Abstract: A stirrup attached to the rear of a vehicle, making it safer and easier to enter into and/or exit from the vehicle. It comprises a bottom member that is preferably flat and rectangular, vertical side members extending upwards from opposite edges of the bottom member, and a top member from which the side members depend. Optional features include a tread pad on the upper surface of the bottom member, a shin guard, an illumination light, and/or a brake light. In a first preferred embodiment, it is retained on the vehicle using an attachment member extending from the top member that is inserted into a trailer hitch. In a second preferred embodiment, it is retained on the underside of the vehicle's rear bumper using attachment members such as bolts. In a third preferred embodiment, it is welded to the underside of the vehicle's rear bumper.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating electricity from the movement of seawater in ocean currents. An impeller is set within a stationary frame. The impeller rotates around a non-moving shaft. There are four sets of electromagnetic coils, two of which are stationary, and two of which rotate with the impeller. The first set of coils is stationary. The second and third sets of coils rotate with the impeller. The second set of coils moves past the first set, generating an electric current which is used to energize the third set of coils. The fourth set of coils is also stationary. The third set of coils moves past the fourth set, generating another electric current, part of which is fed back to the first set of coils until they are brought to a maximum operating electro-magnetic field density, and part of which is transmitted externally to supply electric power on shore.

Abstract: A method of removing salt from seawater to produce potable freshwater. Apparatus that may be used with the method includes a large metal cylinder, with open top and bottom ends, anchored to the sea floor offshore. Several pressure hulls may be attached to the side of the cylinder. Within each pressure hull there are several reverse osmosis devices (“RODs”), each containing a membrane that will allow water molecules, but not sodium and chlorine ions, to pass through. Due to the pressure differential, freshwater passes through the membranes by reverse osmosis, and is pumped out of the pressure hulls to a storage facility onshore. After equilibrium is reached, the pumps for the brine can be turned off, as gravity will cause brine to flow down from the pressure hulls through an opening in the bottom of the cylinder. Alternatively, a reverse osmosis system may be supported on an elevated undersea platform.

Abstract: A method of removing salt from seawater to produce potable freshwater. Apparatus that may be used with the method includes a large metal cylinder, with open top and bottom ends, anchored to the sea floor offshore. Several pressure hulls may be attached to the side of the cylinder. Within each pressure hull there are several reverse osmosis devices (“RODs”), each containing a membrane that will allow water molecules, but not sodium and chlorine ions, to pass through. Due to the pressure differential, freshwater passes through the membranes by reverse osmosis, and is pumped out of the pressure hulls to a storage facility onshore. After equilibrium is reached, the pumps for the brine can be turned off, as gravity will cause brine to flow down from the pressure hulls through an opening in the bottom of the cylinder. Alternatively, a reverse osmosis system may be supported on an elevated undersea platform.