Abstract: A stabilized UAV recovery system is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment for UAV recovery over water, the system includes ship-based elements and UAV-based elements. The ship-based elements include a robot arm that holds a capture mechanism over the side of the ship while compensating for wave-induced ship motion. The UAV-based elements include a hook mounted to the top of the UAV fuselage. With the capture mechanism held stable from the perspective of a UAV approaching from behind or in front of the mechanism, the UAV is flown under it, snagging an arresting line with the hook. With continued forward motion of the UAV, the arresting line pulls out of a winch drum that is coupled to a brake, bringing the UAV to rest.

Abstract: A universal underwater enclosure has a spherical shell having a hollow in which a camera, camcorder, or other device can be inserted, a lens attached to the shell that can be opened to insert a device, and glove assemblies extending into the hollow for manipulation of a device placed therein. The glove assemblies have fingers and not full gloves, reducing the dimensions of the enclosure—thereby minimizing buoyancy. A mounting system attaches to a device's tripod mount receptor, fixes the device, and allows it to be adjusted in three dimensions. A pressure equalization system relieves stress on the enclosure, which exhibits neutral buoyancy. A flash mounted on the shell operates independently of any device. Modular lens pods replace the lens to accommodate various other lenses. The glove assemblies have perimeter lips secured to the shell by fasteners and a bezel around teardrop-shaped cut-out holes in the shell. The fingers allow access to all of a device's controls.

Abstract: A wind-resistant, souvenir-collecting beach towel with hidden pockets has a towel portion, a compartment at one end of the towel portion, an opening accessible from the underside of the beach towel opposite the edge of the end of the towel portion where the compartment is, and a souvenir receiving portion forming a perimeter around the towel portion and having apertures where ball bungee cords and pegs are secured. The compartment has a top and a bottom layer and is attached to the underside of the towel portion and has hidden pockets. Some of the hidden pockets have openings recessed from an outside edge of the compartment such that the opening is not exposed to the environment and is not visible to passersby, and one of the hidden pockets is accessible only through the opening.

Abstract: A computer-based system and method for shipping and delivering a parcel, including reserving a terminal for a parcel; placing the parcel in the terminal, the parcel having a virtual delivery address of a recipient; picking up the parcel by a carrier; converting, through a central computer system, the virtual address into a postal address; delivering the parcel to a destination terminal drop-box corresponding to the postal address; notifying the recipient of the delivery of the parcel; and unlocking the drop-box only upon verifying the recipient's identity.

Abstract: A variety of toy polariscopes are simpler in design and less costly than precision instruments used in scientific research and stress analysis of materials and structures. The toy polariscopes are designed for a variety of objects that may exhibit photoelastic properties such as glass, plastic, Plexiglas, gel candle material and other gels, and even edible photoelastic objects. They are specially designed for objects of various sizes with a variety of purposes such as objects to enhance learning in a variety of conditions and experiences. Special objects are designed to go with the toy polariscopes such as edible and inedible photoelastic objects, photoelastic candle material, a variety of photoelastic/photoplastic stands capable of a variety of displays in interaction with other designed photoelastic objects capable of a variety of interaction and displays. Other optical phenomena may also be observed.

Abstract: A wind turbine alternator module having an enclosure, turbine and rotor assembly with peripheral magnets and multi-phase stator for the production of energy from air movement. A bi-directional symmetrical vane turbine and rotor assembly is suspended in the enclosure by guide bearings around the periphery to permit operation in all wind conditions. One or more wind turbine alternator modules are combined in a polygonal housing with bottom inlets and attached to a roof vent structure to generate power from wind and/or rising heated air. A low temperature heating circuit is used for protection in cold conditions. One or more wind turbine alternator modules are combined in a manually portable polygonal housing with storage batteries, charging circuit, inverter circuit, power connectors and ancillary convenience apparatuses such as lighting, radio, tv, and emergency locator.

Abstract: The methods and apparatuses of the present invention provides for powering and maneuvering (forward, reverse and steering) systems for amphibious vehicle, marine vessel or ground vehicle operation and control. An improved propulsion system may incorporate the use of electric motors combined with impellers which use positive and negative magnetic torque applications and allows for new control strategies when used in water or on the ground. More precise control of the motoring and steering forces is provided which is suitable for use in a variety of amphibious, marine vessels or ground vehicle applications. Various types of electric drive motor/generators may be incorporated for use therein. Intelligent motion control systems may provide for improved vehicle control that can provide motive force and braking force in a precisely controlled manner that significantly improves performance and has faster control dynamics incorporating a fully integrated electrical braking and maneuvering system.

Abstract: A variety of toy polariscopes are simpler in design and less costly than precision instruments used in scientific research and stress analysis of materials and structures. The toy polariscopes are designed for a variety of objects that may exhibit photoelastic properties such as glass, plastic, Plexiglas, gel candle material and other gels, and even edible photoelastic objects. They are specially designed for objects of various sizes with a variety of purposes such as objects to enhance learning in a variety of conditions and experiences. Special objects are designed to go with the toy polariscopes such as edible and inedible photoelastic objects, photoelastic candle material, a variety of photoelastic/photoplastic stands capable of a variety of displays in interaction with other designed photoelastic objects capable of a variety of interaction and displays. Other optical phenomena may also be observed.

Abstract: A bait reel equipped with a turning dial controls the winding of the fishing line by controlling the revolution of the spool during fishing. The bait reel equipped with a turning dial has a dial for spooling connected by the handle axle and the combination of gears. Therefore, it enables the user to manually fine-tune the revolution of the spool, makes the structure of the reel simple even when the turning dial is added by making the guide support add the turning dial to the handle axle so the fishing line can be smoothly and stably wound on or released from the spool, and makes it easy to change and maintain the turning dial by fixing the turning dial to the side cover located, with the possibility of detaching and re-attaching, on the opposite side of the handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for closing off at least one tunnel (2) extending across the width of a folding curtain, after a strengthening rod (3) has been inserted into this tunnel on the one hand, and a folding curtain comprising at least one tunnel (2) extending across the width of the curtain, which has been provided with a strengthening rod (3) on the other hand. To that effect, a strengthening rod (3) is provided in the tunnel (2) at least one extremity of which is comprising a number of pointed projections (4) and that the tunnel (2) is closed off by pricking the said projections (4) through the wall of the tunnel.