Ear Aerodynamics: Primer & Update!

Primer By Harry Jennings A lot of people have been talking about their dog's ears of late, and I decided to do a little research and get the full story behind the stand-up "prick" ear that is seen in an increasingly large number of NGA dogs. Prick ears are nothing new, occasionally medieval manuscripts will talk of  dogs with prick ears (q.v. Le Levrier niais, Bib. Natl. MS 12203a).  However, it was with Downing in 1977 that the track world became aware of the efficacy of the prick ear. When coming into the first turn, the dogs must jockey for position, and decrease speed dramatically, so as not to go sailing off into the paddock area. Keith Dillon felt that what was needed was an air-brake system, similar to what was being employed on the Air Force's new F-15. Downing was the first and finest product of Dillon's directed breeding. Downing was able to sustain higher speeds further into the first turn, thus being able to pass the other dogs as they slowed. At the critical point,  Downing huge ears would pop straight up off his head, providing critical air resistance and slowing his speed dramatically, allowing him to make the turn. Eyewitnesses at the Hollywoodian in 1977 reported the "ka-WHUMP" of Downing's ears coming up was audible over the entire track. Invariably he lead races coming out of the second turn, and dominated down the  backstretch. Tragically, it was an ear accident that cut Downing's career short. During a  training race, Downing entered the first turn, but only his left ear deployed, the right ear, ironically, in a perfect rosette. The unstable aerodynamics of his half-deployed braking system pulled his head first down, then up over his left shoulder. Downing courageously avoided the traffic of the other dogs and attempted an emergency stop. Unfortunately, it was too late and Downing smashed through the outside rail, spun across an open area, and came to rest in a sno-cone concession. Downing did survive the accident, which Richard Petty compared to his dramatic turn two disaster at Darlington in 1967, however his hock was shattered and he could never race again. Keith Dillon, undaunted, pressed onward with his breeding program, producing Perceive, Nicky Finn, Keefer, Understood, and a host of others with the revolutionary air-brake  system. Mr. Dillon was sued by McDonnell Douglas (designers and  manufacturers of the F-15) for copyright infringement in 1980. The case is now in its 11th set of appeals, and is expected to reach the Supreme Court  by about 2007*. In other legal battles, the owner of the sno-cone concession was awarded $.75 in compensatory damages, and $11.7 million for pain and suffering. *NOTE: The case still has not been heard or settled and the expected Supreme Court date has been moved to 2017. DYNO-MUTT SYSTEMS PRESS RELEASE:     EAR AERODYNAMICS UPDATE Using the most advanced breakthroughs in genetic engineering, the  discarded design, and aged superstructure of a test vehicle codename "Lindsey Party", Dyno-Mutt Systems, Inc. research teams have been at  work. Background investigations show that this vehicle is a direct modification (mod. 4) of the land speed record holding "Downing" design.  Having no desire to experience the tragic structural failure and "crash and  burn" (see Ear Aerodynamics, above) due to improper air scoop  deployment, we have made the following changes. The "Lindsey Party" is lower to the ground (being in New Mexico may have influenced this) and the air scoops are reduced in size to 5/8  scale. We use and call this RAM AIR INDUCTION. This is how it works: The central processing unit (CPU) is suspended in a bath of shock  absorbing and electrically conductive saline solution. This has  reduced the "rattled brain" syndrome by 50%. The now smaller "air scoops" trap air and divert it down and  around the CPU. It is intercooled and an exchange of electrons is  passed to the CPU boosting RAM capabilities. The heavier, cooled air (mass now 1/3 greater) is passed around  the dual optical sensor array and is diverted to the "nose cone" of the Lindsey. This is where dual, water cooled (we think) passageways are located. These passageways are twin venturies and boost the air flow to SCRAMJET velocities. This now supersonic airstream can be controlled by the RAM expanded CPU to fire continuous thrusts or bursts (see snort, sneeze, sigh) of retro-rocket blasts of compressed air allowing subtle but effective braking control going into high speed turns. Safety note: during an actual live firing test of this model in Arizona, the Lindsey experienced an o-ring failure. This caused the CPU housing to veer from side to side (left to right) more than 10 degrees off the plane of horizontal travel. This caused a main structural failure of the port side, aft, propulsion device (see strut, actuator, "dog leg"). Our  bio-engineers provided a titanium pin once reputed to be  from a Warsaw Pact, "Red October", something or other.  After implementation of the pin into the aft, propulsion device, speed trials were set. Following completion of an extensive (and exhaustive) twelve weeks of "gotta walk before you can run" testing, Bionics department said A-OK. The 5/8 scale RAM AIR induction used in conjunction with the retro-rocket blasts has proven to be practical and very safe. After a field test in March, it was reported that John Glenn was present  and said, "I wish we had that system back in '63!" Actual performance testing was held recently in a remote area (56?) In New  Mexico and military installations of southern Colorado. It was there that the Lindsey upheld the field of honor (mom's apple pie, yadda, yadda, yadda) and we found that the system works. One point yet to be solved by our team  is that every time we are ready to leave the test sites, we are told to get  "BOB". After five recurring "Get the BOB" we really think we should look into this. Strange. Yours at DYNO-MUTT SYSTEMS, INC., Robert J. Summerhill President & King

Welcome to Dyno-Mutt Systems, a Division of Yummy Mutt Feeds...

DCh DM Flying Jib FCh  aka Jiblet

That was the introduction to our original website.  At that time, Dyno-Mutt Greyhounds was a fictional, bio-engineering firm which made bionic improvements to greyhounds.  One of those improvements were enhanced ear scoops for maximum oxygen intake.  Another was "F.A.A.R.T. - Fast Acceleration And Rapid Transit".   "F.A.A.R.T." was an independent system which could be 'hooked up' to your greyhound to provide natural gas propulsion to vehicles.  In an emergency situation, a "F.A.A.R.T." equipped greyhound could be hooked up to one's natural gas heating system.  It is said that the City of Albuquerque, in its efforts to go "green", are utilizing many "F.A.A.R.T." equipped greyhounds in their power plants.  Unfortunately, most all of our "Press Releases" have been lost over time.  However, we still have a copy of "Ear Aerodynamics - Update!" and "F.A.A.R.T." 

 Now, the name "Dyno-Mutt" has come to exemplify the best in show and performance greyhounds.  We are  AKC Breeders of Merit and we strive to breed greyhounds which successfully compete in all venues: lure coursing, hunting, and the breed ring.   To that end, we have had several dual champions and many field champions.  We have had a major winner at a Greyhound Club of America specialty show and two, nationally ranked greyhounds.  In addition, four of our greyhounds have been or are invitees to the Eukanuba National Championship.

About Us

My husband, Rob, is retired Navy, who served aboard destroyers for his entire career.  One of the places he served was Vietnam, Southeast Asia, during the "Conflict".  He was there in 1969-1970.  Other ports of call were Newport, Charleston, Long Beach, and San Diego.  There were others, but this is a good representation. Rob's last rate in the Navy was that of a Chief, Gunners Mate (GMGC). Some of the ships on which he served were the USS Joseph Hewes, the USS Hewitt, and the USS Stump.  Rob is now working as an engineer in a completely different field of endeavor, medical electronics. To be specific, he installs, maintains, and calibrates nuclear imaging equipment.  He went from Nuke weapons to Nuke med.  

As for me, I am a former steelworker from Baltimore, Maryland.  I met Rob in 1987 at the now defunct E & B Marine Supply store in Glen Burnie, MD.  At that time, I was laid-off from "The Point" and working there.  The day I met him, I sold him some bottom paint and offered to paint his bottom.  He still isn't sure which bottom I was referring to!  

It wasn't long before Rob turned into one of my regular customers.  One day, he told me how he didin't have time to replace the water pump on his boat.  I offered to do the job for him for $100, if he bought the parts.  He bit and told me where to find his boat and arrangments were made.  I found the boat and pulled the old water pump.  When I went to put on the new one, there wasn't a gasket.  Joy.  What water pump kit doesn't include a gasket?  It's a no brainer, right?  Anyway, using a ball peen hammer, I cut a gasket out of the thin cardboard backing of the bubble pack in which the pump came.  I slathered it with Never-Seez, put it all together, tested the engine for leaks, buttoned her up and left.  Rob came in a day or two later to pay me for the work and he kept saying, "You know how to cut a gasket with a ball peen hammer..."  He sounded amazed.  Doesn't everyone know how to cut one?  Rob was hooked.  He has since told me that any woman who knows how to cut a gasket with a ball peen hammer is a woman worth marrying!  Whatever.

Tyche on the Patapsco River near Baltimore

When I met him, I lived aboard a 28' Morgan sailboat, the good boat Tyche.  Working at the store had at least one other, really good benefit - it ensured that my boat (and floating home) was kept in good repair.  Yes, I was a boat bum.  I lived aboard a 28' Morgan sailboat, the good boat Tyche. 

Tyche is the Greek goddess of Fortune, Chance & Fate.  She was associated with good fortune, luck & prosperity.  Tyche was represented with different attributes. When holding a rudder, she was conceived as the divinity guiding and conducting the affairs of the world, and in this respect she was called one of the Moirai (Fates); with a ball she represented the varying unsteadiness of fortune--unsteady and capable of rolling in any direction; with Ploutos or the horn of Amalthea, she was the symbol of the plentiful gifts of fortune.  For a sailing vessel, the name is most appropriate.  The good vessel Tyche took care of her passengers and crew.  She bestowed good fortune on all who sailed aboard her.

Anyway, when I wasn't working at the store, I was out on the Chesapeake Bay - sailing on Tyche!  I'd take her out by myself (sailing solo) or with others, if they wanted.  Many times, I took out weekend and overnight charters and served as a skipper for two sailing clubs, the Chesapeake Sailing Association and Singles On Sailboats.   Now, my wandering ways are gone, as are Rob's, except for wandering off to the occasional dog event.  We are a long ways from the Chesapeake and we now call New Mexico home.  

We have other interests, which include photography, British cars, and shooting sports.  I also am an adoption rep for A Place for Us Greyhound Rescue, a group which has been around since 1997.  I cannot say enough about these creatures called greyhounds. They are intelligent, sweet tempered, well mannered and a joy to be around.

Well, that's all for now. Come again soon and please don't hesitate to contact us at jato791@yahoo.com.