Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for reducing or eliminating the nose-down pitching moment during water landings of amphibious aircraft when the landing gear is in the down position. Shielding struts forward of the wheels generate hydrodynamic lift and reduce hydrodynamic drag in order to alter the pitching moment about the aircraft center of mass.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for reducing or eliminating the nose-down pitching moment during water landings of amphibious aircraft when the landing gear is in the down position. Shielding struts forward of the wheels generate hydrodynamic lift and reduce hydrodynamic drag in order to alter the pitching moment about the aircraft center of mass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reduction in the propagation rate of airborne pathogens by an improved airflow ventilation pattern in confined spaces, such as in buildings or in vehicles. Since human beings are normally horizontally disposed with respect to each other, the optimum airflow pattern minimizes the horizontal component of the airflow velocity field. This invention addresses the fluid-mechanical requirements to achieve this goal.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing high output and low cost/time, sustainable energy from a fluid flow, such as wind or water natural currents. The apparatus has one or more wings that pivot and change their angle of attack, and oscillate with a counterbalance system that synchronizes the wings' position and speed with a mechanical leverage point on the body of the device. When a fluid flows past the wing, a pendulum causes the wing to constantly change its angle of attack such that the oscillation can harmonizing to the natural frequency of a fluid's specific velocity. The pivoting is translated into mechanical force on a shaft, which then can create torque at a generator or pump.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing high output and low cost/time, sustainable energy (e.g., wind or water) via natural currents that is environmentally friendly and includes a gravity-assisted equalizing control system is provided. Wings with a large surface area can be included in the design, as well as an optional counterbalance system that synchronizes the wings' position and speed with a mechanical leverage point on the body of the device. When a fluid flows past wings of the device, the fluid flow induces motion in the wings, which causes a shaft to move, creating torque at the generator. The outcome is a coordination of harmonizing the wings pitch angle to the natural frequency of a fluids specific velocity. The device can adapt itself to the velocity of the surrounding fluid through a rotational sweeping control system that produces a more streamlined profile to maximize reliability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing high output and low cost/time, sustainable energy (e.g., wind or water) via natural currents that is environmentally friendly and includes a gravity-assisted equalizing control system is provided. Wings with a large surface area can be included in the design, as well as an optional counterbalance system that synchronizes the wings' position and speed with a mechanical leverage point on the body of the device. When a fluid flows past wings of the device, the fluid flow induces motion in the wings, which causes a shaft to move, creating torque at the generator. The outcome is a coordination of harmonizing the wings pitch angle to the natural frequency of a fluids specific velocity. The device can adapt itself to the velocity of the surrounding fluid through a rotational sweeping control system that produces a more streamlined profile to maximize reliability.

Abstract: The invention provides an aero-optical turret assembly that provides high Strehl ratios throughout a wide range of azimuthal look angles. The turret assembly includes a duct extending from aft of the turret to a location aft of an aerodynamic bulge of the turret assembly. During flight, a low pressure zone is formed at the exit end of the duct, aft of the aerodynamic bulge. This low pressure zone causes suction of air from the inlet of the duct, and therefore away from the outer surfaces of the aero-optical turret. By judiciously selecting the shape of the aerodynamic bulge, and the size and location of the inlet end of the duct, substantially all turbulent air can be removed from around the adjacent outer surfaces of the aero-optical turret, thereby removing the source of interference with electromagnetic radiation passing through the window of the turret at azimuthal look angles greater than +60.degree..