lower skin in a spanwise direction to create wing box with the upper skin and the lower skin, and at least one of a fluid line, an electrical line, and a mechanical power transfer device attached inside or reaching into the wing box at least partially.

Abstract: A composite multi-spar aircraft lifting surface comprising an integrated torsion box having a first portion of a skin continuous on the second face from a right tip to a left tip, a second portion of a skin continuous on the lateral right side of the first face from a right tip to a first central portion, a third portion of a skin continuous on the lateral left side of the first face from the left tip to a second central portion, a cover spanning between the first central portion and the second central portion. The spars, the first portion of the skin, the second portion of the skin and the third portion of the skin being an integrated multi-cell part. Also a method of manufacturing such a lifting surface.

Abstract: Fluid systems are described. An example fluid system includes a body and a housing. The body has a leading edge, a trailing edge, a first portion, and a second portion attached to the first portion. The second portion is moveable relative to the first portion between a first position and a second position. The housing extends from the first portion to the second portion and is configured to move as the second portion moves relative to the first portion. The housing is moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The housing is in the first configuration when the second portion is in the first position and is in the second configuration when the second portion is in the second position. The housing has a first length when in the first configuration and a second length when in the second configuration that is greater than the first length.

Abstract: In conjunction with a system and method for optimizing mission conditions of a vehicle, one or more control surfaces movably mounted on a buoyancy-influenced vehicle and configured to maintain stable vehicular movement through a corresponding medium being navigated by the vehicle are individually, controllably and differentially displaced until an optimal position for each of the control surfaces that is collectively suitable to achieve optimum mission conditions is established. In one embodiment, a method for reducing drag induced by a propeller of a propeller-bearing aircraft during forward flight comprises rotating a propeller having one or two blades, when inactive, to an optimal drag-minimizing stowing angle which is angularly spaced from a forward direction of flight of the aircraft.

Abstract: A longitudinal control augmentation surface of aircraft, particularly turboprop/propfan aircraft with engines mounted on the rear portion of the fuselage. This longitudinal control augmentation surface is positioned in the connecting structure of the engine with the fuselage. A longitudinal control augmentation system for aircraft with engines arranged in a rear portion of the fuselage close to a vertical tail, this system comprising means of controlling the longitudinal control augmentation surfaces of the aircraft to distribute a longitudinal offset of the aircraft between these surfaces by means of functions, and an aircraft comprising the longitudinal control augmentation surface and the longitudinal control augmentation system.

Abstract: A system takes advantage of the Magnus effect to increase the efficiency of a moving structure by increasing the forces generated by a fluid moving relative to the structure, e.g., to improve lift, drag, etc. The system includes a structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. An object coupled to the structure, e.g., a cylinder, is exposed to a fluid such as air. The object is journaled for rotation relative to the structure so as to disrupt the fluid around the object. A drive source causes the object to rotate relative to the structure so as to cause a select one of an upward lift, or a downward drag.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for variable stiffness supports in aircraft testing are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a variable stiffness support including a pad to contact and support the aircraft, and a spring operatively coupled to the pad. The apparatus also includes an actuator operatively coupled to the support, a sensor, at least one memory, machine executable instructions and at least one processor. The at least one processor is to execute the instructions to determine at least one of a movement or a displacement of the pad based on information from the sensor, and control movement of the actuator based on the determined at least one movement or distance of the pad to statically support the aircraft while enabling movement of the pad above a threshold frequency.