Abstract: The present invention relates to a saddle-riding vehicle, preferably an endurance-type vehicle. The vehicle comprises a steering tube to which a steering assembly that controls a front wheel is rotatingly connected. The vehicle comprises a frame comprising a central part (12) to which is hinged a first end (8A) of a fork (8) which also comprises a second end (8B) rotatingly connected to a rear wheel (4). This frame also comprises a front part (15) extending between the steering tube (11) and said central part (12), wherein this front part (15) comprises a first frame side (15A) and a second frame side (15B) separated in the direction of the width of the vehicle and made of a first metallic material. The vehicle according to the invention is characterised in that it comprises at least a pair of connecting plates (16A-16B) wherein a first plate (16A) connects said engine assembly (2) to said first frame side (15A) and a second plate (16B) that connects said engine assembly (2) to said second frame side (15B).

Abstract: A novel bicycle frameset created from a novel frame assembly and a novel fork assembly, where the components of the frame are joined together via the friction stir welding of the tubular components to partial bracket members and where the joining of the partial bracket members via friction stir welding rigidly connects the tubular components to create the frame, and where the components of the fork are joined together via friction stir welding of tubular components to a fork crown, and where the fork and frame combine form the frameset.

Abstract: A system including: a seat post; a user interface operatively connected with the seat post, the user interface configured for receiving instructions associated with a height of the seat post and for communicating received instructions to at least one controller coupled with a motive source of the seat post; and a valve assembly in communication with the motive source, the valve assembly regulating fluid flow within a variable finite positioning seat post height mode in response to a translation of the received instructions by the motive source.

Abstract: A safety handle designed to be fitted onto a tubular element of an item of mobile equipment, comprises at least one signaling means. The handle further comprises a radio frequency communication module and an electronic circuit for controlling the communication module by a signal of a change in direction.

Abstract: An operating device for a human-powered vehicle comprises a base member, an operating member, a first substrate, and a second substrate. The operating member is movably coupled to the base member. The first substrate is provided to one of the base member and the operating member. The second substrate is provided to the one of the base member and the operating member. The second substrate is separate from the first substrate.

Abstract: An operating device comprises a base member, a first switch unit, and a first coupling structure. The first switch unit includes a first base and a first operating member. The first coupling structure couples the base member and the first base such that the first base is adjustable relative to the base member in a first direction and is adjustable relative to the first coupling structure in a first additional direction different from the first direction. The first coupling structure includes a first intermediate member and a first fastener. The first intermediate member is at least partially provided between the base member and the first base to guide the first base relative to the base member in at least one of the first direction and the first additional direction.

Abstract: A brake control device includes a housing, a brake lever, a hydraulic seat and a piston. The housing is formed of a plastic and includes a handlebar mounting portion at an end thereof that is mounted to a bicycle handlebar. The brake lever is pivotably connected to the housing at a pivot of the housing. The hydraulic seat is disposed within the housing and is distal from the handlebar mounting portion. The hydraulic seat is formed of a metal and defines a piston chamber and a hydraulic reservoir therein that are in fluid communication with each other. The piston is movably mounted to the piston chamber in the hydraulic seat, and is operably connected to the brake lever. The plastic of the housing is adhered to the hydraulic seat.

Abstract: A crank assembly comprises a crank arm, a front sprocket unit, and a plurality of chain-drop control protrusions. The plurality of chain-drop control protrusions is configured to inhibit a drive chain from getting into a space provided radially inwardly from the plurality of chain-drop control protrusions and between the crank arm and the front sprocket unit in an axial direction. The plurality of chain-drop control protrusions is configured to be provided to at least one of an axially inwardly facing crank-surface of the crank arm and an axially outwardly facing sprocket-surface of the front sprocket unit. The plurality of chain-drop control protrusions is spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction with respect to the rotational center axis.

Abstract: This saddle-riding type vehicle includes: a transmission that includes a clutch operated by an operation of a slave cylinder; an oil pressure actuator that includes a master cylinder which generates an oil pressure on an operation oil; an oil pressure valve unit that controls transmission of the oil pressure generated by the master cylinder to the slave cylinder; a master-side connection pipe arrangement that connects the master cylinder to the oil pressure valve unit; and a slave-side connection pipe arrangement that connects the oil pressure valve unit to the slave cylinder, wherein the slave cylinder and the oil pressure valve unit are arranged on one side part in a vehicle width direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle, and the oil pressure actuator is arranged on another side part in the vehicle width direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle.

Abstract: A snow vehicle is disclosed comprising a uni-body frame having a forward engine compartment, a propulsion unit coupled to the frame, and a front ski steered by a steering mechanism. The snow vehicle has a chain coupling the sprocket of the propulsion unit located outside of the frame and directly coupled to the belt drive.

Abstract: A jet-powered sled has a body having a control cockpit with control apparatus for an operator to control the jet sled, a set of surface runners adapted to engage a surface upon which the sled is operated, the surface runners removably engaged to spindles coupled to swing arms coupled to the jet sled, and an engine compartment having a jet engine removably mounted in a manner to direct thrust to a rear of the jet sled to propel the jet sled. The jet sled is characterized in that the sled may be adapted specifically to run on water, ice, or snow by installing runners adapted for water, ice, or snow on the spindles of the swing arms.

Abstract: A human-powered vehicle driving device includes a motor that assists in propulsion of a human-powered vehicle and a first electric switch including an operation member.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket comprises at least one chain engaging member constituting at least a part of at least one sprocket tooth of the bicycle sprocket. The at least one chain engaging member is configured to contact a bicycle chain in a state where the bicycle chain engages with the bicycle sprocket. The at least one chain engaging member is made of a first material. At least one bicycle attachment member constitutes at least a part of a sprocket body of the bicycle sprocket. The at least one bicycle attachment member is configured to be coupled to a bicycle. The at least one bicycle attachment member is made of a second material that is different from the first material. At least one shifting facilitation area is provided in the at least one chain engaging member to facilitate a shifting operation of a bicycle chain.

Abstract: A rear derailleur assembly for mounting to a bicycle, wherein the bicycle includes a frame, includes an upper body for operationally engaging the rear derailleur assembly to the frame. The rear derailleur assembly also include a chain cage for engaging a chain of the bicycle; a controller pivotally connected to the upper body; and a lower body operationally connected to the chain cage, pivotally connected to the controller, and pivotally connected to the chain cage. The lower body includes a damper assembly for providing rotational resistance as the chain cage rotates in a first direction about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A watercraft including a board having a top surface and a bottom surface and a hydrofoil attached to a strut. The strut attaches at the bottom surface of the board. The watercraft includes a movable portion coupled to the top surface of the board such that the movable portion is configured to move relative to a fixed portion of the board.

Abstract: A cleat (10) for securing a boat (B) to a dock (D) includes a brace (12) having a face (14) contoured to fit against a dock piling (P) and extend around an outer surface (ES) of the piling when in place. An end (18a) of an adjustable strap (16) attaches to one end (20a) of the brace with an opposite, free end of the strap, fitting about the other end (20b) of the brace. An end portion (22) of this free end, when fitted about the other end of the brace, overlaps and a fastener (24) secures these overlapping portions together to secure the brace to the piling. An anchor (26) projects from a face (28) of the brace, and an anchor rope (30) attached to the boat is secured to the anchor, once the brace is secured to the piling, to secure the boat to the dock.

Abstract: In a general aspect, an anchor includes a tubular body that is formed at least in part of cementitious material and has open and closed ends. The anchor also includes a pad eye coupled to the tubular body and configured to couple to a mooring line. The tubular body includes a base wall, a perimeter wall, and a shear key. The base wall defines the closed end of the tubular body and has first and second surfaces on opposite sides of the base wall. The perimeter wall extends from the first surface of the base wall to the open end of the tubular body, and the shear key extends from the second surface of the base wall. The shear key is configured to penetrate an underwater floor and resist a lateral displacement of the anchor along the underwater floor when penetrated therein.

Abstract: A system that includes a first winch assembly having a first structure on which a fuel hose is configured to be spooled and unspooled, the first structure having a first rotational axis. The system also includes a second winch assembly located rearward of the first winch assembly, the second winch assembly includes a second structure on which a messenger line is configured to be spooled and unspooled, the second structure having a second rotational axis and being rotatable between first and second rotational positions. Upon the second structure being in the first rotational position the second rotational axis is non-orthogonal to the first rotational axis. Upon the second structure being in the second rotational position, the second rotational axis is orthogonal to the first rotational axis. The second structure including an axial through opening through which the fuel line is configured to pass when the second structure is in the second rotational position.

Abstract: A convertible seating system for a marine vessel that is movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration is provided. The convertible seating system includes a backrest component that is pivotably coupled to a recessed compartment formed in a deck portion of the marine vessel, and a seat component that is pivotably coupled to the recessed compartment. The seat component is flush with the deck portion when the convertible seating system is in the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration. The seat component further pivots upwardly from the deck portion to permit the backrest component to pivot upwardly from inside the recessed compartment in the stowed configuration to outside the recessed component in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: The wakesurfing system may include a first and second reel assembly arranged and configured to retract a discarded surf rope. The second reel assembly may be replaced by a retraction device. The first reel assembly may have a telescoping and rotatable boom and may be coupled to a side of the watercraft. The second reel assembly or retraction device may be coupled to a rear portion of the watercraft. The first reel assembly may have a first reel cord coupled to a handle of the surf rope, and the second reel assembly may have a second reel cord coupled to a proximal location of the surf rope. The first reel cord and either second reel cord or retraction device, and the surf rope, may be in a retracted position when not in use, and in an extended position when used by a wakesurfer.

Abstract: A system and method that reduces wave-making resistance of at least one follower vessel following at least one lead vessel operating in a seaway based on a determination of time-dependent variations in the Kelvin wake waves being generated by the lead vessel when operating in a seaway. By using a time-dependent Kelvin wake wave generation approach, the determination of where to position the follower vessel in a reduced wave-making resistance region may be improved, such as when the lead vessel changes direction and/or speed in the seaway. Such an approach may position the follower vessel based on information associated with the Kelvin wake wave generated by the lead vessel in the past, which the follower vessel approaches this past-generated Kelvin wake wave and is positioned in the reduced wave-making resistance region associated with this past-generated Kelvin wake wave.

Abstract: A watercraft with improved safety and stability is provided. The watercraft includes a shell defining a plurality of raceways for receiving water during certain maneuvers of the watercraft, thereby exerting force upon the watercraft in a first direction. The shell is configured so as to prevent or otherwise inhibit the water from exerting an opposed second force upon the watercraft. An intermediate panel of the shell provides increased flexibility, thereby serving as a shock absorber for the watercraft.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system includes an engine effectuating rotation of an output shaft, a battery, an alternator having a rotor driven into rotation by the output shaft and that is configured to generate a charge output to the battery, a battery state of charge sensor configured to measure a battery charge value of the battery, and a control system. This control system is configured to receive a demand value and/or a temperature, receive the battery charge value from the battery state of charge sensor; and control the alternator to adjust the charge output based on at least one of the battery charge value and the demand value and/or temperature.

Abstract: A propeller pitch adjustment assembly is provided with a base hub operatively connected by blade shafts to propeller blades in which each blade rotates about an axis of each shaft. Each blade shaft is radially disposed about a propeller drive shaft and parallel to a pressure flange of a base hub spring plate. The spring plate counterforces the blade rotation with a lever screw that impacts the plate. An opposing spring transfers a load to the plate. The equilibrium position of the plate is determined by the spring force on the lever and a counteracting force exerted on the lever by a lift force generated by fluid flow over a propeller blade. A capping mechanism can provide a preload to the spring. A force exerted by the lift of the blade on the lever screw results in a blade pitch change.

Abstract: The technology relates to a telescoping support structure which can be suspended between two objects. The telescoping support structure uses projections between adjacent tubular sections in order to prevent the adjacent tubular sections from falling away from one another. Although the telescoping support structure may be utilized in various different environments and circumstances, it may be of particular usefulness in the field of high-altitude ballooning. For instance, when used in a balloon system, the telescoping support structure may be suspended between two objects such as an upper payload structure and a lower payload structure. As another example, the telescoping support structure may be suspended between a balloon envelope and a payload which, in some examples, may include an upper and a lower payload structure.

Abstract: A tethered aerostat with a ground based deployment, extended duration and recovery system to accommodate a weather vaning deployed aerostat while maintaining a supply of a lift gas by having a rotatable tether pipe and a hollow tether. Included is a rotatable tether pipe device assembly with rotor and stator components disposed in an air tight housing assembly to provide a ground based gas maintenance system. An aerostat deployment buoyancy control maintenance and combined recovery platform is provided. The tethered aerostat systems and method increase deployment duration and allow more systems to be controlled and maintained on the ground without interrupting aerostat operational capabilities.

Abstract: An aircraft line or harness fastening system with a clamp attaching the line or harness to the aircraft. A bobbin within the clamp surrounds the line or harness, wherein the bobbin is smaller than the clamp and is circular in shape to enable rotation of the bobbin within the clamp. The bobbin includes two separate complementary parts that fit together around the line or harness. Each of the two separate complementary parts include a tab and a recess, wherein the tab of one of the complementary parts fits into the recess on the other of the complementary parts.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically extending aircraft wing flaps in response to detecting an excess energy steep descent condition are described. An example control system of an aircraft includes one or more processors. The one or more processors determine whether the aircraft is experiencing an excess energy steep descent (EESD) condition. In response to determining that the aircraft is experiencing the EESD condition, the one or more processors command an actuator of the aircraft coupled to a flap of the aircraft to extend the flap from a current flap position to a subsequent flap position defined by a flap extension sequence.

Abstract: Flap pressure shape biasing is disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a flight monitor to determine a movement parameter of an aircraft, the movement parameter corresponding to at least one of a Mach number of the aircraft, an airspeed of the aircraft, or a vertical acceleration of the aircraft, and a spoiler controller to adjust a position of a spoiler of the aircraft to reduce pressure on a flap based on the movement parameter by moving a pressure transition away from the flap.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a plurality of takeoff and landing rotors each generating a first airflow below the takeoff and landing rotor, and a cruise rotor generating a second airflow behind the cruise rotor, the plurality of takeoff and landing rotors including a rear rotor disposed behind the cruise rotor. The aircraft further includes an airflow deflection mechanism capable of changing a direction of the second airflow, and a controller for controlling the airflow deflection mechanism to suppress interference between the first airflow generated by the rear rotor and the second airflow.

Abstract: An aircraft wing is disclosed herein having a fixed-location trip device placed along the span of the wing to transition airflow from laminar flow to turbulent flow so that potential load increases are limited and flight performance uncertainties associated with laminar flow wings are reduced. Wings designed for extended laminar flow offer the potential to significantly reduce airplane drag and fuel consumption. A collateral impact of a laminar flow wing is the generation of elevated wing loads at critical load conditions. This impact is mitigated by controlling the downstream limit of transition at these critical load conditions.

Abstract: Aspects relate to aircraft and methods of use for aerodynamic control with winglet surfaces. In an aspect an exemplary aircraft includes a first wing having a first winglet at a distal end of the wing, wherein the first winglet comprises at least a first control surface at a first trailing edge of the first winglet and a second wing having a second winglet at a distal end of the wing, wherein the second winglet comprises at least a second control surface at a second trailing edge of the second winglet.

Abstract: A support structure to mount landing gear to a wing spar of an aircraft. The support structure includes a trunnion assembly having a first trunnion and a second trunnion that are connected together with the first trunnion positioned on a first side of the wing spar and a second trunnion positioned on an opposing second side of the wing spar. The trunnion assembly is configured to support a first section of the landing gear.

Abstract: A convertible ducted fan engine and mounting system. The convertible ducted fan engine has a shroud encircling a mechanical fan. The convertible ducted fan engine includes a fluid-propulsion configuration in which the mechanical fan rotates freely with respect to the shroud to produce thrust through fluid flow, and a drive-wheel configuration in which the shroud rotates about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A tiltrotor aircraft is designed to accommodate rotors of different diameters, as well as corresponding wings and fuselages with different span and length, while maintaining very high parts commonality, especially with respect to drive train and power source. This enables design and operation of a fleet of such aircraft with significantly different rotor diameters, which are nevertheless optimized for different missions. In preferred embodiments the rotors are configured to have high stiffness and low weight to reduce aero-structural dynamic issues across the fleet. Also in preferred embodiments drive systems are designed for a full range of speed, torque, and power associated with all intended rotors. Turboshaft engine speeds are restricted to a narrow RPM range, so that a single gearset can be replaced to achieve the desired rotor RPM. Also in preferred embodiments, aircraft in a fleet can differ in folded length, empty weight, payload length by up 50%.

Abstract: The invention discloses a light kite comprising a body. The body includes a wing, a supporting member, and a tying place, the supporting member is arranged on the wing and integrally formed with the wing, the body of the kite is made of a blister material or a material capable of being embossed or indented, and the supporting member is made by blistering or embossing or indenting on the wing, so that the supporting member is integrally formed with the wing and maintains a shape of the body. The kite is made of a blister material or composite paper, the durability and plasticity are high; moreover, the support member is made by means of plastic package, some existing kite production processes can be omitted, and the local production in large scale can be achieved.

Abstract: A method for image generation, preferably including: generating a set of mission parameters for a UAV mission of the UAV associated with aerial scanning of a region of interest; controlling the UAV to perform the mission; generating an image subassembly corresponding to the mission; and/or rendering the image subassembly at a display.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight operations. In an embodiment, a flight planning system of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can identify handoff zones along a UAV flight corridor for transferring control of the UAV between ground control stations. The start of the handoff zones can be determined prior to a flight or while the UAV is in flight. For handoff zones determined prior to flight, the flight planning system can identify suitable locations to place a ground control station (GCS). The handoff zone can be based on a threshold visual line of sight range between a controlling GCS and the UAV. For determining handoff zones while in flight, the UAV can monitor RF signals from each GCS participating in the handoff to determine the start of a handoff period.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for facilitating sampling water of water bodies, in accordance with some embodiments. Further, the apparatus comprises a primary housing, a secondary housing, a movement assembly, a sensor, a storage device, and a power source. Further, the secondary housing is submerged in a water body based on disposing of the primary housing. Further, the secondary housing receives a water sample from a depth of the water body in a secondary interior cavity through an opening of the secondary housing based on submerging of the secondary housing in the water body in the depth. Further, the movement assembly transitions the secondary housing between a retracted position and an extended position for the submerging. Further, the sensor generates sensor data based on detecting a characteristic of the water sample. Further, the storage device stores the sensor data. Further, the power source powers the sensor, and the storage device.

Abstract: There is disclosed an aircraft for intercepting an airborne target, the aircraft comprising: a frame; a plurality of lines of a first type, each attached to the frame at a first end, and free at the other end; and a plurality of lines of a second, different, type, each attached to the frame at a first end, and free at the other end.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle including a main body having a leading edge. An inlet is recessed aft from the leading edge. Forward protrusions extend from the main body on opposite sides of the inlet. An outlet nozzle is proximate to an aft end. The inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet nozzle. Wings extend from the main body.

Abstract: Distributed trailing edge actuation systems and methods for aircraft are described herein. An example aircraft includes a wing, a flap coupled to the wing, the flap movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and a distributed trailing edge (DTE) actuation system including a flap actuator coupled to the wing to move the flap. The flap actuator includes an integrated hydraulic powered actuator and electric powered actuator. The flap actuator is operable in a hydraulic powered mode in which the hydraulic powered actuator is activated to move the flap, an electric powered mode in which the electric powered actuator is activated to move the flap, and a hybrid mode in which the hydraulic powered actuator and the electric powered actuator are activated simultaneously to move the flap.

Abstract: A wing for an aircraft is disclosed including a fixed wing, a high-lift device and a hold-down arrangement arranged between two supports of the high lift device having a first hold-down element attached to the high-lift device and a second hold-down element attached to the fixed wing. The first hold-down element contacts the second hold-down element when the high-lift device is in a retracted position in which it prevents a trailing edge of the high-lift device from detaching from an upper surface of the fixed wing when the fixed wing bends in the spanwise direction. One of the hold-down elements is a load-limited hold-down element which comprises a biasing means. When the load transmitted through the hold-down arrangement exceeds an operational threshold, elastic deformation of the biasing element results in the hold-down arrangement no longer preventing the trailing edge high-lift device from detaching from the upper surface of the fixed wing.

Abstract: A wing for an aircraft, comprising a main wing and a slat assembly with a slat and a connection assembly with a slat track. The front end of the slat track is mounted to the slat, and the rear end and/or the intermediate portion of the slat track are mounted to the main wing by a roller or slide bearing. The slat track is movable along the track longitudinal axis. The connection assembly includes a drive unit. The drive unit includes a rotary actuator mounted to the main wing and having at least one drive arm rotatably driven about a rotation axis and drivingly engaging the slat track, and one of the drive arm and the slat track has at least one groove and the other one of the drive arm and the slat track comprises at least one spigot drivingly engaging the groove.

Abstract: An aircraft usable as a passenger aircraft and a fire fighter aircraft. The passenger aircraft includes a passenger area with passenger seats and a permanently installed fire extinguishing medium tank for storing fire extinguishing medium such as water, as well as a fire extinguishing medium nozzle for discharging the fire extinguishing medium. The passenger aircraft may be a type from an aircraft series also including a long-haul aircraft having a center tank for range extension. In the passenger aircraft, a center tank may be used as an extinguishing medium tank.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a tablet support that can be readily affixed to one side of a substantially upright seatback and one that can conveniently function to support numerous types of informational displays, including, but not limited to books, magazines, tablet computers, note book computers, media players, smart phones and the like.

Abstract: A galley cart system employs a dry ice compartment and a refrigeration compartment in a galley cart in flow communication with the dry ice compartment. A ventilation system is in interruptible flow communication with at least the refrigeration compartment and configured to receive gas discharged from at least the refrigeration compartment.

Abstract: An air conditioning pack management system for controlling distribution of a predetermined amount of conditioned air from a system comprising two or more air conditioning packs, the pack management system comprising a management unit arranged to proportion the predetermined amount of conditioned air to be provided by one or more of the two or more packs based on the respective operating efficiencies of the packs or other pre-selected metrics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cabin air compressor (CAC) of an aircraft environmental control system, the CAC having: a CAC case defining a forward end and an aft end axially spaced apart axially from the forward end, wherein the forward end defines a compressor inlet; and a supplemental cooling passage defined by the CAC case, wherein the supplemental cooling passage is configured to direct a supplemental cooling medium through it.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an ice protection system of a rotorcraft or an aircraft includes applying heat to rotating blades of the rotorcraft or the aircraft according to a heater duty cycle and determining an anticipated ice shed time for ice to shed from the rotating blades. Torque of the rotating blades is sensed, and an actual ice shed time for ice to shed from the rotating blades is determined based on the sensed torque. A status of the ice protection system is determined based on the anticipated ice shed time and the actual ice shed time, and the status of the ice protection system is output for consumption by a consuming system.