Abstract: A rocker component for a vehicle includes a reinforcement beam having a metal sheet that is shaped with a plurality of elongated bends extending in parallel along a length of the reinforcement beam that together form a cross-sectional shape extending continuously along the length of the reinforcement beam. The cross-sectional shape of reinforcement beam includes a beam portion and a flange portion integrally extending from the beam portion. The beam portion has a multi-hollow shape that encloses a plurality of hollow cavities that extend longitudinally between openings at opposing ends of the reinforcement beam. The flange portion integrally extends from the beam portion and includes an edge of the metal sheet. The flange portion is configured to attach to the vehicle for supporting the rocker component along an outboard side region of the vehicle.

Abstract: A gutter member has a flow path portion that receives the water dripping from a front windshield and flows the received water in the vehicle width direction and a drain portion that drains the water to a drain member on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the flow path portion, in which at least a part of the flow path portion overlaps with the drain path in vehicle plan view, the gutter member has guide portions that guide the water dripping from the drain portion to the drain path, and the guide portions, include a cushioning material that absorbs an impact load at least in the vertical direction.

Abstract: An embodiment frame joint structure includes a plurality of body members, each body member including a closed section portion having a closed section of a set shape and a flange portion integrally extending from the closed section portion, and a plurality of joints, each joint having a first end coupled to a connection point of a respective one of the body members and a second end coupled to an adjacent joint.

Abstract: A long composite member (center pillar) includes a main member (pillar outer panel) that has a curvature in its longitudinal direction and whose shape of a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction protrudes on an outer side of the curvature, and a reinforcing member that is made of fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and is disposed on an inner side of the curvature with respect to the main member and within the cross-section of the main member. One end of the reinforcing member is adhered on a side of one end of the main member, and the other end of the reinforcing member is adhered on a side of the other end of the main member. An intermediary portion between the one end and the other end of the reinforcing member is extended straight within the cross-section of the main member.

Abstract: A steering device includes: a steering shaft structured to receive rotational force; a rack bar in engagement with the steering shaft; and a rack housing that is made of a metal and contains the rack bar such that the rack bar is movable. The rack housing includes a tubular section extending in a movable direction of the rack bar, and includes a first inclination section disposed in an axial end of the tubular section and inclined to go away from the rack bar outwardly in a radial direction with respect to the rack bar. The tubular section is structured to contact with the rack bar in response to warping of the rack bar due to input from outside. The first inclination section is structured to contact with the rack bar later than the tubular section in response to warping of the rack bar due to input from outside.

Abstract: Provided is a first robot including: a machine readable medium storing instructions that when executed by the processor of the first robot effectuates operations including: executing, with the processor of the first robot, a task; and transmitting, with the processor of the first robot, a signal to a processor of a second robot during execution of the task when its power supply level reduces below a predetermined threshold; and the second robot including: a machine readable medium storing instructions that when executed by the processor of the second robot effectuates operations including: executing, with the processor of the second robot, the remainder of the task upon receiving the signal transmitted from the processor of the first robot; and wherein the first robot navigates to a charging station when its power supply level reduces below the predetermined threshold and wherein the first robot and second robot provide the same services.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body includes an air-guiding device and a trailer coupling mounting device. The air-guiding device is formed in a rear-end region of the motor vehicle body, and the trailer coupling mounting device is adjustable into a rest position and into an active position. The trailer coupling mounting device, in at least the rest position, is at least partially covered by the air-guiding device, which is settable into a first operating position and a second operating position. For positioning of the trailer coupling mounting device into its active position, the trailer coupling mounting device is movable along a body longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle body, and, before or together with the positioning of the trailer coupling mounting device into its active position, the air-guiding device is settable into an intermediate position which has a pivot angle greater than a pivot angle of the second operating position.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system including a feedback actuator to simulate a steering feel to a steering device and including an electric motor connected to a steering shaft to transmit a torque, and a steering lock including a latch connected to the steering shaft in a torsion-resistant manner and a lock to engage with the latch at locking positions to block a rotation of the steering shaft. If an ignition is switched-off and a movement of the steering device is detected, a position of the steering shaft and a distance between the lock and a next locking position of the latch is determined. If the distance is greater than a predefined value, a counter-torque is transmitted to the steering shaft by the feedback-actuator opposite to the movement of the steering device until the locking position reaches the lock and the lock can engage with the latch.

Abstract: Provided is a steering system capable of enhancing traveling stability when a vehicle drives straight and improving small-turn performance. The steering system includes: a first steering device; a second steering device including a mechanical section configured to individually steer each of left and right wheels by driving a steering actuator and a control section configured to control the steering actuator; and a vehicle information detection section configured to detect a velocity of the vehicle and a steering angle. The control section includes a turning angle control module configured to control the steering actuator pursuant to a predetermined rule in accordance with the velocity of the vehicle and the steering angle so as to control turning angles of the left and right wheels.

Abstract: A control apparatus of a steering system for vehicles that controls a turning mechanism by using steering information communicated electrically, includes a turning angle control section that calculates a motor current command value to make a turning angle detected in the turning mechanism follow a target turning angle, and has a friction compensating section that calculates a compensation motor current command value for compensating a follow-up delay of the turning angle caused by a friction in the turning mechanism by performing filter processing to velocity information. The turning angle control section performs compensation by the compensation motor current command value in calculation of the motor current command value, and the control apparatus controls the turning mechanism based on the motor current command value.

Abstract: A power steering system reduces or prevents an unintended jerking of a steering input device due to an unintended torque being input into the power steering system from an output of the power steering system. The unintended torque may be determined based on an acceleration of a motor of the power steering system.

Abstract: A track for traction of a vehicle (e.g., a snowmobile), in which the track is studded, i.e., comprises studs, to enhance its traction, including to optimize acceleration, control, and/or braking of the vehicle, such as, for example, by increasing engagement of the studs with a ground on which the vehicle travels (e.g., increasing their number and/or exposure) and/or improving retention of the studs in the track (e.g., better orienting and/or anchoring them), while being lightweight, reducing noise, and/or withstanding high speeds.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system trailer is provided and generally includes a first rotor assembly arranged along a first side of the frame and having a first rotor and a first drive shaft extending through and connectable with the first rotor, a first motor assembly disposed along the first side of the frame and positioned linearly the first rotor assembly and a second rotor assembly arranged along a second side of the frame that is opposite the first side and having a second rotor and a second drive shaft extending through and connectable with the second rotor.

Abstract: A vehicle control system controls a vehicle of a steer-by-wire type. The vehicle control system is configured to execute: driving assist control that assists driving of the vehicle; and conjunction reaction force control that applies a steering reaction force component to a steering wheel in conjunction with turning of the vehicle caused by the driving assist control. A driving assist direction is a direction of the turning of the vehicle caused by the driving assist control. The conjunction reaction force control includes feedforward reaction force control that moves the steering wheel in a same direction as the driving assist direction without depending on a steering angle of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering control device is configured to control a steering device as a controlled object, the steering device having a structure in which transmission of power between a steering portion and a turning portion is cut off. The steering control device includes a central processing unit. The central processing unit is configured to execute a reduction process in a case where at least either one of a travel state amount and a steering state amount is a state amount indicating that a target turning-corresponding angle does not change. The reduction process is a process of reducing a driving current to be supplied to a turning motor.

Abstract: A system and method of hands-off signature detection may include applying a unique sinusoidal motor command to an EPS or handwheel actuator of a vehicle and monitoring attenuation of the unique sinusoidal motor command to determine if a user's hands are on or off of a handwheel of a vehicle. Attenuation of the unique sinusoidal motor command may occur due to the physical presence of a driver's hand(s) on the steering wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle for placing irrigation pipe, and a method for placing irrigation pipe, is described. The vehicle has a tricycle configuration, with in-line a front steerable drive wheel, a rear drive wheel and a pipe clamp, and an adjustable side idler wheel that provides stability. As the vehicle moves though a field, pulling ever increasing length of pipe, the force provided by the drive wheels increases in proportion.

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

Abstract: A holding device for releasably holding an energy store at a frame unit, in particular, at a bicycle frame. The holding device includes at least one carrier unit and a stop unit connected to a carrier element of the carrier unit. The holding device includes a tensioning unit, which is provided to fix the energy store at the carrier unit in a tensioned operating state and to clamp the energy store between the tensioning unit and the stop unit in an operating position in such a way that the tensioning unit in the tensioned operating state exerts a pressure force on the energy store, which acts in the direction of the stop unit, in particular, parallel to a longitudinal direction of the carrier element.

Abstract: A vehicle, in particular motorcycle, includes a frame, handlebars with two handlebar grips and a communication unit with at least one sensor for the acquisition of data relating to the vehicle, and an interface for transmitting the acquired data. A handlebar protector is arranged, preferably centrally, between the handlebar grips and the communication unit is arranged underneath the handlebar protector or at least partially, preferably entirely, within the handlebar protector.

Abstract: An improved motorcycle accessory rack is disclosed. The rack may include a top plate, a bottom plate, a quick-release assembly, and mounting hardware. The mounting hardware may be for mounting the bottom plate to the handlebars of a motorcycle. The top plate may have slots through it for mounting any of a variety of accessory holders to it, such as a cell phone holder, a tablet holder, a GPS device holder, a drink holder, and the like, or combinations thereof. The top plate and bottom plate are quickly and easily attachable and detachable by a quick-release assembly between them by a user simply tightening or loosening a hand screw.

Abstract: A storage container for a saddle riding-type vehicle, the container including an electric device requiring a power supply for the operation thereof, a wireless power receiver configured to obtain electrical power from an electromagnetic field generated by a wireless power transmitter, and a power supply circuit operatively connected to the wireless power receiver and to the electric device to supply the electric device with the electrical power obtained from the electromagnetic field.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle is provided that includes a housing configured to rotate about a rotational axis. The housing supports a pendulum drive assembly having coaxial first and second drive axles that are coaxially aligned with the rotational axis. A first rotating member is mechanically coupled to the first drive axle and configured to rotate with the first drive axle. A second rotating member is mechanically coupled to the second drive axle and configured to rotate with the second drive axle. The pendulum drive assembly includes a first electrical motor and corresponding first transmission system that are operably coupled to the first drive axle as well as a second electrical motor and corresponding second transmission system that are operably coupled to the second drive axle.

Abstract: A knuckle assembly for use with a wheel suspension system of a vehicle having a vehicle longitudinal axis, a frame extending therealong, the suspension system comprising upper and lower suspension arms, each having a frame engaging end at which the arm is configured to be pivotally connected to the frame about a proximal suspension axis, and a knuckle engaging end at which the arm is configured to be pivotally connected to the knuckle assembly about a distal suspension axis parallel to the proximal suspension axis.

Abstract: A control device for a hydraulic brake for a bicycle includes a reservoir for hydraulic fluid. The reservoir has a variable volume. The control device also includes a reservoir cover at least partially defining the reservoir, and a support that is attachable to a handlebar of the bicycle via an inner annular surface of the support. A handlebar proximity zone is radially outer relative to the inner annular surface of the support and is within two centimeters of the inner annular surface of the support. At least part of the reservoir cover is within the handlebar proximity zone.

Abstract: A human-powered vehicle control device includes an electronic controller that is configured to control an electric component of the human-powered vehicle in at least one control state selected from multiple control states that at least partially differ from each other. A number of the at least one control state is changeable. A human-powered vehicle control system includes the human-powered vehicle control device. Also, a method is carried out to set a control state of the human-powered vehicle control device.

Abstract: A gearbox may include a drive spindle and several interconnected gear clusters arranged in a housing. A first of the gear clusters is coaxially fastened to the spindle, and has an outboard gear and an inboard gear. The first gear cluster drives a belt to operate one or more of the other gear clusters, and the inboard gear is physically divided into a plurality of segments. A shifting system for the gearbox includes an actuator configured to urge the segments of the inboard gear of the first gear cluster into and out of the plane of the belt, such that a gear ratio of the gearbox is changeable without displacing the belt out of the plane.

Abstract: An adjustable surf wake system enhances a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. The system may include a flap for deflecting water traveling past the stern of the watercraft, and/or a positioner operably connected to the flap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft between a neutral position and an outward position. Positioning a port flap in its extended position enhances a starboard surf wake, and positioning the starboard flap in its extended position enhances a port surf wake.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vessel including a hull and a system providing an air lubricating layer between the bottom and water, including a cavity defined by sidewalls, a top wall and an interface plane, in which water mixes with air due the Kelvin Helmholtz effect. The sidewalls extend from a dagger-shaped nose section at the front end to the rear end of the cavity and diverge so a distance between the sidewalls increases along the length of the cavity when going in a rearward direction. The diverging cavities provide a stable air lubrication layer that covers a relatively large area of the bottom, so the number of cavities can be reduced. The alignment of the diverging cavities with the streamlines has relatively large tolerances so construction is simplified and can be carried out in a cost-effective manner. The diverging sidewalls lead to reduced formation of vortices and reduced drag.

Abstract: The present invention seeks to reduce the frictional resistance of a vessel through enhanced air lubrication by creating and sustaining a superaerophilic surface underneath the vessel. Air is supplied by two different means: through vents near the bow of the vessel and through the perforated superaerophilic surface underneath the vessel. The air delivered through the perforations in the superaerophilic surface prohibits wetting of microscopic structures on the surface, maintaining the superaerophilic properties of it. Since the superaerophilic surface attracts air close to the hull surface, this invention greatly increases the ratio of air from the bow vents within the boundary layer, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the air lubrication system. Aerophilic effects are enhanced by carbon, which is captured, filtered, and mixed in with the air supplied to the plastron.

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 wind turbine includes a floating foundation having a plurality of buoyancy bodies, the buoyancy bodies being formed from a plurality of buoyancy body elements designed as hollow bodies, which are arranged adjacent to one another in a first plane concentrically around each central element extending from the floating foundation and are connected to said central element. Each buoyancy body element has a surface supported on the central element, a convex surface arranged opposite the central element, and two lateral surfaces each supported on a lateral surface of an adjacent buoyancy body element.

Abstract: A system and method for lighting a surface, for example a deck of a boat, spa, swim spa, pool, watercraft or vehicle, using backlighting such that decorative or other desired patterns of light may be created by forming cuts, outlines, thin sections, or voids in an overlay that is applied to the lighted surface, allowing light to pass through or around portions of the overlay material. In an exemplary use of the system and method of the invention, the surface may be the surface of a boat or spa. The surface may comprise transparent or translucent materials, allowing light from a first side of the decking, or light that is generated within the decking, to pass through the decking and to emanate from a second decking side, where the light may be blocked, partially blocked, or allowed to pass through the overlay material in any desired pattern or shape.

Abstract: An axial flux propulsion system for an electric boat that includes interconnecting subsystems including a mounting system, a traction system, a transmission system, an electrical power distribution system, a control system, and a fluid management system, among other boat systems. The traction system typically is an axial flux motor/generator. Various embodiment of the axial flux propulsion system may include a stern drive embodiment and a jet drive embodiment. Portions of the axial flux propulsion system may be both inboard and outboard. A control system may control the operation of the various boat systems including the axial flux motor/generator, and as a result, control the overall operation of the boat.

Abstract: A combination float and bracket assembly for a floating structure that includes a float body made of closed-cell foam with a plurality of transversely aligned L-shaped brackets that extend upward from the float body's top surface. Each bracket includes horizontal and vertical flanges, During manufacturing, a plurality of bracket cutouts are formed in the float body's top surface, and a bracket is then inserted into each bracket cutout so that the brackets' vertical flanges extend upward above the top surface. Connectors attach the vertical flanges to a frame member. In one embodiment, a transversely aligned void area is formed in the float body adjacent to the vertical flange. The void area receives the frame member that extends over the top surface of the float body and attaches to the vertical flange. Also disclosed is a floating structure with a frame attached to a plurality of float and bracket assemblies.

Abstract: A diving mask (1) comprising a rigid frame (101), at least one lens (102, 103), and a face mask (104) made of soft and elastically yielding material fixed to the rigid frame (101), where the face mask (104) has at least one opening (106, 107) for positioning at least one lens (102, 103), a front hollow projection (112) for housing the nose of the diver and a rear perimeter profile (105) applicable sealingly to the face of the diver so as to delimit an internal space (113) between said mask (1) and the face of the diver adapted to contain the nose and eyes of the diver, where the face mask (104) has a means for cooling the damp air exhaled from the nose of the diver for the dehumidification thereof before reaching the at least one lens (102, 103).

Abstract: A field configurable vehicle includes bladders located interior of the vehicle hull walls. One or more of the bladders can be filled with fluids of varying densities to manage the buoyancy, mass properties, and thermal heat dissipation of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rotating equipment, and more specifically, to high efficiency rotating equipment which generates thrust through contra-rotating or produces electricity. The rotating equipment includes: a plurality of propeller modules (10, 20) including a plurality of blades (11, 21) installed inside along a circumferential direction; and a rotary module (40) which rotates the plurality of propeller modules (10, 20) or is rotated.

Abstract: The portable pedal system for kayaks and other watercraft is a propulsion device. The portable pedal system for kayaks and other watercraft removably attaches to a vessel. The portable pedal system for kayaks and other watercraft is manually powered. The portable pedal system for kayaks and other watercraft comprises a belt drive, a transmission structure, and a vessel. The belt drive and the transmission structure removably attach to the vessel. The belt drive attaches to the transmission structure. A client manually powers the rotation of the belt drive. The rotation of the belt drive rotates the transmission structure which propels the vessel through the water.

Abstract: An outboard motor for attachment to a hull of a marine vessel includes a lower case including a propeller shaft to rotate a propeller, and an upper case including a drive shaft to transmit a power to the propeller shaft. The lower case is selected from among different types of lower cases to be attached to the upper case, and the upper case and the lower case are connected by an intermediate structure.

Abstract: The pair of transom mounting brackets are movably coupled to a pair of tensioning rods, which allows the adjustment of the transom mounting brackets. There is a lower cross brace and a pair of upper cross braces. A slide plate is slidably coupled to the transom mounting brackets. A pair of hydraulic cylinders are coupled to the lower cross brace and each of the hydraulic cylinders is operatively coupled to the slide plate. A pair of motor mounting plate offsets are coupled to the slide plate and to a multi-engine mounting plate.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device includes a first gear, a second gear, a third gear, a case, a partition wall, and a first flow path. The case includes an internal space in which the first gear, the second gear, and the third gear are located. The partition wall is located between the second gear and the third gear in the internal space. The partition wall partitions the internal space into a first space and a second space. The second gear is located in the first space. The third gear is located in the second space. The first flow path communicates the first space with the second space. The first flow path is located on a same side as the first gear with respect to a center line of the second gear and the third gear.

Abstract: A vessel operation system includes a propulsion apparatus to generate a forward thrust or a backward thrust by output of an engine, a throttle actuator to change a throttle opening degree of the engine, a first operator, a second operator, and a controller. When the propulsion apparatus generates a backward thrust, the controller sets a first target value within a range not more than a first upper limit value in accordance with an operation of the first operator and control the throttle actuator so that the throttle opening degree reaches the first target value. The controller sets a second target value within a range not more than a second upper limit value larger than the first upper limit value in accordance with an operation of the second operator and control the throttle actuator so that the throttle opening degree reaches the second target value.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a marine vessel includes a central portion supported rotatably around a rotation fulcrum with respect to a hull, a wheel portion, a spoke portion that connects the central portion and the wheel portion, first switches, second switches near the first switches, and paddles operable to cause a thrust to be applied in a front-rear direction to the hull. The first and second switches control the hull in different modes. The first switches are located at positions where a marine vessel operator is able to operate the first switches with the fingers of hands operating the paddles. The first and second switches are on the spoke portion and have different heights in a pressing direction.

Abstract: A propulsion unit with a propeller includes a nacelle; a propeller rotatably mounted in the nacelle by means of a hub. The propeller has blades mounted in a blade cuff that is pivotable about a pitch axis relative to the hub. Each blade is pivotable relative to the cuff about a folding axis. A folding device includes an actuator for folding the blades. The folding device includes a control member rotationally affixed to the blade cuff and driven by the actuator. A connecting rod is pivotably mounted, on the one hand, on a root the associated blade and, on the other hand, on the movable control member.

Abstract: A propulsion system, including a rotor arrangement rotatably mounted with respect to a nacelle about a rotor axis. The rotor arrangement includes rotor blades, each being pivotably mounted to a hub element about a respective blade pivot axis, the rotor blades being deployable between an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration. The nacelle includes a nacelle body having a nacelle outer surface including facet elements and transition elements, each facet element extending aft from the hub element, each adjacent pair of facet elements being circumferentially spaced from one another by a corresponding transition element, each facet element having a first curvature with respect to the rotor axis, each transition element having a second curvature with respect to the rotor axis. The first curvature is different from the second curvature. In the undeployed configuration, each rotor blade is in overlying and fully external relationship with respect to a corresponding facet element.

Abstract: The present application provides an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for a long duration flight. An exemplary UAV may include a UAV body assembly. The UAV may also include a flight control system (FCS) coupled to the UAV body assembly. The UAV may further include a motor coupled to the UAV body assembly at one end and coupled to a propeller at the other end. The FCS is communicatively connected to the motor. A center of gravity (CG) of the UAV is at a point between 21% and 25% of a mean aerodynamic chord (MAC) of the UAV.

Abstract: An aircraft landing gear is disclosed including a main leg, a foldable stay and a lock link configured to hold the foldable stay in position when the landing gear is extended. The foldable stay includes a first stay member and a second stay member, and the landing gear is configured such that the second stay member rotates in a first direction from a first position to a second position as the landing gear moves from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. An end stop is arranged such that in the event the lock link fails, the second stay member rotates in the first direction from the second position to a third position in which the stay contacts the end stop thereby preventing further movement of the second stay member in the first direction and wherein the foldable stay goes over centre as the second stay member moves from the first position to the third position.

Abstract: A landing gear assembly is disclosed having a trailing arm for carrying a wheel, a shock absorber pivotally coupled to the arm for damping movement of the arm, and an articulated lock mechanism. The mechanism includes an upper and lower lock links each with a distal end respectively pivotally coupled to the shock and arm. Proximal ends of the lock links are pivotally coupled about a common axis to enable a distance between the distal ends to vary. The mechanism is lockable to lock the assembly in an extended or retracted configuration. When the assembly is in the extended or retracted configuration, the mechanism is locked respectively in an extended or retracted locking configuration, such that the distance between the distal ends of the lock links is substantially the same in either extended or retracted locking configuration.

Abstract: A composite structure includes a first composite skin and a second composite skin spaced from the first composite skin. The first composite skin and the second composite skin define a longitudinal cavity therebetween. The composite structure further includes a plurality of spars located in the longitudinal cavity and laterally spaced from one another. The plurality of spars extends between and connects the first composite skin and the second composite skin. The composite structure further includes at least one rib located within the longitudinal cavity between a first spar and a second spar of the plurality of spars. The first spar is laterally adjacent the second spar. The at least one rib is in contact with the first composite skin, the second composite skin, the first spar and the second spar.