Abstract: The toroidal wheel is a self-supporting framework of connected torsion elements, which is not supported by any spokes, hub, or wheel disk. The toroidal wheel rotates in direct contact with the underlying surface on and against which it is operated, and may be operated in a mount/drive. The object of the toroidal wheel is to provide conventional wheel function and ancillary uses, such as gears and other rotating devices, plus additional uses precluded or made impractical by the central hub of the conventional wheel.

Abstract: A system transmitting a motion video image is disclosed which is governed by computer programs that reduce the transmission of all frames but the first of a motion video frame sequence to the transmission of comparison data between each two successive frames in the sequence, and which provides for the reconstruction of the motion video image from the first frame and the comparison data from successive frames.

Abstract: A harvester for ground surface crops is an array of bars connected to cross-members, each bar having an obtuse-angulation toward the front end of the bar. The arrays describe surfaces which may be curved or substantially planar on either side of the obtuse angle. The bars are spaced closely enough to be smaller than the size of the parts of the plants of the ground surface crop to be harvested, and spaced far enough apart to permit weeds and other debris to drop between the bars to the ground. The harvester apparatus is used by moving it forward, front end first, along the ground sufficiently into the soil surface to slip underneath the crop-parts to be gathered. As the front parts of the bars slips underneath the crop-part to be gathered, the crop-part is lifted from the soil by the forward motion of the harvester and ramped upward and rearward along the incline of the bars, and is thereby detached from the soil surface.

Abstract: A structural system of connected toroidal elements for all types of structures of all sizes, wherein such toroidal elements may be connected in level layers which may in turn be connected in stacks to form towers, domical and spherical structures, and connected in the forms of regular polyhedra to form domical and spherical structures. Structures may be constructed of frameworks formed by connected toroidal elements of various sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A voting system provides for a computer-prepared and computer-printed election ballot generated by input from the voter, and provides for auto-verification whereby the voter has the opportunity and the responsibility to inspect the computer-printed ballot with his or her votes. The voting system also provides for correction of the votes of the voter in the computer station and correction of the votes of the voter shown on the printed ballot if such votes are not shown on the printed ballot as intended by the voter. Ultimately, the voter is presented with a printed ballot prepared by the voting station and its connected printer which accurately presents the votes of the voter for submission by the voter for final tabulation.

Abstract: A method for protecting a ground plot of plants, a hydroponic system of plants, and the like from fungal infection by the application of a solution of nitrates to the plants, ground surface and other associated structures present on which fungus spores may be located in order to inhibit fungus spore germination upon the occurrence of conditions of darkness and humidity favorable therefor.

Abstract: An spacecraft/airship, which uses buoyancy and thrusters to ascend into space with lifting gas as propellant or fuel for thrusters, which may be conventional thrusters or electric turbojets or ion thrusters. The airship aspect has gas retaining structures that can regulate the density of the gasses within. The spacecraft aspect provides for mounting thrusters, control, power, services, and interior space for missions of the spacecraft/airship.

Abstract: The present invention is a structural system of torsion elements which are connected in constructions which have the capacity to bear compression, tension and flexion loading by conversion of such loading to torsion loading of the connected torsion elements. The present invention also includes a method of construction using torsion elements.

Abstract: A horizontal arch is a structural element formed from a series of compression members which are arranged side-to-side in a curve array, and compressed together under the application of loading perpendicular to the plane of the curve of the horizontal arch. The vertically downward loading of the members may also result from structures suspended from the tops of the members of the horizontal arch structure. The object of the invention is to provide a structural element with horizontal cohesiveness for inclusion in self-supporting frameworks for the exterior of structures and exoskeletal structures.

Abstract: A wheel and tire structure formed by an array of a plurality of connected toroidal support components, which are self-supporting toroidal frameworks of connected torsion elements. The resulting wheel and tire structure may be used as an insert in a tire, incorporated directly in the structure of a tire body, or connected to a central hub structure to form a complete wheel. The open interior of the toroidal tube of the wheel and tire structure also permits inclusion of other types of toroidal structures within the toroidal tube which can assist its function.

Abstract: A suspended deck structure is a framework from which a ceiling and/or floor deck is suspended, and which may be employed in single story and multi-story constructions. A suspended deck structure allows the interior floor and/or ceiling decks to move within the framework horizontally relative to the framework from which it is suspended to compensate for the effects of movement of the framework.

Abstract: A turbo-rocket thruster is disclosed in which the turbine compressor is used to intake and compress a gaseous fuel for combustion with a stored oxidizer injected into the compressed gaseous fuel stream. The compressor stage is driven by the turbine stage, which is driven by burning gaseous fuel passing across the turbine blades. The burned gases are then expanded through an exhaust nozzle and thereby ejected to produce reaction thrust.

Abstract: An airship/spacecraft, which, in a preferred embodiment, uses its lifting gas as fuel for thrusters, which may be of the turbo-type or rocket type, or both, to achieve transition to space flight. The airship aspect has gas retaining structures that can withstand internal and external pressure and can change in volume and shape. The spacecraft aspect provides control, power, services, and interior space for missions of the airship/spacecraft.