Abstract: A method for increasing the efficiency of additive drag reduction by establishing a drag-reducing viscoelastic coating on a surface. The method includes mixing a polymer into a concentrated solution that has approximately the same density as a fluid flowing over the surface, ejecting the mixture/solution into the flowing fluid in a manner such that a coating of polymer, which initially grows thicker with time, is adsorbed onto the surface, and reducing the ejection rate of the first fluid such that the coating of polymer then grows thinner with time. These steps may be repeated so that a desired minimum coating thickness is maintained over an extended period of time. The method reduces the polymer expenditure rate for a given drag reduction. Moreover, the produced viscoelastic coating impedes the attachment and growth of drag-producing natural organisms and may be applied without “down-time” (e.g., while underway).

Abstract: A method for increasing the efficiency of additive drag reduction by establishing a drag-reducing viscoelastic coating on a surface. The method includes mixing a polymer into a concentrated solution that has approximately the same density as a fluid flowing over the surface, ejecting the mixture/solution into the flowing fluid in a manner such that a coating of polymer, which initially grows thicker with time, is adsorbed onto the surface, and reducing the ejection rate of the first fluid such that the coating of polymer then grows thinner with time. These steps may be repeated so that a desired minimum coating thickness is maintained over an extended period of time. The method reduces the polymer expenditure rate for a given drag reduction. Moreover, the produced viscoelastic coating impedes the attachment and growth of drag-producing natural organisms and may be applied without “down-time” (e.g., while underway).

Abstract: A dual carrying case for two generally trapezoidally-shaped musical instruments is disclosed. The carrying case comprises a pair of generally trapezoidally-shaped pouch members, each of which is longitudinally elongate and includes a generally transversely extending wide end, a generally transversely extending narrow end, and first and second generally longitudinally extending side edges. The pouch members are each adapted to receive and enclose a musical instrument therein, and each pouch member includes means thereon engageable with means on the other of the pouch members for releasably fastening one of the pouch members to the other of the pouch members, with the narrow end of each of the pouch members positioned parallel to, facing and adjacent to the wide end of the other of the pouch members.