Abstract: A watercraft having a fixed hull and a deck affixed to the fixed hull. A rear steering device is pivotally connected to the watercraft and is coordinated with pontoons that are opposite the rear steering device. When the rear steering device rotates, the pontoons rotate in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Inverters that interface dc and ac power sources and loads are provided. An example application is solar power systems, in which a dc source of power is an array of solar panels; the inverter converts the dc power supplied by these panels to ac power that is fed into the utility grid. Another example is battery energy storage; the inverter changes the dc power of the batteries into ac power that is fed into the grid, and also can convert (rectify) ac power from the grid for charging the batteries. In one embodiment, for example, an inverter comprises slow switches that generate a three-level ac voltage, followed by a plurality of fast-switching half-bridges that introduce high-frequency pulse-width modulation into a plurality of ac output voltages.

Abstract: A sighting and launching weapons system that incorporates the technologies of smart munitions and virtual reality (VR) simulation with precise target engagement capabilities; including targets that would normally be hidden from the shooter's field of view. Non-linear deployment of smart munitions to a precise target coordinate (via closed-loop navigation) allows for minimal collateral damage. Network link allows a plurality of operators to participate in coordinated target engagement in real time from one or more remote locations. The sighting and launching weapons system can be configured for a variety of uses including the deployment of weaponry or aid, and is capable of automatically identifying friendly targets from enemy targets.

Abstract: A horn circuit for a vehicle includes a steering wheel, a prong extending from a base, and a carbon-based contact disposed on the prong and in electrical contact with the steering wheel. A method of manufacturing a vehicular horn system includes connecting a prong to a base, connecting a steering wheel to a steering column that extends through the base, and positioning a carbon-based contact at an end of the prong to be in electrical contact with the steering wheel.

Abstract: A method for maneuvering a cradle of a tank bracket supporting a fuel tank from a retracted position to an extended Position in a single stage includes disengaging a latch, rotating the cradle about a hinge that is attached to a first end of the cradle such that a second end of the cradle moves along a trajectory downward and outward from a frame of the tank bracket to the extended position, wherein the rotating the cradle laterally extends a gas spring operatively connecting the cradle and the frame, and wherein the gas spring generates a force that at least partially balances a force generated by a combined weight of the fuel tank and the cradle.

Abstract: A swing down tank bracket for supporting a fuel tank mounted onto a vehicle includes a frame immovably mounted onto a vehicle, a cradle operatively connected to the frame and arranged to support a fuel tank, a hinge that pivotally connects a first end of the cradle to a first end of the frame, and a latch having a first portion disposed on a second end of the frame and a second portion disposed on a second end of the cradle. The first portion of the latch is releasably engaged with the second portion of the latch so that after the latch is disengaged, the cradle is rotationally maneuverable between a retracted position and an extended position in a single stage. The cradle may be maneuvered between the retracted position and the extended position by simultaneously rotating outwardly and downwardly in relation to the vehicle.