Abstract: A high-speed hydrofoil craft has a hull supported by a foil. When the foil is submerged, the upper surface of the foil may be ventilated by atmospheric air to form an air-filled cavity, in which case the foil performs similarly to a planing foil.

Abstract: A hydrofoil craft has a hull supported above a water surface by a foil connected to the hull by means of a support arm. In accordance with one form of the invention, the support arm enables the foil to move up and down with respect to the hull in concert with upgusts and downgusts of water surrounding the foil so as to maintain the hull at an approximately constant elevation. In accordance with another form of the invention, the support arm is supported by the hull for pivoting about a longitudinal axis extending in substantially the fore and aft direction of the hull. When rolling forces act on the foil, the support arm can pivot about the axis from a vertical position in response to the rolling forces while enabling the hull to remain substantially level.

Abstract: A hydrofoil craft which possesses at least one hull, at least one support arm which extends from said hull into the water and which is connected to the hull, at least one foil attached to each support arm, and preferably at least one shock strut per support arm which pivotally connects said hull to the support arm, so that said shock struts allow the support arm and the foil to move in concert with the upgusts and downgusts of water velocity located near the foil so as to enable said hydrofoil craft to maintain approximately constant lift. The principles involved are also applicable to aircraft of the "wing in ground effect" type which is designed to fly close to the water's surface so as to take advantage of the favorable aerodynamic effects of the water's proximity.

Abstract: A pleasure boat having a rectangular passenger area for operation at high speeds in moderate seas, planes on ski-like planing surfaces on the bottom of laterally spaced, knife edge hulls located on the starboard and port sides of the craft and the stern end of a wedge shaped bottom rounded to assist in turns; the rounded bottom also having flutes to improve tracking and strakes to assist in the lift and to divert spray from the craft; the two forward hulls terminating in tunnels located along either side of the rounded bottom to reduce greatly the surface area in the water and to provide lift to assist in planing.

Abstract: A high-speed planing catamaran is comprised of hulls, each of which has a canard planing surface well forward of the catamaran's center of gravity and a main planing surface aft of and closer to the center of gravity. At planing speeds, the canard surface leaves a trough in the water which substantially encloses the hull portion aft of the canard surface. The main planing surface rides on water between the hulls, but outside the trough. The angle of incidence of all surfaces may be adjustable, as may the vertical and lateral positions of each hull's propeller.

Abstract: A highly absorbent material, especially suitable for use in absorbent disposable products such as sanitary towels and tampons, consisting of a substantially water-insoluble cross-linked gelatinized starch, in which the degree of substitution of the cross-linking groups is from 0.001 to 0.04, which is substituted by ionic groups which are associated with mono- or di-valent counterions, and which has a urine retention value of at least 6 g/g.

Abstract: A modular unit for erosion control due to wave action is disclosed. The system utilizes a series of symmetrical units linked together to dissipate the kinetic energy of incoming waves. Symmetry of building blocks enables the device to work in any orientation. Energy dissipators on each block allow the wave action to be broken up while allowing passage of water through the unit.

Abstract: A new heat engine in which liquid moves in a tube, one end of which is closed. The tube is heated at the closed end, and the liquid oscillates along the length of the tube. When the liquid interface enters the hot section, some of the interface vaporizes, so that the pressure in the space between the interface and the end of the tube increases, and the interface is forced back into the cooler section of the tube. The vapor then condenses, the pressure falls, and the liquid moves back toward the hot end.The longer the tube in relation to size of the hot section or "boiler," the greater the momentum of the liquid when it enters the boiler, and the higher the peak pressure ratio which is developed. High pressure ratios are essential for efficient operation. It is also generally necessary for the boiler walls to be heavy enough to "store" the heat required for one complete cycle, and to be able to reject it to the water during the very short time that the interface is within the boiler.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which utilizes a member which oscillates in response to movement of a fluid past it and a means for utilizing the energy generated by the oscillation. In one embodiment the oscillating member is a cable utilizing wind or water as generator or pump. In a second embodiment, the oscillating member is an airfoil having either pitch control or active circulation control.

Abstract: A system for ejection of a crew member from an aircraft is disclosed. In one embodiment a mass is fired from a mortar or similar ejection device and the mass has attached to it a pendant which is resilient. As the pendant reaches the limit of its length as a result of the motion of the mass, the stretch force therein pulls down the seat pan upon which the crew member is resting and a divestment device is actuated. The crew member is then accelerated upward and out of the aircraft. Once the crew member is clear of the aircraft, the pendant's weak link separates just before the peak loading is reached and the action of the pendant initiates deployment of the parachute. The mass and pendant then separate and carry on out of the area of the pilot in a ballistic trajectory. In a second embodiment of the invention, a slipping clutch mechanism is utilized such that as the pendant runs off the clutch spool, and tightens, the pendant spool begins to rotate against the clutch torque feeding out more line.

Abstract: A device which lifts itself into the air and either itself carries a windmill for the extractions of power from the wind, or traverses a oscillatory path back and forth across the wind such that the action of the tethering lines for the device can be used to generate useful power such as electricity is disclosed. A series of airborne structures, an autogyro-helicopter, the paramill, and a sail plane are all disclosed as the self-erecting structures. Power is extracted either within the airborne structure, preferably by electric generators, or from the tethering lines through the use of certrifugal or other pumps, or electric generators. Stability and control of the self-erecting structure is accomplished via the use of servomotors or control lines directed from the energy extracting site through the tether to the erectable member.