An amphibian includes a planing hull, first and second sides, at least one retractable wheel, at least one prime mover, at least one steerable wheel which is connected to a steering control device operable by a driver to steer the amphibian, wherein the steering control device includes at least one of handlebars, a steering wheel, and steering levers, and is positioned to be grasped by an operator while operating the amphibian and wherein the steering control device is moveable between at least two distinct laterally spaced positions across a width of the amphibian between a center line and the respective sides of the planing hull.

A wheel suspension and retraction apparatus (2) for an amphibious vehicle comprises a suspension unit having transverse upper and lower suspension links (4, 8); spring and damper unit (12), and suspension upright (6) supporting wheel (10), and pivotally connected to outboard ends of links (4 and 8). The wheel retraction mechanism has a retraction linkage (14, 16, 18), pivotably connectable to the vehicle, and an actuator (38) for moving the wheel suspension between a protracted position for land use and a retracted position for use on water. The retraction mechanism supports the suspension unit spaced apart transversely from the vehicle. Tie bar (16) is connected to upper retraction arm (14) at an intermediate location (30) to ensure a large angle of tilt on retraction, to ensure that the wheel is retracted above hull line (156). The wheel suspension does not have to be compressed on retraction.

The present invention includes a retractable single front wheel or track drive assembly for an amphibian comprising a single front wheel or track drive. The retractable single front wheel or track drive assembly comprises an actuator, a suspension assembly movable between a protracted position and a retracted position, and a single front wheel or track drive. When the suspension assembly is protracted then the suspension assembly supports and/or holds the single front wheel or track drive in a ground engaging position for use on land, and the front single wheel is moved forward and upwards on retraction. The present invention also provides a retractable single rear wheel or track drive assembly for an amphibian. The present invention further provides an amphibian comprising the retractable single front or rear wheel or track drive assembly.

A recovery system for large-scale spilled oil flowing onto and adhered to a shore is disclosed. The recovery system for large-scale oil flowing onto and adhered to a shore is mounted on an amphibious vehicle that can move on a neritic zone and land. A skimmer assembly is installed in a front of the amphibious vehicle. An oil collection assembly is foldably provided on each of front opposite sides of the amphibious vehicle, thereby easily collecting oil. A recovered oil treatment assembly is mounted on the amphibious vehicle and configured to accommodate the oil recovered by the skimmer assembly therein and to store separated oil by separating water from the accommodated oil.

A robotic system having a movable gantry robot (10) for conducting construction operations. The gantry may have an expandable bridge (20) and articulated gantry support legs (34) as well as a support track system (60) holding a gantry robot (800) which may hold one or more implements and peripheral devices (806). The device can be moved by propulsion mechanisms, a controller, and one or more geo-positioned control devices to provide position information for the robotic gantry as it moves back and forth along a plurality of work sites (700). The robotic gantry is connected to a power supply system (236). The controller is automated, self-navigating, and activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of the propulsion mechanisms, and deploys, retracts, activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of one or more of the construction implements. The height of the frame may be adjusted by extending and rotating risers and booms to accommodate different building heights or sub-level heights at a worksite. A conveyor system is optimized for removing dirt from or delivering material to the robotic arm. This invention can be applied to automating construction jobs including surveying, land preparation, excavation, foundation, masonry, framing, and additive fabrication.

A deployable mobile trailer with multiple deployable walls is disclosed. The mobile trailer includes wheels rotatably coupled to a base and a frame attached to the base. The frame has vertical supports attached to the base and a top frame assembly disposed at a top end of the vertical supports. First and second elongate deployable walls are rotatably attached to respective first and second sides of the frame. The first and second walls include and are movable between respective retracted and deployed positions. A deployable end wall is rotatably attached to an end of the frame and has a retracted position and a deployed position between which it is movable. Multiple activity devices are removably attached to the top frame assembly, the first elongate deployable wall, the second elongate deployable wall, or the deployable end wall. A mobile activity structure and method for operating a mobile deployable activity structure are also provided.

A deployable mobile trailer with multiple deployable walls is disclosed. The mobile trailer includes wheels rotatably coupled to a base and a frame attached to the base. The frame has vertical supports attached to the base and a top frame assembly disposed at a top end of the vertical supports. First and second elongate deployable walls are rotatably attached to respective first and second sides of the frame. The first and second walls include and are movable between respective retracted and deployed positions. A deployable end wall is rotatably attached to an end of the frame and has a retracted position and a deployed position between which it is movable. Multiple activity devices are removably attached to the top frame assembly, the first elongate deployable wall, the second elongate deployable wall, or the deployable end wall. A mobile activity structure and method for operating a mobile deployable activity structure are also provided.

A multipurpose watercraft has a pair of catamaran pontoons supported by way of a transverse control bar at forward regions thereof. The watercraft may have an arched equipment rack framework extending above rearward regions of the pontoons. The watercraft also has a pair of electric motor thrusters located respectively beneath each pontoon and the control bar comprises a pair of controls operable by hand, each control operable to control a respective thruster forwards or backwards. Alternatively, the thrusters may be remotely controlled. This configuration allows an operator to be pulled behind the control bar horizontally between the pontoons, snorkellers to be pulled behind the watercraft for recreational sightseeing and/or for remote-control rescue operations.

The present invention provides a power train for an amphibian operable in land and marine modes. The power train including a prime mover, a first land propulsion device, a first marine propulsion device, and a speed change transmission, wherein the prime mover is arranged to drive the first land propulsion device via the speed change transmission in land mode, and at least a portion of the prime mover is located between the speed change transmission and a rearward most part of the amphibian, with the speed change transmission located spaced ahead of the prime mover by a selected distance using one or more drive shaft(s).

The present disclosure relates to a service station that is transportable over a predetermined roadway or by water. The service station has a base having a stern, bow, and two lateral sides. The base is configured to displace a volume of water so as to render the service station buoyant. A tank is disposed on the base and is configured to contain fuel. The tank is configured to comply with U.S. Government requirements for transportation of fuel over roadways. A pump is disposed on the base, and is configured to dispense liquid fuel to supply vehicles. An axle assembly is coupled to the base and has at least one wheel, the at least one wheel and axle assembly moveable between an engaged position and a stored position. The least one wheel is in contact with a surface and partially supports the base over the surface in an engaged position.