Abstract: The skirt of a surface effects vehicle is made up of a plurality of oblong lements which are slanted toward the stern of the vessel. Each element partially rests against and/or supports the adjacent elements. This configuration reduces skirt drag, cushion leakage, skirt wear, as well as reducing the impact forces transmitted to the vehicle itself and increases obstacle heights which can be successfully crossed.

Abstract: A device for reducing the roughness of ride of a Surface Effect Ship and producing power for use in the craft's auxiliaries. Cushion air is vented through a duct which has a generator in it; the power-absorbing capability of the generator is variable. Varying the amount of power absorbed by the generator varies the amount of air that is vented through the duct, thereby controlling the pressure in the air cushion.

Abstract: A valving arrangement for a winch motor powered by air or other pneumatic uid. The valving arrangement includes normally closed valves in the working fluid lines which are held open by air in the pilot fluid lines. In the event of a rupture or break in the pilot line, a normally closed valve is allowed to close, thereby stopping the winch and preventing it from overrunning its travel limits.

Abstract: A ballasting system for oil tankers and other ships for separating the oil nd the water ballast which eliminates oil contamination and pollution in ballasting and deballasting ships. Flexible fabric-reinforced or stretchable membranes are attached in liquid sealing relationship within the oil tank all around at the athwartships quarter-points to thereby preclude flow between the oil and ballast water. Ballast water is contained in the tank on one side of the membranes while the oil cargo or the flowable cargo is separated on the other side of the membranes. The entire tank can be maintained full for ship stability and prevention of sloshing of the fluids.

Abstract: Organic compounds exhibit superconducting-like behavior, as to magnetic and lectrical properties, at elevated temperatures above 21.degree.K, where 21.degree.K is the transition temperature of most known metallic superconducting materials. The structure of the organic materials according to this invention is a plurality of superconducting clusters, forming islands within a matrix of insulating material. The ratio of the clusters to the matrix material is a minimum at 1:10.sup.4. The organic compound comprises two distinct atomic groups termed an R group and COOM group combining as R--COOM with the COOM group clustering to form superconducting islands, within the R material matrix.

Abstract: A movable ramp, forming part of the inlet flow channel of a water jet prosion system, is adjustable to provide variable inlet area for various speed and propulsion requirements. In this flush or semi-flush type inlet, the lower lip is stationary and an upper ramp, forming an extension of the base-line shell, directs the flow into the inlet. If the baseline shell is not suited to the inlet installation, (for example, if a high deadrise angle exists) a forebody fairing is provided to make the baseline shell geometry suitable. The ramp is flexible, has a smooth surface, and is backed up by bell cranks and pusher bars that can move the ramp position to change the inlet area. The ramp position or inlet area may be adjusted manually or automatically to meet the requirements of speed and propulsion. If the centerline of the lip leading edge radius falls below the normal baseline (semi-flush inlet) suitably shaped "sideplates" are provided to avoid inlet cavitation or ventilation at yawed conditions.

Abstract: A dual piezoelectric fluid jet transfer valve having two opposing piezoelectric tubes that can carry fluid. One end of each tube is clamped to provide cantilever action. The free ends of the tubes are in alignment when they are unenergized or when both are energized to the same magnitude and polarity. Then flow occurs across the gap at the free ends. The free ends of the tubes will be out of alignment when one tube is energized and the other not, or when both are energized to different magnitudes and/or polarity. Then flow will be discontinued across the gap at the free ends. By using two opposing and separate tubes, it is possible to use a single or dependent sources of energization. Easier opening therefore will result, since less deflection is required of each tube to attain misalignment. Further, two independent sources of energization may be used, which can provide outputs of various polarities and magnitudes, to attain a "balanced bridge" effect.

Abstract: A highly efficient system for propelling high speed water borne craft is closed. The use of an inclined shaft which permits an efficient machinery arrangement is facilitated by driving the vessel by a unique propeller which is designed to operate while partially submerged. The propeller is raked to maximize the horizontal thrust component produced as the propeller blades sweep through the water. The partially submerged propeller provides an attractive method for reducing appendage drag which is associated with traditional horizontal or inclined propeller shaft systems. Further, this concept and design represents a propeller system which unique among propeller systems produces near zero transverse forces.

Abstract: A valve having means for measuring leakage through the valve. The valve body has a small heater in the leakage flow path downstream of the upstream seal and a heat sensor upstream of the downstream seal in the leakage path; fluid that leaks past the upstream seal is heated and its presence detected by the heat sensor which then indicates the fact that the valve is leaking.

Abstract: A test set for an amplifier or other electronic device in which a waveform enerator furnishes a modulated RF signal to the item under test. Sensors extract samples of the RF signal at the item's input and output. A detector-mixer network compares and processes the input and output sample signals and produces signals at its output which are indicative of the phase distortion and amplitude distortion introduced by the item. The phase and amplitude distortion signals are sampled and held for each modulating signal pulse and are then processed to compile statistical data regarding the item's performance.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is a propeller capable of generating high tst at reduced noise levels, weight and drag. The propeller blades employ a tangential slot along the trailing edge of each propeller blade and circulation control blowing from the tangential slot over the trailing edge. Lift is generated by the coanda blowing. The lift is proportional to the momentum flow of the air out of the slot and is substantially independent of the rotational velocity. Additionally a circulation control shroud expands the thrusting slipstream of the propeller so that the shroud diffusion angle is increased and the average exit velocity is reduced, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing noise.

Abstract: A novel pad-type fluid wedge sliding surface bearing in which the individual pads have a swing-like motion to produce a lubricating wedge between the face of the pad and the moving surface. The center of swing for each pad is located so that the fluid friction moments and the pressure moments on the pads oppose each other. The moment equilibrium position of the pads will form a wedge converging in the direction of motion of the moving member. In achieving this condition, the pads may be constructed of a metal-elastomer laminate section with the laminal arcuately formed about a center located in the direction of the opposing sliding surface.