Abstract: A folding deployment system for solar panels provides a portable solar collecting power station that can be easily packaged and deployed for use in diverse environments. A solar array frame extends and contracts in accordion fashion. Solar panels mounted on the solar array frame are pivotally moveable from an upright position in a stowed position inside a container to a substantially horizontal position outside the container in a deployed position.

Abstract: A solar panel storage and deployment system includes a container with an opening formed therein and an assembly of solar voltaic panels transitionable between a folded state and a deployed state. The assembly defines a series of accordion-like folds along the length thereof when in its folded state. The assembly arrays the panels in a substantially planar arrangement when the assembly is in its deployed state. The system also includes at least one stake adapted to be anchored to a position in proximity to and outside of the container. At least one link is provided for coupling an end of the assembly to the stake(s) when the assembly is in its deployed state.

Abstract: A variable shock wave bio-oil extraction system and method utilizes shock waves to separate oil, water, and biomass from feedstock in a single step. In one embodiment, at least one pair of opposing transducer arrays are arranged in a shock wave extraction housing and collectively powered by a pulse controller to create controllable shearing planes and/or shearing regions and/or shock stem zones to interact upon a flow path of feedstock as the feedstock travels through the shock wave housing.

Abstract: A solar panel storage and deployment system includes a container with an opening formed therein. A rotatable spool housed in the container has an assembly of solar voltaic panels wound thereabout prior to its deployment. The assembly is deployed from the opening in the container when the assembly is unwound from the spool. At least one stake is provided where each such stake is anchored to a position in proximity to and outside of the container. Each stake cooperates with a link that couples a free end of the assembly to the stake when the assembly is unwound from the spool and deployed through the opening.

Abstract: A tow-bar adapter for towing a loaded trailer behind a combat vehicle permits opening of a rear ramp door on the vehicle and supporting the open door on the adapter as the vehicle proceeds forward. Longitudinal legs each have first ends provided with a lateral bore axially aligned with each other. Pins extend through each lateral bore and through bosses mounted on the vehicle, allowing rotational movement of the legs about the pins. Cross members extend between and are connected to the legs and a caster assembly is connected to the cross members to provide vertical support for the tow-bar adapter and any carried load. A towing pintle on a cross member connects to a trailer, and the caster assembly rotates about a vertical axis to allow the tow-bar adapter to slew and follow along behind the vehicle as it turns.

Abstract: A method is provided for quantifying design parameters for a moving mass ship roll stimulation system given a maximum angle of roll &thgr;MAX to be induced for a ship, a righting moment RM per degree of list for the ship, a natural roll period TN, a damping ratio &zgr; for the ship and a center of gravity for the ship. A total induced moment expression at the natural roll period TN is determined for the moving mass ship roll stimulation system as a function of a plurality of design parameters therefor. The total induced moment expression is equated to 2&zgr;&thgr;MAXRM and values for the design parameters are selected to satisfy the equality.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for reducing sea state induced vertical motion of a shipboard crane's load. Sea state induced vertical velocity of the crane's suspended load is determined as a function of: i) the horizontal radial distance the load extends from the crane's axis of rotation, and ii) motion of the ship at the crane's axis of rotation. The load is then moved vertically at a speed that is defined as being equal to the vertical velocity in a direction that is opposite that of the vertical velocity.

Abstract: A method is provided to automatically control a cranes's rider block lifte and taglines. Current position of the crane's rider block is determined in terms of its horizontal and vertical coordinates, as well as in terms of the inhaul angle of the liftline. A matrix is then generated that defines i) incremental change in the rider block's horizontal coordinate with respect to incremental change in each of the boom angle, a length of the liftline and a length of the taglines, ii) incremental change in the vertical coordinate with respect to incremental change in each of the boom angle and lengths of the liftline and taglines, and iii) incremental change in the sine of the inhaul angle with respect to incremental change in each of the boom angle and lengths of the liftline and taglines. A vector defining velocity criteria for the rider block is provided. The velocity criteria is defined in terms of horizontal motion of the rider block, vertical motion of the rider block and rate of change of the inhaul angle.