Abstract: A transmission spectrum historically associated with analog broadcast signals is leveraged for digital transmission to provide broadcast channels and user-requested channels to a specific geographic region. In addition to broadcast data such as television programming, digital newspapers, and movie channels, back-channels are used to provide interactive and bi-directional communications necessary for on-demand content, internet access, video games, telephone services, and the like. The back-channels may be transmitted via wireless, telephone modem, DSL, or other means. The broadcast license associated with the present invention may be a commercial broadcast license, a public service license, a low power license, or the like. To increase the available channels and associated services, the original analog signal may be replaced by digital transmission signals.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed for improving safety and hydro-flow thrust from a hydro-drive device. The apparatus may include a shroud having a first opening for the ingress of water, and a second opening for the egress of water, and a vane extending inward from an interior surface of the shroud. The vane is configured to direct water to form a vortex that exits the shroud. The vane may include a fixed, planar region and a moveable, curved region attached to an interior surface of the shroud. Alternatively, the vane may be attached to a surface of a paddle configured to adjust the diameter of the second opening. The system may include a motor, a hydro-drive device coupled to the motor, the shroud, and the vane.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for improving safety and hydro-flow thrust from a trolling motor. The apparatus may include a first and second semi-circular portions configured to connect together to substantially enclose a hydro-drive device, and a semi-circular bracket coupled to each semi-circular portion, the semi-circular brackets together capable of fixedly coupling the first and second semi-circular portions to a trolling motor housing. The apparatus may also include an annular portion configured to couple to an aft opening formed by the first and second semi-circular portions.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed for improving safety and hydro-flow thrust from a hydro-drive device. The apparatus may include a shroud having a first opening for the ingress of water, and a second opening for the egress of water, a diverter connected with the shroud and angled in a direction selected to direct water to form a vortex as the water exits the shroud, and a screen connected with the second opening and configured to allow a substantially free flow of water and to prevent marine, plant, animal, and human life from contacting the hydro-drive device. The system may include a motor, a hydro-drive device coupled to the motor, and the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed for improving safety and hydro-flow thrust from a hydro-drive device. The apparatus may include a shroud having a first opening for the ingress of water, and a second opening for the egress of water, and a vane extending inward from an interior surface of the shroud. The vane is configured to direct water to form a vortex that exits the shroud. The vane may include a fixed, planar region and a moveable, curved region attached to an interior surface of the shroud. Alternatively, the vane may be attached to a surface of a paddle configured to adjust the diameter of the second opening. The system may include a motor, a hydro-drive device coupled to the motor, the shroud, and the vane.