Abstract: Systems and methods are for controlling of a hybrid propulsion system for a marine vessel. A control circuit controls an electric motor-generator according to at least two modes, including a first mode wherein the electric motor-generator receives power from a battery and rotates a driveshaft to drive a propulsor and a second mode wherein the electric motor-generator generates power to charge the battery based upon torque from an internal combustion engine. A time criteria and at least one user-desired operational characteristic of at least one of the internal combustion engine, electric motor-generator, and battery are input to the control circuit. Based on the time criteria and user-desired operational characteristic, the control circuit calculates a schedule for at least one of charging the battery with the electric motor-generator and discharging the battery to a house load of the marine vessel. The control circuit further controls operation of the electric motor-generator according to the schedule.

Abstract: Systems and methods of operating a marine propulsion system utilize an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that is powered by a battery, wherein the internal combustion engine and the electric motor each selectively power a marine propulsor to propel a marine vessel. A control circuit is operated to control operation of the system according to a plurality of modes including at least an electric mode wherein the electric motor powers the marine propulsor and a hybrid mode wherein the internal combustion engine powers the marine propulsor and provides power for recharging the battery. An operator-desired future performance capability of the hybrid marine propulsion system is input to the control circuit, which selects and executes the plurality of modes so as to provide the operator-desired desired future performance capability.

Abstract: Propulsion systems for marine vessels comprise an internal combustion engine rotating a driveshaft; an electric motor; a transmission selectively connecting the rotating driveshaft to a propulsor via a rotating gear; and a control circuit controlling the electric motor to slow rotation of the driveshaft and gear when a shift into the gear is requested.

Abstract: A method for detecting a biological agent in a liquid sample is disclosed. The method comprises: passing a liquid sample through a filter in the presence of a surfactant; and subjecting the filtered sample to direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for the presence of a biological agent, wherein the filter has a porosity that allows the biological agent to pass through the filter in its intact form.

Abstract: A testing device allows a test engine (such as a single-cylinder test engine) to experience the air exchange characteristics of a multi-cylinder test engine having a greater number of cylinders. The test engine receives air from an air source (such as the atmosphere) through the interior passage of an air intake adapter, wherein valves on the passage walls separate the interior passage from a negative or positive pressure source. A processor (such as a computer) may actuate the valves to allow air to be pulled from the passage to simulate the effect of air intake into additional virtual cylinders (i.e., cylinders that would operate in tandem with the cylinder(s) of the test engine if the test engine had a greater number of cylinders), and/or to simulate the effect of forced air induction (i.e., turbocharging or supercharging).