Abstract: An improved air scoop device utilizes vortex loops to reduce drag. The apparatus includes a sliding self-retracting portion having a scoop intake, a first chamber area and curved rear deflector with exhaust. The vortex loops connect the curved deflector area with the intake area. The vortex impeller apparatus also has a base plate portion, with a stop and springs. It is mounted at the truck trailer rear end. The base plate portion of the apparatus supports the sliding portion. The moving truck causes the sliding portion to extend back beyond the base plate and trailer's rear. The apparatus' exhaust ventilates the low-pressure area behind the moving truck trailer. When the truck stops, springs or compression pistons retract the sliding portion back over the base plate. In this retracted position, the apparatus fits flush. Variable surface texturing may be applied to the impellers and truck trailer's rounded trailing edges.

Abstract: An improved sabot for small arms is discussed. Incorporating the biomechanical internal skeletal features of vertebrates allows improved sabot support, combined with improved sabot flexibility, to improve projectile launching performance. The present invention is comprised of a nearly full caliber plastic sabot with a tapered aluminum disc base, combined with caliber-reducing aluminum petals that form a forward internal skeleton in a plastic sabot; the aluminum ring of petals is inside the cavity of the sabot's ring of plastic petals and encloses a substantially smaller caliber bullet. Upon firing, both front and rear elements upset the sabot into the bore's rifling. In the muzzle loading application, loading is easier and fouling is reduced. An alternate embodiment's skeleton is comprised of a nearly full caliber tapered metal disc base, attached to two or more nearly full caliber metal longitudinal fins, which enclose a substantially smaller caliber bullet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for propelling a surface vehicle through the water comprised of a submerged portion, including both a stern propulsion unit and a bow propulsion unit. Either unit may be a pumpjet, the bow unit may include a counter-rotating nose hub having attached spirally wound, twin centrifugal propeller blades. The foremost bow propeller is dedicated to stealth and the next-in-line bow propeller is dedicated to supercavitation. Specially-designed vortex loops that connect the pressure side to the intake side of a propulsion unit may be included in the blades, shroud or hub areas. Further, slightly diverged jet exhaust and variable special surface texturing reduce surface friction drag on the vehicle body. The submarine propulsion system is used to power a surface vessel, supported by two or more hydrofoils which combine a submerged midcraft foil with a wave-piercing variety. The surface craft has the capability of submerging and maneuvering.

Abstract: A jet propulsion system for a submersible vehicle, such as a submarine includes a propulsion unit mounted away from the stern of the submersible. Generally, the propulsion system consists of a set of blades secured to a hub within a shroud. Combining such a propulsion system with a surface texture treatment greatly reduces overall drag while improving the submersible's efficiency. Further, such an arrangement contributes to the submersibles stealthy characteristics. An additional hub and set of high-speed blades capable of generating a supercavity may be added to achieve supercavitation. The propulsion system can be varied to include a pumpjet and/or a centrifugal force blade system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for propelling a surface vehicle through the water comprised of a submerged portion, including both a stern propulsion unit and a bow propulsion unit. Either unit may be a pumpjet, the bow unit may include a counter-rotating nose hub having attached spirally wound, twin centrifugal propeller blades. The foremost bow propeller is dedicated to stealth and the next-in-line bow propeller is dedicated to supercavitation. Specially-designed vortex loops that connect the pressure side to the intake side of a propulsion unit may be included in the blades, shroud or hub areas. Further, slightly diverged jet exhaust and variable special surface texturing reduce surface friction drag on the vehicle body. The submarine propulsion system is used to power a surface vessel, supported by two or more hydrofoils which combine a submerged midcraft foil with a wave-piercing variety. The surface craft has the capability of submerging and maneuvering.

Abstract: A jet propulsion system for a submersible vehicle, such as a submarine includes a propulsion unit mounted away from the stem of the submersible. Generally, the propulsion system consists of a set of blades secured to a hub within a shroud. Combining such a propulsion system with a surface texture treatment greatly reduces overall drag while improving the submersible's efficiency. Further, such an arrangement contributes to the submersibles stealthy characteristics. An additional hub and set of high-speed blades capable of generating a supercavity may be added to achieve supercavitation. The propulsion system can be varied to include a pumpjet and/or a centrifugal force blade system.

Abstract: A jet propulsion system for an underwater vehicle, such as a submarine or torpedo is disclosed. The propulsion system includes a plurality of blades secured to a hub, in the front, which is rotated by a shaft connected to an engine through a transmission. A shroud surrounds the plurality of blades, and in combination with the body of the underwater vehicle, forms a nozzle through which flow is accelerated. The shroud is secured to the body of the underwater vehicle through a plurality of vanes. An additional hub including an additional set of blades may be secured to the underwater vehicle for additional thrust. The second hub may be located within the shroud. The inlet to the shroud may be covered with a screen mesh.

Abstract: A trim tooth positioner is constructed to cover only the incisal edges and cusps of the teeth themselves. The result is that the majority of the bulk covering the teeth and gums is eliminated. This significantly increases patient comfort and greatly overcomes the major disadvantage of positioners, that is, poor patient cooperation. The performance is equal or superior to that of other positioner designs in that enhanced cooperation far outweighs any advantage offered by bulk.