Abstract: An improvement to supersonic laminar flow control suction systems, including an inlet air duct (32) for providing subsonic ram engine inlet air, is provided. The inlet air duct (32) supplies air pressure power to one or more turbines of suction system compressor units alone for flight conditions at or above a particular minimum speed and minimum altitude, and in conjunction with engine compressor bleed air for flight conditions below the minimum speed and minimum altitude. The inlet air duct (32) is angled in the direction of subsonic airflow approximately 30 degrees from the horizontal off an opening in an upper wall of a subsonic diffuser of an engine inlet on a supersonic aircraft, and is connected to a power input line that feeds one or more compressor unit turbines. A check valve prevents backflow of air toward the engine inlet. The suction system further includes a short compressor output duct (38) and a short turbine output duct (40).

Abstract: A carrier adapted to move between a movable vessel, such as a boat, and a stationary platform. The carrier has an extendable and retractable intermediate uphaul line adapted to be connected to a crane on the platform. It also has a downhaul line connected between the carrier and the vessel. When the carrier is being lifted from the vessel, the downhaul line is payed out at a controlled rate with the uphaul line extending and retracting to keep the carrier out of contact with the vessel which may be rising or falling due to wave action of the water. At a predetermined elevation, the tension in the downhaul line is decreased so that the uphaul line retracts to move the carrier out of the area of possible contact with the vessel. The reverse operation is followed to move the carrier from the platform to the vessel.