Abstract: A main detection element detects a physical quantity that changes according to a rotation of a detection target. A sub detection element detects a physical quantity that changes according to the rotation of the detection target. A signal processing unit outputs main rotation information that is information corresponding to a detection value of the main detection element and sub rotation information that is information corresponding to a detection value of the sub detection element. A package seals the main detection element, the sub detection element, and the signal processing unit. Centers of all the main and the sub detection elements are arranged at positions shifted from a detection center of the detection target. The main detection element is arranged at a position closer to the detection center than the sub detection element. The package is arranged at a position where a center of the package deviates from the detection center.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting water within an electronic power steering assembly. A sensor assembly includes a resistor and a water-sensitive capacitor arranged to provide a series resistor-capacitor (RC) network having a cut-off frequency that is a function of a capacitance of the water-sensitive capacitor. An oscillator provides an excitation to the series RC network having a known frequency, such that the series RC network provides an output in response to the excitation. An envelope detector receives the output of the series RC network and generates an output representing an amplitude of the output of the series RC network. A microcontroller determines if water is present within the electronic power steering assembly from the amplitude of the output of the series RC network.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a steering system and a method for controlling the same. According to an embodiment, a steering system comprises an electric power steering (EPS) steering motor connected to a first inverter and a second inverter, an additional motor connected to the second inverter and providing a steering-related additional function, a main electric control unit (ECU) including the first inverter and controlling the EPS steering motor through the first inverter, and a sub ECU including the second inverter and controlling at least one of the EPS steering motor or the additional motor based on at least one of main ECU state information or vehicle driving state information.

Abstract: A steering device includes: a steering wheel which is rotatable over an angle range exceeding 180 degrees in each of leftward and rightward directions from a neutral position; a steering mechanism that steers a wheel according to a steering angle of the steering wheel, with a ratio of the steering angle to a steered angle being changeable; and a control device that controls the ratio of the steering mechanism. The control device sets the ratio to a first value during travel of a vehicle in the manual driving mode and sets the ratio to a second value smaller than the first value during travel of the vehicle in the automatic driving mode, wherein the second value is set such that the steering angle corresponding to a maximum steered angle of the wheel specified by the steering mechanism is less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A device is provided for operating a vehicle which can be driven in an at least partly automated manner, the device includes an actuating element which can be operated by a driver for controlling at least the lateral control of the vehicle, and includes a wheel angle adjuster which, when actuated by the actuating element of the driver and/or by an electronic control unit controlling the automated lateral control of the vehicle, controls a steering angle at the steerable wheels of the vehicle. The device is characterized in that the device has at least one so-called interpretation operating mode which differs from a substantially manual operating mode in that one or more operation action(s) initiated by the driver at the actuating element are suitably interpreted in accordance with the degree of haptic contact between the driver and the actuating element.

Abstract: Brackets for mounting auxiliary suspension systems, such as lift axle systems, to vehicles are disclosed herein. For example, brackets are disclosed for attaching lift axle hanger brackets and lift axle load springs to corresponding frame members. In some embodiments, the frame brackets can include physical features (e.g., a series of graduated steps in an edge portion thereof) to facilitate visual alignment of the lift axle with the vehicle frame members during installation. In other embodiments, the frame brackets can be two-piece brackets that enable the load springs to be removed and replaced without having to detach the frame bracket from the frame rail.

Abstract: A vehicle of the present disclosure may include at least one pair of opposing wheels coupled to a tiltable central chassis by a four-bar linkage or the like, such that the wheels are configured to tilt in unison with the central chassis. A steering actuator and/or a tilting actuator may be discretely controllable by an electronic controller of the vehicle. The controller may include processing logic configured to maintain alignment between a median plane of the chassis and a net force vector caused by gravity and any induced centrifugal forces. Various control algorithms may be utilized to steer the vehicle along a desired path, either autonomously or semi-autonomously.

Abstract: The bicycle brake lock comprises a cycle, a locking structure, and a personal data device. The cycle is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The locking structure locks the disk brake system of the cycle such that the cycle cannot roll over a supporting surface. The personal data device controls the operation of the locking structure.

Abstract: An assembly for enabling continuous seat post function during extreme conditions is described and includes: a first valve at least partially, slidably disposed within a stationary piston and for controlling a first fluid pathway there through, wherein the first fluid pathway runs from a first portion and to a second portion of the oil chamber, wherein the stationary piston separates the oil chamber into the first portion and the second portion; and a second valve at least partially disposed within the stationary piston and disposed in series with the first valve and having a second fluid pathway disposed through the first valve and the second valve, being in parallel with the first fluid pathway, running from the first portion to the second portion of the oil chamber, and providing a bypass for oil to flow from the first portion to the second portion when the first fluid pathway is closed.

Abstract: Mould for making a support element for the human body, such as a bicycle saddle or a motorcycle saddle, wherein the mould includes a first component or matrix, which is provided with a cavity open at the top, and at least one second component or false-male, in which the second component or false-male has a through opening, the cavity of the first component or matrix and the through opening of the second component or false-male determine a cavity, which has a conformation in use matching the conformation and/or the bulk and/or to the outer surface of the support element for the human body or the saddle; method for obtaining the support element for the human body and support element for the human body.

Abstract: A bicycle accessory mounting bracket includes a first member, a second member and a plug member. The first member has a first connecting pillar with a first sliding slot. The second member has a second connecting pillar. The plug member is inserted into the first and second connecting pillars inserted into each other through the first sliding slot and the through hole of the second connecting pillar. The plug member includes a shell, an actuating member and two abutting members. The actuating member has a wide portion and a concave portion. In the first position, the wide portion is located between the penetration holes, and the abutting members are pushed by the wide portion to enter the perforation holes. When in the second position, the concave portion is located between the penetration holes, the abutting members enter the concave portion, and the first and second connecting pillars can rotate relatively.

Abstract: A shielding canopy assembly for a bicycle includes a pair of first rods, a plurality of second rods, and a panel, which is substantially water impermeable. The panel and each second rod are coupled to and extend between the first rods, which are arcuate, to define an arch. Each of a pair of first couplers is coupled to a front end of a respective first rod. The first couplers are configured to couple to a handlebar of a bicycle to couple the pair of first rods to the handlebar. Each of a pair of second couplers is coupled to a rear end of a respective first rod. The second couplers are configured to couple to the bicycle, behind a seat of the bicycle, so that the arch is disposed over a rider who is positioned on the seat. The panel is configured to shield the rider from the elements.

Abstract: The configuration of an airbag module according to the present invention includes an airbag cushion, an inflator equipped in this airbag cushion, and housing for stowing this airbag cushion, wherein the housing has a convex polygonal shape in cross-section and has an opening on the upper side, and when the airbag cushion expands and deploys, a first pair of mutually opposed side surfaces expand separating from each other, the airbag module further comprises a cover covering the opening and side surfaces of the housing, and of the cover, the upper surface portion that covers the opening of the housing is formed with a first weak portion that extends in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface portion, is weaker than the area surrounding thereof, and is cleaved by the separation of the first pair of side surfaces.

Abstract: A straddled vehicle having an engine unit. The engine unit includes an engine body having a cylinder axis tilting forward, a radiator including a radiator core, a turbocharger including a turbine wheel and a compressor wheel, and an intercooler including an intercooler core. In a side view, at least a part of the intercooler core, a part of the turbine wheel and a part of the radiator core are within an area enclosed by a first connecting line, a second connecting line, an engine-body front-surface and a wheel rear-surface. In an upward-downward or forward-backward direction of the cylinder axis, the intercooler-core upper end is more upward than the turbine-wheel upper end, the intercooler-core front end is more frontward than the turbine-wheel front end, the intercooler-core lower end is more upward than the radiator-core upper end, and the radiator-core rear end is more frontward than both the turbine-wheel rear end and the intercooler-core rear end.

Abstract: A height detection system of a motorcycle for determining a load-dependent height of a rear carrier part in relation to a rear wheel swing arm of the motorcycle includes a measuring device connecting the rear carrier part and the rear wheel swing arm for measuring the distance between the rear carrier part and the rear wheel swing arm, and a fastening web formed integrally and protruding from the rear carrier part in the direction of the rear wheel swing arm. The fastening web includes a lateral bearing face configured to receive a rear carrier end of the measuring device.

Abstract: A rotary shaft includes a projection protruding from a rotor along an axial direction of the rotary shaft. The projection has an outer peripheral surface provided with teeth engaged with a gear. The rotor has a first portion which is located around the rotary shaft and which is fixed to the rotary shaft. The rotor has a second portion which is located at an end of the rotor, the end facing the projection. The second portion has an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the first portion.

Abstract: An overturn-notification-rider-informing-device includes: an acquisition section that acquires notification preparation information indicating that a leaning-vehicle-overturn-notification-system is preparing to notify of overturn occurrence information to outside of the leaning vehicle, or notification completed information indicating that the leaning-vehicle-overturn-notification-system has notified of the overturn occurrence information to outside of the leaning vehicle; and an actuation section that, based on the notification preparation information or the notification completed information, causes light to be radiated or sound to be generated by actuating at least one component among a front light and the like in an operating state that is different from an operating state of the relevant component at a time when, or immediately before, the leaning vehicle changes from a travelling state to an overturned state, and thereby informs of the overturn notification state to the rider.

Abstract: Disclosed is a folding car for children. The folding car comprises a rear frame, rear frame is connected with a seat; a front frame connected to the rear frame in a back-and-forth movable manner; a front lateral rod, a front portion of which is rotatably connected with the front frame; a rear lateral rod rotatably connected to the front lateral rod and the rear frame; a pedal rod rotatably connected to the front frame; and a connecting rod connected with the rear frame in a back-and-forth movable manner, and a front portion of the connecting rod being connected with the pedal rods in a slidable and rotatable manner. The folding car for children realizes the folding of a seat-type scooter for children, has a simple and new overall structure, is convenient to fold and has a small volume after being folded.

Abstract: A collapsible electric vehicle includes a front vehicle member, a vehicle frame pivotally coupled to the front vehicle member, a seat disposed at the vehicle frame, a power supply, a set of wheels disposed at the front vehicle member and the vehicle frame respectively, and a drive motor eclectically connected to the power supply. The drive motor is connected to at least one of the wheels to drive the wheel to rotate. The collapsible electric vehicle has an expanded state and a collapsed state. In the expanded state, a first supporting frame is expanded and maintained upright to support the seat to be at a suitable position while the front vehicle member is expanded to be positioned apart from the vehicle frame. In the collapsed state, the first supporting frame is collapsed to a main frame, and the front vehicle member is collapsed to the first supporting frame.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a compensator and a variable volume chamber. The compensator contains a compressible fluid and the variable volume chamber contains a substantially incompressible fluid. During a compression stroke, an increase in the volume of the incompressible fluid in the variable volume chamber compresses the compensator and thereby increases the available volume in the variable volume chamber.

Abstract: A system provides suspension for a mountain bike. The system includes at least a shock and a data collection system. A set of wave characteristics are determined based on data collected by the data collection system. A first change in the wave characteristics is detected, the first change being greater than a threshold indicating an obstacle. Responsive to determining the first change is greater than the threshold, the system enables the shock to compress. A second change in the wave characteristics is detected, the second change being less than the threshold indicating an obstacle. Responsive to determining the second change is less than the threshold, the system causes destructive interference in the shock to inhibit compression of the shock.

Abstract: A scooter device that can be propelled by side to side movement of a user is disclosed. The scooter device includes at least a first front wheel, at least a second and a third rearward located wheel, a frame structure through which the first wheel is coupled to the second and third wheels, wherein the second and third rearward located wheels are mounted in a biased direction arrangement and a steering mechanism that has a vertically ascending control member and is coupled to the first wheel such that turning of the steering mechanism achieves a turning of the first wheel, the steering mechanism further coupled to the frame structure such that the steering mechanism may be tilted relative to the frame structure. The frame structure can includes a first foot placement platform extending above the second wheel and a second foot placement platform extending above the third wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle propellable by a human comprising a front assembly having a front wheel and a pair of hand pedals connect thereto; a rear assembly having a first rear wheel and a second rear wheel rotatably connected thereto; a chest rest located between the front assembly and the rear assembly, the chest rest configured to support the chest of a rider lying forward on the vehicle; and a first foot support structure operatively coupled to rotate the first rear wheel, and a second foot support operatively coupled to rotate the second rear wheel wherein the first rear wheel and second rear wheel are independently rotated by opposite feet of a rider when said feet are within said first and second foot support, respectively.

Abstract: A bicycle gear hub includes an axle, planetary gear modules, one-way clutches and a shift mechanism. The planetary gear modules are connected in series at the axle. The shift mechanism includes a shift actuator and control pawls movably disposed at different positions of the axle. The shift actuator includes recess portions to control opening and closing of a control protrusion of one control pawl, and further to control a sun gear of the corresponding planetary gear module to the axle. When a high gear is shifted to a low gear, a rotational direction of the shift actuator is identical to a rotational direction for closing the control pawl.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining an operative shift configuration of a drive mechanism (1) of a gearbox (G) of a saddle-ride type vehicle (4). In particular, this method is applied to a drive mechanism (1) comprising a pedal shift lever (12) and a quick-shifter device (5) that connects, directly or indirectly, the lever to the gearbox, where this device includes a rod (10) and first sensor means (SM0, SM1-SM2) that detect the variation of the tension state of said rod (10) following a gear shifting. The method according to the invention includes acquiring a first signal (S1) generated by said first sensor means and determining, based on said first signal, whether the rod is in a traction tension state or in a compression tension state. The method also includes acquiring at least a second signal (S2) generated by second sensor means (SM3) and determining, based on this second signal (S2), the gear engaged following said gear shifting and/or the direction of said gear shifting.

Abstract: An electric assist vehicle is described, which may have a cargo area, a drivetrain including an external crankset and an electric motor, and a speed control system. The speed control system automatically limits the maximum operating speed of the vehicle based, at least in part, on a load mass (e.g., a gross weight) of the vehicle and/or the cargo area of the vehicle. Limiting the speed includes, for example, reducing the power of the electric motor and/or increasing a braking force on the vehicle.

Abstract: A mooring post unit is provided with a cable holding device on top of the mooring post. The cable holding device has a first pulley wheel, a second pulley wheel and a cable clamp, arranged to guide a mooring cable from a ship over the first pulley wheel to the clamp, back and forth via the second pulley wheel. A hydraulic force limiter is coupled between the second pulley wheel and the mooring post. The hydraulic force is expandable and compressible in the direction of a force exerted by the axis of the pulley wheel. The hydraulic force limiter temporarily gives way when a peak in the force exceeds a threshold. The clamp comprises a pair of drums, around which the mooring cable runs back and forth. By synchronously rotating the drums, the mooring cable may be hauled in or paid out under stress.

Abstract: The location of lost or entangled fishing gear, known as derelict gear, is detected. The motion or change of position of a buoy attached to fishing gear is determined via sensors mounted on the buoy and compared to typical buoy motion. If the buoy has moved beyond a threshold value from its original location, an alert is sent to the fisherman. The available sensor data will be used to determine the likelihood of loss or entanglement. This alert facilitates recovery of lost or entangled gear by identifying where immediate retrieval efforts should be focused. The number of traps lost to the ocean that otherwise would continue to trap or entangle marine life may be reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a structure comprising a predetermined breakable region and a mechanical actuator disposed at or proximate the predetermined breakable region. The mechanical actuator comprises an impact member coupled to a spring arrangement, and a restraint member operably coupled to the spring arrangement. A trigger source is operably coupled to an electrical power source. The trigger source, in response to receiving current from the electrical power source, is configured to release or break the restraint member so as to allow the spring arrangement to forcibly move the impact member into contact with, and break, the predetermined breakable region.

Abstract: A personal standing balance assist assembly is adapted for use in a recreational watercraft. The balance assist assembly includes a balance assist pole having a distal end for being grasped by an occupant in a standing position on the recreational watercraft. A scupper plug is located at a proximal end of the balance assist pole and is configured to engage the watercraft adjacent a top mouth of the scupper hole. A hull plug is configured to engage the watercraft adjacent a bottom mouth of the scupper hole. An elongated assembly connector extends vertically through the scupper hole and is adapted for urging the scupper plug and hull plug into close contact with the watercraft proximate respective top and bottom mouths of the scupper hole, thereby securing the balance assist assembly to the watercraft.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a hull, an engine to generate power to propel the hull, an engine speed sensor to detect the rotation speed of the engine, and an ON/OFF sensor to be turned on and off according to a vertical acceleration of the hull. The watercraft further includes a controller configured or programmed to determine, based on at least one of a detection value of the ON/OFF sensor and a detection value of the engine speed sensor, whether or not a water surface is smooth.

Abstract: In a control device for a battery of a marine vessel, a first value indicating either a voltage or a power storage amount of a main battery to supply electric power to start the engine is acquired. When the first value that has been acquired is smaller than a first threshold value, at least one of a prohibition of a transition to a motor drive mode in which a propeller is driven by using at least a motor regardless of an operation mode that is designated and a prohibition of charging a load battery is performed, and the engine is caused to rotate to charge the main battery.

Abstract: One example provides a floating drive-on pontoon port including a plurality of floating sections pivotally coupled together in series with one another to form an articulating port track base and an articulating starboard track base extending longitudinally in parallel with one another, the port and starboard track bases each having a lower surface to be disposed in water and an opposing upper surface to face away from the water. A port transport track extends longitudinally across the upper surface of the port track base, and a starboard transport track extends longitudinally across the upper surface of the starboard track base and in parallel with the port transport track, the port and starboard transport tracks each comprising a series of spaced apart rollers configured to respectively receive, transport, and support a port pontoon and a starboard pontoon of a pontoon during loading, unloading, and storage of the pontoon boat on the pontoon port.

Abstract: A scrubber-heating apparatus for a diving rebreather includes an oxygen supplying element. The oxygen supplying element has a gas mixing portion connected thereto. The gas mixing portion has a breath connecting element connected thereto. The breath connecting element has a scrubber connected thereto. The scrubber is provided with an absorbent heating element and a temperature detecting component. The temperature detecting component has a state display connected thereto. The absorbent heating element and the state display are electrically connected to a power supplying portion. Thereby, the scrubber can recycle gas exhaled by a user to prolong the duration of use of the rebreather. Additionally, the absorbent heating element increases the temperature in the scrubber, thereby enhancing the adsorption efficiency and prolonging the overall duration of use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a payload frame for deploying a payload underwater. The payload frame includes at least three lead screws, each lead screw connected near a top end of the lead screw to the payload by a corresponding spherical bearing; at least three motors, each motor connected to a bottom end of one of the lead screws, the motor to rotate the lead screw through the corresponding spherical bearing; at least three feet, each foot attached to one of the motors, the feet to support and secure the payload frame on a water body bed; an accelerometer attached to the payload, the accelerometer to measure gravity vectors of the payload; and a microcontroller connected to the accelerometer and the motors. The microcontroller to receive the gravity vectors from the accelerometer and control each of the motors based on the gravity vectors to position the payload in a target orientation.

Abstract: In a configurable vehicle a variety of mechanisms connect an external heat sink to an interior volume of the vehicle without creating a fluid conduit between the exterior and interior volume of the vehicle. Reliability of the vehicle is improved since exterior elements cannot penetrate to the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a water jet propulsion device for the propulsion of a marine vessel, the water jet propulsion device comprising: a conduit extending between an inlet and an outlet; an impeller in the conduit; and a mechanical power provider arranged to deliver power to the impeller; the method comprising receiving a plurality of thrust commands, and controlling a thrust level of the water jet propulsion device in dependence the thrust commands, wherein controlling the thrust level comprises adjusting a position of a deflector arranged to deflect water flowing out of the outlet, characterised by coordinating the adjustment of the position of the deflector with a level of engagement of a clutch, arranged to adjust the delivery of power from the power provider to the impeller, so that the thrust level is substantially continuous in a thrust command domain.

Abstract: This application describes clutch mechanisms for use in a steering control system, e.g., a steering control system used to steer a trolling motor for a boat. Such clutch mechanisms can reduce and avoid damage to the steering control system (e.g., a steering motor) when the system is subjected to unusually large impact loads (e.g., when the trolling motor or boat contacts an obstruction). The clutches described in this application can be used to decouple the steering control system from a steering shaft (or other drive mechanism) upon application of a large impact load, thus reducing damage to and increasing the lifespan of such system. In some cases, the clutch is a ball and spring mechanism. In other cases, the clutch is a slip tooth mechanism.

Abstract: A method for controlling propulsion of a marine vessel powered by a marine propulsion system including a plurality of propulsion devices includes operating at least one proximity sensor to determine a relative position of the marine vessel with respect to an object, the at least one proximity sensor having a field of view (FOV), identifying a trigger condition for expanding the FOV of the at least one proximity sensor, and determining whether the object will be sufficiently captured based on recent vessel angle data of the marine vessel. Upon determining that the object will not be sufficiently captured, thrust and/or steering position of at least one of the plurality of propulsion devices is controlled to expand the FOV of the at least one proximity sensor by inducing a roll movement or a pitch movement of the marine vessel.

Abstract: A method for maneuvering a marine vessel includes receiving an input signal from an analog user input device and comparing a magnitude of the input signal to a predetermined threshold. In response to the magnitude of the input signal being less than the predetermined threshold, the method includes actuating a first marine propulsion device to produce thrust. In response to the magnitude of the input signal being greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the method includes actuating the first marine propulsion device and a second marine propulsion device to produce thrust. The second marine propulsion device does not produce thrust when the magnitude of the input signal is less than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The system can include: a vehicle 100 and a stabilizer 200. However, the system can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The system functions to facilitate vehicular transport (e.g., via a cabin). Additionally, the system can provide impact attenuation and/or mitigate rebound of the vehicle during a water landing. Additionally or alternatively, the system can function to provide aquatic stabilization of the vehicle and/or cabin thereof. However, the system 100 can provide any other suitable functionalities.

Abstract: Lighter-than-air (LTA) systems and methods. The LTA may include a super-pressure balloon (SPB). A plurality of tendons may extend around and bias the SPB to a pumpkin shape. The SPB may use a compressor to provide a variable amount of ballast air by pumping in or expelling out ambient air. A zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) may be attached with the SPB. The ZPB may provide lift for the system. The SPB may include lifting gas and ballast air to provide both lifting and descent functions. The LTA may include a payload.

Abstract: A flying device includes a flight unit; and a flight control unit that performs, in a case where a flight position by the flight unit is out of a predetermined range, a control that is different from a control in a case where the flight position is within the predetermined range.

Abstract: An aircraft assembly is disclosed having a wing tip device connected to a wing tip of a wing by a first connector, a second connector, and a third connector. The wing tip device includes a front device spar and a rear device spar. The first connector is associated with the rear device spar. The second connector is spaced apart in a chordwise direction forward of the first connector, and the third connector is spaced apart in a chordwise direction rearward of the first connector. The third connector includes a spigot mounting formation.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle adapted for vertical takeoff and landing using a set of wing mounted thrust producing elements for takeoff and landing. An aerial vehicle which is adapted to vertical takeoff with the rotors in a rotated, take-off attitude then transitions to a horizontal flight path, with the rotors rotated to a typical horizontal configuration. The aerial vehicle uses different configurations of its wing mounted rotors and propellers to reduce drag in all flight modes. The aerial vehicle uses deployment mechanisms to deploy rotor assemblies up and away from their stowed configuration locations.

Abstract: A rotor blade pitch control system (15) comprising a rotor blade (19a, 19b, 19c, 19d) rotatable about both a central axis (20) and a pitch axis (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d), a pitch drive rotor (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d) rotatable about the central axis independently of rotation of the rotor blade about the central axis, a pitch follower (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) rotatable relative to the pitch drive rotor, the pitch drive rotor and the pitch follower having an eccentric axis (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d), a linkage (50a, 50b, 50c, 50d) between the pitch follower and the rotor blade configured such that the pitch follower rotates with rotation of the rotor blade about the central axis, the pitch drive rotor, the pitch follower and the linkage configured such that the pitch drive rotor may be driven to control an angular displacement of the pitch drive rotor relative to the pitch follower about the central axis and thereby control the pitch of the rotor blade about the pitch axis.

Abstract: In an air mobility vehicle, an engine operates as required to provide mechanical driving force or electric energy. A battery is charged with the electric energy from the engine. Main rotors operate using the electric energy of the battery and electric power generated by the engine to perform takeoff, landing, and cruising. Auxiliary rotors are disposed at or adjacent to the center of gravity of a vehicle body and mechanically connected to the engine via a clutch. The auxiliary rotors perform the takeoff, the landing, or the cruising by receiving the mechanical driving force from the engine when the clutch is in an engaged position. A controller monitors the states of the battery and the main rotors and controls the operations of the engine and the clutch.

Abstract: An unmanned ground-based system is disclosed which includes a chassis, a plurality of wheels coupled to the chassis and configured to allow the chassis to move about a surface, a plurality of propeller assemblies configured to provide on-ground motion propulsions, a boom having a boom propeller assembly with a propeller disposed on a plane generally perpendicular to the plurality of propeller assemblies, configured to independently and selectively provide positive and negative rectilinear thrust vectors, and an end-effector coupled to a distal end of the boom, the end-effector having a force sensor configured to provide contact force between the end-effector and an object, wherein the contact force is used as a feedback signal to determine magnitude of the positive and negative rectilinear thrust vectors that is generated by the propeller of the boom propeller assembly.

Abstract: An aircraft can include a frame and a plurality of electrical rotors coupled to the frame. The aircraft can further include a control system physically coupled to the frame and communicatively coupled with each of the plurality of electrical rotors. The control system can be configured to control a speed of each electrical rotor on an individual basis to control a direction of flight of the aircraft. The aircraft can further include an engine coupled to the frame, the engine being configured to combust a combustible fuel to generate thrust.

Abstract: A passenger vertical take-off and landing aircraft includes a flying wing comprising a passenger compartment, a first set of rotors positioned at least partially forward of a leading edge of the flying wing, and a second set of rotors positioned at least partially rearward of a trailing edge of the flying wing. The first set of rotors may include at least four rotors and the second set of rotors may comprise at least two rotors. The first set of rotors, the second set of rotors, both, or neither may be tiltable between lift configurations for providing lift for vertical take-off and landing of the aircraft and propulsion configurations for providing forward thrust to the aircraft.