Abstract: A hydrofoil propulsion system (10) utilizing dual water propellers (16) in combination with dual shrouded air propellers (18). The air propellers (18) and the water propellers (16) are powered by diesel engines (22) mounted in pairs inside the hull (24) of the hydrofoil craft (b 14). Each water propeller (16) is affixed to an outdrive 35 through a pivotal propeller shaft (28) that permits the propeller shaft (28) and the water propeller (16) to move horizontally and vertically with respect to the hull (24). An air propeller (18) and a water propeller (16) are each coupled to a single pair of engines (22) so that as the craft (14) transitions from the hullborne mode to the foilborne mode, the thrust load is automatically transferred from the water propeller (16) to the air propeller (18).

Abstract: A propeller having blades designed to achieve maximum thrust at lower static velocities in both forward and reverse pitch modes is disclosed. Each blade has a generous leading edge radius leading to an upper surface having positive camber and a lower surface having positive camber adjacent the leading edge and negative camber adjacent the trailing edge. Each blade also has a high thickness-to-chord ratio and lower span-to-chord ratio or aspect ratio. This thicker blade profile and aft loading leads to a more uniform pressure distribution and laminar airflow across the blade surface resulting in a higher coefficient of lift, increased blade life and reliability, and lower noise levels.

Abstract: An intraocular lens four point contact haptics with an asymmetrical cross section. The ends of each of the haptics are contiguously juxtaposed and inserted in a common bore in the periphery of the optic. The legs of each of the haptics spiral outwardly in juxtaposed relationship, separate and extend away from each other to form eye contacting heel and toe portions residing on opposing sides of the inferior-superior axis of the lens. When two such haptics are employed, a wide haptic compression range can be achieved with little differential in compression force.

Abstract: A method of designing hydrodynamic sections having improved characteristics is described wherein a desired pressure profile and boundary layer conditions for the surface of an undefined section are established at operating velocities for the section and a hydrodynamic section is analytically designed to provide the desired characteristics. One preferred embodiment of the hydrodynamic section meeting the established pressure profile and boundary layer conditions is disclosed having a flat bottom and upper surface defined by a plurality of circular arcs.

Abstract: A propeller having blades, designed to achieve maximum thrust at lower static velocities in both forward and reverse pitch modes is disclosed. Each blade has a generous leading edge radius leading to an upper surface having positive camber and a lower surface having positive camber adjacent the leading edge and negative camber adjacent the trailing edge. Each blade also has a high thickness-to-chord ratio and lower span-to-chord ratio or aspect ratio. This thicker blade profile and aft loading leads to a more uniform pressure distribution and laminar airflow across the blade surface resulting in a higher coefficient of lift, increased blade life and reliability, and lower noise levels.