Abstract: A paddlewheel apparatus including a paddlewheel axle, spaced apart annular wheel hubs locked in rotation with the axle, and a plurality of elongated paddles supported by the wheel hubs and spaced apart therefrom, the paddles being arranged in a zigzagging pattern around the circumference of the wheel hubs. A method for creating current in a bio-pond raceway using a paddlewheel.

Abstract: A paddlewheel apparatus including a paddlewheel axle, spaced apart annular wheel hubs locked in rotation with the axle, and a plurality of elongated paddles supported by the wheel hubs and spaced apart therefrom, the paddles being arranged in a zigzagging pattern around the circumference of the wheel hubs. A method for creating current in a bio-pond raceway using a paddlewheel.

Abstract: A paddlewheel apparatus including a paddlewheel axle, first and second spaced apart annular wheel hubs locked in rotation with the axle, and a plurality of elongated tri-curved paddles cooperatively supported by the first and second wheel hubs and arranged around the circumference of the first and second annular wheel hubs and spaced apart from the paddlewheel axle. A method for creating current in a bio-pond raceway.

Abstract: A soil stabilization system, method of stabilizing soil, and a stabilized soil having improved engineering characteristics such as increased bearing ratio and improved triaxial compression characteristics. Select embodiments comprise one or more lipophilic fluid mixtures, fibers which may be synthetic, natural or both, the lipophilic fluid and fibers mixed into soil of a pre-specified moisture content in pre-specified dry soil weight ratios. The system is optimized by adjusting the moisture content of the soil to a pre-specified figure prior to treatment, by compacting the treated soil to a pre-specified standard and finally by aging the resultant compacted treated soil for a pre-specified period to optimize engineering characteristics thereof. Select embodiments are suitable for use at temperatures approaching ?60° F.

Abstract: A paddlewheel apparatus including a paddlewheel axle, first and second spaced apart annular wheel hubs locked in rotation with the axle, and a plurality of elongated tri-curved paddles cooperatively supported by the first and second wheel hubs and arranged around the circumference of the first and second annular wheel hubs and spaced apart from the paddlewheel axle. A method for creating current in a bio-pond raceway.

Abstract: A door system includes a structural member and a door that is movably mounted with respect to the structural member for movement between an open position and a closed position. A spring is mounted with respect to the structural member or the door and being sufficiently positioned to bias the door toward its open position when the door is in its closed position. Active material based actuators may selectively compress the spring prior to door closure to minimize door closing effort.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a rotatable wheel having a selectively adjustable steering angle. A steering actuator is operatively connected to the wheel and is configured to selectively adjust the steering angle of the wheel and not any other wheels. The wheel assembly allows independent control of the steering angle of the wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle is capable of being driven in a plurality of forward directions, the direction of travel being a function of the forward-facing orientation of a movable seat or movement of the driver to a different seat. The vehicle includes a frame, at least three wheels, a steering system, a braking system and an energy conversion system operable with respect to at least one of the wheels and controllable through non-mechanical control means. The vehicle has at least one movable seat connected to the frame and at least one operator interface operably connected to at least one of the steering system, braking system and energy conversion system that is usable to drive the vehicle in different directions when the seat is moved.

Abstract: A vehicle floor includes a unitary, one-piece panel. The panel is formed with an integral channel for routing a vehicle distribution system conduit therewithin. The panel may include an inner panel portion, an outer panel portion, integral rocker panel portions, front, rear and trunk floor portions. A method is provided for manufacturing a vehicle floor, the method including forming such a panel.

Abstract: A heterogeneous mixture produced by blending aliphatic or cyclic organic compounds with carboxylic acids of chemical structure R-COOH and applied to soils in a manner to produce high levels of dust and erosion control, and soil stabilization. Alternatively, a heterogeneous mixture may be produced by blending aliphatic or cyclic organic compounds with polyolefins of chemical structure CnH2n or R—C2nH3n, and applied to soils in a manner to produce high levels of dust control and soil stabilization. The aliphatic and cyclic compounds act as plasticizers and carriers for the carboxylic acids or polyolefin compounds. When applied to soil the carrier provides a mechanism for the carboxylic acid or polyolefin to penetrate the soil and also acts as a dust suppressing weighting agent. The plasticized carboxylic acid and/or polyolefin provides a durable, reworkable binder that associates small particulates while stabilizing soil and aggregate.

Abstract: A method is provided for providing vehicle reconfigurability. The method includes maintaining an inventory containing vehicle body pods each having a substantially identical interface at which each of the body pods is connectable to a chassis such that the body pods are interchangeable on the chassis. The body pods include at least one body pod characterized by a first body pod style and at least one body pod characterized by a second body pod style. The method also includes granting possession to a customer of a vehicle body pod from the inventory independent of a chassis.

Abstract: A vehicle is capable of being driven in a plurality of forward directions, the direction of travel being a function of the forward-facing orientation of a movable seat or movement of the driver to a different seat. The vehicle includes a frame, at least three wheels, a steering system, a braking system and an energy conversion system operable with respect to at least one of the wheels and controllable through non-mechanical control means. The vehicle has at least one movable seat connected to the frame and at least one operator interface operably connected to at least one of the steering system, braking system and energy conversion system that is usable to drive the vehicle in different directions when the seat is moved.