Abstract: A method of treating hydrocarbon fuels with a base metal catalyst is provided for improving the performance of hydrocarbon fuels used internal and external combustion engines The catalyst is a base metal alloy catalyst including tin antimony, lead and mercury. The catalyst operates at ambient temperatures and atmospheric pressure and in the presence of a small but effective quantity of water. The method of treating the fuel with the catalyst may be employed at any point after refining of the fuel and prior to combustion thereof.

Abstract: A method of treating hydrocarbon fuels with a base metal catalyst is provided for improving the performance of hydrocarbon fuels used in internal and external combustion engines. The catalyst is a base metal alloy catalyst including tin, antimony, lead and mercury. The catalyst operates at ambient temperatures and atmospheric pressure. The method of treating the fuel with the catalyst may be employed at any point after refining of the fuel and prior to combustion thereof.

Abstract: A solar energy concentrator apparatus which simultaneously focuses incident solar radiation upon both sides of a bifacial photovoltaic cell. The concentrator apparatus includes a corrugated-shaped reflector sheet and an open-grid support structure. Bifacial photovoltaic cells are held in place by the open-grid support structure and are mounted either horizontally or vertically with respect to the plane of the reflector sheet. The cells are specifically positioned so as to receive solar radiation--either directly or by reflection--at 90.degree. angles to their surfaces. The system is designed to operate in conjunction with any one of the tracking systems currently available in the industry whereby the apparatus is maintained at a 90.degree. angle with respect to the angle of incidence of the sun.

Abstract: An improved dual rudder system for use with marine vessels is provided that provides both steering and attack angle adjustment. Specifically, the dual rudder system of the present invention may be adjusted so the rudders can be positioned in a toe-in position for lowering the stern and a toe-out position for raising the stern. In addition, the dual rudder system of the present invention also provides steering capabilities. The two rudders are disposed on opposing sides and substantially aft of the propeller. The system is especially useful for inboard motorboats having a propeller shaft that passes through the rear portion of the hull.

Abstract: An inexpensive method of improving photo-voltaic cell efficiency through preventive maintenance. An electro-static generator places a constant electro-static charge upon the surface of a photo-voltaic cell, or its facial housing. This charge then repels small, unwanted dust and dirt particles. The system also includes an electrical circuit which not only monitors the charge being applied to the cell, but also discharges the electro-static charge when it becomes too great.

Abstract: The catalyst is provided for improving the performance of hydrocarbon fuels used in internal combustion engines. The catalyst is a based metal alloy catalyst including tin, antimony, lead, mercury and thallium in the following proportions by weight percent:Sb 18-20Pb 4.5-5.5Hg 12-14Tl 0.1-0.5and the balance consisting essentially of Sn. The catalyst operates at ambient temperatures and atmospheric pressure. The catalyst is intended to pretreat fuel before combustion and may be disposed in the fuel tank, fuel line or return fuel line.

Abstract: An improved hydrofoil system is provided for boats with planing-type hulls Two hydrofoils, one mounted adjacent to each chine, are provided in a submerged position. The attack angle of each hydrofoil is controlled independently by a hydraulic cylinder or the equivalent thereof. Because both positive and negative attack angles of each hydrofoil may be presented, the hydrofoil system disclosed has the ability to raise and lower the bow, raise and lower the stern, provide lateral stability and also act as an auxiliary rudder by rotating the boat about its longitudinal axis. The submerged hydrofoil system is intended for use with boats with planing-type hulls.

Abstract: A high strength offset tube hinge is provided for coupling tubing or rods. The hinge has a limited range and prevents overextension with a built-in stop feature that prevents any angles over the limited range. The application for the hinge lies in convertible tops for automobiles and boats as well as awnings or similar applications where it is desirable to have two coupled tubes or rods with limited pivoting range in a single plane.

Abstract: An improved propulsion system is provided for inboard motor boats with planing-type hulls. A straight propeller shaft is passed through the bottom of the hull at an angle shallow enough to present a portion of the propeller above the bottom of the hull aft of the transom thereby providing a propeller that operates partially above the running water line during planing conditions. The benefits of a planing-type hull and a surface-drive propulsion system is economically and efficiently combined in a new design for inboard motor boats. The improved design is inexpensive to manufacture, install and maintain.

Abstract: An improved strut support for propeller shafts of marine vessels is provided. The improved strut support includes a palm, a strut section and a propeller shaft bearing. The palm includes horizontal and vertical sections for mounting to the hull and transom, respectively. The strut section connects the propeller shaft bearing to the palm and is connected to the horizontal section, the vertical section and a slot disposed in the rear portion of the horizontal section for improved rigidity and propeller shaft stability.