Abstract: Methods and apparatus to adjust hydrodynamic designs of a hydrokinetic turbine are disclosed herein. An example turbine to be placed in a body of water includes a generator having a frame, an inlet, a first set of vanes disposed in the inlet, a second set of vanes, and a shroud. The inlet, the first set of vanes, the second set of vanes, and the shroud are removably coupled to the frame. The first set of vanes in removably coupled to the inlet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to adjust hydrodynamic designs of a hydrokinetic turbine are disclosed herein. An example turbine to be placed in a body of water includes a generator having a frame, an inlet, a first set of vanes disposed in the inlet, a second set of vanes, and a shroud. The inlet, the first set of vanes, the second set of vanes, and the shroud are removably coupled to the frame. The first set of vanes in removably coupled to the inlet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to test a generator of a hydrokinetic turbine are disclosed herein. An example method includes positioning a rim generator of a hydrokinetic turbine assembly on a testing apparatus prior to assembling the rim generator with the hydrokinetic turbine; orienting a rotational axis of the rim generator substantially vertically; and measuring a first output performance of the rim generator.

Abstract: In an improved unmanned aerial vehicle control system and method, an unmanned aerial vehicle remotely accepts a flight control command and a collision avoidance command. The unmanned aerial vehicle implements the flight control command in an absence of the collision avoidance command. The unmanned aerial vehicle travels along a path in accordance with the flight control command. The unmanned aerial vehicle stops traveling along the path in response to the collision avoidance command. A primary controller remotely provides the flight control command to the unmanned aerial vehicle in response to manipulation of a flight control device by a remote pilot. An alternate controller remotely provides the collision avoidance command to the unmanned aerial vehicle in response to activation of an alternate mode activator by a remote observer.

Abstract: A bearing assembly may include a first bearing element defining a first bearing surface and a second bearing element defining a second bearing surface. One of the first and second bearing elements may have a fluid channel with an inlet for receiving a bearing fluid and at least one outlet in the bearing surface of the one of the first and second bearing elements. The first bearing element may be configured for rotation at a design rate of rotation relative to the second bearing element with the first bearing surface facing the second bearing surface. The first bearing element may apply a force directed from the first bearing surface toward the second bearing surface during rotation at a reduced rate of rotation less than the design rate of rotation.

Abstract: A bearing assembly may include a first bearing element defining a first bearing surface and a second bearing element defining a second bearing surface. One of the first and second bearing elements may have a fluid channel with an inlet for receiving a bearing fluid and at least one outlet in the bearing surface of the one of the first and second bearing elements. The first bearing element may be configured for rotation at a design rate of rotation relative to the second bearing element with the first bearing surface facing the second bearing surface. The first bearing element may apply a force directed from the first bearing surface toward the second bearing surface during rotation at a reduced rate of rotation less than the design rate of rotation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to test a generator of a hydrokinetic turbine are disclosed herein. An example method includes positioning a rim generator of a hydrokinetic turbine assembly on a testing apparatus prior to assembling the rim generator with the hydrokinetic turbine; orienting a rotational axis of the rim generator substantially vertically; and measuring a first output performance of the rim generator.

Abstract: A control surface system for a marine vehicle is provided. The control surface system includes a control member having at least two control portions fixedly connected at a predetermined spacing from each other. The control portions each have opposed surfaces, with the control portions being rotatable about an axis.

Abstract: An integrated propulsion and guidance system for a vehicle includes an engine coupled to an impeller via a driveshaft to produce propulsive force. The impeller includes a hub and a plurality of blades, including at least one control blade pivotably mounted to the hub. A control system provides a control signal to a magnetic actuator to adjust the blade pitch of the control blades as the blades rotate about the hub. The magnetic actuator provides an electromagnetic field that interacts with a magnet coupled to the control blade to adjust the pitch of the control blade. The change in blade pitch produces a torque on the driveshaft that can be used to control the heading of the vehicle. By varying the magnitude and phase of the control signal provided to the impeller, the torque can be applied in a multitude of distinct reference planes, thereby allowing the orientation of the vehicle to be adjusted through action of the impeller.