Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to an apparel item that promotes thermo-regulation through the use of engineered openings, venting, and/or stand-off structures. In exemplary aspects, 20-45% of the apparel item may comprise the engineered openings. Vents may be positioned on the apparel item in areas that experience high amounts of air flow to help channel air into the apparel item. The stand-off structures may be positioned on an inner-facing surface of the apparel item where they help to create a space between the apparel item and the wearer's body surface in which air can flow and help cool the wearer by promoting evaporative cooling.

Abstract: A highly efficient, utility scale energy storage system employs large masses transported uphill to store energy and downhill to release energy. An electric powered cable winch or chain drive shuttles the masses between two storage yards of different elevations separated by a steep incline on rail vehicles supported by track and operated by an automated control system.

Abstract: A highly efficient, utility scale energy storage system employs large masses transported uphill to store energy and downhill to release energy. An electric powered cable winch or chain drive shuttles the masses between two storage yards of different elevations separated by a steep incline on rail vehicles supported by track and operated by an automated control system.

Abstract: A power supply and control system for electrically powered shuttle-trains incorporates at least one shuttle train having a motor and a generator. A first plurality of track segments has associated synchronous power modules exchanging power synchronously with a power grid through a plurality of power supply rail segments connectable to the motor or generator. A second plurality of track segments has associated variable frequency power modules exchanging power through a second plurality of power supply rail segments connectable to the motor or generator. Isolation segments separate adjacent power supply rail segments. A control system interconnected to the variable frequency power modules controls the frequency of each variable frequency power module based on the location of the shuttle train.

Abstract: A potential energy storage system incorporating multiple track mounted shuttle units having motor/generator drive bogies and structure with an integral transfer mechanism for removably carrying energy storage masses from a first lower elevation storage yard to a second higher elevation storage yard employing excess energy from the electrical grid driving the motors, removing the masses in the second storage yard for energy storage, retrieving the masses and returning the masses from the second storage yard to the first storage yard recovering electrical energy through the generators.

Abstract: A utility grid ancillary services system employs an inclined track with a utility grid connection system associated with the track. Shuttle units ride on the inclined track and have a motor/generator and an onboard electrical system for control. The motor/generator is connected to draw power from or provide power to the utility grid connection system. A controller in communication with an electric utility controls the onboard electrical system. Software modules in the controller increase uphill force responsive to a regulation down command from the utility thereby absorbing additional power from the utility grid or decreasing the amount of power provided to the grid. The software modules decrease force in an uphill direction responsive to a regulation up command from the utility thereby generating additional power to supply the utility grid or decreasing the amount of power absorbed from the grid.

Abstract: A potential energy storage system incorporating multiple track mounted shuttle units having motor/generator drive bogies and structure with an integral transfer mechanism for removably carrying energy storage masses from a first lower elevation storage yard to a second higher elevation storage yard employing excess energy from the electrical grid driving the motors, removing the masses in the second storage yard for energy storage, retrieving the masses and returning the masses from the second storage yard to the first storage yard recovering electrical energy through the generators.

Abstract: A potential energy storage system incorporating multiple track mounted shuttle units having motor/generator drive bogies and structure with an integral transfer mechanism for removably carrying energy storage masses from a first lower elevation storage yard to a second higher elevation storage yard employing excess energy from the electrical grid driving the motors, removing the masses in the second storage yard for energy storage, retrieving the masses and returning the masses from the second storage yard to the first storage yard recovering electrical energy through the generators.

Abstract: A utility grid ancillary services system employs an inclined track with a utility grid connection system associated with the track. Shuttle units ride on the inclined track and have a motor/generator and an onboard electrical system for control. The motor/generator is connected to draw power from or provide power to the utility grid connection system. A controller in communication with an electric utility controls the onboard electrical system. Software modules in the controller increase uphill force responsive to a regulation down command from the utility thereby absorbing additional power from the utility grid or decreasing the amount of power provided to the grid. The software modules decrease force in an uphill direction responsive to a regulation up command from the utility thereby generating additional power to supply the utility grid or decreasing the amount of power absorbed from the grid.

Abstract: A power supply and control system for electrically powered shuttle-trains incorporates at least one shuttle train having a motor and a generator. A first plurality of track segments has associated synchronous power modules exchanging power synchronously with a power grid through a plurality of power supply rail segments connectable to the motor or generator. A second plurality of track segments has associated variable frequency power modules exchanging power through a second plurality of power supply rail segments connectable to the motor or generator. Isolation segments separate adjacent power supply rail segments. A control system interconnected to the variable frequency power modules controls the frequency of each variable frequency power module based on the location of the shuttle train.

Abstract: A potential energy storage system incorporating multiple track mounted shuttle units having motor/generator drive bogies and structure with an integral transfer mechanism for removably carrying energy storage masses from a first lower elevation storage yard to a second higher elevation storage yard employing excess energy from the electrical grid driving the motors, removing the masses in the second storage yard for energy storage, retrieving the masses and returning the masses from the second storage yard to the first storage yard recovering electrical energy through the generators.

Abstract: A controllable platform suspension system (20) for treadmills (18) and other platforms and devices therefor which exhibit controllability of the impact condition of the platform, such as a treadmill deck (36). In the treadmill application, user-selectable damping/stiffness is provided to simulate variable track conditions, such as pavement, rubber, grass, gravel, sand, and the like. The controllable suspension system (20) comprises spring mounts (40) or the like or a flexible deck (36) for allowing movement of the deck (36) relative to the frame (22) at a contact location (29) due to impact and a controllable device such as an Electrorheological (ER) device, Electrophoretic (EP) device, Electromechanical Hydraulic (Semi-Active) device, controllable mounting, or a Magnetorheological (MR) device, such as an MR brake (42a, 42a, 42b), MR damper (42d), or MR mount (42c, 42e, 42f) interconnecting between the frame (22) and platform (36) to provide the user-variable impact restraint.

Abstract: High performance sailing yacht designs are disclosed based on a keelless sailing yacht concept having dynamic gravitational ballast which is laterally movable for heeling resistance which ballast replaces a function of the standard keel. A keelless yacht of this type is disclosed with an adjustable flap mounted on an elongated strut from which the ballast is suspended below the hull to generate a variable heel hydrodynamic control force independently of the counter-heeling effect achieved by the ballast. The foregoing features enhance the effects of disclosed improvements and modifications to hull design in having a duplex form, with upper and lower hull shapes, the lower of low drag shape, and of reduced section, while the upper hull extends laterally abeam from the lower hull to define reserve buoyancy, added accomodation, and surfaces adapted for hydroplaning when the yacht is at a controlled angle of heel.

Abstract: High performance sailing yacht designs are disclosed based on a keelless sailing yacht concept having fore and aft cambered foils for leeway control which foils replace the function of the standard keel. A keelless sailing yacht of this type is disclosed with dynamic ballast which is laterally movable to apply a variable counter-heeling force; a tiltable mast which may have a rotatable mast and sail leading edge; cambered foils for cyclic and collective steering; and adjustable camber controls for adjusting lift and leeway. The foregoing features allow disclosed improvements and modifications to hull design in having a duplex hull form, with lower and upper hull shapes, the lower of low drag shape, and of reduced section, while the upper hull extends laterally abeam from the lower hull for added buoyancy when heeled and for accommodation room.