Abstract: Connectors for attaching thin, lightweight, walls of the type appearing in children's toys made up of geometrical units, and methods for using the same. In one embodiment, the connector consists of a cavity with a basal opening built into each of the walls to be connected and a separate insertable member, each end of which snaps into a corresponding cavity on each wall. The insertable member consists of a central element attached at each of its polar ends to a smaller distal element. The basal opening of the cavity may consist of an opening enclosed by the wall or may be a hole through the wall. The smaller distal element of the insertable member is of variable shape and diameter depending upon the specific attachment requirement.

Abstract: A propulsion system for high-speed powerboats whereby the water level in a tunnel containing a surface-piercing propeller is controlled by admitting external air into the tunnel through an air outlet in the tunnel forward of the propeller. The air is admitted through a duct which has an air intake on the exterior of the boat. The duct may contain a valve which may be opened or closed to control the air supply. Particular configurations of the tunnel and the air supply system are disclosed which maximize the ability to control the water level in the tunnel and the degree to which the propeller is submerged as well as best utilize the configuration of the vessel.

Abstract: A system and method for treating biodegradable waste which includes a land treatment area surrounded by dikes and underlain by an impermeable layer. A leachate collection system, with a pre-determined slope and an underdrain system, overlies the impermeable layer. The leachate collection system permits the collection of effluent which is routed to a wastewater treatment system. Surface water is removed by an exterior drainage system.

Abstract: A camera, such as a single lens reflex camera, having a focal plane shutter and an interchangeable lens incorporating a diaphragm system, and provided with a control system for taking photographs using an electronic flash, in which the diaphragm system may be operated as an opening and closing shutter system as well as for providing the working aperture upon moving the focal plane shutter to fully open position to expose the film window, such that when the focal plane shutter release button is actuated, the focal plane shutter is moved to fully open position, and under the influence of the control system, the opening and closing system opens the aperture to a preselected width for a brief interval, e.g. 1/125 sec.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for generating thermal and electrical energy outputs in response to thermal and electrical load requirements imposed thereon. The apparatus includes a variable speed power source and a mechanism for transferring thermal energy from the power source a coolant fluid. A generator is also provided and is driven by the power source to produce electrical energy for the electrical load. The output frequency of the generator is independent of the speed of the power source. A mechanism is also provided for extracting thermal energy from the coolant fluid and directing the thermal energy to the thermal load. Finally, a device is included for monitoring the loads and controlling the thermal and electrical outputs in response to the loads by independently varying the speed of the power source and the output frequency of the generator to provided desired thermal and electrical energy outputs.