Abstract: In a pulsed gas laser having a flexible exit gas line, such as polymer tubing, a device is disposed just upstream of the flexible tubing to attenuate certain characteristics of the exit gas before it reaches the flexible line. The device comprises a walled chamber having an inlet and an outlet and constructed and arranged to attenuate the peak pressure waves at the pulse frequency. The device also provides attenuation of temperature and for this purpose is made of a good thermal conductor such as copper. The invention enhances the effectiveness of the flexible polymer tubing exit gas lines and permits a laser to be pulsed at higher pulse frequencies than are conventionally done.

Abstract: An arch-shaped airfoil which provides aerodynamic directional stability to a surface transport vehicle, while minimizing the overturning moment due to lateral aerodynamic forces. In a preferred embodiment, the airfoil follows a circular arc in a transverse plane, and the lateral force developed on the airfoil in a crosswind acts at the center of the circular arc.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle (10) designed to provide practical transportation for one or two people at minimum energy cost, wherein the driver and passenger sit in tandem in a narrow enclosed fuselage (12). Steering is provided by a single front wheel (14), and a propulsion system drives the two rear wheels (16). Vertical airfoils or fins (20) enclose and streamline the upper portions of the rear wheels, while providing the vehicle with aerodynamic stability and forward thrust in a crosswind. Horizontal struts (18) connect the fuselage with the vertical fin-wheel assemblies. The juncture between struts and fuselage are faired with concave fillets (22) which enlarge toward the rear, and terminate in a surface (26) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The fillets reduce vehicle drag by preventing flow separation. Aerodynamic drag of the vehicle is about one-sixth that of typical subcompact cars, and its aerodynamic stability keeps it on course in crosswinds, despite being less than half as heavy.

Abstract: A vertical-axis windmill of the Darrieus type, having much improved power output for a given rotor diameter. The rotor is surrounded by fixed upper and lower contours separated by radial stator vanes. These fixed elements cause an increase in speed of the wind as it impinges on the rotor, with a consequent power increase. The stator vanes and the airfoils of the rotor are easy to manufacture, being straight and untwisted, with constant symmetrical cross sections. The base of the rotor provides a large diameter surface of high peripheral speed for mounting magnets or coils to generate electricity efficiently.

Abstract: A passenger car deriving all or a part of its motive power from the wind through a system of one or more rigid vertical airfoils symmetrically aligned with respect to the fore-and-aft axis of the car. The relative wind velocity acting on the airfoil system under typical conditions produces a force tending to propel the car forward. The production of this sailing force occurs automatically, without requiring any adjustment of the airfoil system. The sailing force can be increased by having a tall airfoil system, which retracts to a lesser height for convenience in garaging or for safety in high winds. The wind-derived sailing force can significantly improve the fuel economy of a car using this invention, and in some applications of the invention, it can enable the car to cruise at a respectable speed in average wind conditions on wind power alone.

Abstract: A water-based sailing vehicle that is able to accelerate from rest under wind power, become airborne, and fly above the water. At low speeds, the vehicle performs as a displacement sailboat. At higher speeds, the weight of the vehicle is supported by a combination of hydrodynamic lift from the planing hull and aerodynamic lift from the wings, or by aerodynamic lift alone. The wings are set at a large dihedral angle, so that with one wing-tip float immersed, the horizontal wing provides a lifting force, while the raised wing provides a horizontal side force for sailing, plus some additional lift. The wings and tail have airplane-type control surfaces which give complete control both in the sailing mode and in free flight.