Abstract: A propeller according to an embodiment includes a hub and a series of blades extending outward from the hub. Each blade of the series of blades includes a core and a skin covering the core. The core may be formed of a ceramic first material and the skin is formed of a second material different than the ceramic first material. The ceramic first material of the core may be ceramic Si3N4 (silicon nitride), yttria-toughened zirconia ceramic, or alumina-zirconia ceramic, and the second material of the skin may be a polymer. The polymer skin is configured to function as a shock absorber protecting the ceramic core, and the ceramic core is configured to provide rigidity to maintain the shape of the propeller blades under aerodynamic loading, which enables improved aerodynamic efficiency and reduced noise generation.

Abstract: An image-taking system that attracts the attention of a targeted consumer by offering the targeted consumer a free picture of an object, such as a newborn baby, and then, once the consumer is in interaction with the system, the system attempts to promote products and services of third parties that are related to the object, such as baby food and diaper services.

Abstract: An improved bed-lighting mechanism having a headboard (10) and footboard (11) attached perpendicular to left (12) and right (13) side rails which have left (20) and right (21) cable guards attached beneath and parallel to them, respectively. Four-foot (14A and 14B) and six-foot (17A and 17B) bedposts sandwich four-foot (15) and six-foot (18) fluorescent-light tubes and are attached perpendicular to the corner joint formed by the headboard (10) and footboard (11) to the left (12) and right (13) side rails. End caps (16 and 19) sit atop and below the bedposts (14A, 14B, 17A, and 17B). The fluorescent-light tubes (15 and 18) are encased by protective plastic sheaths (54). A ballast and switch box (55) houses a ballast (25) that powers the two, four-foot fluorescent-light tubes (15) and a ballast (26) that powers the two, six-foot fluorescent-light tubes (18).