Abstract: Apparatus for propelling projectiles and particularly suited to throwing footballs. The apparatus includes (a) a structural frame having elongate bearing surfaces and a forward end from which the projectiles are ejected; (b) a ball carriage adapted to contain the projectile, the carriage being slidingly mounted on the bearing surfaces; (c) at least one resilient member for so urging the carriage along the bearing surfaces towards the forward end that the projectile is propelled from the carriage at the forward end of the frame; and (d) a ball rotating assembly mounted on the ball carriage for applying rotation to the projectile as the projectile is propelled from the apparatus. A locking apparatus may also be provided for releasably locking the ball carriage relative to the structural frame. The propelling apparatus, when used in conjunction with a supporting pole, can be accurately aimed and operated by one person.

Abstract: A sprocket and drive assembly for a tracked vehicle which includes individual track segments. Each track segment includes a rounded portion in the form of a number of spheres or a single cylinder, which is secured to an endless cable. The sprocket has a number of circumferential recesses in the form of cylindrical troughs or concave pockets. Rotation of the sprocket drives the track segments via the drive members which are engaged within the complementary shaped recesses of the sprocket.

Abstract: A vehicle differential which distributes torque between vehicle wheels in accordance with operating demands can be installed in existing differential housings. The differential includes a case which defines a plurality of opening therein. Gear assembly devices are mounted on the exterior of the case with portions projecting into the interior of the case through predetermined ones of the openings, and the gear assembly devices are in meshing relation with axle driving mechanisms for controlling movement of the axle driving mechanisms.

Abstract: A vehicle steerable differential which includes a cage which encloses a differential unit in a manner that rotation of the cage drives wheeled or tracked axles to propel the vehicle. The axles are operatively engaged to respective spur gears via intermediate roller gears. If there is no braking pressure applied to either one of the spur gears by a manual steering brake, the spur gears rotate with the cage and the vehicle maintains its direction of travel. If a braking force is applied to one of the spur gears however, causing its rotational velocity to slow relative to the cage, the intermediate roller gear which is engaged to the slowed spur gear is caused to rotate thereby increasing the rotational velocity of the corresponding axle and causing the vehicle to turn. The rotational velocity of the opposing axle is reduced by means of the differential unit. A quick turn is initiated by a quick turn assembly which causes a selected one of the spur gears to stop its rotation.

Abstract: A vehicle differential which distributes torque between vehicle wheels in accordance with operating demands can be installed in existing differential housings. The differential includes a case which defines a plurality of openings therein. Gear assembly devices are mounted on the exterior of the case with portions projecting into the interior of the case through predetermined ones of the openings, and the gear assembly devices are in meshing relation with axle driving mechanisms for controlling movement of the axle driving mechanisms.

Abstract: A wave-operated generator system utilizes flotation means for coupling the vertical movement of waves to an electrical generator using a rack and pinion assembly. Ratcheted pairs of gears convert the upward and the downward movement of the flotation means to unidirectional rotation. Supplemental generating systems which convert air and water current into electrical energy are used in conjunction with the wave-operated generator system.