Abstract: A drag mechanism in a fishing reel consists of a plurality of washers. Some of the washers are metal while others are made of a high friction co-efficient material and are keyed to the main drive gear in the reel by means of a plurality of ears extending from the periphery thereof. This can be applied to conventional and spinning reels. By rearranging the position of the metal washers and high friction washers, the drag can be varied.

Abstract: A powered damper assembly in which closure of the damper blades is controlled by a powered actuator which can be powered by a pneumatic drive, an electric motor drive, or other suitable power source. The powered actuator moves a drive shaft attached to the damper blades which causes the damper blades to cycle between an open position and a closed position. The actuator can be controlled by sensors in a remote location, which allows the damper to be modulate it to set up pressure differentials and to be closed well in advance of oncoming smoke, fire, or other detected toxic fumes. The powered actuator maintains pressure on the damper blades to seal the damper tightly and prevent both smoke and fire from easily penetrating the damper. Optional remote placement of the sensors allow the damper be closed well in advance of the arrival of smoke, fumes, fire, etc. The remote sensors communicate with the dampers via direct wiring or, alternatively, via wireless transmission.

Abstract: An intake and exhaust fan assembly is provided having a motor and fan assembly mounted for movement on rails toward and away from a rotatable blade damper mounted on an angle to the motor/fan assembly.

Abstract: A preset cartridge system is disclosed wherein the drag knob moves Belleville washers within a separate cartridge located in the reel. The cartridge is acted upon by a drag lever. The springs in the cartridge preset system are compressed within the cartridge. These springs act on a bearing/spring cup retained in the cartridge or directly upon the bearing. This allows the preset screw to compress the springs, but not alter the free spool condition of the drag mechanism.

Abstract: A windmill having a plurality of radially extending blades, each being an aerodynamic-shaped airfoil having a cross-section which is essentially an inverted pan-shape with an intermediate section, a leading edge into the wind, and a trailing edge which has a flange doubled back toward the leading edge and an end cap. The blade is of substantial uniform thickness. An air compressor and generator are driven by the windmill. The compressor is connected to a storage tank which is connected to the intake of a second compressor.

Abstract: A sail has a main sheet mounted to a mast; a leading vane on the other side of said mast from said main sheet and pivotally connected thereto; a trailing vane attached to the longitudinal edge of said main sheet remote from said mast; and an angled dual-lip member pivotally attached to the trailing edge of said trailing vane and wind spill plates to capture the air in the envelope of the sail.

Abstract: A gear changing mechanism for a fishing reel has gears that directly and immediately come into contact with one another without an independent intermediate clutch member.

Abstract: A drag system for a fishing reel provides thermal expansion of the spool by having an outboard bearing which does not direct any force against the proximate shoulder of the spool.

Abstract: An aerodynamic-shaped fan blade for use in a fan apparatus. The blade has a cross-section which is essentially an inverted pan-shape with an intermediate section, a leading edge section, and a trailing edge section which form concave and convex surfaces. The trailing edge has a flange doubled back toward the leading edge within the concave envelope.

Abstract: An aerodynamic-shaped airfoil having a cross-section which is essentially an inverted pan-shape with an intermediate section, a leading edge into the wind, and a trailing edge which has a flange doubled back toward the leading edge.

Abstract: An aerodynamic-shaped propeller blade. The blade has a cross-section which is essentially an inverted pan-shape with an intermediate section, a leading edge section, and a trailing edge section which form concave and convex surfaces. The trailing edge has a flange doubled back toward the leading edge within the concave envelope.

Abstract: A battery acid filler apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus and method utilize a single, relatively large diameter tube to both fill and retract excess acid from a battery, at a single station by means of controlling the time of filling and the opposing pressures of acid pumps.

Abstract: A sail has a main sheet mounted to a mast; a leading vane on the other side of said mast from said main sheet and pivotally connected thereto; a trailing vane attached to the longitudinal edge of said main sheet remote from said mast; and an angled dual-lip member pivotally attached to the trailing edge of said trailing vane.

Abstract: A centrifugal brake system for a fishing reel is shown which has a rotatable adjusting knob 16 providing a surface 14 for engaging the shoulders 20 or 200 of a plurality of radially extendable brakes 12 to position some, all or none of those brakes radially; thus to provide for some, all or none of the brakes to impinge against a brake drum surface 22, depending on the position of the knob and its cam surface 14.

Abstract: There is provided an extruded, modular panel unit for the construction of wall-surface portions, especially of light-transmitting wall-surface portions. The panel comprises two sheet-like major surfaces interconnected and spaced apart by a plurality of web-like ribs dividing the space delimited by the major surfaces into a plurality of subspaces, and at least one joining flange extending in the direction of extrusion and projecting at an angle from an edge of the panel unit. In cross section, the sheet-like major surfaces and the ribs form a truss-like structure of which the major surfaces constitute the chords and the ribs constitute the webs.