Abstract: Embodiments described herein are generally directed to a charcoal chimney that may hold charcoal. The charcoal chimney may be formed of a material that is combustible. The charcoal chimney is generally intended as a single use chimney. The charcoal chimney may be associated with a non-toxic fire-retardant or ignition delay substance that delays combustion of the chimney for at least an initial heating phase. The ignition delay substance may be a coating on one or more surfaces of the charcoal chimney. The ignition delay substance may be impregnated or otherwise formed into the material forming the charcoal chimney. The ignition delay substance may be both coated onto and impregnated into the charcoal chimney. The fire-retardant or ignition delay substance is generally intended to delay the combustion of the charcoal chimney for a period of time. The chimney may be provided with suitable air holes to facilitate airflow around the charcoal and within the chimney.

Abstract: A system and method for harvesting the kinetic energy of a fluid flow for power generation with a vertically oriented, aerodynamic wing structure comprising one or more airfoil elements pivotably attached to a mast. When activated by the moving fluid stream, the wing structure oscillates back and forth, generating lift first in one direction then in the opposite direction. This oscillating movement is converted to unidirectional rotational movement in order to provide motive power to an electricity generator. Unlike other oscillating devices, this device is designed to harvest the maximum aerodynamic lift forces available for a given oscillation cycle. Because the system is not subjected to the same intense forces and stresses as turbine systems, it can be constructed less expensively, reducing the cost of electricity generation. The system can be grouped in more compact clusters, be less evident in the landscape, and present reduced risk to avian species.

Abstract: A bridge, comprising a set of arches, each extending longitudinally along the bridge, including at least one central arch and at least two side arches, symmetrically disposed about the central arch. The side arches are slanted transversely inwardly so that they are closest at the longitudinal center of the bridge and are generally disposed either above or below the central arch. In addition, transverse members connect the arches together and a deck is suspended from the set of arches.

Abstract: An air drop device that includes a frame defining a through-hole and that supports a substantially vertical axle, substantially central to the through-hole. A blade assembly is rotatably mounted to the substantially vertical axle. Also, at least three tethers are connected to the frame and are adapted to be connected to the load. In addition, a set of tether length adjust devices, each located on a different one of said tethers, are capable to take-up some of the tether to reduce the length of said tether.

Abstract: A method for permitting a parcel sender to permit a parcel recipient to verify that the parcel sender has registered identifying information about himself with an indicia-issuing entity. The method includes the steps of recording data about said parcel sender in a databank operated by said indicia-issuing entity and associating to said parcel sender an indicia wherein said indicia is verifiable as having been issued only by said issuing entity and associated to said parcel sender. In addition, a system of verification is made available to parcel recipients.

Abstract: A bridge comprising a set of bases, a deck, an undulating support structure having above-the-deck arch sections and below-the-deck sections and being supported by the set of bases at the below the deck sections. The bridge also includes at least two arrays of load-bearing connectors extending from the above-the-deck arch sections to the deck and supporting substantially the entire weight of the deck. A preferred embodiment of the bridge comprises a deck, a wishbone arch section, including a single topmost middle portion branching transversely into two support legs on either longitudinal side of the topmost middle portion and a set of connectors extending from the wishbone arch to the deck and supporting the deck. The bridge generally includes a deck, an arch and an array of load-bearing connectors extending downwardly and longitudinally inwardly from the arch to the deck and supporting the deck in tension.