Abstract: There is provided a boat (200) including a hull (20), and two engines (30, 50) couplable to rotationally drive mutually spaced separate corresponding propeller assemblies for providing thrusts. Directions of the thrusts are angularly adjustable (?1, ?2) relative to the hull (20). A control unit (70) receives first and second user commands (S1, S2) and sends corresponding signals for controlling powers (P1, P2) coupled from the engines (30, 50) to their propeller assemblies. The control unit (70) determines a difference in power (?P) to be coupled to the propeller assemblies as a function of the first and second user commands (S1, S2). The control unit (70) controls coupling of power (P1, P2) to the propeller assemblies so that the propeller assemblies develop a difference in thrust which is a function of the difference in power (?P).

Abstract: An apparatus for diluting and diffusing engine exhaust, includes a diffuser pipe horizontally oriented and having an inlet connection to receive exhaust gases from an engine and having an outlet defined as an elongated opening on an upper surface thereof, the inlet being disposed at about a longitudinal midpoint of the diffuser pipe, a deflector mounted in the diffuser pipe opposite the inlet to divide an entering exhaust gas flow toward opposite ends of the diffuser pipe, a baffle formed as an elongated plate having a multiplicity of holes mounted in the pipe between the inlet connection and the outlet and extending a length of the diffuser pipe, and, a dispersing grate formed as an elongated plate having a multiplicity of holes and being mounted above the outlet and spaced therefrom, the dispersing grate having a curvature about a longitudinal axis, and being mounted with a convex surface facing the outlet.

Abstract: An engine exhaust dispersing device includes a tubular member having a first portion formed as a generally cylindrical wall and adapted to be mounted in fluid communication with an exhaust outlet and a second portion formed as a longitudinally-sectioned cylindrical wall defining a longitudinally extending opening, and, a wedge surface formed on said second portion and protruding into the longitudinally extending opening, the wedge surface having an apex adjacent or in the first portion and a base at an end of the second portion, the base having a width substantially equal to a width of the second portion.

Abstract: A battery cable circuit protection device and circuit for preventing fluctuations in voltage from a supply battery is provided. The device includes a terminal base having a battery cable lug member adapted for mounting to and making an electrical connection with a battery post of the battery. A battery cable mounting structure is fixedly connected to the terminal base for detachably connecting the terminal base to a battery cable. The battery cable supplies a vehicle starter motor with electrical energy. A first fuse mount supported by the terminal base provides electrical interconnection to the battery post. A second fuse mount supported by the terminal base provides electrical energy to vehicle electrical systems other than the vehicle starter motor. The first and second fuse mounts are adapted for detachable a connection to a fuse which provides electrical interconnection between the first and second fuse mounts.

Abstract: An exhaust diffuser for a truck includes a chamber mountable on a truck exhaust stack pipe. The chamber has a cross sectional area much greater than the cross sectional area of the exhaust pipe, and has a dispersing element disposed in the line of exhaust flow to divert exhaust gases laterally into the chamber volume. One or both of the top and front side walls are formed as a mesh or screen to allow the dispersed exhaust gases to flow outward away from the truck cab in a diffused area.

Abstract: A cable harness for passing one or more cables through an opening the wall includes a cable conduit including a generally S-shaped channel defined by an inner surface of a first shell portion and an inner surface of a second shell portion attached to the first shell portion and a least one cable disposed in the cable conduit. A method of mounting a cable relative to an opening in a wall is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a vehicle front end air spring suspension level, for a vehicle having a designed load imbalance, includes a height control valve mounted on the higher load side of the vehicle and controlling compressed air to the air springs of the vehicle suspension. A pressure reduction valve is interposed in a conduit feeding the air spring on the lower loaded side, the pressure reduction valve being set to reduce the pressure of air delivered to the second air spring.

Abstract: A vehicle with a sleeping arrangement includes a vehicle compartment, a driver's seat mounted in the compartment, the driver's seat having a bottom cushion portion and a back portion, and a passenger's seat mounted in the compartment, the passenger's seat having a bottom cushion portion and a back portion. At least one of the driver's seat and the passenger's seat may be pivotable from a normal use position facing a front of the compartment to a sleeping position oriented approximately 90° relative to the normal use position, and the pivotable seat is adapted to recline such that the bottom cushion portion and the back portion of the pivotable seat defines at least part of a generally horizontal surface together with the bottom cushion portion of the other one of the driver's seat and the passenger's seat.

Abstract: A power assist steering system for a vehicle, especially for a truck or commercial vehicle, is disclosed that includes a mechanical engine-driven power steering pump that pumps hydraulic fluid to a power steering unit, and an electrical pump adapted to pump hydraulic fluid so as to optimize a power steering flow to the power steering unit and to minimize internal pump flow.

Abstract: A removable deck plate or platform for a vehicle includes a platform for placement on a vehicle frame, a clamping plate for clamping the platform against the frame, a clamping arm engageable with the clamping plate via a hole in the platform, wherein the clamping arm and the clamping plate are configured so as to clamp the platform to the frame upon moving the clamping arm into a position adjacent the platform.

Abstract: A cross-member for supporting a vehicle chassis loads includes a generally shaped member including: i) a generally flat top sheet; ii) a first side sheet extending at an angle from the top sheet, along a length of the top sheet at a location inset from a first side edge of the top sheet such that the top sheet overhangs the first side sheet; iii) a second side sheet extending at an angle from the top sheet, along a length of the top sheet at a location inset from a second side edge of the top sheet such that the top sheet overhangs the second side sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides half-mirrored parts and methods for creating half-mirrored parts. A half-mirrored part according to one particular embodiment of the present includes: a formable reflective layer and a formable transparent or translucent layer, wherein the formable reflective layer is on one side of the transparent or translucent layer.

Abstract: A system for supporting individuals or objects is disclosed that can be used, e.g., as a bunk for sleeping upon within a vehicle, such as, e.g., a truck or commercial vehicle. The system preferably includes a support platform, a pivot mechanism, and at least one flowable-medium spring. The support platform is provided with an upper surface to support at least one individual or object within a vehicle. The pivot mechanism is connected to the support platform so as to pivot the support platform around a pivot axis to move between a stored position and a deployed position in which the support platform supports the at least one individual or object. The at least one flowable-medium spring is provided with a first end fixed relative to the vehicle and a second end fixed relative to the support platform at a location displaced from the pivot axis.

Abstract: Enhanced watercraft performance is provided by combinations of one or more inboard swivel propulsion drives and hull tunnels. A tunnel at the hull centerline with specific features provides performance advantages for a center swivel propulsion drive. Use of front propeller based traction propulsion is particularly advantageous in the swivel drive systems and allows the use of tunnels with improved tunnel conformations. Advantages of the traction swivel drive arrangements include minimization of hull space with smaller engine room volume, greater propulsion efficiency and improved watercraft handling.

Abstract: An overhead console (10) spanning the header above the windshield (150) includes support for a removable electronic device (120).

Abstract: A tractor truck configured for towing trailers of different air connection configuration. The truck has a first and a second tractor protection valve, each configured to be located on the tractor at a location remote from the other. Each tractor protection valve location is proximate a typical position at which a mating connection on a trailer will be located when hitched to the tractor. The truck also has a selector which is operator-transitionable between a first configuration in which the first tractor protection valve is activated to supply pressured air to an interconnected trailer and a second configuration in which the second tractor protection valve is activated to supply pressured air to a different interconnected trailer.

Abstract: A dual berth bunk (20) for a sleeper cab (10) or other confined space includes a bunk frame (22) mounted for pivoting or rotating inversion. Berths (25a, 25b), or sleeping surfaces, are provided on the opposite sides of the bunk frame and a berth may be selectively positioned for use by pivoting or rotation of the bunk frame. A latch (56) or other device may be used to secure the bunk frame in the selected position. Retaining devices (104, 106) retain bedding in the berths when the berth in a downward inverted orientation.