Abstract: A revetment block for reducing the energy of water flowing over a levee. The revetment blocks each have a tapered top surface that tapers upwardly from a downstream end of the block to an upstream end of the block. The upwardly tapered top surface terminates in an abrupt downward transition edge. When plural tapered top blocks are installed together in a mat on a surface of the levee, the oncoming water surge encounters the many abrupt transition edges and reduces the energy of the water surge. The tapered top revetment blocks can be installed on the water side of the levee, or on the land side of the levee, or both sides.

Abstract: A revetment block with a top surface that is tapered upwardly from the upstream end to the downstream end. Thus, when a number of tapered blocks are installed end to end on a grade, the upstream end of any of the blocks can be raised due to underlying ground irregularities without degrading the safety factor of the blocks. The tapered revetment blocks can also be constructed with positive interlocking arms and sockets to enhance the integrity of a matrix of such blocks.

Abstract: A vehicle can be designed using modular frame components. There is provided a chain tank module having one or more chain tanks and an adapter module which provides spacing between individual chain tank modules. Wheels are mounted to the chain tank modules. The chain tank modules have wheel cogs to receive drive chains and also receptacles for receiving axles for the wheel hubs. The frame allows the use of steerable or nonsteerable axle assemblies to accommodate a wide variety of steering mechanisms for vehicles. By utilizing the chain tank and adapter modules, frames of different lengths, widths and wheel configurations can be designed and constructed using a small number of standard interchangeable parts. The cab and engine components are mounted onto a skid which in turn is mounted onto the frame. Drive chains are utilized to rotate the wheels. The drive chains extend through the chain tanks which contain a lubricant therein.

Abstract: A method of cabling erosion control blocks of a mat together. The blocks have formed therein cable channels in a cris-cross manner, diagonally between the corners of each block. Cables are threaded through the blocks in a zig-zag manner, from the top of the mat to the bottom of the mat. The ends of the cables are terminated at two opposing sides of the mat so that the mat can be lifted by a spreader bar. The cables at the other two opposing sides of the mat are terminated for attachment to adjacent mats.

Abstract: A vehicle can be designed using modular frame components. There is provided a chain tank module having one or more chain tanks and an adapter module which provides spacing between individual chain tank modules. Wheels are mounted to the chain tank modules. The chain tank modules have wheel cogs to receive drive chains and also receptacles for receiving axles for the wheel hubs. The frame allows the use of steerable or nonsteerable axle assemblies to accommodate a wide variety of steering mechanisms for vehicles. By utilizing the chain tank and adapter modules, frames of different lengths, widths and wheel configurations can be designed and constructed using a small number of standard interchangeable parts. The cab and engine components are mounted onto a skid which in turn is mounted onto the frame. Drive chains are utilized to rotate the wheels. The drive chains extend through the chain tanks which contain a lubricant therein.

Abstract: A wagon has a body with front and rear ends. Front wheels are rotatably coupled to the front end of the body and rear wheels are rotatably coupled to the rear end of the body. Each of the front wheels is pivotally coupled to the body. The wagon has front and rear steering members coupled to the respective front and rear ends of the body. The front and rear steering members are coupled to the front wheels so as to control the pivoting of the front wheels and thus the steering of the wagon. The rear end of the wagon has foot cavities therein which face rearward and have a bottom wall. Thus, a child pushing the wagon from the rear end can coast with the wagon by having the child's feet or foot inside the cavities. The wagon also has center wheels located between the front and rear wheels. The center wheels are raised above the front and rear wheels to provide a smoother ride over bumpy terrain.

Abstract: A learning device, including an induced gravitational force accelerator and decelerator exerciser with adjustable seats for stressing the cells of the body characterized by support for supporting the body and a reciprocally movable apparatus connected with the support for moving the support and the body reciprocally vertically to effect an accelerational and gravitational force stress on the cell above the effect of 1 G, and educational message apparatus for introducing a learning message, either audibly or visibly, or both to the person whose body is being stressed, the video being susceptible to being turned on to flash the message when the gravitational force exceeds 1.0 G on the body cells such that learning occurs at an increased rate and with increased retention.