Abstract: A paddle blade including a plurality of blades that allows fluid flow in between and along the plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of blades may have an airfoil shape and may be positioned parallel to each other. The plurality of blades may include a central diverter blade including two symmetrical, concave lateral faces. The concave lateral faces are configured to redirect, along arcuate paths, fluid flow from a direction approximately perpendicular to a front face of the paddle blade toward lateral sides of the paddle blade. The plurality of blades also includes a first and a second pair of blades positioned on opposite lateral sides of the central diverter blade, each arranged to at least partially overlap either one of the concave lateral faces of the central diverter blade or an adjacent blade of the first pair of blades respectively.

Abstract: The hydrokinetic energy conversion system uses, in one embodiment, a perpendicular turbine coupled to an electrical generator and a laminar water flow shroud. The ballast and buoyancy system includes hydrofoils defining lateral sides of the shroud mounted on upper and lower decks. Ballast chambers are defined in some or all of the foils and each has a gas intake port and a water ballast output port. The shroud carries a source of compressed air, valves for control of air flow into the ballast chambers. The ballast and buoyancy system includes a control system with sensors for depth, pitch, yaw and roll of the shroud which generates valve control commands. Another embodiment utilizes an inline turbine and a radial water flow shroud with a plurality of circumferential hydrofoils. Struts mount the turbine near the primary hydrofoil and braces attach ring hydrofoils together. Alternatively, ballast chambers are defined in outboard-mounted ballast pods.

Abstract: A trolley braking system for smoothly reducing the speed of a rider supported by a harness on a cable or rope approaching a landing platform comprises a cylinder having a closed end and a piston slidably mounted in the interior. A braking cable is secured to the piston and routed through an opening in the closed end of the cylinder to a braking block, which is slidably mounted on the cable between the trolley and the landing platform. The system may also may also include a relief valve to release compressed air from the cylinder, so that the braking force may be controlled.

Abstract: The hydrokinetic energy conversion system uses, in one embodiment, a perpendicular turbine coupled to an electrical generator and a laminar water flow shroud. The ballast and buoyancy system includes hydrofoils defining lateral sides of the shroud mounted on upper and lower decks. Ballast chambers are defined in some or all of the foils and each has a gas intake port and a water ballast output port. The shroud carries a source of compressed air, valves for control of air flow into the ballast chambers. The ballast and buoyancy system includes a control system with sensors for depth, pitch, yaw and roll of the shroud which generates valve control commands. Another embodiment utilizes an inline turbine and a radial water flow shroud with a plurality of circumferential hydrofoils. Struts mount the turbine near the primary hydrofoil and braces attach ring hydrofoils together. Alternatively, ballast chambers are defined in outboard-mounted ballast pods.

Abstract: A trolley braking system for smoothly reducing the speed of a rider supported by a harness on a cable or rope approaching a landing platform comprises a cylinder having a closed end and a piston slidably mounted in the interior. A braking cable is secured to the piston and routed through an opening in the closed end of the cylinder to a braking block, which is slidably mounted on the cable between the trolley and the landing platform. The system may also may also include a relief valve to release compressed air from the cylinder, so that the braking force may be controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a rider between two points on a cable or rope, having a plurality of supports configured to suspend the cable or rope between two points of unequal elevation and a trolley for transporting the rider supported by a harness on the cable or rope, the trolley having a mounting plate configured with a connection point to receive the rider's harness, a pulley rotatably mounted to the mounting plate to support the plate on the cable or rope, and a friction shoe mounted on the plate forward of the pulley to contact the upper portion of the cable or rope, wherein the connection point is located beneath the cable or rope between the centers of the pulley and the friction shoe.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a rider between two points on a cable or rope, having a plurality of supports configured to suspend the cable or rope between two points of unequal elevation and a trolley for transporting the rider supported by a harness on the cable or rope, the trolley having a mounting plate configured with a connection point to receive the rider's harness, a pulley rotatably mounted to the mounting plate to support the plate on the cable or rope, and a friction shoe mounted on the plate forward of the pulley to contact the upper portion of the cable or rope, wherein the connection point is located beneath the cable or rope between the centers of the pulley and the friction shoe.

Abstract: An aluminum vehicle carrier railcar has an end door system attached to at least one end of an upper structure thereof including an end door pair, each pivoting about a vertical axis and having an inner and outer door member. The members move from an aligned side-by-side closed position to an open overlapping, nested position exterior and adjacent a railcar side. The members have the same exterior side facing away from the railcar in both the open and the closed positions. A linkage assembly extends from each pivot axis to the members, and each includes a pivotable main arm, an inner arm extending from the main arm to the inner member and an outer arm extending from the main arm to the outer member. Guides extend between the members and between the outer door member and the railcar to guide the relative motion of the members.

Abstract: An aluminum vehicle carrier railcar has an end door system attached to at least one end of an upper structure thereof including an end door pair, each pivoting about a vertical axis and having an inner and outer door member. The members move from an aligned side-by-side closed position to an open overlapping, nested position exterior and adjacent a railcar side. The members have the same exterior side facing away from the railcar in both the open and the closed positions. A linkage assembly extends from each pivot axis to the members, and each includes a pivotable main arm, an inner arm extending from the main arm to the inner member and an outer arm extending from the main arm to the outer member. Guides extend between the members and between the outer door member and the railcar to guide the relative motion of the members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling thermal stress in a turbine engine includes the steps and structure for heating or cooling the thermally cycled engine parts for a certain amount of time at a certain rate before or while the operating point of the engine is changed.

Abstract: A kettle for boiling water which uses steam power to drive a rotatable outer housing for providing animation is disclosed.

Abstract: A kettle for boiling water which uses steam power to drive a rotatable outer housing for providing animation is disclosed.

Abstract: A container (20) suitable for use as a truck box for a pick-up truck, includes a base container portion (21) having an open top, and a cover (22) to close the open top. The cover (22) is pivotally attached to the base (21) by hinge mechanisms (23) which are uniquely formed by combining a hinge pin assembly (101) with a pin retaining assembly (102). The cover (22) may also be latched to the base (21) by a latch assembly (24) which includes pivotable handles (56, 57) on each end of the base (21) which, when either is pivoted, rotates latch hooks (68, 74) from a position engaging the cover (22) to a position releasing the cover, without moving the other handle. The container (20) may also receive a tray (150) therein positionable on a ledge (30) and positively located in one direction by ribs (159) and in the other direction by feet (162) positioned in depressions (38) formed between ribs (37) on the inside of the base (21).